'Not So' Welcome Home

As I was driving home yesterday, I began to imagine my reunion with Robby. I smiled thinking about my little Koopa running into the driveway (probably wearing his cowboy boots but no coat) and wrapping his arms around me. He would smother me in kisses and frantically begin relaying all of his snow adventures since I left. I envisioned him cuddling with me in my rocker, reminding me how happy he was to have me home and constantly telling me that he loved me. By the time I turned onto the narrow albeit passable driveway, I had resigned myself to his sticking to me like glue for the next few days. To be honest, the prospect made me smile.

After navigating the driveway, I prepared myself for my running Koopa kisses. I opened the car door, thinking that he was waiting to see me before making an entrance. After standing in the driveway for a few moments and longingly looking at the house, I figured that he was probably in the bedroom and didn't know that I had yet arrived. I decided to beep the horn several times to announce my arrival.

As I was releasing Timmy from his car seat, Scott came outside to greet us.  Timmy ran into his Daddy's arms, squealing with delight. Feeling a tinge jealous that he received the welcome that I had been envisioning, I asked about Robby.  He knew that I was coming home, but opted instead to go play at his friend's house.

I'm delighted that Robby has a close friend living across the street, but I was disappointed that he didn't want to stay to see me when I came home. This was just another example of his growing up and while I know it is inevitable and natural, it doesn't always make me happy.  Undeterred, I texted the neighbors to ask them relay the message to Robby that I was home. I knew that it was a Hail Mary, but I was hoping that perhaps he would abandon playing for a moment to come bounding home to greet me. 

After a few minutes of waiting, I received a text in return. "Robby says hi. He is busy with a game and says he will see you when it gets dark. Welcome home btw."  So much for my visions of being missed!