The soggy morning light filtered in through the crack in the heavy hotel curtains. In what seems like no time at all, my fat little bald-headed cherub has grown up into the beautiful brown-skinned little girl that lay sleeping beside me. Gone are her adorably sqeezable arm and leg rolls, the kissable dimples on her knuckles, her chunky cheeks. Although she has grown taller and thinner she has not lost any of her baby sweetness. I smiled at her as she opened her eyes and looked over at me trying to figure out where she was. She reciprocated a tired smile and closed her eyes again, trying to pinch a few more minutes of sleep.
Not used to sleeping past 6am, I was up for the day. The smell of coffee beckoned from the lobby, reminding me that breakfast was in progress. After breakfast, we decided we should probably go swimming since we didn’t get to last night.
We swam in the pool and soaked in the hot tub, wondering what Nora was doing and missing her. Although we had a terrific time and a very fun, restful night we couldn’t wait to get back home to see Nora. Greta couldn’t get her seat belt off fast enough and dashed into the house once we were home. I followed behind her, slowed down by my bag and a Hello Kitty back pack. I’d been warned of Nora’s fussiness, but was relieved at the absence of crying when I walked through the front door. None the less a bathy was still in order!
I'm happy my Mom and my sister are back home!!
I still have a lot of boogies and these bathies make me feel so much better!
Aaaah.
Mmmmmm. Milkies.
Snora Nora
I’d missed my hubzbind too. But no sooner did we kiss hello, he and Gavin were off to Kings Island for their day out.
Nora took a lengthy nap after her bath. Being well rested I used the opportunity to catch up on some laundry and neglected household duties. Greta was happy to have the company of Gavin’s friend Matthew. He had come down to play with Gavin, but figured hanging out with Greta was better than nothing on a rainy afternoon and happily took on the role of “surrogate big brother” in Gavin’s absence. Greta was happy to have someone to play Legos with!
Eventually the guys were back home with tales of roller coasters and more roller coasters. When they were about 2 minutes from home Gavin exclaimed, “Wwooooaaahhhh!!! Look!!” In the direction of Gavin’s pointing finger was a brilliant double rainbow prominently displayed against the backdrop of dark clouds.
Just a little something to brighten your spirits when everything seems a little dismal and “off”. William pulled over to take a couple of pictures.
I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. (Genesis 9:13 NIV)
iwillcarryyou 
Such a sweet post about Greta. You know how fast she has grown. It is going to be the same way with Nora. Just as it was with my daughter.
Now i look back and wonder how I possible made it through those first few days then weeks then months. And before I had time to blink she became a young woman. And I realize how much time I wasted stressing out over things that I had no control over in the first place. The only thing my worrying changed was how much sleep I got.
So thrilled that you family is gettin much needed breaks.
Enjoy and thanks for taking time to let us enjoy your lives and testimonies too.
NO WONDER GAVIN WAS AMAZED AT THE RAINBOW. IT IS REALLY BRIGHT AND PRETTY. SURELY DID NOT HAVE TO LOOK TWICE TO SEE THAT ONE, THANKS GAVIN AND WILLIAM FOR TAKING PICTURES TO SHARE. GRETA LOOKED SO SWEET SLEEPING. I DON’T KNOW WHAT IT IS, BUT I ALWAYS LOVED TO SEE MY BOYS SLEEPING SO GOOD. THEY SEEM TO LOOK SO RELAXED. I THINK NORA WAS HAPPY TO SEE HER MOMMY AND BIG SISTER. SHE SURE HAD A BIG SMILE WHEN SHE WAS IN THE BIG TUB. ALSO LOOKED LIKE SHE WAS ENJOYING HER MILKIES. ALWAYS NICE TO GET AWAY, BUT IT SURE IS NICE TO GET BACK HOME. “HOME SWEET HOME” HOPE YOU ALL GET A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP, AND THAT TOMORROW IS A REALLY GOOD ONE TO START THE WORK AND SCHOOL WEEK STARTED AGAIN. LOVE YOU ALL. GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS.
Aww I look so forward to reading your blog, it brightens my day!!:)
Wonderful hearing how Greta and Gavin each got their day with Mom or Dad. You and William are such awesome parents carrying the load you have. Look how Nora has influenced Gavin – he noticed the rainbows which carry a different meaning to him now. I am sure being away from Nora causes you anxiety as it does all Moms, however, the break is so needed and I am happy you take the opportunity when it avails itself. A belated Happy Anniversary!
I too look forward to reading your blog. You are such a good writer! And I love how you savor the moments of parenthood knowing how fast it goes. I feel like I was always ready for the next step or ready for them to “grow out of this stage”. Even with your stress, lack of sleep and 2 older kids you are still so grateful and you seize the moment. Thank you for reminding me that I need to do the same. Your kids are beautiful, btw.