The lucky ones

As I sneak into the house, exhausted from playing tour guide to a friend in town visiting, I make one quick stop in Lily's room before collapsing into bed. I stand on my tip toes to give her forehead a kiss and am tempted to sleep on the floor next to her. I have been apart from Lily for the last 13 hours. And it's true, absence DOES make the heart grow fonder. It also reminds me of the luxury Chris and I have with both of our parents and families living close by. 

 

These are (most of) the people that Lil' has got wrapped around her finger.

These hours apart from her are a treat for me to be able to go out with a girlfriend, drive with the music playing loud or simply get grocery shopping done in a timely and much easier manner. However, they are also a treat for Lily as she is either logging hours bonding with Daddy, Gpa and Grandma Sue or Grandma and Papa. I am thankful that seeing her Grandma and Papa means a quick drive to Edmonds where she has her own room and loves to play with Oliver. Or that spending time with her Gpa and Grandma Sue means an even shorter drive, where she's always met with a ton of hugs and kisses (and also has her own room, what a lucky girl!)

I am incredibly grateful to have both of our families close. I am so thankful Lily will grow up with the ability to see her aunties and uncles frequently. So while a bit of time away from my sweet angel baby seems long and makes me long to see her again, I am overjoyed knowing that she is with the next best person to mommy and daddy! 

As any parent can relate, knowing your child is in loving, safe hands when they're not with you is paramount to being able to spend time away from them. I am constantly aware of and thankful for the unconditional love and support we receive so generously from both of our parents.  It takes a village to raise a child-This is so very true. Thank you to our tribe, for everything.