While the rest Senegal will be mulling through the early part of the week, next Tuesday has a lot of meaning to American ex-pats living here. For me, it will be twice as meaningful.
Super Tuesday is when more than 20 states will hold their caucuses to determine who they will support in their party's convention as the next candidate for the president of the United States. Granted, I've never been quite so excited about the primaries before in my life. Perhaps it is due to the fact that I'm overseas (though I've lived overseas before but never during a presidential election), or maybe it's that a non-incumbent will be our next president, or maybe it's even that since we still don't have a satellite or cable hook-up, I'm watching entirely too much CNN live stream online.
Tuesday, 05 February 2008 is also Fat Tuesday, better known as Mardi Gras. I am quite nostalgic this year about being so far away from my home town. I was able to take PapaGus and Gusi last year to carnival so they could experience their first Mardi Gras. They screamed themselves hoarse; they had so much fun...yes, even Gusi who was only 10 months at the time. They both quickly learned how to jump and scream for throws and since Gusi was a cute little baby we got LOTS of loot. I mean LOTS. I never got that much loot when I was little!
So, what would I do if I had one wish for 05 February but wasn't allowed to leave Dakar? I would sit in front of one television watching WWL cover all the parades, eating king cake and red beans & rice, then turn to my other television and surf through all the news networks to see how the primaries were going. Unfortunately I won't be able to do much of either as I'll be in airports or on airplanes the entire day, returning from London after some routine prenatal care. Perhaps I'll at least get to see the Super Bowl game since I'll be in London Sunday night. Though I will be torn...I went to college in Boston and have come to love the Pats but the Giants' Eli Manning is a NOLA boy and that means a lot too.
On a happier note: maybe I can find some king cake in London? Maybe Frank Davis knows where I can find one?
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Thursday, January 24, 2008
It Just Melts My Heart
Today we went to Ebbetts Field to meet some friends for a play date. Ebbetts is owned by the US Embassy and is on one of the loveliest spots in Dakar situated right next to the ocean on a cliff. The view is incredible and the grounds themselves are a piece of paradise. Ebbetts is clean, has a softball diamond (complete with concession stand and batting cage), a basketball court, a jungle gym, swings, picnic areas and plots for home gardens. Gusi loves Ebbetts so much that it is one of the first places he could name and locate in Dakar soon after our arrival.
After a lot of running around, climbing, jumping and playing, I brought Gusi home. Of course he didn't want to get out of the car, so I let him stay in it with our gardener* for half an hour...honking the horn, pushing buttons, playing with the steering wheel. Finally, it was his nap time, so I went to fish him out. I didn't have to convince him of anything--he told me straight out: "Mami, fais do-do" (which is how francophone children say "go night-night"). He did add one caveat: in his grandmother's bed. (Even though my mom left a few weeks ago, the guest bedroom remains her bedroom.)
So, after a quick diaper change and washing our hands, off I took him to the guest bedroom, pulled back the covers and put him in bed. I snuggled up next to him. His eyes were drooping but he reached out his arms and wrapped them around my neck. I told him "I love you Gusi". He smiled and said "I love you Mami" and closed his eyes and fell asleep. My heart just melted.
*I've decided that we don't really have a gardener as much as a Manny (a male nanny) who has a green thumb. Tony is absolutely wonderful with Gusi and spends time teaching him how to throw, kick, run, balance, jump and skip. If Gusi becomes a star soccer forward in his school years, I will know where it all began.
After a lot of running around, climbing, jumping and playing, I brought Gusi home. Of course he didn't want to get out of the car, so I let him stay in it with our gardener* for half an hour...honking the horn, pushing buttons, playing with the steering wheel. Finally, it was his nap time, so I went to fish him out. I didn't have to convince him of anything--he told me straight out: "Mami, fais do-do" (which is how francophone children say "go night-night"). He did add one caveat: in his grandmother's bed. (Even though my mom left a few weeks ago, the guest bedroom remains her bedroom.)
So, after a quick diaper change and washing our hands, off I took him to the guest bedroom, pulled back the covers and put him in bed. I snuggled up next to him. His eyes were drooping but he reached out his arms and wrapped them around my neck. I told him "I love you Gusi". He smiled and said "I love you Mami" and closed his eyes and fell asleep. My heart just melted.
*I've decided that we don't really have a gardener as much as a Manny (a male nanny) who has a green thumb. Tony is absolutely wonderful with Gusi and spends time teaching him how to throw, kick, run, balance, jump and skip. If Gusi becomes a star soccer forward in his school years, I will know where it all began.
Literally Speaking
Gusi has a routine for bedtime. He has a bath, gets his pjs on, reads books, says his prayers and gives good night kisses before getting into his crib. Lately that has changed. He is really into books. Really into them. So, I usually have to end up limiting the number of books he reads before bed to about three. Of course, my son being ever so clever has learned how to say "one more book please" and it's hard to say no.
One night about two weeks ago he was already on his second "one more book please" when I realized that he would keep going if I didn't put a stop to it. I told him that he could pick one more book but he wouldn't read it, he would take it to the crib with him. He considered it and decided it was fine with him. So, off he went to his crib with one of his Curious George books under his arm. Surrounded by his baby doll, his teddy bear, his Curious George, his little plastic boat with the little plastic man slept my little boy with a book tucked under his arm.
He now seems to need a book to go to bed. And of course, it has to be one of the biggest books in his library, so big that I try to persuade him to pick a smaller one. To no avail of course. The last few nights it has been a "trace the letters" book that comes with a marker for tracing. Even though this book is about the size of a legal pad, he won't accept any other. I foresee nights of him reading by flashlight after "lights out" has been called.
One night about two weeks ago he was already on his second "one more book please" when I realized that he would keep going if I didn't put a stop to it. I told him that he could pick one more book but he wouldn't read it, he would take it to the crib with him. He considered it and decided it was fine with him. So, off he went to his crib with one of his Curious George books under his arm. Surrounded by his baby doll, his teddy bear, his Curious George, his little plastic boat with the little plastic man slept my little boy with a book tucked under his arm.
He now seems to need a book to go to bed. And of course, it has to be one of the biggest books in his library, so big that I try to persuade him to pick a smaller one. To no avail of course. The last few nights it has been a "trace the letters" book that comes with a marker for tracing. Even though this book is about the size of a legal pad, he won't accept any other. I foresee nights of him reading by flashlight after "lights out" has been called.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
Our First Glimpse
Yesterday we went with PapaGus and Gusi to see the obstetrician who will be doing my ultrasounds while in Dakar. This was the first one to pinpoint an EDD (estimated due date). As it turns out, the due date given by the ultrasound is the same as my LMP (last menstrual period) which is roughly in mid-August. (Lots of acronyms involved in being pregnant.)
The office was small, but clean and had all the necessary equipment one needs for prenatal care. The doctor herself was quite nice and professional and took her time with us. When the ultrasound began we all looked at the screen and saw a new little person that will soon be joining our family. I teared up and smiled at my husband. I told Gusi that on the television was his baby brother or sister. He was quite excited and shouted "bebe" a few times. I stayed mesmerized by the image while the measurements were taken. Another little person in our lives. Wow. Gusi became fidgety and realized that my shoes were on the floor, so he wanted to put them on. He asked his father to remove his shoes and started walking around the room with my shoes on. It was comic and predictable all at the same time. One thing I will say about this new baby, s/he seems to be a lot calmer than Gusi was at this stage from my memories of his first ultrasound.
This was our first glimpse at our future. Two children, two parents, an infinite number of possibilities.
The office was small, but clean and had all the necessary equipment one needs for prenatal care. The doctor herself was quite nice and professional and took her time with us. When the ultrasound began we all looked at the screen and saw a new little person that will soon be joining our family. I teared up and smiled at my husband. I told Gusi that on the television was his baby brother or sister. He was quite excited and shouted "bebe" a few times. I stayed mesmerized by the image while the measurements were taken. Another little person in our lives. Wow. Gusi became fidgety and realized that my shoes were on the floor, so he wanted to put them on. He asked his father to remove his shoes and started walking around the room with my shoes on. It was comic and predictable all at the same time. One thing I will say about this new baby, s/he seems to be a lot calmer than Gusi was at this stage from my memories of his first ultrasound.
This was our first glimpse at our future. Two children, two parents, an infinite number of possibilities.
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
Am I Ready To Do This Again?
I heard some great news from a friend yesterday. She's pregnant. Tina is my neighbor and friend and our kids are just a few months apart; she is now expecting #2 just a few weeks behind me.
I went over to her house today so the kids could play and we could chat. Gusi loves going over there because they have a dog, and the dog is great with Gusi. So, while the kids were playing Tina and I started reminiscing about our first days home with our new babies. The sleep deprivation, fatigue, tender breasts, problematic breastfeeding babies, sleep deprivation, the feeling that we never got out of our pajamas, the lack of oral hygiene, the crashing of pregnancy hormones, the crying in the middle of the night, and last but not least, the sleep deprivation.
We both laughed and decided that some sort of amnesia must occur for parents to want to go through this again. Clearly the amnesia lasts long enough to want to get pregnant again but the memories come racing back once you are. I suppose that's how mother nature intended it. I'm just happy to have a friend close by who is also going down this journey willingly for a second time.
I went over to her house today so the kids could play and we could chat. Gusi loves going over there because they have a dog, and the dog is great with Gusi. So, while the kids were playing Tina and I started reminiscing about our first days home with our new babies. The sleep deprivation, fatigue, tender breasts, problematic breastfeeding babies, sleep deprivation, the feeling that we never got out of our pajamas, the lack of oral hygiene, the crashing of pregnancy hormones, the crying in the middle of the night, and last but not least, the sleep deprivation.
We both laughed and decided that some sort of amnesia must occur for parents to want to go through this again. Clearly the amnesia lasts long enough to want to get pregnant again but the memories come racing back once you are. I suppose that's how mother nature intended it. I'm just happy to have a friend close by who is also going down this journey willingly for a second time.
Saturday, January 12, 2008
About the Size of an Olive
The size of an olive is about one inch long. It is also the approximate, average size of a 9-week old embryo.
We have decided to go down this road once again. Yes, I am pregnant for the second time. And yes, we are quite happy. I've told Gusi but he doesn't seem to get it. He'll sometimes make a reference to his friend Tommi who has a younger sister but most of the time he just ignores me or tells me flat out no, he doesn't want a sibling. I have been feeling quite queasy and that is rather upsetting to Gusi. He doesn't want me to feel ill, look ill or be ill. I had horrible morning sickness when I was pregnant with him, so with the help of the pharmaceutical industry I'm trying to avoid the vomiting part of the morning sickness. I was lucky that my mom was coming for the holidays since that meant that a phone call to my obstetrician's could result in nausea relief since she picked up the prescription and brought it with her.
Many may be wondering what we're going to do for the birth of the child. Exact dates are still tentative since I haven't yet gotten my dating ultrasound (to pinpoint my due date better), but Gusi and I will be going home sometime in late June. The baby is due in mid-August and PapaGus will be joining us for the month of August. Gusi, the new baby and I will be returning about 6 - 8 weeks after the birth. In the meantime I'll be doing my prenatal care with the US embassy physician. Those exams that he doesn't have the equipment for (e.g., ultrasounds) I'll see a Senegalese obstetrician. The only screening test that won't be reliably available here will be done in London. I'll be medically evacuated (sounds a lot worse than it is) to London for two days and then come home. The hardest part will be being apart from Gusi and PapaGus. The following medical evacuation will be to go back to the US for the delivery.
It's exciting but different this time around. The first time I had 9 months to remain somewhat self-absorbed, this time I have a toddler to run after. I don't have time to be sick and naps are quickly becoming a family affair. Plus, it will be a big change for me to have TWO children to look after. I am an only child and sibling-hood has always seemed rather exotic to me. PapaGus is the eldest of 4 with three younger sisters and though he's not particularly close to them now as adults, he seems to have enjoyed his childhood with them enough to want to give Gusi a sibling. And just for the record, I don't care what we have as long as the baby is healthy. If it's another boy I will be thrilled since Gusi would have his little playmate and I would know, more or less, what the journey entails; if it's a girl it will be thrilling just as well since it will be a new journey. PapaGus says he wants a healthy baby too, of course, that's what is most important but he keeps referring to "it" as "she".
For now, it's just incredible to think that this little being, the size of an olive, will be here in a few more months. And memories of my life before children will be even further than they are now.
We have decided to go down this road once again. Yes, I am pregnant for the second time. And yes, we are quite happy. I've told Gusi but he doesn't seem to get it. He'll sometimes make a reference to his friend Tommi who has a younger sister but most of the time he just ignores me or tells me flat out no, he doesn't want a sibling. I have been feeling quite queasy and that is rather upsetting to Gusi. He doesn't want me to feel ill, look ill or be ill. I had horrible morning sickness when I was pregnant with him, so with the help of the pharmaceutical industry I'm trying to avoid the vomiting part of the morning sickness. I was lucky that my mom was coming for the holidays since that meant that a phone call to my obstetrician's could result in nausea relief since she picked up the prescription and brought it with her.
Many may be wondering what we're going to do for the birth of the child. Exact dates are still tentative since I haven't yet gotten my dating ultrasound (to pinpoint my due date better), but Gusi and I will be going home sometime in late June. The baby is due in mid-August and PapaGus will be joining us for the month of August. Gusi, the new baby and I will be returning about 6 - 8 weeks after the birth. In the meantime I'll be doing my prenatal care with the US embassy physician. Those exams that he doesn't have the equipment for (e.g., ultrasounds) I'll see a Senegalese obstetrician. The only screening test that won't be reliably available here will be done in London. I'll be medically evacuated (sounds a lot worse than it is) to London for two days and then come home. The hardest part will be being apart from Gusi and PapaGus. The following medical evacuation will be to go back to the US for the delivery.
It's exciting but different this time around. The first time I had 9 months to remain somewhat self-absorbed, this time I have a toddler to run after. I don't have time to be sick and naps are quickly becoming a family affair. Plus, it will be a big change for me to have TWO children to look after. I am an only child and sibling-hood has always seemed rather exotic to me. PapaGus is the eldest of 4 with three younger sisters and though he's not particularly close to them now as adults, he seems to have enjoyed his childhood with them enough to want to give Gusi a sibling. And just for the record, I don't care what we have as long as the baby is healthy. If it's another boy I will be thrilled since Gusi would have his little playmate and I would know, more or less, what the journey entails; if it's a girl it will be thrilling just as well since it will be a new journey. PapaGus says he wants a healthy baby too, of course, that's what is most important but he keeps referring to "it" as "she".
For now, it's just incredible to think that this little being, the size of an olive, will be here in a few more months. And memories of my life before children will be even further than they are now.
All Good Things...
Must come to an end.
It's been five days now since mom left and the house feels empty. Empty even though life goes on without missing a beat.
We had a wonderful Christmas. And yes, for those of you wondering, two US Marines did come over for a Christmas Eve dinner. We spent Christmas day with an Anglo-American family and wore plastic crowns on our heads and popped Christmas poppers in pure English fashion. Their family also had a grandmother in town for the holidays and my mom got a chance to make a new friend.
Gusi handled Christmas morning quite well. We decided not to wrap all the presents, so he got to see lots of them sitting next to the Christmas tree. The tricycle was a huge hit as was the tracker-ball game. And after all the excitement of that morning it was tough to get him to wind down. The only way he relented to a nap was with the promise of napping with his grandma. It was really cute. He ended up napping in his grandmother's bed quite a bit while she was here. How could I deny him that pleasure when many of my own happy memories are of doing the same wrapped up in my own grandmother's arms?
Having my mom here was just about the most enjoyable time I've had here so far. I'm not sure why I let her leave but I know that we'll see her again soon. In the meantime I'm awaiting a few other visitors. A good friend from college will be coming to visit in February and two days after he leaves my parents-in-law will be coming for a month with a week-long visit from one of my sisters-in-law thrown in. When I wrote my Christmas (e)cards giving an update of our lives so far, I got several responses from friends telling me how could I be with my in-laws for a whole month! I responded to them that my parents-in-law will be Gusi's best entertainment; who better than a grandparent to play with? Poor folks, I think they think they're coming for a vacation...little do the know. Grandma and Grandpa, if you're reading this, bring energy drinks with you because the same little boy you saw last summer has grown into an adventure seeking young lad. And he is quick to boot. But I won't let them suffer too much, they will be allowed to go golfing at the nearby fancy hotel every now and then...during nap time :)
It's been five days now since mom left and the house feels empty. Empty even though life goes on without missing a beat.
We had a wonderful Christmas. And yes, for those of you wondering, two US Marines did come over for a Christmas Eve dinner. We spent Christmas day with an Anglo-American family and wore plastic crowns on our heads and popped Christmas poppers in pure English fashion. Their family also had a grandmother in town for the holidays and my mom got a chance to make a new friend.
Gusi handled Christmas morning quite well. We decided not to wrap all the presents, so he got to see lots of them sitting next to the Christmas tree. The tricycle was a huge hit as was the tracker-ball game. And after all the excitement of that morning it was tough to get him to wind down. The only way he relented to a nap was with the promise of napping with his grandma. It was really cute. He ended up napping in his grandmother's bed quite a bit while she was here. How could I deny him that pleasure when many of my own happy memories are of doing the same wrapped up in my own grandmother's arms?
Having my mom here was just about the most enjoyable time I've had here so far. I'm not sure why I let her leave but I know that we'll see her again soon. In the meantime I'm awaiting a few other visitors. A good friend from college will be coming to visit in February and two days after he leaves my parents-in-law will be coming for a month with a week-long visit from one of my sisters-in-law thrown in. When I wrote my Christmas (e)cards giving an update of our lives so far, I got several responses from friends telling me how could I be with my in-laws for a whole month! I responded to them that my parents-in-law will be Gusi's best entertainment; who better than a grandparent to play with? Poor folks, I think they think they're coming for a vacation...little do the know. Grandma and Grandpa, if you're reading this, bring energy drinks with you because the same little boy you saw last summer has grown into an adventure seeking young lad. And he is quick to boot. But I won't let them suffer too much, they will be allowed to go golfing at the nearby fancy hotel every now and then...during nap time :)
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