return to love

I've just returned, road weary and dehydrated from Napa Valley. For the second year in a row, I won an all-expenses paid trip to wine country. Together with the five other winners and George Miliotes, our Master Sommelier and Beverage Director, we assaulted California's most exalted wine region and ate and drank like royalty.

While it was again the trip of a lifetime, I must say I couldn't wait to get back home. I missed my family and Kai more than ever, and I feel like I missed so much of his development in the week that I was gone. Somehow, his entire daily schedule changed while I was gone, he's learned new words, and he seems to have forgotten me. When I came home we was in the bath with Grandma Marty watching him, and he cried and lunged for her when he saw me. It nearly broke my heart. I still haven't had any quality time with him, as he acts like I'm a stranger when I'm around.

I don't think I'll be taking any more trips without him.

While I was gone Erin did get him the cutest little sandals that light up when he walks, and his walking abilities continue to improve. And he has definitely gotten cuter and smarter while I was gone. Now I've got to re-integrate myself into his life. Wish me luck. Photos to come.