My childless adventure begins

Above Anchorage

I can't believe I'm writing these words, but I'm back in Bethel.  I know.  Every time I go I say it's the last time.  And certainly my last adventure here with a 13 month old and a (saintly) friend in tow (sparking rumors at the airport that we were a lesbian couple - all it takes is a short hair cut, people) to take care of said 13 month old was trying enough to make me swear to never set foot in this state again. Yet here I am.  This time sans toddler (thankfully).

Don't get me wrong, I miss that little nugget so much it hurts.  I haven't been away from him for more than 24 hours (and even that was hard!) and here I am for 7 days without my trusty sidekick to jab his pudgy finger at every vehicle and proclaim "caaaaar!" Well, it's more like he's from Boston when it comes to his love for automobiles, so it's actually "caaah!"  I feel like I'm missing an appendage.  Time away so far has been a complete paradox.  Blissful and lonely at the same time.  Thrilling and sad with expanses of time think and do whatever I want, yet finding most of the time I'm wondering what he's up to (how much mac and cheese did he eat tonight?  How many times did he insist on reading the truck book before bed?  How many times did he exclaim excitedly "pumppa" and point at our pumpkins?)  The mere fact that we bought pumpkins this year and have displayed them on our front steps is a sign of our new life as parents (aka holiday theme enthusiasts and people who may consider going to Michael's craft store one day). I never thought the day would come.  Ben even suggested putting a large spider on our fence but I'm just not ready to embrace craftiness (cheesiness?) to that level yet.

Where was I?  I'm not sure. Turns out having a toddler makes your mind fuzzy, even when you're not around that toddler.  I'm certain another week in the hospital here will whip my mind back into shape (that, or it'll do me in for good).  I will try my darndest to keep you all posted.  Aside from attempting to run outside (it's forecasted to be in the 30s and sunny all week), there's not much else I have to do.  I could always read those months worth of Journal Watch articles I brought with me.  Or those trashy magazines...  Heck I bet I'll have time for both!  Unheard of!