I haven't posted recently because I've either been getting ready for a trip, away on a trip, or recovering from said trip. I went back to Halifax (for the fourth time this year) to visit primarily my mom, although other family members snuck in some time as well. I don't really feel like getting into how my mom is doing, but I will tell you about the trip.
I took Olivia with me, but left Liam behind. This literally gave me some sleepless nights. Olivia is still nursing, so of course she had to come. Besides, I'm not sure how I would have handled this trip without at least one of my children to keep in a security blanket strangle hold the whole time. But with Mark's new job (and, therefore, a lack of vacation days), he couldn't come and I knew I couldn't handle both kids on my own: although Olivia can be plopped down pretty much anywhere with a bowl full of kitchen utensils, Liam requires planned entertainment that was outside of my ability to provide.
All the same, I was worried that Liam would feel left out or unfavored or in some way be horribly deprived due to five days of motherlessness. I shouldn't have worried; While I was aching for him, he barely knew I was gone. This was largely made possible by a timely visit from Mark's parents on their annual drive through to Scottsdale ("Oh, by the way, Olivia and I won't be here this year; do you mind watching Liam for twelve hours a day?"). Liam had a busy visit with them that included the kind of spoiling that only comes from grandparents (popcorn dinners, new toys). Although he did make time to speak to me on the telephone each day, the calls were brief since the action around him (even if it was just that popcorn) was more enticing. And, since much communication with a three-year-old requires some lip-reading, body language, and, most importantly, context, those calls just left me with a greater longing to be home.
Not that I didn't want to be visiting; I just found this trip more difficult since my little core family was split across three thousand miles. But it was good to see the extended family. I stayed with my grandparents, even though they are in their eighties and I didn't want to be trouble to them. Of course I asked them not to do anything special and of course they did. Every day I'd toss our dirty clothes into a corner of their guest room and every afternoon they'd appear, cleaned and neatly folded, back in my suitcase. And no matter where I was at mealtime (even when they were clearly informed that I'd be out for dinner), a plate would be waiting for me when I returned.
Olivia and I were in and out a lot, since she still naps twice a day. Mom isn't really mobile, so we'd pop up to visit my mom and then race back for a nap, then back again for another visit and race back again. By the end of the trip I packed Olivia's pajamas for our evening visits so she'd fall asleep in the car and I could just pop her into bed. This, of course, was tough on Olivia (and, frankly, on me) and she was about as clingy as she could possibly be. Other than a dicey ten seconds with my brother, Olivia was not held by anyone other than myself the entire trip. Nor was she outside of my sight except when she slept (not even for a shower - then she would sit on the floor of the bathroom and play with my makeup). But she did begin to warm up to a few people by the end of the trip, most notably my mother, whom Olivia covered with kisses one day.
An additional note on flying: Olivia and I took the red-eye on the way out. It wasn't so bad, actually, since we both slept most of the way and the plane rides just flew by (sorry). But even under those circumstances she was not completely silent, which is exactly what all passengers on red-eyes expect you to be. So we made a few people just a little bit grumpy (although they obviously weren't thinking that I too had to stay awake just to get Olivia asleep and then all subsequent sleeping for me would happen with a baby on my lap). And, just for the record, each and every airport on earth should be required to have a bookstore, a Starbucks, a toy store, and a playground. So there.
I am pleased to hear Liam didn't miss you too much while you were away, despite the calls of "are you coming home today, mommy?". I miss you all,
Love Nanny
Posted by: Nanny | October 22, 2006 at 09:10 AM