Jump Right In, or Climbing if you are Indigo

It's hard to believe that we have been here for 11 days already.  This week had lots of ups and downs.  We had a couple things in the apartment that needed to be fixed and we aren't quite sure what the proper channels are to do so.   We had furniture delivered, windows measured, and a whole bunch of other services from kind locals who don't speak a lick of English -- and had no use for the only Chinese I can speak at this point.  We stumbled through and all is well.

The girls gave us a run for our money this week.  Stress manifests itself in different ways for everyone.  For Indi, she decided that she would no longer like to go to sleep by herself (despite the fact that she has practically demanded sleeping in her own space since birth).  The solution was a desire of mine for a long time, the girls are currently sharing a room.  They are too cute giggling and keeping each other up for a bit longer than usual but no body is screaming!  Hopefully, this will still work when Helaina needs to get up at 6am next week to start school.  This is also a public service announcement that if this set up stays, we will have 2 rooms for guests.  (hint hint)

For Helaina, I'm hoping the "won't go anywhere in the house by herself" thing wears off sooner than later.  I want to make her comfortable but I would prefer not to spend an extra hour or so in the bathroom a day.

There was no way I was going all the way in
to take a pic the 1st time they finally fell asleep.

 Sleeping by herself seems to be the only fear that Indigo has.  Otherwise she scares the heck out of me at least 10 times a day.  She either has no fear, no sense, or an unhealthy combo of both.  She went up a 20 foot inflatable ladder / slide 3 times.  I tried to intervene but the "no big people" policy was mildly enforced by the young girl working the slide.  I took the opportunity to try to be a brave mommy and considering she did not get hurt, it all worked out but not without some nail biting.

We hit one of the local tourist attractions today called The Bund Sight Seeing Tunnel.  It's basically a tunnel that goes under the Huangpu River (the tertiary river that runs through the middle of and separates Shanghai) and has trippy lighting and weird music for a 5 minute ride.  It is so bad that is was good if that makes sense.  It was a definitely pricey for what it was.  It cost us about $16 US dollars total for both Chris and I and the girls were free.  I would not go again but I am glad that we did.   We also got to show the girls The Bund for the first time.  The Bund is on the Puxi (pronounced Poo - She) side near the Former French Concession and also runs along the Huangpu River.  The buildings definitely have a European feel and this may be the only place in Shanghai where the buildings are not tall.  You have a great view of the Pudong Side where all the massive, electric brightly lit (at night anyway) buildings are in the Lujiazui (pronounced Lew-jaz-way) area.

Puxi side looking across to Pudong

This is the electric car for the tunnel

Inside the tunnel

Back on the Pudong side.  Oriental Pearl Tower.

In other adventures, we ate at one of the huge malls here in a food court like area.  It was of course only appropriate for us to eat Japanese food :o)  We had no idea what we were trying but there was a long line so we went for it.

It ended up being fried Octopus balls (this is a family show so please watch the comments).  They had some sort of yummy topping that was thinly sliced and moved from the heat of the balls.  They were really yummy and I would definitely eat them again.  but not necessarily a meal so we went to an all encompassing type Asian restaurant where the girls dined on their new favorite -- dumplings.  We had fried rice and a salad with Salmon.  It was all quite good.  It wasn't as risky as the Octopus balls but we had enough adventure for one day.

This is one happy and of course messy customer

Many times when we are out, the locals like to say hi to the girls and often take pictures with them.  They love babies and especially white ones here.   The girls are handling the attention pretty well.  We have not ventured out into predominately local areas just yet, so this is a good warm up for them.

This boys family was chatting up the girls and
taking pics so I did the same.

Most notably this week, OUR HELPER STARTED!!!!  It's very common for people, especially expats, to hire helpers here - called Ayis. (pronounced I-E).  Labor is incredibly affordable and very much appreciated by this girl.  My biggest concern was "what's for dinner" when we decided to move here.  Lots of western food is available but at a cost.  Our helper has worked for multiple American families and was born in Shanghai.  She reportedly cooks both western and eastern food well.  I thoroughly enjoyed her first meal and I am looking forward to the rest.  Best of all, I got to spend lots of time with the girls without feeling guilty for not having a clean house or that I should be preparing dinner.

Her name is Jane and she speaks just enough English to fool me into thinking we are having coherent and productive conversation.  She is great with the girls, a self starter and has been super protective when workers or delivery people were in the house.  She even went to the grocery for us for items that I could not find online.   Chris said about 6 months before we leave he is going to have to ween us off of Jane so we can return to reality.  However, I have to tell you that though everyone deserves to have this type of service, I am REALLY glad that I have a few less things to worry about during our new life here in Shanghai.

We're Here!

We've made it! -- At least the in the physical sense.  

This is what moving 3 months of stuff with 2 toddlers looks like 

This is the size vehicle required to do so

Indi is now in Helaina's car seat and she is
thrilled about seeing the world

Helaina now sits in her new more portable, US approved
car seat and feels like a big girl.

The girls did exceptional on the big travel day.  Helaina watched half of her 1st movie ever, Cars.  Indi watched her first tv show ever (sesame street) and played 1 game on the ipad.  They were quite entertained just by being on the airplane.  Getting them to sleep when they were exhausted was not easy but they eventually got there for a bit.
 

I don't speak Chinese but I could bet these nice Shanghinese folks helping us
probably threw out a "Are you kidding me?" in their native tongue

The girls have been very pliable to time changes (meaning we have now started sleeping in until 5:15AM) as well as the busyness of moving and organizing.  They are loving our new place and so are we.  That helps tremendously since we have been indoors a lot since we have been here.  It is hot here.  And I don't mean oh it's very hot.  I grew up in Florida where we know hot but not like this:

That is right.  FEELS LIKE 123!!!  Ugh is right! 

This is what H looks like in this weather -
By the way this is at 9:30 AM.

 One of their favorite activities in our place have been running in circles.  Seriously.  Our place is arranged with a hall going all the way around so they literally chase each other around the halls.  They also can't get enough of the kitchen set we had set up before they got here!  It goes nicely in their playroom which I can't wait to get totally set up.  The past year's smaller space we were in made me grateful to be able to have such a room for them.

They also enjoy staring out the window.  (wow I sound like a great parent).  But seriously, I like to join them in this game too.  

I can't wait for the heat to break so we can actually enjoy this park

And the other activity they have now come to enjoy is having a dance party in their window.  Watch the comments - these are our daughters.  

Why yes that does look like the running man

While the girls have successfully found ways to be entertained, Chris and I have done the same.  And by entertain, I mean trying to get the basics down to function in a foreign country and keeping a bit of humor while doing so.  

These are the instructions to our washer.  Help please

There appear to be some quirks with our apartment which I understand are not at all uncommon in China in general.  We can not plug in the washer and the dryer at the same time as there is only one plug.  We also can not run our oven at the same time as the microwave.  Our landlord actually had the oven put in special for us as it's uncommon to have more than a toaster oven here.  So I guess I'm grateful that I can have an oven at all.  I hope I don't forget and blow a circuit. 

Speaking of quirks, Chris and I had to open two separate bank accounts as their are no joint accounts.  I hope I figure out how to transfer or mama needs to get a job.   I now have a Chinese cell phone.  It works like a prepaid phone and to get more money on it, I need to go to any convenience store to add money to my account.  We also get text solicitations on our cell phones but I obviously have no idea what they say.  Our home phone is fun to answer when telemarketers call.  "No Chinese, only English" -- followed promptly by a few more words I don't understand and then a click and dial tone.  Luckily we have only had a few of these.  

I think some of the driving shock wore off the last time two times we were here.  Chris and I did get a giggle when the driver of our car sped right past a cop with it's lights on - along with a bunch of other cars.  

I had my first solo outing yesterday and thankfully all went well.  I went all the way to IKEA by taxi, made some purchases and made it home safely.  Some preparation and lots of prayer worked wonders.

We are certainly not in California, Hawaii, Florida or anywhere else I have ever lived before anymore Dorothy.  However, we have so far enjoyed the ride and we are looking forward to our "new life"

Right now we need to get back after it and in the words of Helaina today "I think we need to learn some more Chinese words mommy"  So wise for 3 and a half.  

30 Days of Gratitude

Many things are starting to slip through the cracks with our impending move that's happening in 2 weeks!!!!  A million things have happened that I would love to blog on.  We have had some incredible visitors over the last few months that we thoroughly enjoyed.  The girls continue to grow and develop at a remarkable pace.  I had an amazing trip to visit my besties.  But alas, I really don't have the time to blog (or at least I am not willing to sacrifice the little sleep I'm getting to get there.)

I did feel it was important to record a small project I took on.  About 30 days before my birthday, I fell into the hype and began to feel mopey about what was my upcoming 40th.  I had a chat with myself about how blessed I am and decided to come up with one thing for each day left of my 30's that I am grateful for.

In no particular order:

30.  Forgiveness:  From God and others -- without it, I would be nothing.
29.  My Husband:  God had a great plan for me all along.
28. Helaina & Indigo:  They are beautiful (inside and out) and amazing.  They drive me to be the best that I can.
27.  Family:  My mom always said if everyone put theirs on the table you would pick yours up first and she was right.  I feel twice as grateful since I love the family I married into also.
26.  Friends:  I can't help but smile when I think of the great people I have near and far from all walks of life to call my friends.  I have some that are life long and some that are seasonal and I feel loved for and by all of them.
25.  Health:  I wish I was more grateful on a daily basis for this.  It's one of those things you don't think much of unless something goes wrong.  It is wonderful when everything is working and you have no fears or worries.
24.  Crown Class:  Chris and I took this when we first got married and have been diligently trying to apply these biblical principles to our finances. I truly feel like we are seeing the results.
23.  Rest:  I don't usually do this well but I am glad that I have the option and it feels good when I do.
22.  Prayer:  I am baffled that I get to communicate with the same God that made everything and that He not only listens, but responds in various ways.
21.  Bebe Dog:  She has traveled through many lifetimes with me and has always been a loving constant companion for the past 12 years.  (this is hard to type as today is her 1st day in her new home in VA)
20.  Facebook:  Although it has it's negative points, I love being able to have snapshots into close friends and associates lives that I definitely would have missed.
19.  Growth:  90% of the times it aches but who would I be if I avoided all that?
18.  Time:  it heals, makes us anticipate, it reveals things, we get to spend it with people.  It is such a precious gift.  I love that we have 24hours periods too because God obviously knows we couldn't handle more than that at a time.
17.  Pictures:  I take a ton and I love to look at them.  Unfortunately I only have a handful of my mom and I cherish each.  My girls will not have that problem later in life (although I don't always love the way I look in them but I am suspect she felt the same way.)
16.  Technology:  Email, facetime, internet,  I am fairly certain that this would be a much different move that we would be making.  Keeping in touch is key to my sanity.
15.  Our China adventure:  I probably have every emotion possible about our upcoming move but I know this is the right thing and we will be grateful for the experience.
14.  Books and reading:  I love that you can learn about the past present or future and form your own opinion.  Alternatively, there is nothing like escaping somewhere that doesn't exist.
13.  Yoga:  I can't express how much I have love this over the past 12 years.  I can't imagine not doing this for the rest of my life (yes that is a double negative)
12.  Food & Taste Buds:  I know you are surprised to see this so low on the list - but I said in no particular order.  I won't digress but if you know me, you know how much I like it.  I am forever grateful for my family who has always had exceptional taste and a love for food!
11.  Nature:  from diverse landscapes to weather, animals and beyond.  It's the most amazing canvas ever painted.
10.  Modern conveniences:  The kind that are everyday to us but not as prevalent or even non existent if you grew up not too long ago.  Airplanes, diapers, sliced bread, washing machines, a/c.   You name it, I'm happy about being born in the time I was.
9.  Surprises:  good ones anyway
8.  MOM's group of Burbank and my Bradley group in Hawaii.  What life savers and friends came from both.
7.  Good Byes:  Although these appear to stink, it means that you care for and are cared for by someone(s).
6.  Music:  all types!
5.  The book Jesus Calling:  this devotional keeps me grounded and in the word daily
4.  Finally starting to understand how to have an opinion without being judgmental.  
3.  A Healthy Mammogram.  woop woop!
2.  Feeling younger than I thought 40 would feel.  A wise person once told me that it's probably God's way of reminding us that we are his children.  
1.  lastly, I am grateful for being grateful.  I can't help but feel blessed.

One of my favorite question to ask people on their birthday is something that they have learned this year.  After reviewing the list, I wisely remembered that for many of these, my younger self was either completely or partially unaware of most.   It's been an incredible ride so far and I hope I'm blessed enough to review this in another 40 years.  I wonder how much will be the same.

Picture candy below:  I know that's what most of you want ;o)

Helaina and Indigo

It's a fitting day for this post.  Mother's day encourages me to reflect on how blessed I am.  Don't get me wrong, life is very challenging with 2 toddlers.  They make me work hard for it every day.  Many days I throw up my hands and surrender, which is the way I believe God intended it.  However, in many ways, writing this blog is my way of taking time out to remember what is important.  To pause and note the good in the girls and the things that make me smile like a proud mamma.

Helaina (3 yrs and 4 months)

 She is way more of a girly-girl then I ever was.  She likes princesses, tea parties, shoes, purses and anything that sparkles.  She is really enjoying her tap / ballet class.  They have a recital coming up in June and I can't wait to see it and how she reacts to being on a stage in front of a large audience.  Helaina is very friendly once she knows you but not necessarily a jump right in kind of gal.  She is much like her daddy in that way.  I'm sure the cute factor will out weigh her classes ability (or lack there of) to follow cohesive steps to "Candy Girl."



She, so far, is also enjoying the swimming lessons that she and Indigo just started.  We have had quite the 1st week as day one was 60 degrees and torrential down pour.  Luckily they moved us to a pool that day that was heated to 80 degrees.  Day two she got to have the goggles (that mommy waited to invest in until I made sure we were all-systems-go). We were shifted to a different class and amongst the confusion, I didn't have time to adjust her goggles.  When I looked over from the mommy and me class, she was sitting on the side of the pool with her goggles barely over her eyes, kicking her feet in the water and a grin that would have made a Cheshire cat jealous.  It quite possibly was the biggest smile I have ever seen from her.  I so wish I was dry and had a camera but for now, I'm storing that mental picture in my happy place section of my brain.   Hopefully the goggles can bring that much joy this week when we move to the less heated pool.  :o)

1st official french braid.  There were better pics
of her smiling but this one shows the hair best.

She is a fully functioning bathroom user, wiping and all.  We still supervise wipe procedures but she's pretty thorough.  She is also very proud and has no qualms about yelling out what she accomplished, in detail, regardless of whether we are at home or in a crowded restroom.  Hopefully the mechanics of some of the public Chinese bathrooms (ie squatting into a hole in the ground) don't slide back her progress.

Helaina is showing signs of being very generous.  She is always willing to share snack, toys and so on.  Often when she and playmates are taking turns I find that many kids (like most of us) are not very eager to let it be the other person's turn.    If they start throwing a tantrum, she typically gives them whatever the item in question is or takes a shorter turn.   Often the result is the other kid becomes more open to sharing as well.  This kindness does sometimes makes it a challenge when I am trying to teach Indigo the beginnings of sharing but I do hope Helaina holds tightly to this very altruistic trait.

Like most kids, she is such a sponge.  Things get repeated back to you that are sometimes not so funny.  Many times I find myself striving to be better based on the "feedback" I get from her.  However, many times she repeats things that sound hilarious coming from her 3 year old mouth.  Recently she has taken to saying "by the by" and "Are you out of my mind"  There are tons of others at the moment but they are escaping me.  #mommybrain

We selected a school for her in China.  She will be attending the Sino European International Pre-School (SEIPS) for their 1/2 day program.  The school is mainly ex-pats but only 20% American so she will have a true international experience.  50% of her day will be taught in English and the other in Mandarin.  I am really looking forward to getting some assistance from her while stumbling over my own attempt at learning Mandarin, as I am sure she and Indi will pick it up much quicker than Chris and I.

Overall Helaina is at a really fun stage.  She is able to communicate, help, follow simple instructions (though she doesn't always wants to) and she is very much into being a big sister.  She is more times than not, a joy to watch and I am over joyed to call her my daughter.

Indigo (1 year 4 months)

This girl is a smiler (though not all together keen on smiling for the camera).  As long her daddy or mommy (especially mommy <3 ) are accessible, she is good to go.  She night sleeps like a champ and most importantly happily agrees with being placed in her crib after her bed time ritual.  She finally is into books (which was a huge switch from before).  I was actually concerned since I only had Helaina to compare her to and big sister loved any books (long or short) from a very early age.   I thought that Indi was way less articulate at this age than her sister but after reviewing some videos, I completely made that up.  Reviewing the videos did illustrate just how much they are starting to resemble one another.   Indi looks very much like Helaina did at this age with just a bit more hair.

Indigo at 16 months

Helaina at 16 months

Indigo eagerly watches the monitor and waits as her sister while Helaina is in dance class.  She often goes to the door that leads to the studio and tries to knock or open the door.  When Helaina comes out to switch from ballet to tap shoes, Indigo makes a Bee-line and runs and dances in the studio like she just won the lottery.  Unfortunately the studio starts classes at 18 months or we would have put her in.  Hopefully, we can find an appropriate dance program for her in Shanghai.

Indi got to go in last week for parents week.  Woop woop.
Not quite sure if the other girl loved having a shadow

Indi is so affectionate and most always loves to hold hands, be held, give hugs and kisses.  Despite this, she is can be quite independent and has no problems strutting into the other room to play by herself (again assuming she knows where mommy is) She has a few words down.  At this point she has mamma, dadda, Bebe, sister,  please, up and a few others.  An outsider would probably only understand the first three.  

She is really enjoying swimming too.  Mommy loves the perk of having two babies that are ready to nap afterword for a bit longer than normal.  

It seems that Indi is really good at fine motor skills.  She is opening containers and getting into things a lot quicker than we remember Heliana doing it (however, I can't be held reliable for my memory).  She is not scared to go down a slide or climb up on anything which can be nerve racking for me.



She is a bit more of a trouble maker than her sister was/is but I find myself not as irritated because she usually does it with a smile.  That is so going to come back to bite me but a pleasant smile will get you a long way.  She really is a treat.

It is really neat to watch the budding relationship between the girls.  Helaina is usually looking out for her little sister (pending she hasn't absconded a toy H was really into playing with at that moment.)  Indigo likes to hold Helaina's hand when they are walking down the hall or outside.  If Helaina is in time out, Indi is sure to make it her mission to try to entertain her sister while we try our best to keep her away.  I am so excited to see the relationship that will come of them.  What a special friendship.

note the figure four leg lock

Both love bananas and swing

Sharing play time with their dear friend Genevieve 

The Higgs girls love their yoga

I am overwhelmed with joy and sitting down to write this really re-calibrates me when I need it.  Thanks for reading.