Dear Shep,

You recently had the craziest first snow any little guy could imagine. Living in Alabama we get “snow” once or twice a year. You’ll see soon that our snow entails flurries for an hour max that immediately melt when they hit the ground. Roads may ice after a few days of rain in the extreme cold, but other than that we pretty much don’t experience winter weather issues. Some of the crazies like to buy Walmart out of their milk and bread the night before we are expecting a bit of sleet, and even schools may close (but not until 11:30) so that there is no make up day required. This past Tuesday was another forecast that told us there may be slight “dusting” but nothing to worry about and it would pass quickly.

Keeping with routine, we got you dressed for school and I packed my bags to work on your birthday invites at Dece and Shep’s while Mrs. Chris cleaned the house. The snow began to fall and I watched peacefully on the couch while I texted your Daddy to talk about how pretty it looked. It stuck to the roofs (it usually does) but didn’t seem to be doing much sticking to the grass so I went about my chores and asked your Daddy to check in with daycare. Mother’s Day Out assured Daddy that things looked fine so we took their word for it and went about our days. Shortly after, Daddy called and said he was headed to get you bc the school had called and was closing at 11:30. I decided that since he was getting you, I would take my time packing my things and head home around 11:30. Not 5 minutes later Daddy called saying that the road leaving his work was already icy and closed so I needed to get you. No problem! I rushed to the car and realized that the driveway and streets were coated in snow. It was beautiful. And that moment was probably the only moment that I thought so.

I didn’t make it to Mount Laurel’s turn before I realized I would be stuck in the car for at least 30 minutes. I called the school and let them know I was running late, and got comfortable waiting in the car. One hour passed and so did about 50 feet. Things weren’t moving. Cars were sliding. People were abandoning vehicles all over the road. I was blown away! Not only did I need to use the potty (of course I drank a bottled water right before leaving), but I was starving and 10 miles to empty (which would’ve been plenty to make it 3 miles to you). Phone lines weren’t working, Dece was trying to reach me for a ride with Daddy, Daddy’s cell wasn’t connecting, I was in panic mode. All I’ve wanted since you were born is one single night in a hotel room with movies, snacks, and some “me” time (no offense but Mommy is a full time job and every Mommy needs a non-mommy moment here and there). I realized after 3 hours that I wasn’t getting any closer to you (and it looked like Daddy would make it to you), Dece and Shep would be sleeping on a restaurant floor bc they were stuck at the Summit, and if I turned around I could get back to their house and have it to myself for that Mommy vacation I’d been longing for. That’s the moment I realized I was a true Mommy. I didn’t care about delicious food or movies or vacation time. I wanted my baby. I would have walked to you if necessary. Sleeping on the daycare floor next to you was better than knowing you were there without me. I know you and Daddy would have been completely fine, but let’s face it….I’m the one that makes the food.

3.5 hours in Daddy made it to you and sent me a photo making me burst into tears. You were happy with your bottle and he had decided to stay the night there with you. I felt so defeated. I was almost to 280 but a huge moving truck had been abandoned and it appeared that it would need to be pushed out of the way for any hope of passing it. By the grace of God, several men moved the truck and I was able to make it home after a 4.5 hour drive to make it 3.5 miles! Not only did I make it home but you did too! Daddy found a back road after learning that they had no formula on hand at the school and you guys made it safely back just before me! Not only were we all home, but we discovered that there was a pretty little girl one month older than you with her grandaddy and grand momma! Chris’ husband had come to get her and had their little grand baby in tow, Clara Grace. They got stuck and we had a huge spend the night party with them! Clara Grace smothered you in kisses and you gave plenty back to her. You guys had a blast for bath time and did plenty of showing off for one another. Clara was such a strong personality and you were so sweet when she would steal your toys! I’m going to have to teach you to hold your own with older kiddos since you’re with babies all day at school 😉

The next day, we bundled you up and took you out to see the snow. I didn’t even try sitting you down in it (we all know you love to be held), but Daddy got a snowball and we showed it to you so you could touch and feel the white fluffy stuff that was all over your home. Instead of touching it, your silly self opened your mouth wide and dove into it. Your face was priceless. Only you would try and eat it Monkey! A quick few photos and we were back inside where it was warm wishing Chris, Eddie, and Clara Grace safe travels home.

You were such a gracious host and you made even the worst day end in pure bliss. Thank you for always reminding me how magical moments can be. Snow reminds me of Christ and how important it is to be completely quiet and still to truly appreciate His creation. I was so happy to stand in that snow with you on my hip and soak in how complete our lives are with you in it. We sure do love you snow bunny.

Xx

Mommy