I took great care this morning cleaning out our almost empty mayonnaise jar and refilling it with some vanilla yogurt so I could rave about this new "Mayo diet craze" I had heard about on the Internet (an April fool's joke on Paul) tonight at dinner.
As I sat at our dinner table, spooning "mayo" in my mouth, and telling Paul about it - hoping for a "oh my heck! Why are you eating that?!! Gross!!" reaction - he actually began asking me questions....
"How much weight are you supposed to lose? What's in mayonnaise? I would think you'd GAIN weight on a diet like that. So you want me to buy you a bunch of mayo then?" blah blah blah derp!
Epic FAIL.
Showing posts with label Paul. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Paul. Show all posts
4.01.2012
3.03.2012
Blast From the Past: Paul + Edith 2007
I was browsing my old blog posts and came across this post from when Paul and I were living in Memphis and before we had kids. We used to frequent Best Buy a lot as a past time. Enjoy!
http://edithannith.blogspot.com/2007/02/best-buy-blunder.html
http://edithannith.blogspot.com/2007/02/best-buy-blunder.html
3.02.2012
8.11.2011
08.11.11
When Paul got home, his last package from Aramex had arrived with computer parts, so he started to put together his computer. He built our other computer - he's really good at stuff like that. Madeline was really interested in helping him, so he tried to show her a few things and let her help him sort stuff. Then he realized he was missing a part of the mother board (possible left in NY or sent back with a previous case that was too small, so he returned it). That, along with all the tiny screws and Madeline all over the place sort of contributed to as loss of patience. He ended up having to call and order a new part so computer building is on hiatus for now.
Madeline and I did a glitter craft with glue and colored a bit. We played in her play room a while. Abigail did some playing and some sleeping during the day. She is doing really well with sitting up now. She loves attention and gets upset when we leave her alone. I am trying to get her to crawl, but she ends up just rolling all over the house. I find her in the funniest places if I leave her for a minute. So, she's not crawling, but she is moving!
It was a pretty laid back day. Paul was feeling ill so he napped a little. We watched some movies. We danced to some music. We ended the evening with some steak, rice, and salad and then watched a movie documentary called Babies. It was interesting. The girls are still sleeping with us. It's crowded in our huge (TINY) king-sized bed. Madeline is still coughing at night and wakes up asking for water. She is holding on to some snot and spit from her cold a few weeks ago. I am teaching her to spit out the "ickys," so I find gobs of spit in fun places.
I ended the evening staying up too late reading. I am currently reading "The Help" by Katheryn Stockett - a popular movie out in theatres right now. It's a great book. I look forward to eventually seeing the movie.
3.07.2011
Ah-Choo!
Since we've arrived in Saudi Arabia Paul and Madeline both have experienced some unpleasant reactions to the environment around us. Finally after about 9 months, we got the vents in our home cleaned (twice) and, eventually, the entire A/C unit was replaced because it was old and dirty. I think it helped a lot for that to happen, but Paul and Madeline still continued to experience congestion, watery eyes, and coughing and sneezing - especially when we were upstairs.
About a month ago Paul decided to go get some allergy testing done at the clinic here on camp and the result was that he is basically allergic to everything around us (dust, mold, grasses, flowers, etc.) - Everything but the cat! I found it to be hilarious that he was not allergic to kitty because usually people are allergic pets an their dander. He IS allergic to Dog dander though... weird. Anyway, it's a good thing for Kitty.
So, with proof that Paul has allergies, we were able to get our carpet replaced with wood flooring. It was an interesting 4 days, frustrating, but I won't complain because it was all for free. This company accomodates you with anything you need and usually in a reasonable amount of time. We are truly lucky and blessed to be here.
I think it has really helped a lot with the allergy problem, and although we cannot completely eliminate every little tiny thing we are allergic to, at least life in our house will be a little more comfortable. And isn't that was your home should be?? *Smiles*
2.14.2011
Happy Valentines Day!
I *love* Valentines Day. I am already reminded every single day how much I love my husband when I look into the beautiful eyes of our children and wake up to the elegant enchantment that is our life together... but it's still nice to be reminded how important and how simple LOVE really is. How important the everyday, little things really are and how much they mean.
I am so in love with my girls. They are so beautiful and they teach me so much about life and love.
I LOVE you Paul... I will always love you forever and ever and ever. You make everything better and make my world more colorful...
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| picture from http://www.flickr.com/photos/kyuen13 |
I am so in love with my girls. They are so beautiful and they teach me so much about life and love.
I LOVE you Paul... I will always love you forever and ever and ever. You make everything better and make my world more colorful...
2.13.2011
Mevec Family Amendments
How can it already be the middle of February?
Madeline Olivia - Madeline is an amazing kid and she is doing so well as a big sister. She loves Abigail, constantly trying to kiss her and hold her hand. She loves to sit with her and talk to her. She regularly calls her "sweetheart" and asks if she can hold her. Even at the age of 2 she is a lot of help. I made the decision before Abigail was born to try my best not to turn Madeline into my little errand runner, but she actually gets upset if I don't let her go get Abigail a new outfit or a diaper. She loves to help, and actually I think it is a good thing because it teaches her to serve others and also how important it is to work together as a family.
Nighttime has changed a lot. The end of December introduced us to illness with Madeline and she has had a really hard time letting go of it. It's almost like she is making up for her babyhood (Madeline was never sick as a little baby). She started with an ear infection. They put her on an antibiotic for a week (that was a lot of fun... trying to get her to take it), but it didn't seem to help. When we took her back for her check-up they said she still had slight redness but it should go away on it's own. She pulled at her ears at night for another week or so and then it was over and onto a new problem... the coughing. One night she had a croupe-like cough, which eventually turned into a regular, deep, gagging cough. At first she had the runny nose, low-grade fever and tired feeling that accompanies a cough. As time has gone on, all those other symptoms have disappeared - except for the cough. She STILL, even today, has at least one cough attack at night. So basically, my little girl has been coughing for two months. Paul and I wonder if maybe it has become a habit or a learned behavior at this point or maybe it's a subconscious emotional thing because of the new baby. When she does cough, it seems like she can't control it. She even tries NOT to cough. It's annoying. The point of this entire paragraph and why I brought it all up is - she has learned some things and changed because of the illness thing...
1. She covers her mouth when she sneezes and coughs and is very good at using tissues now. This is a huge plus in my book.
2. She wants to sleep in her OWN BED now. We started having her sleep in her room (with Paul) when it all started because we didn't want Abigail getting sick at such a young age. Every night now she gives me kisses and hugs and tells me she is sleeping in her room and I need to sleep in mine. Then she looks at Paul and says, "come on Dad." That is the only stipulation - he has to go with her and STAY all night or the deal's off. In the meantime, I get my bed to myself - NOT a horrible thing at all. I would like Paul there with me, so that is what we are working on now... getting him back.
Madeline is doing well with potty training. She pees in the morning and when she takes a bath. She pees when we change her clothes and before bed. And recently, she has been telling me BEFORE she poops that she has to poop. Now, this doesn't mean she wants to poop in the potty, but she knows what she is doing and it is just a matter of time before she will decide she is done with diapers. That's how it has always been with her... when she makes the decision it's time.
We're working hard on helping Madeline learn her ABCs. I cut out the entire alphabet and taped the letters to our wall in the hallway. Sometimes, when we walk down the hall, we sing the alphabet and point to the wall. Sometimes she is not interested in doing it, but I try to make it fun. If it looks like I am having so much fun it's ridiculous, she wants to do it to. We also bought the Leapfrog Letter Factory movie and we watch it at least once a day. I even walk around the house singing the little song they sing for each letter...very catchy. The movie is good because it teaches the letter and the sound the letter makes, and it actually keeps her attention.
Me & Paul - Paul, my gallant conquistador, is the hardest working man I know. He's also very sexy and he smells really really ridiculously good. He doesn't even wear collogne. The month he was on "vacation" here at home he took such wonderful care of us. He made us dinner all the time, made sure Madeline was happy, changed diapers, cleaned, went grocery shopping... it never ends. Honestly, he does all this stuff all the time even when he is not on vacation and he did it before his vacation. I need to be better to him. His needs are simple. I really need to take better care of him.
When he has a chance, he tries to get to the gym. His plan is to wake up at 5am. He actually makes it a lot of the time, but sometimes, when the nights are rough (Madeline has a couple cough attacks for example) and he doesn't get the sleep he needs, he might not make it that day. He loves exercising when he can do it, and it's an inspiration to me.
I just got the 6 week "okay" from my OB doctor yesterday. This means I can actually start exercising if I want to. I have been walking every once in a while, but nothing that actually makes a difference. And with the portion sizes I usually eat (of foods that are not so good for human beings) the little walking I have been doing doesn't do much. This sweet baby had a different effect on my body than my first pregnancy. After Madeline I immediately lost all my pregnancy weight and then some. I looked really good after I had her. With The Abster? I don't know that I have ever seen so much blubbery jiggle before in my life. I saw a picture of myself on the couch with the girls the other day and I could not believe how wide my thighs were. I am one of those ladies. The ones with the pretty smile, the wide thighs and the big ass. I wonder at times if I have any muscle at all. We now have Abigail trained to take a bottle of pumped breastmilk so truthfully, I have no excuse not to get out to the gym or attend an exercise class.
Other than being tired all the time (we're working on it) I feel pretty great. I love having two girls, but it can be stressful. I am learning that I am not really the patient person I thought I was and I need to work on it. Madeline gives us a workout in patience everyday. She is constantly ignoring our demands and not doing what we say. She actually goes out of her way to do the opposite of what we say at times. She is in time out a lot. She is a really great little kid though and we have so much fun with her.
We don't really get out much. We've been a bit secluded since we arrived here and we hope to get out and meet more people this year and get more involved in the plethora of available activities here on camp. I guess it's just the phase of life we are in right now. Having a newborn and a two year old sort of limits what you can do. There is so much we want to do. We're really looking forward to travelling when our time finally comes (this year it begins). We're also realizing and focusing on the fact that although we are meeting nice people here and gaining some good friends, our main purpose for coming here was to better ourselves and our family. We need to take better care of ourselves... of each other. And unlike most people in the world, we actually have the opportunity to do it! I would feel like an ungrateful, horrible person if I didn't take advantage of this opportunity.
We are truly blessed and life pretty much rocks to the core. *Smiles*
Abigail Lily - The newest member of our family is doing beautifully at this thing called life. She is a successful baby in all areas. She eats well and at her one month check up had already gained about 3 pounds going from 8.6 lbs to 11.4 lbs. She sleeps well and for long periods of time, just not at the right time - we're still working on that. She's been smiling and laughing in her sleep occassionally, and just a couple of weeks ago started purposefully smiling at her momma. I spend lots of time speaking in high-pitched tones telling her I love her and singing her songs because that seems to be what brings out the grin. She also likes when I go "Oh!" really fast like I am really really surprised at something. It's that irresistable-type smile babies do when they open their mouth and then the most addicting, sweet coo/sigh comes out. And what's even more irresistable is that Abigail has some dimples - one in each little chubby cheek.
Abigail loves taking baths, but hates, hates, hates getting dressed and undressed. She also loves to be held and will most assuredly fall asleep if you carry her around with you around the house. I took her out on a walk with a friend in the baby carrier the other day and she LOVED that. I think her eyes may actually be blue but it's still hard to tell. She is beautiful and sweet and we are having so much fun with her in our lives.
Madeline has been going to playschool every Saturday, Monday, and Tuesday. I drop her off at 8:30 am and pick her up at 11:00. She has never cried. The first day she looked at me a little hesitantly like, "Um, where do you think you are going?" But she went right in and she is the same way every time I take her. She also seems to really like the ladies at the playschool, which makes me feel really good. You can tell a lot by how a child acts around an adult and after only a week of playschool she was running to these ladies.
We've just started back to playgroups here on camp. We quit going for the last few weeks before Abigail was born and of course after she was born because I didn't want to expose her to the outside world just yet. Right now we attend playgroups on Sundays and Wednesdays. I may cut it down to once a week - I am still trying to decide. There are a bunch of other things I would like to do and I really want to get the girls on a regular schedule/routine. I think most of the ladies/kids in our playgroups attend both days so we should still be able to see all our friends.
Nighttime has changed a lot. The end of December introduced us to illness with Madeline and she has had a really hard time letting go of it. It's almost like she is making up for her babyhood (Madeline was never sick as a little baby). She started with an ear infection. They put her on an antibiotic for a week (that was a lot of fun... trying to get her to take it), but it didn't seem to help. When we took her back for her check-up they said she still had slight redness but it should go away on it's own. She pulled at her ears at night for another week or so and then it was over and onto a new problem... the coughing. One night she had a croupe-like cough, which eventually turned into a regular, deep, gagging cough. At first she had the runny nose, low-grade fever and tired feeling that accompanies a cough. As time has gone on, all those other symptoms have disappeared - except for the cough. She STILL, even today, has at least one cough attack at night. So basically, my little girl has been coughing for two months. Paul and I wonder if maybe it has become a habit or a learned behavior at this point or maybe it's a subconscious emotional thing because of the new baby. When she does cough, it seems like she can't control it. She even tries NOT to cough. It's annoying. The point of this entire paragraph and why I brought it all up is - she has learned some things and changed because of the illness thing...
1. She covers her mouth when she sneezes and coughs and is very good at using tissues now. This is a huge plus in my book.
2. She wants to sleep in her OWN BED now. We started having her sleep in her room (with Paul) when it all started because we didn't want Abigail getting sick at such a young age. Every night now she gives me kisses and hugs and tells me she is sleeping in her room and I need to sleep in mine. Then she looks at Paul and says, "come on Dad." That is the only stipulation - he has to go with her and STAY all night or the deal's off. In the meantime, I get my bed to myself - NOT a horrible thing at all. I would like Paul there with me, so that is what we are working on now... getting him back.
Madeline is doing well with potty training. She pees in the morning and when she takes a bath. She pees when we change her clothes and before bed. And recently, she has been telling me BEFORE she poops that she has to poop. Now, this doesn't mean she wants to poop in the potty, but she knows what she is doing and it is just a matter of time before she will decide she is done with diapers. That's how it has always been with her... when she makes the decision it's time.
We're working hard on helping Madeline learn her ABCs. I cut out the entire alphabet and taped the letters to our wall in the hallway. Sometimes, when we walk down the hall, we sing the alphabet and point to the wall. Sometimes she is not interested in doing it, but I try to make it fun. If it looks like I am having so much fun it's ridiculous, she wants to do it to. We also bought the Leapfrog Letter Factory movie and we watch it at least once a day. I even walk around the house singing the little song they sing for each letter...very catchy. The movie is good because it teaches the letter and the sound the letter makes, and it actually keeps her attention.
Me & Paul - Paul, my gallant conquistador, is the hardest working man I know. He's also very sexy and he smells really really ridiculously good. He doesn't even wear collogne. The month he was on "vacation" here at home he took such wonderful care of us. He made us dinner all the time, made sure Madeline was happy, changed diapers, cleaned, went grocery shopping... it never ends. Honestly, he does all this stuff all the time even when he is not on vacation and he did it before his vacation. I need to be better to him. His needs are simple. I really need to take better care of him.
When he has a chance, he tries to get to the gym. His plan is to wake up at 5am. He actually makes it a lot of the time, but sometimes, when the nights are rough (Madeline has a couple cough attacks for example) and he doesn't get the sleep he needs, he might not make it that day. He loves exercising when he can do it, and it's an inspiration to me.
I just got the 6 week "okay" from my OB doctor yesterday. This means I can actually start exercising if I want to. I have been walking every once in a while, but nothing that actually makes a difference. And with the portion sizes I usually eat (of foods that are not so good for human beings) the little walking I have been doing doesn't do much. This sweet baby had a different effect on my body than my first pregnancy. After Madeline I immediately lost all my pregnancy weight and then some. I looked really good after I had her. With The Abster? I don't know that I have ever seen so much blubbery jiggle before in my life. I saw a picture of myself on the couch with the girls the other day and I could not believe how wide my thighs were. I am one of those ladies. The ones with the pretty smile, the wide thighs and the big ass. I wonder at times if I have any muscle at all. We now have Abigail trained to take a bottle of pumped breastmilk so truthfully, I have no excuse not to get out to the gym or attend an exercise class.
Other than being tired all the time (we're working on it) I feel pretty great. I love having two girls, but it can be stressful. I am learning that I am not really the patient person I thought I was and I need to work on it. Madeline gives us a workout in patience everyday. She is constantly ignoring our demands and not doing what we say. She actually goes out of her way to do the opposite of what we say at times. She is in time out a lot. She is a really great little kid though and we have so much fun with her.
We don't really get out much. We've been a bit secluded since we arrived here and we hope to get out and meet more people this year and get more involved in the plethora of available activities here on camp. I guess it's just the phase of life we are in right now. Having a newborn and a two year old sort of limits what you can do. There is so much we want to do. We're really looking forward to travelling when our time finally comes (this year it begins). We're also realizing and focusing on the fact that although we are meeting nice people here and gaining some good friends, our main purpose for coming here was to better ourselves and our family. We need to take better care of ourselves... of each other. And unlike most people in the world, we actually have the opportunity to do it! I would feel like an ungrateful, horrible person if I didn't take advantage of this opportunity.
We are truly blessed and life pretty much rocks to the core. *Smiles*
1.21.2011
Update: We Are Still Alive
It has been an exhausting 3 weeks, but it has been great. We are in love with our little family.
Abigail Lily - The Abster is adjusting well to life outside the womb. She is a healthy newborn in every aspect of the word. She nurses a lot - some days it feels like that's all I do - and we've already been spit up on and pooped and peed on several times. I find myself comparing my experiences with Abigail to my times with Madeline but regularly being surprised that things are different. I also find myself calling Abigail by her sister's name a lot. Madeline looked a lot like Abigail does when she was a newborn (comparison blog coming soon). Still, there are definite differences.
Abigail is a very sweet, mellow baby and really enjoys just looking around at her world when she is not sleeping. She loves to be held by her mommy (yay). She smiles a lot and makes funny noises when she stretches that sound like she is laughing really hard. We all get a kick out of it. She is quickly learning a slight case of impatience because, unfortunately, she has had to wait for feedings at times because Madeline is also in the picture.
Abigail sleeps most of the day and loves to be awake at night. I call it "womb-lag." She did the same thing when she was in my belly - her most active times were at night. Because of this, I sleep at wierd times and in spurts, often eating breakfast at lunchtime and so on and so forth. This is normal for a new baby - I know - but I am sure looking forward to a regular schedule again.
At 3 weeks old, we are having issues with snot and sneezing. I think Abigail caught a little cold from her sister. But the nasal suction bulb is working wonders (I had no idea boogers that big could come out of such a little person!!) and I am hoping she will be over it soon. I am starting to realize that a huge part of having little kids is dealing with illness and that those big yellow boogers and I are going to be good friends for many years to come.
Madeline Olivia - Mads is doing well with adjusting to having a new sister, but she is definitely not too happy with sharing her Mommy. She loves to hold Abby, and often asks to give her hugs and kisses. She talks to her a lot (calling her "sweetheart and honey") and wants to sit by her and help me with changing diapers, etc. Paul and I have made it a point to emphasize to Madeline how much we love her and to make her feel a part of everything and loved. Despite this, she still has her moments, which we expected.
Unfortunately Madeline has had a cold on and off for the past several weeks and it recently got worse so we have been trying to keep her away from the baby and trying to emphasize the importance of clean hands and covering our mouths when we sneeze or cough. Trying to teach these things to a 2 year old is not the easiest thing in the world and Madeline often appears to have hurt feelings. She also spends a lot of time on the floor just laying there in rebellion.
Paul has been sleeping with Madeline in her room for the past several nights, but I still end up in there if she has a cough attack or wakes up crying because she wants her mom.
This is something that has been the hardest adjustment for me... not being able to BE THERE for both of my girls at the same time. I often find myself day dreaming that I could split myself into two. I cannot nurse Abigail and cuddle and love my sick Madeline. Both have had to wait it out at different times and it seriously tears me apart (HA! I wish cause then there WOULD be two of me). Especially with Madeline because I see her face and can tell she is hurt by it all.
Despite her recent bouts with ear infections and cough attacks, Madeline has had a lot of inbetween healthy moments and we are trying to keep her busy. She loves going on walks and often ends up down the street with her friend Kiersten playing at the playground. She has been attending playschool now for a little over a week (she missed the last one due to her cold) and she LOVES it. I think it makes her feel really special and she likes being with all the other kids.
I also signed Madeline and myself up for a kindermusik class being given here on camp but we missed the first class because of Madeline being sick. I hope we can make it to the next class.
Paul a.k.a. SUPERMAN - I am continuously reminded of how lucky I am to have this man as MY husband. From the moment he started his "vacation" on December 27th, he has worked hard to make sure we are all happy. He has made dinner a million times; he takes care of Madeline a lot - feeding her breakfast, getting her dressed, taking her on walks or outside to play, taking her to the doctor, playing with her, and dancing with her; he is so amazing and I am so overwhelmed with love and appreciation for him. I feel bad that Paul's vacation from work has been more work than relaxation.
I have noticed an even tighter bond forming between Paul and Mads (of course this makes sense) and I am glad he is there for her. He is very protective of Madeline and her feelings. She even calls for him sometimes when she wakes up now. Our bond (mine and Paul's) has been tested a lot with all the stress and lack of sleep we are having, but no matter how crazy psycho freakish I get, he still loves me, kisses me, hugs me, and wants to take care of me. Sometimes I just don't understand it, then I remember this guys actually loves me. This is LOVE. And I am one lucky chick!
Edith (yours truly) - This delivery has been so universally different from my first delivery that at times, even shortly after having Abigail, I didn't even feel like I'd had a baby. Because the delivery was so fast there was less swelling and because I didn't have any serious injury (tears) healing has been quick. From day one I was rearing to go. I have been reminded by my body that I, in fact, DID have a baby though and need to take it easy.
The day I got home from the hospital I passed a clot that was the size of a baseball. It scared the hell out of me so Paul and I dropped Madeline off at a friends house and went to the ER. They were thorough (we were there several hours) and we were examined by three different doctors and blood tests and ultra sounds were done. All leading to the conclusion that I was okay - no abnormal labs or bits and pieces of things that shouldn't be there inside - and I just needed to go home and rest.
My lack of sleep, combined with emotional roller coasters and hormonal adjustments, has made me a bit of a wreck - the first week or so after the baby was born especially. There were often times I would just start crying for no reason or for a reason that made no sense. I think I scared Paul and Madeline and I am deeply irritated and saddened about that. I've been so tired at times I literally have FALLEN asleep, but I have gotten a lot better, and with proper sleep, can be quite a nice person.
For the first week after having the baby I was suffering from the chills at night. I would be just fine and then I would get this tingle in my left boob that would spread all over my body and I would shake uncontrollably... Paul got good at applying socks, loading piles of blankets on top of me, and then cuddling me until I was warm (AGAIN, what a freaking amazing man!). I thought I might have an infection from nursing/engorgement because I did have a low-grade fever and HOLY HELL did the engorgement when I first started nursing hurt like a mother! But, after a few days, it passed and I had no other signs of infection. Oh, and thankfully, the nursing experience has gotten much nicer and we have adjusted to each other nicely.
I have been seriously overwhelmed by the concern of our new friends here. The women in this community where we now live are so unbelievable. Several of the mommies I have gotten to know through playgroups got together and organized a schedule to deliver meals to our family until the beginning of FEBRUARY. Not just a week... we are talking meals every couple days or so for an entire month... and it has been so wonderful to not have to worry about making dinner while we adjust to life with two. Chicken teriyaki lettuce wraps, noodle salads, brownies, cookies, a roast with potatoes and carrots, lasagna, shepherd's pie, chicken and dumplings, delicious salads, homemade bread... the deliciousness goes on and on and our hearts and swelling with grateful compassion for these sweet spirits - some perfect strangers to us - who have taken the time out of their busy, family-filled days, to care about us.
It will take some time, but I have faith in myself that I can do this. I can love these two little girls and this man who I have been blessed with in my life the way they should be loved. I can serve them and teach them and be the Mommy/Wife I have always wanted to be. We are doing really well. We are blessed. We are happy and I KNOW we will be just fine.
To all those family and friends out there who we haven't called yet - I'm so sorry. We have been meaning to call or skype or even email you, but there is always something going on around here and when there isn't? We're usually asleep. So please, KNOW that we love you and please be patient with us. We can't wait to talk with you and see you and share our new little one with you... and thank you for loving us.
Pictures and fun stuff coming soon!
Abigail Lily - The Abster is adjusting well to life outside the womb. She is a healthy newborn in every aspect of the word. She nurses a lot - some days it feels like that's all I do - and we've already been spit up on and pooped and peed on several times. I find myself comparing my experiences with Abigail to my times with Madeline but regularly being surprised that things are different. I also find myself calling Abigail by her sister's name a lot. Madeline looked a lot like Abigail does when she was a newborn (comparison blog coming soon). Still, there are definite differences.
Abigail is a very sweet, mellow baby and really enjoys just looking around at her world when she is not sleeping. She loves to be held by her mommy (yay). She smiles a lot and makes funny noises when she stretches that sound like she is laughing really hard. We all get a kick out of it. She is quickly learning a slight case of impatience because, unfortunately, she has had to wait for feedings at times because Madeline is also in the picture.
Abigail sleeps most of the day and loves to be awake at night. I call it "womb-lag." She did the same thing when she was in my belly - her most active times were at night. Because of this, I sleep at wierd times and in spurts, often eating breakfast at lunchtime and so on and so forth. This is normal for a new baby - I know - but I am sure looking forward to a regular schedule again.
At 3 weeks old, we are having issues with snot and sneezing. I think Abigail caught a little cold from her sister. But the nasal suction bulb is working wonders (I had no idea boogers that big could come out of such a little person!!) and I am hoping she will be over it soon. I am starting to realize that a huge part of having little kids is dealing with illness and that those big yellow boogers and I are going to be good friends for many years to come.
Madeline Olivia - Mads is doing well with adjusting to having a new sister, but she is definitely not too happy with sharing her Mommy. She loves to hold Abby, and often asks to give her hugs and kisses. She talks to her a lot (calling her "sweetheart and honey") and wants to sit by her and help me with changing diapers, etc. Paul and I have made it a point to emphasize to Madeline how much we love her and to make her feel a part of everything and loved. Despite this, she still has her moments, which we expected.
Unfortunately Madeline has had a cold on and off for the past several weeks and it recently got worse so we have been trying to keep her away from the baby and trying to emphasize the importance of clean hands and covering our mouths when we sneeze or cough. Trying to teach these things to a 2 year old is not the easiest thing in the world and Madeline often appears to have hurt feelings. She also spends a lot of time on the floor just laying there in rebellion.
Paul has been sleeping with Madeline in her room for the past several nights, but I still end up in there if she has a cough attack or wakes up crying because she wants her mom.
This is something that has been the hardest adjustment for me... not being able to BE THERE for both of my girls at the same time. I often find myself day dreaming that I could split myself into two. I cannot nurse Abigail and cuddle and love my sick Madeline. Both have had to wait it out at different times and it seriously tears me apart (HA! I wish cause then there WOULD be two of me). Especially with Madeline because I see her face and can tell she is hurt by it all.
Despite her recent bouts with ear infections and cough attacks, Madeline has had a lot of inbetween healthy moments and we are trying to keep her busy. She loves going on walks and often ends up down the street with her friend Kiersten playing at the playground. She has been attending playschool now for a little over a week (she missed the last one due to her cold) and she LOVES it. I think it makes her feel really special and she likes being with all the other kids.
I also signed Madeline and myself up for a kindermusik class being given here on camp but we missed the first class because of Madeline being sick. I hope we can make it to the next class.
Paul a.k.a. SUPERMAN - I am continuously reminded of how lucky I am to have this man as MY husband. From the moment he started his "vacation" on December 27th, he has worked hard to make sure we are all happy. He has made dinner a million times; he takes care of Madeline a lot - feeding her breakfast, getting her dressed, taking her on walks or outside to play, taking her to the doctor, playing with her, and dancing with her; he is so amazing and I am so overwhelmed with love and appreciation for him. I feel bad that Paul's vacation from work has been more work than relaxation.
I have noticed an even tighter bond forming between Paul and Mads (of course this makes sense) and I am glad he is there for her. He is very protective of Madeline and her feelings. She even calls for him sometimes when she wakes up now. Our bond (mine and Paul's) has been tested a lot with all the stress and lack of sleep we are having, but no matter how crazy psycho freakish I get, he still loves me, kisses me, hugs me, and wants to take care of me. Sometimes I just don't understand it, then I remember this guys actually loves me. This is LOVE. And I am one lucky chick!
Edith (yours truly) - This delivery has been so universally different from my first delivery that at times, even shortly after having Abigail, I didn't even feel like I'd had a baby. Because the delivery was so fast there was less swelling and because I didn't have any serious injury (tears) healing has been quick. From day one I was rearing to go. I have been reminded by my body that I, in fact, DID have a baby though and need to take it easy.
The day I got home from the hospital I passed a clot that was the size of a baseball. It scared the hell out of me so Paul and I dropped Madeline off at a friends house and went to the ER. They were thorough (we were there several hours) and we were examined by three different doctors and blood tests and ultra sounds were done. All leading to the conclusion that I was okay - no abnormal labs or bits and pieces of things that shouldn't be there inside - and I just needed to go home and rest.
My lack of sleep, combined with emotional roller coasters and hormonal adjustments, has made me a bit of a wreck - the first week or so after the baby was born especially. There were often times I would just start crying for no reason or for a reason that made no sense. I think I scared Paul and Madeline and I am deeply irritated and saddened about that. I've been so tired at times I literally have FALLEN asleep, but I have gotten a lot better, and with proper sleep, can be quite a nice person.
For the first week after having the baby I was suffering from the chills at night. I would be just fine and then I would get this tingle in my left boob that would spread all over my body and I would shake uncontrollably... Paul got good at applying socks, loading piles of blankets on top of me, and then cuddling me until I was warm (AGAIN, what a freaking amazing man!). I thought I might have an infection from nursing/engorgement because I did have a low-grade fever and HOLY HELL did the engorgement when I first started nursing hurt like a mother! But, after a few days, it passed and I had no other signs of infection. Oh, and thankfully, the nursing experience has gotten much nicer and we have adjusted to each other nicely.
I have been seriously overwhelmed by the concern of our new friends here. The women in this community where we now live are so unbelievable. Several of the mommies I have gotten to know through playgroups got together and organized a schedule to deliver meals to our family until the beginning of FEBRUARY. Not just a week... we are talking meals every couple days or so for an entire month... and it has been so wonderful to not have to worry about making dinner while we adjust to life with two. Chicken teriyaki lettuce wraps, noodle salads, brownies, cookies, a roast with potatoes and carrots, lasagna, shepherd's pie, chicken and dumplings, delicious salads, homemade bread... the deliciousness goes on and on and our hearts and swelling with grateful compassion for these sweet spirits - some perfect strangers to us - who have taken the time out of their busy, family-filled days, to care about us.
It will take some time, but I have faith in myself that I can do this. I can love these two little girls and this man who I have been blessed with in my life the way they should be loved. I can serve them and teach them and be the Mommy/Wife I have always wanted to be. We are doing really well. We are blessed. We are happy and I KNOW we will be just fine.
To all those family and friends out there who we haven't called yet - I'm so sorry. We have been meaning to call or skype or even email you, but there is always something going on around here and when there isn't? We're usually asleep. So please, KNOW that we love you and please be patient with us. We can't wait to talk with you and see you and share our new little one with you... and thank you for loving us.
Pictures and fun stuff coming soon!
8.07.2010
He Is Thirty-Three Today.
He loves meHe loves his children
He wants the best for us and proves it every day
He works hard at everything he does
He's cuddly and he likes to kiss
He smells good
His smile and laugh are like heaven
He is a great cook
He is handsome
I could go on and on and on...
Talk about being the luckiest duck in the universe!
Happy Birthday Babe!! We love you so much!
8.01.2010
Girls, Girls, Girls
Yesterday was my 18 week ultra sound. It was an interesting experience - a little different from having an ultra sound in the States. I asked Paul to come along, so Madeline and I picked him up from work about 30 minutes before my appointment.
We waited almost an hour when I finally went up to the desk and asked what was going on. They were calling several women back who had arrived after I did and it was getting annoying. As soon as I made a tiny fuss, they immediately came and got me.
I told the woman who was taking me back that my husband and daughter were also with me and that I wanted them to come back. I felt like it was important for him to be there when we found out if it was a boy or girl and important for him to see the baby. She refused to let Paul come to the first part of the scan. Again, I told her I was more comfortable if he were to come back for the entire visit. She kept saying, "We don't normally allow the husband to come back at first, but he can come back at the end to see the baby". She also said they want to get all their measurments and pictures done before Paul comes back because he would probably have so many questions! Yeah right, Paul doesn't ever ask any questions. And I'm sorry, but if someone told him to hold all questions until the end, he would. He's not an idiot.
I could see absolutely NO reason for him not being able to come back. This particular ultra sound technician was wearing the traditional head scarf, but her face was not covered, so it wasn't like that was a problem.
After some annoyed faces and light debate, we gave in and Paul and Madeline stayed outside while I went with the girl. It took about 30 minutes for them to get all of their measurments. I didn't even get to see the baby on the scanner until the end when Paul and Madeline did.
When they were finally able to come back the US tech showed us the baby's face, her crotch(It's a GIRL!!), her legs, her spine, her feet, her heart and other organs... it was so fun. The baby was moving like crazy and during part of the scan she started to suck her thumb. Madeline kept pointing at the picture and saying, "baby! baby!" and opening her mouth and eyes really wide and gasping - it was perfectly adorable!
They didn't give us any pictures - also annoying to me - but the tech said that in a few days we could come back and pick up a copy of the CD they made. So I am going to try and get one when I go for my next appointment on the 4th of August.
Everything looked great and measured they way it should. She is strong and adorable and we are so excited that our attempts to multiply and replenish the Earth are working out so well. My new, and official due date, is December 31st, 2010!! We are SO EXCITED to meet our sweet little girl.
We waited almost an hour when I finally went up to the desk and asked what was going on. They were calling several women back who had arrived after I did and it was getting annoying. As soon as I made a tiny fuss, they immediately came and got me.
I told the woman who was taking me back that my husband and daughter were also with me and that I wanted them to come back. I felt like it was important for him to be there when we found out if it was a boy or girl and important for him to see the baby. She refused to let Paul come to the first part of the scan. Again, I told her I was more comfortable if he were to come back for the entire visit. She kept saying, "We don't normally allow the husband to come back at first, but he can come back at the end to see the baby". She also said they want to get all their measurments and pictures done before Paul comes back because he would probably have so many questions! Yeah right, Paul doesn't ever ask any questions. And I'm sorry, but if someone told him to hold all questions until the end, he would. He's not an idiot.
I could see absolutely NO reason for him not being able to come back. This particular ultra sound technician was wearing the traditional head scarf, but her face was not covered, so it wasn't like that was a problem.
After some annoyed faces and light debate, we gave in and Paul and Madeline stayed outside while I went with the girl. It took about 30 minutes for them to get all of their measurments. I didn't even get to see the baby on the scanner until the end when Paul and Madeline did.
When they were finally able to come back the US tech showed us the baby's face, her crotch(It's a GIRL!!), her legs, her spine, her feet, her heart and other organs... it was so fun. The baby was moving like crazy and during part of the scan she started to suck her thumb. Madeline kept pointing at the picture and saying, "baby! baby!" and opening her mouth and eyes really wide and gasping - it was perfectly adorable!
They didn't give us any pictures - also annoying to me - but the tech said that in a few days we could come back and pick up a copy of the CD they made. So I am going to try and get one when I go for my next appointment on the 4th of August.
Everything looked great and measured they way it should. She is strong and adorable and we are so excited that our attempts to multiply and replenish the Earth are working out so well. My new, and official due date, is December 31st, 2010!! We are SO EXCITED to meet our sweet little girl.
7.27.2010
Mary Gets A Big Girl Bed.
Since we are expecting another child to emerge from my womb in the next little while we decided that once our furniture arrived here in Saudi, we would use the crib for the new baby and we would get Madeline her own big girl bed. Let's be honest, it wasn't a hard thing convincing Madeline not to sleep in the crib. I think she has probably slept in that crib a total of 8 times her entire life.
We went several places here in Khobar but none of the "toddler beds" seemed right for Madeline or for what we wanted to do with her room. Also, all of the beds came with an awfully thin and uncomfortable mattress. Paul thought Madeline should have the comfort we have in our heavenly bed, so he made a trip to the Seely store and got Madeline her own twin mattress and box springs. It comes with legs you can screw into the bottom, so we decided a frame wasn't really necessary. For now Madeline is just sleeping on the mattress and boxsprings. We will add the legs when she gets a little taller.
The mattress was delivered on Sunday and although her room wasn't quite ready, some innate part of me felt compelled to get her in that bed as soon as possible. So, the first night it was here we tried it out.
Now, at the fault of our weakness to cute chubby baby Madeline - her hugs, and kisses, and "mommy" and "daddy" pleading - we have been naughty parents and we have allowed Madeline to sleep with us pretty much since she was born. She is a sweet, cuddly warm little girl and it has been nice having her right there to look at and cuddle with. It hasn't been so nice having her lay across my neck, or lay horizontal in the bed with her feet in my back, or have her wake up in the middle of the night and slam her head into my face. I don't think co-sleeping is a horrible thing, but after almost 2 years of it, it is just time for a change. Of course it was going to be hard for Madeline, and for us.
After brushing our teeth, reading stories, and lots of hugs and kisses we said good night and left the room. The first night wasn't so great. Madeline screamed as loud as her little lungs could belt. She was doing that cry breathing thing. I am sure she felt abandoned and scared, which ripped my heart to shreds, but it had to be done! She also, lately, likes to see if she can get the other parent to do what she wants if one of us is not cooperating. So I was the bad guy and pleads for "daddy" were unending. The screaming and getting up and running down the hall lasted for about 25 minutes until I gave into Paul's suggestion to go lay by her until she fell asleep.
I brought her a drink of water, which she gulped down like she hadn't had a drink for years, and it didn't take long for the little munchkin to drift off to sleep. She only woke up ONE time, which was pretty darn great for a first night!
So last night we did the same thing, but this time we stayed with her until she was asleep. She only woke up one time, again. But this time she wasn't crying. I heard a very faint, very quiet, but disturbed "Ohhh Noooo!" coming from her room. So I went quietly running down the hall and Madeline's legs and butt were on the bed but her head and arms were hanging off the side of the bed. It was so hilarious to me at that moment, being half awake and stunned, that I fell into one of those quiet laughs where you can't stop and the tears just run down your cheeks. I could not get over it! Well, I did eventually, but it was really funny to me.
So I got her comfortable again and I pushed the mattress up against her dresser and put a chair on the other side. We may have to change the direction of the bed and put it up against a wall until she can stop doing Mary Lou Retton routines in her sleep.
Now, if Paul and I can just remember what it was like to sleep in the same bed without a child. It's funny, the past couple of nights we have started together, enjoying the cuddling and the spooning - yes we spoon and it is exquisite - but when it comes right down to getting comfortable, Paul rolls one way and I roll the other. There is still this huge void in the middle of the bed. So, we have some reprogramming to do.
We have already decided that none of our future children will ever sleep in our bed. Ever!
After brushing our teeth, reading stories, and lots of hugs and kisses we said good night and left the room. The first night wasn't so great. Madeline screamed as loud as her little lungs could belt. She was doing that cry breathing thing. I am sure she felt abandoned and scared, which ripped my heart to shreds, but it had to be done! She also, lately, likes to see if she can get the other parent to do what she wants if one of us is not cooperating. So I was the bad guy and pleads for "daddy" were unending. The screaming and getting up and running down the hall lasted for about 25 minutes until I gave into Paul's suggestion to go lay by her until she fell asleep.
I brought her a drink of water, which she gulped down like she hadn't had a drink for years, and it didn't take long for the little munchkin to drift off to sleep. She only woke up ONE time, which was pretty darn great for a first night!
So last night we did the same thing, but this time we stayed with her until she was asleep. She only woke up one time, again. But this time she wasn't crying. I heard a very faint, very quiet, but disturbed "Ohhh Noooo!" coming from her room. So I went quietly running down the hall and Madeline's legs and butt were on the bed but her head and arms were hanging off the side of the bed. It was so hilarious to me at that moment, being half awake and stunned, that I fell into one of those quiet laughs where you can't stop and the tears just run down your cheeks. I could not get over it! Well, I did eventually, but it was really funny to me.
So I got her comfortable again and I pushed the mattress up against her dresser and put a chair on the other side. We may have to change the direction of the bed and put it up against a wall until she can stop doing Mary Lou Retton routines in her sleep.
Now, if Paul and I can just remember what it was like to sleep in the same bed without a child. It's funny, the past couple of nights we have started together, enjoying the cuddling and the spooning - yes we spoon and it is exquisite - but when it comes right down to getting comfortable, Paul rolls one way and I roll the other. There is still this huge void in the middle of the bed. So, we have some reprogramming to do.
We have already decided that none of our future children will ever sleep in our bed. Ever!
7.13.2010
Segregated Tissue
One of the most interesting things about living here in Saudi Arabia is adjusting to the Saudi custom of segregation. A lot of offices, banks, and universities outside the compound have separate entrances for men and women. Segregation is particularly strict in restaurants, since eating requires removal of the veil that Saudi women wear over their faces. Most restaurants in Saudi Arabia have "family" and "male-only" sections. Women have to sit in the family section if they are alone. Even McDonalds has seperate places at the counters where women can order their food, and separate sitting areas.
I remember thinking it was annoying, when Madeline got that sticky thing stuck in her ear and we took her to the ER, that Paul had to sit in a seperate waiting room from Madeline and I until we were called back. There are a lot of customs here that I do not agree with, but there is also a lot I have not learned about yet and so I don't feel like I can honestly argue about it right now. That is another blog for another day. I know that many of the laws here are deeply rooted in tradition and religion, and that a lot of the women here actually agree with them.
I know here in the Aramco compound some rules that normally apply to women here in Saudi have been changed to fit Western culture so that those Western families who come to work here can be a tiny bit more comfortable. Like women being able to drive and wear their normal (conservative) clothing. Though, we are asked to be respectful of the customs as much as we can be because there are some Saudi families living here. Still, all that blocks us from the real laws are a few security gates and some barbed-wire-covered brick walls.
Anyway, not to get to serious about it now, I just had to point out this box of tissue Paul bought at the store this past week, which made me think about it all...
We've been sick and went through all the tissue we had in the house, so Paul went out and bought a 4-pack of tissues at the commissary here in the compound. He had no idea when he bought it that is was "Kleenex for Men," but I had a good time teasing him about it. Did he feel more manly after blowing his nose with this tissue as opposed to the tissue in the teddy bear box we had been using? Did he want try opening that stubborn jar of pickles for me now? Carve a roast? Possibly kick someone's butt? Or sharpen that worn down pencil with a knife?
I remember thinking it was annoying, when Madeline got that sticky thing stuck in her ear and we took her to the ER, that Paul had to sit in a seperate waiting room from Madeline and I until we were called back. There are a lot of customs here that I do not agree with, but there is also a lot I have not learned about yet and so I don't feel like I can honestly argue about it right now. That is another blog for another day. I know that many of the laws here are deeply rooted in tradition and religion, and that a lot of the women here actually agree with them.
I know here in the Aramco compound some rules that normally apply to women here in Saudi have been changed to fit Western culture so that those Western families who come to work here can be a tiny bit more comfortable. Like women being able to drive and wear their normal (conservative) clothing. Though, we are asked to be respectful of the customs as much as we can be because there are some Saudi families living here. Still, all that blocks us from the real laws are a few security gates and some barbed-wire-covered brick walls.
Anyway, not to get to serious about it now, I just had to point out this box of tissue Paul bought at the store this past week, which made me think about it all...
We've been sick and went through all the tissue we had in the house, so Paul went out and bought a 4-pack of tissues at the commissary here in the compound. He had no idea when he bought it that is was "Kleenex for Men," but I had a good time teasing him about it. Did he feel more manly after blowing his nose with this tissue as opposed to the tissue in the teddy bear box we had been using? Did he want try opening that stubborn jar of pickles for me now? Carve a roast? Possibly kick someone's butt? Or sharpen that worn down pencil with a knife?
6.21.2010
Weekend In Bahrain
This past Thursday/Friday we spent a night in Bahrain. Our main purpose for the trip was so we could get our multiple exit/entry visa's stamped because you have to use them in so many days once you get them. So we didn't plan a whole lot this time around, but we had fun being together and just getting away.
Paul drove our car, which was really nice, instead of us taking a taxi. A lot of people in the camp here will take a taxi to Bahrain. I really dislike depending on someone else for transportation and it is so much nicer to just be able to go somewhere when you want to.
So we made the drive to Bahrain. A little about the country for those of you who don't know...
Bahrain is a small island country in the Persian Gulf (or Arabian Gulf to most around here). It is connected to Saudi Arabia via the King Fahd Causeway. It is known for it's oil and pearls. There are a ton of very tall skyscrapers with, what I found to be, amazing architecture. There is a whole bunch of information on this place. One paragraph I found on Wikipedia that I thought was a good description of why people from here go there often was this: "Bahrain is sometimes described as "Middle East lite" because it combines modern infrastructure with a Persian Gulf identity and, unlike other countries in the region, its prosperity is not solely a reflection of the size of its oil wealth, but is also related to the creation of an indigenous middle class. This unique socioeconomic development in the Persian Gulf has meant that Bahrain is generally more liberal than its neighbours. While Islam is the main religion, Bahrainis have been known for their tolerance, and churches, Hindu temples, Sikh Gurdwara and a Jewish synagogue can be found alongside mosques. The country is home to several communities that have faced persecution elsewhere." Pretty neat!
That's enough of a lesson for today.
So this is a couple pictures I took as we crossed the causeway. I didn't get very good pictures because we were moving fast and I was hanging out in the backseat with Mads.
I thought this was interesting... there was a McDonalds at the beginning of the causeway and then at the end of it after you got through customs. That place is friggin' EVERYWHERE!!
I was a bit hesitant to stay where we did, only because it was so expensive, but Paul has a couple friends here who recommended it and we felt like it would be fun to splurge a little - since it was just one night. So we stayed at the Ritz Carlton. It. Was. Nice.
As soon as we got there, a man took our bags. We were distrustful at first cause, hello!, who is this guy taking our bags away from us before we even enter the hotel? Yeah -he had a badge on and a nice smile, but what was he really up to? So he took our bags - we wanted to keep up the hoity toity image... "oh yeah, we stay here all the time... we're rich."
We had spent a few hours at the Seef Mall in Bahrain before checking into the hotel because check-in time was after 3:00 pm, so Madeline was put out and had falled asleep on our way to the hotel. As we entered The Ritz a woman came running up to me and with a desperate tone said,
"Ma'am, Ma'am, please come sit down while your husband checks in... please, and can I get you some water? Something to eat? A pillow for your precious sleeping baby?"
"Um, sure! That would be great!"
Paul drove our car, which was really nice, instead of us taking a taxi. A lot of people in the camp here will take a taxi to Bahrain. I really dislike depending on someone else for transportation and it is so much nicer to just be able to go somewhere when you want to.
So we made the drive to Bahrain. A little about the country for those of you who don't know...Bahrain is a small island country in the Persian Gulf (or Arabian Gulf to most around here). It is connected to Saudi Arabia via the King Fahd Causeway. It is known for it's oil and pearls. There are a ton of very tall skyscrapers with, what I found to be, amazing architecture. There is a whole bunch of information on this place. One paragraph I found on Wikipedia that I thought was a good description of why people from here go there often was this: "Bahrain is sometimes described as "Middle East lite" because it combines modern infrastructure with a Persian Gulf identity and, unlike other countries in the region, its prosperity is not solely a reflection of the size of its oil wealth, but is also related to the creation of an indigenous middle class. This unique socioeconomic development in the Persian Gulf has meant that Bahrain is generally more liberal than its neighbours. While Islam is the main religion, Bahrainis have been known for their tolerance, and churches, Hindu temples, Sikh Gurdwara and a Jewish synagogue can be found alongside mosques. The country is home to several communities that have faced persecution elsewhere." Pretty neat!
That's enough of a lesson for today.
So this is a couple pictures I took as we crossed the causeway. I didn't get very good pictures because we were moving fast and I was hanging out in the backseat with Mads.
I thought this was interesting... there was a McDonalds at the beginning of the causeway and then at the end of it after you got through customs. That place is friggin' EVERYWHERE!!
I was a bit hesitant to stay where we did, only because it was so expensive, but Paul has a couple friends here who recommended it and we felt like it would be fun to splurge a little - since it was just one night. So we stayed at the Ritz Carlton. It. Was. Nice.
As soon as we got there, a man took our bags. We were distrustful at first cause, hello!, who is this guy taking our bags away from us before we even enter the hotel? Yeah -he had a badge on and a nice smile, but what was he really up to? So he took our bags - we wanted to keep up the hoity toity image... "oh yeah, we stay here all the time... we're rich."
We had spent a few hours at the Seef Mall in Bahrain before checking into the hotel because check-in time was after 3:00 pm, so Madeline was put out and had falled asleep on our way to the hotel. As we entered The Ritz a woman came running up to me and with a desperate tone said,
"Ma'am, Ma'am, please come sit down while your husband checks in... please, and can I get you some water? Something to eat? A pillow for your precious sleeping baby?"
"Um, sure! That would be great!"
So I sat and relaxed while Paul checked us in. Our room was small, but very nice. The bed was sooo comfortable. So I layed Madeline down and we checked out the place. There were TONS of little trinkets for us to take home - a toothbrush kit, a shaving kit, bottles of water, a shower cap, q-tips, bath salts, soaps, shampoo, lotions... for the price we paid I would hope they were free. I took them. I guess we will find out.
I thought this was impressive... "Welcome Mr. Mevec" woo hooo...
The view from our room... HELLO? Gorgeous!
Although the view was great and the swimming pool VERY inviting, it was getting late and we wanted to have some dinner. We also thought it would be fun to take Madeline to her very first movie in a movie theatre. She LOVES Shrek 1 and Shrek 2 - we watch it probably every day - so we decided to try and take her to see Shrek 4. Unfortunately, that night, we got there too late. So we played at the mall some more, had some dinner, and planned on seeing the movie the next day before we came home.
We had a lot of fun at the Mall, and actually spent most of our time there. We didn't get to see all of Bahrain or even go into the City Center where there are a lot of fun things to do - a plan for next time I guess.
We had ice cream and hamburgers with bacon - which didn't taste that great to me and I am not sure if it was just me cause everything tastes like crap since I have been pregnant or if it really wasn't good - and chicken nuggets and cookies and a whole heap load of bad-for-you foods.
The Seef Mall
Madeline had a great time riding all of the kiddie rides at the mall...
And Madeline and I had fun climbing this huge netted climbing thing with slides and cushions and tunnels.
Paul took Madeline on the Future Train and almost threw up it was so fast and exciting - just kidding. Madeline had a good time on it though. It basically went in a circle about 10 times through a tunnel.
The next day we woke up when we were ready - I LOVE sleeping in - and then had some breakfast in the lounge at the Ritz. It was awesome. They had a huge selection of stuff. It was really good. As we were checking out Madeline entertained several people standing at the front. She gave all of them five, pointed at the elevators and jumped, and one of the guys went and got her a little stuffed lion, upon receiving she quickly did a great big roar - she won their hearts in a moments time and then we were off.
We actually made it to the movie. Madeline had a lot of fun running around the theatre and dancing to the theatre music before the movie started and she loves popcorn. She probably made it through the first 30 minutes of the movie and was ready to leave. She threw a lovely tantrum, which wasn't that bad and I wasn't too embarassed about it because there were only maybe 8 other people in the theatre. Paul immediately picked her up and took her outside before I could move an inch. He's really a good Dad.
I thought they'd be outside for a few minutes but they were gone quite a while.
So I went out looking for them. They were no where to be found so I went back in and watched the movie by myself. They didn't get back until the very end of the movie, literally right before the credits. So that was disappointing, but I liked the movie so that was good.
After the movie we had some lunch at a buffet restaurant in the mall called The Rendevouz. I thought for sure, being a buffet, they would have a good selection of foods that my picky little family would enjoy, but it was mostly foreign foods. Strange salads and mushy looking dips; strange meats we have never tried; and really weird desserts. They did have one bin of french fries and one bin of some penne looking creamy pasta - so that's what we had for lunch. They also had some soft serve ice cream, so Paul had some of that. I guess we need to be better about trying new things since we live in a new country now, but none of us were in the mood this time. All Madeline wanted for lunch was gum - my bad for giving her a little piece once - now she is obsessed with it. So she threw another exciting tantrum in the restaurant shortly after we arrived. We weren't there long.
We made a quick stop to see what they had at the Toys R Us in Bahrain. I wanted to see if they had any children's bikes since the selection here in Saudi for big wheels and tricycles is not very good. Unfortunately they didn't have much. We did pick up a cute little stroller and some bubbles, and then we were off, back home to Saudi Arabia.
All in all it was a nice trip. We had a good time together and we were able to get away for a while, which I am learning is really important here. We will definitely venture back to Bahrain soon to check out the rest of the place and have some more fun.
Part of what I really enjoy about living over here is that you really can find a lot of familiar things if you look for them, but at the same time there is this unknown culture all around us. WE are the minority... WE are the ones with the accents and who get stared at. Such a humbling experience.
I thought this was impressive... "Welcome Mr. Mevec" woo hooo...
The view from our room... HELLO? Gorgeous!
Although the view was great and the swimming pool VERY inviting, it was getting late and we wanted to have some dinner. We also thought it would be fun to take Madeline to her very first movie in a movie theatre. She LOVES Shrek 1 and Shrek 2 - we watch it probably every day - so we decided to try and take her to see Shrek 4. Unfortunately, that night, we got there too late. So we played at the mall some more, had some dinner, and planned on seeing the movie the next day before we came home.We had a lot of fun at the Mall, and actually spent most of our time there. We didn't get to see all of Bahrain or even go into the City Center where there are a lot of fun things to do - a plan for next time I guess.
We had ice cream and hamburgers with bacon - which didn't taste that great to me and I am not sure if it was just me cause everything tastes like crap since I have been pregnant or if it really wasn't good - and chicken nuggets and cookies and a whole heap load of bad-for-you foods.
The Seef Mall
Madeline had a great time riding all of the kiddie rides at the mall...
And Madeline and I had fun climbing this huge netted climbing thing with slides and cushions and tunnels.
Paul took Madeline on the Future Train and almost threw up it was so fast and exciting - just kidding. Madeline had a good time on it though. It basically went in a circle about 10 times through a tunnel.
The next day we woke up when we were ready - I LOVE sleeping in - and then had some breakfast in the lounge at the Ritz. It was awesome. They had a huge selection of stuff. It was really good. As we were checking out Madeline entertained several people standing at the front. She gave all of them five, pointed at the elevators and jumped, and one of the guys went and got her a little stuffed lion, upon receiving she quickly did a great big roar - she won their hearts in a moments time and then we were off.
We actually made it to the movie. Madeline had a lot of fun running around the theatre and dancing to the theatre music before the movie started and she loves popcorn. She probably made it through the first 30 minutes of the movie and was ready to leave. She threw a lovely tantrum, which wasn't that bad and I wasn't too embarassed about it because there were only maybe 8 other people in the theatre. Paul immediately picked her up and took her outside before I could move an inch. He's really a good Dad.
I thought they'd be outside for a few minutes but they were gone quite a while.
So I went out looking for them. They were no where to be found so I went back in and watched the movie by myself. They didn't get back until the very end of the movie, literally right before the credits. So that was disappointing, but I liked the movie so that was good.After the movie we had some lunch at a buffet restaurant in the mall called The Rendevouz. I thought for sure, being a buffet, they would have a good selection of foods that my picky little family would enjoy, but it was mostly foreign foods. Strange salads and mushy looking dips; strange meats we have never tried; and really weird desserts. They did have one bin of french fries and one bin of some penne looking creamy pasta - so that's what we had for lunch. They also had some soft serve ice cream, so Paul had some of that. I guess we need to be better about trying new things since we live in a new country now, but none of us were in the mood this time. All Madeline wanted for lunch was gum - my bad for giving her a little piece once - now she is obsessed with it. So she threw another exciting tantrum in the restaurant shortly after we arrived. We weren't there long.
We made a quick stop to see what they had at the Toys R Us in Bahrain. I wanted to see if they had any children's bikes since the selection here in Saudi for big wheels and tricycles is not very good. Unfortunately they didn't have much. We did pick up a cute little stroller and some bubbles, and then we were off, back home to Saudi Arabia.
All in all it was a nice trip. We had a good time together and we were able to get away for a while, which I am learning is really important here. We will definitely venture back to Bahrain soon to check out the rest of the place and have some more fun.
Part of what I really enjoy about living over here is that you really can find a lot of familiar things if you look for them, but at the same time there is this unknown culture all around us. WE are the minority... WE are the ones with the accents and who get stared at. Such a humbling experience.
6.20.2010
Happy Father's Day Paul
Some people are born to be great Dads and amazing husbands.
This guy is one of them...
We love you forever Paul! We are so happy you are ours!
5.26.2010
Exciting Times!
TWO very exciting things happened to us today...
Madeline has been showing signs of wanting to potty train for a couple of months now - recognizing when she has a poop or pee and telling us, pretending to wipe with tissues or wipes, and verbally asking if she can go pee. She likes to sit on the toilet (with our help of course because it is so big) and act like she is going potty. Until today. Today - this very evening, Paul took her in the bathroom, sat her on the toilet, and she made herself go pee pee in the potty!!!! We cheered and hoorayed and clapped and she was SO excited. It was so much fun it was ridiculous. My little girl is such a big girl!!
Madeline has been showing signs of wanting to potty train for a couple of months now - recognizing when she has a poop or pee and telling us, pretending to wipe with tissues or wipes, and verbally asking if she can go pee. She likes to sit on the toilet (with our help of course because it is so big) and act like she is going potty. Until today. Today - this very evening, Paul took her in the bathroom, sat her on the toilet, and she made herself go pee pee in the potty!!!! We cheered and hoorayed and clapped and she was SO excited. It was so much fun it was ridiculous. My little girl is such a big girl!!
Also today Paul came home with our new (used) car. It's a very nice 2004 Honda Accord that is in excellent condition that we purchased from a co-worker of Pauls.
It will make a great "camp car" and allow us to get around without having to call a taxi or ride a bus or ask our nice neighbors if we can borrow thier car or get a ride somewhere. The feeling of knowing that car is in my driveway is a feeling of wonderment!! And that little feeling of confinement I have been having just got a little bit smaller.
It will make a great "camp car" and allow us to get around without having to call a taxi or ride a bus or ask our nice neighbors if we can borrow thier car or get a ride somewhere. The feeling of knowing that car is in my driveway is a feeling of wonderment!! And that little feeling of confinement I have been having just got a little bit smaller. 3.12.2010
Madeline's Monthly Message: Month 18
Dear Madeline,
You are now 18 months old. You do all those fun, dangerous, patience-trying, active things most 1 1/2 year olds do. When people say the "terrible two's" it must be an approximation... more like the terrible 16 month to 2 1/2's. Not that life is terrible with you... you are just easily erruptible, quick to tantrum, and fearlessly adventurous - which can be scary and terrible.
You love to climb things. You climb in and out of your toy bin. You climb the gates we have up. You climb chairs. You climb into the bathtub. Most of the time I leave the bathroom door shut so it's not an issue, but there have been a few times we've forgotten and I will find you sitting in the bathtub playing with your toys.
You like to jump lately. Actually, what you do is, you do all the motions as if you are jumping but your feet don't leave the ground. You also like to spin in circles. We spin a lot together.
You love to be in things... cupboards, bins, bags, boxes, wagons - everything really except for your stroller and your carseat. Anything where you are buckled down for safety is hell on Earth to you.
You are very good at stiffening your midsection and thrusting your head back if you don't get what you want. You have also perfected going completely limp. I admire your courage and adventurous spirit, but at times these two bodily functions have lead to boo boo's - both big and small - and I will be glad when you are through this stage. If you are in a safe spot, like on the pads or on carpet, sometimes we just watch your little fish out of water impression and let you get our your frustration.
Most of the time you demand to be carried everywhere, usually by me. Sometimes you will want your Dad to carry you. You stand in front of us and get this look on your face like, "hellooooo please pick me up, pleeeeasseeee" and you moan. I've been trying to teach you to say "Up!" when you want to be picked up, and you have said it many times before, but when I want you to say it you start laughing because you don't want to do what I tell you to do. I usually pick you up because when I do I get the most amazing hugs and kisses and who would avoid those? Only a lunatic, that's who. If I don't pick you up, you thrust your body down to the ground at my feet or hold onto my legs. If I walk around you, you get up, run in front of me, and do it again. I try not to laugh because I don't want you to think I am mocking your pain, but it's quite entertaining.
You like to do everything by yourself. I try to let you do as much as you can by yourself and most of the time you are okay with my help, but sometimes if I happen to pick up your clothes or throw away a diaper you immediately start a tantrum or start screaming.
You still love to read and we read as much as we can.
As a toddler, you are truly testing our patience... when we are tired there is a lot if "Are you kidding me?" or "Are you serious?" statements. And you have spent some time in your room when we can do nothing to control you.
Your scream is the most unbelievable, piercing, high-pitched scream imaginable. You like to scream for fun in the grocery store, in the car, and especially when you chase kitty around the house. You like to scare her and chase her.
You love to play peek-a-boo and be startled by me. Sometimes I hide behind a wall or around a corner and I jump out at you and you scream and laugh and laugh.
We play "where is Madeline?" a lot, because now you like to hide. Most of the time it's not a very good spot - like putting your hands over your eyes or a book on your head - but sometimes you hide in a cupboard. You always give yourself away by saying "mom" over and over.
You like to pick your nose. You laugh and use TWO fingers whenever I tell you not to pick your nose. Sometimes you push them in REALLY deep... I think you are experimenting. So I try to distract you with other things when these little nose-picking moments begin. So far, no bloody noses.
You still love watching all of your movies... Elmo, the YBCR movies, and now you love watching Tae Bo. Ever since your Dad and I did it one day in front of you, you like to pull it out and watch it sometimes. You are doing very well with words... to list them all here would take forever, but some common words are: Mom, Dad, dit-dit (kitty), baby, ball, up, dat (cat), dog, num num, dink (drink), book, ice, eyes, Hi, Bye, and No. You say "no" a lot... even when you mean yes. You love talking on the phone. You hold anything up to your ear and talk like it's a phone. The other day you were doing it to a measuring cup.
You love shoes. You pick out which shoes you want to wear each day. You also like to put on momma's shoes now.
You are a outdoor person and will go outside whenever you get the chance. Putting you in the car to go somewhere is always a challenge because you'd rather go on a walk or play with your ball in the driveway and you don't understand why you can't do that.
You love your balls... you have a pink one, a dora ball, and a small whinnie the pooh ball... you also like dad's basketball. You are very good and throwing and kicking and we are working on catching.
You eat well. I have been trying to give you vegetables your whole life (my bad for starting you on carrots and pears) and you have been rather resistant. I started drinking green smoothies and one day as I was making one I set a pile of raw spinach on your tray. You actually started eating it!! You loved it. I’ve noticed you like RAW vegetables more as opposed to cooked – which is unbelievably awesome to me because raw is better for you anyway. I can’t wait until you are old enough to eat without me having to cut everything up.
You do love eating WHOLE pieces of fruit rather then cut up. You like to munch on whole apples – I think you feel like a big girl when you do it like mommy and daddy do. You love regular milk. Once in a while I give you some juice, but you mostly drink water and milk. I am going to try and give you almond or rice milk to see how you like it – when I can find it. You definitely do NOT like soymilk. You love cereal. Your favorite seems to be honeycombs.
Your cousin Christina came down for a visit the week of March 2nd and you loved having her around. She helped me SO much with you, which was really nice. We had a good time with her. We visited the Children’s Museum of Memphis,
went to see the Mississippi River (her first time AND yours actually), went to the Yale road park, and hung out here at the house drawing and watching or favorite movies. It was a lot of fun having her around and you miss her. For several days after she left you would stand at the bottom of the stairs and yell for her to come down.
This month was also the first time you and I spent a night apart. We have NEVER been away from each other for more than 8 hours since you have been born. Your dad and I went somewhere out of town and I left you in the trusted and angelic hands of your Aunt Misty.
She took great care of you and you had a wonderful time playing with Brooke. I wasn't worried about your care, but I did miss you. I talked about you a lot - I hope it didn't bother your dad - and I only cried once when I was in the airport. We were on one of those moving walkways and I started thinking about you and tears began to well up in my eyes... I had to quickly ask your dad to distract me with sometime. He was like, "Ummm, oh, look at that paining on the wall over there!" Of course, this just made me think about how much you love to paint and draw. Am I pathetic, maybe. So I love my child... sue me!
You still breastfeed but we are starting to wean slowly. I had an opportunity to wean you cold turkey when you had your sleep over at Misty and Brooke’s house (going 34 hours without nursing you), but it was too painful. My right side (the only side we use now) felt like a bee had stung it. Anything that touched it caused severe pain. I think a gradual wean will be more to my liking. So now, you are nursing before bed and when you wake up in the morning. Your heaviest is in the morning so that will be the last feeding time we wean.
You love your dollies… you like me to swaddle them in a blanket for you and then you rock them back and forth and start to moan (your way of singing rock-a-bye-baby). Sometimes you carry them upside down, but you are learning. I always tell you that you are such a good mommy, and you smile and smile.
You are a very social little girl and you love little children. You still laugh a lot, especially when you hear someone else laugh. We were shopping the other day and a group of people in the parking lot were laughing and talking near our car as I was unloading the groceries. You immediately started doing your fake laugh and all of them turned to look at you. They all came over and started talking to you.
Another time at the store recently you were out of the cart (your dad was with us) walking around and you discovered a small family (a mom and her 4 kids) and you literally followed them around the store because you love little kids so much. You ran right up to them and started interacting with them. I left for a minute to get some things and later found you and your dad in the dog food isle with them.
We are working on getting you in a predictable routine in the evenings now, something we should have done a long time ago. I think it will make a huge difference in your sleeping habits. At nighttime when you wake up you either cry or you say, “Mom?” It is SO cute when you say “Mom.” I really love that you recognize me as your mom and that you love me so much.
I am learning a lot from you about parenting and about what kind of a person I need to be. I think these past few years I have sort of lost my "mmph!" for life. I don't care for myself like I should and I think I stand back a lot from the things that are happening around me. I don't take a lot of chances. But with you I am realizing first - that I am your main example of how to live, and I want to be a good one; second - life isn't about sitting on the backburner and waiting for things to happen; third - keepings things simple is GOOD; fourth - Don't sweat the small stuff; fifth - All you need is love... and Madeline you shine with love and happiness. You are truly a gift. I love you tremendously.
Love,
Momma
You are now 18 months old. You do all those fun, dangerous, patience-trying, active things most 1 1/2 year olds do. When people say the "terrible two's" it must be an approximation... more like the terrible 16 month to 2 1/2's. Not that life is terrible with you... you are just easily erruptible, quick to tantrum, and fearlessly adventurous - which can be scary and terrible.You love to climb things. You climb in and out of your toy bin. You climb the gates we have up. You climb chairs. You climb into the bathtub. Most of the time I leave the bathroom door shut so it's not an issue, but there have been a few times we've forgotten and I will find you sitting in the bathtub playing with your toys.
You like to jump lately. Actually, what you do is, you do all the motions as if you are jumping but your feet don't leave the ground. You also like to spin in circles. We spin a lot together.
You love to be in things... cupboards, bins, bags, boxes, wagons - everything really except for your stroller and your carseat. Anything where you are buckled down for safety is hell on Earth to you.You are very good at stiffening your midsection and thrusting your head back if you don't get what you want. You have also perfected going completely limp. I admire your courage and adventurous spirit, but at times these two bodily functions have lead to boo boo's - both big and small - and I will be glad when you are through this stage. If you are in a safe spot, like on the pads or on carpet, sometimes we just watch your little fish out of water impression and let you get our your frustration.
Most of the time you demand to be carried everywhere, usually by me. Sometimes you will want your Dad to carry you. You stand in front of us and get this look on your face like, "hellooooo please pick me up, pleeeeasseeee" and you moan. I've been trying to teach you to say "Up!" when you want to be picked up, and you have said it many times before, but when I want you to say it you start laughing because you don't want to do what I tell you to do. I usually pick you up because when I do I get the most amazing hugs and kisses and who would avoid those? Only a lunatic, that's who. If I don't pick you up, you thrust your body down to the ground at my feet or hold onto my legs. If I walk around you, you get up, run in front of me, and do it again. I try not to laugh because I don't want you to think I am mocking your pain, but it's quite entertaining.
You like to do everything by yourself. I try to let you do as much as you can by yourself and most of the time you are okay with my help, but sometimes if I happen to pick up your clothes or throw away a diaper you immediately start a tantrum or start screaming.
You still love to read and we read as much as we can.
As a toddler, you are truly testing our patience... when we are tired there is a lot if "Are you kidding me?" or "Are you serious?" statements. And you have spent some time in your room when we can do nothing to control you.
Your scream is the most unbelievable, piercing, high-pitched scream imaginable. You like to scream for fun in the grocery store, in the car, and especially when you chase kitty around the house. You like to scare her and chase her.You love to play peek-a-boo and be startled by me. Sometimes I hide behind a wall or around a corner and I jump out at you and you scream and laugh and laugh.
You like to pick your nose. You laugh and use TWO fingers whenever I tell you not to pick your nose. Sometimes you push them in REALLY deep... I think you are experimenting. So I try to distract you with other things when these little nose-picking moments begin. So far, no bloody noses.
You still love watching all of your movies... Elmo, the YBCR movies, and now you love watching Tae Bo. Ever since your Dad and I did it one day in front of you, you like to pull it out and watch it sometimes. You are doing very well with words... to list them all here would take forever, but some common words are: Mom, Dad, dit-dit (kitty), baby, ball, up, dat (cat), dog, num num, dink (drink), book, ice, eyes, Hi, Bye, and No. You say "no" a lot... even when you mean yes. You love talking on the phone. You hold anything up to your ear and talk like it's a phone. The other day you were doing it to a measuring cup.
You love shoes. You pick out which shoes you want to wear each day. You also like to put on momma's shoes now.
You are a outdoor person and will go outside whenever you get the chance. Putting you in the car to go somewhere is always a challenge because you'd rather go on a walk or play with your ball in the driveway and you don't understand why you can't do that.
You love your balls... you have a pink one, a dora ball, and a small whinnie the pooh ball... you also like dad's basketball. You are very good and throwing and kicking and we are working on catching.
You eat well. I have been trying to give you vegetables your whole life (my bad for starting you on carrots and pears) and you have been rather resistant. I started drinking green smoothies and one day as I was making one I set a pile of raw spinach on your tray. You actually started eating it!! You loved it. I’ve noticed you like RAW vegetables more as opposed to cooked – which is unbelievably awesome to me because raw is better for you anyway. I can’t wait until you are old enough to eat without me having to cut everything up.
You do love eating WHOLE pieces of fruit rather then cut up. You like to munch on whole apples – I think you feel like a big girl when you do it like mommy and daddy do. You love regular milk. Once in a while I give you some juice, but you mostly drink water and milk. I am going to try and give you almond or rice milk to see how you like it – when I can find it. You definitely do NOT like soymilk. You love cereal. Your favorite seems to be honeycombs.Your cousin Christina came down for a visit the week of March 2nd and you loved having her around. She helped me SO much with you, which was really nice. We had a good time with her. We visited the Children’s Museum of Memphis,
went to see the Mississippi River (her first time AND yours actually), went to the Yale road park, and hung out here at the house drawing and watching or favorite movies. It was a lot of fun having her around and you miss her. For several days after she left you would stand at the bottom of the stairs and yell for her to come down.
This month was also the first time you and I spent a night apart. We have NEVER been away from each other for more than 8 hours since you have been born. Your dad and I went somewhere out of town and I left you in the trusted and angelic hands of your Aunt Misty.
She took great care of you and you had a wonderful time playing with Brooke. I wasn't worried about your care, but I did miss you. I talked about you a lot - I hope it didn't bother your dad - and I only cried once when I was in the airport. We were on one of those moving walkways and I started thinking about you and tears began to well up in my eyes... I had to quickly ask your dad to distract me with sometime. He was like, "Ummm, oh, look at that paining on the wall over there!" Of course, this just made me think about how much you love to paint and draw. Am I pathetic, maybe. So I love my child... sue me!
You still breastfeed but we are starting to wean slowly. I had an opportunity to wean you cold turkey when you had your sleep over at Misty and Brooke’s house (going 34 hours without nursing you), but it was too painful. My right side (the only side we use now) felt like a bee had stung it. Anything that touched it caused severe pain. I think a gradual wean will be more to my liking. So now, you are nursing before bed and when you wake up in the morning. Your heaviest is in the morning so that will be the last feeding time we wean.You love your dollies… you like me to swaddle them in a blanket for you and then you rock them back and forth and start to moan (your way of singing rock-a-bye-baby). Sometimes you carry them upside down, but you are learning. I always tell you that you are such a good mommy, and you smile and smile.
You are a very social little girl and you love little children. You still laugh a lot, especially when you hear someone else laugh. We were shopping the other day and a group of people in the parking lot were laughing and talking near our car as I was unloading the groceries. You immediately started doing your fake laugh and all of them turned to look at you. They all came over and started talking to you.
Another time at the store recently you were out of the cart (your dad was with us) walking around and you discovered a small family (a mom and her 4 kids) and you literally followed them around the store because you love little kids so much. You ran right up to them and started interacting with them. I left for a minute to get some things and later found you and your dad in the dog food isle with them.
We are working on getting you in a predictable routine in the evenings now, something we should have done a long time ago. I think it will make a huge difference in your sleeping habits. At nighttime when you wake up you either cry or you say, “Mom?” It is SO cute when you say “Mom.” I really love that you recognize me as your mom and that you love me so much.
I am learning a lot from you about parenting and about what kind of a person I need to be. I think these past few years I have sort of lost my "mmph!" for life. I don't care for myself like I should and I think I stand back a lot from the things that are happening around me. I don't take a lot of chances. But with you I am realizing first - that I am your main example of how to live, and I want to be a good one; second - life isn't about sitting on the backburner and waiting for things to happen; third - keepings things simple is GOOD; fourth - Don't sweat the small stuff; fifth - All you need is love... and Madeline you shine with love and happiness. You are truly a gift. I love you tremendously.
Love,
Momma
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