November 10th 2008
Back to IHOP
Before we left, Grampy told the girls that he would take them to IHOP when we got back and they've not only been talking about it since we got home, they talked about it the whole time we were gone as well. We went for dinner this evening and there were so many new items since we've been gone. All of the adults got the new cinnamon apple coffee cake pancakes. (there were two other flavors to choose from of the new coffee cake variety as well) Chris and Grampy got one of the combos of eggs and such that you can choose from to go with the pancakes but I had my eyes on a new omelette and got that with my pancakes instead. The girls got their usual rooty jr. This marked Enzo's first visit to IHOP and our server said that we could've gotten him a free kids meal too (it was a kids eat free night) since we'd ordered three adult meals but we passed up on the opportunity. It turns out maybe we should have gotten it because the girls devoured all of their meals and everyone elses. For some reason they were all about the sausage links and once they finished theirs they were looking to Daddy's plate to see if he had any. Enzo did well for his first IHOP trip. He ate and then fell asleep on my shoulder and when transfered to Grampy he stayed asleep snuggling up on Grampy's shoulder. Our server said that he looked like a doll and was the cutest baby ever.
Abby @ 4 years, 10 months, 26 days
Zoë @ 4 years, 10 months, 26 days
Enzo @ 1 month, 16 days
News posted by Laura at 5:39 PM | 
Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
THREE well behaved children when you are out..how great is that!!
November 9th 2008
Enzo Meets More Family
After church Uncle Matt and Aunt Caitlin came for a visit. Abby and Zoë were excited to see them, and Sage. The girls had Uncle Matt playing games in no time and were bummed when I had to make them take a break to eat lunch and were even more bummed when I told them it was time for a short nap. Well, the nap never happened but they were up in their room for a while anyway. Caitlin was the first to hold Enzo, Matt waited until the end as he was a bit hesitant but he was rewarded with lots of smiles from Enzo.
Caitlin and Matt brought some nice gifts too, even one for Elijah. Abby and Zoë got a couple of nice work books as well as a Gigi book. Enzo got a super soft cozy jumper outift as well as a fleecy sleeper and a very soft and cozy blanket. Thanks for the visit and the gifts!
Caitlin and Matt brought some nice gifts too, even one for Elijah. Abby and Zoë got a couple of nice work books as well as a Gigi book. Enzo got a super soft cozy jumper outift as well as a fleecy sleeper and a very soft and cozy blanket. Thanks for the visit and the gifts!
Abby @ 4 years, 10 months, 25 days
Zoë @ 4 years, 10 months, 25 days
Enzo @ 1 month, 15 days News posted by Laura at 3:13 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
Alwsys nice to see family and getting gifts beside. You girls are so lucky to have so much love given to you!! xxoo
November 6th 2008
Indian Dinner with the Valleys - Meeting Elijah
Reanna, Corey, and Elijah came over this evening and we had some Indian food for dinner. Not only was this something we've been craving, but we also have no food in the house. Elijah, though nine days older than Enzo and weighing just about the same as him at birth, he is a pound less than our big boy. Comparing the two side by side while lying on the floor for diaper changes though, Enzo's not much bigger in the body, he just has a chubby face.
Abby and Zoë were happy to meet Elijah, but they weren't too thrilled that Auntie wasn't able to just play with them like normal. A couple of times I heard them tell her to just go lay him down and play with them. But overall the girls were just super excited to see their Auntie and Uncle again.
Abby and Zoë were happy to meet Elijah, but they weren't too thrilled that Auntie wasn't able to just play with them like normal. A couple of times I heard them tell her to just go lay him down and play with them. But overall the girls were just super excited to see their Auntie and Uncle again.
Abby @ 4 years, 10 months, 22 days
Zoë @ 4 years, 10 months, 22 days
Enzo @ 1 month, 12 days News posted by Laura at 6:13 PM | Comment
November 5th 2008
Dinner with Jonathan
We went to the Country Griddle with Jonathan for dinner this evening. Abby and Zoë weren't very hungry and were getting tired so we just got them chicken and grilled cheese with french fries. Chris got a tasty Reuben, I got a burger with marinara and mozzarella and Jonathan got a yummy looking stir fry bowl. Abby and Zoë actually did really well considering that we stayed and chatted for a while and they were obviously tired and done with eating. We said our good-bye's and thanks to Jonathan and made him promise to come visit us this winter.
Abby @ 4 years, 10 months, 21 days
Zoë @ 4 years, 10 months, 21 days
Enzo @ 1 month, 11 days News posted by Laura at 6:51 PM | Comment
Cracker Barrel Breakfast
Nonno Ernie took us to Cracker barrel for breakfast today, which Mommy was really pleased about. Abby and Zoë wanted pancakes, of everything we offered them, so they split three pancakes with blackberries and whipped cream on top. Chris got a skillet breakfast, I got pecan pancakes with a side of hashbrown casserole and Nonno Ernie got a breakfast combo. They brought biscuits and apple butter to the table that were quite yummy. Abby and Zoë had fun sitting in the little rocking chairs near our table playing checkers while they waited for the food to arrive.
Abby @ 4 years, 10 months, 21 days
Zoë @ 4 years, 10 months, 21 days
Enzo @ 1 month, 11 days News posted by Laura at 9:30 AM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
Yum YuM!!
November 4th 2008
Budget Breakdown
I had been tracking our expenses for this whole adventure, and here is the breakdown.
Here are the roughly rounded number:
One Time Expenses
5% $560 Visas
23% $2700 Airplane Tickets
15% $1800 Medical (Hospital / Doctor)
5% $550 Legal / Birth Certificates / Enzo's Passports US & BR
1% $170 Camera
Sub-Total: $ 5,780 (48%)
Reoccuring Expenses
29% $3500 Rent
11% $1300 Grocery / Household (Diapers / Tools / Supplies) / Pharmacy
4% $500 Ground Transportation
6% $750 Restaurants
1% $120 Misc.
0% $50 Bottled Water
Sub-Total: $ 6,220 (52%) ~ $2000 / mo cost of living
Total cost: $12,000
Our currency rate has improved steadily since our arrival in Brazil. Our monthly cost of living would be much less had we arrived 1 or 2 months later with a more favorable exchange rate. At the current rate R$2.16 = US$1, our monthly costs would be reduced by about 15+%, savings of more than US$300 a month. Our total averaged rate, both from credit and cash spending was R$1.765 = US$1, about 23% below current values.
Here are the roughly rounded number:
One Time Expenses
5% $560 Visas
23% $2700 Airplane Tickets
15% $1800 Medical (Hospital / Doctor)
5% $550 Legal / Birth Certificates / Enzo's Passports US & BR
1% $170 Camera
Sub-Total: $ 5,780 (48%)
Reoccuring Expenses
29% $3500 Rent
11% $1300 Grocery / Household (Diapers / Tools / Supplies) / Pharmacy
4% $500 Ground Transportation
6% $750 Restaurants
1% $120 Misc.
0% $50 Bottled Water
Sub-Total: $ 6,220 (52%) ~ $2000 / mo cost of living
Total cost: $12,000
Our currency rate has improved steadily since our arrival in Brazil. Our monthly cost of living would be much less had we arrived 1 or 2 months later with a more favorable exchange rate. At the current rate R$2.16 = US$1, our monthly costs would be reduced by about 15+%, savings of more than US$300 a month. Our total averaged rate, both from credit and cash spending was R$1.765 = US$1, about 23% below current values.
Abby @ 4 years, 10 months, 21 days
Zoë @ 4 years, 10 months, 21 days
Enzo @ 1 month, 11 days News posted by christopher at 7:10 PM | Comment
November 3rd 2008
Travel Day
We left the apartment at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday the 3rd. We took the two hour taxi ride to Recife, during which it of course rained... it has rained every single time we've been on the road to/from Recife. Once checked in the airport we went looking for some lunch and ended up just ordering from Bob's. The total there came to R$40. While I was waiting for the food, Chris and the girls witnessed a woman at the table next to them have an epileptic seizure. Chris said it was really scary and they all just watched as people jumped out of their seats to help. By the time I got there, paramedics were tending to the woman.
We waited at the airport from 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., when our plane departed. Luckily I found a stand that had strollers for free that you could use while in the airport including taking them through security and to your gate. Enzo slept well reclined in our stroller until we stopped moving and were waiting at the gate. There was one chair in the whole area that reclined, so I took advantage of it. Zoë and I snuggled up in it and prepared to take a snooze, then Enzo joined us shortly after. Abby slept stretched out on the seats beside Chris. This first flight was three hours and fifteen minutes. The time difference in São Paulo was an hour so we arrived at 8:15 local time. We ended up waiting here until 11p.m. as the flight was delayed one hour. I thought it was so weird that they served us dinner once the flight was underway. The girls were a bit ramped up and it took a lot to get them settled down to sleep. They were sitting on either side of Chris in the middle three seats, while Enzo and I were on the right of them on the side two seats (the seat next to me was empty). Abby and Zoë actually slept pretty well, Chris and I managed to doze off and on as well. We arrived at JFK at 7:30 a.m. instead of 5:30 a.m., but Nonno Ernie and our taxi guy Dennis were waiting for us. After a visit to the bathroom, Chris and the girls went out to the mini van and Chris waved me out once Enzo's car seat was in place. I definitely didn't have it set for our big boy and made a note to switch the straps to the next slot up once we got back. Enzo didn't do too badly for his first trip in the (ill fitted) car seat and we made it to Nonno Ernie's in two hours, arriving just after 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday Nov. 4th... a 24 hour trip back home.
We waited at the airport from 11:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., when our plane departed. Luckily I found a stand that had strollers for free that you could use while in the airport including taking them through security and to your gate. Enzo slept well reclined in our stroller until we stopped moving and were waiting at the gate. There was one chair in the whole area that reclined, so I took advantage of it. Zoë and I snuggled up in it and prepared to take a snooze, then Enzo joined us shortly after. Abby slept stretched out on the seats beside Chris. This first flight was three hours and fifteen minutes. The time difference in São Paulo was an hour so we arrived at 8:15 local time. We ended up waiting here until 11p.m. as the flight was delayed one hour. I thought it was so weird that they served us dinner once the flight was underway. The girls were a bit ramped up and it took a lot to get them settled down to sleep. They were sitting on either side of Chris in the middle three seats, while Enzo and I were on the right of them on the side two seats (the seat next to me was empty). Abby and Zoë actually slept pretty well, Chris and I managed to doze off and on as well. We arrived at JFK at 7:30 a.m. instead of 5:30 a.m., but Nonno Ernie and our taxi guy Dennis were waiting for us. After a visit to the bathroom, Chris and the girls went out to the mini van and Chris waved me out once Enzo's car seat was in place. I definitely didn't have it set for our big boy and made a note to switch the straps to the next slot up once we got back. Enzo didn't do too badly for his first trip in the (ill fitted) car seat and we made it to Nonno Ernie's in two hours, arriving just after 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday Nov. 4th... a 24 hour trip back home.
Abby @ 4 years, 10 months, 19 days
Zoë @ 4 years, 10 months, 19 days
Enzo @ 1 month, 9 days News posted by Laura at 1:58 PM | Comment
November 2nd 2008
Cleaning the apartment
Today was cleaning day. Unfortunately I wasn't much help and Chris did the majority of it on his own. I did what I could with one hand, as Enzo was having a cranky day. Luckily I got a couple of things done yesterday, like dusting and getting dishes put back where they belong, and today was sweeping, mopping, laundry, dishes, and so forth. It took all day long and Chris literally only took a short break during the day and a break for dinner, but it should make tomorrow's check out easier.
Abby @ 4 years, 10 months, 18 days
Zoë @ 4 years, 10 months, 18 days
Enzo @ 1 month, 8 days News posted by Laura at 1:58 PM | Comment
November 1st 2008
Tambau Marmitas Lunch
Chris and Pedro returned from shopping just before lunch time and Chris came up to let me know that they had a taxi waiting to take us to lunch. Pedro had a place in mind, a marmitas place that he found when he was here last time. This one had a nice covered eating area with plenty of seating. It was self serve and the kids were free as long as they weren't eating meat, which was the only thing that was portion controlled. Marmitas here were R$6.99 = US$3.49 per plate.
Abby @ 4 years, 10 months, 17 days
Zoë @ 4 years, 10 months, 17 days
Enzo @ 1 month, 7 days News posted by Laura at 12:00 PM | Comment
Another trip to Hiper?
After confirming our taxi to the airport for Monday and our airline tickets, I went with Pedro to Hiper to help him with some supplies and shopping. We bought our 2 cakes for the party and some other small items for the trip home. We spent R$50 = US$25. The cakes look great, a strawberry cake and a chocolate cake. They were just as fresh as the local bakery and about 20% less expensive. We really wanted to visit the local bakery for their sweets buffet self service (R$2.99 = US$1.50 per 100g), where you can try slices of any and everything, but with all the wrap up tasks, it looks like we won't have the time. This is our last trip to Hiper on this visit, we promise.
Abby @ 4 years, 10 months, 17 days
Zoë @ 4 years, 10 months, 17 days
Enzo @ 1 month, 7 days News posted by christopher at 10:06 AM | Comment
October 31st 2008
Carrefour Shopping
After lunch, Pedro and I went shopping for his home supplies, an iron and ironing board, a juicer, a blender, detergent and some food stuff. We traveled by bus to Carrefour, which is the French owned version of Walmart. The store is conveniently located next to Hiper Bom Preço and is basically the same store. They have a produce and merchandise section just like at Hiper. Both stores seem comparable with price and stuff, although the items and sources are somewhat different. It was interesting to see the competition. It is a shame the bus terminal was at Hiper or we would have visited this store before or more frequently.
Abby @ 4 years, 10 months, 16 days
Zoë @ 4 years, 10 months, 16 days
Enzo @ 1 month, 7 days News posted by christopher at 1:46 PM | Comment
October 30th 2008
Dinner with Brazzie
Our good friend from Cambridge, Pedro, whom we usually refer to as Brazzie, arrived in João Pessoa today and met up with us this evening for a late dinner. Chris and I had been debating about what to do for dinner, thinking about ordering something in, and then Pedro called and said he'd like to meet up so we waited for him and then decided to just do something quick and close, what other than Manu's Açai. Abby and Zoë warmed up to Pedro in seconds and were non stop trying to tell him things and show him everything they could. On the way back from dinner, Zoë grabbed Pedro's hand for the walk home. With a few bites of the coxinhas Chris and I ordered, some of the large açai, and some of their bacon pizza in their bellies, the girls were ready to get drinks of water and head off to bed when we got back. The food we ordered along with the mangaba juice Pedro had came to R$16.
Abby @ 4 years, 10 months, 16 days
Zoë @ 4 years, 10 months, 16 days
Enzo @ 1 month, 7 days News posted by Laura at 8:16 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
Always nice to visit with old friends.
October 29th 2008
Afternoon Wind Down
Dave and Richard came over this afternoon to do some computer stuff with Chris. Enzo was awake and alert and showing off his baby blues, which of course brought comments of him looking like Chris. After saying hello, the kids and I went into the girls' room and played word bingo, did some math with the shells, and read a couple of books. Afterwards, Chris took the girls down to get tapiocas for dinner, as the fair just came back today.
Abby @ 4 years, 10 months, 14 days
Zoë @ 4 years, 10 months, 14 days
Enzo @ 1 month, 5 days News posted by Laura at 6:58 PM | Comment
October 28th 2008
Lazy Day
Today was a lazy day. We didn't do much of anything. The girls got to watch some cartoons while Chris was out helping with some computer stuff. We made saffron rice with the prepared chicken we bought yesterday, and both girls loved this yellow rice. In the evening after taking the girls to the roof to run around, Chris used almost all of our left over oil to fry up the rest of our potatoes. He made us skillet fries with eggs for dinner to the girls rave reviews. We were all in bed before 8 PM.
Abby @ 4 years, 10 months, 13 days
Zoë @ 4 years, 10 months, 13 days
Enzo @ 1 month, 4 days News posted by Laura at 6:53 PM | Comment
October 27th 2008
Our last Hiper Bom Preço Shopping Trip
We took a taxi to Hiper today, most likely for the last time on our vacation in Brazil. The taxi cost R$8.50 = US$4.25 going, and R$8 = US$4 coming back. We spent R$80 = US$40 this trip. We bought some prepared food for dinner when we returned home, as well as a prepared chicken for the next day. Our big purchases were the baby items, diapers R$28 = US$14 and wipes R$8 = US$4, almost half of our total cost. The prepared chicken was R$11 = US$5.50. We bought cookies for the plane ride home, watermelon quarters and a few other items that should keep us until we depart. Laura is looking forward to shopping at home, with our own car and convenience.
Abby @ 4 years, 10 months, 12 days
Zoë @ 4 years, 10 months, 12 days
Enzo @ 1 month, 3 days News posted by christopher at 4:47 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
Amen to that!!
October 26th 2008
Enzo enjoys a bath
We aren't really equipped here as much as we would like to be, so Enzo gets bathed at the kitchen sink in this green plastic bowl we bought at Hiper Bom Preço. We boil some water and then let it cool until lukewarm. He is starting to enjoy his bath times more now than before. He is more relaxed and doesn't cry during the bath. I think now that his rash is healing, he feels better soaking in the "tub". The girls are jealous, and can't wait to take a long soak in the tub when we get home.
Abby @ 4 years, 10 months, 11 days
Zoë @ 4 years, 10 months, 11 days
Enzo @ 1 month, 2 days News posted by christopher at 10:40 AM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
Bathtub happiness for ALL!!
October 25th 2008
Philipe Sanduiches
We are slowly removing all food from the apartment in preparation for our departure. Without much enthusiasm, we are going out to eat for most meals. Tonight found us at Philipe Sanduiches again. We always seem to be late for dinner. We never know what we are going to do until it is after dinner time and we have to make a quick decision. We just aren't excited about the options that are available for us here. Almost all require taking a taxi to a more expensive restaurant, where we will under appreciate the cuisine. Tonight we spent R$34.50 = US$15. We got two loaded hot dogs for the girls and a fanta to share, Laura got a Juice Cream (Capuaçu + Vanilla Icecream) Shake and a special hambuger (with pulled chicken, bacon, steak, egg, cheese, etc... everything). I ordered the Sedelano, a steak, cheese and pineapple sandwich. It was interesting that they kept the wax rind of the cheese on while melting it with the meat, very artistic, if nothing else.
Abby @ 4 years, 10 months, 10 days
Zoë @ 4 years, 10 months, 10 days
Enzo @ 1 month, 1 day News posted by christopher at 6:30 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
the hamburger sure sounds good.
We are excited to see you soon
October 24th 2008
Manu's for dinner again? again?
Yeah we are lazy creatures of habit, and growing into disgusting fat Americans, or so it seems when we order food at Manu's. Manu's is the simplest we can do for dinner. It is such a short walk, and the prices are inexpensive comparative to other options available for us. This is so out of character for us, as we would never allow so much junk food at home, not just because of the cost and wasted money, but the nutritional value of the food is borderline nil.
Here is what we bought:
1 Large Tigela de Açai Completa R$7.50 = US$3.26
2 Coxinha de Frango (small Chicken Bomb) R$1.70 = US$0.74 EACH
1 Coxão (large Chicken Bomb) R$3.00 = US$1.30
1 Cheese Burger R$3.00 = US$1.30
1 Pizza Portuguesa (small plate size - single serving) R$3.60 = US$1.56
It is depressing to see people looking for food in trash when you are going out to eat. I asked Laura if she would mind if I bought the guy some food, and she said, you never know if the person is crazy or not, so I didn't invite him to join us, that was last time. This time, while walking there, we saw teams of people looking through the trash. Kids and parents, and double mule cart teams. When we sat down, some local kids and adult teams were pan handling. Laura always get attention with the baby, and they use that to start talking to you. I didn't understand much of what they said, but understood that they wanted food or money to buy food. We didn't have to do much, as the waiter and a customer who overheard the girls English, mention to them that we don't speak or understand Portuguese. After an awkward 5 minutes or so of them hovering around our table, they finally left. But ordering all that food for 4 people, which the girls devoured, left me feeling like a spoiled fat and lazy American. The total was R$20.50 = US$8.91.
I would have loved to photograph some of these food items, the location, the experience and place, but we don't dare take the camera out and attract attention, especially at night, which is a shame, as there is so much to experience and document.
Here is what we bought:
1 Large Tigela de Açai Completa R$7.50 = US$3.26
2 Coxinha de Frango (small Chicken Bomb) R$1.70 = US$0.74 EACH
1 Coxão (large Chicken Bomb) R$3.00 = US$1.30
1 Cheese Burger R$3.00 = US$1.30
1 Pizza Portuguesa (small plate size - single serving) R$3.60 = US$1.56
It is depressing to see people looking for food in trash when you are going out to eat. I asked Laura if she would mind if I bought the guy some food, and she said, you never know if the person is crazy or not, so I didn't invite him to join us, that was last time. This time, while walking there, we saw teams of people looking through the trash. Kids and parents, and double mule cart teams. When we sat down, some local kids and adult teams were pan handling. Laura always get attention with the baby, and they use that to start talking to you. I didn't understand much of what they said, but understood that they wanted food or money to buy food. We didn't have to do much, as the waiter and a customer who overheard the girls English, mention to them that we don't speak or understand Portuguese. After an awkward 5 minutes or so of them hovering around our table, they finally left. But ordering all that food for 4 people, which the girls devoured, left me feeling like a spoiled fat and lazy American. The total was R$20.50 = US$8.91.
I would have loved to photograph some of these food items, the location, the experience and place, but we don't dare take the camera out and attract attention, especially at night, which is a shame, as there is so much to experience and document.
Abby @ 4 years, 10 months, 9 days
Zoë @ 4 years, 10 months, 9 days
Enzo @ 1 month News posted by christopher at 6:49 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
You are going to miss all your eating outs when you get back.....more green smoothies coming up!!
One Month Old
It seems like I was just doing an entry about Enzo being one week old and now here he's already a month! It's odd how it can seem like just yesterday I was getting to know him in the hospital, but at the same time how it can feel like a lifetime ago, as if he's always been here.
Enzo is just now beginning to be awake more during the day and if last night is any indication, he might be ready to give up his boycott of sleeping at night. Day time eating times are out with everyone being lively and we chat with Enzo, while night time is kept dark and uninteresting. It's not that Enzo is awake and ready to interact, he just has a hard time with gas which doesn't make for good sleep. Last night he had one three hour stretch of sleep and a two hour stretch of sleep, and then was up more frequently after that, but those stretches of sleep sure were nice. Sometimes Enzo's sleep is restless, due to the belly issues, but hopefully once his digestive tract matures more, this will get better. Also I think that once we're back home and I'm eating more greens as well as fruits and veggies, and less of the fried and junk foods we've been having here, that should help. It is great to see him awake more often. Abby and Zoë love it when he stares at them. Sometimes they'll go get a playing card or something for him to focus on while he's getting his diaper changed and they love it when the object keeps his attention and they rave about how they kept him happy. The only think about awake time here without a bouncy seat or something of the sort, it pretty much means me holding him upright so that he can check things out. He's really strengthening his neck muscles as well as his chest and arm muscles though.
I think that Enzo is going to be a cuddler. I know that all infants like to be held, it's logical that this would be their preference, but Enzo has some extra snuggle habits. Sometimes when I pick him up or move him from cradling to upright, he'll grab both hands and arms around my neck as if he's hugging me. Also, he likes to hold things tightly to his body, even if it's not me. When he's having a diaper change, I'll put the burp rag by his arm and he'll grab it it and hug it tight to his body the whole change. He also likes to reach out and grab my shirt and clutch it to himself either while he's eating or when he's lying next to me in the bed. It could just be my wishful thinking of wanting a cuddly little boy who likes to snuggle his Mommy, but I think he's going to be a love bug.
As far as physical changes go, he's starting to lose his hair now. Just like the girls, he's losing it on tip, while the back and sides still have dark long locks. Chris keeps saying how much Enzo's face has changed, already making him look older. And needless to say, he certainly has grown. While for the girls coming to Brazil has been an adventure, for Enzo the adventure will be going home for the first time. We're wondering what Enzo's reaction to things will be, like the plane ride, being buckled in to his car seat for the first time, hence not being able to just nurse while driving down the road, sleeping in his playpen, sitting in his rocker and having tummy time on something a bit more interesting than the orange couch cover. And of course, meeting all of the friends and family who have eagerly been waiting to spend some time with him.
Enzo is just now beginning to be awake more during the day and if last night is any indication, he might be ready to give up his boycott of sleeping at night. Day time eating times are out with everyone being lively and we chat with Enzo, while night time is kept dark and uninteresting. It's not that Enzo is awake and ready to interact, he just has a hard time with gas which doesn't make for good sleep. Last night he had one three hour stretch of sleep and a two hour stretch of sleep, and then was up more frequently after that, but those stretches of sleep sure were nice. Sometimes Enzo's sleep is restless, due to the belly issues, but hopefully once his digestive tract matures more, this will get better. Also I think that once we're back home and I'm eating more greens as well as fruits and veggies, and less of the fried and junk foods we've been having here, that should help. It is great to see him awake more often. Abby and Zoë love it when he stares at them. Sometimes they'll go get a playing card or something for him to focus on while he's getting his diaper changed and they love it when the object keeps his attention and they rave about how they kept him happy. The only think about awake time here without a bouncy seat or something of the sort, it pretty much means me holding him upright so that he can check things out. He's really strengthening his neck muscles as well as his chest and arm muscles though.
I think that Enzo is going to be a cuddler. I know that all infants like to be held, it's logical that this would be their preference, but Enzo has some extra snuggle habits. Sometimes when I pick him up or move him from cradling to upright, he'll grab both hands and arms around my neck as if he's hugging me. Also, he likes to hold things tightly to his body, even if it's not me. When he's having a diaper change, I'll put the burp rag by his arm and he'll grab it it and hug it tight to his body the whole change. He also likes to reach out and grab my shirt and clutch it to himself either while he's eating or when he's lying next to me in the bed. It could just be my wishful thinking of wanting a cuddly little boy who likes to snuggle his Mommy, but I think he's going to be a love bug.
As far as physical changes go, he's starting to lose his hair now. Just like the girls, he's losing it on tip, while the back and sides still have dark long locks. Chris keeps saying how much Enzo's face has changed, already making him look older. And needless to say, he certainly has grown. While for the girls coming to Brazil has been an adventure, for Enzo the adventure will be going home for the first time. We're wondering what Enzo's reaction to things will be, like the plane ride, being buckled in to his car seat for the first time, hence not being able to just nurse while driving down the road, sleeping in his playpen, sitting in his rocker and having tummy time on something a bit more interesting than the orange couch cover. And of course, meeting all of the friends and family who have eagerly been waiting to spend some time with him.
Abby @ 4 years, 10 months, 9 days
Zoë @ 4 years, 10 months, 9 days
Enzo @ 1 month News posted by Laura at 6:01 AM | Comments ( 2 )
Comments:
Enzo is beautiful. can't wait to see him and all of you
I know a month old already...time sure is flying by!! Love you Enzo, Nino!! xxoo
October 22nd 2008
Braces Installment Complete
Irene called this morning as we were getting ready to go to my appointment to tell me that Dr. Andrea wanted to reschedule and said that she'd phone when she had another appointment for me. I was really bummed because I just wanted to get this part over with and let my mouth get back to where I can actually chew things again. This afternoon at about 2:30 Irene called again to say that they were ready for me to go in and had time for me right then. Unfortunately Chris was getting ready to go help Michael with some computer stuff, which meant there would be no one to hold the baby for me. Reluctantly we told Irene that I wouldn't be able to make it today and that we'd have to take the alternate appointment on Friday. As soon as I hung up however, Michael called to say that he had to do something else and wouldn't be picking Chris up after all. I immediately called Irene back and told her of the change and she said that she'd let the office know and they'd be expecting me so we hurried the girls along with snack and got out the door.
This is just how it is here. Everything is short notice and last minute and even if you have an appointment it doesn't mean you're actually the only one who was told to come in then, and it's just a waiting game, that's if you're not told last minute that you just shouldn't come at all. When we got there, there was already a woman sitting there waiting but then I got called in next. While I am a big fan of women with small children receiving preferential treatment, I felt badly for cutting in line. Just before Dr. Andrea began working on me, I heard Enzo fussing and beginning to cry so we decided that I would go feed him while she saw the other patient, who it turned out only needed a quick consultation. My turn went quickly and I thanked Dr. Andrea and we were on our way.
We went to the food court and hung out for a bit to kill some time since it was approaching dinner time. We then ordered a large vegetarian pizza R$22.50 = US$11.25 and afterwords went downstairs, where I got a milk shake and the girls got churros R$1.50 = US$0.75 before getting a taxi home R$6 = US$3.
This is just how it is here. Everything is short notice and last minute and even if you have an appointment it doesn't mean you're actually the only one who was told to come in then, and it's just a waiting game, that's if you're not told last minute that you just shouldn't come at all. When we got there, there was already a woman sitting there waiting but then I got called in next. While I am a big fan of women with small children receiving preferential treatment, I felt badly for cutting in line. Just before Dr. Andrea began working on me, I heard Enzo fussing and beginning to cry so we decided that I would go feed him while she saw the other patient, who it turned out only needed a quick consultation. My turn went quickly and I thanked Dr. Andrea and we were on our way.
We went to the food court and hung out for a bit to kill some time since it was approaching dinner time. We then ordered a large vegetarian pizza R$22.50 = US$11.25 and afterwords went downstairs, where I got a milk shake and the girls got churros R$1.50 = US$0.75 before getting a taxi home R$6 = US$3.
Abby @ 4 years, 10 months, 7 days
Zoë @ 4 years, 10 months, 7 days
Enzo @ 28 days News posted by Laura at 5:54 PM | Comment
