Goodbye Acibadem House Shoes among many other things

Well since we have lived the last few months in a state of transition one thing I have missed has been my house shoes. We live in the land where people take their shoes off when entering a homes. (Once you begin this custom you will never go back after realizing how disgusting it is to wear your shoes indoors, but I have digressed). I had been reluctant to buy new house shoes, since I had comfy ones waiting for me back in Nineveh. There is something about buying house shoes that makes a place seem permanent and I mentally didn’t want to cross the bridge yet. So I have been wearing other peoples’ house shoes and also sporting these paper thin slippers I got at the hospital when Calvin was born.

After digesting our devastating news I looked down at my feet and thought of my house shoes I will never wear. There are just certain items that are comforting and my house shoes and robe are two such items. I was talking about my house shoes with a colleague and later she blessed me by buying me a new pair of house shoes. You have no idea how much this one little gesture has touched my heart. We really do work with some of the greatest people in the world.

With all of the craziness of our life right now it has lead me to ponder what is home. When we thought we were receiving visas I was excited to head “home”; to go back to the place that was familiar, where I could understand a few things, a place where my friends live, where a few comforts like my house shoes remain. It got me thinking about how we all long for a home. What a day it will be when we can finally celebrate our eternal home. Until then we are just nomads, but some of us move a little more often than others.

We will head back to the states next week with one bag of clothes for Marvin and me. As I was hanging up our wet laundry last night I counted and I have been wearing the same 6 shirts for the last 6 months. Some people could never fathom a wash and wear lifestyle, but it certainly has made things much easier. I was looking forward to having a little diversity in my wardrobe once we returned to Nineveh, but that will have to wait. We still aren’t certain how we will get some of our things from Nineveh since we are returning to the states before our stuff makes it out of the country. At times I think all of this is one big headache, but I know everything will work out.
As we were going through a list of things left behind, it is crazy how little you need to truly function on. But it will be a little sad if we don’t see some of it again.

Right now we are trying to prepare our hearts to return to America. We know that some things will be a nice change of pace and other things will take us a little time to get used to again. It’s crazy to think how 2 years has changed us, we have become accustomed to grocery shopping every day, taking public transportation everywhere, speaking another language, and having only a few friends who spoke English. It will be very weird going back to a place where we can order with ease at a restaurant. We haven’t driven a car in over 2 years and Wal-Mart is totally going to overwhelm us.

We are eager to see lots of dear family and friends who have walked along side of us the last couple of years. We are eager for everyone to give Calvin a big squeeze. We hope to try to see many of you during the next couple of months, but please bear with us as we literally adjust to a if in America once again. We love you guys and can’t wait to see you. Here are some of our latest pictures.

Just Chillin' after getting dressed one morning. I think we have lived overseas too long, because my first thought when looking at this picture is "his toes must be freezing, somebody get some socks on that boy."

Calvin loves his new toy that some dear friends gave us. It has be nice for him to have something to hold his toys up for him. We have been able to do a few things while he plays on his own, PTL.

there's my sweet boy

We think Calvin looks a little like his Uncle Kenneth, although everyone we meet here thinks he looks like Marvin. What do you think?

Marvin can't wait for the day when Calvin jumps on him to wrestle.

So until that day comes Marvin will have to settle with this.

Train to Greece...again

1st train trip

2nd Train trip, he has grown so much!

Our documents are making their way to us right now!!!! We can't wait to get them so we can apply for our visas and get home!!! Unfortunately our Turkish visas might expire before we leave the country, so rather than chancing it we had to make a quick trip to Greece again.
We had a pretty full week. Marvin spent all day long in class and I had fun visiting with a friend staying with us during the day. We both weren't looking forward to the long train ride again especially since Calvin is getting bigger now, but it went pretty well. It was a trip we didn't want to make, but it went better than we expected. We had our own car all the way to Greece and Calvin had a good time looking out the window, looking at his books and one of his toys seen in this picture kept him occupied for hours!!! We are so thankful he is starting to become interested in toys.

Once we got to the border we took a bus to the closest city, where we stayed the night. Calvin was such a trooper and slept the entire bus ride. Buses just lull him to sleep, the combination between the sound and vibration is just the right combination to sleep well. We were able to stay at the same place we stayed the last time so that was pretty easy.

The next morning Marvin went to the station to buy our return tickets and they told him there was only train which left at 1 am going to Istanbul. We went back and asked again, this time asking if there were any buses going to the border city and they said there weren't any buses going to the city we needed but we could possibly take a taxi from a city 15 kilometers away from the border city where we could catch a train to Istanbul, but we had to go to a different place to get tickets for that bus. Once we got to this other office the lady gave us the impression that it wasn't a good idea. So we decided just to take the overnight train.

We grabbed some lunch and then Marvin went back to the train station to buy our tickets and the guy looked at him and said, "Where's your wife, there is a bus that is leaving for the border city in 15 minutes." Marvin ran back to the hotel (it was only about 100 meters away) and told me to hurry because the bus leaving in 15 minutes. I was in the middle of feeding Calvin and he was pretty mad that we had to put lunch on pause, but he calmed down and we headed out the door, onto a bus and out of town in a whirlwind. Whew! This is much harder to do with a baby but we are thankful for such a great kid. He has sure put up with a lot. Since the bus left an hour later than we originally expected we didn't have to wait at the border very long so that was a blessing.

The train back to Istanbul was pretty full and we had to share a compartment for a few hours with this sweet older Turkish couple. When they came in they were worried about Calvin because he wasn't wearing a hat, so they asked the conductor to turn up the heat. It was sweltering for a while, Calvin was even sweating, poor thing. Eventually they were so hot they asked the conductor to turn it down! Marvin and I were thankful we were sitting by the window and at least could press our body next the the side which was a little cooler or else we would have roasted. Once we got to Istanbul we caught the last ferry of the evening, grabbed a taxi home and plopped Calvin in bed. PTL he slept until 8:00 this morning, I guess it was a long trip for him too.

We haven't unpacked since we got back from our meetings because we will be moving again on Wednesday. I think we have perfected this nomadic suitcase life. We hope to find out today where we will be staying. We hope we can stay at a place with a kitchen and washing machine, if not we will roll with the punches. Marvin and I are both ready to get home. It is funny how much I am looking forward to wearing my own house shoes and my robe. We were able to use the language we are studying with a couple of people we met in Greece. It was a beautiful thing being able to communicate. We can't wait see our friends and be back home, hopefully this will be very soon.

Calvin had to wear his train outfit for his train trip and he also got the chance to wear his new hat.

Thumbs up if you like Greece.

Time by the Sea

We had a good time seeing a few friends we hadn't seen in a while at our meeting the beginning of this month. Calvin got to meet all of his aunts and uncles and when he was awake he always had someone around to entertain him. We quickly found out that he didn't enjoy the dining room too much, as it was a bit overstimulating. So meals took a little longer for us since we had to switch off. Thankfully there were several times when friends would take him so it gave us time to eat at the same time.

The bad part about these meetings is that people come from all over the world and bring lots of different types of germs with them, so all three of us came down with something. Calvin had his first fever, but PTL it quickly broke. We all three still have a bit of our colds lingering, but they keep getting better everyday. Calvin will certainly be happy when I don't have to use the nasal aspirator quite as much.

Here are a few pictures:

How Sweet

Calvin has started to giggle. It seriously is the sweetest thing!

He also has found his thumb a few times. Maybe this might help him sleep a little longer.

Learning early

Chilly Morning Thoughts

WHOO HOO Calvin has fallen asleep much earlier the last two nights, which means we get to bed earlier too!! This morning he woke up around 6:00 and he did two of my very favorite things.

1. When he had had enough to eat he smiled and fell asleep for about 5 minutes. This is my favorite snuggle time with him.

2. Once he woke up he immediately started smiling and talking. It always is much more pleasant to start my day off with a happy baby.

Once he woke up we headed out to the living room but found it was pretty chilly so I grabbed his jacket rather than get him dressed. I just think it is hilarious that the makers of children clothing figured out how us crazy adults just can't resist dressing our children like animals. Just put a couple of ears on a hat and we think it is the cutest thing.

Yesterday brought some disappointing & discouraging news. Apparently the guy who is working on Calvin's document is now on vacation until January 10th and his document is not finished. Marvin and I were both pretty bummed and frustrated with the way the system works back in Nin. I have found myself getting so mad when I think about how long it has taken. Father is definately pointing out some areas where I need to expand my faith. We also found out that our colleagues can't join us for a meeting here at the start of the year. What a bummer, we were really looking forward to seeing them.

On top of that I had to go back to the dentist to get a cavity filled. I seriously hate the dentist, mainly the sound or taste of metal not the actualy person. He gave me a pretty strong shot because half of my face was not functioning for a few hours. It was some strong stuff because I couldn't blink and I had to work really hard at closing my left eye. As I was paying the bill I realized that it was going to be tricky telling the taxi where I needed to go. The taxi cab driver must of thought I was crazy or something because I couldn't pronounce the letter "r" to save my life and unfortunately there are a few in our address. Once I got back home I met our neighbor, with half of my face drooping I informed her that I was sorry but I only speak English. Marvin and I had a good laugh about the whole situation and thankfully feeling was restored to my face a couple hours after I got home.

On a more positive note we leave on Wednesday for the sea We have a meeting we have to go to and we are really looking forward to a change of scenery and also the chance to do something. We are even more excited to see some really good friends there. Wednesday can't come soon enough.

Calvin's 1st Christmas

Calvin had a wonderful 1st Christmas. It was quite a relaxing day. Calvin woke up smiling and talking, it was a wonderful start to the day. I started breakfast then we helped Calvin open his presents. He did everything but look at his presents, I am sure this will change in years to come.

We enjoyed brunch while Calvin napped and then we started getting ready to go to a friend's house for Christmas dinner. We had a good time and are so thankful for friends who are willing to open up their home to us. We are so thankful for our "family" on this side of the ocean. We will also able to wish our family a Merry Christmas back on the other side. It was a great day filled with lots of memories.

He already looks like a natural!

Our little receiver!

His new snowsuit is a bit big but he will grow into it soon enough.

Where we call home...for now

We thought we would post some pictures of where we are spending Christmas, so you can visualize where we are living.

He loves his baths

Calvin loves baths. It is so funny because he just lounges and occasionally will prop his foot up on the outside of the sink. Even if he is super fussy the second he hits the water he is relaxed and calm. Usually after we take him out of the water he talks up a storm.

He is still fighting gas issues and you can tell his tummy is still distended, so life sometimes is a bit uncomfortable for him. We are thankful for moments when he is relaxed and enjoying the world. Yeah for bath time.

This is the life
It's over already

Do I really have to take another picture?

Merry Christmas

Marvin was changing Calvin's diaper today so I quickly grabbed the camera because he becomes Mr. Talkative when he gets a new diaper. Sure enough he wanted to wish you all a Merry Christmas!

Calvin's 1st Christmas will be a laid back one. We will spend the morning at home and then head to a friend's house for a Christmas dinner. We had a wonderful Christmas Eve filled with amazing Chinese food, a good time of family worship and entertained by our favorite Christmas movie, Elf.

We are thinking of all of you back home, how we would love to give you all a big hug right now. We also would like Calvin to experience all of your kisses and hugs. For now we will sure give him plenty from all of you. We love you and miss you.

Slow Sleeper

Ready for Bed

Well Calvin is now sleeping in a real crib! He hasn't outgrown his bassinet, but we moved and the place we moved to already had a crib, so why move a big bassinet when it was unnecessary. The first time we put him in it he looked so tiny, now I am used to the sight and it is normal.

Lately it has been pretty chilly in the apartment, so I have bundled him up at night. Last night he wore a onesie, a thin sleeper, a sleep sack with the ends closed so that they covered his fingers(Marvin likes to call this his dress), his fleece sleeping bag, I wrapped him up in a warm blanket and topped him with a hat. I did the same thing tonight as it was pretty cold again today. At least I don't have to worry that he isn't warm enough.

Lately he has been having trouble going to sleep at night. We have tried a lot of different things but most of the time it seriously is a 2 hour ordeal getting him into deep sleep. I don't know why but he can be asleep for any length of time and if we stand up or walk into his room, his peepers pop back open and out come the cries. At least he sleeps well once he finally falls asleep, we are defiantly thankful for that. Hooray for sleep!!!

Cinnamon Nativity

Since all of our Christmas decorations aren't with us, I had the idea of making some cinnamon ornaments. (They are so easy to make all it takes is apple sauce and cinnamon.) We are so thankful that we were able to borrow a small tree from a friend here and it came with these cute tiny ornaments and so there wasn't room for any more ornaments. But I still wanted to make these ornaments and then I thought it would be fun to make a nativity scene out of this cinnamon dough. Marvin and I both enjoyed making this year's Nativity scene and we decided it would be a fun thing to do with Calvin next Christmas.

**You can tell which ones I made and which ones Marvin made, I am not as good of sculpter. Thank goodness my shephard has a staff, it helps hold him and the sheep up.

2 Months Already

It's crazy how time flies, we can't believe Calvin is already 2 months old. The bottom picture Calvin is wearing the outfit he wore when we took him home from the hospital. It was very baggy then and now it fits perfectly.

We had a doctor's appointment today and he seems to be growing and developing fine. We are still concerned about his stomach problems as his stomach continues to be distended. The last appointment the doctor told me it was okay to eat dairy products but I could tell it made a difference so I stopped. The doctor agreed with me this time but encouraged me that this should go away once he gets more mobile. (I can't wait for a nice cold glass of milk, it's going to be heavenly!) We came away with a few suggestions that we hope will help him get rid of this gas.

Drum roll please....here are his 2 month stats:

11 lbs & 23 inches.

Our little guy is growing like crazy!

We moved yesterday and we almost have everything unpacked. Even though we won't be here too much longer (we hope) it is nice to not live out of a suitcase. Our new place is beautiful and has much better lighting which always perks you up. We look forward to getting out and exploring the area a bit. It has been beautiful the past couple of days, light jacket weather. It seems weird that Christmas is just around the corner when it is this warm out, but we will enjoy this weather while we can.

Swinging

Calvin loves movement of any sort. We can roll him in the stroller, strap him in his baby bjorn, or walk the halls with him and he is content as possible. To our surprise the apartment we are staying at now has a baby swing. As soon as we saw this we made it a priority to get batteries, and sure enough he loves it. I put him in it this afternoon and 5 minutes later he was out. It also let both of us eat dinner at the same time tonight! We are so thankful for this little invention.

Smiling

We finally got a picture of him grinning! The live version is so much better, so hopefully we will try to catch that one on video soon.

It's hard to believe that Calvin will be 2 months on Monday. As I was holding him this morning I was overcome with thankfulness that he has come into our lives. It's amazing how much sweeter our life is now. Children certainly are a blessing.

Other news is that we are moving to a new apartment on Monday. The family whose apartment we are staying at is coming back shortly after Christmas, and since that is a busy time of year we will switch before the holidays. It is a much nicer place but we are so close to everything we need here, we have a grocery store right next door and another one a 1/2 block away. I am sure there are plenty of stores around the new apartment, but we will just have to do a little exploring to find them. This move will also help us see how much stuff we have to lug back to Nin, yikes! Thankfully we will have one flight under our belts with Calvin before we have to return home with lots of luggage. Traveling with children certainly adds a lot more to think about.

We are excited to get a few Christmas decorations. We only brought our stockings, so we will have to buy a few things to get our surroundings in the Christmas spirit. We are hoping to go to IKEA sometime next week to find a few things. I can't wait, plus I love IKEA so it's a great reason to have to go browse. There is a new mall next to the IKEA and we have been told it is pretty nice. Marvin actually suggested going there, I was shocked since he isn't a shopper. I think he was just thinking of places where we could go.

That's about all that is new in our world. It's I was hoping to make it out of a walk a couple of days this week, but it's been raining alot. Apparently this area needs the rain, so we will bear with the weather.

1st Bottle

Calvin had his first bottle last Friday . It was pretty funny watching him figure out what was in his mouth, but after he figured it out he downed it in a hurry. There was a women's Christmas party that I went to last Saturday, so Marvin handled our tired boy, while I got to spend a few hours getting to know some ladies. I had a great time and was thankful that I was able to sneak away a few hours.

Dinner Time with Mom and Dad

We have discovered a way to eat dinner with Calvin awake that gives us both hands. Apparently our stroller is multi-functional, we usually put him in his stroller and use our foot to move him around, while we eat. It works like a charm and even gives us a little leg work out. Last night he was so comfy he fell asleep. We can't wait to get home as we have a swing there that would come in so handy for these little moments where he isn't content just sitting or laying down and both our hands need to be available.

Sleepy Boy....sometimes

The other day I put Calvin on the floor to "play"and went to get some lunch, he was fussing so I quickly finished and by the time I got back to the living room he was asleep (seriously this was only 3 minutes). It's amazing how quickly he can fall asleep sometimes and how other times it takes him several hours. It was pretty chilly in our house that day so I covered him up and snapped a picture.

Speaking of sleep, Calvin has been sleeping great at night, but the problem is it takes him a while to fall asleep, apparently we have a little night owl. Lately he has been wide awake from 9-12/1ish then after I feed him again he will sleep until 9:00 or 10:00 in the morning, (of course he wakes up to eat in the middle of the night). It's great that he sleeps in that late, but it we would like him to go to bed a little earlier so we could have a little time together in the evenings while he is asleep. Any ideas????

Little Blessings

Calvin wanted to wish our Family back in the States a Happy Thanksgiving. We have certainly enjoyed his new little coos. We enjoy our little conversations we now get to have with him.

As I think over some things that have been blessings lately I have to laugh at a few of them, so I thought I would share a few you:

Dryer! Soft socks and towels, we certainly feel pampered being able to use one while we are in Istanbul. I can also do more than one load of laundry a day, it's amazing.

Tortillas! It makes Mexican food so much easier. I don't have to go through the long process of making tortillas in order to have Mexican here because you can buy them. When we first got here Marvin suggested having quesadillas and I had to laugh because we could finally have them. It seemed like such a waste when you made tortillas because you have to use two for one quesadilla.

Arby's! It just hits the spot sometimes, we will certainly miss those tasty Roast Beef Sandwiches when we go back.

Nutella and Peanut Butter! Okay I discovered an amazing dessert, if you haven't had nutella I highly suggest trying it, what's not to like about a spreadable chocolate! I created a new concoction using a tortilla, if you spread some peanut butter on one side and nutella on the other and roll it up it is scrumptious.

New friends! We have been so thankful for everyone we have met here, they have made us feel right at home and just accepted us into their families like we have known them forever.

Sitting all by himself....with the help of his chair!

We had my parents bring us this Bumbo Chair and the other day I put Calvin in it and to my surprise he fit perfectly. You are supposed to use it once they can hold their necks up, but since he is still so short the back of the chair worked as the perfect neck rest. He was so quiet and just looked around the whole time he was in it. He really liked it.

Now just because it worked once doesn't mean it will work again. He was talking up a storm this morning and I thought, lets try the bumbo and get a good picture. He was having none of that and let me know it was time to end this little photo shoot.