As many of you know, I just got back from a week in the States..ALONE. This was the first time since Arun's birth that I have been away longer than 24 hours. When I first planned this trip I was very excited to have a whole week off from all the mundane tasks of caring for a toddler. But a few days before the trip I began to have second thoughts...not only would I be away for several days, we wouldn't even be in the same continent! I began to panick- anything could happen and I would not be there. As a new mother, this was a very scary thought. But still, in a way, I was looking forward to it.
I have to say, I did have a good time catching up with old friends, eating in cafes and shopping (prices in the States, especially for photo equipment are about 50% less than in England). But after a couple days I was lonely without my family around. I missed the morning cuddles, reading stories, and spending long lazy days with my boy. The flight, which I imagined to be pure bliss without a baby, was, after two mediocre romantic comedies and equally mediocre airplane food, really just plain boring. Seeing old friends was great, but i regret that they didn't have a chance to play with Arun, who is now walking and talking. Last year he when we visited he was a little baby- only six months old.
On the flight back yesterday, I imagined Arun running into my arms and covering him with kisses...so I was heartbroken when he would not so much as look at me for the first 2 hours of my return. I tried to pick him up and he cried for daddy. When came close to him again, he said 'go away mommy'. Luckily, he eventually came around and now we are as close as ever. I found a toy yellow NYC taxi that I knew he would love- he is into anything with wheels these days. That seemed to break the ice and before long he was smiling.
New York was as fun as always, but it is great to be back (to my new) home in the English countryside.