While Mom's away, the boys will play

Nov. 1, 2009

Well, November is here and for us that means two things – Nathan’s birthday and this year, Annette’s work conference in San Francisco. I probably should be in bed right now, as she has to be at the airport in 7 hours, but since I put this off to the last minute…again, I’m not going to make those who follow this site suffer for my lack of planning.

Annette does keep things going around here. I have one child to look after, she has to look over two (including me.) For weeks she’s been trying to get me prepared and make sure that her five days, three time zones away, go as smoothly as possible. Nathan’s hectic schedule doesn’t lighten up this week. We still have feeding clinic, aquatics, PT, preschool (no speech this week) and we’re scheduled for the next round of Botox as well. Last year, he spent his birthday at PT, this year, it’s getting shots in the back of both legs.

Annette’s made sure I have all the paperwork, and know where I’m supposed to be, on what day and what time. Hopefully, I’ll remember to ask the questions she still needs answers, and get all the information back for her to deal with all the managed care people.

This will mark the second time she’s been away for multiple days (I too have had out-of-state trips so she’s had to be solo parent as well.) The last time Annette was gone, Nathan was a lot younger, and he slept though picking her up in the airport. I remember, sending her this picture on her phone, with the caption, Nathan wearing a lampshade “Dad throws the best parties. I’ll take another bottle.” I don’t recall if she was in a seminar session at the time, but I did get a call within 3 minutes asking me to explain myself. (Remember, I am a graphic designer and am proficient with Photoshop. Nathan has never worn a lampshade.) This time she’s arranged for others to check-in with me, and make sure Nathan and I don’t tear up the house any more than it is already.

I’m sure there will be lots of e-mails, texts and pictures shared, especially for the downplayed birthday celebration. He’s always mush after getting his shots, and he won’t have any of his best girls to snuggle with this time around. Still the best birthday present will be watching Mom come home late Friday night (or waking up with her Saturday morning, as the flight isn’t scheduled to get back until after 11 p.m.)

We will miss Annette while she’s away, but hope she has a chance to see some fun things, eat some good chocolate, and learn all that work stuff too. I already have California marked off the map for readers, or else that would be one more benefit of the trip as well. Bye Mom! Don't worry about us, but don't come home early, we won't start cleaning up until Friday afternoon.

Back to previous postings