Jumping Back into life with Both Feet

My trip home from St.Lucia was smooth and uneventful. I read 2 books, watched a movie, and slept. For 29 hours of travel, it was amazingly smooth.

I arrived home at 8:30 am on Saturday, and at noon headed to the hospital for a doula client who was in labor. Katie had been with her for 12 hours, and I went up to help so Katie could have a few minutes at home and take her daughter to dance. I felt guilty for not just arriving home and having to go to the hospital, so Katie and I "tag teamed", taking 3 hour shifts with the mom. I was there for the final 6 hours--from 6 PM till midnight. The mom ended up having a 36 hour labor, and I was glad to have Katie to share the shifts with.

I slept for about 3 or 4 hours, then woke up, on St. Lucian time-I believe. It took me a while to go back to sleep. Typically when I hit the bed after a long birth, I"m OUT until sunrise. It is a 5 hour time difference between St.Lucia and home.

Coming home to the family on Saturday was wonderful. Patrick and the kids came to pick me up at the airport, and it was so fun giving stuey and nora little squeezes and hugs. They kept saying, "I love you, mommy". Patrick said that yesterday morning at 6 AM the kids went racing into his bedroom excited with squeals as they said, "mommy's coming home!".

The time away was very rejuvenating. I definitely went into it with the mindset of just enjoying the rest, and peace--which I did! Kodiak is cold and snowy, which is fun to come home to.

Zoya

Photos:
-Karen, myself and Mary Jane at lunch on our last day in St. Lucia...dessert! Coconut rum-cheesecake, coconut tarte....yum.
-Mary Jane, Karen and Jeremy atop Pigeon Island in St. Lucia.
-An interesting food find at the grocery store-1/4 lb veggie burgers!
-Going to the local market down town in Castries.
-One of my favorite dining experiences in St. Lucia-Dukes. A yummy outdoor grill spot where locals bring in the catch of the day and grill it right there! They serve marlin, tuna or durado with a side or rice topped with incredible garlic sauce. We ate there 2 times. In the photo is Karen and Jeremy's friend, Susan, as we waited for the fish.