Motherhood

SPRING BREAK!

Connor and I finally took our honeymoon, six months later, and he thoroughly did not appreciate me calling it spring break the whole time. Sorry babe, it is just an internal clock that has been engrained in me since I started school like decades ago.

We traveled all the way down to the Southernmost Point of the United States. Key West, Florida. I spent a whole lot of time fantasizing about what our getaway would be like, warm weather, lots of food, drink in hand, and PALM TREES. I have a weird obsession with palm trees, do not ask me why, but I learned every single type and can name them on the spot. I have tried to keep one in the apartment for years, but after several trial and errors, I have been deemed a black thumb.

In all my day dreaming, I never exactly processed being away from the little one for so long. It was the longest I have ever spent away from my daughter and for some reason, *cough* PMS *cough*, I cried a whole lot about it. Again, sorry babe.

WELL ALONG CAME A WISE LADY.

Connor and I met a lovely couple while relaxing on the rooftop patio and we sat and chatted with them for over an hour. Connor spun off talking with the husband about who knows what, and I spoke with the woman about, you guessed it, my daughter. She has a daughter my age, and was just so excited for our adventures with our daughter. I overshared for about an hour and she said this to me.

“I’m glad you’re doing this, you know, just the two of you. It’s more important than you realize right now. It’s easy to put your kids above everything, but one day they will be out of your house and all you’ll have left is each other. It’s important to make sure you continue to grow in that relationship too.”

Shortly after this heavy conversation, we witnessed two transformers blow up and the entire street went black. Apparently this happens A LOT on the island because none of the locals seemed surprised.

It was that night forward that we soaked in as much sun and experience that we could. I spent a weird amount of time clucking at chickens to the point that Connor and I became invested in a family by our favorite breakfast place. Connor even helped guide a little chick back to his mother because they were very obviously lost. That’s just one of the many reasons I love him.

I have heard this advice a thousand times, but for some reason, this one hit home. I’ll be the first to admit that I put my daughter above all else, I don’t necessarily think that is a bad thing. However, I have a better understanding of the importance of one-on-one time. Don’t just take one-on-one time away from the kids, but live in that moment and cherish every second of it.