I wouldn’t have been able to travel for 10 days if it hadn’t been for Andy, who took two vacation days and took care of everything at home on the weekends and in the evenings, and my parents. My dad took Andy out to a Reds game while my mom watched Sophie one night, they invited Andy and Sophie over for dinner another night, and my mom drove an hour each way—in rush-hour traffic—to watch Sophie for four days while Andy worked. I can’t thank them enough.
But the thing is, they loved it. Secretly I was hoping Andy would say, “How do you do it? It was impossible!” But he didn’t say that. He said it was hard. He said he missed me. He admitted he had a lot of help. But he also said he had so much fun with Sophie. And my mom said the same thing.
A couple days after I returned my mom gave me a photo journal she made documenting her time with Sophie. I love it. Every page of it. So much so that I’ve recreated it here.
My First Journal with Nini
by Sophie and Nini
August 2009
Sunday 2 August 2009
On Sunday Dada and I ate dinner at Bapop and Nini’s. Dada helped me wear my new kerchief. Can’t decide if I’m a fashion trendsetter or a biker …
I entertained myself by running the pencils through my toes. Who needs toys?
Wasn’t Dada smart to bring my jammies? I think he’s planning on my sleeping all the way home.
Wednesday 5 August 2009
Wednesday was a busy day. I practiced drinking out of my cup without the lid! (Who knew that rug spills would take so long to dry?)
I worked hard on my soccer techniques.
I tried on my collection of hats.
I spent a lot of time playing with that baby on the oven door.
I drank my soy milk—then it was time for some exercise!
Wow! Another crack in the sidewalk! I loved the walks around the neighborhood.
Especially when Nini and I stopped to smell the flower gardens.
Thursday 6 August 2009
Thursday—yogurt is a good way to practice using a spoon.
There are so many things to do at Tower Park!
Swings are OK if they don’t move.
Friday 7 August 2009
On Friday I had trouble deciding what shoes to wear.
These shoes are perfect for a run around the neighborhood!
A nice neighbor lady gave me a sunflower from her flower garden.
I clutched that sunflower throughout our long walk.
That flower got a lot of love.
Wow! Nini brought over the tent that Mama, Aunt Katy and Uncle Kyle played in when they were little.
I took Elmo into the tent. I kept telling him “up” because he wanted to flop over all the time!
On Friday afternoon Bapop came over! We shared his favorite book, Caps for Sale.
It’s fun sharing the tent with everyone you love.
I think Nini and I have a lot more adventures on the way!
Sunday 9 August 2009
Dada worked hard so we could have such a great week.
But we were ready for someone special to come home!
Together again!
Do you think she brought me anything?
“I can no other answer make, but, thanks, and thanks.” —William Shakespeare