I am home.
By the time I lugged my large suitcase and multiple carry-on bags up the sidewalk and back into the dark, quiet house late Thursday night, my exhaustion had reached ridiculous levels.
When I fell into bed beside my husband, I have to admit I was a bit miffed that I didn't get a bigger welcome home. He mumbled, rolled over, attempted to rouse himself from sleep.
What? You weren't waiting up? Ready to welcome me with over-sized hugs and big wet kisses? Didn't he realize how tired I was–emotionally, physically, mentally?
By the time I finally settled in to bed, he was awake enough to talk. "I am so glad you are home. These three days have been hellish."
I was completely unaware.
My poor husband went on to explain all the events of the past three days, beginning with the first morning, when Birdy managed to swallow a piece of mettalic glittery confetti. This, in turn, led to uncontrollable dry-heaving, vomitting, and most scary of all—-spitting up blood. He called in for help (it's always nice to have a former-EMT uncle in the valley) and watched her carefully as she played normally after all the drama, as if nothing happened. Then came the morning nap. More spitting up, more blood and finally the glittery red star ejected itself from her gullet.
And things continued to go downhill from there–a baby who wouldn't sleep. Who discovered she could stand up in her crib—but couldn't get down. Dishes. Cooking. Mess. Nap-less children. Less than hearty meals.
Ugh. The poor thing.
When I called to check in (multiple times) daily, my children and Dan would reassure me that everything was fine. No one spoke a word to me about the troubles at home because Dan knew, from all the way across the country, there was nothing that I could do, but worry.
At one point, Mary said to me, "Mommy. We have a surprise for you when you come home. But Daddy says we can't tell you." Her voice was so chipper and excited. I had memories of last time. What could it be this go round? A new kitchen floor? A painted bedroom? A remodelled bathroom?
Turns out the surprise was a vomitting baby.
I guess, upon return, it should have been me–embracing my poor, exhausted husband. My nights alone in a luxurious but all-too-quiet-for-good-sleep hotel room didn't seem quite so sacrificial. My inability to sleep on the airplane rides felt slightly less deserving of sympathy.
But you know what? He didn't make me feel an ounce of guilt.
Somehow, I came home feeling more appreciated, needed and loved than I have in a long time.
And San Francisco? It was fantastic. Amazing, amazing people—Whitney and Heather, Kristen, Kristina, Hadley, Denise, Kami, Marie , Sara, Whit, Carolyn , Betsy … not to mention Scott, Dina and all the others at BabyCenter and MOMformation–I'm not even coming close to mentioning everyone. It gave me a new vision for momformation, for the mission of BabyCenter. I am in good company over there, with amazing people who truly care about the journey of motherhood.
There is lots to love on this Valentine's Day–the goodness of being home, of scribbled valentines, spring-like weather, and surprise donut runs. I hope your day is filled with sweetness and goodness. And as always, thank you for coming to this space and sharing in these moments of sweetness with me.
Oh dear. i’m so glad all turned out well. poor babe. poor dad. i can just imagine it all. but you deserved a break and it’s good you got to enjoy yourself. (it’s good for the rest of the family to need mom too.) xx
oh my goodness! dan really did a wonderful job keeping all that to himself. i don’t think i could do that!welcome home.
hi.oh, scary stuff with birdy girl. but..it will always be a bigger, better storyfor the fact that you weren’t there.xo.
Hey there, Molly.So glad I found your blog. I can’t wait to catch up on you and your sweet family.xoxcheryl
What a good man you have in Dan. I am glad he was able to make it through your absence, while allowing you time for yourself.
I don’t think I could have kept that to myself. That Dan’s a keeper. Glad everyone is safe and together again.
Welcome home! Glad you were none wiser. If I had known I’d of been on a plane home lickety split! Glad you have a renewed energy for your work.
what a fantastic job your husband did to ensure you didn’t worry! glad you made it there and back safely.
What a remarkable story, what a remarkable husband! A parent away can be so hard on everyone, and yet, sometimes, it’s this kind of challenge that’ s the only way we discover what greatness we’re truly capable of. I hope everyone is recovering well. Love your blog.
wow! i don’t think i could have kept it to myself either! welcome home, molly. xo
It was a lot of fun. Good, tiring, fun. For us, I mean. Not your husband.
this is such a great post. My husband travels for work and I tend to dump the day on him via phone… it’s nice venting, but your story reminds me that there are other ways! glad you had fun and that all turned out for the best post-vomiting 🙂
and in good company at home, i dare say. that is one fine man. i’m so glad birdie’s okay. welcome home.
Oh my, I didn’t know all that could come from a little sequin! I’ll bet your husband is glad to have you home. Single parenting is hard work!
It’s great seeing these pics, especially the one of Scott. And I’m kicking myself for not taking a picture of my serene, clean, hotel room. Duh. I’m also kicking myself for not having the energy to talk more to you, and others, in San Fran. Granted I was uber exhausted, but it feels like such wasted opportunity in hindsight. Anyhow, it was so nice to finally meet you and I hope we meet again one day, minus the international jet lag.
Sniff. I teared up reading your account. Your husband is a champ. I should have also mentioned in my tale that my husband also fixed my iPhone including picking it up and delivering it to me at the hotel. He’s a good guy.
Yay for your successful trip. You punctuated this post with just the right pictures. I love that your husband protected you from the vomiting drama, because really, what could you do but worry? My husband would have done the same.
And I adore the set of grandparents who ALWAYS tell us that everything went perfectly.
My mom seems to want to re-live every hiccup, and it doesn’t boost my confidence in leaving them with her.