Curie April 2014. Curie weighs in at 23 pounds and 5 ounces, and stands two feet ten inches tall. This month we went to New Orleans right after Bernard and his family visited. Curie tried and now loves crawfish even though it was a little spicy. She loves to fly and makes the “NEE-AW!” sound for planes. This was the first time Curie had her own seat.
From New Orleans, Curie and Albert flew back by themselves. Albert introduced Curie to M&Ms (when we were kids we called them MMMs, Curie doesn’t call them that), and to eating Reese’s Miniatures with a tissue so that she doesn’t get her hands dirty. They had a delayed flight and as a result had a 10 minute connection. Albert told Curie they had to run to which she replied “Let’s do it!” What a kid. Once on the plane (they made it, Albert ran 10 gates carrying backpack, camera bag, Curie and Curie’s bag), instead of making a fuss (which she had before) about the seat belt, she buckled herself up without asking – surprising Albert.
As we mentioned before, Grampy passed away, but before he did we went up with Julie to see him and Nana. The kids couldn’t go in to see Grampy, but they did get to see Nana. Erin showed Grampy a picture of Elia, which he appreciated. After we came back, Curie would ask about Grampy, and when he passed, she said “at least he is safe.” What a kid. Later that week at day care, she said she saw Grampy after a nap.
While up in Massachusetts, we visited Andy and Lynn in his new home, Curie played with Poppop, and Grandma, and we went to Easter service. This past week we went to National Harbor and the next day to Clemyjontri Park to ride merry-go-rounds, at Clemyjontri, we went with Candace and Bella (Curie’s “best friend”) who took great care of Curie. Steve’s parents visited too and we all went out to dinner.
This week Albert goes to Thailand (hence the early posting) for work. When he goes on trips he takes Curie’s rabbit, “Hop” with him; we Facetime and talk every day, and Erin is charged with the Picture a Day. It is particularly hard on Erin as Curie is a little sick and has to stay home (Julie and Candace have been great in offering to help). Albert has been spending a lot of time with the kids before he goes, playing trains, and cooking, and eggs, and watching Thomas and Friends, or Curious George, or Calliou, or Peppa Pig (oh, Curie is Curie Pig, Albert is Daddy Pig, Erin is Mommy Pig, and Elia is George). With Elia, he holds her while she sleeps (like Erin usually does). Time feels short and Albert gets a little moody before leaving so the time with the kids is especially important. Travel for work is exciting and fun, but without the family, it is time away – missing out on the day-to-day, the smiles and the frowns, the laughter and the tears, watching the kids as the days go past; never mind the wonders of the world, it is enough to play at home.