She is just a walking fool! Last Monday she decided it was time and suddenly released her grip on the table, chairs and bath and struck out into the spaces of the house. We were so thrilled and watched her with tears in our eyes. True to her social form, she walked mostly towards people, giving the Mpala folk as much of a thrill as she did us.
On Tuesday and the rest of the week she changed her mind and decided crawling was easier. On the weekend she gave it another go and has really taken to it. She walks most places and has found that it is most convenient when you need to carry things. It is so convenient that she is carrying around hilarious items, like the trash can and laundry basket, both of which are far too large for her.
Her walk is a little shuffle, where each knee bends awkwardly and the foot crashes to the floor to be dragged a little ways. It sounds like we have a very tiny zombie careening around the house. She has little control so sort of aims herself in the direction she wants to go and gets faster and faster as she goes along 'til she falls against the couch, your legs etc. I think her right leg is stronger than her left as she tends to pivot on that leg and so quite often just wonders in circles around a room. We managed to post a couple of very short videos on the picasa site - if you don't have the link, email me.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Monty Python was wrong
My Mother's shower in Namibia is the kind that makes you sing. Volubly and for the entire glorious time it takes you to get clean. I sang "gone fishing", "cheek to cheek", "morning has broken" and a favourite - "the bright side of life". It is HOT, there is pressure, the light shines in through the window, and the towels are fluffy and dry.
There was nothing to sing about in this evening's shower. It was the opposite of a singing kind of shower. It was a shower in which songs run down the drain and into Grevy Houses' septic field, never to be heard again. You won't even be able to find their lyrics on Google.
The water trickles, nay, it oozes from the nozzle. It is lukewarm, not cold so that you can complain with pride about having a cold shower. The parts of your body which stick out of the water (ie: most parts) are vulnerable to dive bombing and large mosquitoes. The water is weak-tea coloured, leaving you in doubt as to whether you are actually getting clean. The last and final insult is that here is another country where towels do not dry from day to day, but instead are clammy to the frail and beaten and bitten skin.
There is no bright side of life to this shower. Monty Python should go take a hike.
There was nothing to sing about in this evening's shower. It was the opposite of a singing kind of shower. It was a shower in which songs run down the drain and into Grevy Houses' septic field, never to be heard again. You won't even be able to find their lyrics on Google.
The water trickles, nay, it oozes from the nozzle. It is lukewarm, not cold so that you can complain with pride about having a cold shower. The parts of your body which stick out of the water (ie: most parts) are vulnerable to dive bombing and large mosquitoes. The water is weak-tea coloured, leaving you in doubt as to whether you are actually getting clean. The last and final insult is that here is another country where towels do not dry from day to day, but instead are clammy to the frail and beaten and bitten skin.
There is no bright side of life to this shower. Monty Python should go take a hike.
Ups and Downs
Mpala has given me a pavlovian response that is interesting to note. Sitting at the computer this evening I heard the crack of branches outside. I sprang up and raced from window to window trying to see the elephant. Usually the sound of cracking branches means that somewhere there is an elly browsing. Today it was the sound of the Askari building the fire for our donkey boiler so that we could get hot water. I was momentarily saddened that there was no elephant but quickly bouyed by the idea of a hot shower soon to come!
Friday, November 12, 2010
The Ordinary amidst the Extraordinary
Elephants visited us again this evening. This time early enough for Emma to be awake and see them. They moved in from the ring road and munched their way around the house, feeding on trees, grasses and our last houseplant - evicted from the house for being a spider hider.
The Elephants had no fear of being close to the house and we could see them really clearly, so clearly that I was afraid they could see us inside the house and would get upset, but luckily they did not seem bothered by us.
After watching them for about 20 minutes Emma became bored and it was getting to the time of evening where she is irritable and almost ready for bed. I realised I was going to have to bath her. It seemed strange and irreverent to do such a mundane activity as a bath when the house was surrounded by at least 25 elephants. She splished and splashed happily oblivious to my ponderings and discomfort. It was also disconcerting to put the lights on so that she could have her ten minutes of quiet play and reading before bed. Turning on the lights made us visible and the Elephants out in the darkening dusk hidden amongst the bushes.
Emma nursed and then I swung her to sleep in my arms, humming Hobo's lullabye and listening carefully to the swish and crunch of grass being torn up and eaten just outside the bedroom window.
The evening and the visit ended with K and I playing a game of speed scrabble at the dining table, tete-a-tete, while listening uneasily to a tummy, a very large tummy, rumbling somewhere outside and close by.
The Elephants had no fear of being close to the house and we could see them really clearly, so clearly that I was afraid they could see us inside the house and would get upset, but luckily they did not seem bothered by us.
After watching them for about 20 minutes Emma became bored and it was getting to the time of evening where she is irritable and almost ready for bed. I realised I was going to have to bath her. It seemed strange and irreverent to do such a mundane activity as a bath when the house was surrounded by at least 25 elephants. She splished and splashed happily oblivious to my ponderings and discomfort. It was also disconcerting to put the lights on so that she could have her ten minutes of quiet play and reading before bed. Turning on the lights made us visible and the Elephants out in the darkening dusk hidden amongst the bushes.
Emma nursed and then I swung her to sleep in my arms, humming Hobo's lullabye and listening carefully to the swish and crunch of grass being torn up and eaten just outside the bedroom window.
The evening and the visit ended with K and I playing a game of speed scrabble at the dining table, tete-a-tete, while listening uneasily to a tummy, a very large tummy, rumbling somewhere outside and close by.
Sunday, November 07, 2010
New Friends
Each day towards the evening our new friends arrive at the house. Mostly they sit in the tree and look sideways at us but occasionally they come closer.
The most friendly is a chap I have named Deckens as he is a Von Der Deckens Hornbill. He is the one who taps on the windows at ungodly hours. Although recently Emma has claimed all the ungodly hours for herself and 6am is considered a lie in. Deckens has a wifey who I have uninspiringly named Vonder. He also has two buddies and their wives who all hang around in the trees being hopeful. I have been rewarding their hopefulness with handfuls of muesli but they are too shy to come and get it off the porch and they wait until Em and I have retreated indoors.
Of course the problem with Deckens and his entourage is that Spiro is taking inspiration from him. Yesterday while we sat having lunch admiring our partially completed fence he came along with two pals and ventured with his backup onto the porch, clearly hopeful of crumbs. I had a stack of stones handy though and quickly sent them packing. This week it will be my mission to trap Spiro and transport him elsewhere before he teaches bad manners to all the local squirrels. I do feel twinges of guilt about this as, yes he is quite cute and also it was another human who taught him his bad manners but it must be done before he climbs inside anyone else's pants.
In the vein of new friends, we have taught some of the Mpala permanent researchers how to play scat, and I think they are addicted already. This bodes well for the long evenings that we have left in Kenya.
The most friendly is a chap I have named Deckens as he is a Von Der Deckens Hornbill. He is the one who taps on the windows at ungodly hours. Although recently Emma has claimed all the ungodly hours for herself and 6am is considered a lie in. Deckens has a wifey who I have uninspiringly named Vonder. He also has two buddies and their wives who all hang around in the trees being hopeful. I have been rewarding their hopefulness with handfuls of muesli but they are too shy to come and get it off the porch and they wait until Em and I have retreated indoors.
Of course the problem with Deckens and his entourage is that Spiro is taking inspiration from him. Yesterday while we sat having lunch admiring our partially completed fence he came along with two pals and ventured with his backup onto the porch, clearly hopeful of crumbs. I had a stack of stones handy though and quickly sent them packing. This week it will be my mission to trap Spiro and transport him elsewhere before he teaches bad manners to all the local squirrels. I do feel twinges of guilt about this as, yes he is quite cute and also it was another human who taught him his bad manners but it must be done before he climbs inside anyone else's pants.
In the vein of new friends, we have taught some of the Mpala permanent researchers how to play scat, and I think they are addicted already. This bodes well for the long evenings that we have left in Kenya.
Emma update
Man she is adorable! I know I am biased but seriously, there is nothing else this cute! Even the baby elephant that came through last week is not this cute.
She is cutting two new teeth, soon she will be sporting four on the bottom instead of two. The left one has broken through and about a quarter of it is showing. Emma's favourite toy is once again the crochet hook and the drool runs down it while she chews on it and pulls the hook part against her gum.
Most exciting is how hard she is working on walking. She took two steps from the bath to the sink on her own during the week and K and I were thrilled and held our breath while she did it. Then today she took three steps, falteringly from a chair into open space but fell down. She did try again later and again fell down but I really think it won't be long now 'til she is motoring around on her own. Thankfully, they are in the process of building a fence around our porch so we will be able to spend more time safely outside in the cool air looking at all the birds (and squirrels).
She is cutting two new teeth, soon she will be sporting four on the bottom instead of two. The left one has broken through and about a quarter of it is showing. Emma's favourite toy is once again the crochet hook and the drool runs down it while she chews on it and pulls the hook part against her gum.
Most exciting is how hard she is working on walking. She took two steps from the bath to the sink on her own during the week and K and I were thrilled and held our breath while she did it. Then today she took three steps, falteringly from a chair into open space but fell down. She did try again later and again fell down but I really think it won't be long now 'til she is motoring around on her own. Thankfully, they are in the process of building a fence around our porch so we will be able to spend more time safely outside in the cool air looking at all the birds (and squirrels).
plumbing
Well the Monday following our amusing plumbing, the boss man turned up to look at the loo for himself. He took one look at it and figured out what the problem was and then within five minutes had fixed it and fixed the other running loo. Totally spoiled my fun with the other chap and his cohorts.
Thursday, November 04, 2010
Revenge is sweet
Same night as the squirt gun incident. It's 1:36am and all are asleep. Ratatatatatttatt! Spiro on the roof again. Tatttatttatt! Emma stirs. Rattattat! She wakes! Ratattatt! I nurse her and she goes straight back to sleep. Rattattatt! No reaction. I call this a draw. Spiro 3 - 2 Tasha still.
En Guarde!
Emma and I were sitting on the porch feeding the birds. We had five hornbills, three males and two females, two male weavers and one female, a host of sparrow weavers and a morning thrush. We also had Spiro. He ducked and wove his way down the branches and then snuck down the trunk and across the ground. As soon as his feet touched the porch I squirted him with my water gun. SPLAT!! *insert evil and even maniacal laughter* He ran back the way he came and kept on going! ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha! Tasha 2 - 3 Spiro ha ha ha ha ha ha ha!
Monday, November 01, 2010
Baridi
Priscilla has a horror for all things cold. I have told you before of how she is always inspecting Emma and telling me how she needs socks and shoes and a jacket and hat, indoors. Well we got socks and she now wears either those or shoes and generally a jersey since it has been chilly in the mornings.
I have now introduced a whole new "crazy Americans" or possibly "bad parent" for her. Emma is getting new teeth, the next two on the bottom are coming through and we are in full combat pain mode. One of our most effective tools are the frozen chew toys. I took one out of the freezer and gave it to Emma. Priscilla watched me closely, then grabbed the toy and felt it. She gave exclamations of horror; "Baridi! Baridi!" Baridi is the Swahili word for cold. I pantomimed that it helped with the teeth but she just kept telling me, repeatedly, how cold it was. I decided to exit stage right and took Emma with me, chewing on her icy toy. Leaving Priscilla to shake her head in dismay.
I have now introduced a whole new "crazy Americans" or possibly "bad parent" for her. Emma is getting new teeth, the next two on the bottom are coming through and we are in full combat pain mode. One of our most effective tools are the frozen chew toys. I took one out of the freezer and gave it to Emma. Priscilla watched me closely, then grabbed the toy and felt it. She gave exclamations of horror; "Baridi! Baridi!" Baridi is the Swahili word for cold. I pantomimed that it helped with the teeth but she just kept telling me, repeatedly, how cold it was. I decided to exit stage right and took Emma with me, chewing on her icy toy. Leaving Priscilla to shake her head in dismay.
All is peaceful. The birds are playing in the grass, the dikdik are grazing at the edges of the driveway and Emma and I are watching it all. Spiro stalks us down his tree, twitching from branch to branch 'til he is in our faces. Then he flicks his tail arrogantly as if you say ne, ne, you can't get me. I use my new found weapon - a baboon bark. Usually it stops Emma from sticking her fingers in plugs and it chases off the monkeys. This time it's an impressive bark, it holds all my aggression towards this rat with a fluffy tail. The dikdik flee in terrified bounds, the birds take to the skies and Emma's bottom lip first trembles and then parts to emit a wail which is followed by heart-rending cries. Spiro laughs at me and saunters back up the tree. Tasha 1 - 3 Spiro. Botheration!
Saturday, October 30, 2010
and for this week's entertainment...
Our toilet has not been working. For three days now a chap has been trying to fix it. On the first day he came in with a plastic bag of things, set the bag down on the floor, put one hand on his hip and scratched his head while gazing dolefully into our cistern. He did this for about ten minutes. The he carefully laid out all the items in the bag on the floor. These were mostly tools and bits of plastic usually associated with the ball cock that makes the cistern refill. Then he put his one hand on his hip and gazed dolefully at his equipment. I was becoming concerned at this point that I might be more qualified to fix my cistern than he was. Eventually he went to work.
Within minutes he came back and asked me if we had a hammer. I gave it to him but was puzzled as to what he planned to do with it. Thankfully he just added it artfully to the items laid on the floor. Then he asked me for a spanner - a 24 or a 23. We did not have that and so he went to fetch it.
45 minutes later he returned with the spanner and after, yes, some hip, scratch and doleful gazing he returned to work. At the strike of 12 o'clock (lunchtime) he came and declared it fixed! I said great and flushed. Something plastic flew up into the air and water fountained out of the hole left behind. He scratched his head and said he would come back tomorrow.
Tomorrow held much the same hilarity except the water gushed out of the bottom of the cistern. And on day three the same. On day three he brought reinforcements. First one other person came and scratched their head and then a third. I am now truly impressed by my toilet. It must be so complex and cunning to still not be working. Tomorrow is Sunday but I look forward to what Monday brings for us and the plumber.
Thank goodness we have a second loo in the house or this would not be amusing in the least.
Within minutes he came back and asked me if we had a hammer. I gave it to him but was puzzled as to what he planned to do with it. Thankfully he just added it artfully to the items laid on the floor. Then he asked me for a spanner - a 24 or a 23. We did not have that and so he went to fetch it.
45 minutes later he returned with the spanner and after, yes, some hip, scratch and doleful gazing he returned to work. At the strike of 12 o'clock (lunchtime) he came and declared it fixed! I said great and flushed. Something plastic flew up into the air and water fountained out of the hole left behind. He scratched his head and said he would come back tomorrow.
Tomorrow held much the same hilarity except the water gushed out of the bottom of the cistern. And on day three the same. On day three he brought reinforcements. First one other person came and scratched their head and then a third. I am now truly impressed by my toilet. It must be so complex and cunning to still not be working. Tomorrow is Sunday but I look forward to what Monday brings for us and the plumber.
Thank goodness we have a second loo in the house or this would not be amusing in the least.
Ellies once more!
We have been back at Mpala for less than a week but have had many elephant sightings! The herd has been hanging around for the last couple of nights making trouble in the neighbourhood. They pulled the pipes off the walls of the house next over from us so we are even more appreciative of our shower than ever.
Two nights ago K and I were preparing for sleep when we heard the unmistakable crunch crunch of something with extremely large teeth eating trees. We hopped out of bed and there right outside our window were a couple of elephants. The moon is full and we could almost pick out flea bites, we were that close. One moved around the house and we followed to the spare room where we had not closed the curtains. We both felt very exposed standing in our pyjamas at the window with the elephant a body's length away but thankfully, with concrete between us. The last didn't prevent the thrill of terror that went down our backs when he froze, glared at us and waved his trunk threateningly. We stood as still as possible and tried not to breathe until he decided he had given us a proper scare and carried on with his munching. He wasn't a large elly but nonetheless filled the window and it was both a relief and a disappointment when he moved off into the underbrush.
Two nights ago K and I were preparing for sleep when we heard the unmistakable crunch crunch of something with extremely large teeth eating trees. We hopped out of bed and there right outside our window were a couple of elephants. The moon is full and we could almost pick out flea bites, we were that close. One moved around the house and we followed to the spare room where we had not closed the curtains. We both felt very exposed standing in our pyjamas at the window with the elephant a body's length away but thankfully, with concrete between us. The last didn't prevent the thrill of terror that went down our backs when he froze, glared at us and waved his trunk threateningly. We stood as still as possible and tried not to breathe until he decided he had given us a proper scare and carried on with his munching. He wasn't a large elly but nonetheless filled the window and it was both a relief and a disappointment when he moved off into the underbrush.
Make Love Not War
Turns out that that is what the ghecko's were doing. Jack is maybe Jackie in fact, as we have come back to many wee jacks and Jasons prowling our walls for tasty treats. Also Jack(ie) and Jason are now inhabiting the same curtain without howls and crashes as before. Unless... and dare I suggest it? Jack and Jason are more forward thinking than many Kenyans and have simply adopted the bairns in the month we were gone?
Warmth from unexpected places
Making the bed together with someone is ritual like. Opposite each other with a pattern of mirrored movements somehow makes me feel bonded to the person across the sheets. The flick and smooth and pat and tuck while you talk of something else always warms me. It is something that spans across all bridges, recently for me; sex, age and language. Each person brings to the bed making their own life as it has been. Priscilla tucks the sheets in tight against spiders. For Keir it is all unnecessary since you are just going to mess it up again anyway but he does it because he loves me. For my Mom the pillows are decorative, above the duvet and handy for leaning against to read before the afternoon nap. As a parent there are so many things where perspective has changed, and now I look forward to standing across from Emma and seeing how much of each of us she will bring to this small daily piece of life.
Sunday, October 10, 2010
Close encounters of the porcine kind
On Friday an old friend's mom picked us up and took us to our first petting zoo. There were Alpacas, goats, cows, rabbits, guinea pigs, geese and ponies. All came rushing to the fence to be fed and we could steal a touch. The scariest was edging past the male Ostrich who was fluffing his wings in our direction and giving us the (beady) eye in a very unfriendly manner. On the other side of the walkway from the Ostrich was an Emu. Emu's are well known for their aggression and he was doing his level best to rid us of our eyes as well. Between the Ostrich and the Emu someone is going to come a cropper.
The highlight of the trip for me were the warthogs. We walked up to their pen but they were hiding somewhere and we couldn't see them, so I called; "sooeeee, here pig, pig, pig" and they came running! It was amazing to be able to touch their rough little snouts as they pressed against the fence. It's like stroking fine gravel that is slightly wet and they made little "ungh! Ungh!" noises of content when scratched behind the ears. Emma couldn't get enough of them and with some trepidation I let her touch them too.
The highlight of the trip for me were the warthogs. We walked up to their pen but they were hiding somewhere and we couldn't see them, so I called; "sooeeee, here pig, pig, pig" and they came running! It was amazing to be able to touch their rough little snouts as they pressed against the fence. It's like stroking fine gravel that is slightly wet and they made little "ungh! Ungh!" noises of content when scratched behind the ears. Emma couldn't get enough of them and with some trepidation I let her touch them too.
Thursday, October 07, 2010
Another maybe first word?
It's possible that Emma is saying "Oh Look!" It's a lot like the "kitty cat" where she could have said the word but it could also just be that she is miming our sound. This afternoon she woke up from her nap, looked at the cat, pointed and said very clearly "oh look!" Then she looked at us to make sure we were paying attention and said it again, still pointing. Also - just a photo of her enjoying outside with her Uncle. Lulu is under the bush to the right of them.
Sunday, October 03, 2010
The New Outdoorsman
Emma is going to be an outside kind of gal. Whenever she is fussy, all one has to do is go outside and she settles, even just a quick walk up to the gate of the complex will settle her. The wind in her hair and the sun on her face makes her so happy. While I was hanging washing the other day I put her down on the grass which is a bit sparse and dry. Which is perfect for a small person to play with dirt, stones and sticks. She gets such a kick out of wondering around the garden looking in hiding places for the tortoise. Her Uncle has declared that Emma has named the tortoise "Lulu". She also named the bushes, trees and birds Lulu but apparently most especially the tortoise is Lulu.
Where are the wild things?
Emma has taken to growling when she is playing with us, or when she wants you to play. This morning Granny was lying on the couch. Emma spied her from the other side of the couch and cruised along 'til she reached Granny's feet, growling all the while. Then she grabbed Granny's big toe and bit down... luckily just in play but the growling was too adorable. With all these teeth we are going to have to play close attention when Emma goes ggggrrrrrrr gggrrrrrr.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Emma Update
Emma is babbling away in her own language all the time. The other day at two in the morning when she lay between my Mother and I while we hoped she would go back to sleep her words were: "Lordy, lordy, Lordy." In her carseat she cries repeatedly; "Ehhhhhhhhhh" and when she sees the cat she says perfectly; "Ittickya At" Which we translate for her into kitty cat. She will sit on your lap and have long conversations where only she understands the story and she loves to sing along with "how much is that doggy" and "jingle bells".
She also stands on her own a fair amount, and of course cruises around holding onto furniture. Walking is not far away and she gets quite a thrill from holding your fingers and walking, especially if you are chasing the ittickya at.
She also stands on her own a fair amount, and of course cruises around holding onto furniture. Walking is not far away and she gets quite a thrill from holding your fingers and walking, especially if you are chasing the ittickya at.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Ugh!
My Mom's cat was playing with this behind the curtains: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scolopendra_gigantea
I went into a Mothering frenzy and beat it to death with my flip flop, much to the cat's dismay. (It was a good toy) Then I looked it up online and it turns out that I could have preserved it and sold it on ebay for 18 pounds! Then I read further and it turns out that the thing hunts and eats birds! Now I stalk around with my flip flop close at hand all the time. *shudder* We didn't have bird eating centipedes in C'ville!
I went into a Mothering frenzy and beat it to death with my flip flop, much to the cat's dismay. (It was a good toy) Then I looked it up online and it turns out that I could have preserved it and sold it on ebay for 18 pounds! Then I read further and it turns out that the thing hunts and eats birds! Now I stalk around with my flip flop close at hand all the time. *shudder* We didn't have bird eating centipedes in C'ville!
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Home again, home again, jiggedy jig
Well my radio silence this time has not been due to Mpala's terrible internet, or Emma's neediness but rather a much happier event. My Mom and I have been plotting and pulled off, a surprise visit to Namibia. My sisters had no idea I was coming until I walked up and said hi.
It is so wonderful to be home, although the first thing that happened was that I was sick enough to be hospitalized. Thankfully only for an afternoon but it was trial by fire for one sis and my Mom as they had to take care of Emma who was most displeased with no Momom. I was just grateful that it happened here and not at Mpala where I would have been an hour from the nearest doctor, let alone nurse and IV drip!
I have been getting Emma (and myself) back into a routine and just relaxing with my family which has been a kind of heaven. Nothing beats your mother's cooking does it? Strawberry pudding, pineapple pie and veggie lasagne... mmm. I haven't even thought about Spiro in a whole week!
It is so wonderful to be home, although the first thing that happened was that I was sick enough to be hospitalized. Thankfully only for an afternoon but it was trial by fire for one sis and my Mom as they had to take care of Emma who was most displeased with no Momom. I was just grateful that it happened here and not at Mpala where I would have been an hour from the nearest doctor, let alone nurse and IV drip!
I have been getting Emma (and myself) back into a routine and just relaxing with my family which has been a kind of heaven. Nothing beats your mother's cooking does it? Strawberry pudding, pineapple pie and veggie lasagne... mmm. I haven't even thought about Spiro in a whole week!
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Oh the torture!
We were home at Mpala for just 3 nights and we were determined to see Ellies. Each whisper, crunch and harrumph outside had us scanning the trees with our torches but to no avail. Naturally, we were told on the morning we were leaving that they had come through late in the night. So do we stay up late in hope? Or just presume that as we are there for a year eventually we will see them so regularly that we will be bored, as promised before we moved here?
Touche, my Dear.
It's 5am and not yet light. Spiro positions himself on the tin roof above the bedroom and scratches the back of his ear with his foot. Tap, Tap, Tap, Tap, Tap, Tap. Emma stirs but goes back to sleep. Tap, Tap, Tap, Tap. I get up, fetch the hard juggle balls and throw them at the ceiling. Spiro goes silent and waits. I get back under the mozzie net and snuggle down. Tap, Tap, Tap, Tap, Tap, Tap, Tap, Tap, Tap, Tap, Tap, Tap. Emma rolls over and says; "let's play!" Spiro 2 - 1 Tasha. Nuts!
Wednesday, September 08, 2010
a week in Nbo
In Nairobi one can do many things, one can risk one's life and limb daily on the insane roads, one can go to the movies, one can wheel and deal at the market or one can touch a giraffe's tongue.
We have done all of these this past week. The best strategy with being on the roads seems to be to grip some part of the car and shut your eyes tightly. This applies to the driver as well. Mutatus, people, bicycles, heavily laden and leaning to one side trucks all act as though they are the only vehicle on the road. The result is a calamitous mess. Bush gardens move aside... for bowel loosening, adrenal gland stimlating excitement, visit Nairobi.
Last week Keir bravely babysat and D and I went to the movies. So exciting for me! I got to sit in the front seat of the car! I haven't done that in months! Then the A-team was excellent! A fabulous shoot-em-up movie. When I got home Keir was at the door with Emma to greet me. She yelled in excitement and literally leapt out of his arms. Poor Daddy. Maybe I am a little more fun than I thought?
On Sunday we went to the market to buy a few gifts. The British side of me really struggled with the pulling, chatting, and pushiness that went into the sales. Each person on the market has the same goods to offer so it comes down to who can make you pay attention and stay at their stall. I am so used to quiet and impersonal shopping of the USA that it was too hard to make a decision and I ended up only buying one scarf, and that cos D was buying some!
We have done all of these this past week. The best strategy with being on the roads seems to be to grip some part of the car and shut your eyes tightly. This applies to the driver as well. Mutatus, people, bicycles, heavily laden and leaning to one side trucks all act as though they are the only vehicle on the road. The result is a calamitous mess. Bush gardens move aside... for bowel loosening, adrenal gland stimlating excitement, visit Nairobi.
Last week Keir bravely babysat and D and I went to the movies. So exciting for me! I got to sit in the front seat of the car! I haven't done that in months! Then the A-team was excellent! A fabulous shoot-em-up movie. When I got home Keir was at the door with Emma to greet me. She yelled in excitement and literally leapt out of his arms. Poor Daddy. Maybe I am a little more fun than I thought?
On Sunday we went to the market to buy a few gifts. The British side of me really struggled with the pulling, chatting, and pushiness that went into the sales. Each person on the market has the same goods to offer so it comes down to who can make you pay attention and stay at their stall. I am so used to quiet and impersonal shopping of the USA that it was too hard to make a decision and I ended up only buying one scarf, and that cos D was buying some!
Emma update
3 of the 6 teeth have broken through so we are halfway there! Her favourite toys are things that are not toys but are sharp and metal, like keys.
Emma's fun the past two weeks has been figuring out how to hold more than one thing in one hand. Once she got it right she was all about it and quickly worked on getting larger things in one hand.
She has also started saying Ugh! and sometimes throws her hands up over her head and says it. Maybe in imitation of our disgust over the stinkbug eating. She has also added other ggggh sounds to her vocubulary, so that she sounds permanently grossed out by something.
She has really got the hang of the high five and I am now teaching her to wave hello and goodbye. She had hello this morning but just can't figure out goodbye, she is usually too distraught that whoever is leaving.
Emma's fun the past two weeks has been figuring out how to hold more than one thing in one hand. Once she got it right she was all about it and quickly worked on getting larger things in one hand.
She has also started saying Ugh! and sometimes throws her hands up over her head and says it. Maybe in imitation of our disgust over the stinkbug eating. She has also added other ggggh sounds to her vocubulary, so that she sounds permanently grossed out by something.
She has really got the hang of the high five and I am now teaching her to wave hello and goodbye. She had hello this morning but just can't figure out goodbye, she is usually too distraught that whoever is leaving.
Monday, August 30, 2010
You little stinker!
We had stinkbug invasions in Charlottesville. So much so, that we decided we could not beat them and should just accept them, and started calling them Sheildbugs instead. Well we thought we had left them behind. Doesn't it seem fair that if we have leg climbing squirrels, we should be safe from the smaller, stinkier pests? Well here we are in Nairobi, and there is a stinkbug. Just one, but let me tell you, where there is one, more will follow. Last night it was hanging around the sink waiting to commit Hari Kari in the dish water.
This morning Emma was motoring around the kitchen as she is wont to do while we make breakfast. We suddenly caught sight of her face, which was pulled into a contortion of disgust while drool was rolling down her chin onto her pyjamas. I immediately inserted my pinky finger into her mouth to see what disgusting thing she had found on the floor. Yep, you guessed it, the stinky, stinky and now masticated bug! UGH! UGH!
This morning Emma was motoring around the kitchen as she is wont to do while we make breakfast. We suddenly caught sight of her face, which was pulled into a contortion of disgust while drool was rolling down her chin onto her pyjamas. I immediately inserted my pinky finger into her mouth to see what disgusting thing she had found on the floor. Yep, you guessed it, the stinky, stinky and now masticated bug! UGH! UGH!
Emma update
I was zerbetting Emma's tummy the other day, making her laugh with a wide mouth and lo and behold! 6, yes 6! teeth are breaking through her top gum. Poor girl, no wonder sleep is a thing of the past.
Quiet behemoths in the night
I was cooking dinner and needed a plate, so I went into the other room and there in our front yard were Elephants! They grazed so silently, like grey ghosts in the after dusk light, that I almost missed them. I grabbed Emma and switched off the lights and we stood at the window and absorbed the munching, sighing and huffing sounds.
There were all sizes, from tiny babies to grandmothers that blocked out the moon rising behind them. They had no fear and came almost onto the porch to reach the sweet grass growing under our downspout. The herd moved slowly, taking what they wanted as they went past the house and into the bush. This is supposed to be a common occurence and it really makes living at Mpala a priviledge.
There were all sizes, from tiny babies to grandmothers that blocked out the moon rising behind them. They had no fear and came almost onto the porch to reach the sweet grass growing under our downspout. The herd moved slowly, taking what they wanted as they went past the house and into the bush. This is supposed to be a common occurence and it really makes living at Mpala a priviledge.
Battle won, but not yet the war
Spiro flicked his mangy tail at me from a tree outside the open dining room window. I said; "bring it on babe" and banged on the window glass. He ran away. Tasha 1 - 1 Spiro.
Home is where the heart is
I was reminded that I had written about the house but it was lost, so most of you don't know the juicy details. It has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen and a great room. All the rooms are large and airy with cement floors and wood ceilings. The furniture is sparse but adequate and mostly solidly made of pine.
One of the bathooms is just a loo and you have to put your foot against the door to keep it closed. The other is a full bath with a shower. The water is heated by solar power and as it has been unseasonably rainy we only have hot water at lunchtime before the thunderclouds roll in, and then only enough for one person. K and I have been trading off lunchtime showers on every other day.
The water is either from a borehole or is rainwater. The rainwater we boil before we drink and the borehole water is filtered as it has a high TDS (total dissolved solids.)
We do have a fridge with a tiny freezer but have to prepare food mostly from canned or fresh as the power to the house goes out from 10am til 6pm and then again from 10pm til 6:30am. The stove is gas and works really well. Everything bakes much faster that in ovens I have had previously so you have to watch carefully. Also the oven only has hot or not so hot as temperatures...
We have already claimed the house as our own, hanging the Velvet Elvii and spreading the mexican blanket over the couch.
The best feature of the house is the verandah. It is wide and the full length of the front of the house. There are two comfy chairs or a table to sit at. The view is outstanding, looking over hills green with acacias and then the foothills of Mount Kenya in the background. On clear days you can see the Mountain herself. You can often see Giraffe and Zebra in the distance. I am looking forward to putting some railings around the verandah so that I can hang out there without chasing Emma off the edge into the grass.
One of the bathooms is just a loo and you have to put your foot against the door to keep it closed. The other is a full bath with a shower. The water is heated by solar power and as it has been unseasonably rainy we only have hot water at lunchtime before the thunderclouds roll in, and then only enough for one person. K and I have been trading off lunchtime showers on every other day.
The water is either from a borehole or is rainwater. The rainwater we boil before we drink and the borehole water is filtered as it has a high TDS (total dissolved solids.)
We do have a fridge with a tiny freezer but have to prepare food mostly from canned or fresh as the power to the house goes out from 10am til 6pm and then again from 10pm til 6:30am. The stove is gas and works really well. Everything bakes much faster that in ovens I have had previously so you have to watch carefully. Also the oven only has hot or not so hot as temperatures...
We have already claimed the house as our own, hanging the Velvet Elvii and spreading the mexican blanket over the couch.
The best feature of the house is the verandah. It is wide and the full length of the front of the house. There are two comfy chairs or a table to sit at. The view is outstanding, looking over hills green with acacias and then the foothills of Mount Kenya in the background. On clear days you can see the Mountain herself. You can often see Giraffe and Zebra in the distance. I am looking forward to putting some railings around the verandah so that I can hang out there without chasing Emma off the edge into the grass.
Uhoh!
There was a vervet on our verandah! Quite a big boy. I promise he won't go up my trousers. Heck, he could WEAR my trousers! He did go into the bathroom while we had the window open and door closed, so we know he is going to be a problem. Grrrreat.
Priscilla
Priscilla is the domestic who comes each day to clean. When I first heard that we would have a maid, I poo-poo'd the idea. After all, what else am I going to do with my day right?
The first day she came, she cleaned the floors. Then she did it the next day too. Washing floors is my absolutely most dreaded chore and she does it every day! What Heaven! What Bliss! She also washes the dishes and our clothes. That is really all that she does but wow, it makes a difference. No housework hanging over my head! No worries about what Emma is going to pick up from the dirty floors. (including Ghecko, mouse and squirrel poop) What is amusing is how now everyone has to take their shoes off at the door. You can imagine that the average Kenyan man is not so keen on that. It makes Priscilla giggle when I ask them to.
On the other hand, she has some definite opinions on how Emma should be raised. She has four of her own and we met three of them the other day. Firstly, Emma does not wear enough clothing. She should have a balaclava, a jersey, and jacket, socks and shoes. It's really hard to explain to someone who doesn't speak English that Emma is used to much colder climates and that the weather here is just balmy to us. (jeans and t-shirt most days) I have broken down however and unearthed shoes because I will agree that the cement floors are chilly. When Priscilla leaves I usually take the extra jersey off though as Emma gets red in the face and grumpy.
Emma already adores Priscilla and gets excited when she hears her voice at the door. Crawls speedily over to see her and then won't come back to Momom. Just one more person who is more fun than me, it's something I am getting used to.
Priscilla is the source of the name for my arch-nemesis. She can't pronounce squirrel as she speaks mostly Turkana and Swahili. Squirrel comes out as "Spiro". Spiro was a character in the Gerald Durrell books I read avidly as a child, (and still give me great entertainment as an adult) so it seems appropriate to name him that. My second choice was Voldemort.
The first day she came, she cleaned the floors. Then she did it the next day too. Washing floors is my absolutely most dreaded chore and she does it every day! What Heaven! What Bliss! She also washes the dishes and our clothes. That is really all that she does but wow, it makes a difference. No housework hanging over my head! No worries about what Emma is going to pick up from the dirty floors. (including Ghecko, mouse and squirrel poop) What is amusing is how now everyone has to take their shoes off at the door. You can imagine that the average Kenyan man is not so keen on that. It makes Priscilla giggle when I ask them to.
On the other hand, she has some definite opinions on how Emma should be raised. She has four of her own and we met three of them the other day. Firstly, Emma does not wear enough clothing. She should have a balaclava, a jersey, and jacket, socks and shoes. It's really hard to explain to someone who doesn't speak English that Emma is used to much colder climates and that the weather here is just balmy to us. (jeans and t-shirt most days) I have broken down however and unearthed shoes because I will agree that the cement floors are chilly. When Priscilla leaves I usually take the extra jersey off though as Emma gets red in the face and grumpy.
Emma already adores Priscilla and gets excited when she hears her voice at the door. Crawls speedily over to see her and then won't come back to Momom. Just one more person who is more fun than me, it's something I am getting used to.
Priscilla is the source of the name for my arch-nemesis. She can't pronounce squirrel as she speaks mostly Turkana and Swahili. Squirrel comes out as "Spiro". Spiro was a character in the Gerald Durrell books I read avidly as a child, (and still give me great entertainment as an adult) so it seems appropriate to name him that. My second choice was Voldemort.
Monday, August 23, 2010
Emma update
Emma is enjoying the really large space we have and is fully making it hers. We have set up two shelves of a bookshelf that comtain her toys and books and she has the best time unpacking them each day, like each toy is a whole new discovery. She also makes up little games for herself. She puts a toy on the shelf, then moves to stand on the side of the bookshelf and reaches around grunting like it is really hard to get the toy, peeking now and then to see how close her questing hand is. In the afternoons she likes a snack, a piece of apple or some cheerios in a bowl. Those she turns into a game too, but mostly it's a Momom game; "look Momom, I dumped all my cheerios on the floor, now you have to pick them up so I can do it again."
She is really close to standing. Quite often she will be leaning against a chair or the bookshelf and will let go to transfer a toy from one hand to another without noticing she is balancing on her own. She has also tried to stand up in the middle of the floor from downward dog, but so far these just result in faceplants and crying. I am teaching her to high five and it sets us both giggling. Me cos she really doesn't get it yet and her because she likes the little slap against her palm and my giggles. Then there is the opposite side to her, the dark side. At nearly nine months she has assessed that when we are having dinner, this is the best time to stick her fingers in the plugs/outlets. She spies it from a distance, crawls as fast as she can over there and pulls herself up on the wall. Then she looks back at our disapproving faces with a wicked, wicked grin and touches the outlet. She knows "no" and has chosen to ignore it. A swift smack on the hand had zero effect (maybe she thought I was high fiving with vigour?) So we hold her hands down against her body to make her stop. Anyone who has seen us try and horseshoe her into a carseat or stroller knows that Emma does not like to be restrained. So for the most part this is working. At least until we are trying to eat again, and she feels neglected.
She is definitely enjoying having me around all the time and has become super clingy. Crying when I leave to pee in the morning, even though she has Dadad, who, let's face it, is way more fun that I am. She is completely uninterested in the Dik dik or the birds and I can't wait for a Leopard or Lion to meander through our yard and see if she says "Kitty Cat!" as she was trying to hard to do at Grandma and Grandpa's place before we left.
She is really close to standing. Quite often she will be leaning against a chair or the bookshelf and will let go to transfer a toy from one hand to another without noticing she is balancing on her own. She has also tried to stand up in the middle of the floor from downward dog, but so far these just result in faceplants and crying. I am teaching her to high five and it sets us both giggling. Me cos she really doesn't get it yet and her because she likes the little slap against her palm and my giggles. Then there is the opposite side to her, the dark side. At nearly nine months she has assessed that when we are having dinner, this is the best time to stick her fingers in the plugs/outlets. She spies it from a distance, crawls as fast as she can over there and pulls herself up on the wall. Then she looks back at our disapproving faces with a wicked, wicked grin and touches the outlet. She knows "no" and has chosen to ignore it. A swift smack on the hand had zero effect (maybe she thought I was high fiving with vigour?) So we hold her hands down against her body to make her stop. Anyone who has seen us try and horseshoe her into a carseat or stroller knows that Emma does not like to be restrained. So for the most part this is working. At least until we are trying to eat again, and she feels neglected.
She is definitely enjoying having me around all the time and has become super clingy. Crying when I leave to pee in the morning, even though she has Dadad, who, let's face it, is way more fun that I am. She is completely uninterested in the Dik dik or the birds and I can't wait for a Leopard or Lion to meander through our yard and see if she says "Kitty Cat!" as she was trying to hard to do at Grandma and Grandpa's place before we left.
Saturday, August 21, 2010
Things that go bump in the night
Every night since our arrival we have heard the ominous and intimidating "whoop whoop" of the hyenas. Through the night you can track them as they move closer and then further away from the house. Mpala's director told us not to leave the house in the dark and wild zebras couldn't make me step off the porch when the hyenas start their evening's chorus. In fact, we lock the doors at sunset and don't open them again til sunrise. It feels silly to be paranoid but if my not so smart German shepherd figured out how to open unlocked doors, why not a hungry, (and in my demented mind; slavering) hyena?
Also, something is occupying the space between the roof and ceiling. I think actually a few somethings. There are squeaks that are likely bats, scritchings that could be birds and one really annoying, bouncy, thumpy thing which I think may be my arch nemesis.
Also we have a number of geckos occupying the spaces behind the curtains, pictures and dressers. They are at war. It is not a silent war. Who knew that they could even make noise? Let alone this much noise! Hissing, cackling, thuds and crashes abound each time Jason (the biggest, fattest one) faces off with one of the others. As far as I am concerned, there is no reason for his aggression, there are certainly more than enough bugs to go around!
Also, something is occupying the space between the roof and ceiling. I think actually a few somethings. There are squeaks that are likely bats, scritchings that could be birds and one really annoying, bouncy, thumpy thing which I think may be my arch nemesis.
Also we have a number of geckos occupying the spaces behind the curtains, pictures and dressers. They are at war. It is not a silent war. Who knew that they could even make noise? Let alone this much noise! Hissing, cackling, thuds and crashes abound each time Jason (the biggest, fattest one) faces off with one of the others. As far as I am concerned, there is no reason for his aggression, there are certainly more than enough bugs to go around!
sightings
A small bull Elly on the road in.
Impala also on the road in - appropriate
Dik dik, which they call Diki diki here. A couple of pairs live around our house and we see them all the time.
squirrels. grrr.
Zebra and giraffe who are slightly different from the one's we are used to.
Thompson's Gazelle, which are like sprinboks on steroids.
Goats and cows.
Many birds which will have to wait to be identified 'til we have a bird book.
Impala also on the road in - appropriate
Dik dik, which they call Diki diki here. A couple of pairs live around our house and we see them all the time.
squirrels. grrr.
Zebra and giraffe who are slightly different from the one's we are used to.
Thompson's Gazelle, which are like sprinboks on steroids.
Goats and cows.
Many birds which will have to wait to be identified 'til we have a bird book.
The case against tight jeans
Today I had a squirrel in my trousers.
The chap who had the house before us was one of those people who thinks it's cute to feed wild animals. This included vervet monkeys, hornbills and a tree squirrel. The latter let me know earlier in the week that he should be admitted through the kitchen windows into the kitchen by tapping on the windows. When I denied him his entry he took it upon himself and has been coming in through any open entrance to the house. I have been keeping everything closed up except for the room we are in but today the maid opened the windows in the kitchen and then proceeded with her work in the rest of the house.
So I walked in on the little rotter digging through the trashcan and instead of exiting through the windows he ran for the first dark place he saw; my pantleg. He went straight up my calf, around my knee, where he had some difficulty, then up the back of my thigh, over my butt, up my t-shirt and out my sleeve. Leaving a trail of scratches, but thankfully no bites. All the while I was screaming my head off and leaping around trying to get my button and zip undone.
Thank goodness I a) have lost a little weight due to the lack of ice-cream, pizza and Chinese food and b) have been wearing the same trousers for four days so the blighter could make it up, up and over to escape finally out the back door between K's startled feet. I can't imagine what would have happened if he had encountered elastic, or a belt at the waistline.
It has taken me all day to recover from the fright and I am glaring pointedly out the windows at any and all squirrels. But I think he probably received as big a shock as I did and will not be back for a while. When he does return however, we will be ready for him. With a live trap so we can take him far, far, far away.
I also live in fear of the return of the vervet monkeys. Imagine one of THOSE in your trousers!
The chap who had the house before us was one of those people who thinks it's cute to feed wild animals. This included vervet monkeys, hornbills and a tree squirrel. The latter let me know earlier in the week that he should be admitted through the kitchen windows into the kitchen by tapping on the windows. When I denied him his entry he took it upon himself and has been coming in through any open entrance to the house. I have been keeping everything closed up except for the room we are in but today the maid opened the windows in the kitchen and then proceeded with her work in the rest of the house.
So I walked in on the little rotter digging through the trashcan and instead of exiting through the windows he ran for the first dark place he saw; my pantleg. He went straight up my calf, around my knee, where he had some difficulty, then up the back of my thigh, over my butt, up my t-shirt and out my sleeve. Leaving a trail of scratches, but thankfully no bites. All the while I was screaming my head off and leaping around trying to get my button and zip undone.
Thank goodness I a) have lost a little weight due to the lack of ice-cream, pizza and Chinese food and b) have been wearing the same trousers for four days so the blighter could make it up, up and over to escape finally out the back door between K's startled feet. I can't imagine what would have happened if he had encountered elastic, or a belt at the waistline.
It has taken me all day to recover from the fright and I am glaring pointedly out the windows at any and all squirrels. But I think he probably received as big a shock as I did and will not be back for a while. When he does return however, we will be ready for him. With a live trap so we can take him far, far, far away.
I also live in fear of the return of the vervet monkeys. Imagine one of THOSE in your trousers!
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Arrived
We are here at Mpala and settling in. Of course there are bumps and bruises to deal with, very limited internet, and for four terrible days, no phone either. I have written a few posts offline but of course the computer ate the document somehow. So just keep checking back, when we get internet sorted I promise I will be a regular poster.
Thursday, August 12, 2010
airports, airplanes and country of my birth
There is something otherworldly about the small piece of Nairobi that I have seen. Perhaps it is that all the scenes are like from a movie, the tall olive-green trees in a haze of dust, the transition from dirt to paved to dirt road, and the ubiquitous basket seller on the side of the road.
D's apartment is high up, looking out over the tops of the trees and I can hear the cars going by and the people speaking in a foreign language below us. It is a place of calm to drink tea and recover from 24 hours of travel.
We got in last night, very late after stopping through Brussels and Bujumbura. Emma was an angel and slept through most of the first flight and part of the second. She was definitely overtouched and tired by the end - as were we. We seem to not be too tired today as we all woke up this morning fairly fresh and Emma at least has napped. Now we are planning how to get out to Mpala and I almost wish we were staying here to watch the boughs of the huge Eucalyptus lean back and forth against the kitchen window.
There is something incredibly familiar about the smell here. It's acrid in the back of your throat but sweet in the nose.
The air is chilly, and Emma is unused to wearing this much clothing, each time we do her diaper she rails against putting trousers on, but man is she adorable in her little sweater. My brain is a little foggy and I feel like I could write a hundred little things about being here so will stop writing now, except to say that I adore parquet flooring.
D's apartment is high up, looking out over the tops of the trees and I can hear the cars going by and the people speaking in a foreign language below us. It is a place of calm to drink tea and recover from 24 hours of travel.
We got in last night, very late after stopping through Brussels and Bujumbura. Emma was an angel and slept through most of the first flight and part of the second. She was definitely overtouched and tired by the end - as were we. We seem to not be too tired today as we all woke up this morning fairly fresh and Emma at least has napped. Now we are planning how to get out to Mpala and I almost wish we were staying here to watch the boughs of the huge Eucalyptus lean back and forth against the kitchen window.
There is something incredibly familiar about the smell here. It's acrid in the back of your throat but sweet in the nose.
The air is chilly, and Emma is unused to wearing this much clothing, each time we do her diaper she rails against putting trousers on, but man is she adorable in her little sweater. My brain is a little foggy and I feel like I could write a hundred little things about being here so will stop writing now, except to say that I adore parquet flooring.
Monday, August 09, 2010
You can Choose to be Embarrassed.
Emma, my mother in law and I went to the National Gallery the other day. Emma was awake for the whole trip through and was thoroughly enjoying the people watching in the French artists' exhibit halls.
When we got to the photographs of and by Allan Ginsberg, she decided that people watching was for the birds and it was time to be involved.
In public bathrooms that echo she has tested out her voice with a short, sharp and repeated "eh?" She loves to hear the sound it makes and listens to her question come back to her with pleasure. This is what she was doing in a large room in which people were taking themselves, the photos and the commentary written by Ginsberg very seriously. I found it highly amusing but didn't want to be the obnoxious parent who can't see that their child is annoying other people who want to be serious. To be honest, and maybe this is just my plebian self, but I agreed with her. The photos certainly warrented an "eh?" and the echoes were more fun too.
When we got to the photographs of and by Allan Ginsberg, she decided that people watching was for the birds and it was time to be involved.
In public bathrooms that echo she has tested out her voice with a short, sharp and repeated "eh?" She loves to hear the sound it makes and listens to her question come back to her with pleasure. This is what she was doing in a large room in which people were taking themselves, the photos and the commentary written by Ginsberg very seriously. I found it highly amusing but didn't want to be the obnoxious parent who can't see that their child is annoying other people who want to be serious. To be honest, and maybe this is just my plebian self, but I agreed with her. The photos certainly warrented an "eh?" and the echoes were more fun too.
Headspace
The first leg of our journey is begun. The house was packed up and cleaned and all our worldly possesions are in a 10x10 storage unit. Minus 6 suitcases worth. Of course, as we were trying to fit everything into the truck, we were feeling very much like it would have been better to give most of it away. I realised how little attached I am to most of the things I put in boxes.
You never do know when nostalgia is going to poke it's thorny little head into your plans though. After a conversation with my sister I now wish I had packed my one remaining porcelain doll into a suitcase instead of a box.
This week of limbo is giving me time to adjust to the idea of where we are going and what our daily lives will really be like. Will I be able to walk outside in the nighttime and watch a heavy rain coming down, or will I then be sharing a porch with whatever large and potentially predatory creature decided to use it for cover? Will I be able to write this blog during the day or will I have to wait 'til the electricity comes back on in the evening? The hardest part for my personality is letting these thoughts flow out of my body and out into the world unanswered. I am counting the sleeps to when we walk in the door and see how we will live for the next year.
You never do know when nostalgia is going to poke it's thorny little head into your plans though. After a conversation with my sister I now wish I had packed my one remaining porcelain doll into a suitcase instead of a box.
This week of limbo is giving me time to adjust to the idea of where we are going and what our daily lives will really be like. Will I be able to walk outside in the nighttime and watch a heavy rain coming down, or will I then be sharing a porch with whatever large and potentially predatory creature decided to use it for cover? Will I be able to write this blog during the day or will I have to wait 'til the electricity comes back on in the evening? The hardest part for my personality is letting these thoughts flow out of my body and out into the world unanswered. I am counting the sleeps to when we walk in the door and see how we will live for the next year.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Beach Ho!
Today we are leaving for the beach.
The house remains in a state of disaster with piles of sorting, empty, half full and even some full boxes and doors shut against the cats. Today the goal is simple - clean and pack for the beach. This should be attainable, but we'll see if the ETD of 2pm becomes a reality. We seem to be running about 45 mins late for everything these days.
Emma slept with us from about 1 til about 4 so I am tiiiired. I have to work out a way to not fall asleep while she nurses in the middle of the night. She is in such a happy mood this morning I can't resist watching her work out what is the most dangerous thing in the house and how can she get to it to chew on.
The house remains in a state of disaster with piles of sorting, empty, half full and even some full boxes and doors shut against the cats. Today the goal is simple - clean and pack for the beach. This should be attainable, but we'll see if the ETD of 2pm becomes a reality. We seem to be running about 45 mins late for everything these days.
Emma slept with us from about 1 til about 4 so I am tiiiired. I have to work out a way to not fall asleep while she nurses in the middle of the night. She is in such a happy mood this morning I can't resist watching her work out what is the most dangerous thing in the house and how can she get to it to chew on.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
darn tootin'
We've got tickets!
After these very short flights to Wisconsin we decided we needed to buy Emma her own ticket. That way we can have not only a teensy more room, but somewhere to put the carseat so that we can lay her down and also a full luggage allowance for her. Which while attempting to avoid the boxes today I did a small assessment of the sheer tonnage of toys, books, clothes and other acoutrements this little girl has. I don't think K and I will get to use her luggage allowance for any of our stuff.
After these very short flights to Wisconsin we decided we needed to buy Emma her own ticket. That way we can have not only a teensy more room, but somewhere to put the carseat so that we can lay her down and also a full luggage allowance for her. Which while attempting to avoid the boxes today I did a small assessment of the sheer tonnage of toys, books, clothes and other acoutrements this little girl has. I don't think K and I will get to use her luggage allowance for any of our stuff.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
procrastination
I am so unwilling to face the boxes that I cleaned the kitchen and am now contemplating doing the bathroom. I wish it would sink in that we have just under a month before we arrive in Nairobi airport but I can't seem to make the whole trip real.
Friday, July 02, 2010
amputee
You'll be happy to know that the toe will not have to be removed. In fact the toenail was taken off in a very disappointingly undramatic visit to the podiatrist. But My wonderful husband took me for a smoothie afterwards cos I was so brave.
Due to the move I am beginning to have that amputee feeling, like I am slowly being cut off from my life here, and in particular from my friends. I have said goodbye enough times in the past that I know it is never really goodbye in our digital age. That doesn't save me from this strange feeling of being slowly distanced from the people here. Each experience is filled with the "for the last time" emotions. This is the last time I will sit in the garden with J. This is the last time I will go to the movies with these girls, this is the last time I will sit on this porch and drink this perfect cup of tea. I must not allow these to be sad moments though but rather, and in a very cheesy way, happy moments to hold close.
Due to the move I am beginning to have that amputee feeling, like I am slowly being cut off from my life here, and in particular from my friends. I have said goodbye enough times in the past that I know it is never really goodbye in our digital age. That doesn't save me from this strange feeling of being slowly distanced from the people here. Each experience is filled with the "for the last time" emotions. This is the last time I will sit in the garden with J. This is the last time I will go to the movies with these girls, this is the last time I will sit on this porch and drink this perfect cup of tea. I must not allow these to be sad moments though but rather, and in a very cheesy way, happy moments to hold close.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
moving forward
So we had movement today. No letter but at least info from the person who ultimately signs the letter. This means we are for sure going to Kenya. In a fit of excitement I filled the dining room table with things to pack and then instantly lost the desire to pack them. This means that there are many more places for Henry to perch, sleep on and climb into. Tomorrow I hope that motivation will return.
Incidentally, I must be addicted to sugar. All I have been able to think about all day is ice-cream.
Tonight Emma had a long evening nap and was ready for bed at 8:20 but just couldn't focus on nursing. I decided it was perfect timing for the sleep training and put her in her crib and then stood with her and shushed til she fell asleep, my hand on her belly. The beginning of this was a little rough as Oleo was determined to get in on the action and wailed and cried outside the door but once K had dispatched her with some kibble Emma fell sound asleep. I am very curious to see if she wakes in an hour and a half as she has been doing.
In other news, my toe which I dropped the cat flap on may be gangrenous.
Incidentally, I must be addicted to sugar. All I have been able to think about all day is ice-cream.
Tonight Emma had a long evening nap and was ready for bed at 8:20 but just couldn't focus on nursing. I decided it was perfect timing for the sleep training and put her in her crib and then stood with her and shushed til she fell asleep, my hand on her belly. The beginning of this was a little rough as Oleo was determined to get in on the action and wailed and cried outside the door but once K had dispatched her with some kibble Emma fell sound asleep. I am very curious to see if she wakes in an hour and a half as she has been doing.
In other news, my toe which I dropped the cat flap on may be gangrenous.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
legs akimbo
Well so much for my last idea of blogging about Emma. The whole deal with Emma is that I either have no time for blogging or am too tired to blog. Blerg!
At any rate - we are moving to Kenya. Or so it seems. The official letter still hasn't arrived but we have been proceeding as if it has. Until last week, we got to the point where we have done all that we can do to be ready. Boxes have started piling in the lounge, creating a throne from which Henry can observe us superciliously. Passports have been checked, and in the case of Emma, requested at the PO.
Just an aside here... how fabulous is this country that you can get your passport at the POST OFFICE! "Yes Ma'am, here is your document that opens up the whole wide world for you, will you be needing some stamps today?". No Home Affairs, and best of all, no surly, disgruntled Home Affairs employees. Postal workers are not famed for their cheerful dispositions but they make Eyore look more like Tigger when stood next to Home Affairs personnel.
Enough digression. We are stymied, stopped and halted and so many more words that I am not going to bother to type. Until that letter comes in the mail we cannot finish packing, book flights, find a house, or decide what is happening with the cats. I have been having nightmares about being in a car driven by someone else, about to crash while a tsunami slowly unfolds on the horizon.
Shoo. Just typing this is making me stressed. Good night
At any rate - we are moving to Kenya. Or so it seems. The official letter still hasn't arrived but we have been proceeding as if it has. Until last week, we got to the point where we have done all that we can do to be ready. Boxes have started piling in the lounge, creating a throne from which Henry can observe us superciliously. Passports have been checked, and in the case of Emma, requested at the PO.
Just an aside here... how fabulous is this country that you can get your passport at the POST OFFICE! "Yes Ma'am, here is your document that opens up the whole wide world for you, will you be needing some stamps today?". No Home Affairs, and best of all, no surly, disgruntled Home Affairs employees. Postal workers are not famed for their cheerful dispositions but they make Eyore look more like Tigger when stood next to Home Affairs personnel.
Enough digression. We are stymied, stopped and halted and so many more words that I am not going to bother to type. Until that letter comes in the mail we cannot finish packing, book flights, find a house, or decide what is happening with the cats. I have been having nightmares about being in a car driven by someone else, about to crash while a tsunami slowly unfolds on the horizon.
Shoo. Just typing this is making me stressed. Good night
Sunday, January 10, 2010
Baby stuff
So there have been requests to start blogging again. On thinking about it, this seems like the perfect venue to be all baby all the time. I do try not to be so the rest of the time in order to preserve some part of my brain not related to being a mother. Also this way people can choose to hear all about Emma, and also watch me slowly lose complete control of my life and mind. They can also choose not to. It'll be like Bridget Jones' diary but hopefully less pathetic. Ooh but maybe with a little Colin Firth.
K just remarked how we get to choose to do one fun thing each day. Today he took the cats to the vet and I had a couple of gf's over for afternoon chat and snack. OK - so his thing was less fun than mine but on Monday he gets to play basketball and I get to have a driving lesson, so fair's fair.
Emma snacked all day, so I guess this could be one of those growth spurts where she is hungry all day. She seems to have this weekly. Looking forward to the Pediatrician on Tues so she can tell us if it really is a growth spurt or just a day where she feels like a little of this and a little of that.
She does this thing that I love where when she has had enough of a breast she throws her head back, releasing the nipple and making a lip smacking noise. Then she stretches her arms far above her head like she scored a goal. What is it they say? Laduuuuma! Maybe K will get a soccer player after all.
Day two of waking up planning to wax my legs.
K just remarked how we get to choose to do one fun thing each day. Today he took the cats to the vet and I had a couple of gf's over for afternoon chat and snack. OK - so his thing was less fun than mine but on Monday he gets to play basketball and I get to have a driving lesson, so fair's fair.
Emma snacked all day, so I guess this could be one of those growth spurts where she is hungry all day. She seems to have this weekly. Looking forward to the Pediatrician on Tues so she can tell us if it really is a growth spurt or just a day where she feels like a little of this and a little of that.
She does this thing that I love where when she has had enough of a breast she throws her head back, releasing the nipple and making a lip smacking noise. Then she stretches her arms far above her head like she scored a goal. What is it they say? Laduuuuma! Maybe K will get a soccer player after all.
Day two of waking up planning to wax my legs.
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