Finally Friends

At long last, Pete has acknowledged--and even taken a slight interest in--Nathan.

:) sbc

Just "Half" to Tell You

On November 28, we hit six month mark! 

I can't believe it has been half a year since we met Nathy-bean (Sage's nickname for him on Skype today) and held him in our arms. 

I am a big believer in celebrating half birthdays, plus, it turns out many privileges come with turning 1/2 year. Some examples:

You get your first tooth.

At six months, you get to make reservations with the two Mrs. Kims at Seoul Club. They love Nathan and I can access the "kids club channel" from my treadmill. When I tuned in, I saw Nathan on a pillow, surrounded by the two Mrs. Kims and some other women all fawning over him with rattles and toys. Hilarious. 

++Check back for photo++

(I had to cancel the reservation that was going to result in a cute photo. I forgot my workout bag and by the time I got back home it was afternoon naptime and I was relegated to the damn stairmaster...anyhoo)

You get to be in the big bath tub.

Must...get...Ducky 

Relaxing

You get to go to Pampered Chef parties.

Jessica, Stephanie, Nathan and Dani

 You get to have bananacado (smashed bananas and avocados--yum!).

Cheeks, Natey Wi, Nate-Dogg, Nate, N-Dub...call him what you like, but he's on his way to lucky-number-seven (months)!

:)sbc

Friday Just 'Four' Fun

Here are four of my favorite people to help you get into the Holiday spirit!

Sophie, Sage, Sami & Nathan

Here's the link if you are having troddle (trouble):
http://sendables.jibjab.com/view/agIAgFETkAN1S5rq?cmpid=jj_fb_self_holidays

:) sbc

ps--credit to Jess Allen for Jib Jab

Give Peas a Chance

It didn't feel like Thanksgiving here--it was just another Thursday, but it was sunny and clear and beautiful.  We'll be celebrating Thanksgiving on Saturday with friends and some American soldiers. Can't wait!

Nathan and I did some errands, had an on-the-go-skype with my mom and dad and went on a lunch date to the Seoul Club.

But I couldn't let the day go by without some sort of special meal--it is Nathan's first Thanksgiving after all--so he was introduced to sweet peas. It's not exactly turkey and stuffing, but it will do!

I am just plain thankful--for everyone and everything in our lives.  Happy Thanksgiving one and all!

:) sbc

My Mom's Favorite Day

It is Wednesday night in Seoul.  The Wednesday before Thanksgiving is my mom's favorite day of the year, and I have been thinking about her all day.  I think my mom loves it for the same reason I like Memorial Day: it's the excitement that comes with the beginning of something--the beginning of summer, the beginning of the Holiday Season--it's all so exciting!

Sage, Sophie, Sami

If I lived in the US, I would most likely be hustling over to my mom and dad's and begging Kyle to leave work already, asking him to meet us there.  I can feel the winter chill in the air and the rush of warmth when I open the front door to my nieces (left) exclaiming, "SHELLLLBBBYYYYY!!!"  I can smell the chili cooking on the stove.  I can see the fireplace lighting up the living room.  I can hear my family and Dave and Lynn chatting, making good use of the bar, planning euchre games and trying to remember why we can't have our spouse as a partner. (And eventually someone saying, "Why don't we play a game we can all play?")

This year will be different. Gram and Beepa's house will be quiet on Wednesday night, as the usual cast is dispersed this year. I thought it would make me miss them less, but I am finding that I am having a harder time with Thanksgiving this year than last.

But soon, very soon--like 24 sleeps soon--we will be in the States.  For that I am very thankful.  And I am looking for a euchre partner.

:)sbc

And Twice on Tuesday

On this Tuesday of Thanksgiving Week, we are thankful for two things:

1. We are back to two naps!  Tuesday, Natey Wi took two naps and is officially back to his normal schedule and his normal self! 

2. We received a care package from the Allens! It contained two letters from Sophie, two kinds of baby vegetables, two-toned baby spoons and rice cereal! Just too cute! Thank you, Allen family!

NWC

:)sbc

Breathe In, Breathe Out

It's Monday and that means I get to start my week out like this:

Yoga!

During meditation, Katja reminded us that, in the States, they'll be celebrating Thanksgiving this week. She asked us to pause with each exhale and focus on something that makes us grateful.

Inhale, sit up tall, shoulders down, chin parallel to the floor, eyes closed, face relaxed.

Exhale. Give thanks.

Nathan
Kyle
Mom
Dad
Hadi
Jess
Tom
Matt
Lonnie
Kristen
Sophie
Sage
Sami
Anneke
Jay
Schuyler
Sydney
Brady
Sandy
Phil
Kimmy
Kendall
Carlos
Laura
Claire
Corey
Lexi
Joseph
Pete

Kevin

Annie

Maddie
Gabriel
Ava

And that was just my first breath.

Happy Thanksgiving week!

:)sbc