Visit to Minnesota

I planned a trip to see Meg and her new baby (Joey, Vincent, and William too of course) last summer because I knew our busy fall weekends would creep up on us and of course they did.  What was originally planned as a 5 day trip turned into a 3 day visit due to parent teacher conferences that were not yet on the calendar last summer.  

None the less, after a long night of conference last Thursday, I jumped out of bed at 5am on Friday morning and got right into the car.  Isn't it funny how when you have something fun planned it seems so effortless to get out of bed? I entertained myself with a book on tape and enjoyed the quiet drive.   The sun was rising behind me which was absolutely beautiful.  It was fun to see the horizon slowly appear becoming more and more colorful.

I arrived at 10:30 with a quick pit-stop to bring Meg Caribou Coffee (ONE of our favorite beverages to enjoy together).  We are beverage buddies - that's what we call ourselves.  We can sit for hours with coffee, wine, really whatever, as long as something is in our cups, and never run out of things to talk about.  Joey laughs at us, as does Steve, but it's something that we both cherish.  Sometimes we even do it over the phone although as we've had more children those times have become less and less frequent.  We used to have coffee dates some weekend mornings! :)

Back to my visit - I arrived to the sight of the most beautiful baby boy.  Samuel is perfect and gave me the baby bug.  He melted onto my chest and instantly warmed my body.  It's a wonder that any of us survive that baby stage with the lack of sleep but from an outside perspective you realize what a relatively short and amazing time that is.  The first few weeks of an infants life - wow.  Discovering the world, trying to figure out how to get fed when hungry, warm when cold, changed when wet, sleep when tired, etc.  It's really quite miraculous when you think about it.  Those of you who know me well know that I am quite passionate about labor, birth, and babies.  I just can't get past the miracle that occurs throughout it all.  It's so above us and our capabilities.

We spent that first day visiting, playing with the kids, etc.  I tried to help out as much as I could with laundry, cooking, cleaning, etc.  Exactly what a new mommy needs - someone to come in and just do things for you.  Thankfully I am close enough with them that I can do that without stepping on any toes.  That is why I chose not to bring my kids with me. I wanted to help and hopefully that is what I did.

That night Joey went to a movie so Meg and I watched CNN, while enjoying some wine!  Can you tell we're getting old? The next day we had a relaxing morning, ran some errands in the afternoon and evening and then played a little wii before bed.  It was a BLAST!  I love Mario Cart and think Steve and I should invest in one. I can just picture us putting the kids down and playing...What do you think honey?? We also bowled and played Tennis but Joey kicked my butt.  

Sunday morning came way too fast.  We again spent the morning enjoying coffee, talking and playing with the kids.  I left around 12:30 to head home.  The drive home wasn't as fast or enjoyable.  It's always that way.  Not that I wasn't looking forward to seeing my family because I was - absence makes the heart grow fonder - but it just seems longer for some reason.  

Meg - I love our friendship.  It's easy.  It's rejuvenating.  It's fun. It's comforting. It's special. It's perfect.  Congratulations again on Sammy.  You're a wonderful mother and your three boys are very lucky to have you.... as am I!!