I’m sitting on the floor outside my next panel trying to keep from crying I miss my family so much. I’m such a wuss. It sounds like NikkiZ has gotten really attached to Daddy since I’ve been gone. And where part of me is all, “Yay!” - the selfish side is, “I hope she still runs to me when I get back.” Are there any of you who have been gone from a 16-month-old for almost a week? Did they remember you? I mean, I know (hope?) she’ll remember me. But - she used to run to me from others - and I want her to continue to do that. If she doesn’t, how can I FORCE HER TO?
I also miss LilZ. I miss our chats every day. We’ve tried to IM some, and email a little, but that’s not the same. I just want to hang out with him.
We are currently not talking about the fact that I leave for NYC in a week. The more I think about that, the less I can control the tears today.
Onto lighter things: I talked to Heather Champ from JPG magazine and flickr last night! And I think I totally scared her to death. I’m such a lame lame lame person. It took about three beers for me to work up the courage to say something alone the lines of, “I’m a JPG subscriber and I love it and I love you and OHMIGOD YOU’RE SO AMAZING.” I was so busy gushing in a stalker-like manner, I never even got to mention I went to her session at BlogHer this summer and learned a lot from it.
No wonder she ran away so fast. Seriously. I’m an idiot. I should not be allowed out in public.
*hugs* It’s gotta be hard to be away from them. You’re doing great though! And everyone will be tickled to have you home again.
Maybe you could buy her love? Bring her lots of things she loves. Sweets! Toys! Maybe it won’t work that well this time, but when you come back from NY? She will remember and run to mama/sweets! Pavlov taught us that!
yeah, i think i would have done the same thing if i’d met heather, so don’t feel bad. i’m no good around celebrities.
and if nikki z doesn’t still run from others to you when you get back, you can always tie a bungie cord around her and attach it to you, so that when she tries to escape she’s flung back at you. it’s sort of like running.
i’m kidding.
She will totally run to you and give you lots of love. She won’t forget you.
A few years ago, my husband and I left our then 18 mo boy with my parents while we took a week long cruise. When we returned, it took about an hour for him to warm up to me again (longest hour of my life), and then he would.not.let.me.go. Seriously. Don’t worry- she won’t forget you.
She will remember you and go back to the real NikkiZ.
It is almost over…just try and enjoy yourself.
Zoot, I have a niece who is also sixteen months old. Her dad is in the military. He left in September for basic training, and didn’t come back until late December for his Christmas leave. He was gone for almost a full four months - longer than you have been away from your family - and still she knew exactly who her dad was when he walked back through that door, and ran to greet him.
So don’t worry, NikkiZ will remember you.
I was away from J for 5 days when she was 13 months old and when I got back she acted so freakin weird to me. It was like she was mad. She wouldn’t even look at me. But after a day or so she was fine and back to normal.
Sorry sweetie! You will be home soon
You’re going out again next week? Girl, that’s a lot to take in in one month. If I had any spare energy and nerves, I’d be sending them your way. *hugs* for strength. I left my son for a while at the same age. I’m not sure if he was happier to see me than I was to see him, but I told myself he looked visibly relieved to see me. I’m sure NikkiZ will be SO HAPPY to see you.
I left Zoe for about a week when she was 1. When I came back she looked at me like I was a complete stranger! But once she got back in my arms she remembered me again. It kinda scared me for a moment though…
Hugs to you, Zoot.
this is why i’m afraid to go to blogher this summer.
if i see you or amalah, or anyone whose blog i have ever even looked at, i am going to walk in the other direction.
goal: go learn valuable things, not embarrass self with drooling over how much certain bloggers make you laugh and cry, and how adorable their children are.
it’s doable, yes?
Silly girl. Of course she will. If she doesn’t it will only be because she is mad and MAKING YOU PAY for leaving her.
I don’t know why, but I thought you knew Heather already…
It will be okay. You will be home soon.
When or son was 18 months we went on our honeymoon to FL for a week. We came back and when my mother, dad and son met us at the airport I totally expect him to jump all over us.
He didn’t.
I felt like a failure as a mother. We had already planned to take a week off to be home and readjust and I’m glad we were able to at least have a few days, to get him to warm up again. No, he didn’t forget us, but knowing him he was showing his frustration at us leaving.
Don’t worry…she’ll be ecstatic to see you even if she doesn’t show it. She IS her mother’s daughter, after all, and I’m sure she’ll make her true feelings known!
What’s in NYC?!
Why do you all have to be there for the whole conference? When Mike’s work group goes to conferences, they usually stagger attendance to maximize coverage/minimize travel time. Unless your bosses are just trying to make the most of the networking opportunities, maybe? Even though I’m jealous, all that jet-settin’ around the country still sounds tiring!
Oh, lady, you know Mr Z can’t replace NikkiZ’s Mommy! You’re the best. I wish you huge hugs and kisses from your family, like, yesterday!!
But try to enjoy SWSX while you’re there. You’re amazing!
If all else fails, I’ll bet you could get her to run to you if you hold Cheez-Its in your hand.
I didn’t know you were going to NYC. I’ll be there too. Can’t wait to see you again because you know I lust after your accent
My son was 18 mos old when I went to san jose this past summer. He was angry at me when I first got home. Until I showed him the candy. yes, I have no scruples.