The first few days after Reid arrived back on land were a flurry of activity. The first three days were devoted solely to interviews, including two French magazines, two German media outlets and an NPR Radio and Good Day New York stints.  We average about one interview a day even three weeks after the big arrival.

Reid’s welcome back party was led by the band TSS Yukonaughtica who put on a great variety of performances. The highlight of the party, however, was when a troupe of young female dancers from the Isabella Duncan Dance Foundation took to the stage and 23 month old Darshen broke free of whoever was holding him to run straight into the midst of the dancers.  He pranced on his tippy toes, clapped his hands and tried to imitate the dancers as they gracefully flowed around him and incorporated him into their lovely dance.

It took a few days for Darshen to get used to being on the boat.  He wasn’t sure where he could go or what the rules were, but after the stream of visitors abated, he got his sea legs and began to make himself more at home. At first, Darshen looked at Reid as if to say, “Who are you?”  But Reid didn’t push too hard, letting Darshen get used to things at his own pace and his patience paid off.  Before a week had passed, father and son began to bond.  Darshen would repeatedly yell “Daddy!” from across the boat and Reid would yell back, “Darshen!”  Then Reid discovered a nice little park with green grass not too far from our dock.  He took Darshen to play ball and run around which just thrilled Darshen who furthered the game by making Reid pick him up and run laps around the park.  Reid seemed to find that equally fun to do.

Many people wondered what were the physical or emotional effects of Reid returning to shore.  He didn’t stagger when coming to shore or walk funny.  To the amazement of friends and family, he went right into the crowds of people and socialized as if he’d never left.  The only oddity we noticed was that his feet swelled up from walking, which he didn’t do much of at sea.  He found the swelling went down after jogging with Darshen in the park and now it isn’t even a problem anymore.

I’m glad Reid is back in one piece.  It was a bit of an adjustment for me too because we are functioning like a family with two people who have to work together as a parenting team.  It’s a learning process for both of us, but I’m beginning to see the advantages of having another person around to supplement and reinforce what I have to offer as a parent.  I think Darshen likes the new arrangement too, especially when he gleefully shouts, “Daddy run!” and takes off arms akimbo in a toddling sprint.

Now that we’re getting adjusted we will continue to post updates and photos as the Love Voyage begins a new chapter on land. Stay tuned!

Soanya