9 Month Fiasco

Most of you know me to avoid the 'typical' maternal things.  My daughter rarely wears anything but a diaper if it's warm enough because I don't like constantly washing her clothes.  I let her play in the dirt and get messy.  I have no problem letting her fuss in public places (even though it's more socially unacceptable here than in the States).  However, one thing I have done well (so far) is get her pictures taken every 3 months.  My Grams gave me a picture frame with four different small holes for newborn, 3 months, 6 months, and 9 months, with a larger space for the one year picture.  I always went to the JC Penny's photo studio in the States because of all the coupons in the parenting magazines for free sittings and 8x10 portraits.  We would end up paying less than $5 for enough pictures to allow for us to record this life-stage for posterity sake.  Here, however, I don't have coupons and haven't found a professional photographer who is less than a bazillion (hyperbole) Rand.  So, I decided that I could pull off doing her pictures here.  So, I waited for the lighting to be good in the living room, threw a white sheet over the TV cabinet and put a white quilt down on the floor.  I forgot, however, that I am now dealing with a very mobile child, not to mention there was nothing else to distract her except the dog and all the other things in the house.  Needles to say, this was not quite as tranquil as the photo studio.  So, two hours later, I had maybe six decent shots, a broken mirror, an overturned fern (muddy water and potting soil to boot) and a filthy dog who had tracked puppy prints all over my white quilt.  Needless to say, when Todd finally arrived home I was more than slightly frazzled and told him that for her 12 month pictures, we were going to have Lani stay over at a friend's house, hire the neighbor girls to come and distract Em, and Todd and I both will each have a camera, so it wouldn't be such a disaster.  However, I did get some pretty cute shots of my very energetic little girl.  I hope you all like them!

The Park

There are certain things that I can look back on and say, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that the action I took was most definitely not the smartest thing I've ever done.  Saturday will go down in as the Number 1 thing I probably should have thought through a little better.  You see, my husband likes to go out and be 'manly'... get dirty, find a new, uncharted corner of the world, climb something, etc.  So when he said we should go to a game park, my heart said yes because I love my husband, but my mind started racing in the various directions of how to successfully take a 9 month old on a day-safari and keep all parties happy.  So, we packed.  We packed the rice cakes, the sippy cup, the pear chunks, the cheese, the applesauce, the water (for us), the diapers, the three changes of cloths, the sunscreen, the hat, the three pacifiers (in case one is lost and one falls onto lion dung (I will not be sanitizing that any time soon!), the snacks for me, the fizzy pop for when I feel sick, the extra shirt to change into- just in case, and all the bottles we own as Em is now drinking only formula.  We got it all into the car and headed out at 8:12 am, not too shabby as we were hoping to leave by 8.  But the fact of the matter still remained that we were going, in our Subaru with two 13 year old and Em, into a game park with unpaved roads and places labeled "four-wheel drive only" with my husband driving a stick and (God bless him) he's sometimes not the nicest person to Tom (what we named the car) as he should be.  So, my dilemma was this: morning sickness with squeamish teens in a place that doesn't have a level spot for anything with a husband who desperately wants to go off-roading, but manages to stall the car no less than 4 times, and we've got tickets for the lion/cheetah/whatever animal feeding... Great combination!

 

Minus a few bumps and bruises, not to mention some sunburns, we managed to have a great time.  We saw all the animals we wanted and went into an amazing limestone and iron cave (thank you Prof Stanek for teaching me the difference between a stalactite and a stalagmite!).  Em got to play with lion cubs, although we soon found out the volunteer handler was more than a bit nervous when Em started 'patting' rather vigorously the cub's belly, thus waking him up!  Everyone had a good day and I enjoyed that Todd was able to see so many of the big animals that Africa has to offer (even the unwashed zebras!).  

Isn't It Ironic... Don't Ya Think?!

There is a song by the singer Alanis Morissette that's all about the ironies of life.  It speaks of "rain on your wedding day" or "good advice that you just can't take".  I've always enjoyed reading about irony or watching it in movies, and it was generally a wonderfully humorous moment that could just be laughed at.  These ironies of life can be enjoyed until the irony is in your life, then somehow, the humor is not quite as humorous and is often slightly more crazy-sounding.  I realized today that my life fit into that song when I saw two new emails; one from Gerber letting me know all there is to know about my 9 month old little girl, and one from Baby Center about my 10 week old little surprise......

Well, my grandmother always said if you wanted to hear God laugh, tell Him your plans for your life.  After Em was born, I was very adamant that I would not be going through that again.  Apparently, God was listening and decided that our lives were a little too... mundane and we were operating a little too close to the "status quo" because 10 days after we arrived here in Joburg (Johannesburg for those who aren't in the know), still working through the jet-lag, I went to the doctor who told me that the "jet lag" would be lasting a few more months... like, until sometime in September.  Now, as this was not planned, and in fact, we were very intent on not having this happen, Todd and I have decided three things: 1) this child wants to be here 2) Em is really good at having her prayers heard as she's the only little girl I know who has a puppy AND sibling before she's 2 years old, and 3) what better way is there to learn everything you ever wanted to know about a new country and culture than to find doctors, learn the medical system, figure out the 'mom' ways here, and find other people who are going through the same thing as you... I mean, pregnant people are pretty easy to spot in a crowd, you know what I mean?

While all this 'new' seemed impossibly overwhelming at first- new country, new home, new friends, new doctors, new side of the road to drive on, etc. God has show himself in every detail.  One of the guys that plays basketball with Todd on Sundays happened to be over here (they live across town) with his wife, and she recommended a great general practitioner who recommended a great OB and hospital.  We got in immediately (which is amazing as the waiting lists for private health care here is long) and the doctor was exactly what I wanted- funny, kind, and totally unyielding about certain things (I will probably have to go on a diet before this is all over if my kilograms to pounds conversion is right!).  He also has his own equipment in a brand new facility, which meant we were able to see the baba (Africaans for baby) and the little heart beat at EIGHT WEEKS!  It was totally amazing as that never happened in the States.  God knew that we desperately needed to have an up-close and personal experience with this little one to be comfortable with this additional blessing and know that everything would be alright.  

Once again He has provided in an amazing way.  

The proof was in the picture and what a picture it was!  This little one is determined to be just as big and strong and willful as his/her older sister was!!!  We have been so excited to share this news with you and know that you will keep our whole family, all four of us, in your prayers as I chase after Em and the puppy while still feeling the effects of pregnancy and all the... um, joys that come with that!   

Nine Months

For those of you who knew me personally when I was pregnant with Em, you know that I was not the 'glowing, radiant' pregnant type.  I was the one who kept forgetting she was pregnant until some part of me rammed into a door or chair or wall.  I didn't like not being able to do 'normal' stuff, especially when we moved into the house and tiles needed to be laid, Todd needed help installing appliances, and other hands-on projects that required lifting more than just my whale-like self.  So, it goes to say that I counted down every day until I was due, and now... now my little girl is nine months and a day old.  She has gotten so big, with such a big personality on her.  I still can't believe that she's been out in the world longer than she was cramped up inside of me!  It's all so huge and awesome that it's hard to believe.  She has a large portfolio of word-esque sounds, although they generally aren't connected with anything in particular yet.  She's desperately trying to walk and knows right from wrong (she loves to 'sneak' to the dog's food and try to get into it when we're not looking, and as soon as we say her name in that 'parental' voice, she just turns and looks at us with this big angelic "I didn't do anything Mommy/Daddy!" face... it's hilarious, which makes it hard to keep a straight face).  People warn you that your kids grow up fast, so treasure it while you can.  I didn't ever grasp, though I thought I did, what that actually meant until I realized that my not-so-little bundle of Mexican Jumping Beans was once, not too long ago, a snuggling, cooing, barely smiling little thing.  Unbelievable.  

Record Book

Todd and I were driving back from a Super Bowl party the other night and saw something I would never see in the States.  A big rig was carrying what looked to me to be the Jolly Green Giant's lawn aerator only there were no restraints to hold this enormous piece of construction equipment.  Zero.  So, when the big rig tried to go up a steep hill, this giant cylinder went from just behind the cab to resting on the ground.  I thought that was going to go down in the record book as one of the strangest things I'd ever seen... That was then.  This is now.  I now know better than to be surprised by some everyday occurrence such as a "professional" truck driver (I use that term loosely) putting a couple tons of construction equipment unsecured onto a flatbed semi-truck and then dump said equipment on the side of the road.  

    You see, we have birds here.  I'm not talking cute little humming birds.  There is an actual species of bird called a "Go Away Bird".  This bird isn't a cute little robin! No, this bird can only be described as a small turkey who sounds like it has just swallowed a whole flock of Canada Geese.  This is the beautiful noise that we are woken up to every morning.  Now, we have these and many others here in our backyard, and Lani loves watching them in the morning.  I was surprised yesterday morning when Lani started jumping around like she had a firecracker attached to her tail.  I then saw that one of the birds was caught between our sliding glass door and the iron grate that covers the entire window.  The grate was closed but we had the sliding door cracked and the bird had managed to wedge between the two and Lani and Em were thrilled at the show.  Todd helped the bird make it safely back to the free world, but apparently Lani didn't forget how much fun those feathered things could be.  I discovered this when I came back from running errands to find what amounted to be the feather content of a nice fluffy down pillow strewn all over my entry, kitchen, bathroom, living room, and Em's play nook.  It was one of those things that just makes you sick to your stomach, so I just left and called Todd to tell him Lani had eaten a bird, but left some remains, and that he would have to clean it up when he got home in a few hours.  I then went about the rest of my business here in the neighborhood.  I came back to the house to 'face the music' (after dropping off Em with a neighbor- like I want my daughter eating heaven only knows what kind of bird's feathers?  not exactly).  I walked in the front door and hadn't even gotten the broom out when I heard the same unmistakable noise from the morning:  a bird struggling between the glass and the grate!  Apparently, Lani just wanted to torment this helpless grey dove as she had plucked most of the wing feathers and drawn a significant amount of blood, but apparently was not humane enough to put the poor creature out of it's misery.  So, I grabbed a plastic bag (to put under my hands), scolded the dog enough for her to release her grip on a wing, and got the bird free from the grate.  Then, like any good new missionary, I went to the seasoned veteran and asked what to do.  Should I be humane and kill it?  I can't afford the vet, but should I drop it off there?  The missionary told me to release it into her backyard and she'd look after it if the bird indeed, couldn't fly.  I then went back to the task of cleaning up all the feathers throughout the house.  Todd came home and I told him the whole story, not wanting to miss any of the 'good' parts, and of course, he laughed hysterically as he pictured me with this bloody bird trying to have the neighbor help me figure out what Doctor Dolittle would do in this situation.  So, the evening calmed down and I sat down to write this post.  I got about to the part where I discovered the feathers this afternoon, when (I KID YOU NOT!) a grey parrot with red tail feathers flies into our backyard!  I'm already thinking, "not again!" as Lani was in the backyard and the bird showed no interest in leaving.  So, Todd went out and I got Lani in... and then took pictures (who would believe this story?).  I was coming back in to put the camera away when a telltale thwap rang out and I looked up to see Todd half laughing, half mortified and looking at a very disoriented bird who had just flown directly into our glass patio door and is now sliding down the window pane (again, I say, you can't make this up).  So, I go out and Todd tells me the bird's wings are clipped, hence the reason he wasn't going much of anywhere.  That said, I pulled the sleeve of my sweatshirt down over my hand, and the parrot immediately climbed up and walked up to perch on my shoulder.  We moved her to Todd's shoulder, and I went for reinforcements from, again, the neighbor.  I was told that another neighbor had birds, so I went knocking there, and to the woman's horror, told her that her precious bird had just flown directly into our window and was on my husband's shoulder dazed and confused.  Her husband ran through the backyard gate into ours, and, sure enough, found Todd with the bird eating some cantaloupe from his hand.  The man then informed us that this particular bird is generally not friendly and will bite.  Great!  It's inches away from my husbands eyes and ears and nose, not to mention lips, parts I consider extremely necessary at this point in life.  So he takes the bird away and Todd and I are left to deal with The Day of the Birds.  Do you laugh at this point?  Do you put a net up over your backyard so this doesn't happen again?  How is it that three separate incidences can happen like that... all together?  So, as I sit here wondering all over again about the insanity of the day, I again think to myself that the big piece of construction equipment being unsecured and rolling off the back of semi-truck, and thus, not making it to it's destination- definitely NOT the most note-worthy thing to happen this week.

Adventures

I would love to be able to write and tell you all that we're living this gloriously adventurous life, but in reality, I'm still a mom trying to keep my sanity as I'm trying to convince my daughter to play with her toys instead of the pages she has ripped from our phone book.  I love Sundays though.  She gets to wear all these beautiful dresses (which also, coincidentally, hamper her normal rapid movement) and, as I have been blessed with good memory, I get to think about the special someone who gave us that particular dress.  This one is from my Aunt Nancy and I love it.  To me, she looks like the 8th Von Trapp in the Sound of Music.  Sundays are also days where the whole family gets to be together for just hanging out.  We play at the pool, Todd plays basketball with 

the men-folk, but all four of us: Todd, myself, Em

and Lani also get to just play around.  Em has 

just recently discovered what great jungle gyms 

her parents can be and Lani has discovered how 

wonderful my hair can taste... all things which make "just playing in the grass" it's own humorous and hysterical event.  Someday, both these girls will be too big for this kind of fun, and I know they will, but for now, we are so thankful for lazy Sundays and goofy times in the grass.

Adult Conversation

I got to thinking today about life in general, but more specifically my life.  On days like today (and every other Tuesday and Thursday), I'm here at home by myself.  Everyone else is off to work or school.  Those are the days when I truly miss adult conversation.  I mentioned this to Todd and he wanted to know what he could do to help.  My only response?   Leave the computer here at the house.  I'd just blog, because in reality, this is my 'adult conversation' and I love it.  Guys, you may not get this, but gals, I know you will.  You know when sometimes you feel like you need to remember that you're more than the labels which define you?  Like, you're more than just "mother" or "teacher" or "wife" or "sister" or whatever the label may be.  Today, I declare myself to be a friend.  A friend to all of you who are reading this because something makes you want to know what's going on in another life besides your own.  Thank you.  Thank you for sharing life with me and letting me tell stories that don't get interrupted by, "Mommy is talking right now Sweetie."  I wish we were sitting at Starbucks having this conversation, but I've got a coffee mug full of milk (in hopes that Em won't be up all night) and I'm pretending that we are.  I ordered a Vente Sweet Passion Tea Lemonade, so I've got plenty of listening time.  So tell me, how are things for you? - bleslieSA@gmail.com

The Fern & Other Casualties

I remember as a kid I would have to weed in our garden.  I was never very good at chores.  I always got too distracted with something, but weeding- there's no distraction there.  You're in the hot sun and there are things crawling all over you... things that make you go ICCCKKK!  Thankfully, I was usually involved with too many sporting events to have to do this regularly, but I still remember pulling out ivy from my Nana's front hill.  I also remember taking out every single star-thistle in the church parsonage on Wesley Lane.  We lived on Highland Drive and there we had blackberry bushes to pull out.  Now by 'we' I don't mean myself, my mom, my stepfather, my sister and my brother- that 'we' was mostly myself and Ric... at times.  Because weeding isn't bad enough, add to it the stickers and prickers of those stinkin bushes with the biggest roots ever... 

      I used to think I had done something awful for Mom to make me do that and I swore I would never weed again- I'd hire someone or just live where all the things that need to be done were mowing and weed-whacking.  Well, today, I proved that declaration wrong.  Not only did I weed for what seemed like forever, I also de-ferned my flower bed, pulling up a fuschia plant that had been swallowed up by said fern about a decade ago.  

Now, you must understand how this weeding and de-ferning went down.  Remember, Em is now 8 1/2 months old and Lani (Jabulani is her full name, it means 'rejoice' in Zulu) is a whole 7 weeks.  So, all three of us were out there, and Em and Lani had promised to help, although, after they looked at it, both seemed to poop out for naps.  When they woke up though, they were READY to play.  They were crawling and bounding all over the place.

When Em was first born, I used to look at those onesie's with comments printed on them like "Face it, it's time to call Grandma" and laugh at how silly they were.  After the girls' naps, however, I decided that I needed to make one of my own.  It would read:

Just say NO to dirt... and rocks, dog chew toys, ants, fern leaves, dirty shovels, sticks, dog food, grass, and, most importantly, say NO to the worms!  I was trying to picture

 how it would all fit on such a small piece of clothing, but then I realized that even with it on, that was no guarantee that my daughter's "help" wouldn't happen again.  Nothing makes you want to gag quite like seeing your daughter with a wiggling earthworm half hanging out of her smiling mouth.  Again, things that make you go ICCCKKK!  

Needless to say that after naps, there wasn't nearly as much weeding as there was, "Lani, NO," followed up with, "Emmerson Capri, NO!"  

Well, look on the bright side, at least the two know their names!!  That, and they are learning early how to be partners in crime.  But even with all the commotion,  the fern was successfully taken out, as were most of the weeds, and the only one worse for the wear was a toy trowel that I had been using... until I bent it beyond recognition.  Jake, thank you for donating your toy shovel to a good cause, if your daddy is reading this to you, I'm very sorry about that.

Sunday Church

We were invited to go to church today with another couple that works in the Regional Office.  He's originally from Mozambique and she's from here in Joburg.  Their church is about 45 minutes away in traffic, so I was a bit hesitant to go.  Sundays have been hard as Em seems to always miss her morning nap and is then too cranky to be decent for the rest of the day.  However, due to the ride this morning, she got a fairly good nap in on the way, and then we fell in love with the church.  The atmosphere was alive with God's glory as His people gathered to worship Him.  The music was amazing and the preaching wasn't too shabby either (it was our colleague who had invited us that spoke) .  People were very friendly but it didn't feel as though anyone went out of their way to make us feel 'a part' of the congregation.  We were introduced as the new missionaries visiting though, so I'm not surprised we were treated like traveling preachers ;)  Anyways, we want to go back a few more times and get a better feel for the place.  I hear that there's a Women's Ministry there, and Todd and I both want to get involved with their outreach program into one of the informal settlements ("shanty town").  Pray that we'll have a clear leading in this.  Pray that we'll be able to have fellowship soon, either at this church (Eldorado- no Mother, it's not a misprint- that's how it's spelled here) or another church.   Thanks for keeping us in your prayers!