This year for Mother’s Day Adam gave me a beautiful silver bracelet engraved with the names of our kids. I love, love, love it. But a couple weeks earlier he gave me something even better: four whole days at my mom’s house up north with just Isaac.
I missed Adam and the three big kids. But I’m not going to lie. Walking into my mom’s house after a long travel day with just a baby in my arms was heavenly. Instead of kicking into high gear, unpacking bags and trying to get four excited kids tucked into bed for the night, I put Isaac to sleep and then sat down for dinner, just my mom and me.
I soaked up every bit of my mini-vacation. I had long, uninterrupted conversations with my mom and drank my coffee sitting down. I got to eat burgers with cousins I don’t normally get to see and then watch my sister blow out her birthday candles. I snapped a picture of my Aunt Mary holding Isaac for the first time. Each night I rocked Isaac to sleep to the sound of wind in the tall trees, and I think all that peace and quiet did something for him too. He slept all the way till morning for the first time at my mom’s (and hasn’t done it since we came home!).
On Saturday we met up with my extended family in Chicago for Purple Stride, a 5K to raise money for pancreatic cancer research, then had lunch together at my aunt and uncle’s gorgeous condo overlooking the Lake. On the way home I sat in the back of my mom’s Highlander next to Isaac as he slept. We quietly rolled along Lake Shore Drive, and I drank a coffee and thought about my dad. It’s been almost five years since pancreatic cancer took his life, but whenever I go back to Chicago it feels like he’s still there, just working an extra long day in his law office downtown. As we’d stood that morning with the masses of people getting ready to start the 5K, it seemed like he just might come walking up to us, in his suit and tie as always, black briefcase in his hand. But my dad’s been in heaven almost half a decade, and now it’s my Aunt Mary’s turn to fight pancreatic cancer.
I looked over at Isaac as he slept, his mushy cheeks pink from the wild Chicago wind, and it hit me he’s the third baby we’ve had since my dad died. It’s tempting to dismiss what everyone tells you as a new mom—that these years go so fast. I’ve had my share of long days (and nights) and it’s tempting to think life is standing still. That we’ll always have little kids. That we have a good idea what the next five years will hold. It feels safe to assume tomorrow will be just like today. But in my mom’s Highlander that day, all I could think was no. No, things don’t always stay as they are. No, we don’t know what’s ahead. And no, we really won’t be here forever.
When our weekend away ended, Isaac and I got on the plane heading home to Florida. Our landing was a bit rough that day, so I wrapped my arms tightly around him until we finally slowed down. We packed up our things and rode the tram across the airport. And as we passed through security, I suddenly saw them—three fair-haired kids pressed up against the glass. I waved at them and they started jumping up and down and squealing. Adam stood behind them, smiling and shaking his head. And I walked as fast as I could with Isaac, back into my regular life.
Such a beautiful story Linnea. You and your family are living a blessed life of being loved and loving back in return.
I thank God every day for the family I’ve been given–and you are part of that.
What a sweet blog. It was so wonderful to have you and Isaac here for those days, such a big gift from Adam. And as I finished reading your post, I was practically crying at the end as you described reuniting with “your people.” What a life you’re leading! Love you… (P.S. What a gorgeous bracelet! A+ to Adam!)
Just today the kids were whining that September is “sooooo” far away! We miss you a lot, but our trips up north end up being the highlights of the year. Love you!
You made water come out of my eyes, but I laughed too thinking of those sweet kiddos craning for their first sight of their mama walking toward them. What a great story! I’m so glad you had a chance for a quick visit with your family! Looking forward to such a visit with you all myself soon! And can’t wait to hug sweet Isaac for the first time!
Aron, we are so, SO excited to see you!!!
Just lovely, sweet girl!
So wonderful Linni, and so true – it is a blessing to have the opportunity to stand back every once in a while, and take a look at the big picture.
I hope we get to all be together soon.
We hope so too! Miss you guys.
That was beautiful!! I hope you’re all doing well!!
Thanks Jamie! I’m hoping to stop by HH tonight with Isaac. Maybe we’ll see you there?
Oh man! No I won’t be there until next week. Hopefully I will get to meet him soon!
We stayed home because Isaac suddenly had watery eyes and a runny nose. Maybe we’ll see you next week.
Yep. Been there….it is indeed wonderful, but after about two days the Mommy in you just doesn’t know what to do when you aren’t running herd on four kids 😉
Such a beautiful story, Linni, my eyes couldn’t help but get moist. What a treasure of a husband/family you have, and so happy for you that you got to spend some ‘alone’ time with your mom and new little one. These are treasured memories for all concerned. You are so blessed, and I am blessed to watch you and Adam with your family, wishing I could be more helpful to you, but this is my time, to be GG and I enjoy those hugs whenever I can.
What a great husband and a VERY nice needed trip for you. Where did Adam get the bracelet?? I would love one with Tanner and Holden’s names on them.
He got it from Lisa Leonard Designs (all online). They’re a great little company!