Dom and I just returned from The Edel Gathering, and there’s so much that I want to put into writing. To articulate. To keep forever. But I find myself savoring it. Holding it close, like a prized possession. Afraid that once I write it all down, I will fail to do my feelings and experiences justice.

I’m still processing all the truths and encouragements about my vocation, and will verbalize them when I have more than nap time. More than just-before-bed time.  Here’s my recap.

So, instead, here’s Edel as experienced by Dom.

Spoiler alert! There’s a lot of sleeping and eating, and barely any crying. Because he is seriously the most excellent travel baby. Ever.

Ok, well. We’re in the airport. Mom seems like she’s moving a little slow though… Kind of weighted down.

Flying! Yay! Thanks Southwest for letting us bring my carseat on board.

I should probably look at the pretty scenery. 

Or sleep. Sleep is good. Zzzzzz

Again with the backpack? Really? Does every mom look like this when they go to a cocktail party?… Coolest lady I know.

The clock says it’s midnight, but it’s only 10PM in my head. I think I’ll stay awake and be adorable. Neener, neener….

zzzz…

More zzzzz….

Good morning Texas State Capital! I think I’ll enjoy….zzzzz.

Oooh Mom is meeting Haley. Her favorite imaginary BFF. Hi Haley! I really like your post about…zzzzz.

Oh! I’m awake. And who are you? Mom’s own baby-holder. I’m a little skeptical. What are your credentials? Never mind. I love you.

Yay! It’s Heather! Hold me!

And we see Nell again! She’s our friend from the airport shuttle…zzzzz.

Hallie! You made this conference possible. I love you so much! So much I think I’ll… zzzzzzz.

And you too Christy! Mom loves your bl….zzzzz.

Cate! Tricia! Mom is so happy she met you ladies for real. And so grateful to Mary for introducing. They all wished you were here…zzzzz.

I really liked our new friend Suzanna, and Rose is just my type: Baby.

Wanna swim on the roof Mom? Ok, gimme a sec and I’ll just pass out here on this nest of towels. Zzzzzz…

Dancing! We’re dancing! So are all the other Moms, and some are wearing babies too! Do I hear karaoke? I don’t really know what the heck is going on…

But I think I’ll pass out before you take your next fangirl picture with Bonnie….zzzz…

New friends from Ohio! Sisters actually. Hey, will you ever bring my sisters to something like this? How about your sisters?

Mom, I saw that. Jen really is tall. Tall enough that you grabbed her butt, not her waist in this picture…

Good morning Mom! I slept through Mass, and now it’s time to pack. How about I just lay here, k?

Clouds that may cause some turbulence, eh Captain?

Don’t worry. I’ve got this: Zzzzzzz….

…

Seriously, you guys. Apart from some stiff shoulders and hips from wearing him for 48 hours, I have absolutely no complaints about traveling with this little guy. I even told him he could cry the whole way home and he would have earned it…

Last week I was starting to dread the logistics of attending a conference with a 4 month old. Even thinking about selling my ticket. Thank you Andy for encouraging me to go. And between Dom’s ridiculously chill nature and the incredible pro-baby feeling at Edel, I’d absolutely do it again. In a heartbeat.

More substance and less name-dropping (blog-dropping?) to come in the next post. Promise. However, probably more pictures involving that son of mine. I’m still waiting on the pics from our karaoke stint… He rocked it.