Josie DeMaster: It's the final count down

We are finally in the home stretch. One final week (one that that includes a major holiday) stands between us and Josie. One would think that we would have bags packed and preparations completed... one would be wrong. Although, not a bad thing to have a list of preparations to keep us occupied during our final week.

Skype has provided us the continuity that we have needed with Josie. We have noticed a pattern with our time together. She starts out very happy and interactive, but toward the end she turns sad and clingy with Juanita. Friday it was very pronounced after she thought we were ending and she gave us a sad, "Ciao." I don't know if it's accurate or not, but it seems possible that she is sad about us going away. This possibility completely broke my heart.

This sad face is too much to handle.

Today was a wonderful turn of Skype-events. While we still noticed a little change in her mood (and a little pouty lip) she was generally happy and playful. I pulled off the biggest Mommy achievement of my career, an intercontinental parenting coup! Josie was flinging around Juanita's phone and wasn't keen on giving it up. I got her attention and showed her how to gently put it down on the the table - and she did it!