The other morning, Caleb watched as I finished packing for a (gasp) solo trip to California.  His face crumpled when he realized that “packing” meant “leaving.”

Tears well up in his eyes:  I don’t want mommy to go away!

Husband (whispering):  We can break all the rules while Mommy’s gone.

(long pause)

Caleb: Can I get M&Ms?

Husband: Absolutely.

Caleb: I love you Mommy. Bye.

If he can say good-bye to me that easily for a few M&Ms, I shudder to think what he’d do for an entire Hershey bar.