I’m in Vegas.

No, Larry and I are not renewing our vows in the Elvis Chapel and in fact, he and the little Pie are at home. I am attending the Shop.org conference to learn all about more effective ways to convert site visitors into paying customers and the boys are roughing it for 36 hours without Mommy.

The trip did not get off to the best start. Walker has not slept through the night for the past few days and I’ve had to reassure him of my presence multiple times to get him to drift off again. Then he developed some sort of rash originating on his tush and crept down the back of his legs to the bottom of his feet. It doesn’t seem to bother him at all and the nurse thinks it’s probably a small virus or a reaction to strawberries and recommended we give him Benedryl for two nights. In the hour it took me to get ready to leave at 4am, Walker woke up twice and was very upset that I was going to work. To top it off, my cab didn’t come after waiting 25 minutes and I left the house at 5:15 to make a 6am flight. Yes, I may have driven very quickly as I made it to the airport, parked and through security by 6:40. I did make things a bit easier on myself bringing only my work backpack with just a few clothing essentials and toiletries so I wouldn’t have to lug a bunch of stuff around. (In fact, I bring more to work than I did on this trip which has gotten me re-considering my daily packing routine.)

The rest of the day was uneventful. I arrived at the conference by 8:15 and was able to gobble down a quick breakfast before sitting in a series of presentations and chatting on the Expo floor. I chatted with Larry and Walker who had a wonderful and cheerful morning despite being a bit tired and I couldn’t resist but I called Sofiya to check in and Walker was painting away, unconcerned that Mommy was in Vegas having her own small separation anxiety attack.

Did I mention I was in Vegas? I think I’m going to come home smelling like a pack of cigarettes although I haven’t seen too many people smoking. Not sure how that happens but makes it even more icky.

The evening went well and Walker asked Larry a few times, “Where did Mommy go?” Anticipating this question, we made a small video on Larry’s phone for Walker to see when he missed me — I talk to him, encourage him to be a good team with Daddy, I throw him kisses and I deputized Bunny and Frog with Mommy powers. Despite missing me, Walker was asleep without incident by 8:30. By all reports, he slept well albeit restlessly, only waking once asking for me and going back to sleep after Larry gave him some juice and snuggled with him. Larry didn’t fare as well — not shutting his eyes all night because he wanted to stay in with Walker who performed his nightly “feet in the side” routine. I had a King bed to myself and stretched out across the whole thing — just because I could. While Larry found it hard to sleep with the feet in his side, I found it hard to sleep without them.

We had a nice chat on the phone this morning but Walker was starting to show signs that he really missed me. He was quiet in the car and when Larry asked what was wrong, he answered “I miss Mommy” and Sofiya called to say he’s fine and happy and laughing but periodically he tells her how much he misses me. She says I’m driving home to see him now and then they play as if they’re driving in the car to meet me.

I have a few more hours here and then will be jetting back home to see the little man right before he goes to sleep. I’m sure we’ll all sleep well tonight – with the probing feet back where they belong.