I woke up in our bed this morning, next to my husband and to the sweet sounds of our little bird down the hall. It has been three weeks since we've been home. Jared was on patrol. Emerson and I were in Tennessee at my mom and dad's. Three weeks is a long time to be apart, and its true what they about distance. Today, we're happy to be home. Happy to be us three and enjoying each moment of our time together.
The last three weeks were wonderful though. There is something about my parent's home that is just good for the soul. The cozy feeling inside; The woodsy air outside. Being there always seems to soothe me. I didn't grow up there, but still it feels like going home.
In three weeks, Emerson changed so much. She went from walking unsteadily about to nearly running throughout the house. Climbing stairs, making funny faces, feeding herself spaghetti and chasing Buddy. She saw snow for the first time and played in fallen leaves. She explored every inch of my parent's house, sometimes braving playtime alone, and ran around their yard. She certainly nuzzled her way deeper into her grandparents' hearts.
We had lots of visitors. First, my sister. Emerson loves her Aunt. My Grammy was able to visit for a couple of days to spend time with her great granddaughter. She knitted me a scarf too. And there was plenty of time to hang with my girls- my mom and E. Many days were spent at home, in the yard or on walks. On long drives on windy roads.We took several trips into town for some much needed shopping or to grab a bite to eat. We spent a day antiquing and found the cutest little consignment shop for little ones. As it turns out, Emerson loves shopping just as much as her Mama :)
I was able to take some time for me too. Lunch with my dad. Shopping with my sister. Long baths with a good book and a glass of wine. And when it wasn't snowing, raining or just
freezing cold, I ran. I ran along the wood-lined streets. Up and down hills breathing in the cool damp air. Allowing the road to absorb my tension and releasing my thoughts to the trees. I took lot's of pictures, finding inspiration in the nature that exists just outside my parent's door. It's a hobby that's becoming a part of who I am.
Many days were cold. It snowed leaving a patchwork quilt of white and shades of brown on the ground.
And some days, the sun came out from behind the clouds and Spring stretched it's fingers towards a blue sky.
On the day before we headed home, our little bird turned 10 months (I'm still in shock over that.) and my Aunt Faith and Uncle Ronny came to visit. I have a very close bond with my Aunt Faith and any amount of time spent with her is special.
It was a great trip. Still, it's always good to come home. Abby greeted Emerson and I at the airport and I realized then just how much I missed her and sweet Alise. When we got home, I opend the windows to take in the light and salty air. I sat down on the floor and watched as E reaquainted herself with her home. The following day, we drove into Key West to get Jared. Reunions are the best :)
In these next several weeks, Jared, Emerson and I have some serious catching up to to. We're looking forward to lot's of time spent outside, on the boat and in the water. Our time here is almost done and there are so many things about this place that we're going to miss. We're going to do our best to make the most of these fleeting days in paradise.
