Crossing the Sea

Hubby has been offered a wonderful opportunity, and I am so excited for him--while a bit nervous for me and little guy.  His company asked him if he would like to interview for a temporary position overseas in China for 4-6 weeks.  After some discussion, we decided that he should apply for the position, and that Z and I would stay behind.  The thought of trying to travel on a plane with a wound-up 21 month old was enough to make me shudder, but two other things also stood out as reasons against--first, not knowing the language to try to explain that I can't have gluten and what foods might contain it (or reading something to check ingredients).  Second, my pregnancy.  When he applied, we were still waiting to see if I was pregnant or not, but on the chance that I was (and I was pretty sure of it then), my reasoning stood.  I'm terrified at the thought of being away from my doctor, not having one over there that I trust, and morning sickness in an unfamiliar place...just not happening.  So we discussed and he applied, and sure enough, they accepted him--only a few days after we found out we were expecting. :)

Since his acceptance, it seems like many things are caught up in a whirlwind.  Now he had to rush to get his passport expidited, and also go to the Chinese consulate for a work visa.  Why?  From the time that they said yes, he had about a week to prepare for this trip (he leaves this Friday in the afternoon, and will be returning December 15).  I had no idea how complicated things are!  He has had to travel to Houston twice already, and will be going again on Thursday.  The first time was to get his passport (he had to prove he needed it quickly to not have to wait 90 days), the second time to apply for his visa (we went with him that time--spent the night so he could get to the consulate as early as possible), and returns Thursday to pick up his visa.  Friday afternoon he is heading out...and between now and then, there is packing, getting organized, a trip to the regular doctor for any prescriptions...and he will be missing the first ultrasound Thursday morning while picking up his visa.  :(  I'm sad about that since the OB scheduled it before he left so he would get to hear the heartbeat, but the stars are just not lining up for that to happen.  At least he will get to see the ultrasound pictures before he leaves!

I'm really not too worried about myself with D leaving for a month.  However, Z is used to having both me and his dad around pretty much 24/7, seeing as D works from home 95% of the time.  The first time D went to Houston, Z yelled up the stairs almost all day trying to get his dad to "come down."  We have set up Skype accounts for both of us, D put on international calling, and we are going to set up a schedule so Z can talk to him in the evenings.  Hopefully this will make things a little easier. :)

All in all, I am excited for hubby's great opportunity, and I know everything will trun out great!  It'll be tough, but I am fortunate to have a lot of family close by (my parents and in-laws are in a three mile radius from my house!).  And when he gets home, he starts his holiday vacation--so we will make up for lost time!  :)