You + Me =

1 Decade

315,633,480 Seconds

2 Kids/2 Dogs

3,652 Days

3 Trips to Italy

1,545 Trips to the Grocery Store (apx.)

4 Cars

5,260,558 Minutes

5 Nights in the Hospital

87,675 Hours

6 Homes

12 Countries

7 Backpacking trips

521 Weeks

8 Cellphones

11 Jobs

9 Weddings - Friends & Family

120 Months

10 Years

10 years ago today I married my best friend!  We have seen many joys and struggles and yet through it all our love has grown.  I am the luckiest women in the world to get to travel through this life with you.

I love you Jon!

Happy Anniversary!

Charmian

10 Days

Jon and I are just finishing up 10 days apart.  

It all started with what was supposed to be a family trip, but turned into a Girls only trip back to Leipzig to visit some friends and see the Christmas Markets.  

Alessandra and Sophia Enjoying the "Classic Car Carousel" in the Leipzig Hauptbahnhof

Jon had to cancel due to some last minute business trip changes.  But the good news from Jon not being with us was that he was able to add a quick trip to Colorado where he was able to see his family and drop Ripley off with Stan and Mary Kay.  

If you have been keeping up with my blog at all, or have talked to me in the last two years you probably heard me mention that Ripley hasn't been doing well.  She wasn't able to settle into city life.  She was always stressed, at first her stress was coming across as barking, panting, and pacing but in the past six months that stress was starting to turn a bit more aggressive.  We needed to get her out of the city, so that all of us could be a little less stressed.  Well, it happened.  Jon stopped by Colorado for a quick visit with his family and to get Ripley to her new/old home back on the Ranch with Grandpa, Oma, and the horses.  I am happy to report that Ripley seems to be settling in quite nicely and Dotty has only had one setback in the form of an "accident" on Alessandra's pillows.  Dotty has been quite clingy but I have to say the stress level in the house has gone down considerably.  

Okay, back to our Leipzig trip.  

It started out and ended a bit bumpy but all in all it was so relaxing.  We had some plans fall through with one of our friends but it ended up working out perfectly because it gave us an entire day to sleep in, enjoy an awesome breakfast, get into town, wander around the city center which is essentially one big Christmas Market.  Then we went to check out the new mall, and then one more quick trip through the train station and then back home.  Saturday we spent the entire day with The GKS's.  And Sunday we traveled back home.  

The beginning of the week was slow enough, I purposely cancelled our usual routine so we could be home with Dot.  So that translated to all of us going over to My-tilda's house on Monday afternoon, and My-tilda and her mum Alice coming over to our house on Tuesday afternoon.  But then it all turned - and quite suddenly too.  Alessandra got really sick, and really quickly.  In the matter of a few hours she went from this...

 to this... 

it was horrible.  And it has only been in the last half of today that I would say she's back to normal.  And when I say that please read, asking for ice cream for every meal.  :o)  

Well, luckily for us, or maybe just me, Jon will be back home tomorrow.  And I will have another person to take care of.  No just kidding.  I will have another person to help take care of everything.

Charmian 

Happy Horsey Halloween

Halloween isn't as big of a deal here in Germany as it is in The States but we still wanted Alessandra to have a good experience.  

So we bought some candy, took it to Jon's work, handed it out, and sent Alessandra from desk to desk to go trick or treating. 

We taught her how to say "trick or treat" and "candy please" and sent her on her way

.

We reminded her to say "thank you" and Alessandra added kisses and waves to her repertoire.

Daddy's Birthday

Happy Birthday to You!

Happy Birthday to You!

Happy Birthday Dear Daddy!

Happy Birthday to You!!!

Autumn Approaches

It's getting colder.

Blankets have been pulled out of storage and are lying on the couch and bed.

Windows are being closed for the first time since spring. 

Sweaters are being pulled on.

Jon's Homemade Veggie Soup is on the stove.

Soon the leaves will start to fall.

Autumn Approaches. 

Charmian

Photo Source:  allthingseurope.tumblr.com for the beautiful photo.  

It's Hot...

...sweaty knee pits hot.  But...

I got a hug from my mom today. 

Uncle Jeremy rolled around in the wood chips with Alessandra this afternoon.

I had a lunch/dinner date with my hubby.

and Weepaw helped Alessandra eat her ice cream tonight.

So, my knee pits may be sweaty - but my heart is happy.

Charmian

I Think I'm Gonna Cry!

I just found out that Jon won't be getting in until the 19th.  When he said he was going to get home on the 18th I assumed he meant that he would be HOME ON THE 18TH, not coming home on the 18th and here on the 19th.  I am so upset.  I leave the morning of the 20th so that means I'm going to have about 16 hours with him before I have to leave.  UUUGGGHHH!  I am missing him so badly.  Alessandra is missing him so badly.  When we skype she tells him "stop" and "don't" and then looks behind the screen.  She wants to stop skyping and start snuggling and so do I.

Well, today is also Father's Day so a very Happy Father's Day to all of the Father's and Grandfather's in my life.  I love you all.  Alessandra presented Jon with his gift this afternoon/morning.  Alessandra was excited to give it and Jon was surprised/happy to receive it.    YAY!!!!  Job well done Mommy!!!

Better scoot, Alessandra is tormenting the girls by chasing them around the house with her ladybug and tractor.  She's such a naughty little girl  ;o)

Charmian

Arts and Crafts

When Jon's away I don't have anyone convincing me to just cuddle in the chair and watch shows at night. So from the time Alessandra hits the hay to the time I get sleepy I've had some time to work on the arts and crafts projects I've had on my to do list.

Here is a picture of Alessandra's new ceiling mobile.  I braided some ribbon to make the stems, added paper leaves and buttons for the center of the flowers and then add the colorful tulips and fairies from her baby mobile.  They are encircling her moon drop ceiling light.  

If I had to name Alessandra's room style I guess I would call it a magical garden.  Her room is very colorful but is mostly green, pink, red, and white.  

Alessandra's Frog Prince wall organizer.

Alessandra's little tent that I made from her baby activity mat.  

She and the girls love using it for quiet time.  

This is a really bad picture but this is her new toy/clothes organizer.

The buckets are all red, green, pink, and white.

She hasn't learned to crawl up it yet but it's only a matter of time.  :o)

Alessandra's clothes hamper is a pink daisy.  

She loves putting clothes in her hamper 

and she has been missing her daily task of cleaning up after Daddy.

Alessandra's crib and a close up of the bumper and pillow.  

I have yet to put up her dancer picture which I really need to do, she loves that picture.  I've been waiting until I get my big wall art project done and her big girl bed/guest bed moved in and the crib/changing table moved out.  So as the room starts to come together a little bit more I'll keep you posted but for now I think it's looking pretty darn good.  :o)

Charmian

Happy Little Rain Showers

Today we had rain.  Not dark stormy rain cloud rain, but happy little rain showers.  You know the ones - rain floats down and it feels like you've walked under a mister at the amusement park.  It was wonderful. Not only was the weather fun and sprinkley but it was also day 4 of my singlmomdom (Jon's away on business.) which means I finally got over the single mommy hump.

What I've found in the few times that I've had to take care of EVERYTHING all on my own is that it takes about three days to get in the groove.  Picking up your spouses responsibilities, deciding what daily tasks are really important, which ones can be done less frequently, what things can wait until your singlemomdom comes to an end, and which ones you definitely need to tackle because you don't have anyone telling you not to do it.  :o)  Being a single parent is so tough and my hat's off to all of you who call this your norm.  I'm glad my reign in singlemomdom is usually short and infrequent.

As I type this my little one is starting to squawk so I better be off.  Good night!

Charmian

Updates

Why is it that when you have things to blog about those things actually keep you from blogging.  Oh time, you're such a precious thing, why do you slip away so quickly and quietly?

A few updates.

Jon and I finally got hair cuts about 3 weeks ago.  It was so crazy - we called this lady and she came to our house and cut our hair.  They aren't the best hair cuts we've ever gotten but for the price and convenience we may just do it again.  Maybe.  But I am happy to say that I finally have my short hair back.  I tried really hard to like it long again but I just couldn't do it.  I guess I'm a short hair girl, which is  weird because when I picture myself I don't have short hair.


After nearly six years of being a vegetarian I am slowly adding meat back into my diet.  It is really hard to be a vegetarian here in Germany.  None meat protein is hard to find and when you do find it it's usually pretty pricey.  Which has led me to relying on eggs, nuts, and dairy for my main source of protein.  Now that Alessandra is definitely not a baby anymore I decided it was time to start losing my baby weight.  I've been trying to lose the weight by cutting back on the nuts and dairy I was consuming.  When I started cutting back I started craving meat for the first time since becoming a vegetarian.  So I have been very slowly adding meat back into my diet.  A few nights a week I'll have fish or shrimp.  My stomach still gets upset when I eat it but my cravings have gone away so I think I'm on the right track, for now.

Alessandra has started potty training herself.  You may think I'm being crazy but I'm not lying.  Well, to be honest I did start potty training her about a year ago I guess.  When she was really small whenever I noticed her going pooh (and I don't mean winnie) I would set her on the potty because - well let me be frank - it was way easier for me to pay attention to her and set her on the potty than to have to clean up a poopy diaper.  Lately I've been noticing that at some diaper changes she was dry or mostly dry so I'd plop her down on the potty and tell her to let all of her pee out and she'd go.  Before long she was running to the potty and telling me when she needed to go.  So for the past week while we've been home sick we've started naked time.  Alessandra is naked or bottomless the entire time we're home.  Obviously I put clothes on her before we leave the house but when we walk in the door the shoes and pants come off.  She has done really well.  In the past week she has had less than 10 accidents.  When she does have an accident I have her "help" me clean up and we talk about where we should put the pee and poop.  I also bought some Smarties for her when she does go in the potty.  So far so good.  But I still don't feel like I really know what I'm doing so...

When did you start potty training your kids?
How did you do it?
Did you use treats/awards?  If so what did you use?
How long did it take?
How did you know when they were ready to go out and about sans diaper?

Thanks for helping a mommy out.


Jon also found out today that he has been invited to join Beta Gamma Sigma because of his academic performance at HHL.  So, my life long dream of marrying a frat boy is finally coming true (okay, not really) .  :o)  I always knew he was a smarty pants in fact it was one of the many things that made me fall in love with him.  But now it's officially official.  Jon's super smart!


Well, I guess that's all the updates for me - for now.

I will however leave you with one more super cute clip.  It's Alessandra having a dance party with her reflection that is of course until she bonks her head.  Enjoy and have a happy long weekend to all of my American friends and family.

Charmian

Have I Told You...

Have I told you lately how much I love you?

Have I told you lately how much I love our little family?

Have I told you lately how much I love our little flat?

Well...

As I sit here with our beautiful baby girl asleep on my chest.  Our furry girls at my feet.  The warm sun shining through the windows, and the cool wind dancing across the flat.

I can't help but to think about you, and us, and our family, and our home.

I love you Jon!

Charmian 

The Visa

Jon spent his lunch hour working on getting his work visa.  After three hours he left with some pretty heavy news.  He has about a week to get his thesis done otherwise he'll have to change his visa from a work visa back to a student visa.

Needless to say the news stressed Jon out a bit and I have a feeling we won't be seeing very much of him for the next couple of weeks.  I feel so bad for him but there isn't anything I can do to help him through this.

Jon had started on his thesis while he was in the midst of his job search but between interviews, visitors, birthdays, Thanksgiving, Christmas, a move, and a new job, the thesis was put on the back burner.  Since Jon started his new job he's been doing a TON of research.  None of which related to his thesis.  So he was comfronted with the decision to stick with his original thesis that was already in the works or scrap it and start new with the research that applies to his new job.  It's a risky move but it makes the work he's done thus far at work and the information that's fresh in his head the topic for his thesis.  It will mean more work but it will be work that will serve him in the future at work.  So that's his plan.  To start his 40 page thesis (40 pages of content) all over again and get it done ASAP so he can get the visa that we need to stay here.

Charmian

Update:  Monday night 10 pages 

Update:  Tuesday night 17 pages 

Update:  Wednesday night 27 pages 

Update:  Thursday night  35 pages

Update:  Sunday afternoon 47 pages - now this is total pages and not content so he still has a little bit more work to do and some finishing touches to make.  I think this next week we'll actually get to see him again - YAY!!!

Update:  Monday Jon was able to extend his Student Visa until May 15th.  So now he just has to get it done.  

We Need a Calendar

Every year for Christmas MK/Oma always gives us calendars.  

This year we didn't get any, and boy do we need one.  

We woke up at about 7:45 just like every other day since the move.  We snuggled in bed for a bit chatting about dreams, plans, and agendas.  Jon got ready for work, Alessandra and I ate breakfast.  We said our goodbyes.  Jon made it to the office by 9:00 like he does on most mornings.  He settled in to a fine days work when one of his coworkers walked in and exuberantly greeted everybody with a "Happy February!"  Jon grumbled about how quickly the year was going by and how he couldn't believe it was already February when it hit him.  "Wait! It's February, like February 1st!  Shoot!  It's my anniversary!"  All of his coworkers gave him a very supportive "OOOO - Did you forget? - You're in trouble!"

He went outside and called me.  Ring... Ring...  "Hello" "I didn't forget" Jon blurted.  "Forget what?" I said.  "It's February 1st."  Jon said.  OH!  Shoot!  Well, Happy Anniversary!?!  I said sheepishly.  "Man, we need a calendar!"

Normally I would have my computer that I would get on at least once a day but without internet I wasn't doing that.  So, I didn't have my computer to tell me what day it was and I didn't have a calendar to tell me what day it was so Jon and I snuck into nine years of marriage without any bells or whistles, parties or presents.  And you know what we both survived.

I did get a beautiful bouquet of flowers delivered to my door, oh, and an IKEA kitchen.  So really, this was our biggest anniversary to date.  I mean how many girls get a kitchen for their anniversary, not many I think.  ;o)  But we definitely need to pick up a couple calendars (or MK you need to send us some) so we don't forget to celebrate the rest of the holidays this year.

Charmian

Five Minutes

That's approximately how long I have before I'll lose my internet connection again.  But I wanted you all to know that we are safe and sound in Dusseldorf.

Jon found our flat - a comfy little three room in the Zoo District.  I was worried.  It wasn't exactly what I wanted or where I wanted it.  I've only been here for five days and already I can see that I'm going to  LOVE this place.  It's about a 30 minute commute for Jon by tram and may be a bit less once we get him a bike.  I wanted to be really close to Jon's work and the English Church but that didn't happen.  BUT - what did happen was Jon found us a beautiful flat that backs to a gorgeous fairy land (pictures to come), on a quiet street, in a quiet building, that's half a block from a nice park with a lake filled with ducks, geese, and swans.  All of the girls are loving being so close to the park and there three walks a day.  :o)

The flat is really bright - which may mean it will be hot come summer but for now it's great.  We do not have our kitchen yet or any lights - for those of you who don't quite understand what that means here's a quick description.  I currently have a tiled room with a handful of plugs, a drain, and connections for water.  The said room is filled with about 6 boxes which will hopefully transform into my kitchen sooner than later.  :o)  Hanging from every ceiling in every room are three wires just waiting for lights to be connected to them.  Due to the fact that Jon is already busy at work, my light and kitchen situation have to wait until the weekend to be resolved.

I of course packed my camera so I couldn't get you guys any fun before and after pictures but what I can tell you is the entire place is white with a light pergo floor.  The kitchen and bathroom are tiled in a grayish white tile.  We do have a balcony that will be big enough for a table and a few chairs when we have it in our budget to splurge on such a luxury.


Take an American grocery store and split it into it's subsequent sections.  Now make all of those sections into their own store.  Okay that's pretty much how it is here in Germany.  All of the stores that make up an American grocery store are just through the park (about a 7 minute walk) a bit further than my Lidl was in Leipzig but all of the stores are clustered so it will be way more convenient.

The tram stop is right outside the grocery store which pretty quickly gets me into town, to the Rhein, to the train station... you get the idea.

I've also noticed that the people have been so much nicer and more welcoming than the people were from my ghetto in Leipzig.  And mom's, you can sleep easy tonight.  I'm happy to report that we are now the riff-raff that's bringing down the neighborhood instead of the other way around.  ;o)

All in all I am soooo happy;  I just wish I could move my friends and family down the block, turn on a few lights, and scramble some eggs.  Am I asking too much, I think not!!!

Miss you all and love you all and I can't wait to reconnect with all of you once I'm a bit more settled.

Hugs and Loves,

Charmian

It's Official

Jon and I are the proud renters of a beautiful 3 room flat in Dusseldorf Germany - YAY!!!

Jon signed the contracts today and although it's not in the exact location we originally wanted it may even be better.  We are in the Zoo District and the big Zoo Park is across the street.  Which means more frequent walks in the park for the girls.  We still have a backyard just like we have now - which makes late night and early morning bathroom runs a breeze.  3 rooms so Alessandra will be moving out of our room and into her big girl bedroom.

I can't wait to see it!

Now to get packed, moved out, and moved in so Jon can start work on the 23rd.  PHEW!  I'm tired already!

Charmian

I Just Can't Take it Anymore!!!

I have to let Mr. Whiskers out of the Backpack!!!

Source:  fotolibra.com

I am pretty impressed with myself for keeping this in as long as I have but I can't stand keeping it a secret any longer.  There are soooooo many things that I want to tell you about so - here goes.

Jon got a JOB!!!!!

I told Jon that I wasn't going to tell anyone so he needed to start spreading the word and well, he wasn't telling anyone, and I can't stand it anymore.  I hate doing this because it really is Jon's news to share but he's not - so I will.  

HOORAY!!

Let's be Clear...

Alessandra is not talking and she is not walking.

On Christmas Day when talking with Grampa and Granny she did take her first step though, which was REALLY exciting.  Since then she has taken 2 steps and 4 steps and even 9 steps, but I would not say that she is walking yet.  She's just too much of a chicken and honestly I'm okay with that.  So, what she will do is stand up, work up her courage, maybe take one or two steps and then sit down and crawl the rest of the way.  Our flat is not baby-proofed, at all, and if she was walking and God forbid running all over this flat I would be in really big trouble.  But I'm hoping we'll have a resolution to that little problem in the not so distant future.

As far as her talking goes.  Alessandra knows a ton of words but she tends to get attached to certain words and forgets to use all the others she knows.  Right now her favorites are "Up", "Dot", and "Eat".  Now, when I say she's saying "Dot" that doesn't mean that Joe from the corner store could walk up to Alessandra and understand a single thing that she says. What it sounds like to everyone else is "DAH DAH" as opposed to when she says "Dad" which comes out like "DA DA".  In fact the only thing she does say pretty darn clearly is "Up", and it's so stinkin' cute when she says it too.

Anyway - that's that!  I just wanted to clarify so all of you who are oceans away don't think I'm raising a savant or anything.  I mean - she is as smart as a whip and I know Mr Enfume and Uncle Joel won't ever let me live that last line down, but it's the truth and that has to count for something - right?!?

So, what marvelous things are your kids doing these days (furry four legged ones count too)?

Charmian

A Year

It's amazing how different things can look a year later.  I remember pulling up to my flat a year ago and how scary it seemed.

"Which building is ours?" 

"How do you get in?" 

"Where can we park?"

"Is this a two lane road?"

Now I walk down the street and get mad at the drunkard who's peeing on the lamp post - again.  And I find myself wanting to yell "Schlecht Hund!" at the lady who refuses to pick up her dogs poop (especially when they poop in front of our door),  just like the old men used to yell at me (even though I was picking up the poop).

This is our home and although our stuff isn't in here, the things that are here are starting to feel more and more like mine.  I'm starting to forget how nice it is to cook with my pans that don't have loose handles and my really nice wooden spoons because I've been using this plastic one for so long.

Some things still haven't changed though.  I still HATE sitting down to eat and having our plates be mismatched.  I hate that all of our chairs are sunken in.  And I hate how I can't seem to get the windows all the way clean no matter what I use or how I clean them.  But I love that Dotty is asleep in the chair next to me chasing her squirrels,  paws running, softly barking.  I love that Jon and I were able to enjoy our meal of leftover veggie soup for dinner.  And I love that my sweet baby girl is sound asleep in our bedroom (and when I say our bedroom I mean the room with all the beds that we all sleep in).

I have come to really love it here, and although it still isn't as comfortable for me as The States were, it's growing on me.

A little more everyday.

It's amazing the things that can change in a year.

Charmian

A Christmas Story Style Shopping Adventure!

A quick trip to the grocery store on a cold day.

And the result was a little too much like the little boy all bundled up in "A Christmas Story"

Hee Hee - Poor Alessandra! 

Charmian

Wuz Up Dawg?

Just a quick update.  Lots of news but no pictures, my camera's acting up a bit.  I'll start with today and work my way backwards.

25 - Alessandra and I enjoyed a beautiful walk today through the forest and then stopped by HHL to surprise Daddy at school.

24 - We got to visit with our Enfumes for a little bit and we finally got our replacement stroller ordered.

23 - Found ridiculously cheap tickets to Spain so we're going to go meet up with the Enfume's for a long weekend in Barcelona.

22 - Jon's birthday!!  We had a great time with some friends at our little kegeln alley.  A little bowling, great food, a few drinks, and some awesome cake made for a pretty great night.

21 - After going to 3 different bakeries to find out they don't know what carrot cake is (Jon's favorite) I headed over to Katrin's house to make one from scratch.  All we had to do was find a German recipe for this American cake, do a little shopping, baking, and hope for the best.

20 - Pumpkin Carving with Katrin and Sophia.  It was the girls first time carving pumpkins and when I say girls I mean Katrin too.  We had such a good time - I'm hoping Katrin will share her pictures with me so I can share them with you :o)

19 - We took a walk through the farmers market - man I love fall.

Well that's what we've been up to this week.  I think I failed to mention earlier that the hookers moved out so there's one more thing to be happy about.

Okay, I think that's all I've been up to - what about you?

Charmian