I Am Afraid You are Going to Be Jealous

I just spent the past three days at the beach, with my sisters, WITHOUT EITHER of my girls. This was my first time spending the night away from Mary Aplin. The first time in 9 1/2 months, that I haven't woken up to the sound of baby noises. The first time I haven't welcomed the start of a new day by changing a poopy diaper and making a bottle/nursing. It was simply glorious.

This was also the first time, since my senior year of high school, that I have taken a trip with all of my sisters and without my parents. There is something so special about a sister. A friend who not only understands but has lived your childhood. A girl you can relate to so well, that you not only know her thoughts, but understand why she has them. A person who makes you feel 100% comfortable wearing simply your own skin. Finally, they are co-sufferers in the hardest battle you've ever had to fight... When you add that kind of company to a setting filled with white sand, ocean waves, excellent food, and a serene little nook all your own on the beach, well, it was just spectacular!

The first day, I could barely breathe, my chest was so swollen with the airy happiness of freedom. I just kept saying, "Y'all, I can just sit here, as long as I want too, and I am not responsible for ANYTHING!" I stayed up until at least 1 AM every night, talking and laughing. I slept until 9:30 (one morning actually 10:30!), and read 2 whole books. I ate sushi for breakfast, because I was craving it and their was a Publix right across the street. I had a Margarita on the beach at sunset, and ate three course meals two nights in a row.

The second day, I did start to miss my little chicken wings and feel a twang of guilt that they weren't getting to enjoy the ocean with me. When I went running, I missed my husband and his good looking body running on ahead of me. I've decided that once you become a wife and parent, no vacations can ever be quite the same. If you are on a family trip, then you're still responsible for all the duties of home. If you leave them behind, then you miss them. However, three days wasn't TOO long, and more than anything, I had a blast! I hope you aren't too jealous :)