Mama's Home

Dear Jack,

I would ask, "Did you miss me?" but I know the answer. I knew the moment I saw you in the airport, searching faces, looking for your mama. It had been four days since we last saw each other and that was just too long.

I missed you, too, by the way.

But what would make me leave you (in your father's more than capable care) for four whole days? Very few things, but this little girl is on the list:

It's your cousin Jamie. She's new to the world and needs to know that her whole family, even the Nolens way far away in Texas, love her like crazy cakes. I had considering bringing you with me, on a road trip, but when you told me Houston was too far to travel unless you happen to be in the mood to sleep the whole way, I knew North Carolina would be way too far. Flying with you really isn't an option for me. I hate flying and chose to sleep the whole way. And as awesome as you are, you can't occupy yourself on a plane, just yet. So I left you with your dad and flew, even though I wanted to drive so that my time away was as short as possible.

In North Carolina, I had a great time with your Aunt Rachel, Gram, Will and Jamie. We did all kinds of fun things. We went to some museums and a lake. We painted pottery and put together a giant jigsaw puzzle. We did some shopping and some science. Mostly, though, we just enjoyed the time spent together.

I love watching your Aunt Rachel in action. She makes everything look so easy, even though I know being a single mom is one of the hardest jobs there is. She acted like taking Will and Jamie all over the place was nothing and she has plans to get on a plane with both of them and come to Texas next month. She even offered, if I would plan to come to see her right after she was in Texas, to fly with you and your sister and me and take care of four kids on a plane while I slept. The best thing is, I know she could totally do it.

Your cousin Will is a great kid. I can't wait for you to get a little older and be able to play with him. He is sweet and thoughtful and dare-devilish and energetic and smart and funny all at the same time. I predict that you really look up to him as the two of you get older.

As for Jamie, I hope you don't mind. I spent most of my visit, including the stretch from midnight to four in the morning, holding her and snuggling with her, just like I used to do with you.

It was the highlight of the visit for me. I know this may sound strange, but Jamie smelled right to me. She smelled like you did as a newborn.

She smelled like a Nolen.

And I don't mean because she had a little bit of gas.

I mean because she's family.

So I know you missed me a lot while I was gone. I missed you, too. But I was glad to have gone and will probably do it again next summer. But before you know it, you'll be old enough to come with me and then you'll get to join in the fun. That is, if we don't get your Aunt Rachel and cousins to move here to Texas before then.

Fingers crossed.

Love,
Mom