Leaving Our Baby Behind

It's here! The cruise we've been planning and anxiously awaiting for over a year is finally here! We don't actually leave until tomorrow morning, but as I finish putting away laundry and packing all of our bags, I can't help but have mixed emotions right now.

Of course I'm beyond excited. I can't wait to experience our first cruise, the all-inclusive benefits (incredibly yummy food), to enjoy swimming, snorkeling, staying up late and sleeping in, the shows, and the many other things that come with a cruise. Not to mention the fact that I'll be enjoying all of this with Caleb, just the two of us. I think it will feel like our honeymoon again. ;) I've been dreaming about this for months!

But, part of me is sad right now. I've never been away from Ellie this long. I'm going to miss her SO much! I'm going to miss having her apart of my every activity, the way she randomly runs up and hugs my legs, the way she tries unsuccessfully to repeat every word I say, the way she points at me and says "mommy" a dozen times whenever we're around someone, her hugs and kisses, everything. Part of me is like, gees Christine, get a grip. It's only 5 days! I know it will be good for me, and I know she'll be fine and she's in good hands (thank you grandparents!), but I've just gotten so used to having her around, and including her in everything I do.

I think Elliana's actually beginning to enjoy my company too(Ha!). Lately she wants to do everything with me, or just like me. Let me demonstrate:



Here she is helping me make muffins. She reached right into the bowl and decided to help herself. :)



Lately, Ellie will find anything with a strap on it and carry it on her shoulder like a purse. She was carrying this bucket around like a purse. Unfortunately, I took this picture right after she took it off. Don't you just love her necklaces though?



The other day Ellie got into my bra/ panties drawer and put them on all by herself. Then she decided to parade around the house in my underwear (great!). I swear, I did NOT prompt her to do this.



How can I leave this adorable, spunky, energetic, crazy, lovable, hilarious, sweet, full-of-life child?





In the past, I've always dreaded coming home from a vacation. I know I won't this time, because I'll be so anxious to get my arms around my baby again. We love you SO much Ellie, and we're going to miss you!