Is your life exactly how you expected it to be? Is it a little? Did your expectations change as you rolled with life´s punches?? I am definitely feeling a bit of SOMETHING now, as I reflect on my life and where I am...both physically and literally.
Although I loved travelling to different countries...I never thought I would actually move to one to raise my family! It has been a fun-filled, and at times scary process. There are so many things that are different here from EVERYTHING I had come to know. I really have to remind myself sometimes that just because Germany doesn`t have a Target, doesn`t mean the end of the world. Yes, the weather sucks. But I got to spend 1 year at home PAID with my newborn baby! It would be unheard of in the U.S.
And now, my expectations are once again shattered. I thought it would be interesting to share this news here on the blog, and see how many people it reached BEFORE I sent out the email to my friends (but yes, family already mostly knows!). If you haven´t already guessed it, I am pregnant with baby number 2!!!
oh yeah, number 3 is chillin´in there too! Its TWINS.
Yes, I am scared shitless. Literally (and again physically!). I am sick as a dog, and barely can function in my duties as mommy (and pacifier!) to Emma for 7 hours before I have to go to work and be a somewhat strict mommy to these fools learning English! Its rough, and did I mention I am scared? We are alone...I never expected that, nor did I expect Twins.
But hey, I am putting serious stock in what I have said to my friends & family struggling with their individual problems my whole life: God would never give you something that you couldn´t handle. I either live by that, or I realize I am fake. And I´m not ready for that.
So, coming soon to Frankfurt...nowhere NEAR you....Baby Spoerhase´s!!
Wish us luck, and if you have tips on weaning...send them my way!!!
xoxo 4 eva.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Friday, September 10, 2010
Meine kleine Funny Face!
Its so funny sometimes the images you capture with your camera!
Emma makes such funny faces that I usually miss them within the few seconds that it takes the camera to click. However, the best times are when I am able to catch these crazy faces!
I thought I would share some with you.
Emma reading a text from her buddy Giosue!
She looks so confused about something.
But I really think she was just pooping!
Emma recently got a haircut (like her 8th!), and I finally saw a bit of me in her! Everyone always tells us that she doesn´t really look like either of us - mkthanks - but, with this new haircut, it reminded me of my good ol´hair days.
Here is a pic of me when I was 3, do you see it?? Deia, do you remember? You were sitting to my left!! Aren´t you jelly of my Raggedy Ann & Andy themed Birthday motif?
Emma makes such funny faces that I usually miss them within the few seconds that it takes the camera to click. However, the best times are when I am able to catch these crazy faces!
I thought I would share some with you.
Emma reading a text from her buddy Giosue!
She looks so confused about something.But I really think she was just pooping!
Emma recently got a haircut (like her 8th!), and I finally saw a bit of me in her! Everyone always tells us that she doesn´t really look like either of us - mkthanks - but, with this new haircut, it reminded me of my good ol´hair days.
Here is a pic of me when I was 3, do you see it?? Deia, do you remember? You were sitting to my left!! Aren´t you jelly of my Raggedy Ann & Andy themed Birthday motif?
Friday, August 27, 2010
Intolerance vs. Stupidity
I may not be the first person to jump wholeheartedly into a Political Discussion. However, things have been happening here in France and I am not sure if the world outside of Europe knows about it.
In France, the Government has decided that they want to break up the Romanian camps (yes, literally camps where Romanian people group together to live-work). There is alot of prostitution going on within the camps and the Government has "had enough" of the Roma´s (shortened word for Romanian people), and want them to go back to their homeland.
Hmmm, sound familiar people??
The French Government has a displacement policy (read: when they force you back to where you came from, a little money to start you on your way again), where every adult receives 300 euros, and every child,100. They chartered a flight and took back about 100 Roma´s. Almost 75% of them interviews said they would be back in France within the week. One man said this was his 7th time making this trip! HOW CAN THAT BE, you ask?? Because legally, France cannot kick them out of France! They are apart of the European Union, which means they have every right to live and work anywhere between those borders! France just seems to be trying to take a shortcut from THE LAW and hoping that they will just peacefully leave on their own.
Now I dont have a problem breaking up these camps where they are all living together. Because there really is prostitution and child prostitution happening there. But the bigger picture is the intolerance for these nomadic people. In Europe, they are called Gypsies. We all know about Gypsies....well,we have seen them on the movies.
But let me tell you. Gypsies stay together, they do not mix with society, they are tight knit and dont want anything to do with immursion. They do, however, beg on the streets. They do send their children up to you to ask, instead of them, for some money. They do keep horribly malnurished animals (on purpose!) to tug at your heartstrings and attempt to get more money from you...these are all things that do not sound appealing...I get it. But to say that you want them TOTALLY out of your country because of that? I dont get it. And what I dont get is the lack of outpour from the European Community. It is barely a blip on the radar here.
Which leads me to SB1070. Otherwise, or more commonly known as, the Arizona Immigration Law. Let me just say...I am 100% in support of this law. I think the way Obama is handling the situation is appauling. Arizona is trying to deal with a major problem in a way that is OK for the Federal Government, but apparently not for the State.
The influx of illegals is DRAINING their resources! Why should they not be allowed to attempt to control this situation? In EVERY OTHER COUNTRY IN THE WORLD...when asked to show your papers (passport or visa) by an Official...you must, immediately! If I am stopped by a Police Officer here in Frankfurt for WHATEVER, I am supposed to give him my passport. To prove that I am legally allowed to be here. WHAT IS WRONG WITH THAT?? Am I naive enough to think that there wont be an abuse of this law by some people? No. But with such scrutiny of it, I dont think there will be much. And I am willing to take on that small amount of "abuse" of the law if it will begin to secure our borders.
America needs to stop trying to solve every other country´s problems, and get on with working on their own. We are a melting pot....but our pot will just melt away under all this debt we are accruing through these losses.
OK, my rant is over. Sometimes I just think in America we spend so much time debating because WE CAN. But in reality, we should pick our battles wiser.
Intolerance and Stupidity ARE two seperate things!
In France, the Government has decided that they want to break up the Romanian camps (yes, literally camps where Romanian people group together to live-work). There is alot of prostitution going on within the camps and the Government has "had enough" of the Roma´s (shortened word for Romanian people), and want them to go back to their homeland.
Hmmm, sound familiar people??
The French Government has a displacement policy (read: when they force you back to where you came from, a little money to start you on your way again), where every adult receives 300 euros, and every child,100. They chartered a flight and took back about 100 Roma´s. Almost 75% of them interviews said they would be back in France within the week. One man said this was his 7th time making this trip! HOW CAN THAT BE, you ask?? Because legally, France cannot kick them out of France! They are apart of the European Union, which means they have every right to live and work anywhere between those borders! France just seems to be trying to take a shortcut from THE LAW and hoping that they will just peacefully leave on their own.
Now I dont have a problem breaking up these camps where they are all living together. Because there really is prostitution and child prostitution happening there. But the bigger picture is the intolerance for these nomadic people. In Europe, they are called Gypsies. We all know about Gypsies....well,we have seen them on the movies.
But let me tell you. Gypsies stay together, they do not mix with society, they are tight knit and dont want anything to do with immursion. They do, however, beg on the streets. They do send their children up to you to ask, instead of them, for some money. They do keep horribly malnurished animals (on purpose!) to tug at your heartstrings and attempt to get more money from you...these are all things that do not sound appealing...I get it. But to say that you want them TOTALLY out of your country because of that? I dont get it. And what I dont get is the lack of outpour from the European Community. It is barely a blip on the radar here.
Which leads me to SB1070. Otherwise, or more commonly known as, the Arizona Immigration Law. Let me just say...I am 100% in support of this law. I think the way Obama is handling the situation is appauling. Arizona is trying to deal with a major problem in a way that is OK for the Federal Government, but apparently not for the State.
The influx of illegals is DRAINING their resources! Why should they not be allowed to attempt to control this situation? In EVERY OTHER COUNTRY IN THE WORLD...when asked to show your papers (passport or visa) by an Official...you must, immediately! If I am stopped by a Police Officer here in Frankfurt for WHATEVER, I am supposed to give him my passport. To prove that I am legally allowed to be here. WHAT IS WRONG WITH THAT?? Am I naive enough to think that there wont be an abuse of this law by some people? No. But with such scrutiny of it, I dont think there will be much. And I am willing to take on that small amount of "abuse" of the law if it will begin to secure our borders.
America needs to stop trying to solve every other country´s problems, and get on with working on their own. We are a melting pot....but our pot will just melt away under all this debt we are accruing through these losses.
OK, my rant is over. Sometimes I just think in America we spend so much time debating because WE CAN. But in reality, we should pick our battles wiser.
Intolerance and Stupidity ARE two seperate things!
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Back to the Grind
In an effort to "get the most out of my vacations", I would always book the return THE DAY BEFORE I had to return to work...thinking that I would enjoy myself on the vacation so much and then plop myself back into work and be reminded of all the fabby memories I just made.
Uh-huh....its not that easy with a baby. We arrived home in the evening on Sunday, and I had to work Monday morning. To top it off THERE WAS NO CREAM OR MILK FOR MY COFFEE! That was true hell.
That being said, we had a really nice time in France. The weather was (mostly) good, and we enjoyed good food, celebrated Christian´s birthday with family, and had some nice finds at the Flea Markets. A few "typical" French dresses for Emma, and a Le Creuset Dutch Oven for 4 Euros for us! It was definitely the find of the year!
Emma learning to Boule, when in France...do as the French!
Actually, she was learning how not to steal the IRON balls once the others threw them!
With the Family
This was how we bathed...when the weather was good!
How Marilyn-esque!!
Emma´s preferred method of transportation around the garden.
This is one of her French dresses from the FleaMarket. Super cute, I think!
This is one of her French dresses from the FleaMarket. Super cute, I think!
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Finally...a vacation!
It seems like a lifetime since we were away from Frankfurt. Although I know it was around January we returned from our 2 month holiday in the States, it definitely doesn´t feel like it...and the word itself "holiday" has definitely taken on a new meaning.
However, we are packing our bags again and headed to France! Its only for 8 days, and its with the In-laws, but I am sure that we will relax there a bit. I think we really need the break from this difficult routine we have been dumped into. And while the Grandparents (my father included!) have made it clear they DO NOT change diapers...they don´t mind to hold her or play with her. This, in itself, will be a break. I am excited about the prospect of *gasp* reading a book, and *double gasp* taking a nap during the day! Yes, this is how I will spend my vacation. Of course the good thing about France in the summer is all the wonderful Flea Markets in the countryside. The items they have are amazing, and so cheap! In Paris, the Flea markets are so well known (although, I never really found anything there soooo good, and it was all over-priced because of its notoriety), but in the countryside, its only the locals that go there...and us! So it will definitely be a highlight of the trip!
Of course I am still breastfeeding, so I can´t shake her for too long. I swear, she can pull my boob out of my shirt faster than I can unhook my bra!
So, I bid you a fond farewell....or as the natives say, Au Revoir!!
See you in mid-August with some photos of our vacation!
However, we are packing our bags again and headed to France! Its only for 8 days, and its with the In-laws, but I am sure that we will relax there a bit. I think we really need the break from this difficult routine we have been dumped into. And while the Grandparents (my father included!) have made it clear they DO NOT change diapers...they don´t mind to hold her or play with her. This, in itself, will be a break. I am excited about the prospect of *gasp* reading a book, and *double gasp* taking a nap during the day! Yes, this is how I will spend my vacation. Of course the good thing about France in the summer is all the wonderful Flea Markets in the countryside. The items they have are amazing, and so cheap! In Paris, the Flea markets are so well known (although, I never really found anything there soooo good, and it was all over-priced because of its notoriety), but in the countryside, its only the locals that go there...and us! So it will definitely be a highlight of the trip!
Of course I am still breastfeeding, so I can´t shake her for too long. I swear, she can pull my boob out of my shirt faster than I can unhook my bra!
So, I bid you a fond farewell....or as the natives say, Au Revoir!!
See you in mid-August with some photos of our vacation!
Monday, July 19, 2010
A fine way to waste a day
Despite the previuous posts about the horrible weather we were having, I can now report the sun is shining! And its shining at a rate of over 100 degrees each day! Its like we live on the sun its so hot...and then add the humidity...forgetaboutit. Mehh, I digress...
Luckily, we pay high enough taxes here (48%) that the State funds alot of activities for kids. This includes a 3 week long Kids Festival that happens every July along the Maine River here.
There is something for everyone of all ages.
Of course we stuck to the 0-3 year old offers.
We took turns forcing ourselves to go on this with her.
It made both of us sick, but she LOVED every minute.
As soon as she saw this, she jumped in.
Unfortunately, this was after Mama remembered she didn´t have extra clothes.
Unfortunately, this was after Mama remembered she didn´t have extra clothes.
It is organized quite beautifully. It is ran by volunteers of all ages (although I think they are at least 17). There is face painting, obstacle courses, slides, carousels, the wading pool, and even an art center. Movie theaters donate their old movie posters and thats what the kids use to paint on. I think its really a genius move, and environmentally thoughtful! To top it all off, its FREE!!!
It truly is a great way to spend an afternoon with your little one, especially since all of our playgroups and gymnastic classes are on a Summer Break.
Of course there is bratwursts and beer, like any true german event. Danke!
It truly is a great way to spend an afternoon with your little one, especially since all of our playgroups and gymnastic classes are on a Summer Break.
Of course there is bratwursts and beer, like any true german event. Danke!
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Boo
We lost.
1-0.
The only good part about Germany not winning was that we didn´t have the celebrations of victory (horn honking, vuvuzelas, shouting), that normally happen after a win, to wake Emma as she slept.
Tut mir leid, Deutschland!
1-0.
The only good part about Germany not winning was that we didn´t have the celebrations of victory (horn honking, vuvuzelas, shouting), that normally happen after a win, to wake Emma as she slept.
Tut mir leid, Deutschland!
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