If you follow me on Instagram then you know my mom was here! I’ve been desperately needing an extra set of hands around here so my mom agreed to a last minute trip to Korea to help me while Alex was gone for a few weeks. I called it operation Grandma, save us! Alex’s work schedule has been insane. Between an upgrade, night weeks, TDY, base exercises, he’s never home. She got here just one day before Alex left and I immediately felt the relief. My mom is a Godsend, and that’s putting it lightly.
I know it is cliché to say “my mom is my best friend” but there really is no better way to put it. Especially as I get older, I become closer to my mom and more thankful for her and all that she does. She’s my number one supporter and the first person I turn to for advice. I know the kind of mother I want to be because of her. I never needed my mom more than in the first few weeks after having a baby.
PC: Forystek Photography
She arrived after the kids were in bed so we had her hide in the kitchen and surprise Owen when he got up the next morning. I got it on video and it’s a moment I’ll never forget and surely a hug my mom will never forget either.
We wasted no time cherishing our time together. When my parents were here in January after Della was born, we hardly left the house. This time the weather was gorgeous and getting out is much easier with Della so I gave mom a better taste of Korea.
We took a shopping trip to a nearby mall that has a Zara…all is right in my world again and we all have new adorable clothes.
We had lots of incredible food experiences! This berry pizza was absolutely amazing! And it was all in Korean in the picture so we are totally sure what was all on it. But man, I’m still craving it!
We ate lots of Thai food at our favorite Thai place and a delicious homemade pizza I pray I can make again.
And she got to practice eating with chopsticks!
Owen’s nanny Emo (means Auntie in Korean) was the best tour guide! She took us to E-Mart, a grocery store. She helped us pick up some traditional Korean foods to bring home, and then watched the kids while my mom and I did a little exploring. Emo is amazing and has been such a blessing to our family!
Emo also took us to her friend’s traditional Korean tea house. I’ve never seen any place like it here in Korea. The garden was spectacular and blooms were everywhere.
In Korean fashion, we sat on the floor, drank date tea (which tasted as delicious as it smelled) and ate gimbap.
We went to all our favorite coffee shops. Who knew Korea had such a passion for good coffee?!
There were multiple trips to Big Jump, Owen’s favorite kid cafe. It’s an impossibly clean place where kids can jump on trampolines and play and the adults can drink coffee and relax. You don’t even have to watch your kids if you don’t want to (but Owen always likes us to play with him). We also visited the library, and played outdoors as much as the weather permitted.
And of course there were lots and lots of snuggles and giggles!
We went to a nearby farm one very hot afternoon. They weren’t quite ready for the summer yet so a lot was still closed off but Owen thoroughly enjoyed the tractor ride (except for the part where he wanted to ride behind the John Deere tractor), water fountains, and viewing the animals from a safe distance (he’s currently a bit fearful of any and all moving furry being – it’s a phase). I have a feeling this place will be a lot more fun once it’s really up and running for the season.
Love my sweet babies!
After the kids went to bed, mom and I would enjoy a glass or two of red and an episode of Call the Midwife (great show, check it out on Netflix or PBS). I love having her here and all of the precious time she gets with the kids, but I also like spending time with her, just the two of us, like old times.
Last Friday, Alex got home from the two week TDY and we were able to meet him at the jet. Owen was so happy to have his daddy back and always loves an opportunity to see the Viper up close.
My mom watched both kids (not something just anyone can do, especially at bedtime) so Alex and I could get away for a few dates. One night we went to a Journey cover band concert (they were legit) and out on the town with friends from our squadron. It was much needed time together and a good time.
Soju is a very popular Korean beverage containing water and ethanol. Blech. I’m not sure what the hype is all about…I’d rather have a g&t, thank you very much.
While we were out my mom got the kids to bed and cleaned the entire house. She also did all the laundry during her almost three weeks here. My strong-willed toddler is just about all I can handle these days (I keep threatening to write a heartfelt post about that) and I can’t even begin to express how much help she was in so many ways.
In a tearful hug before she left yesterday, she reminded me that I can do anything (she tells me this all the time). As I dive into this week feeling quite alone with two sick kids, Alex’s 18 hour work days, and little to no sleep, I believed her. There is nothing more soothing than your own mother telling you that everything will be ok, am I right? I pray hard that someday Della and I have this relationship because the only way I can even begin to thank my mom for all she’s done is pay it forward.
The day she left was dreary and rainy, perfectly matching our moods. Owen started running a fever and hasn’t been sleeping well. Della wasted no time at all reminding me that she strongly dislikes her bouncy seat, swing, and any other place I put her to try to get something done. But my mom’s words resonate every time I feel overwhelmed by it all. I can do this! I love my mom and am already counting down the days until she can save us again!
xoxo
Carol says
So glad your mom could visit. Beautiful words you wrote