Oops, my bad...

So. Um, Hi! [waves weakly]

I totally up and disappeared, didn't I?

Sorry about that.

I meant to write a post about how my parents are the best grandparents EVER because they let us drop Grasshopper off with them for almost a week while JR and I had our first ever post-parenthood vacation (okay, it was really a staycation) together.

But then I didn't.

Because my husband is the best husband EVER. And he puts up with my blogging, and my Tweeting, and my commenting and just generally seeing only the back of my head while I stand at the kitchen counter and play with the laptop. Almost every day.

So when we had the opportunity to connect as a couple (so corny, right?) and to really focus on each other, I took it. I turned the laptop off and *mostly* stayed away from it all week.

So if you've been wondering, "What happened to Natasha? Why hasn't she been leaving me truly insightful and witty comments?" [that's totally how you think of me, right?]

Here's your answer: I was giving them to my husband. And when I'm getting a full night's sleep and not being constantly distracted by the wants and whims of a small boy, it turns out that I really can be truly insightful and witty. Who knew? [Well, I guess the pre-parenthood me and the pre-parenthood JR did, but we haven't seen those people in a really.long.time.]

JR and I had a fantastic time just talking to each other this week. About stuff! And things! Stuff and things that do not relate to small boys in any way! It was marvelous. I live with a really interesting guy, y'all (when I remember to get to know him). We also ate at a bunch of restaurants that do NOT have kids menus, shopped at the Farmer's Market and grilled out, hiked along the Chattahoochee river, and hung out with some childless friends. It was great.

Grasshopper had numerous adventures with his grandparents, and when we finally got home with him late on Friday afternoon he announced that, "I like Unci & Granddaddy's house better."

I took that to mean that he had a lot of fun. And didn't have quite as many rules to follow. Ahem.

But now he is back, and I have been really staggered by how happy I am to have him here at home. While he was gone and I was busy being reminded of exactly why I married JR 6.5 years ago (hint: he is awesome), I missed him. But not that much.

Now that he is home I can't keep my hands off of him. I am picking that boy up just to hold him against me and feel him breathe like I would when he was a baby. I give him kisses until he squirms away laughing, "Stop it! Mommy!" I'm sneaking into his room just to watch him sleep, something I haven't done in months.

My love for him grew more visceral and palpable during his absence, which I hadn't really anticipated. But which I find myself very grateful for. I expected to find that original spark that drew JR and I together 8 years ago (and I'm so pleased that I did) but I didn't expect to fall in love with my child again too.

That was a really special bonus.