The monsoon is still upon us. The girls and I are relaxing and moving to some music, trying my best to keep them occupied. The bananas outside our condo are ripe and we made some wonderful banana bread today. These are the sweetest little bananas, so different from the typical variety found in the grocery store.
We are enjoying the sounds of the tropical rain storm. Rain here is awesome and usually a blessing, except when water is coming in our house. Rain gives us a chance to slow down, relax and be together. When the sun is shining I usually feel guilty for being inside and doing nothing.
The little rebels and I did finally made it out of the house today to do some laundry, which was an experience to say the least. Nyah was wonderful and is really into helping but Elsa wants nothing to do with being confined to a stroller. Just can't bring myself to let her crawl on the dirty floor.
Well, we will be here, dancing, baking, painting and playing... until the sun shines again.
Rain, rain go away... Nyah keeps singing this song this morning as the rain comes down from the tropical depression that is out there somewhere. School was canceled for Nyah. She was sad. I am trying to explain to her that this is cause for celebration but I guess she will understand in time. I will just enjoy her enthusiasm for school as long as it last, which is hopefully forever.
So far, the highlight of Nyah's day is getting the opportunity to put on long pants. The novelty of pants never fails to get her going. We don't get the opportunity to wear pants often. The lucky girl has no clue. With that being said, it is looked down upon here to take a child out without proper clothing on when the elements present. It is hard for me to remember to dress the girls in the extra gear when, well most of you understand, the temp isn't below fifty degrees and or snow isn't on the ground.
When Elsa was a wee little one an elderly woman in the air conditioned pharmacy was questioning where Elsa's socks were. Mind you it felt like a sweltering 100 degrees outside. George and I were stammering, of course feeling horrible when the woman proceeded to tell us that, "Babies have feelings too". Talk about neglectful parent. Ugh. Now I try to pay closer attention and comply with the clothing expectation here so the girls don't "catch a draft" as they say, which still confuses me, but I think it is a cold.
I know I lost my thick skin for cold weather because I really feel even the slightest drop in temp. Honestly, I'm a wimp in the cold. In fact, I am drinking coffee as I type and enjoying the nostalgic feeling of fall while it lasts. The coffee maker hasn't been on since the last time one of my parents were on island. I guess my body is still programed for the change in season. Seasons do change here, you just have to look a little closer. And by the willingness of those who live here to bundle up, even those raised under the sun, it makes me suspect that I am not the only one who looks forward to the change.
I have a feeling will be enjoy our "snow day" indoors, snuggling in our sweat pants, and pretending its fall...just for the day. Cross your fingers the power doesn't go out. Hope you all are enjoying the change in season.
Elsa made her first trek to Florida this past weekend. I have not stepped foot in Florida since graduating so it was so nice to be back. Florida used to be my mecca, all I looked forward to during the long Indiana winters and hot summers. It was so nice to take the little one on a trip, though I can honestly say I think I have gotten a little spoiled as a mom. I used to just pick up and go with Nyah, so independent and able to solve any problem. When traveling alone with Elsa I found myself looking around a little longer and strategizing in my head how to get stuff done. Yes, I was looking for George. I don't know how I used to do it. Who used to carry all my stuff?
Elsa melted hearts everywhere we went and insisted on making friends with whoever we were sitting by on the airplane. She would stare at the person softly touch their arm or leg and laugh until by the end of ever flight she and the person in the neighboring seat were serious friends.
Elsa perfected her back arching and going limp skills which helped her get out of unwanted situations. I am so happy she has learned this. On our longest flight coming home from Miami to Puerto Rico Elsa was in constant motion, attempting escape the confines of my lap at any chance. The girl needs to roam. I wrangled with her the entire flight, trying not to be that lady with the screaming kid kicking the back of the seat of the person sitting in front of us, until Elsa finally fell asleep. As the plane was landing.
Overall we had a wonderful time. Cassy's wedding was beautiful and its always good to see old friends. Glad I was able to get the girls feet in the powdery Florida sand.
As Elsa and I were getting ready for a little getaway to the Sunshine State this weekend to attend a friends wedding I came across this little gem.
This might look like a raggedy old suitcase to you but this little beauty is my old suitcase. This suitcase signifies my start in life and when I saw it, for the first time in so long, it reminds me how far I've come. She feels like an old friend that I haven't seen in years and laying eyes on her brought forth some unexpected emotions. I used this suitcase when I first left home to conquer the world at eighteen years old. Though the suit case has been replaced by bigger, more functional ones, I love it all the same and am so thankful to still have her. This suitcase is part of my history. It has accompanied me on the many trips I took back to Indiana from Florida, family vacations, to other countries, to other continents. I remember sitting in my college dorm room so young and innocent, and no doubt home sick as ever, tying this green ribbon the handle to distinguish my suitcase from others. I know, at that very moment I didn't want to be a way from home, from the comforts of what I know and those I love, though I knew being on my own was necessary for me, something I absolutely, without a doubt had to do. I think of myself then, always dreaming of what life would be and following that ever strong passion in my heart to keep moving, keep going, to explore what was out there, to challenge myself, always planning my next move to help me find my path, and I can't help but feel amazed and proud. This suitcase was my freedom.
As I was pulling the suitcase out of the cramped closet Thursday, I realized that might have be the first time the sight of a suitcase did not make me giddy inside, possibly because I was leaving part of myself behind. Do I dare say the word? I am knocking on wood as we speak. I think I might be content. Happy where I am, with what I am and who I am. It is such a wonderful feeling, yet terrifying. The churning in my chest is finally still. I am finally able to focus all my energy on what is in front of me. Finally don't feel short changed in life if I don't have this one last experience I have conjured in my head. I am finally at peace.
As I write this all I can think and hope for our girls is that they get a chance to experience life to the fullest before they attempt to settle in. I hope I remember to remind that through all the plane rides, adventures, loneliness, heartache, mistakes, letdown, and heartbreak, a whole person is being formed. Though some of it totally sucked at the time, it seems at least in my case, they were necessary in the development of my own unique happiness.
I keep thinking of this quote by Henry David Thoreau, "Not until we are lost do we begin to understand ourselves".
As their mother, I hope I will be able to open their eyes to the wonders or of this inspiring world and spark that desire inside them to experience everything they possibly can. Not to fret when lost but to enjoy the journey.
I am still surprised this suitcase made it to Saint Croix with me and though I know my journeys and challenges through life are far from over I just have to remember this moment. Right here, right now in this little condo on this little island, with my little family, I am content and the happiest I have ever been. Crazy it took an old suitcase to remind me of this. George tells me that some search their whole life for this very feeling, so for this, I give thanks.
Elsa and I had a great trip though we missed George and Nyah immensely. Congrats to Cassy and Josh!
Remember the days when playing under a sheet or blanket could change your whole world, immediately setting imagination free? Nyah and Elsa no doubt experienced this during our last lazy Saturday morning. I found a hand-me-down tent intended for the beach under Nyah's bed and pitched it for the girls in the living room. Oh the endless fun...
We had an extremely busy, fun filled weekend. Nyah had two birthday parties to attend, which I think we look forward to as much as she does. Parties in the Caribbean are always a good time. Watching your child run, laugh, and shriek with joy while playing with other kids could never be a bad time. At every party Nyah's first task is always to find the candy stash and then proceed to get her sugar buzz on. There is no stopping her.
Kids parties are a big deal here and are way different from Midwestern parties. Here music is cranked and alcohol is flowing. I was speaking to a friend the other day and we realized we had never been to a child's birthday party here when alcohol wasn't served. Cultural differences which always reminds me that I really can't blame George for his occasional need to let loose, guess partying is in his bones.
Lucky for us, one of the parties was a beach party. It felt so nice to get back in the water. We usually spend our weekends at the beach but life has kept us away lately. Wether we spend the whole day at the beach or just go for an evening soak, we always try to fit a beach time in. Its kind of our "thing" we do as a family. Guess its good for the soul.
Note the sand around the mouth. Its inevitable no matter how hard I try.
Going to the beach in St. Croix is always adventurous, especially when going with George. Since George grew up here he knows every beach imaginable to explore. He is still taking me to beaches I never knew existed. Some private beaches and others busy, where we know we will run into friends, depending on our mood for the day.
Overall it was a great weekend. I know Nyah enjoyed herself as she wound up with her clothes off by the end of both parties. See video below of Elsa bustin' a move.
I am passionate about breastfeeding. I nursed Nyah until she was about eighteen months old which is one of my greatest achievements... right up there with natural child birth. I am currently nursing Elsa and she doesn't seem to be thinking of giving it up anytime soon. You might say this child was born to nurse, she latched within minutes of being born and hasn't let up since.
I have been seeing some great breastfeeding promotional videos lately, probably because August was National Breastfeeding Month. Yeah, I am a little late. I thought this was a cool idea to support a great cause.
Though I didn't send in a video, the question has been in the back of my mind so I thought I would just answer the question here. I breastfeed because...hmmm. Why would I actively choose to wake up every two to three hours in the night for a little girl who won't go back to sleep unless she gets a little somethin' somethin'? The obvious reasons are the benefits for baby, too numerous to list. But other than that, I breastfeed because I am a woman, a mother and its my job. I like to use my body to its fullest potential. I breastfeed because it makes me more in touch with my body and what I put in it. I breastfeed because as Nyah watches me and actively participates in nursing Elsa, I hope she is developing pride in herself and her body that she will carry with her for a lifetime. I breastfeed because I am a little lazy and because I don't have to think twice when the electricity goes out. I breastfeed because I love the way Elsa rubs my arm when she is eating, plays with her ear, squeezes my lips and the look of pure contentment and joy when she is finished eating. I do it because it makes everything in Elsa's world all right.
I breastfeed because now that I am on my second child it is honestly all I know. I breastfeed because I can.
How many times can I say breast in one post? Enough already! Here is funny video, watch until the end!
