…it has been over a year since my last posting. Self-preservation, perhaps, knowing that if I dreamt too hard of Parisian sidewalks or tried to help with bars in Prague I might get all misty and not notice the little guy spitting up on my shoulder (new son, not husband). But since joining the parent club I keep the faith that in a few years God willing I'll be riding herd on the little man, trying to get him through some passport control with all his army men/cars/action figures in one piece. And so I'm saved, remembering that I can always ask a fodorite for advice nd a good story.

I've missed a lot of you loons. Time to get back on that traveling horse. DH and I are going, sans our now one-year-old (good God), to A'dam on Monday for a few days and are totally stoked. Nervous, yes, but stoked. I promise a verbose report.

Good to be back.

You've "sinned" and you aren't even IN Amsterdam yet????

Please give a DETAILED report when you get back.

Have you gotten to the place where you fear he won't remember you when you return?

You are lucky to have someone to watch your baby while you travel. As someone who does not have that, we have travelled with our children since the oldest one was 4 months old. Sometimes it is easier with babies than 3 year olds! I encourage you to bring your son next time. It is a whole new wonderful experience.

We took a trip to Germany when our son was 13 months old...we arranged a stop over in Chicago. Grandma and Grandpa were waiting by the curb at O'Hare and we plopped him in the car seat and kissed him goodbye. I always wonder what went through his little head when we left, then when we returned.

Its OK to read this, AHaugeto: this posting contains no secret-coded message of envy, resentment or regret.

Go to Amsterdam: your one-year-old will be just fine, will love you on your return just as much as he does now (which I am sure is a lot: you sound like an intelligent and caring woman.) You and husband will be better parents for reminding one another of why you married in the first place.

You only sin is depriving this gang of Fodorites of your company: we are glad you are back.

You will have to repent my coming to the next NJ/NY GTG on 2 June 2007.

Budman's right -- we have not seen you since the Blue Pill incident!!
so you & baby HAVE to come (but
you won't be the first to bring baby
as a deliteful newborn was at last
one & managed to sleep thru the
racuous festivities)

Hey Budman and rhea - nice to hear from you! It's on the calendar... Forgot about the pharmaceuticals
We head to the airport in 2 hours - wooo!