Firstly, thanks to all of you for your concerned e-mails. It's so amazingly cool to know that if I don't write anything for a while, there are people who are actually concerned for my well-being. It means a lot to me. You people rock.
Anyway, speaking of rocking, the reason that I haven't posted in awhile is because the BossLady and I have been in the south of France for a week, attending the rock-star wedding of two of our closest friends. It was an absolutely amazing trip. Our days were spent walking along the beaches of the Riviera, wandering from port to port, basking in the Mediterranean sun, and eating luxurious 3-hour lunches all along the coastline. At night, we ate long dinners with friends, gambled in Monte Carlo or stayed up late into the night drinking wine.
We stayed at a beautiful hotel in St. Jean Cap-Ferrat, possibly the most beautiful port on the entire French Riviera. And the wedding was one of the most incredible celebrations I've ever attended. The ceremony and the reception party were held at Villa Ephrussi, the private Riviera estate and gardens of the Rothschild family. Guests for the wedding flew in from all over the world. It was seriously like a U.N convention. I think the guests who came the farthest were either from Singapore or Saudi Arabia. But most of the guests were either from California, Europe or Hong Kong. It was really an incredible collection of interesting people from around the world and I enjoyed not only seeing many old friends again but also making many new ones along the way.
But as great as the trip was, I really missed my daughter. We left her at home in the care of the nanny, my brother and my parents. She had a great time and was spoiled rotten by all her caretakers. Although I was a nervous wreck the first few days being away from her, I knew that she was in good hands and was having the time of her life. She's such an easy-going girl and has always been so independent and charming. That made leaving her at home a little easier.
I don't regret not bringing the Peanut on this vacation. BossLady and I needed the break. I've been running at a pretty high stress level at work for the past few months and I needed some time to decompress and maybe start thinking about a new career. Also, the traveling wasn't easy due to all the stopovers, time changes and multiple modes of transport. It would have messed with the Peanut's routine too much. But most importantly, I'm glad we didn't bring the Peanut so BossLady and I could have some much-needed time alone together sans enfant!
But man, I missed the Peanut. And despite the overall success of this vacation, I don't think I'll ever leave my little girl at home again. It was just too hard being away from her. There were times when I missed her with every fiber of my being. In the future, I want to incorporate her into my travels and expose her to the world out there. So from now on, no matter how tough it's going to be, I'm bringing her with me.
Because, for me, home really is where the Peanut is.
Man, this only confirms my belief that when I grow up, I want to be Metrodad. Welcome back, dude.
Posted by: Brent | October 11, 2005 at 01:33 PM
I'd settle to be the guy who carries metrodad's bags for him on all his travels. I bet he'd let me wear a really cool little cap and call him "guv-nuh."
Posted by: Dutch | October 11, 2005 at 01:57 PM
Welcome back, MD!
I'm glad you and the BossLady had a good time, but I know what you mean about being away from the chillun. By my third day in Chicago, Husband and I were ready to go home. We missed them so much we felt physically ill. It's so tough because the marriage needs some alone time, but the pull of the chilluns is so strong. Well, at least you and BossLady are set for a while!
Posted by: MIM | October 11, 2005 at 03:08 PM
Glad to hear that you and BossLady had a great trip. Welcome back! I'm so jealous. I've always wanted to go to the Riviera. Next time you go, can I be the travel nanny? Puh-lease!
Posted by: Melanie | October 11, 2005 at 03:29 PM
Welcome back, MD! Was starting to get worried there for awhile. Sounds like you two had a rocking good time.
Don't worry too much about leaving the Peanut alone at this age. It's going to be much harder in a year or two. They get very "clingy" and don't want to let you out of their sight!
Posted by: Alan | October 11, 2005 at 03:32 PM
Glad to hear you had a nice time. Of course we love our kids to death but it's healthy to take a short break every now and then. Perhaps so that you can do some work on Peanut #2....?
AD
Posted by: AdventureDad | October 11, 2005 at 03:36 PM
Holy crap! That villa is absolutely gorgeous!
Posted by: Melanie | October 11, 2005 at 03:37 PM
Welcome back; I'm glad you enjoyed yourselves! And I'm glad everything is all right (I was starting to worry too).
Are you going to post pictures?
Posted by: the weirdgirl | October 11, 2005 at 04:23 PM
I'm sooo jealous!
Posted by: Queen of Ass | October 11, 2005 at 04:28 PM
I'm jealous too. Sounds absolutely wonderful. Glad you're back safely though!
Posted by: Ellen | October 11, 2005 at 04:32 PM
MD-
Welcome back. Glad you had a great trip. I understand the descision to bring Peanut with you from now on. It's just to hard. Now I want ot go to France. Damm that Villa is nice, I want to live there.
Posted by: Melissa | October 11, 2005 at 04:54 PM
Wow, that sounds like a fabulous trip. I know what you mean about not wanting to leave the baby, though. I think my separation anxiety is much worse than hers. I could hardly stand to be away from her for even one night!
Posted by: lesbonstemps | October 11, 2005 at 05:06 PM
Glad to have you back and I'm sure the Peanut is too. =) BTW, I am jealous too. Looks absolutely beautiful.
Posted by: Nina | October 11, 2005 at 05:46 PM
Your trip sounded absolutely wonderful. Am just a little jealous.
It's nice that you were able to spend some alone time with your wife but I know what you mean about not wanting to leave your baby girl again. Maybe you can leave her behind when she's older. Like, 18 ;)
Posted by: Linda B | October 11, 2005 at 06:03 PM
phew. glad you're back. i wasn't exactly worried, but -- well, yes, i was worried.
the trip sounds divine - the kind of divine you read about in usweekly. so, jetsetting metrodaddy, not that you owe it to us, but next time you leave us hangin like that maybe hit us with a "light blogging ahead" sign. or perhaps something akin to "gone fishin (in monte carlo)"
welcome back, leader of one fabulous life. glad you and the bosslady are back where the peanut is (and that you got some pea-free time, too)
Posted by: bitemycookie | October 11, 2005 at 06:15 PM
riviera? saudi princes? um, i didn't know you were a celeb dad. can i tell my friends i know you?
Posted by: crazyvirgo | October 11, 2005 at 07:37 PM
Awesome. It was only about 3-5 years ago that my parents finally started going on vacations by themselves. My dad was (and still is) all about family vacations so I think it was kind of hard for him to go on the trip with just him and my mom (keep in mind that I'm in my mid-20's now and my siblings and I are all 2 years apart from each other). Anyway, I think it was good for him. He needs to be selfish once in awhile and just relax.
Posted by: enygma | October 11, 2005 at 09:14 PM
I started to worry about you. I forgot about the trip.
Posted by: Marty | October 11, 2005 at 11:08 PM
You are the original rock star daddy! Seriously, you're like this totally cool dude who also happens to be a very caring, sensitive and involved father. It's awesome. My wife and I are expecting our first child in a few months and we find your site to be totally inspiring. I hope to one day be a metrodad.
Posted by: Phil | October 11, 2005 at 11:27 PM
some friends of ours went on their first date post baby. It was all set up....dinner, a movie then out for some drinks.
During dinner they both looked at each other knowingly, got up and went home, told the baby sitter she wasn't needed.
Sometimes spending time with your kids is the best thing in the world, but on the other side of the coin, it is nice to have a break.
Posted by: Chocolate makes it better | October 12, 2005 at 02:27 AM
I just spent a weekend away from my kidlets AND husband, and the night before departing, I was a NERVOUS wreck. Like MIM said above, I physically felt ILL.
It's funny how you can long for downtime and peace and quiet from the kids. . .and when you get it, you want all the noise of a child-centered life back!
Posted by: Leslie | October 12, 2005 at 03:13 AM
Last year I got offered an all expenses paid 5 star press junket to Sri Lanka, partner included. So the three children got shunted off to their grandparents. On the second night another person in the party stepped up to introduce himself to us at the very moment my wife burst out in tears as she was missing the children so much. The man was too frightened to speak to us again for the whole trip. We'd said we'd never, ever leave them behind again ... but judging by their behaviour lately ...
Posted by: David | October 12, 2005 at 04:08 AM
I'm jealous too. Sounds like a fabulous trip. Welcome back!
Posted by: Lenorah | October 12, 2005 at 08:51 AM
I'll admit, when I travel w/o my kids I have to take pix of them with me to stare at everyday.
I'm still waiting for the library to call and tell me that "Saturday" has been returned. My progress on attaining the book was slowed by my inexplicable search for "September," which resulted in only a lot of results for Earth, Wind & Fire.
Glad you're back-
Anne
Posted by: Anne Glamore | October 12, 2005 at 09:23 AM
We all need a little break sometimes. Even if we do miss the little one. Plus, what a great opportunity to spend some, ahem, UNINTERRUPTED alone time with the BossLady.
Posted by: trb | October 12, 2005 at 11:42 AM
Sounds like a great trip! I'm always impressed with how you express the obvious love you have for your daughter without sounding like a Hallmark card...it takes some skill to be touching and cool at the same time.
Tell me honestly, though...looking outside today you've got to wish you were still in France...
Posted by: CroutonBoy | October 12, 2005 at 02:35 PM
what kind of friends do you have? i think that even in a group wedding of every single friend i've ever had in my life, we still wouldn't be able to afford that. but now i really want to stay in that hotel.
Posted by: Elsi | October 12, 2005 at 04:09 PM
I can't believe someone had the moolah to rent out that villa for an entire wedding! How awesome is that! Makes me wish I hadn't eloped. I'm so jealous!
Posted by: Rita | October 12, 2005 at 04:28 PM
sigh.... jealous.
Posted by: momz | October 12, 2005 at 08:36 PM
Wow! The wedding and the week itself sounded magical! I know you missed the Peanut, but that's a GOOD feeling to have. You and your wife needed some time away to recharge. But I also understand wanting to bring your little one with you. It will be better to travel with her when she is older. Welcome back!
Posted by: misfithausfrau | October 13, 2005 at 07:06 AM
Friends of ours are getting married in an Irish castle next month and we're bringing Duderoo (14mos.) I don't know whether to be excited or scared or both. You guys did the right thing. When she gets older, sees the photos and whines, you can tell her, "get your own rock star friends!"
Posted by: Xdm | October 13, 2005 at 09:01 AM
You were definitely missed, MD, but I'm glad you had a good time. And the drool hanging off my chin is not just because I'm envious of your time spent alone with your spouse, fyi.
Posted by: landismom | October 13, 2005 at 08:55 PM
I'm SO glad you got to have some time away. I know how hard that is, especially when you have a good and easy baby (like my first... I never felt the need to be away from her. Until she turned 11.)
Sounds like you had a wonderful trip although you're happy to be back with the Peanut. I can't believe she's almost one, either!!!
Posted by: panthergirl | October 13, 2005 at 09:48 PM
Uhm... So yeah, who are your friends again? Members of the mafia? Surely they are the only ones that can afford renting such a beautiful villa like that!
Oh, and it takes about 7 hours from Singapore or HK to Paris, so they're equally far. Done both flights, and now talking about this makes me wanna go back to Asia and just chill instead of studying for my exams!
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