Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Away We Go


It had to happen. After two and a half years of spending nearly every day and night with Phoebe, Jeff and I made plans to go away. Our birthdays were coming up and it seemed like a good excuse to book a trip. Jeff has had a time share in Mexico for years and we have never been able to use it. But this year, we would. It seemed to take a mountain of planning for ourselves and for Phoebe, but we pulled it off. Phoebe would stay at home with Siobhan- our lovely babysitter/grad student who has been in our lives since Phoebe was a baby. Our girl would also stay with Grammy & Grampy up the street in her new crib that Grammy Mika bought for just such an occasion. The separation would be hard for both of us, but it had to be done. Six nights in Cancun for Mommy & Daddy. Six nights in New York for Phoebe.

I got a great piece of advice from one Mom I know to call in every morning, rather than at night. The day is fresh and lots of activities to come. It was hard to hear Phoebe sad and missing us, but by all reports, she was doing well and keeping busy. Meanwhile, Mexico was often rainy and I had weak moments of wanted to go home. Luckily, Jeff was patient with me and those moments passed. Rain or sun, it was wonderful to be away with my guy; getting up late, taking walks on the beach, swimming, napping and reconnecting. Sometimes you have to stop to realize how hard you've been running.

We came back to our adorable girl, happy to see us and tell us all about her week. I was worried she might be angry with us for leaving, but she wasn't. All she wants is for us to stay with her "all days." I told her we will take more trips together, and sometimes apart, but we always come back. We survived our first week away and are all better for it. Next time we go to Mexico, she's coming with us.

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

So Proud

Not long ago, I was making dinner in our little city kitchen. Phoebe was munching on cucumbers and watching me as I organized all the ingredients for Chicken Quesadillas. Avocado, sautéed spinach and mushrooms, chicken and lots of shredded cheese. In no time they were done and we were eating our dinner together talking about our day. Phoebe happily chomped each bite exclaiming "yum" and "delicious". Then she looks at me and says, "Mommy, I am so proud of you to cook this." I just about fell off my chair. Not only was that so sweet, it showed me that this little 2 year old understands that someone has done something for her and to appreciate me for doing it. Is this normal? I have no idea. All I know is that it made this Mommy feel wonderful. My little girl is kind and caring and is finding the words to say these things to me. Wow. I'm so proud that she is mine.