Three

I'm sitting here in silence, except for the tapping of the keyboard. My best friend, Nicole, took both of my kids for a sleepover last night and my husband is on an ice fishing trip. I cleaned my house this morning in peace, listening to Pandora on my phone without any interruptions. It was heavenly. I still have one last chore to accomplish before the kiddos come home but I wanted to sit and type with my coffee first. 

This was the third sleepover this month for my kids. Miranda has had many in the past, but this was Elliott's first three nights away from me. The first one was for the Super Bowl, the second one was for Adam and I to go out on a date and last night was just because. With Elliott being weaned from the breast now, it's a lot easier for me to let him go with others for long periods of time. Many family members and friends enjoy taking my kids overnight and I trust them to care for them. I've never really had the anxiety that some mothers have of leaving their kids with others. It's healthy to spend some time away from your kids. I need time away from them. I'm sure most moms can relate with me on that. 

However much I enjoy my time without my children around. However, much I enjoy the silence. I enjoy them coming home even more. I love the hugs and kisses that I get. The "I love you! I missed you!" I love the silence being broken by Miranda saying "Hi Mommy!" The short times of silence and peace are quiet nice and therapeutic, but I want the chaos and the loudness more. To me, it's love. It's family. It's security. It's wonderful.

The only thing that breaks my heart is that there should be three welcome home hugs, instead of only two.

There should be three...