It has been a whirlwind summer. Marty went on a four week business trip and we hunkered down here in Geneva. It was the longest stretch that he's been away and we felt it, especially Hayden. At age four, he has become much more aware and by the third week, he was really feeling Marty's absence. Bedtime got more and more difficult as he cried for dad and the time difference (from Mexico) did not allow us to talk to Marty. Hayden's separation anxiety then made mornings tough as I headed out the door for work. Even now, a couple weeks after we have been back together, Hayden still says, "Dad, I am so glad you are back." Poor, sweet boy!
So after three weeks with Marty gone, I then had to take a business trip. In order to make it work, with Marty still away, we bought tickets for the boys and I flew with them first to Cincinnati, before traveling to New York. I was extremely apprehensive about the trip. How was I going to manage two little ones during such a long flight, with a baby on my lap? How was I going to manage a stroller, suitcase, work bag and diaper bag while going through customs? I had prepared a full bag o' tricks - two fully charged electronic devices, toys, snacks, and even bought a new baby carrier that was easier and more comfortable for the long flight.
The day before leaving, I discovered the carrier was faulty and couldn't use it. Upon arriving at the terminal, the guy asked for my tickets and our residence permits - I had the tickets, but NOT the residence permits. Panic set in as I imagined what I had to do if he told me I needed those permits...thankfully, he let me go through to the gate!
God was certainly watching over us. First of all, I was surrounded by women. Hayden sat right next to a Grandma who had just left her young grandchildren. This nice woman helped Hayden open his milk and watched over him whenever I had to get up to walk with Beckham or go to change a diaper. To my left was a group of women who were returning from a European hike in the Alps - who spoke English and Cantonese! One woman offered to hold Beckham so I could go to the bathroom. Hayden was so good, and was content to watch a movie...three times! Beckham was squirmy but otherwise was a great little passenger. The hardest was when I had to take Hayden to the bathroom and we all had to squeeze into the little stall. There was a moment when I wasn't sure we were all going to fit! The second hardest moment was getting into NYC and having to gather our luggage and go through customs again - along with another stop to the bathroom.
But all in all, the flight was so much better than what I had imagined during the days leading up to the trip! Thank God!
Our first trip back to the US was nice, but all too quick. Most of the time was spent traveling, working and switching between hotels and staying with friends. Marty and I took two days off, where we crammed in visits with friends and errands before heading back to Geneva. The boys had to adjust to various locales and sleeping arrangements during our two weeks back.
Still, we managed to get some family photos taken, have a dedication for Beckham, celebrate his FIRST birthday and see some dear friends.
I can't believe how big these kids have gotten in just one year!
