Well, I've been meaning to blog for some time now but I got pregnant and then got REALLY tired. Oh my goodness. Running after my son and keeping up the house have me in bed by 8pm most days. I know, really exciting stuff.
I've been thinking a lot lately about what needs to get accomplished before our little girl arrives. We moved to Switzerland August 25, 2010 when I was 31 weeks pregnant with my son (where I am right now with this baby). I had a full, ugly pregnant cry when the relocation lady told me our things would take 8-12 weeks to arrive from Singapore. I thought about all the things I wanted to get done before the baby arrived and how circumstances being what they were, I had to accept that it was probably not going to happen. So, I focused on what could be done. I painted walls, finished our family scrapbook for the year and read books on babies. Thankfully, our things arrived, my mother-in-law flew in and within a week, the house was unpacked and put together. My son came at 42 weeks instead of 40 so I even had some time to relax!
This time around, I don't have the same energy. The urge to nest is making an endless list in my head yet I can only accomplish a few of the "to-do" tasks everyday before I crash. It's making me a little nuts! All the little girl's things are neatly sitting in her room ready for me to wash bedding and clothes, hang pictures and make sure we have all the things she will need for her first few months of life (which I know is really just mom and some warm clothes). The list goes on and on.
So, I've decided I can't keep driving myself so crazy with this list. I have to start focusing on what can get done each day and know that it will all be in place on time. What's important is saving lots of energy for my family and making sure I'm in a good place to bring this baby into the world. She'll have clothes, she'll have food and most importantly she'll have love.
Now if only we could decide on a name. AHHH.
Wednesday, October 10, 2012
Thursday, March 8, 2012
International Women's Day
My experience today was especially fitting for today, International Women's Day.
The day was going ok. I went to class, took the baby to a doctor's appointment and then spent the day playing. Our usual playmates were sick so in the afternoon, we went to visit our neighbor. Some of our friends were over and it was time for me to head home and bathe and feed my son. As we walked out the door, I accidentally slammed his tiny fingers in the door!!! It caught his hand right at the door hinges and he started wailing. We all ran to comfort him and tears immediately filled my eyes. I felt sooooo bad!! He calmed down as soon as the pain was gone but I was a different story. I felt awful for causing my son pain and was trying so hard to stop my tears in front of everyone but was having trouble. The women began sharing stories of times they accidentally hurt their children (or other people's children) and the tears turned into laughter. My neighbor later came to check on me and I was reminded of all the women in my life who have been (and are still) mentors, teachers and most importantly, friends to me in the most meaningful ways.
I think about my junior high and high school voice and choir teacher who pushed me towards excellence even when it was so hard. My lifelong besties who I could share everything with and who stuck by me when I was growing into the adult I would become. The amazing women I worked with who managed life and work with confidence and ease. The women who became wives and mothers around the same time as me who walk through the challenges of marriage and motherhood with me each day. My life coach who is my cheerleader (and friend) who has helped me achieve healing from past pain and continues to push me towards achieving my goals. The women who have adopted me overseas (my true extended family) who are incredible mothers and friends and help me navigate through the muddy waters of living in different cultures while establishing my home and family. My mother, sister, grandmothers, aunties and mother-in-law who are a constant support system and are always there for me through good and bad. The women of faith who pray for me and my family as we face challenges and are blessed.
All the women I know have overcome challenges and are moving through their lives with grace and gusto. Today I am especially thankful to have them as examples of faith, hope and strength. I know that when you look at the women in your life you will say the same.
To all the women I know, thank you for being such an integral part of my life and helping shape who I am. I am thankful for you and celebrate you today.
The day was going ok. I went to class, took the baby to a doctor's appointment and then spent the day playing. Our usual playmates were sick so in the afternoon, we went to visit our neighbor. Some of our friends were over and it was time for me to head home and bathe and feed my son. As we walked out the door, I accidentally slammed his tiny fingers in the door!!! It caught his hand right at the door hinges and he started wailing. We all ran to comfort him and tears immediately filled my eyes. I felt sooooo bad!! He calmed down as soon as the pain was gone but I was a different story. I felt awful for causing my son pain and was trying so hard to stop my tears in front of everyone but was having trouble. The women began sharing stories of times they accidentally hurt their children (or other people's children) and the tears turned into laughter. My neighbor later came to check on me and I was reminded of all the women in my life who have been (and are still) mentors, teachers and most importantly, friends to me in the most meaningful ways.
I think about my junior high and high school voice and choir teacher who pushed me towards excellence even when it was so hard. My lifelong besties who I could share everything with and who stuck by me when I was growing into the adult I would become. The amazing women I worked with who managed life and work with confidence and ease. The women who became wives and mothers around the same time as me who walk through the challenges of marriage and motherhood with me each day. My life coach who is my cheerleader (and friend) who has helped me achieve healing from past pain and continues to push me towards achieving my goals. The women who have adopted me overseas (my true extended family) who are incredible mothers and friends and help me navigate through the muddy waters of living in different cultures while establishing my home and family. My mother, sister, grandmothers, aunties and mother-in-law who are a constant support system and are always there for me through good and bad. The women of faith who pray for me and my family as we face challenges and are blessed.
All the women I know have overcome challenges and are moving through their lives with grace and gusto. Today I am especially thankful to have them as examples of faith, hope and strength. I know that when you look at the women in your life you will say the same.
To all the women I know, thank you for being such an integral part of my life and helping shape who I am. I am thankful for you and celebrate you today.
Friday, March 2, 2012
A Little Complaining Goes A Long Way
Michael and I got engaged Labor Day weekend in 2008. At that point, I assumed I would move to Austin, TX where Michael was working and owned a house. We decided we'd get married on Valentine's Day 2009 since it fell on a Saturday that year. It wasn't long after that Michael was offered a job in Singapore and was scheduled to start working there in January 2009. So, to handle all the official business of name changing and what not, we had a small legal ceremony November 14, 2008 and by the end of December we had chosen our home in Singapore and were preparing for our life overseas.
I didn't think too much about how drastically my life would change. My hubby worked long hours in Texas but only traveled twice a year and was usually home by 6 or 7pm. Completely manageable. His new job, however, required 50% travel and crazy long working hours. I was unprepared for the amount of time I would spend alone in my new home. Having left a job I loved to become a stay at home wife and having so much time to myself was a major adjustment. I needed to find ways to occupy my time that were meaningful to me while trying to navigate a new culture. I also had to learn a true respect and acceptance of my husband's working hours and work happily with the time we did have together instead of with an attitude of "it's not enough". This took some serious thought and effort on my part and the first year was very tough for me emotionally. Eventually, I was able to strike a good balance and a good attitude about the whole thing (mostly).
When we moved to Switzerland, I thought I knew what to expect. I was 7 months pregnant and extremely focused on our impending arrival. I figured Michael would work the same hours and be gone just as much but I had a bundle of joy to tend to so it was all good. What I didn't anticipate was the amount of time my friends would be gone in Basel. People are allotted a lot of vacation time in Switzerland so I found that there would be weeks where everyone left town (including my hubby on business trips) for a few weeks except me!! In Singapore it was ok because I could leave too. I could travel with my hubby or do my own thing no problem. But now I had a baby and couldn't just leave at the drop of a hat.
I would mention this to my husband, how much I hated being left alone with the baby while everyone else was on vacation and he was traveling. After a while, it turned into down right complaining and as we were approaching the first long holiday of the year I'm sure it was worse (OK, I know it was worse). Finally he said, "well, plan a vacation and we'll go too." YAY!!!!!!!!!!! So, all that long story to say, this is how we ended up in Morocco this week.
As our week here comes to a close, I was just thinking about all this and how thankful I am that we are here together and I'm not home alone with my precious son missing my friends and husband and wishing we were somewhere else. It only took me 18 months in Switzerland to figure out how to better strategically plan our vacation time but as I'm learning on this expat journey, learning things takes time and that process is not always easy.
I hate to get gushy on everybody but today I am so thankful for my husband who is so dedicated to his work but also 110% dedicated to his family. He has a lot on his plate to balance and does it with love and ease. I am also thankful for my son who is an amazing explorer and adventurer. He has enhanced my life in ways I never thought possible. I know when things aren't easy, I can think on these memories we've made this week and remember how truly blessed I am.
Morocco, we will miss you. Switzerland, I hope you've warmed up at least a little you chilly country you.
I didn't think too much about how drastically my life would change. My hubby worked long hours in Texas but only traveled twice a year and was usually home by 6 or 7pm. Completely manageable. His new job, however, required 50% travel and crazy long working hours. I was unprepared for the amount of time I would spend alone in my new home. Having left a job I loved to become a stay at home wife and having so much time to myself was a major adjustment. I needed to find ways to occupy my time that were meaningful to me while trying to navigate a new culture. I also had to learn a true respect and acceptance of my husband's working hours and work happily with the time we did have together instead of with an attitude of "it's not enough". This took some serious thought and effort on my part and the first year was very tough for me emotionally. Eventually, I was able to strike a good balance and a good attitude about the whole thing (mostly).
When we moved to Switzerland, I thought I knew what to expect. I was 7 months pregnant and extremely focused on our impending arrival. I figured Michael would work the same hours and be gone just as much but I had a bundle of joy to tend to so it was all good. What I didn't anticipate was the amount of time my friends would be gone in Basel. People are allotted a lot of vacation time in Switzerland so I found that there would be weeks where everyone left town (including my hubby on business trips) for a few weeks except me!! In Singapore it was ok because I could leave too. I could travel with my hubby or do my own thing no problem. But now I had a baby and couldn't just leave at the drop of a hat.
I would mention this to my husband, how much I hated being left alone with the baby while everyone else was on vacation and he was traveling. After a while, it turned into down right complaining and as we were approaching the first long holiday of the year I'm sure it was worse (OK, I know it was worse). Finally he said, "well, plan a vacation and we'll go too." YAY!!!!!!!!!!! So, all that long story to say, this is how we ended up in Morocco this week.
As our week here comes to a close, I was just thinking about all this and how thankful I am that we are here together and I'm not home alone with my precious son missing my friends and husband and wishing we were somewhere else. It only took me 18 months in Switzerland to figure out how to better strategically plan our vacation time but as I'm learning on this expat journey, learning things takes time and that process is not always easy.
I hate to get gushy on everybody but today I am so thankful for my husband who is so dedicated to his work but also 110% dedicated to his family. He has a lot on his plate to balance and does it with love and ease. I am also thankful for my son who is an amazing explorer and adventurer. He has enhanced my life in ways I never thought possible. I know when things aren't easy, I can think on these memories we've made this week and remember how truly blessed I am.
Morocco, we will miss you. Switzerland, I hope you've warmed up at least a little you chilly country you.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Thoughts About Vacation
This trip to Morocco has magnified what was and what is now and they are so different. The first major difference is packing. We traveled a lot last year but mostly to the US and places in Europe. Our major trip was to Greece but the baby was barely crawling so we could still kind of lay around. The climate in Greece was also very warm, so there was no guess work in what to bring (shorts and t-shirts and some swim diapers). This trip we were in the city and now at the seaside, a temperature shift of about 15 degrees. It's made having the right clothes (and enough of them) a challenge (not to mention we were in full winter mode in Switzerland). Also, we flew on Easy Jet (the only direct way to get from Basel to Marrakech), which is a budget airline (much like Southwest) except you have to pay for the amount of luggage you bring. You'd think a baby, being a smaller person, would need less luggage space but it is completely the opposite. He needs a 100 more things than any adult would require like diapers, wipes, pacifiers, all types of baby medications in case he gets a fever or has diaper rash, toys, and the list goes on. Packing for this trip was definitely a challenge.
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| A small sampling of Mickey's clothes |
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| Just a few baby necessities |
The next major difference has been the way we enjoy where we are staying. We are currently in a lovely 2 bedroom villa overlooking the ocean. We have a private pool (which is a bit too chilly to swim in) and the doors to our place open all the way. Normally I would have these doors wide open but since the pool starts right at these doors, they must remain closed. Our baby WILL fall in. We have to keep most things out of his little baby grasp (like the phones, drinking glasses, remote controls) and attempt to make sure he's not destroying anything that doesn't belong to us (sometimes that is a real challenge). 16 months is a great age but Mickey is into everything!
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| If only they'd open these doors! |
The last major difference is there is no longer flexibility to our vacation schedule. Our little guy wakes up, takes naps, eats and goes to bed on cue. This makes sleeping in, eating whenever you're hungry and enjoying your time late into the night almost impossible (sleeping in? What's that?). There are times I really miss those things.
On the flip side...we have a very patient baby most of the time and he's rolled with the punches on this trip. He's eaten a lot of strange food at random times, napped in cars and charmed the pants off all of the strangers we've met along the way. He even slept until 7am today! So, things are definitely different but I wouldn't change it for anything. Life has changed for the better by adding our little Mickey to the mix. Things as we knew it will never be the same, vacations and all.
Now that I've shared a little bit about how I used to and am now vacationing, here's a glimpse into how Mickey likes to vacation:
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| Reading "Brown Bear" over and over (with sound effects) |
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| Exploring cabinets |
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| Climbing in and out of cabinets to hide toys |
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| Cartoon watching |
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| Deciding what to eat from the room service menu |
And after all the fun has been had, the only thing left is a much-needed nap...
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Morocco Days 1-3
On Saturday we boarded a plane to Morocco. It is a major holiday week in Basel so we decided to use the time to get away. It was great to land in a place where it was 70 degrees instead of 30 (although I think the weather in Basel has much improved since we've left. Hmph). Morocco is a place I never thought I'd visit and knew very little about, so this was definitely going to be an adventure.
We decided to spend the first 3 days of our trip in the city of Marrakech. I had read that there were a lot of interesting things to see and do there. We stayed in the Medina (also known as the "old city") in a traditional Moroccan Riad. When we arrived, the Medina seemed so hectic. It was full of people going about their daily lives of shopping, cooking and visiting. The streets were tiny and very maze-like. As we walked to our Riad (you had to walk because a normal sized car could not fit through these streets), I was wondering where the heck we were going and how were we ever going to find this place again. Along the streets were all these doors that seemed very random to me. We later found out these are all houses. The place where we stayed was one of these random doors but the door opened up to a beautiful, tranquil hotel with 12 rooms and a pool in the middle of it all. It was basically a bed and breakfast but Moroccan style.
We spent one day with a tour guide who took us to all the major sites. It was a fascinating day. Marrakech is so intricate. We visited the Botanical Gardens, the street markets and the Djemma el Fna square. The markets were especially interesting because our guide said everything is made in Morocco and as we walked deeper into the stalls, you saw all the goods being made. There was everything from tanning leather to painting pictures. This is where all the local people shop for shoes, clothes, dishes and other necessities so it was a busy place. The colors were incredible and I was amazed at the sheer volume of stuff within such small spaces.
Our second day was spent visiting the Ourika River Valley. I wasn't sure how the day was going to go because it was a lot of time in the car. I'm so glad we went. This was my favorite day so far. We went from a dusty, desert city to a lush valley with the snowy Atlas Mountains in the background. Along the drive we saw the Berber people (considered the first people in Morocco) tending to their animals and homes. We saw a lot of women farming and donkeys carrying cart loads of goods. There were handicrafts for sale on the side of the road and lots of goats, camels and horses to see (Mickey's favorite!).
We arrived yesterday in the seaside city of Essaouira where we will spend a few days relaxing and visiting the beach. We accidentally left our stroller in the back of a taxi yesterday so we won't be doing any long walking treks (and yay! I get to go stroller shopping when we get home) but that's ok. We are definitely enjoying the beauty of the ocean and having some down time together. Hopefully the second half of our trip is as wonderful as the first. Pictures and an update to come.
xoxo
We decided to spend the first 3 days of our trip in the city of Marrakech. I had read that there were a lot of interesting things to see and do there. We stayed in the Medina (also known as the "old city") in a traditional Moroccan Riad. When we arrived, the Medina seemed so hectic. It was full of people going about their daily lives of shopping, cooking and visiting. The streets were tiny and very maze-like. As we walked to our Riad (you had to walk because a normal sized car could not fit through these streets), I was wondering where the heck we were going and how were we ever going to find this place again. Along the streets were all these doors that seemed very random to me. We later found out these are all houses. The place where we stayed was one of these random doors but the door opened up to a beautiful, tranquil hotel with 12 rooms and a pool in the middle of it all. It was basically a bed and breakfast but Moroccan style.
We spent one day with a tour guide who took us to all the major sites. It was a fascinating day. Marrakech is so intricate. We visited the Botanical Gardens, the street markets and the Djemma el Fna square. The markets were especially interesting because our guide said everything is made in Morocco and as we walked deeper into the stalls, you saw all the goods being made. There was everything from tanning leather to painting pictures. This is where all the local people shop for shoes, clothes, dishes and other necessities so it was a busy place. The colors were incredible and I was amazed at the sheer volume of stuff within such small spaces.
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| Exploring the native plant life |
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| The Markets |
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| All Olives!!! |
Our second day was spent visiting the Ourika River Valley. I wasn't sure how the day was going to go because it was a lot of time in the car. I'm so glad we went. This was my favorite day so far. We went from a dusty, desert city to a lush valley with the snowy Atlas Mountains in the background. Along the drive we saw the Berber people (considered the first people in Morocco) tending to their animals and homes. We saw a lot of women farming and donkeys carrying cart loads of goods. There were handicrafts for sale on the side of the road and lots of goats, camels and horses to see (Mickey's favorite!).
We arrived yesterday in the seaside city of Essaouira where we will spend a few days relaxing and visiting the beach. We accidentally left our stroller in the back of a taxi yesterday so we won't be doing any long walking treks (and yay! I get to go stroller shopping when we get home) but that's ok. We are definitely enjoying the beauty of the ocean and having some down time together. Hopefully the second half of our trip is as wonderful as the first. Pictures and an update to come.
xoxo
Friday, February 10, 2012
What I'm Obsessed With (this week)
I have no great updates to report about my weight loss goals this week. Boo :-(. Actually, I'm not that sad about it because I am exercising and eating well and generally feeling good about things. I also think I can contribute some of my lack of progress to what I'm obsessed with this week: Chicken noodle soup! Yum.
I'm not sure if I've written about this before, but for so long here in Basel I missed canned soup. It's not something readily available in the grocery store. It sounds silly but there is nothing like a good can of Campbell's soup when you have a cold or a flu and want something warm and comforting. I can order canned soup from a website here. It costs $7.50 for a small can. Pllleasssse. No one needs canned soup that bad! So, I started making my own. Chicken stock and all. After eating my own soup for a while, I brought back a few cans of Campbell's from the US. I'm no great cook but bleh! My soup tasted much better to me (maybe it's the "love" I added along with blood, sweat and tears). It also brought me so much joy to watch my son lap it up and ask for "mo" knowing I had made it. :-)
Two weeks ago when I was sick, I really wanted soup but wasn't even interested in the other can we had in the pantry and had no energy to cook up a pot. So, this week I made a huge pot with the intention to freeze it. There is just one problem. I can't stop eating it!!! It has been my breakfast, lunch and dinner most days. I think I have 1 bowl left that I could freeze...or maybe I'll eat it for dinner. I'm sure the sodium is killing my diet (although since it's homemade, it doesn't have all the added salt and preservatives) but I don't care. It is YUMMY!
Also, my son has started to really get into Elmo. I show him some of the videos on my phone from YouTube and now whenever he sees my phone he asks for "em-o." Some of the current songs with various artists are really good. This week I am obsessed with will.i.am's "What I am." I love his serious face, the characters' little head bobs and I especially love the words. Check it out here:
"What I am"
I'm serious. It will brighten your day!!
I'm not sure if I've written about this before, but for so long here in Basel I missed canned soup. It's not something readily available in the grocery store. It sounds silly but there is nothing like a good can of Campbell's soup when you have a cold or a flu and want something warm and comforting. I can order canned soup from a website here. It costs $7.50 for a small can. Pllleasssse. No one needs canned soup that bad! So, I started making my own. Chicken stock and all. After eating my own soup for a while, I brought back a few cans of Campbell's from the US. I'm no great cook but bleh! My soup tasted much better to me (maybe it's the "love" I added along with blood, sweat and tears). It also brought me so much joy to watch my son lap it up and ask for "mo" knowing I had made it. :-)
Two weeks ago when I was sick, I really wanted soup but wasn't even interested in the other can we had in the pantry and had no energy to cook up a pot. So, this week I made a huge pot with the intention to freeze it. There is just one problem. I can't stop eating it!!! It has been my breakfast, lunch and dinner most days. I think I have 1 bowl left that I could freeze...or maybe I'll eat it for dinner. I'm sure the sodium is killing my diet (although since it's homemade, it doesn't have all the added salt and preservatives) but I don't care. It is YUMMY!
Also, my son has started to really get into Elmo. I show him some of the videos on my phone from YouTube and now whenever he sees my phone he asks for "em-o." Some of the current songs with various artists are really good. This week I am obsessed with will.i.am's "What I am." I love his serious face, the characters' little head bobs and I especially love the words. Check it out here:
"What I am"
I'm serious. It will brighten your day!!
Friday, February 3, 2012
Day 12 already???
I looked at my calendar today and realized it's already day 12 of my 100 day challenge. It's been a little bit of a roller coaster ride while I've been trying to figure out what works for me and what I really want out of this experience. The short term goal is to lose weight but my long term goals are to learn how to eat in a balanced way (not depriving and being satisfied) and continue exercising for physical health (not just to lose weight). I think it's going to take me more than 100 days to really get it but I'm off to a decent start.
In the last 12 days I've learned these few things about myself:
#1. If I deprive myself of things I want to eat, I swing the other way and end up eating WAY more than I would if I just had what I wanted in the first place. Overeating is not usually a problem for me, but I find it becomes a problem when I try to limit my diet to certain foods. I just need some pizza once a week. Even if it's homemade with tons of veggies or on an english muffin. I NEED it! :-)
#2. (and probably most important) I make the best choices when I exercise!!! After a good workout, I don't want to ruin all my hard work so I make good choices or I feel like I can cut myself some slack because I exercised. It's a win-win. I just feel better.
So, my goal this upcoming week is to make sure I get in some really good exercise. I had a great workout today. 45 minutes on the elliptical and 30 tough minutes with my trainer. I am looking forward to more days like today.
Weight stats:
Day 1: 127.8
Day 12: 127
Almost a pound. I'll take it!
In the last 12 days I've learned these few things about myself:
#1. If I deprive myself of things I want to eat, I swing the other way and end up eating WAY more than I would if I just had what I wanted in the first place. Overeating is not usually a problem for me, but I find it becomes a problem when I try to limit my diet to certain foods. I just need some pizza once a week. Even if it's homemade with tons of veggies or on an english muffin. I NEED it! :-)
#2. (and probably most important) I make the best choices when I exercise!!! After a good workout, I don't want to ruin all my hard work so I make good choices or I feel like I can cut myself some slack because I exercised. It's a win-win. I just feel better.
So, my goal this upcoming week is to make sure I get in some really good exercise. I had a great workout today. 45 minutes on the elliptical and 30 tough minutes with my trainer. I am looking forward to more days like today.
Weight stats:
Day 1: 127.8
Day 12: 127
Almost a pound. I'll take it!
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