The Family *roll

We are back from the much warmer, if not actually warm, weather of South Carolina. We had a wonderful time. Bruce and Anne’s house is very relaxing and we were able to indulge in such activities as watching four straight episodes of the Golden Girls manly sports on Bruce’s new high-def TV and walking on the beach. We enjoyed excellent food, excellent wine and super excellent scotch (Bruce stocked up before my arrival). I spent most evenings in a lovely haze of Scotch drunkenness. Emily and I got away for some time on the driving range and in Beaufort where we visited a beautiful Church and graveyard which contains a grave of a British soldier killed during the revolutionary war. Very cool.

“But what about Eleanor?” you are asking. Over the past few weeks, there’s a new refrain around the *roll household: “Who are you? And what did you do with our baby?” In addition to being very happy while awake, Eleanor is becoming a better napper. And she is now an expert at putting herself to sleep. We must give credit where credit is due. When Lu was here some weeks ago she took Ellie in the morning so we could sleep. I carefully explained our ritual for putting Ellie down for naps: turn on The Current and bop around the living room until Ellie is sleepy (but not asleep). Then tiptoe upstairs and put her in the crib. Lu, who had knee-replacement surgery about two months ago (rightly) refused and tried a new, crazy method: when Ellie seems sleepy, take her upstairs, sing her a song, then put her in her crib. And with that, a new era was ushered into the *roll household: putting Eleanor down now takes two minutes as opposed to anywhere from 10 to 25 minutes (although Emily and I are now much less tuned into new Indie music).

But how would she do in South Carolina where she would have to sleep in a (gasp!) Pack n’ Play? We anticipated the worst. Much to our surprise, she didn’t bat an eye at her new sleeping arrangements and, in general, slept better in SC than she does at home. Ok, there’s not that much of a difference between a crib and a Pack n’ Play, fair enough. But what about a crib and the floor of Philadelphia airport next to a garbage can after 6 hours of travel? Behold:

In a display of mad parenting skills, Emily managed to get Eleanor to conk out (without breastfeeding I might add) in the people-passing, football game-blaring terminal. I actually asked the guy that replaces the garbage bags if he could come back later. I remarked to Emily that, after this successful effort, next time I want to see her get Ellie to asleep inside the garbage can. Then I’ll really be impressed.

The flights were largely painless, although traveling with a kid is, in general, totally exhausting — kudos to those of you have done it by yourself with multiple children (i.e. Aub and Lu hauling four children to South Africa. Total madness). Eleanor fussed a little on take-offs and landings, but was in good spirits or asleep during the bulk of the flights. Emily was a true champion, taking on the lion’s share of the Ellie-calming during the flights. I did my own bit by keeping my shit together during all the flights (including a very long and very bumpy landing in Philly) and not barfing once! So who’s the real hero in this story I ask you?