It’s Saturday morning and the entire Puzo Family has all successfully landed in Barcelona. The first to depart the states was Xavi, Ian and I
The alarm sounded at 4:30am on Monday morning and as quickly as you can (with 2 children), I scurried out the door with my left hand pushing the stroller and my right hand hauling a carseat. In the dark, we made it out the front gate of the condominium complex and into our taxi.
We met up with the entire team at the airport. Before I knew it, Xavi and Ian’s “aunts” had arrived and one at a time, they were taking Xavi on his favorite past time ride, escalators, helping me feed Ian his formula and getting him to sleep. And finally, they made sure that I had a teammate to help me at all times.
It might have been 20 hours of travel time. But, it was one of the easiest trips to date thanks to the group!
We arrived in Barcelona and were greeted by family (my in-laws). The boy’s grandma and great-aunt picked them up at the airport. I quickly explained to them all the tendencies of each kid. Xavi is a picky eater. His favorite foods are pasta, pizza and fruit. He likes milk before he falls asleep and sometimes wakes up scared at night. Ian drinks only formula and eats rice cereal twice a day. He sleeps on his back but normally rolls to his belly within minutes.
After the quick recap, I helped them into a cab, kissed my boys good-bye and watched them drive away, as Xavi was crying on the other side of the glass window. It was sad, ok very sad. But, I knew that they would have a great time. And, lets face it, my husband, Inako was arriving in just three days and I needed a little rest. It was time to focus on hockey and the games ahead.
The final Puzo to arrive was Inako. He flew from Ohio to Barcelona and successfully landed on Friday morning. After picking up our sons at his Mom’s house, he made his way west to Terrassa. He didn’t quite arrive in time to watch our second game, but he was there to give us all a hug afterwards.
With two games down and the whole family here, we are getting ready to start the official 4-nation tournament. Today is a day off. I am heading into the city to spend the first half of the afternoon with my boys and then back to our hotel to get my legs up and rest for Sunday’s game.
I am off to the train station and looking forward to some wonderful tapas for lunch with my family!
Until next time……
Keli Smith Puzo #13
The alarm sounds at 5:50am and I am jolted from bed. My adrenaline begins to rush, as I couldn’t be late for practice, yet I was up all night with a sick child. In fact, that was the second night in a row in which I saw 11pm, 12pm, 1:30am, 2:15am, 3:30….you get the idea.
On Sunday night, the pretext was an allergic reason to Ian’s medicine. It was not your typical allergy; swollen body parts or a rash. This reaction was nothing other then diarrhea.
It is not fun being a parent and changing diapers every hour but it is much worse when your helpless baby is crying in agony because his little butt cheeks are red, raw, and causing him so much pain that he can’t sleep. Ughhhh!
But, we made it. Morning came and with the help of Destin, he was beginning to feel better. His little cheeks still showed signs of discomfort, especially in those cute little rolls that wash over his butt like waves, but it was evident that he was not in too much pain.
The next night arrives and my goal was bedtime at 7pm. I desperately needed sleep and I was sure that the boys could use a good night’s rest too.
At 8:30pm, I was woken, not by an alarm but rather the sounds and smell of puke. Not just any puke but curdled milk and beans puke.
Yes, I bet you want to gag just reading it.
This time it was my little Xavi. And, a viral stomach bug was soon-to-be the reason for the sleepless night that was on the horizon. There we were, mother and her sick little boy. Every hour we were both awake, as my weak rag doll was throwing up.
I tried to place a bucket under his mouth, as I knew what was coming. But, he continually pushed it away. Rather then change the sheets and scrub the floor every hour, I just picked him up and stood in the bathroom with him. Eventually, he puked on my shoulder and fell right back to sleep.
Yes, you read it correctly! He puked on me. Time and time again! I guess that is what mother’s do for their children.
I would rip my shirt off, through it away and then return my sick little man to bed. Clean myself up and eventually crawl back under the sheets waiting for an hour to pass until it was time to repeat that same scenario.
Who would ever believe this story? Certainly not my friends/teammates because it is definitely something that only a parent would understand. I know that to be true because I can assure you if someone were to tell me this same story 3 years ago, I would think it was nuts.
When the alarm sounded at 5:50am, it was time to replace my motherly hat with the hat of an athlete training for the Olympics. For the next 8 hours it was about hockey. I was tired yet so happy that my boys were there with me (regardless of the past two nights) but I couldn’t wait to get back on the turf and take a little break from motherhood.
This scenario sounds normal for some working mom’s. But, as I drive to work (aka: national team training), I knew that the day is going to be physically exhausting. It also occurs to me that the events of the prior night are one’s that none of my teammates could truly relate with.
Then it dawns on me! I don’t “work” with any other parents.
For a split second, it was a very lonely feeling. When I arrived at the Chula Vista training center, I saw the faces of my friends and teammates and realized one thing. They might not truly apprehend but they care!
Looking back, I wish I had majored in Business Logistics. It appears that such a degree would highly benefit me at the moment.
The last few days have been packed with numerous logistical concerns; concerns about how to balance the life of a field hockey athlete with a team in San Diego and the responsibilities of motherhood with a family in Ohio. I would be lying if I said that my anxiety is not raised by merely typing such a sentence.
As my heart begins to pound harder, I remind myself that “where there is a will, there is a way.” At least, I will try to prove that old statement true.
Now, back to focusing on “the way.”
There are two solid facts that will not change in this equation. First, if I want to play, I have to dedicate myself to full-time residency in San Diego. Secondly, I have to see my kids. I struggle being away from them for two week and two months is simply not an option.
Many people tell me that they are too young to remember much. But, the reality is that I will remember and I will certainly not enjoy this process without them in my life. And, after all, it’s all about the process, right?
So many people have asked me how this will all work. The truth is, I am not 100% sure yet, but I will give you an inside look on some possible options.
First, I need to find a home in San Diego. Some place that I can unpack my bags and more importantly, allow my children to comfortably sleep at night. This is a short-term stay and I would prefer not to purchase new furniture for a five-month visit? So, my apartment criteria is; “furnished, short term.” Needless to say, this severely narrows my options.
Secondly, who is going to watch the kids while I am training all day? This factor has yet to be solidified. I have some wonderful options and need to get commitment from all parties involved. With a small budget, I am not able to hire someone full-time, but I am extremely lucky to have people in my life that are willing to help. All I can do is cross my figures that it all works out.
Thirdly, the flight arrangements need to be planned and orchestrated. This piece of the puzzle is more difficult. The boys will not be here all the time, so who is going to bring them west and who will fly them back east.
I am so grateful for a supportive and loving husband and amazing parents. Both parties are willing to do all they can to help put this puzzle together and I can assure you that I will add to their frequent flier miles over the next few months.
My Mom wants to fly out here and get the boys settled. My husband will have to fly back out and transport them east when necessary. And, so the story goes!!
And finally, I must ship the car…and don’t forget the car seats. I never thought I would say this, but I actually miss buckling the boys in their Peg Pergo seats right now.
So, there you have it. I brief glimpse into the logistical puzzle that has yet to be completely marshaled. I will keep you posted as all the pieces unravel and I certainly hope that you enjoy this crazy ride with me.
My best,
Keli
