[cathvash]

I may be there too, though not yet... I don't have a lot of options and am not decided whether to leave my child with my wonderful boyfriend (who is like her "Daddy" - very close), or try to take her with me.

One option I want to look into is taking a laptop along. I have heard that with Internet access you might be able to use the "eyeball-thingy" (don't laugh, you technocrats!) to make live calls each day, where you and your child can see each other as you speak. I don't know if it will help, or how well it works, but it seems more "connected" than the phone. -Perhaps someone else has better info. about this.

Another option is for them to join you in Moscow for the last ~week of the second trip. Gives you the benefit of one on one bonding with #2 first, and then bringing in #1. Many people have raved about staying in a home-like apartment where your family could join you. The time apart from #1 would be shortened considerably, but the stress of travel on #1, and the EXPENSE...

I am going to look at the books referenced above, and the daily notes/gifts sounds great. This is HORRIBLE. I can't imagine what it will be like to be apart from my "baby"!!!