This morning Madeline and I were sitting down to our tea time and I told her that today I wanted some peppermint flavored tea. She immediately got a chair, pushed it to the kitchen counter and grabbed the pepper. She came running over, shook some into my cup and said, "there Mommy. Better?" And we slurped the morning away discussing shapes, rainbows, and future plans of clipping our fingernails.
9.23.2010
Girl Talk & Tea Time
This morning Madeline and I were sitting down to our tea time and I told her that today I wanted some peppermint flavored tea. She immediately got a chair, pushed it to the kitchen counter and grabbed the pepper. She came running over, shook some into my cup and said, "there Mommy. Better?" And we slurped the morning away discussing shapes, rainbows, and future plans of clipping our fingernails.
9.22.2010
Riding The Aramco Bus
This morning Madeline and I decided to try out the Aramco Bus. Aramco provides bus transportation all over the compound we live in, to popular destinations in Khobar and other cities near us - like the malls and grocery stores, and to other Aramco camps. The buses are large, with curtained windows and lovely air conditioning. We've been here almost 6 months (Oct. 10th) now and I have never tried the buses. Mainly because you have to plan around the bus schedule. Honestly though, following the bus schedule is probably your best bet at getting anything done around here because of time restrictions like five prayer times a day where they shut down everything. The bus schedule usually coincides with the store hours outside the compound. Most of the days of the week the buses will go to the two malls closest to camp.The Al Rashid Mall
is tall and newer looking with 4 or 5 floors (I think - it's so massive my brain is slightly overwhelmed) and I believe a normal, healthy person without any children would need a good week to properly get through it.
The Mall of Dhahran is the closest to us and a little more plain looking, but equally massive. I'd say it would take a good 4 to 5 days to properly see everything there. Madeline and I chose to go to the Mall of Dhahran today. Madeline was very excited - this being her very first time on a real bus. when we arrived she pointed out everything she noticed. I told her that the man in front was the driver of the bus to which she replied, "move on back!"
After we got seated and when the bus started to move she started singing The Wheels on the Bus go round and round, and with every corner we turned she said, "Weeeeeeeee!" That girl has a good time no matter what she is doing.
This particular bus leaves at 9:00 and then is back at the mall to pick up anyone who wants to go back to camp at 11:30. The next bus to the mall isn't until much later and because a lot of the stores close from 12:30 to 4:00 pm there is really no reason to stay. Two hours is not even close to being enough time to shop, but it was still fun to get out. We were able to pick up a couple of stylish sun hats, a robe, and some clothes for Madeline. We will definitely try it again some time.
It Will Go On... Just Not For You.
I've decided to no longer do Madeline's Monthly Message publicly. I still plan on doing it for her and for her little sister when she is born, but for them. I dislike the restrictions of public writing, the inhibited moments where I hold back a little for fear I offend someone. Also, I don't know if anyone who happens upon the blog should know little details of Madeline's life and the likes and dislikes she has.
I still want to share the happenings and funny or adorable things my children do on the blog, but I think I need to refocus what I really want to write about on here. Lately (when I do write, which has been rare) it has all been about Madeline. Yes, she is my LIFE, but there are other things on my mind that belong on the blog too.
So there you have it.
I still want to share the happenings and funny or adorable things my children do on the blog, but I think I need to refocus what I really want to write about on here. Lately (when I do write, which has been rare) it has all been about Madeline. Yes, she is my LIFE, but there are other things on my mind that belong on the blog too.
So there you have it.
9.10.2010
Two Years
Happy Birthday toots!
My Madeline is two years old today. She is the most loving, adventurous, smart and amazing little girl I've ever known, and I am so happy she is mine.
8.30.2010
Bowling Pro!
Here are some videos of Madeline's first time bowling! She was very cute and had a great time!!
8.10.2010
Madeline's Monthly Message: Month 23
Dear Madeline,
You are very good at communicating your feelings, usually. There are those rare times when you either just don't want to try or you can't quite figure out how to tell us something and you will result to tantrums and flailing about on the floor, but not always. As far as words are concerned you are speaking well. I believe you are advanced for your age when it comes to talking among many other things. You have a hard time with words that start with "t" or "s" and will often replace those letters with "f" - for example: truck = fruck or Shrek = frek or ice cream = kah-kyoom.
As of July 31st, 2010, you are no longer breastfeeding. Sometimes you still put your hand down my shirt or you will ask for some "boom boom," but I no longer get kicked when I tell you no. I will usually say something like, "Oh, we don't do that anymore, remember? You're a big girl now!" And then I will offer you some milk or juice. It is really nice to know you are finally, successfully weaned. I do miss it though because now when you are crying or hurt or tired I can't just whip out the ol' teet - the perfect and immediate answer to your past problems! I actually have to use other reasoning to help you with your dilemmas, and it takes a little more time.
You are healthy and full of energy, so I assume you are getting enough nutrition to meet your needs. Sometimes you will not eat a thing and other times you will eat everything on your plate and then ask for more. You are quite picky and I am hoping (praying with great devotion) that this is just a toddler phase and not something that will stick like it did with your father. I am realizing though that the more I accomodate his pickyness, the more you are only being exposed to certain foods. I need to expose you to more foods. You actually like broccoli when I give it to you! You love to help me cook and you are very involved in the kitchen. You know where the silverware, the pots and pans, and the mixing bowls are. You like to pull up a chair and watch me cook and you understand that the stove it hot so you don't touch it. You also like to help mix things in bowls and stir juice.
What a speedy and fast month it has been. At 23 months of age, you are such an individual with so many talents and such a huge personality. It really is a lot of fun watching you become the person you are. Every day you discover a new thing or notice something that is interesting to you. Whenever this happens you spend a good week or two talking about it non-stop. You talk a lot, often copying the words we say. You not only copy words but you copy gestures, faces we pull, and dance moves. You are also beginning to form your own opinions about things - no longer agreeing whole-heartedly with everything mommy thinks - and it has been a bit of a suprise for me. I am trying to respect your ideas and opinions about things because I know this is just the beginning. Right now we are talking about where to sit at lunch or what to wear or when it's time to get your diaper changed... not boys, college, or a career or anything like that yet. But at times you seem like a small opinionated adult.
You are very good at communicating your feelings, usually. There are those rare times when you either just don't want to try or you can't quite figure out how to tell us something and you will result to tantrums and flailing about on the floor, but not always. As far as words are concerned you are speaking well. I believe you are advanced for your age when it comes to talking among many other things. You have a hard time with words that start with "t" or "s" and will often replace those letters with "f" - for example: truck = fruck or Shrek = frek or ice cream = kah-kyoom.
You enjoy teasing me and your dad when you sit on our bed. A cute thing you always do is sit on my side of the bed and say, "Mommy's pot! Moooot Manyin" (translation: Mommy's Spot! Move Madeline") and then you laugh and run over to Daddy's side and do the same thing. In the mornings if I have not woken up before you, which unfortunately is rare, you will pull on my arm or leg and say, "Gig up mom, gig up!" (get up).
You love to sing, and even when you don't quite know the words to a song you will hum along and sing the beginning or ending words to each statement. You're getting better at your ABC's and you can count to 7 now. You love counting and will count anything that there is more than one of. For a little while you were saying, "one, two, four, free" but your dad helped you with that and now they are in the correct order. You are also doing well with your colors and shapes. The shape you love the most is the star and whenever you see one anywhere you point it out. You love colors and have a good time at stop lights. You get blue and red mixed up a lot and will say "booo, top!" (blue, stop!) when we pull up to a red light. You've got "green, go!" down though.
You love to sing, and even when you don't quite know the words to a song you will hum along and sing the beginning or ending words to each statement. You're getting better at your ABC's and you can count to 7 now. You love counting and will count anything that there is more than one of. For a little while you were saying, "one, two, four, free" but your dad helped you with that and now they are in the correct order. You are also doing well with your colors and shapes. The shape you love the most is the star and whenever you see one anywhere you point it out. You love colors and have a good time at stop lights. You get blue and red mixed up a lot and will say "booo, top!" (blue, stop!) when we pull up to a red light. You've got "green, go!" down though.
As of July 31st, 2010, you are no longer breastfeeding. Sometimes you still put your hand down my shirt or you will ask for some "boom boom," but I no longer get kicked when I tell you no. I will usually say something like, "Oh, we don't do that anymore, remember? You're a big girl now!" And then I will offer you some milk or juice. It is really nice to know you are finally, successfully weaned. I do miss it though because now when you are crying or hurt or tired I can't just whip out the ol' teet - the perfect and immediate answer to your past problems! I actually have to use other reasoning to help you with your dilemmas, and it takes a little more time.
You are healthy and full of energy, so I assume you are getting enough nutrition to meet your needs. Sometimes you will not eat a thing and other times you will eat everything on your plate and then ask for more. You are quite picky and I am hoping (praying with great devotion) that this is just a toddler phase and not something that will stick like it did with your father. I am realizing though that the more I accomodate his pickyness, the more you are only being exposed to certain foods. I need to expose you to more foods. You actually like broccoli when I give it to you! You love to help me cook and you are very involved in the kitchen. You know where the silverware, the pots and pans, and the mixing bowls are. You like to pull up a chair and watch me cook and you understand that the stove it hot so you don't touch it. You also like to help mix things in bowls and stir juice.
When you are bored at meals and not hungry you play with your food. It is hilarious to watch but I have to admit it gets annoying sometimes. You like grapes so you have them a lot. You enjoy rolling your grapes down your pancakes like it's a slide; you sing row, row, row your boat while sliding food across your tray; you like to lift up your plates and cups and hold them high in the air as if you are giving a food sacrifice; and you love to mix things together, particularly your drinks and bread because you have discovered the spongey capabilities of bread. You have also realized that some of your bibs have little pockets on the front of them and you will hide your food in the bib sometimes.
Last Christmas we bought you some fake food to go with your shopping cart and you have a very good time playing with it. You know what most of the foods are and enjoy taking orders from me and preparing a nice fake meal for me. You love ice cream and if it were up to you we would have it every day. So on the days I don't want to give it to you, we will come upstairs and have fake ice cream. It doesn't always satisfy you, but it has worked most of the time.
A really cute example of your imagination: Last week we went to a friends house for a playdate and she had a fake tea set with a tea pot, tea cups, plates, and some fake desserts. You spent most of our time there pouring imaginary tea into the cups and offering it to everyone in the room. I couldn't get over you and how freakin' adorable you were!!
You love to play with your toys and dollies. You talk to your dollies regularly and ask them questions. You drop them on purpose also and tell me they are "hurt" and need a bandaid because you love putting bandaids on everything. I love listening to you when you don't know I am listening. You ask the cutest questions and say the cutest things to your toys. You also really enjoy dressing up - wearing hats, tutu's, mommy's shoes, etc.
You love talking on the phone, especially to your dad when he is at work. If he is not too busy he calls around lunch time and you have a nice long chat with him about Shrek, Harry Potter, tea pots and ice makers, among other things. You are also starting to talk more on the phone with your grandma's and other family in America, which makes them and us very happy. We enjoy sharing the cute. You love to skype with your cousin Toshie and talk about him a lot whenever I talk about going for a visit.
You love to read and we try to read every night before bed. You enjoy picking 5 or 6 books off your bookshelf and bringing them over to your bed. Sometimes you like mommy to read and sometimes you like daddy to read. We don't usually get through and entire story though. When you are distracted or get bored you usually close the book and say, "end!" Your favorite books this month are "Kitty Up!" and "Are You Ticklish?"
We invested in a bed for you. I sort of wish we had gotten you a real toddler bed with rails, but instead we got you a nice twin mattress and box springs from the serta store here in Saudi because your Dad wants you to be comfortable. The problem with that though is that you have rolled out of bed a couple times. We have it up against the wall and I usually prop a pillow or two under the mattress on the open side to assist in inhibiting the rolling, but it doesn't always work if you go a different direction. The first few nights were pretty good and then you took a really late nap one day and weren't tired at bedtime so we made the mistake of letting you sleep with us again, and honestly it has been that way since. So we are still working on getting you to sleep in your room in your own bed.
You love to read and we try to read every night before bed. You enjoy picking 5 or 6 books off your bookshelf and bringing them over to your bed. Sometimes you like mommy to read and sometimes you like daddy to read. We don't usually get through and entire story though. When you are distracted or get bored you usually close the book and say, "end!" Your favorite books this month are "Kitty Up!" and "Are You Ticklish?"
We invested in a bed for you. I sort of wish we had gotten you a real toddler bed with rails, but instead we got you a nice twin mattress and box springs from the serta store here in Saudi because your Dad wants you to be comfortable. The problem with that though is that you have rolled out of bed a couple times. We have it up against the wall and I usually prop a pillow or two under the mattress on the open side to assist in inhibiting the rolling, but it doesn't always work if you go a different direction. The first few nights were pretty good and then you took a really late nap one day and weren't tired at bedtime so we made the mistake of letting you sleep with us again, and honestly it has been that way since. So we are still working on getting you to sleep in your room in your own bed.
You have TONS of energy but sometimes it is hard to get it all out because it is so hot and humid this time of year I keep you inside a lot. So you figured out how to get your own exercise. Every night, usually before or after dinner, you and your dad (sometimes I join in) will run, you say, "Run Dad!". You run through the kitchen into the front room down the hall into the dining room and back into the kitchen over and over and over in a big circle. We have had to focus on mentioning to you that it is important to look straight forward when you run because you run into walls or cupboards sometimes when you get really excited and want me to look... "yook mom... BAM!"
This month we set up your training potty. You don't use it regularly yet, but when you remember it or see it you want to sit on it. You will fake-wipe and waste a lot of toilet paper, and you love to empty the little bucket inside the potty into the big toilet and flush it. You have pooped and pee'd in the potty several times this month and I honestly don't believe it will be hard to get you trained soon.
This month we found out you are having a baby sister! You got to come in and see the baby on the ultra sound and you were very cute and excited about it when you saw the baby moving around. I have told you many times that there is a baby in my tummy and sometimes you come up and kiss my belly - a very precious and awwww moment for me.
You love other little kids and babies still and whenever you see a baby you will run up to it and point and say, "baby! baby!" But you also enjoy roaring at babies and children, and adults actually, like Shrek does. You tell people you are an ogre and then you raise your hands up and scrunch up your face and say, "RRrrraaaaaarrrrrr!" You do it to Mohammed, our house boy, every time he comes to clean.
You like Mohammed and know his name. You say, "hello, hammed" and "bye bye, hammed" when he comes and goes. You also say his name whenever you see any type of cleaning supplies in the store or here at the house. You like to give him five and will regularly help him with the cleaning. He gets a kick out of it and laughs a lot when he is here.
You like Mohammed and know his name. You say, "hello, hammed" and "bye bye, hammed" when he comes and goes. You also say his name whenever you see any type of cleaning supplies in the store or here at the house. You like to give him five and will regularly help him with the cleaning. He gets a kick out of it and laughs a lot when he is here.
This month we also celebrated your Dad's birthday. You had a really good time with the balloons, singing happy birthday (we probably did it a hundred times), blowing out the candles, and having ice cream cake! That was a big deal and you talked about how it was Dad's birthday and you wanted ice cream cake for several days after. Your birthday promises to be even more fun.
I am cherrishing these last few months I have alone with you because I am beginning to understand how truly important these days are. I know it will never again be the same. I am so grateful that I have the opportunity to be at home with you each day, to watch you grow and learn. You are so much fun and I love you so humongously much Madeline. You will always be my number one and my sweet, funny, talented little friend.
Love,
Momma
Love,
Momma
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!
8.06.2010
Happy Birthday!
Today is my sister Heidi's birthday. I have looked through all of my pictures, and I can't seem to find a picture of just her and I together. This saddens me, so I am making it a point to get several next time I see her. 
This is a picture of me with both of my beautiful sisters at my wedding (Heidi left, Amber right).
This is a picture of me with both of my beautiful sisters at my wedding (Heidi left, Amber right).I love you Heidi!
I am glad you were born and I hope you have a wonderful birthday today!!
8.04.2010
Ultra Sound of Baby #2
There's the little doll measuring in at about 19 weeks. This is a picture of her face and body from the front, I believe. I can already tell she is going to be a cherubic bundle of delicious perfection. I am getting SO excited!8.02.2010
WEANED!
Breastfeeding has been a wonderful experience for me and Madeline. It has had amazing and extremely beneficial results with Madeline's health and has been a key part in the bonding experience between us. When she was born, I always planned on nursing her until she was a year old. When she turned one things were going so well I decided to keep going until she was 18 months old. Then, we made the decision to move to Saudi Arabia and I decided that nursing Madeline until after we got here would be a good idea so she could have that comfort during the big transition to life here.
So since we arrived here I have been slowly trying to wean her. It was really hard at first because she was so depedant on it in the morning, before her nap, and before bedtime. When I would say, "we're not going to nurse right now Madeline," she would literally kick me she was so upset. But I slowly eliminated each nursing session - the last, surprisingly her naptime nursing - and as of July 31st, 2010 she is officially WEANED!!
All in all, I am really glad I was able to nurse her as long as I did, and I just hope I will be able to nurse the next baby as successfully.
So since we arrived here I have been slowly trying to wean her. It was really hard at first because she was so depedant on it in the morning, before her nap, and before bedtime. When I would say, "we're not going to nurse right now Madeline," she would literally kick me she was so upset. But I slowly eliminated each nursing session - the last, surprisingly her naptime nursing - and as of July 31st, 2010 she is officially WEANED!!
All in all, I am really glad I was able to nurse her as long as I did, and I just hope I will be able to nurse the next baby as successfully.
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!
Loud Licker
If Kitty were a character on a Seinfeld episode her label would be "Loud Licker" because every night, as soon as we all get settled and it gets quiet, she begins her nightly routine of bathing herself. I've had a lot of cats in my lifetime and NONE of them have slurped with such a ferocious intensity as kitty does. This girl wants to be clean.I love her, but I also know that this nightly routine leads to one of the reason I don't think we will have another pet after Kitty leaves us (which I honestly hope won't be for a long time) - fur ball spew in several different areas of the house usually on the carpet. The thought of it disgusts me to the core. So, when the spit bath (literally) begins, I give her a swift nudge off the bed... and I don't feel a darn bit sorry about it either!!
7.14.2010
Madeline's Monthly Message: Month 22
Dear Madeline,
Every morning you ask for your dad. If it's a weekend I tell you to yell for him (he usually gets up before us to read) and he will usually come running up stairs to greet you; if it's a work day, I tell you Daddy has gone to work, and then you say, "work! bus!" because he rides the bus to work. After work, if you are not napping, you usually wait at the window and then greet your dad at the door. He loves it!
You still love doing Tae Bo, and if I ask you if you want to watch a movie you either say "bi-bo" (tae-bo) or "Shrek T-you" (Shrek 2). Sometimes, you will do sign language, which means you want to watch your Baby Einstein sign language movies. When you say Shrek 2, you hold one finger on each hand up because your dad is trying to teach you how to count. Two is your favorite number. When I count with you sometimes you will still just say "two" over and over while I count.
You love your blankies, especially in the morning. When you wake up you immediately say, "penkey" (blankie) and you moan with satisfaction when I wrap you up and take you downstairs for breakfast.
You love to dress up. You like to put on mommy's and Daddy's shoes and you love to wear hats. Especially different, extravagent hats.
You also LOVE to dance. Whenever there is music you grab me or your dad and spin and twirl and bounce up and down. There are times I don't feel like dancing, but I always get up anyway because I can't help but think you may not do this later on when you are older and I love sharing fun and special moments with you.
This month we finally got our land shipment of all our furniture and belongings from the States. This meant we said goodbye to the Aramco curtains and Aramco furniture. Something I don't think any of us will miss. It was nice of them to supply us with temporary furniture at no charge though, so I try not to seem ungratful.
Kitty will actually sit by you sometimes now. We were surprised when she came right up and sat by you one night when we were all watching a movie. Most of the time she is weary and aware of you though. You still harass her at times by screaming at her and chasing her or pulling her tail. You know that you shouldn't do it, but I think you like to tease her sometimes.
Ever since we got our shipment you have been in heaven with all your toys. Every day you look at me with this bright smile and you say, "Play?!" You particularly love your dollies and will have one with you wherever you go. You love to wrap them in blankets but you have a hard time doing it for some reason and usually end up throwing the blanket and crying. You don't like for me to help you. You get extremely upset if I wrap your baby in a blanket. So I have just put the blankets up for now. It just causes too much drama. You vacuum with your toy vacuum whenever I vacuum with my Dyson. You do a really good job too!
Sometime this month when you were dancing with one of your dollies you accidentally dropped it. I must have said, "Oh no! Madeline, pick her up so she doesn't get hurt!" Or something like that, because you regulary drop your dollies and stuffed animals now and then you turn and yell, "Mom!" with this concerned look on your face. You wait until I say, "Oh no! You better pick her up," and then you go on about your business.
We are working with you on your ABC's and 123's. You love to sing the ABC's with me but you usually only sing certain letters. It goes something like this...
"ABC....E....FG..........P......S...TUB......S.......Z.........Me!" With mumbles inbetween the letters you do say. It is REALLY cute. You love to sing! When you hear a song you know you will sing along, mostly mumbles, but you catch certain words. A lot of the songs on Shrek are familiar to you now. You also act out a lot of the scenes from the movie, like when Fiona gets turned back into an ogre in the morning and she winces from the sun shining on her. You put your hands up like you are her. You are also getting to know your colors. For some reason whenever we ask you what color something is the first thing you say is "blue!" Then we usually say, "no... what color is it? It's red," and then you will say the right color.
We had the walls in our house painted this month and for a couple of weeks every time we entered a room you would say, "blue!" You also love popsicles, and every morning you run to the fridge, point to the freezer and say, "blue!", which means you want a purple poscicle.
Sometime this month when you were dancing with one of your dollies you accidentally dropped it. I must have said, "Oh no! Madeline, pick her up so she doesn't get hurt!" Or something like that, because you regulary drop your dollies and stuffed animals now and then you turn and yell, "Mom!" with this concerned look on your face. You wait until I say, "Oh no! You better pick her up," and then you go on about your business.
We are working with you on your ABC's and 123's. You love to sing the ABC's with me but you usually only sing certain letters. It goes something like this...
"ABC....E....FG..........P......S...TUB......S.......Z.........Me!" With mumbles inbetween the letters you do say. It is REALLY cute. You love to sing! When you hear a song you know you will sing along, mostly mumbles, but you catch certain words. A lot of the songs on Shrek are familiar to you now. You also act out a lot of the scenes from the movie, like when Fiona gets turned back into an ogre in the morning and she winces from the sun shining on her. You put your hands up like you are her. You are also getting to know your colors. For some reason whenever we ask you what color something is the first thing you say is "blue!" Then we usually say, "no... what color is it? It's red," and then you will say the right color.
We had the walls in our house painted this month and for a couple of weeks every time we entered a room you would say, "blue!" You also love popsicles, and every morning you run to the fridge, point to the freezer and say, "blue!", which means you want a purple poscicle.
Unfortunately this month we were all sick. You started with a fever and it went on for 4 days. Right before I was going to take you to the doctor it went away and you were fine. But then a couple of days later you got a cough and a runny nose. Thankfully, that only lasted a couple of days. Then your dad and I got sick. It was pretty brutal. Our colds lasted at least a week. We're still actually getting rid of them, but almost in the clear. So TWO WEEKS of our month was spent being sick. We tried to keep you busy and happy throughout the germs though. You are a happy and loving little girl, so it wasn't hard.
We've had lots of boxes in the house and you and kitty both love to get inside them. If it's quiet and I can't find you, you are usually in a box. Either that or you are in a corner drawing on yourself or spreading your food all over the floor.
This month we went to Bahrain for the first time. You had a really good time at the mall and the hotel. You ran all over the place, rode lots of little kid rides, and you got to see your first movie - Shrek 4. You only saw the first 30 minutes of it though and then had a tantrum so your dad took you out and you and him did something else while I watched the movie.
You are a sweet ltitle girl and we love you so much, but you're tantrums are crazy! You throw yourself on the floor, screaming like someone is torturing you. When you do get in trouble for doing something, you usually try to give me kisses and hugs and you tell me you "yuv" me. In your little mind you have decided your kisses and hugs are powerful enough to make me forget that you just poured water all over the floor and sat you, my book, and three of your dollies in it. Your lovies are very powerful, but I still remember.
You love to draw and color. You have chewed up most of your crayons, but we still have some markers. All of your crayons and markers are washable so it's not that big of a deal when you decide to draw on everything but the paper I have provided you. I don't want to stunt your artistic talents, but we need to learn to draw in proper places.
You are picking your nose a lot more lately. Sometimes it feels like you just have your finger glued up there or something. The fun part - for some reason you think that when you actually GET a boogie, you need to hand it to me. The other day you were screaming, "Mom! Mom!" and you came running down the hall with your finger pointed and there was a little booger sitting there. I am trying to teach you to use the tissue we have all over the house, but in your mind it's just easier to give it to me. Madeline, I would do anything for you - even take your boogies.
I am truly loving having conversations with you and you are talking more and more each day. I love singing with you and dancing with you. I love showing you how to do things. You love to help me in the kitchen and whenever I am cooking you will run and get a chair from the dining room so you can help. Sometimes it scares me how closely you are watching every little thing I do, and it has been a wake up call for me. You love to copy me when I am getting ready for the day, or cleaning. You repeat things I say. One day, at a weak moment when I was frustrated, I said the bad word "shit." You heard it, you saw it, and you decided that you needed to say it when you were frustrated too. There have been 3 times now when you have said it. Once when I wouldn't give you a popsicle; once when the computer mouse didn't move the way you wanted it to; and once when Donkey was getting chased by the dragon in the movie Shrek. I feel like a horrible person for teaching you to swear. I guess, in the meantime, I have learned I need to watch my mouth and as far as you are concerned we will just have to wait it out. Your grandma Suzi suggested we try to teach you a new word to say when you are frustrated, like "shnikey's" or something. So we will see how that goes.
No matter what happens, and no matter what lessons we learn together, I love you. I will love you forever and I will always be there for you. I am so thankful that you are a happy and healthy little girl. I am so proud of you and how smart you are. You are an incredible little person and you are growing up so fast! At times I wish you wouldn't grow up so fast, but then I realize that would stop us from seeing the beautiful person you are becoming each day. So instead, I will just enjoy every minute.
Love,
You are picking your nose a lot more lately. Sometimes it feels like you just have your finger glued up there or something. The fun part - for some reason you think that when you actually GET a boogie, you need to hand it to me. The other day you were screaming, "Mom! Mom!" and you came running down the hall with your finger pointed and there was a little booger sitting there. I am trying to teach you to use the tissue we have all over the house, but in your mind it's just easier to give it to me. Madeline, I would do anything for you - even take your boogies.
I am truly loving having conversations with you and you are talking more and more each day. I love singing with you and dancing with you. I love showing you how to do things. You love to help me in the kitchen and whenever I am cooking you will run and get a chair from the dining room so you can help. Sometimes it scares me how closely you are watching every little thing I do, and it has been a wake up call for me. You love to copy me when I am getting ready for the day, or cleaning. You repeat things I say. One day, at a weak moment when I was frustrated, I said the bad word "shit." You heard it, you saw it, and you decided that you needed to say it when you were frustrated too. There have been 3 times now when you have said it. Once when I wouldn't give you a popsicle; once when the computer mouse didn't move the way you wanted it to; and once when Donkey was getting chased by the dragon in the movie Shrek. I feel like a horrible person for teaching you to swear. I guess, in the meantime, I have learned I need to watch my mouth and as far as you are concerned we will just have to wait it out. Your grandma Suzi suggested we try to teach you a new word to say when you are frustrated, like "shnikey's" or something. So we will see how that goes.
No matter what happens, and no matter what lessons we learn together, I love you. I will love you forever and I will always be there for you. I am so thankful that you are a happy and healthy little girl. I am so proud of you and how smart you are. You are an incredible little person and you are growing up so fast! At times I wish you wouldn't grow up so fast, but then I realize that would stop us from seeing the beautiful person you are becoming each day. So instead, I will just enjoy every minute.
Love,
Momma
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?
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