Two (& a half) Texans in Canada

Food Lately

2012-02-13T07:14:00.000-08:00

Here are a few recipes we're using around here lately! I love when people write posts like this because it's so helpful to me. So I thought I'd return the favor.

And I was starting to forget a few from two weeks ago...so I thought I better put them somewhere safe. Like the blog!

Here we go.

Crock Pot Chicken Cacciatore: Trying tonight!

Looks super easy. I'm away tonight so I try to prepare crock pot for us.

Moms Who Think

Chicken Asparagus and Mushroom Soup Casserole:

Keeper. Yummy casserole type comfort food AND super easy.

Ours did take longer thank 40 minutes to cook the chicken though.

Simple Clean Living

Slow-Cooker Mexican Chicken:

A great variation of the slow cooker Taco Soup I make almost once a week.

Eat Clean Diet

Keep it Tight Tilapia:

Great flavor! Seriously takes 10 minutes to cook. Maybe 2 to prep! Score! Plus, we eat salmon so much I thought we needed a new fish in the mix.

Eat Clean Diet

Spinach and Chicken Sausage Pizza:

So so good. I'm not kidding. But I may have added lots more cheese than the recipe called for.

Clean Eating Magazine

Garden Veggie Stuffed Pita Pockets:

I've been making a variation of these for lunch every day!

I ended up only using hummus as the spread and using some grated prepackaged salad. I need lunch to be a quick fix. So this was the best option for getting in more veggies rather than me chopping away in the middle of the day, not going to happen. They are so good.

Eat Clean Diet

Easy Granola Bars:

Yes, I made granola bars! And they are so good...even smushed up with milk!

KidEats

And these 3 that I also posted about on our other blog...

Sweet and Salty Chickpeas

Carter calls these "Nuts." He likes nuts. And in a way, they remind me of nuts. Crunchy, sweet, salty and addicting.

Thankfully, they are super easy to make. We've been going through a batch in two days.

From: The Cupcake Project

No Bake Energy Bites

We call these "Cookie Dough" because I never actually have gotten to make them into the little cute balls you see above. It sits in the bowl and we pick and form chunks as we snack. Lovely, huh? But hey, it's egg free and got some goodness. So eat your cookie dough without the guilt!!

Oooo.....just had a thought. I need to try little chunks in vanilla frozen yogurt.

From: Smashed Peas and Carrots

Yummy Chicken Balls

Okay, now this is totally not my normal style of cooking. Really just because it uses more than 5 ingredients and there are more than 3 steps. (I'm not completely joking.)

So if I can make these and say, "They are EASY!"

ANYONE can!

Eeek! These made me so proud and excited!

From: KidEats

Let me know if you try any of these!!

Potty Training (Continued)

2012-02-08T13:42:00.000-08:00

After thinking about my post yesterday I realized I must have been on a Mommy High...which is better than a Mommy Low. But I seemed to have forgotten some other "fun" details. Let me clarify a little bit:

#1.
PREVIOUS POST:
About every other day there is a bed time accident. (Just tee tee). But we're super fast at changing his sheets and cleaning him up now. He now goes back to sleep quickly.

TRUTH EXPLAINED:
-I consider an accident when he is sleeping so deeply that he is unaware to wake up and yell at us in his sleep. He'll just happen to wake up around 8:30am or when his nap is complete and discover he has indeed tee teed in his underwear. Something that is just an all around accident and no true way of preventing it other than just good old fashioned practice.

-Other FUN bed time experiences that coincide with Potty Training:
Hearing your child winding down for 15 min on the monitor followed up by a "Mommy Potty, Mommy (grunt grunt=poo poo), Ahhhh!!!, NO, no!!" When you arrive your child is standing in their bed pooping or has pooped in their underwear. This happens also about every other day! Yay!!! (I forgot to mention that one!)

I consider that poor communication on either of our parts. Maybe I didn't run quick enough. Or I was hoping to God he did really say he has to go Poop. OR he let me know a bit too late. But I guess I don't really call it an accident...just bad form.

#2.
PREVIOUS POST:
Only 2 public accidents. Both to blame on me...not getting him to the restroom fast enough. Tee tee, not so tragic. Poo Poo, tragic.

TRUTH EXPLAINED:
You truly are on constant Mission: Keep Underwear Dry. We do no just go about our day away from known potties for long amounts of time. Every outing is executed with a potty plan. Like:
1. We MUST get him to potty before we go.
2. We MUST find potty the moment we arrive. And offer it.
3. Depending on what comes next, offer potty again before we travel to next stop.
4. And of course, go ever.single.time he asks.

Just like you used to live by Mission: Nurse Every 3 Hours or Mission: Awake Time is Only 2 Hours or Mission: Have Child in Bed by Second Yawn...Do you accept your new mission? (You don't get a choice on this one, your instincts just agree with it.)

#3.
You will also get to experience other fun Mommy Moments like:

Explaining, Demonstrating and Saying "Ding Dong down! Ding Dong down!" several times a day to your son.
Saying "I'll sing with you while you poo poo." Followed up by various tunes...in a public restroom.
Scrubbing a public toilet with soap, water and paper towels because you are about to have to do the unthinkable (see next bullet)
Take your child's pooped in underwear, submerge your hands in the toilet and soak off all of the poop. Because you have to bag it up and put it in your purse. (I was tempted to throw it away but this was at my work out place and everyone would know it was us.)

My personal favorite!!!

Teaching your son to crouch down in a 3-point-stance, called Football Stance in our home, after every poop. Because you have to clean him up. (This was John's idea.) It truly is a little miracle. Because Carter allows us to clean him with no trouble. He even yells out "Football Stance" when he's all done! He seems to think it's just a normal step in going potty.

Okay, did I write enough for today! Whew! Sorry to blab your eyes off!

Potty Training!

2012-02-07T07:06:00.000-08:00

I couldn't let that last post stay on top too long. Honestly, our lives are much too happy and filled with blessings to be sad or to let anxiety take over.

Let's talk about Potty Training!

Here is a little photo list of our journey over the past 2 months or so.

Here we are in the early stages. He had been asking to go potty before bath for about a week at this point.

And this was the first daytime potty!
(I know. I look hot.)

Christmas came and went.

Next, he had bee potting at least once a day.

And a few times in public places.

Sooo, without much research (totally not like me) I purchased the ebook:

http://www.3daypottytraining.com/

It was simple and not thorough like all the other parenting books I like to read.

But the method was simple, recommended by a trusted friend and he'd beed doing it for weeks. So, what did we have to lose?

I began prepping him.

"Look Carter we only have a few diapers left. When they are all gone we get to wear UNDERWEAR!!"

We bought lots and he picked them all out.

So the time came....

This was choice #1.

A single yellow car.

He'd been talking about his Soccer Underwear for days, so this major decision really stunned us all.

Hey ladies!!!

He's so little!!! Ha ha.

And this is what potty training looks like:

Playing with no pants.

Notice new underwear. We went through TONS during the first couple days.

Stickers galore.

Sticker Chart!

Yay you put your tee tee in the potty! Sticker.

Yay your underwear is still dry! Sticker.

Seriously, the chart was more for me. Because it got pretty discouraging a times being cooped up inside for 3 days.

We got a bit delirious at times.

This was the 5 millionth time he had to go tee tee before jammies.

This little shenanigan has stopped. Thank goodness.

Thanks for being so patient mom!

(I like to tell myself that with this picture.)

Notice our nest in there. It's sick, really, to think of the amount of time spent in that little space. Daily.

Overall, I'd have to say he's doing great!!

Here is a little Pro and Con break down for you: (some overlap onto both)

PRO

By the second night, he got it! Since then he's been telling us when he has to go.
We no longer have to buy diapers.
About every other day there is a bed time accident. (Just tee tee). But we're super fast at changing his sheets and cleaning him up now. He now goes back to sleep quickly.
Only 2 public accidents. Both to blame on me...not getting him to the restroom fast enough. Tee tee, not so tragic. Poo Poo, tragic.
It's something that has to be done at some point. Done.

CONS

About every other day there is a bed time accident. (Just tee tee). But we're super fast at changing his sheets and cleaning him up now. He now goes back to sleep quickly.
2 public accidents. Both to blame on me...not getting him to the restroom fast enough. Tee tee, not so tragic. Poo Poo, tragic.
Instead of diapers you carry about 1-2 complete new outfits.
You run your washer much more.
You need to know where a restroom is at all times.
Some restrooms are sick...what do you do? Still have to use them.

Like any new major milestone, it changes your days completely at first. Then you adjust and figure it out agin. I miss the ease and convenience of diapers but he is so proud of himself and is doing a fabulous job! I couldn't have had it any easier as his Mommy.

Thanks bud for going easy on me!

Love you little guy!!

Due Date

2012-02-06T19:57:00.000-08:00

Our latest due date has come and gone.

Eli Michael McCoy's expected due date was February 3rd.

The day and weekend flew by with all kinds of drama...I didn't have a moment to sit and think. Which is fine.

Friday started with Carter pooping in my exercise class, then was followed up with him having his tongue clipped. The tongue thing was something we've been looking into but when the doctor said "I can clip it now." I was shocked, not prepared but answered "OK."

So snap, snap when my baby's tongue. He was so brave. It pretty much killed me. They held him down and he kept his emotions in. They numbed his tongue first, then snipped under it a few times. When he got up he had the biggest tears in his eyes as he reached for me. The only thing he said was "sticker." After all, the doctors had promised him one.

His tongue felt "hot" for the next 24 hours.

That night, he couldn't sleep. He was up and in pain and couldn't be consoled. :( So for 2 hours straight he cried in my arms. Then he woke up pretty early.

Nap was almost the same.

Around nap time I started having strange heart feelings. My heart was skipping beats and pounding so hard. I called the nurse and to the ER we went.

Apparently, I'm fine.

It's been doing this every time I sit still or lay down.

They say it has something to do with anxiety.

AND I know where that is coming from. Because since we said goodbye to Eli, my weeks have been spent in and out of doctor's appointments, having LOTS of blood taken and finally taking daily injections into my stomach. It's been fun.

I found out that I have a blood disorder that can cause multiple losses, late losses and stillbirths. My blood clots easier than most people. I need to be aware of getting a blood clot and more importantly making sure a blood clot doesn't travel to my heart, lungs or brain.

So I'm on blood thinners until we decide to no longer try for a sibling for Carter ourselves.

Every, single, night John gives me an injection into my stomach. And it's not pretty. As if having a baby doesn't do enough to your tummy, add in a C-Section and now 5-million bruises.

I have to say, since finding out this news, I've had quite a few panic attacks. My thoughts are no longer consumed with "IF" I can have more children, but more of "IF" I will be here for Carter and John. I will. I will. I will.

I really will.

Any who, I am usually very open, but just to let you know, I will not be very open on this matter or trying to conceive another child. More for the fact that it causes too much anxiety to harp on it. BUT if you do know of anyone going through something similar, like a loss or discovering they have a blood clotting disorder please send them my way. I want to be here for anyone who needs it. :)

Warning: If you raise your son in Canada...

2012-02-01T13:14:00.000-08:00

...this too could happen to you.

Your child may pick up on the popularity of a sport called "hockey." And even though you know nothing but teams put hockey puck in opposing goals, and the game is played on ice. Your son will pick up on more than you could imagine.

He may start "playing" hockey with his food.

Using a broken pretzel as a goal and a strawberry as the puck.

He may find a goal in random places like The Science Museum. And could find a puck and stick in any short and long object.

You may think you lost him in the sporting goods store. But really his senses just dragged him to where he belongs. The hockey section. He may be found staring in a trance like manner at a hockey mannequin, modeling the local teams hockey gear.

He could also shout out "HOCKEY" any time he sees someone wearing the same logo.

He will know, somehow, everything needed to play this game. Like gloves, helmets and of course, skates.

So you may give in.

And purchase the smallest skates known to mankind.

Then you find your weekends spent like the rest of Canadians.

Training your little hockey players.

Please note: the boy behind Carter is not quite 3. Yes, he ready for the competitive league.

The helmet didn't budge, he knew, if the helmet came off, his hockey credibility would be ruined.

This boy is in love.

He's getting ready for Little Tikes League next fall!!

Carter's Hungry Caterpillar Party!

2012-01-22T20:43:00.000-08:00

We were so excited to celebrate our little man's 2nd birthday this weekend!

1-2 went by way too fast. :(

He was so excited and totally got it this year! He woke up ready to party! It was the sweetest thing!

So the theme was the Hungry Caterpillar book by: Eric Carle

I saw this theme while I was pregnant with him and kept it in the back of my mind. He is a book-a-holic so he really understood that he was having a caterpillar party!

Here is a little photo tour:

I made play doh for their party bags.

The favors: play doh tools, bath crayons, play doh and mustache stickers (Carter HAD to have them at the Dollar Store...so okay, we go them.)

Food!

Made some little party circles with my handy-dandy computer.

The Hungry Caterpillar for everyone to sign.

Dada!

Mama!

Happy Birthday Carter!

King Carter.

Presents!

Invites.

I also made water bottle labels!

AND had a little craft station...which was used by the only girl. Ha ha.

Such a fun theme to do! There are so many ideas online too! I pinterested quite a bit for it! There was even a blogger whom shared her food labels! Don't you love all the sharing that goes on the internet these days!!!

P.S. there were other children! Ha ha. But I didn't ask their parents if I could add them to my blog...so I didn't.

Vent

2012-01-10T14:05:00.000-08:00

I just need to vent...

Carter has done amazing on Potty Training! Success. No accidents since the first two days. Now he has a stomach bug. Guess who is currently VERY involved in his mess? Me. It's constant.

This is preventing much sleep. For either of us. I mostly feel sorry for him though.

Next, I had emergency dental surgery yesterday. I haven't eaten in two days, am exhausted and in pain.

Finally, our house is disgusting.

But just taking the 1 minute to vent to anyone makes me feel better.

Aaaand back upstairs...probably for another mess to scrub away.

Deck the Halls!

2011-12-23T14:43:00.000-08:00

Decorating for Christmas has been a little different each year of marriage.

1. The first year was in El Paso. We didn't have an idea about how our lives were going to change come January 1. John's job and move to Norway came so sudden. I loaded up on decor for our tree and it was beautiful!! I have this gorgeous tree topper made by a family friend and lots of ornaments waiting for me in some storage unit in Houston somewhere.

2. Norway, was minimal. We had a tree. Minimal decor. Seriously, Norway is one of THE most EXPENSIVE countries in the world. I did splurge (after Christmas) and buy some beautiful holiday table linens, Advent candelabra.

3. Shanghai, again minimal. Not sure if you are aware of this...but Christmas decor isn't easy to come by in China. Unless you want red, shiny tinsel or a plastic Santa face to hang on your wall.

So up with this tree full of IKEA balls:

Notice the pot it came in. Not normally sold for temporary use.

We did find this AMAZING decoration at a market.

What English speaker doesn't want FACE during the holiday season?? Tell me that!

4. Nanjing....fake tree and we headed home to Texas for Christmas! Nothing new.

5. So here we are in Canada!! Options are a bit closer to home, but get this, the minimal yet sentimental decor from our collective years together was left in a box in China. Yes, it's still in China. So once things settle, I get to deal with the staff at our Nanjing residence one last time and try to communicate what to send to us. Heaven help me!

Back to Canada decor...so, here we are again, with no decorations to start with. I had to improvise a bit!!

1. Left over branches from the Christmas tree! Ribbon and balls!

2. Carter's feet!!

3. A tree with all new ornaments...again.

And

4. My handmade tree skirt!!! Cost all of $11.

5. Our first set of Family Stockings! Yay! (found on Etsy!)

6. Fancy Looney Store (Dollar Store) Noel sign.

7. Biggest Poinsettia plant ever! I won it at Bible Study! Yesss!

8. Walmart garland, spruced up with ribbon and candles. Fancy, fancy!

Our 5 Christmas cards! Whoot whoot! Please, don't feel bad, this is the most we've gotten since El Paso! Major boost since moving from three stamps down to two stamp mailing! We are so excited that people are mailing us stuff again!

I love decorating for Christmas!! I wish I could keep this stuff up year round. Our new residence honestly feels like a home. And we haven't really had this feeling in a while. So so nice!!

Merry Christmas everyone!!

Way Back Wednesday

2011-12-21T14:26:00.000-08:00

A friend of mine from college hosts a little blog link up once a week called, Way Back Wednesday. It's pretty cute! You post about something from back in the days before blogging!

So here is my first Way Back Wednesday post...you should do it too!!

Our second Christmas as a married couple, we were living in Norway, and the max John allowed off of work was 5 days...so we decided to stay in Europe.

This was the view of our town in Norway, Kristiansand. See the little intersection there? That is the main shopping street! Were were living downtown! Big city folk here! (That's a joke, see how small this place is!?)

The whole town shuts down for holidays so we'd be stuck inside. SOoooooooo, where in Europe did we decide to go?

Paris! Can't you tell?

I still don't know how to take night pictures. Deal with it. :)

We ate lots and lots of crepes.

Bought really sophisticated hats, scarves and pocket watches.

Okay, he didn't really buy the pocket watch.

Went to the Louvre.

Went to Christmas Eve Mass at Notre Dame.

Funny: We thought we were going to the most traditional service we'd ever experience. Instead they had one very artsy service. Literally. It was art played on a big screen with someone speaking about them (or speaking about something) in French. We stayed 2 hours...then snuck out early. Crazy.

Moulin Rouge during the day, to pick up our tickets.

And at night.

This was my choice of activities.

Still at Moulin Rouge.

Funny: I convinced John to go by explaining that these women who were dancing and singing would be topless!!! He was so excited! Thinking WOW, Sarah and I are both going to love this. About half way through he leaned over and said "how long is this thing??" The singing and dancing killed the toplessness for him. I knew right then convincing him to EVER go the Nutcracker was out of the question.

This is a random public bathroom. I just thought it was funny.

You're welcome John!

More crepes!

This was in the Latin Quarter!

It's pretty touristy, but sooo much fun! Lots of restaurants with loud music and breaking plates.

So the story behind this is...I get randomly selected out of crowds for strange things. If the person on stage or your professor is going to call on someone, it is me. It's horrible. But I've learned to go with the flow or admit I did not do my reading the night before.

So here, they pulled me from our table to dance in the middle of the restaurant with this other family from China. Nice. Notice people watching or participating from their tables? No! It was random and embarrassing.

Then they wanted me to sing with the band.

I have the worst voice ever!!!

And John was nice enough to take lots of pictures.

Parised out!

Final night!

You would take pictures with the restaurant staff too, if they had giving you lots of free wine!

Last view of the Eiffel Tower!

This is probably how we were seeing things too. Kidding!

Funny John. Poor guy actually fell one second later, breaking the little fence.

And the morning after all our free wine! Whew! Thanks Paris!

Well, we somehow don't have the best pictures of everything we did. Actually, we only seem to have very random ones! But what a fabulous week and a Merry Christmas! At least we have the memories!!

What We've Been Up to Lately (Part 1)

2011-12-20T20:16:00.000-08:00

I know we've been absent quite a bit on the ol blog here so here is a bit of a catch up.

We've been spending TONS of time in the new Calgary Science Museum.

Carter LOVES it...so we bought a membership!

This is one of Carter's favorite activities!

The water organ!

Water Table fun!

Pull!

Again! (Or in Carter's Language: Ni!!!)

The VanSickle side of him...

Building a pipeline.

I think I got it!!

More water play!

Gucks=Ducks!!!

Big.Soft.Blocks!

(I want these!!)

Making a fort!

Carter the Snowman

2011-12-06T14:09:00.001-08:00

This kid has no idea it doesn't snow in Texas!!

He was made for this!

Yes, he has to wear a TON of clothes to get out...he doesn't mind!

He is ready to work and play hard! EVERY.SINGLE.DAY.

He wanted to make a snowman and honestly, he was on a mission.

He scoops..

and scoops, and scoops. Like a little machine.

I even got sidetracked, not Carter!

Here is the final result!!

But he did add more snow yesterday too!

Lucy loves it too!!!

Hippo Face

2011-12-05T07:19:00.001-08:00

h h h hippo face, h h h hippo face

(Mum mum mum mah)

h h h hippo face, h h h hippo face

(mum mu mum mah)

After 2 zoo visits in the past week, Carter has perfected his Hippo Face.

We're not too sure about the accuracy, but somehow, to us, he really looks like a hippo!

He cracks us up!!

Snow Ice Cream

2011-12-01T08:26:00.001-08:00

We've been talking about snow a lot lately! (I wonder why!? Ha!)

Well, when you ask Carter what you do with snow, he does two things:

1. He shows you how to make a snow ball then pretends to throw it with all of his might.

2. The other thing is he says "ice cream."

Well, he was so excited yesterday, when we actually made some snow ice cream!

Fresh snow, turn ice cream!!

Not too sure about this.

Mmmmm!!!

Look, here is more on my spoon!

Note: He is still in his jammies. Yes, we ate ice cream before breakfast.

Some moments you just can't pass by!!!

The Snowy Day

2011-11-23T07:07:00.001-08:00

The Snowy Day

Is one of our favorite books at the moment.

And recently, it has been so fun making connections from the book!

The cold and snow didn't even phase Lucy!

Can you see the icicles on her chin?

Lovely.

In case you are wondering, which I'm sure you aren't, we are walking in the alley behind the houses so that we can secretly break the rules and have Lucy off her leash.

Dada.

The Bow River!

Out of the stroller and time to play!

He was yelling "Up, up, up!"

(Needs some help with all those clothes.)

But we made him stay down for the picture. Nice, huh?

He was determined to make a snow ball and throw it.

Okay, there you can see the icicles on Lucy.

Our little Snow Man!

22 Months!

2011-11-16T05:55:00.001-08:00

This month was super busy, came and went before I could even get a post in!! But I can't miss Carter's Monthly post!

This month the so-called Explosion of Words I've heard so much about HAPPENED and is HAPPENING. It's crazy. He is attempting every word possible and his attempts are much closer to the real thing than previously.

New Words: (What I can think of at the moment.)
Hippo
Giraffe
Quinoa
Football
Hockey
Baseball
Golf Ball
Basketball
Helmet
Kick (soccer ball)
Elephant (May be a fluke as of now...it happened a few times yesterday.)
School
Church
Luke
Hudson
Josh (A character in a book who goes on the potty. Big deal. He talks about Josh all the time.)
Lex (His cousin Alexa.)
Ella
Eye
Hair
Nose
Back
Socks
Snow
Cold
Back Hoe
Aggie
Ice Cream (funny story about this one below)

New. Not new? I can't remember:
Hot
Hat
Ho ho (Santa)
Shoes
Milk

Improving Words:
Bye Bye: Used to be pronounced "Dye Dye." This was one of your first words. So sad to see it go.

IF I can get my bloggy-act together, these posts will be added soon:

I Phone Dump Post.

This particular picture was Carter enjoying his FAVORITE store of all time. No lie. Home Depot. Just to make the store even more amazing...they have these baskets. But even without, his love for this store is deeply rooted in everything that looks like a truck, tool, movable stairs, scaffolding and the especially the beeping fork lift at work. Ahhh, we love you Fork Lift!!

A Trip to Texas Post.

We of course, saw these boys!!

AND these girls!!

Halloween Post.

We did a little of this.

Fed the Ducks Post.

A LOT of this.

First Day of School Post.

And it had to start at some point...right?

Dear Carter,

What a big month we've had!! You're language is greatly improving and it is so much fun learning what you are thinking about!! For quite a while now, you've eagerly pointed at Starbucks as we pass the kiosk in the grocery store or mall. Mommy loves a good cup of coffee but I never understood why YOU wanted Starbucks. It isn't even a usual stop for us. Well, the other day you did your usual super-excited-pointing and then said "Ice cream!" And every time since!! So for the past several months, you've been thinking "Ice cream" in your head!! WOW! Pretty neat! I do have to admit some of their pictures really do look like Ice Cream...and some take like it! Smart boy.

We also took another trip to Texas! It was a fun, quick trip to fit in a little bit of family time and of course, Aggie Tailgating! You had a ball playing with all of your cousins! From the way you were acting with Luke and Hudson, I can predict some very mischievous Grammy and Papa visits in the near future. AND you have got to be the luckiest little boy to have such sweet girl cousins, Alexa and Ella. They love you so much! I had so much fun watching you play with those four special kiddos!!

We also had a couple of Firsts in Calgary! Our first snow! Which you LOVED. We have been bundling up and spending time outdoors. I plan on us doing this until it is unbearable! Because being stuck inside doesn't bring out the best in you or me!! :)

You also had your FIRST Day of Pre School. In addition to spending some time at ELP (the best pre school world-wide) you started Brilliant Beginnings here in Calgary. Right now, you are only old enough for one morning a week and Mommy has to join you. (Just the way they do it here.) But you loved it! You were ready to dive right into Centers because about half way through Circle Time you kept signing "All Done" and running to the tiny door that opens to the play area. Ha ha! Who can blame you!! OH you also, proved to be done with singing by attempting cartwheels in the middle of the group. While you give it a good attempt it's really you kicking your leg out to the side and you thrust your upper body down to the ground.

Little man, you are so much fun! Who knew 2 (almost) could be so fun!?

WE love you so much!

~Mommy (and Daddy)

21 Months!

2011-10-16T14:54:00.000-07:00

21 Months ago Carter was born!

In the mean time, he has been busy growing, learning, changing, loving and playing.

His biggest physical changes this months....that possibly, may have happened before 20 months are: his running and jumping. He has gotten much faster and is a full on jumper now!

Carter,

All of your hard work of practicing jumping and running paid off!! You can do it!! Way to go my little buddy!!

It is football season around here and needless to say, it's in your blood. Because sports seem to be something you are naturally interested in. (Along with trucks of any kind...still.) You play football every day. It goes like this: You run down the hall, throw a ball into the air, then fall to the ground and say "uh oh." And from what it seems, your current understanding of the game is equal to my understanding. When you see the players fall to the ground, you also say "uh oh" for them. I'm pretty sure this is Daddy's last season of getting to express his thoughts freely during a game, because you are watching EVERYTHING.

You also got your very first bike! You have been eying everyone else' bikes on the playground for a long time. So now, you are at it on your own! We've seen a big improvement over the past 2 weeks on it! There are no peddles on this bike, you are just learning to balance and run on it. So far, you are at a slow walk and the furthest you've been is about 10 feet before you drop it saying "off." You also seem to have a love/hate relationship with your helmet. When you see the big kids wearing one, you want to wear your so bad, but for some reason, you wear it for about a minute before throw a little fit. We haven't quite figured this one out yet!

There has also been something strange going on around here...You've gone from a one poop a day kind of guy to an unknown number a day. AND the strange thing is it has happened 3 times in the bath tub. You seem pretty traumatized each time, so we do feel bad for you BUT we had to have a talk about it last night. I had to tell you that if you are going poop we HAVE to get out of the tub and onto the potty or into a diaper. And that you need to tell Mommy or Daddy you are pooping. Your sound for this is a grunt. It's pretty hilarious. We know you semi-understand the situation because later, while reading Monkey Boy, he is taking a bath and we asked you "Carter, did you take a bath tonight?" You replied "Yes........(grunt grunt)." We said, "That is right, you went poo poo in the tub." In which you replied "No no." While pointing your finger.

Your favorite books at the moment seem to be Monkey Boy, Spooky Wheels on the Bus, Touch and Feel Kittens, What Will the Babies Call Me, and an array of Jesus and Santa Clause books.

Finally, here are some pictures we took yesterday on our hour long, one block walk. No hurry sweet boy! Thank you for making me take time to enjoy the simple and wonderful joys in our lives every, single, day.

~Mom

(would have been a great picture if someone wasn't making a strange face!!)

Little boy, you remind us that so much depends on days made of now!

Bike Time

2011-10-10T09:19:00.000-07:00

THIS...

showed up on our doorstep about 2 weeks ago as an early Christmas present.

Thinking we won't be able to use it at that time of the year.

And this big boy couldn't be prouder.

Our garage doors open up to a back alley and this is where all of the children on our block ride their bikes and play before dinner.

Carter loves getting to be apart of the action.

Thank you Grammy and Papa!

Butterfield Acres

2011-10-08T08:03:00.000-07:00

Our final day of the Season Pass membership was last Friday.

So we had to hit it up, one last time!

After several visits, he's now quite confident. Can you tell?

I was checking us in...he was off to work!

He decided to first visit the ducks and geese.

Not my first choice...but he's in charge!

Sheep!

Sheep loving!

Yessss, mom? Can't you see I'm busy!

Funny sight!

Ummm.....where to next?

Goats!

No no goat! You can't bite my finger this time!

He loves the little ones! So cute!

He will bend down low (like mom does with him) and say "Hi!!" right in their face!

He he he!!! They are so fun!!

Move it!! This way!

Really, this was most likely an excited yell!!

But the pic looks so funny!

I loved this!

Fence??

Let's climb it!!!

The highlight.

He "milked" a goat.

Which translates to, stood on the stool next to the lady milking in awe/shock.

Then helped to feed the milk to the cat.

Chasing rabbits!

They are too fast, so I'll just climb around their pin.

I totally recommend a place like this!

So fun for the youngins because they get to interact with the animals!

Bilingual? Pretty Cool. (20 Months)

2011-09-27T11:44:00.000-07:00

I better write this down, so I don't forget:

Carter busted out with "qi che....dus....qi che"

Not excited?

Okay, so pretty much no one can understand that. Right?

I speak Carter, let me translate:

qi che = "bus" in Chinese
dus = "bus" in Carter English

CRAZY!!!

It's not like we speak Chinese anymore. But maybe we should?!

He has been obsessed with transportation for several months now. Our old driver, Mr. Dong, used to chime in as both, he and Carter, were learning English. Carter would get so excited and point at a bus, I would then say "bus." Mr. Dong would say "Bus, qi che."

So I started doing the same. "bus, qi che"

Well apparently it's been in Carter's brain, like a steel trap, and just decided to sneak out!

Now every morning when I go to get him our conversation goes like this:

Carter: Dada?
Me: Dada is at work.
Carter: Dus, Qi Che?
Me: Yes, Dada went to work on the bus.
Carter then flaps his arms in the signal he created for the song, The Wheels on the Bus.
Me: The wheels on the (insert "bus" or "qi che") go round and round.

He also chooses randomly (I think) which word to use when he sees them on the road!!

This is crazy to me!

You know, honestly, he did the same thing with sign language.

I tried to teach him baby sign language when he was about 6 months. But he never responded...so I got lazy and stopped. BUT out of nowhere, 6 months later, he busted out with the signs for "more" and "all done" and hasn't stopped!!

Lesson learned?

Keep doing these things!! They ARE getting them!! Even if they can't do them yet!

.......

Here are a few simple Chinese (mandarin) words if you want to try:

Bus: Qi Che...First word, sounds like, your hair straightener, Chi. Second, sounds like Church, minus the -rch. So it will sound like Chi Chu.

Hi: Ni Hao...First word, sounds like, Knee. Second word, sounds like, How.
So it will sound like you are saying Knee How.

Thank you: Xie Xie...First (and second) word, sounds like, She. So it will sound like She She.

Try it out!!

Thank you & Post Updates

2011-09-26T08:00:00.000-07:00

Thank you to everyone who has been writing us messages.

It helps, more than you would know.

It helps us for people to acknowledge that we lost a son, that he was real, important and loved.

Thank you for the prayers.

I'm surprised that people say they are given hope, or peace by our story. Because it is a sad story. But the hope or peace you may feel isn't from our sad story but through God, who is somehow speaking to you. The only way we know this is because he is using so many people to speak to us right now, and give us hope or peace from this sad time.

I don't want to turn our blog into something gruesome or depressing. In fact, I'm about to upload a ton of pictures of Carter to go under this post...but I have been writing down some thoughts about what we are going through. Don't feel that you HAVE to read them. Feel free to read or to skip on to your picture viewing pleasure. Hope you don't mind. Who knows, maybe our thoughts could help someone. Or you could just think we are strange. OR later, I may reread these and be embarrassed to have shared something so personal and delete it, but for now it's there, for all to see.

So below this message should be:

Carter at 20 Months
two recents posts on Baby McCoy 2...posted in order they were written.

Thank you for your support and prayers!

Carter is 20 Months!

2011-09-26T06:51:00.000-07:00

Picture OVERLOAD...Sorry.

But honestly, our days are filled with joy and tons of fun.

Have to catch the blog up and I know some grandparents are in need of Carter pictures!

Loving his Crown!

Airplane!

What Mom?

I'm outta here.

Seriously, he wanted to bring his drum, look how happy it makes him!

(So sad, my child plays with trash.)

We had visitors!

Grammy. (My mom)

BaBa.

Serious fun!!!

(John's Dad!)

The McCoy's (and Porter's).

Lookout Hatfield's...we coming for ya!!

Okay, seriously, look at Carter. He LOVED taking these photos. Ha!!!

You can tell that I didn't take this picture because he is actually SMILING!!!

He works hard for his money.

So hard for his money!!

Whoop!

Loves the horse.

And the frog.

AND the big boy swing.

He also loves BaBa's boots.

Yee Haw!!

This is how we dress him now!

Back to the swing.

His new way to ride.

I love his face. But of course, no smile,

because mom is taking the pic!

Yes, snow, in September.

It's from the hockey rink....athletes, suit up!

This ain't football country.

Climbing the bleachers.

I love this big boy!!

Deep Breath.

2011-09-26T06:18:00.001-07:00

Arriving with Carter on my hip, I held my breath (because that is what you do) and focused on the signs on the wall directing me to the receptionist's desk. We must have entered from the back door because the first thing I saw in the room to my left were two coffins. Don't breathe.

I don't do well with neither funerals nor funeral homes. I panic. My heart races, I don't know where I can look. And heaven forbid I have to venture off on my own there...like say, the restroom. Oh god, breathe!!! Or don't breathe!?

While we waited in the foyer, there were people in the room to my left talking about a man they all knew. Saying things like "it's just not like him." "It doesn't sound like something they would do." I tried not to listen.

Carter was unusually still. He actually laid his head on my shoulder. Something I try to force him to do, along with hugs and kisses, these days.

When the receptionist arrived and asked "Can I help you?" I managed to utter the words, "I'm here to pick up my son's ashes." I actually had played this out in my head on the way there. It's not really a phrase that comes out naturally.

The woman was so helpful. Thankfully, she took over from there.

Carter and I sat, and waited. He didn't budge. Honestly, it was strange. But I was glad to not have to chase him in that awkward place. Maybe he felt it too.

The woman returned with a little, black, velvet bag. One that could hold a piece of jewelry.

I had wondered what it would look like. It was much nicer than I imagined.

They also, for their own legal records, gave us a copy of his Cremation Certificate. Not really something I had ever imagined having. What do you do with this? This is the only legal document we have to prove that he really existed. Knowing that kind of makes me want to frame it. But I know, that isn't what you do. Do you keep it in the special file with our Passports, Marriage Certificate, Carter's Certificate of American Born Abroad that we need every time we apply for a new visa? I don't know.

Right now, it's in an envelope with his ultrasound photo, Footprints, It's a Boy (hospital) Crib Card and his ashes...him.

That's it. All we have of him.

I know it's gruesome, morbid, sick or strange but I love that envelope.

Yesterday, our pastor spoke on "What Jesus Says About Eternity."

I LOVE our church here. And I love our Southern Pastor.

He (Jesus) said Eternity isn't death, but the moment you decide you are a Christian. From that moment....on.

He said that children go to Heaven. He said that Heaven is home. That feeling of hugging your loved ones, the hugs you know so well that you can still smell their perfume...that is Heaven, that is Home. He told us that is where you see your loved ones again...reunite.

Our pastor talked about meeting his parents again. And the comfort that would bring. I just wonder who greeted out little guy? There was no reuniting for him. Was it like being the new kid in the lunch room. With no one there to sit with.

Is he an infant? And if so, who is holding and hugging him all day? That is my job. But I hope someone does it. When I do join him, will I know him? Or will I have to act like I recognize him and play along until I do?

These are the thoughts that kill me.

Our pastor also said that the reason you feel so close to God while grieving, is because he is grieving right there with you. I believe this. This gives me comfort. (No answers.) But comfort.

I guess two weeks ago, when we opted for individual cremation, I imagined us getting that little baggie and taking it straight to the park. I pictured us healed, happy and prepared to say goodbye. That little baggie is sitting on a kitchen shelf, with the envelope an some unopened mail. We aren't ready. We are healing. And daily, we are joyful, loving on each blessing and more hopeful for what eternity holds. But still need time...and still need that baggie.

Sunday Mornings.

2011-09-26T06:18:00.000-07:00

Every Sunday, when we drop Carter off in the church Nursery, John gets to hear me complain and say "if I was in charge of that place..." "or if I was working there...." Nice. Right?

The ladies are nice enough and Carter is always distracted enough by the amount of toys to ignore their less than ooodling behavior.

Maybe I'm overly protective. Maybe I'm overly picky. But here are my two simple requests:

1. Acknowledge us when we arrive. The top half of the door is open, you can see us standing there.
2. A warm welcome to my child may not be as necessary to him as it is to me. But I want to see you excited to play with my son! Come on! This is my baby!

Okay, those could be rolled into one request. So not too much to ask, right?

After years of being on the nursery staff myself, working in a Day Care, being a camp counselor, and teaching elementary school, I've learned/been taught/forced:
You MUST be at their door to give a warm, greeting the children when they walk in the door. (This isn't just in Texas, but Norway, China and I can assume Canada too.)

And I now see how important that warm greeting is.

A sick confession I have to make is, that I've only been separated from Carter a handful of times and the longest stretch was 10 hours for my class reunion that I was helping throw. Please don't judge too harshly, I haven't had many opportunities, with lack of family nearby or babysitters whom I know, trust and can communicate with.

So dropping him off every.single.Sunday is a big deal for me.

This rant about our nursery greeting is small. I promise. Because I'm quite sure they DO care and are actually volunteering their time. Maybe they show their love while playing with the kiddies and dealing with parents may not be their favorite part of the job. This is most likely the truth, and I can handle that!!

It's just that sharing my child with someone else isn't the easiest for me. I mean, they can't love him like we do. Right? What if they don't understand his silly ways? What if they don't appreciate him for all that we do? I know these are insecurities that I'll have to give into as it's called "Letting go..."

This week, in church, was different for me. While I sat there having my same conversation with myself, I found myself thinking of our youngest son. (It's bound to happen, right?) He's here, on Earth, being handled by someone other than us. I don't know what he looks like, but I can imagine that he doesn't look like a 40 week, perfectly healthy baby. I worry about him. What if they make jokes about how he looks? What if they handle his body like a piece of trash? I treasure that body. I just pray, they are being respectful no matter what health conditions he may have had.

I understand that his spirit has moved on but I look forward to receiving his ashes and knowing that he is in loving hands. Hands that having been wanting to hold him for 5 months. Hands that understand and appreciate him for all that he is.

Mark 1:11

2011-09-15T07:28:00.000-07:00

Even as a child, I've felt very close to my parents and related in so many ways to my mother early on. We (my brothers and I) were loved unconditionally and confidently knew we were everything to them. Innocently, we believed their lives began when we entered and that there were only 3 of us they could love like they do.

There was a day each year, that I was confused or jealous by a secrecy of my parent's emotions that I never could comprehend. Nothing elaborate would happen on this day and sometimes it wouldn't be remembered until the next. But I might walk into my parent's room to find my Mom folding laundry and crying or over hear Mom and Dad whispering then hug. This day was unimportant to me. By 5th or 6th grade we learned that there was a 4th one of "us" who never made it to play. A sibling we knew nothing about. A little baby that was probably not nearly as important as we were, who's life ended after the 12 week mark but before the 40 week gestation.

It was simple for us to believe then that God had "planned" for us to be here and that other little baby to not.

Well, my and John's lives forever changed in July 2008 when we lost our first little one very early in the game. It was sad and we felt empty. But learned we were ready for children and were hopeful for more.

Luckily, a year and a half later God called Carter into the world. Carter has forever changed our lives and our hearts. We love him unconditionally and our lives began again when he entered. We became new people with his existence.

When we became pregnant with our next child, because of Carter, we knew the magnitude of how this baby was going to change our lives. We understood what we were getting ourselves into and we couldn't wait. It was a nervous excitement. John and I now knew this little one has a spirit, a personality and a fire that is as individual as every person...and we could NOT wait to learn all about him! We have been thrilled to love a new little being, a sibling for Carter, for the past 5 months.

On September 8, my mom's birthday, we went into our mid-pregnancy ultrasound to learn our child's sex but instead learned that the little one no longer had a heart beat. In slow motion, the ultrasound technician explained the details, but all I could see was a picture of our baby up on the screen. A real baby. Little head, little hands. Little feet. The idea that we would never know that baby we could see on the screen the way we know Carter is devastating. That is our child. We are the parents. There was an energy, a spirit, a personality there. There was a heart beat.

When I think back to the careless, flirty days of dating John, I never would have imagined us to be the kind of people attending grief counseling and making decisions about our child's remains. But it comes with the territory. A grief counselor carefully explained every detail about our child's entrance into the open world and then options like a viewing, receiving mementos, autopsy, bodily donation, funeral services, mass burial, cremations, or private ceremony.

The little baby we saw up on that screen, is our child, our baby. We are Mama and Dada. Knowing these two thoughts, guided us through the decisions. Making exactly the opposite decisions I might have imagined chosen in those flirty days of dating. We decided we wanted to know as much about that little baby on the screen as we could. Many of the options were "if this....then you can..." kind of options. We asked them IF possible to try and find out the gender, IF possible we'd like to see our child, IF possible we'd like footprints, IF possible we'd like an autopsy, IF possible we'd like our child's remains handled individually and IF possible we'd like to obtain the ashes for a private ceremony.

Thankfully, because I'm not that emotionally strong, I do not remember our child's entrance. But we were over the moon to learn that our angel baby is a BOY! I never would have thought through the sadness, learning HE is our SON could bring joy...but it did! We hugged and even celebrated!! Knowing that huge piece of information brings such peace to our minds. We have another son! We have another son!!

The nurses were very supportive of our wish to view our son. This wish however, was circumstantial, depending on nurse and counselor's viewing and collaboration. The wish was respectfully declined. We still have that little face you dream of during pregnancy in our heads and know he is just precious!

Another bit we do know about our son is he has perfect feet!

How can anyone doubt the work of God when you see something so detailed, tiny and perfect?

We asked for four prints. Each for Mommy, Daddy, and both sets of Grandparents.

The final pieces to our son's Earthly existence will be his memorial service. We have spoken with a funeral home to arrange the details of his little body...with perfect feet. We look forward to rejoicing over his life and existence and can't wait for our full house in Heaven.

Being a new parent, I am constantly amazed by the realizations that present themselves to me about my own parents growing up. A new understanding of their unconditional love, the constant desire to see their children safe and happy, and how their hearts grew and made more room for each of their children...even the ones not known on Earth.

"You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased." -Mark 1:11

We are deeply in love with our newest son. He will forever be in our thoughts, hearts and prayers.

18/19 Weeks

2011-09-05T06:55:00.000-07:00

Considering how neglectful I am to have pictures taken of myself these days, I thought NOW is a better time than any.

Here is my 18 Week picture with Carter:

Here I was yesterday at 19 Weeks:

I guess it's hard to see because my shirt is loose...but you can tell it's out there way more than last time. I feel like it jumped out a few weeks ago and has kind of stayed that way for a while.

Any who, Thursday is our next ultrasound and I hope all is well! Woo hoo! I always get nervous before appointments. We might even be able to find out the sex! :)

Just like the big kids...

2011-09-02T12:17:00.000-07:00

I was chatting with another mother and glanced over to see Carter like this:

This bike belongs to a little girl in our neighborhood and her PINK helmet belongs to her sister.

HA!

What cracks me up the most is the helmet!

He's actually noticed that everyone who rides a bike wears a helmet.

They notice way more than you realize!!

Better Than a Movie...

2011-08-26T07:19:00.000-07:00

Our neighbors across the street have demolished their house and are building a new one. This can all be seen from Carter's bedroom window. He LOVES it. And is obsessed with it.

He tries to "talk" about it constantly. We know this because he says his version of "truck" and then moves his arm in a scooping motion down to the floor, scoops up some air and then raises it up. Just like the Track Hoe. (Yes, that is the real name of the Digger).

19 Month Old Carter

2011-08-16T06:47:00.000-07:00

Dear Carter,

You are OFFICIALLY over a year-&-a-half! You are getting so big. Everyday I just stare at you can't believe how much you are growing, changing, and how amazing you are to me. I love you more than words will ever be able to say. I have read that when you become a mom, your heart is no longer in you, but is carried around by your baby. I have to say, that is the truth. You are my heart.

You are a fun-loving, easygoing, caring little boy. You like little thrills, like climbing the highest slide at the playground, playing hide and seek, peek a boo, and Daddy chasing you around the house sends you into loud excited screams!

You are talking, but in your own language. We understand you!! For instance, when you say:

"Car" we know it means Carter or Car. You always point to yourself, if you mean Carter!
You use the phrase Thank you appropriately, without us prompting you! (This may be my favorite!) But is comes out as "Ga ga."
"Knee" is how you say more!
"Lala" is your water! But you also know that rain is water!!

You love Jesus. Or what you know of Him! We've been singing about Jesus since you were just a tiny thing. Lots of times, it was for my sanity because we'd been up together for hours each night. You LOVE to say prayers to Jesus. It goes like this: you fold your hands, say "gaga Jeez" which means Thank you Jesus. Sometimes you make us pray several times during dinner or randomly during the day. (Wow, just typing that made me realize how God is using you, now.)

You also know that Jesus gives us rain.

So you say "Lala (and point)."

I say, "that is right, that is the rain. Rain is water."

You say,"Gaga Jeez" (Thank you Jesus).

It melts my heart.

Another phrase you use appropriately, that cracks me up is "Yesssssss!" We started doing this for you as you played basketball. Every time you'd make it we'd cheer real loud. But it began turning into hours of cheering real loud. (You are pretty good!!! AND Love basketball!!) So we added "Yessssssss!" into the rotation. But now, you say it for your self and pump your arm along with it, just like us. You even do it for other things you are excited about. Like yesterday when I pulled into the playground, you yelled "Yessssssss!" And often at the playground, when you are watching a friend play, you chant "Yesssssss!" for them when they do something great, like make it down the slide!

Carter-Bear, you LOVE to play! None of our stuff from China has arrived yet. So we don't have many toys here in Calgary, just yet. We have been busy, out and about, every day since we've been here. In that time, you went from not liking the feeling grass, gravel, wood shavings, etc. to laying and rolling around in it, without a care in the world! Anything but concrete gave you shivers and you'd stand so still. I worried a bit. But you were just fine! It was all new to you about 6 weeks ago!! You try EVERYTHING on the playground and keep Mama busy!! I love to watch you play and explore. You have wonderful coordination!

Lately, you have been getting pretty quick! You have been working on running! It's still a bit of a really fast walk, with your arms pumping furiously, but you are getting faster!! Another physical skill is jumping. Oh buddy. You try so hard. You WANT to jump so bad. You practice and practice everyday. For some reason, you have found a really thick book on Shanghai and use it as your jumping-board. You stand on that book and we count. Then, you use everything you've got to give your body an upward motion. We've yet to get both feet off the ground at the same time. (There may have been once.) But you are working so hard, I know you will get it soon. Keep it up, buddy!!!

You are interested in lots of things at the moment. Trucks of any kind, tractors or construction equipment, airplanes, trains, busses, the Garbage Man is amazing to you...we can/have to watch him for about 10 minutes as he comes down the street. You love animals and are really into anything to do with them! Playgrounds, of course, you spot every single one from your car seat. You LOVE other children and are attracted to them. You will find a group of friends at the playground and jump right in to play! You also love to watch older children and learn from what they are doing. You also love to read! I love this too! You have so many books memorized. I know this because you are ready for a little something on every page, maybe you know a special animal is coming, or a certain noise that you can make, or you even stand up to act something out if you can't use your words to tell me what you mean!

Eating has changed dramatically over the past 2 months that we've left China. You must have been in a strange phase at the end of our time there. But now, you are eating tons at every meal.

Breakfast: Usually, eggs, cheese, fruit milk OR pancakes or French toast, fruit, yogurt, milk

Lunch: Usually, pb on toast, fruit, cheese maybe a veggie or meat left over from dinner.

Dinner: Whatever meat we are eating and whatever veggie we are eating. Milk too!

You sometimes still need to nurse, maybe about once ever 48 hours. But you are a baby and are growing healthily!! I think you are slowly, trying to stop. But we aren't in a rush!

You are (currently) a fabulous sleeper! I say currently, because, every mommy knows, babies live in phases. However, you are done teething, so we SHOULD be okay for a while!!! You take one 2-3 hour nap every day and sleep about 13 hours at night, 7:30-8:30. Thank the lord! Because, while you've been a good sleeper for a while, you were still waking up about once a night for a looooong time. But you were very easy to go back down.

You enjoy being a helper around the house. You like to help with the laundry, unloading the dishwasher and you even like to help with the cooking. You even helped make salad the other day by putting all of the chopped veggies in the bowl! I saw you steal a carrot, but I didn't say anything! ;)

Carter, I feel so blessed to be your mommy. You are the sunshine in your Daddy's and my life! We think about you constantly and you always bring a smile to our faces.

As I'm finishing up this letter to you, I can hear you waking up (8:38 am, Tuesday, August 16) and you are saying "no, no, no" to something. Uh oh!!! I better go grab you and smooch your face!!!

Mommy and Daddy love you so much. So much, that just saying "we love you" seems to small. Thank you for being our son! You have made our world a better place!!!

Love,

Mommy (and Daddy)

Photo Update

2011-08-15T08:02:00.000-07:00

I've just learned how to get lots of photos off my phone at one time!! So here is a little photo update....

Helping with the laundry!

Playing in the backyard!

Hanging out with the goats at Butterfield Acres!

One actually bit his finger. He relives this moment daily and randomly by biting his own finger and then saying "no no." Because that is what he told that goat.

The sand pit.

And the Butterfield Acres dirt pile!! Every boys dream!

Okay, this place is just cool. It is a coffee shop and kiddie play place. Great for those weather days where you can't go outside!

See you order from the other side of the door, where it looks like a cute coffee shop. Then they buzz you through to the play ground and serve you your coffee through the window. See, moms chat, kiddies play.

It's hard to take a picture without looking like a creeper. But it really is a good business idea!!

Finally, more splash park fun!!

See Carter in his polo? See me to the left? You can kind of see the baby bump ~15 weeks.

Last but not least!!! All wet!!

We Love this Place

2011-08-04T11:47:00.000-07:00

I have to say...we are loving it here in Canada!!

This place is awesome!!!

The city is pretty small for US standards and way tiny compared to China cities!! But we are living in an awesome neighborhood right outside of downtown. Most will say we live in downtown but this is not city life, like we are used to. Ha ha. A house, yard, parks etc...not so much like the sky rises we've been in for the past few years.

This is a very outdoorsy place. Everyone is out riding bikes, jogging and carrying yoga mats at all times. Hence the reason we had to buy a chariot to attach to our bikes. Peer pressure. And they have an amazing trail system that goes all over the city.

Also, Calgary is full of green and blue! I feel like the cities I'm used to are covered in concrete and billboards. Not so much here. It is pretty hilly and as you drive up and down all you see is green grass, the river through the city and blue skies! It is beautiful.

Off in the distance you can see the mountains that are covered in snow!

This weekend, while on a long bike ride along the river, we watched as TONS of people floated along! (Like Texas, right!)

Finally, there is so much to do here! Maybe it is the freedom of getting to drive myself again or being able to read every sign, map and google search I can. But even though my list of friends is slim to none so far, Carter and I are keeping busy. And for me that is sanity.

Today I went to a Stroller Strength class! Loved it!! And even met a girl who went to A&M, and graduated the same year as I did! Small world!!

Any way, if anyone has ever wanted to visit, come on!! We'd love to have you!!

So Much to Blog About..

2011-08-02T11:57:00.000-07:00

That I don't even want to! Anyone else do that!? Lazy, I know. So let me get started...

Baby News:

If you saw on Facebook, yes, we are pregnant!

Honestly, I'm just now getting excited about this.

The first time around, you are just excited. Second time around, you know what is coming and it's scary to think you will have to do it again...with a toddler. Logistically, it still freaks me out.

Also, I have a strange blood type. O-. It's the universal donor! So you know who to come to, if you need any!! :) BUT mixed with a + blood type, like John's A+, can be tricky. While I can offer my blood to anyone, I can't accept anything but O-. My body will fight it off. The same can happen if your newly created and growing baby has + blood type. My body can fight it off. Horrible, right? Horrible to know, my own body would do that. Carter is O+!! He did just fine!! But we have miscarried in the past.

I know the risk is still there, but keeping it a secret and pretending like I'm not pregnant, doesn't help our chances any more. But that is how I cope with the first trimester. I just try not to think about it, to keep my thoughts from getting too carried away. So, second trimester is here and I'm asking everyone to join us in praying for this baby.

Carter News:

He's working on 19 months! I can't believe it! He is so good, fun and funny, that I can't get enough of him!

I love seeing what he knows. He understands so much!

Some of my favorite words of his are:

Lala: water, banana, lights and cousin Ella.

Gaga: Thank you

Jeez: Jesus, cheese

Jooz: juice, shoes

Goose: Lucy

Aff: off

He's got soo many animal sounds, it blows me away!

Recently, he has been pretending...

One example of this game is "going night night." If you ever see him leaning his head over to his shoulder and he is super still, eyes still open and very excited smile, this is it. You have to say "Oh, Carter must be night night." The he pops his head up and yells "Ahhh!" And you act super surprised. Ha ha.

The other example is, I've seen him dragging his green beans on his knee going "sssssss." After a bit, I figured it out and asked him if that was a snake. Confirmed.

Biggest news yet, though, he is finally weaning! I didn't think he would do it on his own. I wanted to nurse all the way through living in China. Then I needed to wait until we were settled into our new place. So, when we first arrived, he nursed like crazy....like an infant. Big changes were going on in his life, so I'm glad I was there for the little man. Well, I'm leaving it up to him and in the past 60 hours he's nursed twice. Crazy!

If you ever have any questions about breastfeeding, feel free to ask! I had no idea what I was getting myself into when we started but I'm so happy to have made it this long! I'll keep you posted on how the weaning process goes. There isn't much information out there about letting your child lead the way. So I'll make sure to keep track!

Lots More of the Same...I Hope!!

2011-07-25T12:23:00.000-07:00

4 days ago, a day happened that we didn't think twice about. It was July 21st...our Anniversary! The day came and went and we hadn't even noticed the date. HORRIBLE, I know.

But the truth is, we are having so much fun in our new norm that there was no need for a separate occasion of celebration. We feel like we are celebrating daily. Corny, I know. Don't get me wrong...while living in Nanjing, we NEEDED that celebration. Ha ha.

This weekend was fabulous! We successfully shopped for our new winter coats. Because the "winter" coats we have are to be worn now...in the summer. The winter here is apparently a season that we've never experienced before. A Calgarian family we knew while living in Norway, said the Norway winter had nothing on Calgary. EEeeek...this scares me.

We had to buy big, thick, furry parkas. I love mine!! Here is John modeling his.

Mine is a bit more feminine but still big, thick and furry, just the same.

We also, went to church and Carter LOVED his classroom so much, that he seriously ignored us when we went to pick him up. No lie. Literally, looked at us and ran as quickly as he could to another toy. He didn't glance back. Ha ha. His teacher had to go and get him. He was LOVING it!

After church we swung by the Calgary Farmer's Market. We are kind of obsessed with this place. It is so nice, clean and YUMMY!!! I can't get enough of that place!

Finally, our neighborhood was hosting the Sun and Salsa Festival. So after C's nap, we walked that direction! Another fun event in Calgary!! Sun, food, music, kiddie jumpers, and of course, a petting zoo!! :)

Who is that hot daddy!?

Calgary Petting Zoo, round 4.

Gentle, gentle.

This goat and Carter were not getting along. They BOTH wanted that stool. The goat won.

Bouncy house slide.

Loving it!

Crash!!

And watching the Miss. Sun and Salsa pageant or was it the salsa dancers??

Either way, he was mesmerized.

We are having a blast here and loving every bit of family time we get!!! I hope to have 100 more years of just the same!

Dancing at Stampede

2011-07-22T13:27:00.001-07:00

Yes, it is sideways. I'm still learning how to use this new technology called "the smart phone" that evolved while we were living overseas.

Sorry!

We're in Calgary!!

2011-07-21T07:04:00.000-07:00

Carter and I arrived almost two weeks ago and we've been non stop ever since!

The past week was full of festivities, as the Calgary Stampede was in town. This is their big rodeo! Like Houston, this place is a cow/oil town too. The whole city gets into Stampede with wild parties at night (which, unfortunately, we didn't partake in), pancake breakfasts in the morning! And of course the actual Rodeo somewhere in the city center!!

These pictures were at a Pancake breakfast one morning. We went to 4 all together. Ugh...no more pancakes!! :)

Carter was loving the animals in the petting zoo! He would get sooo close and squeal with excitement, maybe an occasional finger tip touch followed up by running and hugging my legs...still squealing! Ha ha.

This was at the Fluor (who John work for) Party on the city streets! It was early, of course, but was tons of fun!!!

I also have a cute video that blogger won't let me upload at the moment!! I'll try again later!

Carter Loves Texas

2011-06-28T11:53:00.000-07:00

And so do his parents! We had a pretty hectic journey from China to the US but we made it and are enjoying every second of being with family and friends!

Again, I'm being so bad about taking pictures. I get talking and enjoying the moment that I forget my camera is usually in the room.

So, family, if you have pictures from the past week, I'd love a digital copy!!! :) Pleeeeeeeease!

In the mean time, check out this post on my sister-in-law's blog. It is really sweet!

Carter Pics

2011-06-13T16:23:00.000-07:00

I have been so bad about taking my camera places. Or even just snapping pictures around here. But I have taken some. They have just been a bit random. So...here we go:

Just having some pasta for lunch.

Mmm...

Playing in the hallway!

Eating a cookie with chocolate filling.

He thought it was the most delicious thing ever!

I have to agree. They are pretty good!

This outfit was first thing in the morning. A PJ top, fresh diaper (so minus pants), he requested his old tennis shoes. And out the door he went!

Just having a relaxing Saturday morning!

Looking at busses from the balcony! P.S. Here is my tongue peeking out!!

I should add...

2011-06-09T05:09:00.000-07:00

to the previous post, that while I usually look like the mentioned list, ladies here usually are dressed up, hair done and march miles in heels.

Just so you know! :)

Summer in China and random thoughts.

2011-06-08T04:26:00.000-07:00

Ugh....Summer in China is hot and gross.

I was pregnant my first summer here and it ruined it for me. They don't use air-conditioning like we Texans do, as in EVERYWHERE. So grocery stores, shopping malls, restaurants, etc. are hot, stuffy and the worst part, smelly.

I only have 9 more days. I can do it. I can do it.

Honestly, I got sick (publicly) quite a few times because of certain smells and temperatures mixed. It wasn't pleasant. I don't know how local mamas do it.

The end.

(I am not pregnant.)

This does bring me to something I have wanted to write about for memories' sake:

Pregnant Ladies in China

I can spot one from a mile away. Even if she is 5 weeks along. Here's how:

No make up
Tennis shoes
Hair in pony tail
Glasses
Apron-type shirt
Waddle (Yes, even at 5 weeks. Requirement.)
Miserable look on face.
If anyone glances their way, they automatically begin to rub their back.

These are standard and I'm serious.

Imagine the looks from concerned strangers when I was jogging on the treadmill at 9 month along.

Final comment, on my due date, John and I went to Hooters. Someone said if we ate spicy foods this would help move things along. So I requested wings!! Well, a waitress there was concerned because I was wearing nail polish, make up and she thought I dyed my hair. Horrible mother.

Who knew!!??

The world is an interesting place, that is for sure!

It's My Party...

2011-06-02T22:55:00.000-07:00

..and I'm not crying, yet. Next year, guaranteed. I cried when I turned 20. But I did not cry when I turned 21.

These are the flowers from John. Seriously? I love them and I'm getting spoiled! I love how skinny they make me look too. I kind of want to carry them around all of the time.

Also, how fabulous would these florists be at Homecoming Mum-Making? You Texans know what I'm talking about. The bigger the better!

Thank you John!

OH and now that I'm a mom, I know how big of a deal the child's birthday is for the parents.

So here is a shout-out to my parents:

HAPPY 29 years of being a Mom and Dad to me!!

I'd have to say, you've done a fantastic job of raising me! ;o)

And we're done...

2011-05-29T23:09:00.000-07:00

with 2 naps, that is.

It is official this time, I promise. And I promise not to write any more posts on this.

He has been on 1 nap for two weeks. Shortly after I posted the last update and the coffee incident we learned that on days with 2 naps he was up WILDLY until midnight or 1 am. Yes. It was horrible. While midnight used to be no big deal, it is horrible for these days! Ha! Makes me feel old!!

So I think the coffee he discovered while scrounging the trash and the late night weren't related. I think it was that the two naps recharged him for another large chunk of time. I wasn't in a hurry for him to drop the nap, in fact, I was trying to give his body time to do what it needed to do. Well, his body apparently needed to be awake more during the day! I'm pretty sure those wild nights were his body slapping me in the face, saying "Look lady, I can play now or in the day, but you need to lead the way!"

Long story short, he hasn't had 2 naps in 2 weeks! And his night sleeping has gone back to normal! Woo Hoo!!! (It wasn't easy on him, or me, that is for sure.)

Also, the nap is growing!! As I'm typing we are at 2.5 hours!

Days are so fun!! We've been play-dating like crazy all over this city! There is even one play group that is 45 minutes away by metro. Carter metros like a champ eating his breakfast, reading books and talking to everyone on there. I didn't think I could navigate up and down so many stairs with a big huge pram but, where there is a will there is a way!

It is awesome!!!

The end of this topic. I swear.

Another Day at the Park

2011-05-25T00:17:00.000-07:00

I guess one great thing about the place we live is the 1 minute walk to a playground. We HAVE to go daily. He loves it. I usually forget to take pictures, but lucky for you, I didn't yesterday. ;)

Man on a mission.

(Notice the cracker in his hand.)

Thinking about what to do next.

I know what you are thinking, young man!!

Yup, back to the water. Of course.

OH the hair. Christy Fischer Speakes, you always told me if I had children with curly hair you would teach me how to do it. Well....I may be needing your help soon.

I can rarely catch this kiddo smiling. He smiles. LOTS.

But I can't ever get them on camera.

(Notice the cracker, still in his hand.)

Appalled!!! Who knows why.

I'm sure it was something his Daddy said. ;)

Fun in the Sun

2011-05-17T00:09:00.000-07:00

Hi. I have a bear on my shirt.

Get low, get low, get low.

Channeling Justin Timberlake as he break-dances on the patio.

Before....

Lovin it!

After. Look behind him too.

P.S. This is our 100th post. Only took like 3 years. Ha ha.

If you catch your child.....

2011-05-15T19:00:00.000-07:00

eating coffee from the trash can,

there is a good chance he will be awake at midnight

running, squealing and playing.

Preferably with only one green Croc on.

L.O.N.G. night.

Now that it's over, I have to admit, it was hilarious.

I love that boy.

Nap Update

2011-05-11T16:11:00.000-07:00

For the sake of remembering for future reference and to hopefully help out some friends who may ask "is this normal?" I'm going to put it in writing:

Carter is STILL taking two naps.

You may remember he was down to one nap before our trip to Thailand.

Well, he didn't sleep a wink on our trip there. So on day one, he was craving two naps. I thought that once he caught up on sleep he would just back down to one. But, so far, nope.

So I guess this is what "the book" means when the transition period is long and they may jump back and forth for a while.

I know there are so many books out there to read on infant-childhood sleep. I've read quite a few. This is the one I still use and trust.

It is a bit challenging to read at first. Then when the first big change in Carter's sleep patterns happened, I freaked, and read the whole book. Now, I reread the chunks that are current to our needs.

When Carter's sleep is different, the first thing John asks is "What does the book say?"

We DEPEND on this book so much, that it usually travels with us. Just in case.

AND we refer to it as The Sleep Bible.

What I like, is that he fully explains, in Doctor talk (so beware), when and how their sleep patterns will change and develop as they grow. So I never have to freak out again....like I did at about 4 Months Old when I was trying to keep him on an infant sleep schedule until he was out the door for college.

MYTH about this book:

Some people seem to think that this doctor recommends you let your child cry-it-out indefinitely.

NOT TRUE.

He recommends many options and suggests that you choose which works for your family. (I'm thinking these people didn't read the book 99 times like me. Ha!) One of which, you run to your child immediately, pick them up, rock them, sing to them, feed them, or play with them. Okay, not really, but I seriously do STILL go straight to him. Judge away! :)

What "Baby-Raising Books" do you live by?

I seriously want to know! I can't read enough of this stuff!!

2nd Mother's Day

2011-05-09T17:15:00.000-07:00

I had a FABULOUS Mother's Day!

Thank you so much to my sweet boys.

Mother's Day is a lot like "McCoy Surprise Day." It isn't too different from most weekends but the suspense makes it so much fun!! Here is a run down on the fun:

TONS of roses.

12 dozen to be exact!

A 2 hour foot massage and pedicure. Pedicures here are amazing. They seriously scrape all of the thick hard skin off of your feet. Not sand it down...scrape it off. I LOVE it. Smooth as a baby's bottom.

Out to dinner! We went to Himalaya's a really cool Indian Restaurant! (We are a bit addicted to Indian at the moment.) You know going out, with a 15 month old, is a big deal! C did great, he just loved all of the brightly colored pillows you sit on! Ha ha. We felt really cool eating out, in town!!

I can't believe we are on our 2nd round of Family Holidays all ready. Of course, you know me, it makes me reflect-ful....

As our little man has been extra clingy to me (as he's been for the past week) he wants hugs all of the time. I just feel so spoiled! I couldn't imagine loving him any more with out exploding. Seriously! I'm obsessed with him!

I was brushing my teeth and he asked for a hug. So as I was holding him in front of the mirror, I was looking at this big, long, boy wearing his big, boy clothes who I was holding in my arms and couldn't help to think back to this exact moment:

I love him even more now than I ever would have known back in this picture.

(And I didn't think it was possible back then!)

Then I also thought of this moment:

and how I had really hoped for a girl.

God really knows how to make plans for you, doesn't he!

These little thoughts gave another little boost to my faith in God's plans. He is the best life-planner, that is for sure. I couldn't imagine my life any other way!

Thank you John and Carter for a wonderful Mother's Day!

I feel so blessed every day.

I love you both so much!

BFF's

2011-05-08T00:00:00.000-07:00

As our China days come to a close, so do the days for our friends we've met here. Carter's BFF is moving to Beijing on Saturday. They will be missed.

Need to stay hydrated when you work this hard.

A little tic-tac-toe.

Mom, seriously?

Yes! He did it!

Woo Hoo! Part-aay!

Maybe our paths will cross again someday. The hardest part about our adventures is always having to say "good bye."

Thanks for the memories!

Long Overdue: Life Update

2011-04-28T15:13:00.000-07:00

This was the entrance to our home in Koh Samui!

We were in Thailand for a week. One, glorious week. We've now been back in China for a week. And it's taken me a week to finish this post! Sorry!

It was a WONDERFUL week. The whole trip was amazing. If you ever have the time to take, you should go there. It is beautiful and inexpensive.

It looks like the island of LOST, which is actually Hawaii.

But unlike Hawaii, you can actually enjoy yourself, because it is so cheap!

Delicious food and drinks...we never broke $20. And nothing was spared. We had lobster, tons of shrimp, Thai food galore and drinks: smoothies, milkshakes, beer, cocktails.

My favorite were their banana pancakes. It was just like a Nutella-Banana Crepe in Paris...only after they folded it up, they would brown it on both sides (like a quesadilla) then sprinkle it with coconut and sweetened condensed milk. That cost 50 US Cents!

You can even spend 3 hours in the nicest spa on the island for only $80. And that is SPLURGING, seriously. You can get an hour massage at a normal place for $6. Since we live in China and that is normal here, I went all out. (Our last Asia, hoorah!)

This is where we spent most of our time.

But our little beach-front bungalow also had it's own pool! Which was ideal for nap time. When Carter napped, we could still enjoyed the water and sun. (With SPF, of course!)

One of Carter's favorite part of the trip was seeing the elephants!

We also saw a tiger. It was scary.

Totally a fake smile. Eeeek!! Scary!

Our last day there, Carter had a little accident. He fell off of the bed and hit the night stand. It still makes me sick to think about it. It started to swell open and made me very nervous. So we took him to the hospital...which also made me very nervous. BUT, I was pleasantly surprised.

We went to the International Hospital, where they speak English. It took max 30 minutes. And the whole thing cost $30. The hospital was set up like a resort with a pool in the middle for the patients. Nice!

There is almost too much too blog about our trip BUT there are more pictures on Facebook if you are dying to see more! Ha ha!

In other news:

We're moving to Calgary, Canada by Mid-June!!!! We can't be more excited to be so close to home and still experiencing a whole new place!! Woo Hoo!

So recently, we are going crazy during nap times, looking for places to live and for as much information as we can!

Dad's New Toy

2011-04-14T05:12:00.000-07:00

I mean...

Carter's New Toy!

It's a remote controlled, maroon and white (of course) kiddy car.

We ordered it off of Taobao (China's ebay) and it just arrived tonight!

It wasn't fully assembled before Carter went to sleep but that didn't stop Daddy for playing with his super sized toy!

Seriously, for those of you who saw how happy he was about Carter's A&M jersey...just imagine. Cutest ever!

(By the way, we are trying to see how much stuff we can fit into this hotel before we move!)

Dropped and China Photo Shoot

2011-04-12T16:15:00.000-07:00

First of all, thank you ladies so much for the amazing advice!!! I don't know why I make these things so scary in my head? It was a wonderful day with out the anticipation of struggling for an afternoon nap that he is no longer tired for.

I was going to wait until after our trip next week, but then thought if I waited that would be about 4 weeks total of crazy days for him. I also thought, "he's dropped it, what am I waiting for?"

It was a fabulous day!!! We actually got to do lots of fun things without the stress of running back home for a nap. Ahhh. Freedom, I've missed you. I felt like an old piece of me was back! The "busy bee" part.

He only slept 1.5 hours and we went to bed at 6:30 (an hour earlier). I hope the nap grows so he can stay up and play with Daddy more!

Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

.......................

By the way, I posted back in December about getting some professional pictures taken here. Well, the photo shoot was ridiculously silly, as they gave him silly outfits, crazy props and tacky backgrounds, so I haven't been in the biggest hurry to pick them up. Horrible, I know.

Well, we had time yesterday!!! Here is what came in the package:

The big one is a piece of wood to hang on your wall.

A board book. Carter is LOVING it.

A crystal-like key chain.

The best pictures taken....to enjoy in tiny form.

I love my crystal key chain.

We have no keys! Ha ha.

A few highlights from the book.

There is my son, with a pipe. My stomach turned when they gave that to him.

Yes, it's a toy, but still.

(he is crawling on the book in this picture...sorry for his arm shadow)

Side note: Two random men have tried to give him a pack of cigarettes to play with while in line at the grocery store. I am very persistent with my "Bu Hao!" (Not okay!)

They insist that they do not mind if my little baby plays with their new, unopened pack of cigarettes.

My head says this: "I don't care that you don't mind...I DO mind. Do not get one inch closer to my little baby with those things!!!"

The security guard came over both times and told them to back off.

Love the English words on this page.

"Thank you very much Carter, but you can just call me mom!"

Oh, and that is their outfit. At least I was persistent on him NOT wearing a military uniform.

Aside from the random package of photo goods, there were some really cute pictures in the book. I just wish I could print them out in normal size for picture frames! Ahh...memories!

Like everything in China, trial and error. We'll have to do it again!

P.S. Now I'm all worked up again thinking about those men and their cigarettes! Breathe, breathe Sarah.

Help: To Drop, or Not to Drop (a nap)?

2011-04-11T00:26:00.000-07:00

That is the questions.

Moms, Dads, Grandma's, Grandpas, Sleep Experts,

Carter has been fighting his second nap for 2 weeks (and a day) now. Grrr. For those of you who have spent time with me as a mother, you probably know my obsession with his sleep schedule. I know that about myself. Don't worry! I'm obsessed. You may have noticed how he and I cooperate wonderfully together in our daily schedule:

Carter, you're tired?

(He falls into his blanket).

He sleeps for 1-2.5 hours.

I have time to, relax and gear up for out next play session.

Ahhh....bliss.

I have learned to love this little simple, pleasant, no-hassle routine. After all, it took some persistence and hard work to get to this point!

Now, here we are at almost 15 months...and about 4/7 days he has skipped his second nap. The first time this happened, it was scary and bizarre. We did our normal sleep routine, then I went to lay him down and he flipped out, hysterically in my arms. He clinched onto me like the crib was going to eat him alive. Crazy! I tried to calm him down but he just squirmed out of my arms, ran to the door, ready for more play. Like that had been enough relax time. What??

The few days he has napped it has been after LOTS of coaxing. It hasn't been easy.

All of the books (I have 3 sleep pattern books I refer to constantly), say this happens around 13-17 months. So I guess that isn't really the issue. But most books say they drop the Morning Nap first. They suggest that while they transition out of this nap some days they will take two, while others only one. If they skip the first nap, just move their second nap up earlier that day! Simple!

However, Carter is fighting his second nap. So, if he resists his nap, that makes for a very long afternoon for him. His spirits are up, but he is pooped.

Here are my thoughts for an action plan tomorrow:

1. Just jump officially to one nap by bumping his morning nap back 30 min a day? (4 days before we fly to Thailand, mind you)

2. Shorten his morning nap and try to "grow" his afternoon nap.

3. Or since he is napping (as I type) try again tomorrow for two naps. Don't change the schedule before our trip.

Any thoughts? I need help! (For his sake!)

Wild Thing

2011-04-09T21:13:00.000-07:00

I love this kid.

Shanghai Weekend {Antique Market}

2011-04-06T15:43:00.000-07:00

Here in Nanjing, we don't have many dining options so it's usually Cafe McCoy, Jimmy's Pizza or room service (but we are pretty OVER that menu).

So, one mission while in Shanghai is to eat as much good food as we can.

Bright and early, we headed to Hong Mei Lu.

(The sign says Hong Mei Pedestrian Street and it's right between that building and that car.)

A little Chinese Lesson for ya:

1. If the word ends in Lu it is a street.

2. If you EVER go to Shanghai, you NEED to know that street! It is fun!

It's actually a long alley off of Hong Mei Lu with TONS of restaurants and bars. We love this area. There is every type of restaurant you can imagine and lots of outdoor seating, which is always a fun atmosphere.

(Notice we are the only ones here at the moment. Think 6th Street and North Gate at 8:00 am.)

We don't mind being here that early!

Hey buddy! I see you through the window!!

Breakfast is ready!!!

Come and get it! We had waffles, pancakes, biscuits and gravy, eggs, hash browns, bacon, fruit and coffee. What? Carter was hungry, okay!

One of the things I love about a big city is that there are SO many things you can do in such a short amount of time. When we head "to town" for the weekend, I'm a busy bee!

So on Day 2 of our weekend, which was actually Monday, due to the Chinese Tomb Sweeping Holiday, I snuck out again durning Carter/Daddy's nap.

I headed to Dong Tai Lu.

Remember what Lu means? Street! Yes!

This is a SUPER fun antique market!!!

Notice all of the goods! I heart the bird cages.

Tons of Chairman Mao memorabilia.

Tons of abacus! (I got one like the dark middle one! Eeek!)

Look at these printed tins! So cute! I like the black one with the flowers.

See the red colorful painted decor? That is Tibetan furniture. Beautiful!

P.S. I have that blue plate, bottom, second from the left. I bought it when we first moved here at a not so good antique market. I thought it was original and paid $25 USD. Oops! Tai gue la/ too expensive! Most of this is all replicated and you should only pay about 1/3 of their starting price.

I love those hat boxes on the bench! I forgot that I've wanted a pointy one! Maybe next trip. John will be so happy. :)

He teases like:

Sarah, I think you should buy more abacuses, you can never have too many.

and

I think we need a big Chinese drum in our living room. (It's coming!!!)

He secretly likes it and thinks I have good taste. We make a good pair!

I also love those old wooden benches. They are so little! Cute for maybe a plant to sit on! Also, the oval tub holding some trays looks really neat too. Wouldn't that be cute with some rolled up towels in a bathroom or to hold drinks at a party!?

Finally, my favorite!

I LOVE these paint brushes! They look like jewelry to me and they have beautiful mahogany stands to hang them on.

Here is what I got:

1. The abacus like the one shown above. (No picture)

2. I filled in and completed my Paint Brush collection. Still working on the arrangement though. I'm not sure if I like the smaller ones hiding the larger ones. :(

My little Chinese corner! There is the blue plate I was telling you about!

I found the orange pottery there a long time ago. Both the blue and orange have dragons on them! That is for good luck! I'm kind of in love with dragons now. Strange? I think this old pattern is so ornate but the hidden dragons make it kind of cool and edgy.

And in case you are wondering those are chopsticks in the orange vase.

3. My third and final purchase:

What? We NEEDED a horse! I bet you didn't see that one coming! Again, I think it's ornate yet edgy! And to me, ornate and edgy cancel each other out to keep the room laid back and comfortable. (Not sure if this makes sense to anyone else but John and I! Ha!)

Oh...and that blue vase in the back is also a Dong Tai Lu find from way-back when!

Remember everything is at Wal-Mart SALE prices! Fabulous!!

Shanghai Weekend {Friends & Pearl Market}

2011-04-05T16:18:00.000-07:00

Shanghai, here we come!

305 Km/h = 190 Miles/Hour from Nanjing to Shanghai.

(It goes much faster...but I forgot to take a picture)

With Carter, we now have this easy trip down to a science.

-Pack light has a whole new level of lightness now.

-20 minutes in the car to the train station...pre-arranged.

-1.25 hours on the train:

Breakfast, then a walk up and down the aisles waving in every aisle person's face with an "eye!!"

-30 minutes from cab to the hotel room with Pack-n-Play set up for nap #1.

-While he sleeps, we confirm meet-up times by text with friends, fill the hotel room with balloons for some Carter fun and unpack/set-up!

Once awake and refreshed, we met up with some of our favorite people for some "Texas" BBQ, our tradition with these people! This was a special visit, because our good friends Kellee and Francious just had their precious baby, Violette, and we finally got to meet her! Of course, too much fun so I didn't get any pictures!? Grr.

2nd Nap Time (for Daddy and Carter) I snuck off to the Pearl Market. With out knowing where and when we will be moving, this COULD possibly be my last visit to this place. :(

Many friends have asked about this place. I have never taken too many pictures because it isn't something you think about in your everyday life, but since we MAY never be back...I did!!

This is where the creativity begins!

Stones of every color! Just imagine all of the jewelry designing you can do!

Here are my two favorite people at the pearl market. I LOVE them!

I buy all of my jewelry from them. If you've ever bought jewelry from me...it is from these two! Sweetest people ever.

This is their big store they moved into (thanks to all you girls who bought jewelry). They used to have a booth like the ones pictured above!

These are all pearls! Again, imagine all you can do! Do you see why I love this place?

Me and Jennifer, that is her English name. My Chinese name is Sha La.

(Named by my Chinese teacher...she said after "Sha La" Jessica Parker.)

Okay, so Jennifer and I had a big cry. You know, you can only really cry with your real friends. I cried because I'm sad to be leaving this life. She cried because their business is not doing so well this year. This breaks my heart. She told me that her daughter said "we must be poor because all day long you've played with me and no customers have come in here."

So....I think I'm going to be doing another shipment. (Let me know if you would be interested.)

and..

I found these little pretties for myself!

Fun in the Sun

2011-04-01T04:19:00.000-07:00

The past few Saturday's we've been jogging to this huge park a couple of miles from our house. It is fabulous!

We start off with a picnic breakfast. Mango for Carter!

He loves looking at all of the kites.

(Those aren't power lines, some type of arbor.)

The locals like to bring tents and hang out for the day. People don't really have yards of their own, so this is how it's done. I like it! They fly kites, BBQ on little disposable grills, and let their children and dogs run free!

Our kid and dog (below) running free! Woo Hoo!

See John and Mark (our couple & baby friend) attempting hacky-sack after a failed attempt at kite flying. (I just know all of the Chinese people were laughing at us. They are PRO'S at kite flying!!)

Then music came on and there was a HUGE water show that soaked half of the park. Lucy is loving it! Carter and Trevor (baby of Mark and Cat;) were not too sure.

John and Carter loving the water show!

Bed Head

2011-03-22T20:16:00.000-07:00

Inspired by:

Carter McCoy.

Lucky for Carter, he wakes up with his hair like this! Naturally!

He must really work hard to tease it while he sleeps because there is no combing it out. We've got to start all over. Our morning grooming session always begins with first, re-wetting his hair. Then combing it out. And letting it set with an air dry.

It's not so bad in the front. Notice his Angelina Jolie top lip. Busted yesterday. :()

You know kids these days, always trying to be "trendy." ;)

Delivery (14 Months)

2011-03-15T15:20:00.000-07:00

I've always wanted to find a baby on my doorstep!! I'm sick, I know.

We have many imported items delivered to us from Shanghai weekly. This what we got this week! Ha ha!

Today Carter is 14 Months Old!

There are so many things to list these days I'm just going to have to do some or we (I) could be here a while:

-Climbing stairs like a big person but holding onto the wall for support. NOT crawling, which he can, but prefers this way. This makes Mommy scared so I follow him up for back up.

He does this every chance he can and always uses his right leg...so bye bye right leg roll. :( So sad. He's working his quads.

-Loves to eat. Especially mangos, bananas, apples, yogurt, french toast, pancakes, oatmeal, couscous, cheese, peanut butter, green beans, Cheerios, oranges, kiwi, dragon fruit, eggs....meat, not so much though, he's getting better.

-Moves, CONSTANTLY! He cracks me up. Always running.

-Communicates. He has certain grunts and body language that is very specific that anyone would understand him. Ex: Grunt and put a book into your hand. Run over to you, winey face and point at what ever he wants or isn't working, etc.

-I think he is saying "hi." It is the same sound with a wave, every time. More like "Eye??" (Anyone else notice girls at this age seem to be more advanced in language? While the boys are at Large Motor?)

-LOVES to be outside! Every awake-time we have to go out for "recess." If we can't, he bangs on the back door, comes to me with arms up, then grunts/winey face and points/grabs for the door handle. I pretend like he wants hugs from me...really he uses me to get up and closer to the door handle. I don't care, I love it. (John and I fight over who gets these moments, they are the best.)

-Man, he is busy these days. From the second I he is out of his crib, his feet hit the floor and he is off for something specific.

-This kid loves his naps and bedtime. All you have to do is ask him "Are you ready for nigh-night?" and show him his blanket. I kid you not...if you aren't there to catch him in your arms, he will fall to the ground. He ALWAYS melts into his blanket. It's the best. (We fight over this time too.)

-Loves bath time! This is all John time. Funny how even at a young age they are different for different parents. John has him leaning back to wash the soap out (he is much more gentle than I am...I always just poured on his head) but Carter falls back into his arm. So sweet. I hear them having fun in there!!

Of course, I'm going to say the usual: Time has flown and this is my favorite age!!! But it is true!!

I've noticed that God prepares you for the next step in parenthood at each step you are in. There are always little changes and adaptations that get you ready for the following stage. Whether it is having a mobile child, less adult-only home, eating solids, dropping naps, talking etc. When the new thing happens, you are so ready and excited for it! But if you think about it too far ahead, it seems daunting. God is good that way! He knows how to prepare you.

Fabric Negotiating and Pillow Cases

2011-03-09T00:01:00.001-08:00

Today, on our daily trip to the grocery store across the street from our house, we took the long way home to peek at a fabric shop.

I am trying to walk past this shop a few times a week. Each time I walk past I make sure that the owner notices me. I wave and give him a "Ni Hao!" (Hello!) I want him to know that I live here. I'm not a tourist. I'm comfortable here, not intimidated, confident, friendly and shop (DAILY). "You want me as a customer, you want me as a customer."

China business is run with the term Guanxi (pronounced guan-she) which means: relationships. And this is very real. You need to establish relationships for good deals. Because nobody pays the same price.

Grocery and big chains...not so much. Little businesses...for sure. Except for a Chinese Airline (I'll have to ask John the name, it has slipped my mind), if you have to read the website in English you pay 3x the amount. If you can read it in Chinese characters...a third of the price.

Okay, so back to the fabric. In Shanghai, they are so used to foreigners, negotiations are "game on" for all. No matter what color your skin is! Of course, you can never negotiate as low as a local. They will let you walk away if you try to pay that little. BUT here in Nanjing, they are trying to charge ridiculous prices!!! I can't stand it. I got pretty good at navigating the Shanghai markets but am way out of practice since I've have the little man in tow. Nanjing is a whole new ballgame.

I am trying to get some table linens made from this man. I want him to be my "fabric guy" because he is SOOO close and this all takes so much time. So a few weeks ago I went into his shop, picked everything out and started the negotiations. He was at $180 for table cloth, 2 runners, napkins, chair pillows and place mats.

I'm so used to Chinese prices now that I don't even know if that is good at home or not. But not good here. Nice joke guy!!

Usually, they throw a price, you throw half (or a third of the price), and you meet near half of the starting price. You have to have a mean face, act all serious, business like and fake walk away a few times. Gather your purse, calculator, pen and paper, huff and puff, etc. They usually say "okay, okay, okay."

Well, Mr. Nanjing Fabric Guy....didn't budge. At ALL!!!

So today, he was selling some extra pillow cases he made. I collected this hodge-podge of extras for $15! Not too shabby!!

One of these.

Three of these. Okay, maybe if we have a girl someday? Who knows, but I thought the fabric was cool.

Three of these. I can always use a little blue and brown!

2 of these gray. My least favorite, but could look neat with black.

One of the bottom right. I liked the two on the bottom even though they didn't have any matching, they look pretty neat together.

I'm sure I'll find a home for all of them!

How do you like me now, Mr. Nanjing Fabric Guy!? I see how low you can go!! Because your mama (seriously) sold me 10 pillow cases at $1.50 each. I'll be back for my table cloth later! Get your game face on!

A Day at the British School!

2011-03-07T21:38:00.000-08:00

Carter and I joined a little group at the British school this Tuesday! It was a lovely morning, we had great weather, friends and fun!

The First Day Photo!

Carter playing with some friends.

There was a huge playground...they chose the little old house.

He's hooked.

He took a break from the house to ride on the back of a bike. Whoo!

Gotta get home again!

And, he found a Cheerio on the ground, but hey, he's happy! (Take a look at his huge teeth!)

Carter coached Mia from the sidelines. "Go Mia, Go!"

Loving the football pitch! Defense, defense!

Let's Chat about Motherhood

2011-03-04T16:10:00.000-08:00

I want your opinions. Seriously. I've read these articles (below) and can't stop thinking about their points. I'm mad, disgusted, and shocked. I'm trying to be understanding and think that everyone is different and parents the best way they know how. But I can't even think about these moms long enough before I keep thinking about their KIDS! Hello, you have little people who need you!!

Ughhh......I need a bit of time to collect my thoughts. In the mean time read these articles:

First:

The Opposite of a 'Tiger Mom': Leaving Your Children Behind

Why I Left My Children

Finally:

What Kind of a Mother Would Leave Her Children

Let me know what you think!

China As We Know It

2011-03-02T16:22:00.001-08:00

"We are now in March, next month we head to Thailand for a nice beach holiday and then....we should be gearing up to leave China."

That is what consumes my head in the quiet moments of the day. Usually, as I'm pushing Carter in his stroller on the way to the grocery store or to McCafe (I refuse to call it McDonald's) for a coffee. So I'm going to try to write a bit more about our lives in China.

So here we go....

First of all, I have to say, we have LOVED living in China. This country is so cool in so many ways. More times than not, we don't really talk about all of the wonderful things. I don't really know why, maybe we don't want to rub it in! Ha ha. Or maybe we feel the need to vent about the struggles more. Who knows!

The people here are SOO friendly. They LOVE foreigners and LOVE babies. Having a little one here, you are constantly told that you have a beautiful baby. (As if you didn't already think so!) It really boosts every parent's ego. Ha ha.

The younger generation is learning English starting in 1st grade. They know so much! Sometimes they are too shy or embarrassed to use it. But it is VERY impressive. Sometimes when they see a foreigner, we don't really blend in, they want to speak English to you! Other times, you will be frustrated trying to communicate to someone like at a restaurant or store and out of no where, a random person comes up and helps to translate! They are so friendly!

Shopping! I have to say, it is addicting. This needs bullets of it's own:

Furniture: This is a reason I'm not ready to leave and am willing to do another round in China. Seriously. I feel like I have more furniture to be made, fabric I want to buy, and random antique accessories. Addicting. I just got a new dining room and chairs made and am now looking for a big antique Chinese drum to be made into a coffee table or ottoman. If you show them a picture of something you want, they make it, but with REAL, solid, wood and for about a third of the price!!!! AMAZING! You also get to pic out the fabrics, wood color, finish, knobs, etc! Ahhh....I may have him throw in a little apolstered couch/bench, and an old shutter screen.
Fabric: I want more table settings for all kinds of fun future family events and pillows to match!
Jewelry: if you bought some that I've brought back to the US, you know the addiction. REAL stones and REAL pearls for a few bucks! I have them copy cool designs from stores I like. But the stores at home use plastics and charge about $40-$120. CRAZY! I'm going to miss having jewelry made and all of the people I've met doing this.
Fakes: I love the fake markets. Big shopping malls full of designer goods for a few dollars. I've really learned lots about this business too. Ha ha. People here study hard in this business. This isn't some slum shop. It's huge. There are several big malls around Shanghai (and other cities) and the copy business is serious. There are good copies and bad copies. ALL...look amazing. Even the bad is just used with not as good of a quality of leather. You wouldn't know. Trust me. We even had a "hand bag guy" who lived in a hidden apartment complex. So fun! Ahhhh, I can't leave this place!!!

We've also made so many wonderful friends here! I love them all and want to take them with us where ever we move next.

Last thing for today, we have learned so much Mandarin! Did I ever think in my life I would be able to have a simple conversation in Chinese? Or be able to give directions in Chinese? Negotiate prices??? I would love for Carter to learn Chinese too. But sadly, he will miss the boat on this one.

Okay, I could go on and on, but I don't want your eyes to get tired.

That is all for now!

A Tad Late

2011-02-27T14:10:00.000-08:00

This picture is from two weeks ago but I thought it was worthy of sharing!

Thank you John!, they are beautiful! I love you so much! You make my life complete!

Caught, in Action

2011-02-25T00:49:00.000-08:00

Has the climbing begun?

I've noticed several times lately, Carter raising a knee, trying to boost himself up onto something.

He is still slow, to keep steady so I caught him at every step. (Should I have been spotting?) :) Here is the latest:

This is too much! Even Lucy is enthralled!

"See, Mom, you don't need to boost me anymore!"

"Now, I can stand up on my truck!"

And that is how it is done! So proud!

(Notice, he had to throw face wash samples in there with him. Priorities.)

Carter's First Year

2011-02-20T21:45:00.000-08:00

A look back at the best year ever!

Hope you enjoy!

(I don't know why some pics are a bit yellow on Youtube.)

Happy Birthday Lucy!

2011-02-14T16:16:00.000-08:00

I know we don't talk about this much, but the truth is, John and I have a daughter too!

And our sweet Lucy-Lu has turned 5 today! She is a Valentine's Pup!

Lucy at Shi Mao (our compound/high-rise complex) in Shanghai. It had a dog park and lake! Right in the center of the city!

Lucy was in Heaven!

Pooped after a hard day of playing at the park! Of course, the ball is never too far. (Again in Shanghai) I can't believe we let her on the beds back then. I kind of feel bad about that now.

Carter and Lucy are really becoming friends! It is the sweetest thing. Carter LOVES to "throw" the ball for her! She always tries to bring it back to me. I'm not sure if the 2 feet throw is up to her standards for fun. Ha ha.

We had this bed of Chinese silk made for her at the fabric market in Shanghai. Can you tell, she was our first child? Poor girl really took the back seat when Carter came along. :(

Lucy, we found this picture under your bed!!! This must have been taken while Daddy and I were out of town and the Sexton's were watching you!!! We are very disappointed in your decisions!! (Those Sextons are very irresponsible!) Your grounded! ;)

Lucy, we love you and had no clue we could love a dog this much!!