Labor Day

Yesterday was my dad’s birthday, and George had to work today, so Charlie and I decided to hit the road to Lexington on Saturday morning so that he could help his beloved Papa Rex celebrate.  We missed George, but we had a great time seeing Gram and Papa Rex. Charlie loves his grandparents, and has just really started to understand what the word “grandparents” means (both the true definition and the spoiling and treats that go along with it) so the whole drive down, he kept saying, “We’re going to my grandparents’ house” or “We’re going to see my Papa Rex and Gram”.

I love when he uses my with all the possessiveness it implies. There’s something really comforting about watching my child fall in love with my parents. I love when he asks for one of them to do something for him instead of me, or wants to hold their hands instead of mine. He loves and trusts them, and really likes having them around. And they, of course, love to be with him too.

We’re blessed that Charlie’s such a great traveler. He plays with his blackberry, looks out the window, asks me to pass back fruit snacks and granola bars now and then, and talks a LOT. Today on the way home, he fell asleep about 10 minutes after we got on the road and slept solidly, mouth wide open, for about 90 minutes.

While I would have preferred to have George join us, I also love these Charlie-and-mommy excursions. It’s fun to talk to him on the drive, and to hear what he’s thinking about. Because we don’t get as much time as I would like during the week, I love having a whole weekend where he’s my main focus. Oh, and occasionally, he also gets to share a bed with me when we’re away, while he’s never allowed to sleep in our bed at home. This weekend, what started out as just a little snuggle time before bed turned into a sleepover in my bed, since we both fell asleep before I moved him to the pack-n-play. I love waking up to him grinning next to me, even if I do get kicked and punched a few times in the night.

I forgot to take my camera out of my purse all weekend, so I have no photos to share, but Charlie starts school tomorrow and while I won’t be here to send him off (boo), I’ve asked George to get some photos of him all dressed up and ready for the first day of year 2 of preschool. I hope he has a great time!