Heart Aches

So here I am, back in front of my laptop like no time has passed at all, when in fact it has. The last 6 days (minus today, back to reality day) were blissfully fun. Mike and I spent quality time with family and friends, drank good wine, danced, and cheered on the Yankees. We were also exhausted come Monday morning 6 am to catch our plane, but it was worth every slept deprived moment. We also spent time with children and yes, I saw Kerri's baby. So here is my synopsis and feelings behind my kid friendly experiences:

• Little boys are tough but tender. Mike's cousin Nikki has 2 boys who are 7 and 5, both into sports and fighting with each other. At one point the 7 year old body slammed the 5 year old (for knocking over his Jenga tower) to the floor and the 5 year old ran, wailing into Mike's arms. I watched my husband soothe and hug a crying child and my heart ached. These little rugrats are also both into snuggling with me when no one else is around. We spent early Saturday morning curled up on the couch, all under one blanket, watching something on Nickelodeon while everyone else slept. I cherish that memory and again, my heart ached.
• Children grow up so fast. My dear friend Jessica has 3 children, her first being Lexi. I remember holding Lexi, just 7 hours old in the hospital. It was amazing because I had never seen such a tiny creature before; I was so scared I would hurt her. I remember that day so clearly and Lexi has such a special place in my heart. Well when I walked into the Outback (they have delicious salmon by the way) where we were meeting family and friends for dinner and I saw Lexi, I caught my breath. Here she is 9 years old now and a lovely young lady. Where did the time go? When did this little baby turn into a little fashionista with hot boots and a model like smile? Again my heart ached.
• We all grow up so fast. Mike and I spent time with other dear friends, Jen and Dave, and we were talking about how their oldest Sarah is now in middle school...I was in middle school when Jen and I first met. Really?? How is that possible, that she has a daughter the same age I was when we rode the bus together? How is it that I am now that old when it seems like just yesterday I was playing with Barbies and stressing about the first day of school? Guess what, again my heart ached.
• Babies are cute but they also sleep a lot when everyone else is awake. We saw cousin Kerri's baby for a brief time at the wedding and the baby was...sleeping. I didn't get to hold her or see her eyes, but all snuggled in her carrier, peacefully asleep, she looked adorable. I know you are thinking that again, my heart ached but you are wrong. While Kerri had to leave before the reception started seeing that the baby was just a week old, to feed and care for her bundle of joy, I had a bundle of wine and bundle of a fun! I know, it sounds terrible but hey, us fertility challenged ladies need to take advantage of the open bar and dance floor while we can.