March Madness

Kyle and I purchased new computers recently, and to get the GM discount for both my Macbook and his Dell, we had to ship to the US. Ok, no problem, can't be that hard to ship to Germany, right? We began to learn about the cost of shipping (not to mention the many, many methods available) both machines as well as their accessories: Forms, customs declarations and insurance--oh my!

Kyle turned to me, "Do you have an interest in taking Natey to the US for a brief visit?"

And that's how our unexpected trip to the States this March happened. We used our miles so the trip was "free," and Natey and I (and my RAGING first trimester) got a reprieve from our seemingly never-ending temporary living situations. 

It was a win-win: Kyle got to really sink his teeth into his new work situation without worrying about being home in time for Nate's bath, and we got to visit family, celebrate my birthday, my mom's birthday and watch NCAA basketball. Go Blue!

Jess decided to surprise her girls--they had no idea we were making the trip, and the looks on their faces were priceless!

Surprise!

Surprise!

Reunited!

My 38th birthday cake (I was expecting spring. I was wrong. So, I had to rock the Granholm fleece)

On St. Patrick's Day Sunday, we watched basketball and had some fun around the house before I left to see Michelle, Luke, Graham and Cece for Graham's third birthday! I had to eat my cake and run, though, because we had a big family dinner of corned beef and cabbage in DeWitt. Sorry for my brief appearance, Michelle!

Hadi clearly has the luck o' the Irish

A litte St. Patrick's Day fun

Graham and Michelle Tobin at Graham's third birthday party--Make a wish!

All hail the power of the iPad

On Tuesday, March 19, I had my doc appointment in Royal Oak and afterward was able to stop in Northville (thanks for taking the detour, Hadi) to meet many of my Seoul friends that have repatriated to Michigan in the last year or so. It was so nice to see them and even more fun to say, "I didn't bring pics of Natey, but I have this new picture..." as I showed them the ultrasound! Thanks for hosting a great lunch, Carla!

L to R: Carla Thomas, Dorie Maugh, Leslie Madden, me and Susan Farrar

Most of the Crockett family joined us for my birthday dinner and we got together several other times for some food and fun. 

Natey and Grandpa doing a balancing act

Natey showing off his dance moves for Nana :)

Natey and Claire: Two peas in a pod!

A big thanks to everybody on both sides of the family--we appreciate them taking time away from their lives to spend some time hanging out with Nathan and me!

An after-bath cuddle

Thin Mint + Good Book with Gram = Smiley Boy

Close examination of the pop-up book with Gram

:)sbc

When September Ends

Living abroad for a finite amount of time lends itself to a lifestyle in which it helps--when you are feeling far away--to mark dates and events to anticipate. It kind of keeps you going when you need a boost.  

But, I try very hard--I mean, I really make a conscious effort--to not always count toward things that have to do with leaving my current expat location or coming home to visit.  

And don't get me wrong, I love the expat experience. The things Nate, Kyle and I have done and seen and the places we've traveled are awesome. I mean, a 21 month old with passport stamps like China, US, Vietnam, Japan (ok, that was a layover), Bali (ok, that was in utero) and Germany, how can I really feel blue!? 

I do have moments where I miss home so much that I can't see straight. I have learned to acknowledge these moments and move on. No biggie. It's alright to cry.

When I came across the cards from my bachelorette party with everyone's favorite memories, I had a good cry on the edge of the bathtub and moved on.  When I saw Jessica's girls on skype and they look like different people and have grown an inch, I swallowed hard and smiled.  When my family emailed me the video of their drive past my lonely tree on the way to the cottage--well--that one was worth a good sob in Kyle's arms, actually.

I treat missing home like a mosquito bite:  Don't itch it.  Ignore it until the sting goes away.  But sometimes you brush against it and it stops you in your tracks.

So I have lots of countdowns to inspire me to focus on all the good stuff. Like:

XX weeks until we move into the Königstein house and make it our home
XX weeks until we start our European travels (Italy, Spain, Greece...yes, please!)
XX weeks until we come to the States for a summer visit
XX weeks until Nathan turns two
XX weeks until College Football starts
XX weeks until Opening Day (right around the corner now!)
XX weeks until Christmas

Of course, the key is to keep the list interesting, adding new things as older ones pass.  Events recently retired from the list include the number of days until we leave Korea and relocate to Germany; and--very exciting--the number of days until Natey and I get to see the Bupp and Crockett extended families on an unexpected March Madness visit to Michigan.

Kyle and I learned we have something new to add to my list of things to count down:

XX days until the arrival of Baby C, Junior.  Nathan is going to be a big brother!

True story.

Baby C, Junior, coming September 2013 :)

:)sbc