Monday, October 12, 2009

Raisin' [a stink about] Arizona

I am about to leave Geoff and the kids for 3 full days and I am sad. I thought I might actually look forward to the rest and relaxation, the 90 degree Arizona heat, and hotel luxuries; but all I can think of is how hard this parenting is when you're flying solo. And, because I am me, what happens if something happens. To them, to me. Its a good thing we got goin, this family. Trips without them feel weird and wrong. So, I won't whine too much, but I'll say that I don't know how people who travel a lot do it.

To divert my attention and lift the spirit of this post a bit, here are some great updates: Jack is on the move! At 9.5 months old, he still doesn't roll off his back, but he is crawling everywhere! He goes head down, like a steam engine right into your leg, then tries to climb up. Its the sweetest thing. He also beams and gets very excited when we pick him up from school. It can turn even the worst day around when you go get him.And, tonight, we had Eleanor's parent-teacher conference at her school. They administered the Ages & Stages Questionnaire on her and she did great! Exceeded all scores except for gross motor since she still doesn't jump with both feet together. She does this little half hop instead. Her teachers talked about how she has become the biggest helper since three new "babies" (18 month olds, the youngest you can be to attend ICC) arrived in her class. They said "She is obviously very intelligent" and "She knows a lot of words." The one area of minor concern is her speech. Her teacher theorized that bigger kids tend not to learn how to use their back tongue muscles until they work on it. For example, Nora will pronounce bath as "Baff" and something about gutteral sounds. Basically, they did not think she sounded like other kids her age and although that did not worry them yet, they wanted us to be aware of it. Duly noted.Well, even as my mind cannot stop racing, I better get some sleep if I hope to actually wake up to my insanely early alarm. If you're reading this, send good thoughts to Geoff as he single-parents the best kids ever and to me as I work my ass off in Scottsdale. Love you family, Mama

4 comments:

Meg Weber Jeske said...

Hope the trip goes really well and sending good luck to Geoff as the solo parent for a few days. Safe travels my friend!

Jessie and David said...

Have a good trip, Wendy and good luck Geoff! Hope to see you when you get back?? Love the posted pics-what great looking kids!

Anonymous said...

Look at my grandkids what an amazing set of children with thier loving parents what a wonderful way to start a overcasted, cold, rainny Oregon morning. With a with a high of 52 this is the bright spot in my day. Thankx.
I'm sure that Geoff will have no issues with the kiddo's and that you my dear daughter though you will miss Nora and Jack with every fiber of your soul you'll be so busy that hopefully the time will pass quickly and before you realize you'll be on your way home to once again hold the ones you love. Know you in my thoughts and
and I will be thinking of you
Forever Love, Mama

Beth said...

Good luck! I'm plotting a solo escape myself. Haven't had one in who knows how long... but going to visit a college roommate with a 2 year old and a new born... so I won't be lonely!