Something in the Water

Welcome to New York

"I could get used to this private jet thing," Steph laughed, "how is it already mid March?"

I shook my head, "Time is flying by these days." I head released my album just a few days ago and it was climbing up the charts. I was headed to New York with Norah, Courtney, Stephanie and the kids. "I feel like it was just last week the single came out, then boom, here's the whole album."

"I really like it," she said, "it's different and so good. Your Ellen performance by the way, it gave me chills."

"Thank you. This week is going to be wild between morning shows and taping the late night shows..." I handed Stephanie the tablet with my itinerary. "Thank you for coming. I couldn't do this alone. Hunter's album is coming out in three weeks and he's going just as crazy doing promo."

"It's honestly a treat. I don't remember the last time I was in New York." She scrolled through my tablets chuckling, "You actually scheduled in downtime. Ohh we are going to Central Park?"

"Absolutely. I want to take the kids to the zoo."

We landed at JFK and drove into the city. I got an adjoined room for Stephanie, the kids and myself while Courtney and Norah shared across the hall. "Mom why couldn't dad come?" Easton asked as he searched through his bag for a sweater.

"Dad's is doing the same thing I am right now but in California." I kissed his head, "Sorry sweetie. If we could do it all together we would have but it just didn't line up." Stephanie helped me get the kids ready and out the door as we walked to find a bite to eat. "I remember coming here with my parents, gosh, I think I was twenty. My mom and I split a pretzel in the park. So salty." We found a place to eat and I enjoyed this little bit of downtime before the real whirlwind started tomorrow morning.

"Alright Jenna, after GMA we are going to Jimmy Kimmel," Norah smiled as I was getting my hair and make up done, "how are the kids?"

"They're good. Missing their daddy a bit." I smiled, "Norah mind getting me another macchiato? I feel like a zombie." Norah zipped out to get my a drink and my phone buzzed. Stephanie.

S: Can the kids watch your interview?

J: Yes. No problem.

"Welcome our next guest all the way from Nashville, Jenna Hayes!" Robins voice announced and the director pointed me on. The audience cheered and I grabbed a seat after hugging Robin. "So good to see you again Jenna, it has been a while!"

"Yes, oh my gosh. You look amazing." I smiled.

"As do you." She flipped her cue card, let's get right down to it. "You're in New York this week promoting your amazing new album, A Life That's Good, and you're here as a solo parent correct?"

"Yes I'm so excited about the new album, and I am here with the kids yes. Hunter is actually on the other side of the country this week but we have been doing a lot of face time. I'm really lucky to have my best friend helping me out."

"That's important. Your kids are older now, eleven, eight and six correct?" I nodded, "How are they handling growing up with two mega star parents? Do they understand your job?"

"It's all they've ever known, but Hunter and I strongly believe in the way we chose to raise our kids. They go to regular school, they have friends, they understand our jobs as we travel to sing to people." Robin nodded, "I guess I never imagined living this life. I've been so fortunate. We really remind our kids that we work hard because we want the best for them. Mommy and daddy have the same job but we don't always work together. I have my music, tour and events while Hunter has his. We definitely love the opportunities to tour and perform together, but that's not always the way it goes."

"You're wise beyond your years Jenna," Robin smiled, "we know very late last year you did your long awaited debut at the Grande Ole Opry. How was that?"

"It is the pinnacle of performing country music. It was an honour to be invited." Robin asked about the upcoming tour, my mother and the inspiration for the new album before we broke for an outfit change and an acoustic performance of A Life That's Good.

"Mommy we saw you on tv." Beckett said as he sat on the bed in his pj bottoms.

"Sweetie, where's your shirt?" I laughed, hugging the kids.

"It was a victim of breakfast." Stephanie said and she opened her arms for a hug. "We were glued to the tv - you did great."

H: Caught you on GMA. Awesome job xo

J: thanks! just got back from Jimmy  Kimmel. We miss you.

Hunter face timed the kids as we were getting ready to go to Central Park for the afternoon. "Tomorrow is Kelly and Ryan then Trevor Noah." I said as I swiped my debit card and the cashier handed me our tickets. We watched the seals perform tricks, the penguins swim and saw some baby alpacas. Scheduling time to do actual touristy New York things with the kids was not only fun but incredibly necessary. The week of shows, interviews and radio were behind us and we were heading back on the jet home.

"Will dad be home?" Beckett asked, looking up from his colouring book.

"No baby not yet. Dad will be home in a few days, but tomorrow Amy is going to bring Millie back home." Beckett sighed and turned his attention back to his book. I looked at Steph.

"Maybe he's just tired?" She shrugged.