a bit of news

Just a quick update, to keep you fully in the loop - and fully praying.

Dexter got his visa interview pushed up to October 4 (that's next Tuesady!).  Aaaannnd...he heard from Louisville saying that he will hear by the end of next week if he's going to be invited for an interview. 

This is major progress.  And major excitement.

And clear evidence, to me, that your prayers are working overtime.  So please don't stop.

We can't thank you enough for walking with us in this journey.

first food

Kyalo has been an exclusively breastfed baby. No formula, water, or even bottled breast milk to date.  My hope and plan had been to go right from breast milk to real food (not purees and such) to something called "Baby Led Weaning." I've been reading the book about it and am intrigued and hopeful that it could work, and could create an adventurous eater.  I think it sounds like it could ultimately be easier and more enjoyable for all of us, but it does also sound a bit messier! 

But, the best laid plans are often tossed aside.  Yesterday it just seemed like he was not interested in eating and lately he's been so distracted (hello, turning pages of a book), and so I dug out the rice cereal that my mom brought with her in April and gave it a try.

It was actually more fun than I would have imagined giving him some real food.  He quickly took over the process, as you'll see in the photos.  But letting him do it is all a part of BLW.  Now, if only I had thought to strip him down to his diaper, or at least...at least had put a bib on him! Geesh.  One of these days I'll get my act together.

(check out Dexter's face in the middle photo-he's a little excited)

Overall, it was a good experience...

thinking about it...

no thank you

So, I wouldn't say he's begging for more. I think I might give him one bowful a day between now and next week. On Monday he turns six months (!!!!) and we can start things in earnest (after I've been to the grocery store. This week things are a little thin).

After that fun experience, it was into the bath to get cleaned up.  Into the kitchen sink he went (yes, really).

the boy loves his bath!

it is always nice to relax in the tub with a good book

chomp chomp

He has this cute little nose crinkle thing he's working on. It could just be because he's got a cold and he's a bit stuffy. But I love it.  

C'mon, don't you think it is precious? Or is it just me?

And lastly, Kyalo would like to tell you that it is not a good idea to drink the bath water. (He got to it before we could stop him).  Because it could result in this:

 

poor guy

It was a big evening for the little guy!

overwhelmed yet hopeful

Things seem to be coming together for the green card application and process.  Forms are (mostly) filled out, documents gathered, copies made, etc.  I'm trying to go over board with what we provide them, figuring we can't have too much information to prove our relationship and its history.  We have an appointment scheduled for the visa for October 31st.  This is a start, but obviously it means we would miss the interviews for UMDNJ on the 17th & 18th.  And, Buffalo needs to know by the 31st if he'll be coming for the interview and clinical exam, and an exam fee needs to be paid by the 31st, so...that'd be cutting it very very close.

We're going to try to get an expedited visa appointment.  Ideally, this would be for sometime next week.  Before we can do that, though, they need to fix the error in our surname.  The woman who scheduled the appointment yesterday wrote his name as MulanBi.  Small detail.  Nothing is ever easy, is it?

Even though we're still wading through this, after several conversations with friends and family who've gone through this process as well as talking to someone in the Embassy, I feel much better.  Filling out all this paperwork makes me feel...dumb.  I mean seriously, the forms are so complicated and confusing. English is my first language, and the forms and their directions still lose me!  I can't imagine what it must be like to do this if English is your third or fourth language!

I will be glad when this whole process is over, and I can file away all this paperwork, and take a break...before moving on to things like finding scholarships and financial aid for school. Whew.

Thank you for your prayers!  They are working!  And pray with us now that we can get the appointment earlier, and that all the documents are in good order. 

We'll keep you posted.

little helper

It is nice to have a little buddy around to help with various household chores.  Kyalo's usually in the kitchen with me as I'm making lunch, dinner, or cookies, and I carry him around the house as I pick up.  I like to consider this his way of helping. And some day he'll be doing some of these things on his own.  But my favorite is to take him outside in the stroller or his little chair as I hang or take down laundry.  This week, I was too lazy to put him in the stroller, so I just threw him in the laundry basket.  He seemed to enjoy it.  In fact, I think he prefers to be outside most of all. Whenever we go outside he calms right down.  Thankfully the warm days are coming to Kijabe, so I don't mind obliging him.

enjoying the wind in his hair

 I love this little smirk. I'm sorry he's in the shadows a bit -- I didn't realize

He's beginning to teethe which has made him a little cranky the past few days. I'll be glad when a tooth or two pops through the gums and the pain subsides!  I'll miss his toothless smiles, but progress had to come. . . He's our happy, lovable guy and we love him even when he's a little cranky!

another life update

I've mentioned before that we've been mired in paperwork...for Kyalo's birth certificate and then passport, school applications for Dexter, Green Card application for Dexter, and so on. It feels unending...but, I do think we're beginning to see the light at the end of a very long tunnel.

We have applied to five schools and two of them have responded in the last few days inviting Dexter to an in-person interview as well as clinical test of his dental skills.  This is very exciting, and we would like you to rejoice with us! (We never got this far in our previous application process, so it is very encouraging for us).

But, there's still a LOT of uncertainty and a lot to do.  The first set of interviews, at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (in Newark), is October 17 &18, and the second set, at SUNY-Buffalo is in November. 

Here's the rub.  We don't have the green card or any visa for Dexter to actually travel to the US.  Oh, and he's supposed to let UMDNJ know TODAY if he's coming to the interview! Yikes.  We're almost done with the gathering of documents for the application and then can schedule an appointment.  Will you please pray with us that Dexter can get an appointment at the US Embassy very quickly (next week?) and that he can get to these interviews.  After all the effort we've put into the school process it would be a shame to be unable to continue because of a visa issue.

So. Schools in 2012.  We have a greater glimmer of hope and that's exciting.  UMDNJ starts in March and Buffalo starts in June.  Selfishly, I prefer Buffalo because of the later start date.  I love Kijabe and still feel like we're getting settled back into things here.  Leaving once again will be very hard.  BUT. I know that leaving for Dexter to go to school is absolutely, without a doubt the right thing to do.  And, I know that God will take us to the right school for us, no matter what the start date.  Knowing those things doesn't make the possibility of leaving any easier though. 

Here are the things we'd like you to pray for, if you don't mind me asking...for an expedited appointment date at the embassy and quick approval of the green card.  For acceptance into one of the five dental schools.  For wise financial choices in the coming weeks and months.  For clarity of mind as we have a lot of decisions to make in the next few days and weeks.  And for peace about whatever happens. 

Thank you!

Here's a photo of Dexter and Kyalo as a reward for getting through this long-winded post.  It is the best of the bunch from that day...Kyalo's recently discovered how fun it is to pull hair, and most of the pictures Dexter looks rather tortured. :) 

found photos

Just a quick update...I found these pictures in my camera that I completely forgot about.  They're too sweet not to share.  The last photos from our time in the US!

 {happy}

 {curious}

 {love}

And this is proof that Kyalo got a bath or two while we were home.  Love his expression in the last photo with Grandma.  So much love!

picnic in portland

I have one more California story to share, mostly because I want to remember this moment of my stellar mothering skills.  The first night we were there the hotel's fire alarm went off not long after we'd all gone to bed.  This alarm includes a screeching siren blaring and a strobe light-like light flashing on and off (we assume this if for deaf folks. It is a presence!).  I did what any rational mother would do in the face of such adversity: I buried my head under my pillows and pulled the covers over me.  Win!  Realizing that this was probably not the best solution, I jumped out of bed and scooped up Kyalo (who was still asleep, amazingly) and asked my parents what we should do.  Fortunately, we'd been given the all-clear signal so didn't have to go outside in our jammies.  I think this guarantees me Mother of the Year 2011!

Moving on.

After we traveled home in a convoluted manner thanks to Irene, (LA to Phoenix to Baltimore -- where we slept for five hours in the middle of the night -- to Boston) we quickly recovered and moved on with our plans. Time was running out! 

It was important to see some dear family friends, Judy & Neil.  I've known them forever. They're some of my parents' friends who have become my friends as well. I feel rich in the community that surrounds me.  Judy & Neil live waaay up in Maine, and so we met about half way for each of us in Portalnd for a picnic in a park.  It was a perfect summer day, and we had a great time.  Most important, of course, was introducing them to Kyalo.

picnic spread. yum.

 meeting Judy. I think he likes her!

 

This New England boy needs to represent with a lobstah! Thanks Auntie Judy & Uncle Neil :)

 he came around to the Bumbo (and here he is, using cousin Campion's gift again)

Judy, Neil, Kyalo, Dad & Mom

I love this photo. Of course, no one is looking at the camera, but the love that shines through from both Judy & Neil is so precious to me.  It is so wonderful that people who have loved me and shaped me as I've grown are now showering that same love on to my son.  We may not see people as often as I would like, but Kyalo will always know he is loved the world over!

My one regret from the day is that I didn't get a photo of me with them.  I guess we'll just make that happen next time.

Thanks, Judy & Neil for a wonderful day.

that's a wrap

Dare I try another post?  I do! We'll see how long it takes to wrap up photos from California. 

Without further ado, I bring you more photos of the family.

Caroline especially loves Kyalo.  She was always eager to hold him, play with him, entertain him, etc. As you can see in the photo above, she fell asleep with her hand on him on the way home from the hotel.  So sweet! She's four years older than he is, but I suspect they'll be friends.

Adam and Noelle went to a murder mystery type dinner and had to dress as a part of a high school homecoming court.  In the second shot they are doing the standard prom pose. What a cute little couple!

Kyalo doesn't seem like he was in the mod for smiling.  I love the picture here of Campion, Caroline & Abby.  Such happiness and love.  I hope that Kylo love his sibling(s) as much as the Mering kids all love each other!

And...I think that finally wraps up California. Phew.  I think I may have one more post from the US to come, then we can get to the current happenings of Kijabe...if I can find any!

Mering Family Photos

We're still recapping the time in the States, which is a good thing since the only thing happening here in Kijabe is laundry, unpacking, and getting over jet lag.  The only things of note are that on Monday Kyalo had a full roll over! He's really on a roll, now. (Sorry, couldn't resist).  On Tuesday he was weighed and measured:  7.6 kgs/16.75 pounds and 63 cms/24.8 inches.  I feel like he's gone on a major growth spurt lately. All his 3-6 month outfits are far too short.  They don't do percentiles here in Kenya, but at least I know he's doing the right thing - growing! :)

So, back in California.  Our time there was extended a couple of nights thanks to Irene. The extra time meant more time in the pool, and more family time.  I was glad for Kyalo to get some extra time with his cousins.

With five kids in my brother's family, I just never know if things are going to go as planned. I was pleasantly surprised that we were able to get in a rather spontaneous family photo shoot!

:sisters:

Jack, Campion, Vivienne, Noelle, Adam, Caroline, Abby

{and one more girl on the way}

that's one good looking family, if I do say so myself!

Caroline, showing off her lion costume 

It is better not to ask. . .

:cousins:

 :Happy Grandparents:

{Kyalo looks like he's had it with the picture taking}

(and yes, it is very hard to get that many people to look and smile at the camera simultaneously)

{the original Merings}

If you aren't tired of all the photos, I still have a few more CA pics to post.  But, I'm back to S.L.O.W internet, so it isn't going to happen today.  This post has already taken two days.  Geesh.

the palms

We're home now in Kenya after a rather uneventful, and thankfully, smooth trip. No delayed flights, no missing baggage, no nasty customs situation here in Kenya. A win all around!  Except that we're dealing with jetlag in a major way. Last night, Kyalo didn't really sleep until 4 am. Tonight he has slept three hours, but now, at 1:30, is ready to play.  So, while he does that, I thought I'd recap more of the trip to California.

That trip already feels so long ago!

Silvio, a former co-worker of my mom's just recently moved to the Santa Barbara area to start a job at Westmont College, so it was only natural to meet up.  Adam suggested The Palms in a nearby town, a place where you can cook your own meat.  It was a fun place to go, but not necessarily ideal for catching up with friends or taking a baby. All the noises scared Kyalo, and so we spent a lot of time taking turns outside with him.

Other than that, we had a great time!

 don't mess with my meat, man!

 Mom & Silvio

 Mom, Silvio, & his mom, Nellie

 Adam and Noelle {gorgeous}

the family, including Mering grandbaby #6, due in January! :)

Well, it is now 2:30, and try as I might, I have not been able to get the little guy to sleep. He's happily kicking on the floor looking rather wide awake, so I think it is time to call in Papa to get the job done!  More California stories to come!

new friends

As I mentioned, my friends Matt & Erica are here with their 4 1/2 month old son. It has been so fun to see them again after a year, and to meet their new little guy (who, is, in fact, little - he's tall and lean, compared to Kyalo's short and stocky).  But it has been especially sweet to introduce our boys.  They don't really know what to do with each other, but it has been fun to watch them trying to figure it all out.  I look forward to our next visit (next year?) when they are a bit older and can toddle around together. 

Could two boys look more different?

They promptly stuffed their hands in each others' mouth, and Bo even took a nibble at Kyalo's feet, so I think that must mean they'll be friends for life. 

And here we are!  There is, of course, an empty space next to Matt where Dexter should be. It hasn't been the same without him.  I hope to never do this long trip to the US without him.  If it weren't so important for Kyalo to meet my family, I probably wouldn't have.  Plus, I really did need to get cheese.

Anyway.  It has been great to be with Matt & Erica, to show them a bit of our area (Matt had never been this way before).  They're exploring Boston right now, and then we'll have Lobstah Rolls for dinner on my parents' porch overlooking the Essex River.  It is pretty idyllic.

I leave Tuesday night for Kenya.  I'm not too excited to get on more planes, but I am excited to be home. 

five months

We interrupt this regularly scheduled programming (more recaps of California and our vacation in general) to bring to you these photos of our little guy on his fifth month birthday.

 {serious}

Kyalo is generally a happy guy.  He can be quite content to lay on his back and kick and squeal for a while. The only trouble we seem to have is at bed time -- it is a huge battle, and I've yet to get him to sleep through the night. Oh, for seven hours! 

Our time in the US is winding down, and the house is overrun with my packing process.  In addition to packing, I'm hosting friends Matt & Erica, who drove up from Long Island.  Their son, Bo, is just 2 1/2 weeks younger than Kyalo.  Even though Dexter couldn't come on this trip, they wanted to come up and meet Kyalo.  It has been great to see them again after a year. Certainly much has changed in our lives!  We sent them off to Fenway to a Red Sox game. The Sox were kind enough to have an exciting game, and a win, for them.  More than they did for me!