Michigan

Tuesday, Day 1:

We get to the airport just shy of 2 hours early. The lines are longer than I thought they would be and there is only one person running security. Walking in line with a toddler for 45 minutes is not fun. We end up having to rush to get seated and don't have time to get any breakfast (which I was counting on) so we're hungry the entire flight.  As it turned out, the flight was packed and we got to sit next to a rough and smelly fellow in a velvet camo shirt. 

The first 30 minutes of the flight, James slept. The second hour he spent playing with the activities I brought and eating fruit snacks. The remaining 2 and a half hours were spent wailing and trying to get away.

We finally arrive to Detroit and realize that our terminal is like 2 miles away from baggage claim. I had checked the stroller with my luggage, so we walked and of course J. wanted to look at every shop we passed. 

Grampa Robert didn't know how to install the carseat, so I had to figure that out in the freezing cold Michigan wind.  I might add that this carseat was a big kid booster so I was paranoid that he was going to die the whole time.

We go and check out the new place, pick up supplies and start working on this huge mess in the basement.

one corner of the basement

Wednesday, Day 2:

Basement, basement, basement! 

James was helping and kept repeating, "trash, trash, trash!" all day.

Thursday, Day 3:

We are really rushed to finish the basement and finish packing the upstairs because tomorrow is moving day! It was stressful and after 10 or so trips in the car we were finally ready.

Friday, Day 4:

Moving day! The movers showed up bright and early and moved fast! By noon we only had a few things left in the Detroit house. 

We all take showers and Robert notices swelling in his right leg.  After a long discussion I end up taking him to the emergency room to get it looked at. The ER was scary. Crack heads EVERYWHERE.

9 hours later: He has a blood clot and is admitted to the hospital. Laura (my mother in law) had to come and get me because I had no idea how to get home.

We get to bed around 1am.

one of our many hospital visits

Saturday, Day 5:
The dumpster is dropped off and I start moving the huge heap in the basement up the stairs.  After I finished I was ready to die. It was such a long day and I am still recovering.

20 foot dumpster, filled to the max

The doctor's  also find another clot this day.

Sunday, Day 6:
Back to the Detroit house to finish cleaning. Back and forth to the hospital checking in. Unpacking the new place...by myself.

Monday, Day 7:
Robert is told he'll be able to leave on Tuesday.  More unpacking. At this point James is just irate and livid and unhappy with his current situation. He's bored and doesn't mind screaming for hours on end for no apparent reason.

Tuesday, Day 8: Robert is finally released from the hospital around noon. We run a few errands (pick up prescription, get a few things for the house, etc.) Afterwards we go to grandma and granpas so they can meet my little James. When we get home we notice swelling in the same leg and head to the ER in the ghetto this time. I wasn't allowed in the back at all this time, so James and I got to hang out with a bunch of sick people and crazies.  At one point a lady was screaming that the hospital owed her an ambulance ride home and was removed by security. And there is a ton of security at this hospital. Not only do you have to go through a metal detector, but there are like 5 guards at the doorway.

Anyway, it turned out to be nothing. His body has to adjust to having thinner blood is all--which apparently includes pain and minor swelling. So we got home late and I packed. 

Wednesday, Day 9: first thing in the morning we head to the airport to go home. Another packed flight with one free seat...right next to me. James was fairly good the whole flight. He spent a lot of time sitting on the floor playing with his cars and didn't start screaming until it was time to strap down for touchdown. He wanted to play on the floor still and had a temper tantrum. Everyone around me thought it was his ears. I just let them think that he was in pain vs. having a two year old moment.

tv wasn't hooked up so we watched the Pooh DVD we brought over and over and over and over and ....

if I were an animal person I'd get James a puppy since he had so much fun. Unfortunately for him, I'm NOT a dog person.

one of the nights we were there the moon was really huge. I can't really remember when, but James was in awe.

eating pizza in his rocking chair at the new place.

It was a long trip and I'm glad to be home. I'm still sick with a wicked cough and am beyond tired. James was thrilled to see his daddy and all of his toys again :)

Moving

This time it's not me! Woo Hoo!
I'm taking J. and going to Detroit tomorrow to help James' Grandpa C. move.  He has lived at his house for 12 years so it's going to be a big move.  I'm excited and terrified all at the same time.

Terrified:
of being alone with James on a plane for nearly 4 hours
of not being able to handle the luggage, the stroller, and the toddler
of freaking out because my toddler is so energetic and friendly (I sometimes wish he'd just be shy and stay by my side instead of just taking off!)
of not getting everything done in the one week that I'll be out there
of J. trying to be too clingy when I need to get things done
of messing up J.'s sleeping schedule
of failing to get J's ears to pop and dealing with screaming the whole way
of going to colder weather
of getting shot at by gangsta's

Excited:
to see Robert
to get out of Utah
that it's not me moving
to maybe get out a little bit while I'm there
for J. to meet Paul's family

I guess I have a lot of fears, but I'm sure we'll be fine and James will be my little trooper. See you in a week!