We made it to Germany. I will never travel on the Condor again, but we made it!
This season we decided to travel to Europe as a family. Last season we spent two months apart (I stayed back for a wedding) and it was hard on all of us. Linden wanted nothing to do with my husband when we got to Italy. The adjustment was difficult because Linden wouldn't allow my husband to care for him. I made every bottle. I changed every diaper. I fed him every meal. I gave him every bath. It was draining and it went on like that for roughly two months. We were traveling as a family this year, no doubt about it.
So far, traveling together hasn't made a huge difference. The transition has been just as rough on us. Again, Linden only wants me. I woke up with a cold (that or my allergies just won't quit) the first morning we were here. Keeping up with a 21 month old is difficult as it is, let alone when your head is so congested you can't think straight. I love that he trusts me, that he knows he can count on me, but also drives me insane. We're running on little to no sleep and I'm starting to question my sanity. Cross your fingers we can get on a schedule over the next few days.
It'd be easier if my husband was home more. I was told that most wives wouldn't be here until September, primarily because the guys are so busy during training camp. I was prepared for daily doubles, meetings, dinners, and activities. I knew we wouldn't see a lot of him but he said he wanted us here, to support him and keep him on track. What I didn't expect is for him to be hitting the bars every night as part of the team 'bonding' experience. Who comes up with these ideas? Mandatory binge drinking? Are they seriously bonding at 4 am ... 6 am? I don't think so.
I'll never buy it or understand it. At 4 am, are they really saying, "Well, I am a Gemini, I studied finance in college, I support a woman's right to choose, I have two sisters, and I like long walks on the beach"? No. Most of them don't even know their own names by that point. I am fairly certain it's an opportunity for boys to be boys while their wives and children are away.
Thankfully, after many not-so-subtle hints and some bribing, I think my husband is done with the late nights out ... I'm sure they'll still pass the puck to him during the season, even if he's the first to leave the bar.
I don't think I'd care so much if we were settled, if I wasn't sick, and if Linden had adjusted to the time change. We don't have a phone yet ... or TV. We won't have internet for at least three weeks. I love spending quality time with Linden but I am dying for adult conversation and a little relief on the toddler front. It's also our anniversary today and I have only seen him for about an hour.
For entertainment today, I dyed my hair. I haven't colored my hair from a box since college. I had it professionally done before we left town but I wasn't happy with the results. It took me two hours to translate the directions using my German to English dictionary and another hour to actually dye it. I usually go a shade darker than my natural color so it's hard to screw it up. Success ... My hair looks great and I managed to kill three hours.
Anyway, enough with the not-so-great-or-exciting.
Our apartment is fantastic. It's Europe so things are different ... but we have three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and LOTS of natural light! A new car, a park, grocery store, and pharmacy all within walking distance. We're near the train station which is great because our car is a standard and I don't know how to operate it. And it looks like there will be at least two other families in our little apartment complex.
The suburb we are in is gorgeous. The land is pretty flat with just a few rolling hills here and there. The homes are adorable, just as you'd picture them. I don't feel as safe as I did in Italy but I'll get there.
I think we will be happy here ...
More soon ... and by soon I mean three weeks.
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