One Week

Loving the fact that I can finally say I'll be home a week from today.  Can't wait to breath me some fresh Jersey air.  Aaaaahhh.  Some of the things I am simply giddy about:

• Seeing Paul's parents.  Yes, I really like my in-laws.  We'll be spending the entire week at their house, which is in our hometown.  Did I mention we shack up in his parent's bedroom.  Mother-in-law insists.  Awkward. 
• Showing off Elena to everyone who can't wait to love her up.  She's just started standing without holding onto anything so I'm hoping she'll take her first steps while we're there.  She's changed so much in the last month.  Wait until they get a load of her new big girl attitude. 
• Spending time with my sister, sisters-, and brothers-in law, nieces, nephews, friends, aunts, uncles, cousins.  That is the good life. 
• The 10 hour car ride.  Seriously.  I love a road trip.  Even with a child in tow.  She's all pimped out in the back with the portable DVD player Paul bought her.  Can I get a Yo! Gabba Gabba? Not to mention road trips are the perfect excuse for multiple Starbucks, an entire bag of combos, followed up with a gummy bear chaser.
• Getting a mani and pedi.  Having a traveling husband while living in a new city where you know no one, with a baby= no way for this mama to get her nails did.
• Bagels, pork roll, pizza that is cut into a 8 slices, 7-11 Slurpees, Dunkin' Donuts Ice Coffee, and all my favorites that I know my in-laws will make.  So, yeah, I'll be coming back to Ohio a cow. 
• Visiting the cemetery.  That's one of the things I miss most.  I went weekly and have missed tending to my parents' grave, visiting with them, feeling close. Hoping for some nice weather so I can do some gardening.  And, because I'm a total stalkerazzi, hopefully I'll be able to get a glimpse at Whitney's final resting spot.  Yes, Ms. Houston is laid to rest in my hometown cemetery.  Cray cray.  
•  Lord and Taylor.  How I miss thee.  Mama is going shopping. Friends and Family- It's on. 
• The Atlantic Ocean.  I miss water.  I miss living on a coast.  Salt air, sand in your crack toes.  Jersey Shore meatballs, gorillas, and grenades.  NO place finer to people watch.  

All of this goodness will re-charge me and give me just enough wind in my sails to push me through until our TWO WEEK visit at the end of the summer.  Boom!