I Survived!

First I was afraid, I was petrified.  Kept thinking I could never live without you by my side.  That is how I felt about Steven leaving on a 3 day business trip to Chicago.  I know many moms have to go it alone a lot. Whether she's a military wife, has a husband with a job that requires a lot of travel, or a single mom altogether.  However, this was Steven's first trip.  I have never lived alone because Steven and I married young.  Until this trip, his job never required him to travel.  I was convinced there was no way I could be in our home alone with the girls at night, let alone go to sleep without him.  However, like I have done so many times before, I sold myself short.  Not only did I do it, but I rocked it (if I do say so myself).  Even though I missed Steven terribly, I enjoyed my time alone with the girls and I actually slept . . . without ever lying awake afraid.  That might sound trivial to you, but for me it was a HUGE deal (I am afraid of the dark).  I feel so brave now . . . like I can do anything (except for flying . . . baby steps, people).   The best part of Steven going on this trip was when he came home.  And for the record, even though I can survive without him by my side, I would rather not because I am happier when he is. 

Steven called every evening to tell the girls good night.  I gave Madeleine some privacy when she was on the phone and came back to find her on the kitchen counter.

While Madeleine was on the phone, Audrey was in the bathroom getting ready for bed.  She wanted me to know that she did NOT want me to take her picture when she was on the phone with daddy.

We spent our evenings reading or coloring.

However, the best part of the trip was when he came home.  Audrey came with me to pick him up from the airport. 

Sorry for the quality of the photo.  I took it with my phone.

He came bearing gifts for all of his girls.  Madeleine and Audrey received these horses. 

I got a coffee mug.

And because he is always thinking about his little ladies, he took pictures out the plane window for Madeleine and Audrey who were very intrigued by the whole flying thing.  They have never been on a plane and if I can help it, they never will (I know that's probably not realistic, though). 

Look closely.  You can see the capital building. 

Even though I hate flying, I can appreciate the photos taken from a plane.  I have always been fascinated by how the ground below looks like a map.  So cool (when looking at it from a picture, not from the actual plane). 

He was sitting right over the wing.  I love these pictures.

So, in conclusion I survived; not to be mistaken for wanting to do it again.  However, if I have to I know I can do it.