Discovering Erin

Well, this topic is a little behind the gun.  This delightful experience took place over Labor Day.  I still don't know how it happened.

J.R. had been making plans to bike ride to Nugget Creek, and Gramma and Grampa were going to the cabin.  G & G were going for quite awhile, and I couldn't go because I had mandatory obligations.  Friends had all made plans.  The bottom line:  I was going to be all by myself, with Amelia (of course), for many days.  Normally not a big deal, but I was actually kind of bummed.  I made a passing joke to Gramma that she should take Amelia.  Mila was getting her last Gramma fill before they left, when she came back and said that she needed to pack her bag.  In disbelief, I verified that Grampa had (grudgingly) acquiesced and Gramma wanted Amelia.

So many emotions went coursing through me.  For over three and a half years, I've haven't been without Amelia for more than a couple of hours, and even then have always been with somebody else.

Five days.  By myself.  Alone.  Without Amelia.  By myself.  Odd does not even begin to describe my feelings.  Turns out I got over them pretty fast.

Once Amelia had been invited, she was so excited.  I mean really, very excited.  I put her car seat in Grampa's truck, Amelia climbed in, buckled up, and would not get out despite the crew not leaving for another two hours.  I tried to get my fill of Mila-luvin', but she'd moved on.

They left.  I sat for about fifteen minutes, still contemplating the oddness.  Then for the next three days (J.R. came back) I did what I wanted.  Things I discovered I'd missed; going to the bathroom by myself, taking a rest without incessant talking, and not taking care of anybody else's needs.  So, I celebrated with Mommy's favorite meal: Tortellini, with sauteed mushrooms, in a white wine sauce.  I ate it all, without sharing.  'Cause I was alone.

I sewed, without needing *help*,

and Amelia got a bathrobe (seriously, how cute is this fabric?  She's hardly taken it off)

It was delightful to spend some time with my schnookey-pie when he got back from his adventure.  The best part?  Amelia was very excited to see her Mommy and Daddy.  She couldn't stop hugging us. I've often lamented that she could easily replace us, but it seems as though I was wrong.  Good!

Amelia had a great time at the cabin.  She helped G & G work on a lot of projects (they've been doing some serious remodeling).  She learned to use the outhouse by herself (I'm not sure I've even mastered that!)  She entertained herself by sitting by the river, serenading herself at the top of her lungs (there is an echo).  She and Grampa seem to have a much deeper rapport.  I was revived as I have not been in a long, long time.

This was the BEST WEEKEND EVER!