the house

As soon as it became pretty clear that we would be moving to Maine, Dexter began scouring the internet for suitable housing.  With a baby on the way, I was hoping for at least 3 bedrooms, possibly even four.  A yard would be a nice touch, and, of course, a nice big kitchen.  I wasn't asking too much, was I??

We realized pretty quickly that the rental market in the area was pretty non existent, but buying isn't really feasible or appealing at this point, either.  To say our options were slim is an understatement.  I quickly realized that I was going to have to put most of my hopes/dreams/wishes aside and just be happy we found something in our budget.

Dexter searched and searched and found a few things for us to look at on a visit in May.  Those four places were. . . . bleak.  I left Maine that day practically in tears, and fairly confident that we would not have a house lined up prior to finishing up in New Jersey.  I was pretty anxious about the whole thing, but not really sure what to do about it.

One day, in a fit of desperation, Dexter emailed a couple of local real estate agents and asked if they might have anything at all that we could rent for a year.  Long, long story short(er) one of the realtors connected us to a family that was planning on moving out of their house and renting it in August.  I emailed immediately, got pictures and knew this was the house.

We got back up to look at it a couple of weeks ago, and to sign on the dotted line.  We can't move in until after the 4th of July, so I'll be in MA while Dexter begins his training at the dental clinic next week.

Since we are just renting, we can't make major changes, but we can paint the walls and even kitchen cabinets.  Their paint colors are darker than we'd choose, so we're looking forward to brightening the whole place up.  In fact, we were at a paint store today!

Some perks to this house…

- a four minute walk to the dental clinic and town library
- across the street from the park
- a fenced in back yard that has a half court basketball court (for now that will be a bike riding spot, I guess)
- 3 bedrooms, and an attic room that we can use as a guest room/misc room
- a washer AND a dryer (haven't had a dryer since 2005 when I moved to Kenya. Feels huge to me)
- a dishwasher
- 2 car garage which I think we'll love in the winter time!

And these are just the things I can think of off the top of my head!

To say I feel beyond grateful and blessed is putting it lightly.  

Come visit sometime!!

Just be sure to come with a paintbrush.

25 weeks

As seems to be the case for us these days, we have been non stop action.  Point in case:  in the last week, we have flown from California to Massachusetts, driven to NJ, packed everything up, driven to MA, and then yesterday we took everything to Maine to the house we'll be living in. We can't move in just yet as the folks living there don't move out til later in the month, but they were kind enough to allow us to store our things there. Whew.

So, I have a lot to recap here, but before too much time gets away from me, I wanted to get another pregnancy photo up.  We have been so busy, and things have been so chaotic that I haven't gotten nearly as many of these pictures as I had planned.   I finally made it happen yesterday, and I'm so glad I did!

25 weeks

June 9, 2014

I'm not sure what is more striking - my growing belly, or my parents' beautiful yard!

I feel. . .huge. Large and in charge, for sure!  I'm thankful, though, that this pregnancy has been relatively easy. I really have no complaints!  This baby is VERY active.  I was reading the other night and had the book propped on my belly, and the baby kicked so hard that the book jumped!  I really don't remember being aware of Kyalo moving around nearly as much.  This makes me a little nervous - Kyalo is active enough for me, I'm beginning to wonder if this baby is going to keep us very, very busy!

It is hard to believe that I am already six months.  Just a few more months and we'll be meeting this new little person who will steal our hearts and change our lives.  

Kyalo loves to kiss and pat my belly.  He calls the baby 'my baby' and recently asked, 'please I hold my baby?'  I had to explain to him that he has to wait a little while for that still.  I think he's going to be a great big brother - though I think he might have a hard time waiting for the baby to be a playmate/friend for him!  

Things are really coming together for us -- a job for Dexter, a house that we love that we move into next month, etc etc -- and so continue to trust and hope that the rest of the pregnancy will go smoothly and all will be well on delivery day.

the graduate

It has taken 27 months, many hours of sweat & tears (more mine than Dexter's probably) too many cups of coffee to count, and lots of love and support from friends and family to be able to finally say:

HE DID IT!!!!!!

On Friday, May 16, Dexter had his last day of dental school.

Kyalo was pretty excited about that.

But of course, no one was more thrilled about this than Dexter.  It was a bit of a race to the finish - and he even wondered if he might have to stick around for a few extra days to finish things up, but thankfully, he didn't!  He is truly, wonderfully FREE.  No more books and teachers' dirty looks and all that.  It wasn't easy, nor was it fun, but we both know that it was the best thing for our family's future.

My parents came down for the graduation ceremony on Tuesday, which was great.  I have to admit, I got a little teary when I saw all those students walking into the auditorium.  So much hard work represented there! I'm so proud that Dexter was walking among those saints.

After the ceremony we were able to get some photos with our 'Fab Four' group, and their families.

And, of course, the four themselves.

those are smiles of JOY (and perhaps relief, too)

I'd left my camera at home, but my mom was able to get this decent photo of us on her iPhone.

May 20, 2014

Happy, Happy Day!

It was, of course, chaos and craziness after the ceremony, so saying our goodbyes felt rushed and unfinished.  I'm hoping for a reunion with the Fab Four sometime in the future.  Eventually Joel will be in Florida (after his wife finishes a dental hygienist program in NJ next May), so I nominate him to host us - preferably in dead of winter so we can escape the Maine misery.  :)  

As for us, we're on vacation now.  We go to California on Thursday, then back to NJ to pack up and move out.  No house secured yet in Maine, but we have a very good prospect for a house that is just a four minute walk from the dental clinic.  We go and check that out on Tuesday so say a prayer that all works out.  If we get it, I'll post a picture here in the weeks to come.  Dexter begins orientation June 16, and a very new and different chapter is started for us. 

winding down

I'm not sure what seems harder to believe: that tomorrow is the LAST DAY OF SCHOOL for Dexter, or that a month from tomorrow, he will begin orientation at his new dental job in Maine.  Both seem pretty remarkable to me.  Life right now is a series of lasts, and a flurry (or, it should be) of packing and wrapping things up.

Life in NJ has been good.  So much has happened here for us these past two years, it will be bittersweet to say goodbye.  We have celebrated all three of Kyalo's birthday's here, made friends, joined a church, etc.  Starting over once again (and for me, the 5th move since 2005!) seems a little daunting.

There's a lot that's been going on, and a lot yet to do before we settle into Maine.  Let me try to recap the last month. . .

In early April we had a little 'party' for Kyalo for his birthday - basically some friends of mine and their kids came over for snacks and cupcakes for a couple of hours one morning.  It was pure chaos, the kids generally only ate the icing off the cupcakes and then played in the crumbs after, but it was a sweet time...too sweet to have any pictures, unfortunately.

The next week, we went to celebrate his friend Griffin's 3rd birthday.  After the party, I managed to get a photo with Kyalo and Ellen, who was also there.  Since neither really sits still, or looks at the camera, this was the best I could do!

 Dave, Allison (3 months in this pic), Jenny & Ellen

Mulandis!  Grabbed a chance for a family photo.

After Griffin's party we dashed off to another gathering, this time, with the "Fab Four" - our little dental school group.  Without even realizing it, that may have been the last time we're all together!  In just a few months, we'll all be scattered.  The evening was great because Sirisha hosted and filled us with spectacular Indian food.  She makes it look easy and effortless, when I know that there are a ridiculous amount of steps involved (soaking grains, grinding them, etc).  Mmm...just thinking about it makes me want more!

Then, there was Easter up in Essex - which was also the weekend of the Boston Marathon, so my parents had other guests who would be either running or watching it.  The weekend included:

Painting with Judy.  When she visited us back in November, Kyalo was in a really big water color kick. She remembered that and brought the real deal water colors (not the $2.00 Target brand that I get!) and nice paper. She and Kyalo braved strong winds for a long time painting outside.  

 helping Grandpa shuck the oysters that Judy & Neil brought from Maine.

I was sad to miss out on them!  Next summer, I guess.

Kyalo discovered a new favorite activity. . . peeing outside.  He said one afternoon, "I'll be right back. I have to go do sumpting" and about 2 seconds later Dexter says, "Oh, Kyalo!" and grabs the camera.  Because there was Kyalo, peeing on Grandma and Grandpa's front lawn. (I'll spare you the naked pictures - I just couldn't resist the joy on his face here. Sorry for the fuzziness...it was taken quickly, thru a window.)  I think since then we've trained him now to pee behind the garage.

There have been other things...like a walk in the Cherry Blossom Park one Sunday after church.  Another trip to MA and ME -- this time for house hunting which was an utter fail.  One month to go and no housing yet. I'm a *tad* worried about this.  The trip to MA also included a visit with friends Matt and Erica from TN. They were in Boston for a conference and came up to see us after.  A sweet visit with friends!

And then lastly, I had the big 20 week anatomy ultrasound.

precious hand!

(I was looking at ultrasounds of Kyalo yesterday, and was amazed at how much better the ones I've gotten in the US are.  I shouldn't be surprised, I know, but I was.)

The technician said baby's anatomy looked 'perfect' and 'right on track' but then when the doctor saw my blood work from my OB and realized that I have some trait in my blood that can lead to a rare disorder (I forget what it is!), he had me go back to have the baby more closely scrutinized - esp to make sure that there were 5 - and only 5 - digits on all hands and toes.  Thankfully all checked out OK. I go back to my OB next week so will see if there's anything else I'm supposed to do.  The condition is a) very rare, and b) I think Dexter has to have the same gene mutation (or something) as me for the baby to actually have it, so I'm not toooo worried.  BUT - it could mean baby could have a degenerative eye condition which would lead to blindness by pre-adolescents and some mild to severe mental retardation.  I try not to dwell on this too much, and trust in God that all will be well!

So that's what we've been up to. Here's what remains:

Graduation next Tuesday. Packing, packing, packing.  Back to MA - and ME for more house hunting on the 27th (say a prayer we find something livable, in our price range, and, preferably 3 bedroom!), a quick trip to CA to see my brother and his family, back to NJ to pack up and actually move out (7th, I think?), and we hope, move into our new place in Maine.

Whew.  

That has us pretty much all caught up.  Hope it isn't another month before I pop in here!

baby update

April 12, 2014

17 weeks, 6 days

This picture already seems outdated now, since I'm 19 weeks.  Life is kind of busy around here right now, so getting regular bump photos doesn't seem likely.  I was hoping for another one on Easter, but that was a crazy day, and no pictures were taken at all!

I figure it is about time (almost half way through this pregnancy? whoa) to jot down some thoughts about being pregnant the second time around.

One thing is for sure, it is much harder to be pregnant when chasing a three year old around, and not just sitting calming at a desk!  Thankfully, though, I had no morning sickness or other pregnancy related issues.  (I've been sick a couple of other times, just regular flus and things - not fun).  The only weird food thing I have is that I can't seem to eat plain avocado (the horror!), but can eat it fine in things, or as guacamole. Go figure. Like with Kyalo, things seem to be going smoothly enough.  No complaints!  One big difference is that I'm fairly sure I started feeling this baby kick around 10 1/2 weeks, while with Kyalo is was probably not until about 18 weeks.  Maybe I just knew what to expect this time around?  

And let me tell you, going to an OB in America vs Kenya?  A whole different ball game!  For one thing, so far I have had ONE doctor, and not the latest visiting OB like in Kenya.  I had my first ultrasound at 8 weeks, and the seat was heated, and she apologized that she didn't have the gel warmer!!  The heated seat still seems like luxury to me.  My first real ultrasound in Kenya I almost left in tears because it was so different from my (TV-induced) expectations.  I've been trying to keep expectations low this time around so that I'm not disappointed.  Another big difference is the medical stuff that we do -- lots of lab work, fancier ultrasounds to determine the anatomy of the baby is OK.  My insurance doesn't cover it, but by now I could know the sex of my baby, and if he/she had any abnormalities to be concerned about.

In some ways, I'm missing the simpler experience I had in Kenya.  I miss being able to dash down to the hospital for my appointments, and feeling like this was all a normal, regular thing, and not something to be hyper worried about!

I must admit to a heightened sense of anxiety about this pregnancy, though.  I had a miscarriage in November, and while I was able to get pregnant again so easily, I still get worried with every twinge or moment of pain.  Being sick twice in the past month hasn't helped my anxiety level either - I'm afraid this baby, even if fine now, will suffer the effects of these sickness somewhere in the future.

There are just a few more appointments for me here in NJ, and then I have to find myself a new doctor in Maine.  We move in June, the baby is due in September, so there should be enough time.  I'm telling you, things are moving at lightening speed around here.  Between Kyalo's birthday, Easter, being sick, graduation in a month, the big move, etc, I've hardly had time to think about this baby much!  I'm getting excited - and I know Kyalo is, too.  He still says to me at random times, 'No! I want a sister, not a brudder.'  Let's hope I don't disappoint!

36 months

I have had some veteran moms tell me that three is more 'terrible' than the terrible twos.  We're a week and a half into Kyalo's being three, and I think I'm already seeing the signs that three is going to be harder than two was.

That being said, there's still a lot of great things going on with Kyalo.  He continues to bring joy and amusement to our days, and cliche though it is, can't imagine life without him.  All in all, the one word I would use to describe him is happy.  He is so easy going (most of the time - more so when we're out of the house, thankfully), smiley, and calm.  In general, I'd say he's even-tempered, but lately I've been seeing his anger come out.  He doesn't really throw the typical tantrum, but he does grind his teeth and make a lot of noise. Kind of hard to explain, I should try for a video one of these days!

So, some things of note from this month.  I guess I'm going to have to start writing these things down in a journal now that I'm ending (I think) these monthly updates.

He ALWAYS wants to know, 'what time it is?'  as in, he'll ask, I'll tell him, '4:02' and then he'll ask again, so I'll tell him, '4:03'.  I was telling Dexter we should decorate his room in clocks so he can always tell what time it is.  When do kids start to learn to tell time? Because I'm ready for him to be able to read a clock!

He's big into asking 'why?'  This is a question that can really put me over the edge, because there are only so many answers I can come up with.  Plus, he'll ask what time it is, then I'll tell him, and he'll ask 'why?'  Um, cuz it is, kid. Because it is.  Also lately he's taken to asking why twice in the same sentence.  For example, he got a second birthday card in the mail last week and he asked, 'Why did I get another card? Why?'

Every morning he asks Dexter to make him a 'peanut butter and jewwy sammich' (PB&J, in case you can't speak toddler) as a sort of pre-breakfast.  I can't understand it myself, but I bet he has it five days of the week.

He still can't really count - not even to five, let alone 10 or higher.  The other day we were in the car and he was counting something like this:  ' 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, SEVEN!'  Dexter asked me how homeschooling was going. Ha. Ha.  And even the other day, we were counting, 'One, Two. . .' and I asked him what comes after two and he said, 'Four!'  Sigh. I feel like we do a lot of counting in life between books and counting things like stairs or items or whatever we can, but for whatever reason it just isn't clicking yet.  Soon, I guess.

He's pretty excited about being a big brother.  Kyalo had to come with me to my first OB appointment where I got my first ultrasound (about 8 weeks), I showed him the picture and said, do you want a brother or sister.  He immediately said, 'Sister!' which surprised me.  And he has continually asked for a sister since then.  Which is funny because I want him to have a brother.  Oh well, not much we can do about it now.  Sometimes he'll even come up to me randomly and say, 'I want a sister, not a brudder.'  So, there you go.

Kyalo still loves to be outside, and I think his favorite thing is probably a stick.  Most boys his age like cars or trains or something like that. He does like those things but doesn't seem super attached to them.  But he'll have a melt down if a stick he left in the sidewalk isn't there when we return from a walk.  I'm thinking Maine is going to be a great place for him!

And thus ends three years of monthly updates!  I can't believe I stuck with it for all three years...but I'm so glad I did.  I think some day, he will be too.

three!

Last week Kyalo's much-anticipated, much-talked-about birthday arrived!  Unfortunately, I was sick all weekend and week, so a few of the small things I had planned had to be pushed to this week.  Still, I rallied enough to try to make the day a bit special...and I'll hold out that turning 4 will be the blow out he's looking for.

In addition to my being sick and on the couch, the start of our eagerly-awaited Music Together class didn't happen because the teacher thought it starts this coming week.  Poor kid, foiled at every turn.  Thankfully my friend Gina is coming to MT and took us out for some awesome pizza.  Since I wasn't cooking or baking anything, we took Kyalo out for ice cream, after presents, after he kept asking, 'can we go to my birsday now?'

In the morning, before Music Together, we headed out to feed the birds some scraps of bread.

This face has been so kissable and smoosh-able since day one!  It just keeps getting better.

Thanks to Grandma, he had a few presents to open.  We also gave him a couple of books.  Since we're moving to Maine in just a couple of months (!!!) I wanted some Maine-themed stories.  I got the classic, Blueberries for Sal, and got it as a book on CD.  He's loved that, and as of yet, I haven't had to read this book to him.  He doesn't quite get the concept of turning the pages when the little bell chimes, but he seems to enjoy it, and it keeps him entertained for 20 minutes!

always happy, but opening a few presents really brings out the smiles

This was the other book we got him, I Met a Moose in Maine One Day, and he insisted that I read it right away.  I love both his cute little grin in that top photo, and the hand on his cheeks and the intensity with which he's listening.  I'm pleased with our purchases.  :)  I think he's ready for Maine, though he may be disappointed to realize he'll never have a moose in his bathroom!

I felt bad that we didn't have anything to put a candle in on Thursday, so on Friday, I whipped up a batch of yellow cupcakes with chocolate frosting.  We forgot to actually sing to him, but at least we had him blow out some candles.

I tell you, party planning is hard work!

Looking at the pictures of the cupcake they look kind of pathetic.  But, as you can see, they certainly did the trick for Kyalo!  We'll have more cupcakes this week, I think, so he still has plenty of time to 'go to his birsday'

Since this is more of a birthday recap, I think I'll push some of the monthly updates to another post.  I think I'm going to have to start a 'chats with Kyalo' topic because he's really saying the cutest things right now.

Happy Birthday to our little man! We love you so much!