First night away

yep... it happened. aria's first night away from home, away from mommy and away from daddy. she went to mimi's. alone. without me. by herself. it was a big step - can you tell?

for those of you who aren't parents you may not understand how big of a step this is - letting your little one stay with their grandparents is normal, everybody does it and it's perfectly acceptable. but the first time? oh, it's a big deal, let me tell you.

and for those of you wondering, yes, i cried. i was a mess - i'm so used to having my baby play with us at night in her saucer and the little "good night ritual" ...and she wasn't there. and it was sad. but it was good for me - i mean, i can't keep her home FOREVER. and it's not like my mom didn't take good care of her! in fact, i'm sure in reality, aria hardly missed us with all the spoiling she got; but still....it was a big deal.

in fact, after she left on thursday night, i wasn't going to see her again until friday night after my Thirty-One party, but friday was so lonely and quiet, i went up early so i could see her that afternoon...

one would think after almost 6 months of constantly being with your little one, you'd be ready for a break, and in a way i was, but they become such an integral part of your life - EVERYTHING you do revolves around them - that when they're not there it's....weird.

but all's well that ends well, and aria was truly happy as a lark to spend some time with mimi and grandpa and it was nice to get a full night's sleep...