Phantom limb-like syndrome

It is unbelievable how light child-free travel is. About every five minutes, I feel certain I've dropped something critically important or left one of the boys on the plane. I have but one bag with me, and I've read six chapters in two different books. This is utterly surreal.I just ate lunch quietly at Cat Cora, enjoying a lovely edamame-avocado hummus with olives and pita. There were no spills, no small hands discovering old gum under the table and then putting those hands into their owner's mouth, no refrains of "please, please do not touch the potty seat" while also making sure I don't get sprayed by rogue pee (little Ol shoots at 2:00 which makes the stream's direction a bit random). But I also haven't had my legs attacked by a hug or my cheeks covered with kisses, and I feel the slightest bit teary in a vaguely schizo way: eager for this week alone, kinda lonesome for a little hand enveloped in mine. My heart aches some.

Saying goodbye to my boys

I know it's a sign of a wonderful week to come for my darlings, but I basically had to force them to give me real hugs and kisses goodbye this morning. We'd gone to Target to get some treats because they have done such an amazing job with their swimming lessons and they were totally wrapped up in Legos and a Captain Hook boat. So really, I suppose I should count my blessings for this peaceful, happy send-off, but I cried a bit as their sweet little legs raced them away and back to play. I'm of the dreaded prop plane now and will be glad to get to Houston soon, jump off and get an enormous coffee.As an aside, y'all should hear this flight attendant's voice. Soo sing-songy and fake. It's like a roller coaster bedecked with knives.

MIA, home tomorrow

It has been such a treat being home with my parents, sister, grandma and the boys. I know I've been pretty darn absent on Em-i-lis, but this family time is so special. And being on the bayou, in the slowness that is SW Louisiana is so relaxing. Just look at this view from my parents' porch. Aah! I head back to DC tomorrow for six days alone in my home with T and Percy. T and I are going to build a playhouse for the boys, I'm going to cook and read a ton, and then we'll head to Philly right before the kids return. They are so darling and funny. I know I'm going to miss them a lot, but I will say that doing the flights home tomorrow by my own self does sound pretty luxurious. I've got two books packed, no three!, and can't wait.

Miracle of miracles, the swim teacher I hired here in Lake Charles has worked magic and Jack can swim! Jumps in the pool! Loves it! Swims without floaties or goggles! Oliver is even jumping in! I couldn't have asked for more. Here they are, post-swim!