Every Other Weekend

     So, as of this weekend, my children are officially every-other-weekenders. I wasn't sure how I would handle this change. But, we went to court and had an order put in place. This order stated that I had to let them go, whether I wanted to or not. So, after as much procrastination as possible, I packed their stuff and into the car they went. And, were off to their dad's for the weekend.

     Now, the oldest, Joseph, has been to spend the night lots of places. He's been to his Ma-maws, his Papa's, his Nana's, his Aunt's, and even to a few friend's houses. And, he's big enough to say whether he liked it or not. And, if he wanted to go back or not. So, him I wasn't as worried about. 

     Caleb, my middle one, has spent the night away from home a few times, but only at his Ma-maw's... Plus he was sick. And, he isn't big enough to call if he needed to, so I was more worried about him and how he would do.

     Lastly, Ruthie, the baby, has never spent the night away from home anywhere at all. I was going to let her go to her Ma-maw's with her brothers once, but it didn't work out. Needless to say, being the baby, she definitely couldn't have made a phone call. So, I was most worried about her. 

     So, feeling this way about it, I dropped them off on Friday with a great deal of anxiety. It seemed so weird to be at home without them. The house was way too quiet. And, then came bedtime.....My Ruthie usually sleeps with me, but she wasn't here, so sleep didn't come easily. I decided since I missed them so much, I would sleep in the boys' room. So, I did-with Ruthie's pillow, Caleb's blanket, & Joseph's Pooh Bear he's had since birth. That helped a little.

     Then Saturday, I was able to get some school done and catch up on some television. And, I talked to my babies a couple of times throughout the day, and they were so excited and having so much fun. That made me feel better, which helped me to be able to relax and enjoy the day. And, then bedtime came, again. And, I didn't sleep at all because I didn't have my Ruthie... 

     Until six in the morning... That's when I finally fell asleep. And, slept until one-thirty in the afternoon. At least, that meant it was closer to time to go get them when I woke up. I was excited because I knew I was going to get to see them in less than six hours, and then Billy called. We discussed the weather and decided around two-thirty that I would pick them up at four. That got me super-excited. I was down to less than two hours til time to see them, so I got dressed and got some stuff I was supposed to take with me, and we went to get them.

     So, I, of course, was really glad to see them, and excited to have them home. I got to hear all about their trip and was happy they so much fun. They go back again on the sixteenth, which is only ten days from now. And, I already know I'm going to miss them like crazy all over again. I wonder, though, if I will be as worried. 

     I grew up as an every-other-weekender and I don't remember having a problem with it. I don't think it really effected me. I hope it doesn't effect them. Will it? Is it normal to feel this way when all of this starts? Especially since I never thought my kids would end up here? Will it ever seem normal? Should it seem normal? How does this work? Share any opinions in the comments section, please. Thanks. :)