Valentine Getaway

Tomorrow morning we'll be heading out bright and early to drop Topher off with his Grandma and Grandpa. Then TJ and I will continue on down to Columbia, MO for a weekend getaway. We always gravitate to that town because it is where we met, fought, fell in love, and got married. We hope to live there someday. But for now, we'll just enjoy it in short bursts. This will be the second time we've left Topher overnight, and it is not any easier this time. TJ's parents are so good with him, and my apprehension has nothing at all to do with their abilities. In fact, I wouldn't leave him with anyone else at this point...but the truth is, when you love someone as much as we love Topher, it's not just who you're leaving him with but rather the mere fact that you're leaving him at all. Plus Topher has been under-the-weather this week, but we're satisfied that he's well enough now that we can still go. I know that short breaks apart are good for our marriage, and good for Topher too. Some of my best memories are the times I got to spend the night at my Nana's house, and I hope it is the same way for Topher.

It may only be a drive down, visiting our favorite spots, spending the night, and driving back the next day, but we're very excited nonetheless. We've had a countdown on our chalkboard for over a month now. And it's not that we're excited to be away from Topher--that's the part I'm still having trouble with--but we're excited for an uninterrupted car ride, for a lessened sense of responsibility for a couple days, and especially for turning off the alarm and sleeping as late as we want.

Topher, I love you so much and if I could choose any Valentine other than your daddy, it would of course be you. Please be good for Grandma and Grandpa and don't worry because we'll be home before you even know we're gone. Just know the only reason it's hard for mommy to leave you is because she loves you so much. This trip is not to get a break from you, it's just a chance for us to visit an earlier time in our life. A time that barely means anything now that you're here. Happy Valentine's Day to you, the little man who stole our hearts completely.

--KC