Last US Visitors

Our very last American visitors came a few weeks ago. It was the first time that my well-traveled aunt and uncle had visited and we had an excellent time together.

The Mr. was off skiing with his friends in a previously planned trip for the majority of their time here. It was a pity to miss him and we all fit into my VW Touran easier.
 

Uncle J is a master builder and showed great enthusiasm and patience in building with PJ. Together they built one complicated work of Lego art after another. Uncle J also helped PJ continue to learn that Legos don't break; Legos come apart, giving us another opportunity to build something even better.

Aunt P and little Jelly Bean bonded as well. By the fifth day, Bean wanted Aunt P to help her wake up in the morning.

We all went to Heidelberg together. There we introduced our visitors to Döner and Yufka. All things food inspire Bean and the entire family seemed to enjoy the food. It was excellent to have the chance to say goodbye to our favorite Döner place as well.
 

I also voted for my first primary ever while in Germany. Check out all the swag I got, even a Thin Mint cookie from the Girl Scouts!
 

While it wasn't always peaceful, and PJ still struggles with transitions and over-excitement, there continue to be many moments of laughter and sibling learning. Like this one while waiting for a bus in Heidelberg.
 

And this one at the Heidelberg castle.

And this one in the Schwetzingen castle garden. Both wanted to hold my hand to make "big-big-big" shadows.
 

Together we also went to Wörms and experienced Jewish history returned to life. We toured Schwetzingen. We went to Speyer. These are places that I've spent a good slice of time in while living here for work and while touring with visitors. I wouldn't have taken the time to say goodbye to each and now, with some time for reflection and even closer to our move, I'm so thankful that I did.

Once the Mr. returned, we even went to Straussbourgh, France.

The entire crew on a boat, in the sun. Fabulous French eclairs in our bellies.

While I've reached out to my aunt a handful of times for advice and feel an almost instant comfort with her, I haven't really spent all that much time with her or my uncle J. She lives on one coast and I lived first at home and then at college and then in Europe. This trip offered a chance to learn more about both.

For example, my uncle takes really good pictures and he takes taking pictures seriously. He can also fix anything and enjoys the process as well as the result. He has traveled extensively; gets frustrated (first time I ever felt that!); and has a very quiet and musical faith and practice of his faith. He is also giving of his experience and his wisdom, providing powerful input into the paperwork side of our move.

 

My aunt is far more forgiving and generous of her experience, her mistakes, her wisdom, and her struggles than even I expected. She has mothered two very different children into adulthood and is (to date) the most clear and supportive ally in my life who offered me realistic, loving feedback about my parenting and my children when asked.

 

Together they have been married almost 35 years. They are serious and they are hilarious.

 

 

They live both. And it is gorgeous to be a part of and watch from nearby.

 

Thanks for your time, Aunt P and Uncle J.

XO

IRL: It Does Happen

When I was pregnant with PJ I got involved in an online group. Three years later, while visiting family in Ohio, three of us got together for a playdate. It was so wonderful to meet these women in person that I've shared some ups and downs with online.

And of course meet those adorable, adorable, adorable little ones!

The three mommies!

XO

Aunt Kiwi's Cooking

**Failed to hit 'publish' - late but still fun.**

Not only is my future sister-in-law, Aunt Kiwi, smart, ambitious, and beautiful, she is also one hell of a cook. Shortly before they had to fly home, she was kind enough to cook a lovely dinner for us and my parents-in-law.

While Uncle Frannie was roped into soux chef duties...

PJ entertained the masses with his new jumping skills...

And his always improving yelling skills.

While Jelly Bean and Opa hung out on the couch, chatting up the day. 

In those last crucial minutes of cooking, my brother and I snagged a picture of how much we love each other. Not much has changed since we were kids, really. Just that he is taller and bigger and stronger than me. Which sucks cause it makes beating him up really difficult.

And then the feast was ready! 

I'm not sure how we did it, but we all enjoyed a bi-lingual conversation with the wonderful food. Maybe it was the wine that made it possible?

And then the kiddos were exhausted and the night already over.

We are going to miss these guys when they take off.

XO

Farm Girl Hits Germany

Recently one of my closest buddies - the farm girl - and her fabulous hubby came over to visit us and Germany. We've known each other since freshman year of college, lived together for two years, and despite a 10 year separation with an ocean between us, have managed to remain close. We have one of those friendships: we might not exchange emails or talk on the phone for four (sometimes even six) months and then, when we do, its like we just hung out yesterday.

Her trip over here was like that too, except for my lovely waddle, the rambunctious toddler, and everything in German.

Considering the toddler, the waddle, and the jet lag, we actually saw quite a lot. We ate and drank a hecka lot; one of the advantages of traveling to see a pregnant lady I guess.

 

The day they arrived in our town's brewery with beer.

Our first visit into Heidelberg with apple struedel and wine.

There was a LOT of ice cream and sweets; one of the
advantages of travelling with a toddler.

Of course, PJ ensured he had at least one bite of each scope of ice cream.

We even did a brewery tour. The tour itself was interesting and at the end we all got what appeared to be unlimited top-ups of the local beer. PJ got a soda sort of drink, which we innocently let him enjoy...noticing only hours later that it was PACKED with caffeine. That was good fun, at least for PJ.

PJ assumed his role as tour guide.

There was also a lot of adorable picture taking. For truly adorable pictures, you must check out those made by my very talented friends (also known as Oolaa Designs). Seriously, you must check these out.

In the Heidelberg castle, doing the tourist pose above the city.

In the boat of Strasbourg, checking it all out.

And, of course, there was A LOT of toddler entertainment. For example, 15,000 turns on the carousel in Strasbourg.

And visits to the playground; turns out the kid can already do the zip line at a nearby one.

 

May I remind us all that this kid is just two-years-old? Oh, man, I see skydiving in the future.

 

But most importantly, I got to selfishly spend quality time with farm girl: a friend that shares so many experiences and memories; who has somehow always believed in me; and who (like a fabulous red wine) only gets better and better as our lives stretch through the years. I love you girl.

But, seriously, you must check out their photographs.


xo
 

11 Weeks with the Auntie

PJ is 11 weeks today! Incredible, right? Even better: PJ is celebrating with his favorite American aunt, Little One, who is visiting us for a few weeks.

Fun has been and will be had!


xo

Meeting Family (Part 2)

Last week my family was here for a too-short visit from the US. It was amazing to spend time with them here in the Germany-land and I really hope that we are able to see them more often in both countries as the years go by. 

Having them here was also a huge help for me and a joy for PJ. I'm still struggling with post-partum and getting more sleep created a very quick and very positive change in my outlook. PJ loved that he was almost constantly carried by five pairs of hands that never got tired. He doesn't ask for much, just pure submission! And really, who wouldn't submit to this little one? 

He had a lot of fun with his grandma, especially on his changing table. Mom even spent two nights with us to take over the middle of the night feeding so that both the Mr. and I could sleep the night through. Talk about miracle worker!

 

PJ also enjoyed sitting on his great-nana's lap.

He also loved listening to his granddad's voice and feel his fingers play across his belly. Sadly, none of the pictures I have turned out. :(

While my family was here, PJ even permitted us to take him for a walk three different times! Considering PJ wouldn't stay in his stroller for more than 5 minutes at a time, it had been very difficult for me to get out of the house alone in hot weather. When it was cooler, I could carry him tied to me but in hot weather he sweats too much and is extremely uncomfortable. If we can continue to improve on the PJ-stroller relationship, I believe we will be on the best pathway towards full recovery for me and more happy hours for PJ. 

xo

Four Generations

My parents and my nana (grandmother) are visiting us this week. That means four generations are together in one place together.

It has been incredibly helpful to have them here, especially my mom. Its true: when a woman has a baby, she becomes her mother's baby again and needs her mommy. I'm not looking forward to them leaving. 

xo