I walked into his room after I sent him in to get ready for bed to find him all set and ready for bed. A bed filled with his favorite things again.
Monday, August 27, 2012
One day...
I hope he's an incredible athlete and we can show him his obsession with any kind of ball he can find even before the age of two.
I walked into his room after I sent him in to get ready for bed to find him all set and ready for bed. A bed filled with his favorite things again.
I walked into his room after I sent him in to get ready for bed to find him all set and ready for bed. A bed filled with his favorite things again.
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Saturday, August 25, 2012
What A Difference A Day Makes
It was SO warm today. Pretty much as warm as the Mount was in our ridiculously cold summer this last year. Maybe warmer.
Max & I found a very cool new beach even closer to our house! We loved it. We played for over an hour this afternoon. I love warm. Ahhhh.
Poor daddy took the cold day outing & I some how scored the warm day one. Sucker!!!
Max & I found a very cool new beach even closer to our house! We loved it. We played for over an hour this afternoon. I love warm. Ahhhh.
Poor daddy took the cold day outing & I some how scored the warm day one. Sucker!!!
Thursday, August 23, 2012
Pretending It's Summer
Once again Max & I like pretending...
Pool.
Flip flops.
Swimsuits.
Tank tops.
Beach.
Sunshine.
Pool.
Flip flops.
Swimsuits.
Tank tops.
Beach.
Sunshine.
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Gorgeous
I complain about the cold and winter and desperately want to be in a tank top BUT it's absolutely gorgeous where I live. Max & I do this 45 minute walk by the ocean a few times a week. Again....why doesn't Dunedin think it's a beach town. Weird.
Tuesday, August 21, 2012
Bed Time
Little rascal is finally responding to my mean bed time routine. If you consider mean sitting next to his bed until he falls asleep. Ugh! I never wanted to do that yet here I am. It's taken 10 days of tears, a bit of yelling & a whole lot of consistency to have him not scream when it's bed time.
Stage two:: sitting far away from his bed while he goes to sleep. To be followed by stage three:: outside his door. To then quickly be followed by stage four:: FREEDOM again. Saying good night & letting him go to sleep on his own.
Man this move shook this little boy up. He's strong & full of courage so he will come through like a rock star at the end.
Stage two:: sitting far away from his bed while he goes to sleep. To be followed by stage three:: outside his door. To then quickly be followed by stage four:: FREEDOM again. Saying good night & letting him go to sleep on his own.
Man this move shook this little boy up. He's strong & full of courage so he will come through like a rock star at the end.
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Pretending Its Summer
The pool.
No jackets.
Beach.
Sand.
Goggles.
Sun.
Sweating.
Smiles.
Warm.
Living the Dream.
No jackets.
Beach.
Sand.
Goggles.
Sun.
Sweating.
Smiles.
Warm.
Living the Dream.
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
It's sunny & warm!!!!!
Two of my favorite things at once! I thinks it's physically impossible to not be in a tank top in the sun when it's warm.
Monday, August 13, 2012
I LOVE NZ
Just to be clear I do love NZ and my little life here. I miss friends terribly, I miss having my parents daily in Max's life, I miss seeing my Aunt Denise (and no mom she didn't pay me to say that!! :), I miss Target and candles that actually smell up my house. I miss cheap refried beans and Salsa and all Mexican food and American "I can accomplish anything/nothing's impossible" attitude.
BUT, and this is a massive BUT I love SO much here. Things in the States annoy me too. National health care is AWESOME & am so proud to live in a country that takes care of all people. But I digress. I loved being in two worlds as I watched the Olympics. I loved cheering for Phelps and Lochte. I loved seeing that flag so many times. I love that anthem, even though Sam laughed that I couldn't quite remember all the words!
That said I loved being a Kiwi and feeling so proud and connected to each medal winner. I loved that each time a Kiwi medaled they profusely thanked New Zealanders and said "I won this for NZ." And I even felt pride hearing the anthem. I might never be able to sing the NZ anthem (hardest anthem EVER) but I loved the pride that swelled. I cried watching some win and lose and felt anger that one of our sports heroes got a silver then was promoted to a gold after drug testing happened. Ugh! Stripped of her gold medal moment, seeing the flag, hearing our anthem in the stadium. But sheer and utter joy followed when I saw her face so happy to be vindicated that her shot put throw was the pure farthest throw.
Sam and I are always talking about the University system and sports and how that impacts Americans. It's fun to watch these students working towards degrees and passionately training to be Olympic Champions. I love watching the heart of these Kiwis training so hard to bring pride to their country. Each medal is for the country. Such a different experience.
I'm both. American and Kiwi and proud. Max will live in both worlds too. Sam and I don't care which country he identifies with or if he changes fluidly back and forth. He will get the best of both worlds. And have twice as much fun watching the Olympics every 4 years!
That said, I will share a funny little laugh I get quite often here. Americans do have a stereotype in other countries. Here is no different. Loud and liking Starbucks is one of the few. Some Kiwi's hate Starbucks and that it's American and corporate (Max's daddy...hehehe). Max always gets a "special drink" aka water, that the guys at Starbucks automatically give him now. So often times when we are walking down the street, me with my drink and Max with what looks like a mini coffee and my loud accent I get looks. Some of disgust. Some of annoyance. Some of just surprise. Each time I laugh a little to myself loving my Americanness.
BUT, and this is a massive BUT I love SO much here. Things in the States annoy me too. National health care is AWESOME & am so proud to live in a country that takes care of all people. But I digress. I loved being in two worlds as I watched the Olympics. I loved cheering for Phelps and Lochte. I loved seeing that flag so many times. I love that anthem, even though Sam laughed that I couldn't quite remember all the words!
That said I loved being a Kiwi and feeling so proud and connected to each medal winner. I loved that each time a Kiwi medaled they profusely thanked New Zealanders and said "I won this for NZ." And I even felt pride hearing the anthem. I might never be able to sing the NZ anthem (hardest anthem EVER) but I loved the pride that swelled. I cried watching some win and lose and felt anger that one of our sports heroes got a silver then was promoted to a gold after drug testing happened. Ugh! Stripped of her gold medal moment, seeing the flag, hearing our anthem in the stadium. But sheer and utter joy followed when I saw her face so happy to be vindicated that her shot put throw was the pure farthest throw.
Sam and I are always talking about the University system and sports and how that impacts Americans. It's fun to watch these students working towards degrees and passionately training to be Olympic Champions. I love watching the heart of these Kiwis training so hard to bring pride to their country. Each medal is for the country. Such a different experience.
I'm both. American and Kiwi and proud. Max will live in both worlds too. Sam and I don't care which country he identifies with or if he changes fluidly back and forth. He will get the best of both worlds. And have twice as much fun watching the Olympics every 4 years!
That said, I will share a funny little laugh I get quite often here. Americans do have a stereotype in other countries. Here is no different. Loud and liking Starbucks is one of the few. Some Kiwi's hate Starbucks and that it's American and corporate (Max's daddy...hehehe). Max always gets a "special drink" aka water, that the guys at Starbucks automatically give him now. So often times when we are walking down the street, me with my drink and Max with what looks like a mini coffee and my loud accent I get looks. Some of disgust. Some of annoyance. Some of just surprise. Each time I laugh a little to myself loving my Americanness.
Beach Sweetness
Max and I spent quite a few hours at the beach on Saturday. I had a migraine and Sam was studying so the beach was the best option before the weather turned to days of rain. Max found a flower and brought it to me because I looked sad. Sweet boy. I love that he's seen Sam do that & knows that flowers make me smile. That boy is going to make some girl SO happy!
We actually left the walking path because I was cold and Max screamed for the beach. Whew! He loves the beach. We went and got a Starbucks and went back for another hour and a half. We played on the beach, scored trys, Max yelled at the ocean to stop ("doooh" his version of NO) when the waves were coming, walked up a steep hill and threw a lot of sand. We also screamed a lot. I told Max this is where us Americans can be as loud as we want! I love the beach and love that Max loves it too!
We actually left the walking path because I was cold and Max screamed for the beach. Whew! He loves the beach. We went and got a Starbucks and went back for another hour and a half. We played on the beach, scored trys, Max yelled at the ocean to stop ("doooh" his version of NO) when the waves were coming, walked up a steep hill and threw a lot of sand. We also screamed a lot. I told Max this is where us Americans can be as loud as we want! I love the beach and love that Max loves it too!
Thursday, August 9, 2012
Fijiversary
4 years ago I boarded a plane by myself heading to Fiji to meet two guys l barely knew. Oh how glad I am that I got on that plane. I love thinking about that plane trip, that first day, the kids, the talks, the adventures, and the memories.
One thing I do remember was how badly I needed warm sunshine in August that year. Every year I have been in NZ since then it's the same. The second week of August rolls around and I'm done with winter. I start pulling out summer clothes making them work with thermals. This year was no different. While I was warmer this year, ironically living in the South Island, I pulled out my pink skirt while Sam shook his head at me fighting my summer clothes box down from the closet. Oh how I wish it was 100 degrees here. I keep seeing temperatures in the 100's posted in CA and I'm wishing myself there. I still can't wrap my head around August being cold. Nor can I understand how unbelievably long winter seems in the Southern Hemisphere.
Yesterday I wore my pink skirt thinking fondly of Fiji knowing that one year on August 9 we will be on a plane Fiji bound again.
Yesterday I also finished Max's rugby room & he was very excited! I told them they were rugby words & he squealed with joy. He cracks me up! We also have a cool black bulletin board up with his rugby game tickets, his Sam Cane pictures and his All Black trading cards.
The messy kitchen pictures are of Max playing with his magic sand while I made some phone calls. It was surprisingly easy to clean up and kept him entertained.
Plus a picture of Max crying and heartbroken I wouldn't give him frozen sausages for breakfast. He cried for ages. I laughed for ages. Mean mama.
All in all I shake my head in wonder and amazement when I think back to Fiji and see where our life is now. I can remember talking to Sam late one night in Fiji knowing that this guy was going somewhere and he was going to make a difference. And now I'm doing it with him. SO proud to be walking with him as we impact the world together.
One thing I do remember was how badly I needed warm sunshine in August that year. Every year I have been in NZ since then it's the same. The second week of August rolls around and I'm done with winter. I start pulling out summer clothes making them work with thermals. This year was no different. While I was warmer this year, ironically living in the South Island, I pulled out my pink skirt while Sam shook his head at me fighting my summer clothes box down from the closet. Oh how I wish it was 100 degrees here. I keep seeing temperatures in the 100's posted in CA and I'm wishing myself there. I still can't wrap my head around August being cold. Nor can I understand how unbelievably long winter seems in the Southern Hemisphere.
Yesterday I wore my pink skirt thinking fondly of Fiji knowing that one year on August 9 we will be on a plane Fiji bound again.
Yesterday I also finished Max's rugby room & he was very excited! I told them they were rugby words & he squealed with joy. He cracks me up! We also have a cool black bulletin board up with his rugby game tickets, his Sam Cane pictures and his All Black trading cards.
The messy kitchen pictures are of Max playing with his magic sand while I made some phone calls. It was surprisingly easy to clean up and kept him entertained.
Plus a picture of Max crying and heartbroken I wouldn't give him frozen sausages for breakfast. He cried for ages. I laughed for ages. Mean mama.
All in all I shake my head in wonder and amazement when I think back to Fiji and see where our life is now. I can remember talking to Sam late one night in Fiji knowing that this guy was going somewhere and he was going to make a difference. And now I'm doing it with him. SO proud to be walking with him as we impact the world together.
Monday, August 6, 2012
Good Teeth
Whew!!! Max has great teeth!! I'm a bit concerned about teeth and Max having nice teeth. Today we had Max's first dentist appointment. Max was a courageous rock star!
He showed the dentist his teeth, opened up wide, and even let her check his teeth (lucky him she had chocolate cookie tasting gel on her gloves). Plus he got a cool little elephant necklace she made out of those gross cotton things they put in your mouth and two stamps!
She gave me some good tips to keep his teeth looking so good. She was so impressed with the quality of his teeth. Whew!!!! American genes in those teeth!
He showed the dentist his teeth, opened up wide, and even let her check his teeth (lucky him she had chocolate cookie tasting gel on her gloves). Plus he got a cool little elephant necklace she made out of those gross cotton things they put in your mouth and two stamps!
She gave me some good tips to keep his teeth looking so good. She was so impressed with the quality of his teeth. Whew!!!! American genes in those teeth!
Best Day at the Beach Ever
Max, Arie, and I headed to the beach again today. Today we had a huge surprise:: a fire engine with "real fireman" Arie said.
The firemen were so great and even offered to let the boys get inside the truck. Both boys were a bit stars truck and declined, but happily accepted a huge amount of fire truck stickers.
It's Arie's dream to see a fire truck so today was the best day ever at the beach.
The firemen were so great and even offered to let the boys get inside the truck. Both boys were a bit stars truck and declined, but happily accepted a huge amount of fire truck stickers.
It's Arie's dream to see a fire truck so today was the best day ever at the beach.
Sand.
Today we played with Magic Sand with Liam & Arie. Max loved it & was entertained for 45 minutes. Liam & Arie...not so much. Though they loved throwing it on me, the deck, each other, & any where else they could find. It was a gorgeous warm winter day in Dunedin so we played outside. Good thing!! Max sat & played with the sand (a mixture of flour & baby oil) not really getting it much outside the bowl, but the boys were a bit crazier. I love seeing learning styles & ways people absorb new things come out at this age even. I learned heaps about each boy today which will help me develop more tailored activities. Max was exactly what I thought. He loves feeling and experiencing and is absorbed in a new activity if he can just dive in. One of my favorite rolls as a parent is spotting things in Max and helping develop those. I'm always looking for what he's naturally good at and giving him chances to be amazing at it. (We already have different plans for sports academics,- and tutors & coaches. What can I say? We love planning ahead & strategising to set Max up for his best!)
We also headed to the Beach to see real sand. Ahhh how we love the beach. Max and I found a great walking path and beach entrance that has rock pools. We will be hanging out there lots. I state the obvious. :) Sam met us there after his last class & we had a great time chatting while Max had a little snooze. It still mystifies me that Dunedin is on the beach yet it is so untapped & untouched by most. It's a gorgeous beach & you see the ocean the whole walk on the trail. Its been a LONG time since I've pulled out my workout shoes. But walking at the beach hardly counts as a work out. :)
We also headed to the Beach to see real sand. Ahhh how we love the beach. Max and I found a great walking path and beach entrance that has rock pools. We will be hanging out there lots. I state the obvious. :) Sam met us there after his last class & we had a great time chatting while Max had a little snooze. It still mystifies me that Dunedin is on the beach yet it is so untapped & untouched by most. It's a gorgeous beach & you see the ocean the whole walk on the trail. Its been a LONG time since I've pulled out my workout shoes. But walking at the beach hardly counts as a work out. :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)