Alex

Picture from Bruno's phone from the past couple weeks:

We just spent almost 2 weeks in Alaska. It was an amazing vacation. We loved it, it was beautiful weather. But there is an incident that happened just as we got home and I need to record it so I'll never forget it. It makes me emotional every time I think about it.

 Because we traveled stand-by, Bruno ended up flying home on Monday with Alex on his lap, and I came home Wednesday with Owen and Kaila. I've never been away from Alex for more than an afternoon, so I was naturally apprehensive about how he was doing. I was constantly asking Bruno how Alex was doing, and if he was asking about me or crying or anything like that. Bruno said he asked about me, Owen and Pete (his cousin) once or twice, but Bruno just responded that we were gone... weren't home yet. He was also a different child apparently too! Very well behaved, quiet even. Didn't cry much, and was sleeping A LOT! I'm always amazed at how different my children are when they aren't around me! So anyways, traveling all day Wednesday made us tired and we got home almost 12 hours after we woke up. 

We arrived finally, deboarded, and found our way toward baggage claim. I saw Bruno and Alex waiting for our bags. I told Owen I found them, and pointed them out. Then I called out for Bruno. He immediately told Alex "There's Mama!" Alex didn't see me at first... too many people in the way. So I crouched down and called to him. His little face went from brow-furrowed-searching, to eyes, wide with what seemed to be a combination of surprise, relief, and fear. He was serious. It was a look I've never seen before, so it's hard for me to describe. He ran to me fast and hugged me hard. Then we pulled away so that I could give him a little stuffed animal we bought for him. He hugged the stuffed toy, then turned back to me and hugged me hard again. I started to tear up! It was almost as if he thought I was gone forever and couldn't express how he felt. And then seeing me again was such a relief! I don't know... maybe I interpreted it wrong, but with those big eyes and that tight squeeze, I knew he missed me. 

It's moments like that, that I know my purpose in life was to be a mother. I know there is nothing else in the world that can teach me more than mothering can, and there is nothing else more important! I'm so grateful that my Father in Heaven has entrusted me with 3 of his precious children, and that I have the privilege of nurturing them and learning from them. God bless little children!