This is too cute. Watch carefully because it is quick!!
Waiting for Water - Our life in the desert
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Lj and Grandpa-Great
Saturday, September 13, 2008
This is a picture of the area under the stairs in our house. We took all our personal stuff and packed in here (thanks to mom, Jerehmy, Jesse and Tom!). I can't believe it all fit!! I'm just praying that no wierd bugs or anything burrow inside for the next year.
Enjoying America in style! Tom grilled steaks last night! Dad and mom have a FABulous grill. The deck is really really nice, but you can't see much of it in this photo. We are enjoying this lovely house. It is actually my grandpa's house and we all live here when we are in the US.
Here is Grandpa-Great feeding Lj. She has warmed up to him - it is a little slow since he can't follow her wiggling around! He loves to watch her push his walker around! She just zooms around with that thing now. I though it would help her learn how to walk faster, but now I think she'll prefer the faster speed she gets with that thing to the slow, lumbering she'll do on her own (=
Here is Grandpa-Great feeding Lj. She has warmed up to him - it is a little slow since he can't follow her wiggling around! He loves to watch her push his walker around! She just zooms around with that thing now. I though it would help her learn how to walk faster, but now I think she'll prefer the faster speed she gets with that thing to the slow, lumbering she'll do on her own (=
small confession
Well, I have a confession to make. I had been bracing myself for the "culture of fear" that I always feel in the US. If you watch the news, the way they talk about things is so ridiculous.....like there is something to fear around every corner. Especially when it comes to kids....
So I had been preparing myself for coming here where folks don't have a "community mind-set" to raising kids and aren't as helpful as folks from the desert where we have been.
Fortunately, I have been pleasantly surprised! It is true that in general, people pay less attention to babies. Lj's cheeks aren't squeezed as much and other little children don't run up and pat her cheek like they do at home, but I've also found that lots of folks are still really nice and accommodating.
We were at the hospital today doing 50 minutes of PAPERWORK at the reception. I was trying to keep Lj somewhat contained and dreading that the ultrasound procedure for her heart was what I wanted to save her good behaviour for. Anyway, at one point she crawl/dashed from the reception room into the main walkway of the massive hospital. Thankfully this enormous security guy who was very tall and very black just swooped her up and kept her company until I was done (= He was lovely.
Then I got to the procedure place and was told that I lost my slot since I was so late. I told her that I had asked at reception if we needed to call and assure them I was coming. The reception lady said it wasn't important. So I actually had my first sort of "mommy grit" moment with the nurse who was asking me to wait 30 more minutes. I kindly stared the lady down until she offered to see what she could do about re-instating my appointment and avoiding the 30 minute wait. Thankfully it worked out. The nurse turned out to be very lovely. I was completely dismayed though, when I was told that the procedure involved keeping Lj still for 10 minutes!! I actually laughed at the lady. I totally should have brought Tom. Anyway, it was a feat, but after much bribing with chicken, grapes cheese and even the nurse's own blueberries, she passed with flying colors. The nurse said she was remarkably calm and cooperative for most kids her age. Can't imagine what "uncooperative" looks like. I was certainly praying and singing every song that came to mind (those of you at home can picture that well!). By the end we both had ultrasound jelly all over us and Lj had a TOTALLY blue nose. I couldn't have painted it on better!
So. All this to say the visit to the hospital, while tiring, wasn't horrible and people in America really aren't that cold hearted around kids (=
So I had been preparing myself for coming here where folks don't have a "community mind-set" to raising kids and aren't as helpful as folks from the desert where we have been.
Fortunately, I have been pleasantly surprised! It is true that in general, people pay less attention to babies. Lj's cheeks aren't squeezed as much and other little children don't run up and pat her cheek like they do at home, but I've also found that lots of folks are still really nice and accommodating.
We were at the hospital today doing 50 minutes of PAPERWORK at the reception. I was trying to keep Lj somewhat contained and dreading that the ultrasound procedure for her heart was what I wanted to save her good behaviour for. Anyway, at one point she crawl/dashed from the reception room into the main walkway of the massive hospital. Thankfully this enormous security guy who was very tall and very black just swooped her up and kept her company until I was done (= He was lovely.
Then I got to the procedure place and was told that I lost my slot since I was so late. I told her that I had asked at reception if we needed to call and assure them I was coming. The reception lady said it wasn't important. So I actually had my first sort of "mommy grit" moment with the nurse who was asking me to wait 30 more minutes. I kindly stared the lady down until she offered to see what she could do about re-instating my appointment and avoiding the 30 minute wait. Thankfully it worked out. The nurse turned out to be very lovely. I was completely dismayed though, when I was told that the procedure involved keeping Lj still for 10 minutes!! I actually laughed at the lady. I totally should have brought Tom. Anyway, it was a feat, but after much bribing with chicken, grapes cheese and even the nurse's own blueberries, she passed with flying colors. The nurse said she was remarkably calm and cooperative for most kids her age. Can't imagine what "uncooperative" looks like. I was certainly praying and singing every song that came to mind (those of you at home can picture that well!). By the end we both had ultrasound jelly all over us and Lj had a TOTALLY blue nose. I couldn't have painted it on better!
So. All this to say the visit to the hospital, while tiring, wasn't horrible and people in America really aren't that cold hearted around kids (=
Friday, September 12, 2008
Rain!
It has been raining for almost 12 hours now. I'm LOVING it. I can smell the rain mixed with the pine tree smell all around us. It is wonderful.
I've been too tired and unfocused to write much these days. We left a week ago today which seems impossible.
We've spent two mornings at the DMV getting Tom's driver's license replaced - you all know how much fun that is on a normal day let alone a jet-lagged day with a little one (=
We've already been to the dr for Tom's persistant cough thing and for Lj's many issues. We head to the hospital today for the test for her heart. Everyone says the heart murmur is fine, they just want the test to confirm it. We discussed the immunizations, her funky eye thing (which is less and less of an issue), possible allergy to tomatos, and one other thing I can't remember. I got a reccomendation for a great doctor which is a relief.
Her finger that got slammed in the airplane bathroom door is looking fierce and she will lose the fingernail. Poor thing. She is remarkably unaware of it, even when I squeeze it to see if puss is coming out. Wierd.
Anyway, she should be getting up soon, and I am far far away in this enormous house.
Tom was going to go for a hike today but it is too wet most likey.
Anyway - we're surviving, Lj's sleep is back to normal. I think it only took her three days. Miraculous. Mommy and daddy are taking much longer!
I've been too tired and unfocused to write much these days. We left a week ago today which seems impossible.
We've spent two mornings at the DMV getting Tom's driver's license replaced - you all know how much fun that is on a normal day let alone a jet-lagged day with a little one (=
We've already been to the dr for Tom's persistant cough thing and for Lj's many issues. We head to the hospital today for the test for her heart. Everyone says the heart murmur is fine, they just want the test to confirm it. We discussed the immunizations, her funky eye thing (which is less and less of an issue), possible allergy to tomatos, and one other thing I can't remember. I got a reccomendation for a great doctor which is a relief.
Her finger that got slammed in the airplane bathroom door is looking fierce and she will lose the fingernail. Poor thing. She is remarkably unaware of it, even when I squeeze it to see if puss is coming out. Wierd.
Anyway, she should be getting up soon, and I am far far away in this enormous house.
Tom was going to go for a hike today but it is too wet most likey.
Anyway - we're surviving, Lj's sleep is back to normal. I think it only took her three days. Miraculous. Mommy and daddy are taking much longer!
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Funny what hits you....
So here are the things that have Tom and I saying: " Wow. we're not in the desert anymore!"
Having to pump our own gas.
Having to shut off the car when you pump the gas!
Paying for the gas - its about 2x as expensive as home.
Colorado is LUSH LUSH LUSH! just looking out the window is like drinking. The trees are all so big and lovely.
Hearing the breeze in the leaves. I haven't heard that since we moved.
Of course the choices in the grocery store - too mind-blowing to go shopping other than trying to find what a generic brand of diapers looks like.
Everything looks so CLEAN - there isn't any layer of dust on everything!
Even the clothespins in America feel more substantial and like they are higher quality!
There are SO MANY ads on the TV and radio!
I'd forgotten how to cook on an electric stove.
We ran out of milk and while we were out picking up a crib we were borrowing, I thought to myself. "I can't handle a grocery store right now. Let's just go to the corner store where we can honk and the guy can bring the milk out..." still haven't found that store here for some reason.
The house feels so PADDED! We have tile floors and cement walls at home and the carpeting, wallpaper and decorations here all make it seem so FULL. My house seems empty in comparison, but I know it wasn't.
There is a sense of something close to freedom or just emotional space or something like that, to be able to wear what I want, hold Tom's hand, and things like that. Not following cultural norms is a yoke that has lifted here. It isn't oppressive over there or anything...... just something you adjust to, but it is nice to have a break from it!
Well, I'm getting tired. It's 330am and I think I'll head back to bed. We have Lj in our room until her sleeping settles down. It is so sweet to hear her breathing (= I'm sure her nose is dry like ours. Can't believe it is drier here than back home.
Having to pump our own gas.
Having to shut off the car when you pump the gas!
Paying for the gas - its about 2x as expensive as home.
Colorado is LUSH LUSH LUSH! just looking out the window is like drinking. The trees are all so big and lovely.
Hearing the breeze in the leaves. I haven't heard that since we moved.
Of course the choices in the grocery store - too mind-blowing to go shopping other than trying to find what a generic brand of diapers looks like.
Everything looks so CLEAN - there isn't any layer of dust on everything!
Even the clothespins in America feel more substantial and like they are higher quality!
There are SO MANY ads on the TV and radio!
I'd forgotten how to cook on an electric stove.
We ran out of milk and while we were out picking up a crib we were borrowing, I thought to myself. "I can't handle a grocery store right now. Let's just go to the corner store where we can honk and the guy can bring the milk out..." still haven't found that store here for some reason.
The house feels so PADDED! We have tile floors and cement walls at home and the carpeting, wallpaper and decorations here all make it seem so FULL. My house seems empty in comparison, but I know it wasn't.
There is a sense of something close to freedom or just emotional space or something like that, to be able to wear what I want, hold Tom's hand, and things like that. Not following cultural norms is a yoke that has lifted here. It isn't oppressive over there or anything...... just something you adjust to, but it is nice to have a break from it!
Well, I'm getting tired. It's 330am and I think I'll head back to bed. We have Lj in our room until her sleeping settles down. It is so sweet to hear her breathing (= I'm sure her nose is dry like ours. Can't believe it is drier here than back home.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Back in the US
We've made it! We arrived sometime ago and the rest of the house is sleeping. Dear Layla woke up because she had to try to hard to poop. Bananas were EVERYWHERE on this trip (=
I have no idea how to help her get on our current time zone, so she is just exploring our laundry/computer room while I blog to stay awake. It is SO dry here! You'd think we'd be drier back home, but no no. My nose hurts, my eyes hurt and my skin in general.
Anyway, we're here and enjoying seeing Grandpa and GREAT Grandpa (=
I have no idea how to help her get on our current time zone, so she is just exploring our laundry/computer room while I blog to stay awake. It is SO dry here! You'd think we'd be drier back home, but no no. My nose hurts, my eyes hurt and my skin in general.
Anyway, we're here and enjoying seeing Grandpa and GREAT Grandpa (=
Monday, September 1, 2008
Momma and her walnuts
Ever since I was a kid, I have memories of my mom doing just this - squatting on a tile floor cracking walnuts with a hammer (= I just about DIED the other night when I heard the familiar sound, and there was mom squatting on the floor with some walnuts a neighbor had given us. In Hong Kong she would be behind our kitchen door, here she was down by the side door near our freezer and the hardware cabinet. (freezer almost empty, hardward cabinet still on the "honey-do" list).
Tom was waiting for me to get into the car the other day and popped Lj in the front seat to see what she would do. You can tell the weather is getting "down" to about 100 because we are out doing all sorts of unnecessary things. Usually we just run from the air conditioned house to the air conditioned car to the air conditioned mall... etc.
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