While Kevin was off soaking up the sunshine in California last week, the kids and I took a mini-vacation to New Jersey to spend some time with Grammy and Poppy.
I'd floated the idea of a sleepover at Grammy and Poppy's house as a way to spend the time while Daddy was away, hoping to give the kids something fun! to look forward to, rather than focusing on the sad parts of no Daddytime. Also, I thought it could be a good test-run to see if such a crazy adventure would be possible: to leave the kids alone? Overnight?
In talking about this day with Peter and Lucy, they established some ground rules. (1) I was to be there the entire time. (2) They would happily pretend I wasn't there, but know that I was. (3) If it stopped being fun, they were welcome to come find me. (4) I had to be there for Thomas, obviously, because he needs me a lot. But they need me too.
It went well. No tears at bedtime, although Lucy said she tried to listen for me on the other side of the wall and Peter confessed to being sad. When asked if we could do it again, Lucy said "sure!" and Peter said "NO!" It's not a surprise, really, but it went well enough that I don't feel so guilty asking Grammy and Poppy to watch the kids one night while Kevin and I enjoy some much-needed adult conversation free from the threat of screaming, waking, peeing children.
The kids definitely appreciated the chocolate chip pancakes Grammy made them for breakfast, and the hot chocolate with whipped cream. That alone may be enough to request a return visit.
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