Signs of Spring

One of the delis we frequent (where they always give Natey a little sample of meat or sausage, so cute, "For the baby...") is next to a very quaint flower shop. I love how they are encouraging spring to make her debut...

Come on, spring!

:) sbc

 

While You Were Sleeping

Because we knew we were moving, we didn't go crazy with Nathan's Christmas gifts, instead deciding to wait until we arrived in Germany to repopulate his toy collection that would be waylaid in the sea shipment. A good idea, turns out, as we won't have access to our house (and thus our sea shipment) until early April.

So, while Natey was sleeping in the afternoon, Kyle went exploring and came back with Nathan's first Lego set and some additions to his beloved animal collection. They were very well received. Nice shopping, Daddy!

Choo-choo!

New animals for his expanding kingdom

"Frraaain!" (Train)

Happy bed-headed boy

:) sbc

 

New Year, New Continent, New Country

It’s been a whirlwind (and, I think a tornado, tsunami and flashflood)—I don’t know if we’re coming or going. Usually, I find it’s both!

Late January

I was on the phone with my mom when I realized just what a really lucky girl I am.  I was recalling a conversation I just had with a friend, “Mom, who says, ‘My dad is meeting us in Europe so he can help take care of our son so we can more easily go house hunting and school searching?  I guess I do.’ ”

That summed up my life at the moment.  Crazy.  And how nice of Beepa to join us for a trip not really designed for fun?  We are just so lucky—thanks, Beepa.  The schedule wasn’t nearly the week long, wall-to-wall itinerary we were led through on our Seoul look-see, which at first was strange, but then we realized that it was because this was a more western culture (a lot less to explain).  Mostly, we made discoveries, found a suitable house and it was really great to see my dad.

Early February

We returned to Seoul for a lot of lasts—last American Women’s Club Board meeting, last Seoul International Women’s Club Board Meeting, some farewell coffees, lunches, mani-pedis and dinner parties.

Kyle’s team gave him several very thoughtful gifts, including a custom engraved plaque that had a very sentimental message about what a great, inspiring leader he has been. I would quote it directly, but it is in our air shipment which is not here yet. 

Anyway, it was sad to say our collective goodbyes, as I am very fond of Seoul and I think it is one of the most undersold expat “assignments” that a person can have.  I think this is partly because, as my sister Jess pointed out, it is where the next chapter of my life unfolded—all great things—newlywed years, pregnancy, parenthood, traveling. 

On our final day in the house, we sent Pete to camp for one, last vacation with Mr. Kim and he will fly to meet us when our house is ready. Picture me as my dog left, petting him profusely and telling him I loved him and to have a safe flight (hehehe, that just sounds hilarious to tell your pup to fly safe), but he was just too excited to go with Mr. Kim to listen J.

February 17

On February 17 my parents celebrated 45 years of marriage.  Happy, happy anniversary Mom and Dad.  I am sorry there was no card from us and we could only congratulate you via phone (of course once I got my days straight, thanks to you!)  We love you!

Late February

So, after our third, 11-hour flight in 25 days, here we are in Germany.  They “lost” our stroller at the gate upon landing, which added a cool hour to our arrival scavenger hunt.

Our relocation agent gave us the wrong address to our temporary apartment (Oh, I didn’t tell you that our house won’t be ready until between March 31 and April 10?), so our family and our overstuffed luggage had to execute the correction on foot. Good times. 

But that part is over, and we are in a spacious, nice apartment in Frankfurt’s desirable Westend. A great many things are within walking distance and we are happily settling in and discovering our neighborhood. The first two days were cold but very sunny, which was a nice change from the constant grey and rain that greeted us the entire week of our look-see.

Nathan is adapting nicely and is fascinated by all the bikes, “Biiikeee! Vvvvrrroooom!” and Kyle is off getting his GM-issued vehicle as we speak, so that should also make life a little easier, too.  Lots to do and lots to learn!

:)sbc