Dear Nate,
Thank you for getting up early all those times to take Vella to school and letting me sleep in. Thank you for getting up in the middle of the night to burp Audrey and change her bum bum. Thank you for making sure that I eat a proper lunch and supper (and breakfast, and snacks). Thank you for offering to take the kids so that I can get my work done. Thank you for hearing me complain endlessly about the trials and tribulations of pregnancy, and raising a toddler, and how painful breastfeeding is, and how stinky Munich is, and how tired I am. Thank you for taking out the garbage, walking the dog, putting gas in the car, watering the garden and picking up dog poop. Thank you for distracting Kev with your stunning good looks, so that I can exit into the house and be saved the 30 minutes worth of small talk.
Because I know how hard it all is now, and though I've always appreciated everything, I have a new perspective that allows me to appreciate it all a lot more.
I miss your face, I miss your lightheartedness. I miss your jokes, your quickness and your perspective. I miss the way you play with Vella, the way you make her squeal and laugh and scream way too loud. I miss getting into the car and noticing the dial is set to talk radio, and the seat is really far back, and the mirrors are all wrong. I miss having someone to help me divide and conquer, especially at night time when Vella needs a bath and a story.
But I'm happy you're gone because you're doing wonderful work. Work that fulfills you, work that's important. And you're doing it for us and for our future. And while I'm sad that I don't get to wake up beside you or hear you rub your feet on the sheets at night (ok I don't really miss that one!) I know it's all worth it, and I know that it's temporary.
Now this is a bit of an experiment, and it might be really ambitious, but I thought that I would start a blog describing my day with the kids. That way you can read about our days (and hopefully see pictures) and at least feel that much more connected to us.
I love you Nate, and I can't wait to see you, hopefully sooner rather than later.
xo
Lauri
