Absence Made the Heart Grow Fonder

Posted on June 13, 2012 Updated on June 13, 2012

Maddie and I were separated for the better part of 20 hours yesterday. I’m pretty sure that’s our longest stint apart since Maddie was born. It was actually much more difficult than I thought. I missed her far too much.

However, what happened this morning was something I really didn’t anticipate. My independent fire-eating daughter would not leave my side today. No matter where we went or what we did, Maddie had no interest in being more than 3 to 5 feet away from me.

The first indication came when we pulled up to the car dealership this morning. We arrived at the service department loaded to the teeth with snacks, milk and various toys. As the visit stretched on, we actually began running low on supplies. Keep in mind, even Maddie’s patience has a limit. As things started to come apart, the baby was showing signs of crumbling.

When the car was finally ready, Maddie and I had a nice long conversation in the back seat before I strapped her in for the drive home. She gets just a little bit closer to talking with each passing day. At this point, we have no idea whether she will talk or walk first. It would not surprise me if she achieved both milestones at the same time.

I had a few chores to take care of when we got home and Maddie followed me from room to room. Finally we settled down into the high chair for some pears and bagels. It wasn’t exactly the breakfast or lunch of champions, but she smiled at me between bites and we had another great time together.

I don’t know how long this state of Daddy-Euphoria will last, but I’m making sure to soak up ever second of it before I fade into the background again.