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Bumps, Mums, BBTs
Happy Wednesday morning! I figured that since yesterday was a holiday here in Europe, it would just be easier to post today.
How is everyone doing? Ups? Downs?
QOTW: If you or your SO are living outside of your home country, how do you plan on teaching your LO about your home country? Is it important to you that they learn about your or your SO's home country?
~BUMPS~
Brit's Luna154 (India) - Due January 16
txlioncub() - Due March
Just Peachy (Qatar) - Due April 30
MrsHooi (Indonesia) - Due June 1st.
Dublin - Due August 3
Mrs. SC - Due August
traveling turtle - Due August 29
gblake - Due September 3
Coffee&Cream- Due September 9
sushisamba - Due October 17
risainthesky - Due December 10
PittPurple - Due December 16
~BUMPS-TO-BE~
LoopyNoodle (Ireland) ? TTC #1
Treesapplaud (Sweden) ? TTC #1
Blueberries8 (Israel) ? TTC #1
Mavjen (UK) ? TTC #1
StumpyG (Japan) ? TTC #1
oneslybookworm (Netherlands) ? TTC #1 in 2012
ukyankee (UK) - TTC #1
~BIRTHDAYS~
January
5: Melaina25's (Scotland) DS, 2010
7: LizzieandGar's (Ireland) DS, James, 2009
20: titicole (UK) DD, Adaya Caroline, 2012
21: LAChurch's (USA) DS, 2009
21: rpic81 (UK) - DS, Thomas Mateo, 2012
23: lyvienna's (Vienna) DS, Owen, 2008
23: titicole's (UK) DS, Micah William, 2010
February
6: beannie's (UK) DS, TM, 2009
8: lyvienna's (Vienna) DS, Everett, 2010
10: andrea922's (US) DS, Finlay, 2008
March
1: Irishgal (Ireland) DD, Niamh (pronounced Neeve,) 2011
2: Nanner's (Singapore) DD, Hannah Jeanne, 2007
4: kellibelli04 (Guatemala) DD, 2011
6: bahamasbride.04.07's (Germany) DD, Luisa, 2009
11: katrina_pharmd (NZ) DS, Michael, 2011
12: cee-jay's DD, Lina, 2008
April
5: andrea922 (US) DD, Lila, 2011
16: kelly321 (Germany) DD, R, 2011
17: Bali229 (Australia) DS, Preston William, 2012
21: nestinginjapan's (CA) DS, Levi, 2010
22: twopeasinapod's (Netherlands) DS, Quint, 2008
28: stephanieVM's (ARG) DS, Lucien Andre, 2007
May
9: vivjek's (Australia) DD, Isobel, 2009
10: dubliner's (Ireland) DS, Henry, 2010
20: pandi02a (Germany) DS, Dominic, 2011
21: rocket2japan's (Poland) DS, Anders, 2010
23: Johlise, DD, Taylina Elizabeth, 2012
24: Bananas0827's (Scotland) DS, Daniel Alexander, 2010
31: hamilton.ja's (US) DD, Evelyn Therese, 2010
June
12: KimiCas's (UK) DS, Sebastien, 2008
22: Linnya's (Germany) DS, Seamus, 2008
22: ExpatFamily06's (UK) DS, Leo, 2009
23: Nanner's (Singapore) DS, Samuel Ezra, 2005
25: MouseInLux's (Luxembourg) DD, Eleanor, 2011
27: welshgirl's (UK) DS, William, 2008
27: brainie's (UK) DD, Elizabeth Jane, 2010
29: cakenbake's (Italy) DS, Jonathan Wesley, 2010
29: xnickerx's (the Netherlands) DD, Sabrina Rachel, 1999
July
2: bigfatgreekwedd's (Netherlands) DD, Una, 2007
2: newporter's (Ireland & NYC) DD, 2009
3: plainjanie1's (Japan) DD, Aeris Noelle, 2010
5: expatjen's (India) DS, 2010
5: MoniqueJW's (Australia) DD, Genevieve Joni, 2010
5: newporter's (Ireland & NYC) DD, 2007
11: Smudges*Mom's DS (Soon to be Germany), 2009
15: stephanieVM's (ARG) DD, Rose Margo, 2009
21: azure_azure's (France) DS, Morgan, 2008
25: stever's (USA) DS, Mikey, 2009
August
1: sarahkelly's (Netherlands) DD, Sadie, 2008
7: ExpatFamily (UK) DS, Ajax, 2011
9: Tofumonkey's (UK) DDs, Kaitlynn and Lochlynn, 2010
12: Emily523 (UK) DS, William, 2010
13: FayeD's (Italy) DS, Baby D, 2009
16: alwyzbsy's (Germany) DD, Alexandra, 2010
17: globalwife (Colombia) DD, Velencia, 2011
21: Just Peachy's (Qatar) DS, EM, 2008
31: Linnya's (Germany) DS, Owen, 2010
September
10: bugabean's (Denmark) DD, Bean, 2008
14: LAChurch's (USA) DD, Zareen, 2010
15: northgal's (Qatar) DD, Vesper, 2009
21: mrshooi's (South Africa) DS, Otto, 2009
26: Amy726's (Australia) DS, Benjamin Ernest, 2010
27: cakenbake's (Italy) DS, Jeffery, 2008
October
13: bugabean's (Denmark) DD, Bug, 2010
15: xnickerx's (the Netherlands) DD, Florence Rebecca Maria, 2010
19: MrsBini10's (USA) DS, Noah, 2011
26: bigfatgreekwedd's (Netherlands) DS, Nestor Arthur, 2010
27: jillana's (UK) DS, Costa, 2008
31: LadyMadrid's (Spain) DD, Aurelia, 2011
November
?: hamilton.ja's (US) DS, 2007
2: traveling turtle's (Germany) DS, William, 2010
9: gblake's (Australia) DS Thomas Cole, 2010
10: EnidFalcor, DD, 2010
10: Choensa's (Korea) DS, 2009
12: MarlaDossett's (USA) DD, Irene Caitlin, 2008
12: lelia's (Germany) DD, Frances Caroline, 2010
23: beannie's (UK) DS, EG, 2011
25: Dublin's DS, Leo, 2010
28: amwallac's () DD, Georgia, 2010
December
2: Ctgirlingermany (Germany) DS - Ryan Charles, 2011
6: welshgirl's (UK) DD, Matilda Jane, 2010
8: lorilane4's (US) DD, Stella Lane, 2010
16: northgal's (Qatar) DD, Neve, 2006
20: BlushingMama's (UK) DS, James Edward, 2007
20: ashleynicoles's (Netherlands) DD, Chlo? Isabella, 2010
22: Shekels831 (Israel) ?DS, 2011
23: chelbel7 (UK) - DD, 2011
23: sandradpage's (Australia) DS, Brayden Luca, 2010
26: kahleorourke's (US) DD, 2009
29: Fififa21 (Mexico) ? DS, Lucas, 2011
Re: Bumps, Mums, BBTs
Sorry, I added SpiderMama, and Butterbrot, and changed Taylina's birthdate (sorry, May 23rd isn't even here yet!) But these changes will appear in next week's list.
Also, if new members have other children, please give me their birthdates, so they can also be added to the birthday list!
Hello! Glad you waited as I haven't been on too much in the past few days. Love Tuesday (or Thursday) holidays because then my H gets Monday (or Friday) off.
Ups: Pregnancy is going well. I ordered some clothes in the states for my ILs to bring when they come later in the month. So excited. W is doing well, he's a fun, very social little guy.
Downs: I have a bit more pain this time than last time. For the most part, it's not anything serious, but it makes me not excited on days when we have a lot of walking to do. It means by the time the evening comes, I'm in pain. Also, unrelated, W has taken to banging on our TV often. He hits it with his wooden toys (of course) and nothing we've tried has worked to get him to stop. He also likes to swivel the TV and I'm really worried that it's going to tip. The wall behind the TV is made out of a weird material and we've found it difficult to hang anything on our walls, so that's out. I'm looking for something that attaches to the TV stand, but haven't had much luck.
QOTD: Funny you should ask. I've started taking W to this music time at an international library that is not too close to me. The songs are in English. My H commented when we went on Monday that he was glad I took W there. It's important to us that these English songs are part of his childhood. (We also go to a German playgroup where there are lots of songs in German, of course.) Since we are both Americans, though, I don't think it's as hard for us for him to know about where he's from. We aren't going to stay here anywhere near forever, and within our home things are all-American. We don't speak German at home (and only basics outside of the home), don't watch German TV (except for the occasional kid's show), our friends speak English when we hang out. We celebrate American holidays that aren't celebrated here either just between us or with other Americans if we can.
Ups: Had a follow up scan today and found TWO heartbeats. Am measuring a few days behind but they don't seem bothered. Am actually tempted to put up a ticker... am finally starting to feel like this is really happening!
Downs: Nothing at all today. Everything is amazing :-)
QODT: We live in an English-speaking country so it's a bit easier. If we do stay here we'll certainly continue celebrating Thanksgiving and watching too much American football! The thing I struggle with here is to maintain my Jewish identity - there are really no Jews here and I think that will be more difficult if we have children.
BFP Apr 2012, EDD Dec 19 2012 * twin h/b at 6wk, 9wk scan * Baby A lost at 12wks, Baby B was my rainbow born at 36wks
Thanks for adding me! I have two other little boys - Zachary's birthday is 2/9 and Ashton's birthday is 5/27.
Ups: This pregnancy is shaping up to be just like my pregnancy with Zachary - super easy. I'm very grateful because we are taking the boys to Disney World on Friday as a last hurrah before we leave for KL on Sunday.
Downs: I'm a little stressed about finding an OB in KL when we get over there and I'm nervous about finding out how the little babe is doing in there.
QOTD: It is certainly important for the kids to learn about American customs, traditions and holidays. I expect that it will be the hardest for Ashton - Zachary is old enough that he is aware of the holidays we usually celebrate, the books we read, the tv we watch, where we're from, etc., and the baby will be young enough that he won't really know any different. Ashton is just at the age where he is starting to understand how and why we do things, so I really feel strongly about keeping our usual family traditions alive and teaching him about where "home" is.Morning!
Turtle -- we had the same problem with DD always pulling on the TV, and since I had just heard about 4 toddler deaths in 3 months in the Chicago area from falling TVs (I don't remember if it was in all cases, but in at least 3 the kids pulled on the TV and it fell off the stand onto them), it got me really worried. We ended up getting a cabinet that we shut the TV in when we're not watching and then can just open up the doors when we want to watch. It worked out well since DH's grandma was moving to assisted living and didn't need this cabinet anymore, but I had been looking to buy one if we hadn't gotten it free from her.
Ups: DH has gotten very gung-ho about weaning DD down to just water at night in the hopes that she stops waking up. I don't have it in me, so he's taking over nights for the whole week. Now, to be fair, for the first 11 months of her life I did 6 nights / week every week, so him doing 5 nights in a row is nice, but I'm having trouble thinking of it as a huge sacrifice.
Downs: Nothing much!
QOTD: I'm planning on making sure our kid(s) visit the US on a regular basis, I will speak English with them, cook a mix of American and German foods, read English books to them, etc. I would really like them to be bi-cultural as well as bi-lingual.
Hi All! Just FYI my due date is 5th of Aug if you don't mind updating
UPS - We are settling into the flat we bought last week really well! Have some minor renovations we want to take care of starting in a couple weeks then I can start decorating the nursery! I can not wait!
DOWNS: I hate having to wait for these renovations to take place and I have a sneaking suspicion the contractors are not going to finish on the schedule they assured us they would.
I definitely want to teach the little guy all about America and where his parents come from. Of course we will go back for the holidays every year, but we will incorporate celebrating Thanksgiving traditionally, 4th of July BBQs etc. We haven't thought about how to go about teaching him all of the nursery songs we learned and the tall tales, this is a good question and looking forward to how everyone responds!
Ups: Told my parents today. I was really nervous but I'm glad that they know. I also found out that my BFF is pregnant too!
Downs: Had some bleeding and cramping but had a scan and everything is ok. Scary though!
QOTW: Yes, we'll teach our kids all about the US if we're still living abroad, but we plan on being home within the next 2-3 years. While abroad, we'll be celebrating American holidays as well.
OMG! Wow! Congratulations all over again!!! I'm sure you are in shock still, cos I know I would be!!! Delighted for you all!!!
Ups: Not so dramatic, but N started walking on Sunday evening over in my inlaws. She's been "threatening" to do this for months but finally let go and then we couldn't stop her!!
Downs: She's not sleeping at the childminder's house at the moment because she wants to play and chat to the other kids instead of sleeping. Cheeky madam! And if she we don't give her what she wants she puts on a sad face - I think we could have a stroppy teenager on our hands way before we're ready for it!
QOTW: doesn't apply... we're both at "home"...
Ups: I am going to have a meeting with the headmistress of James' big school tomorrow, I am looking forward to that.
Downs: we had to leave the park this afternoon because James was crying and complaining his stomach was sore... I think we might have a long night ahead of us.
QOTW: We don't ever plan on living in SA, and it's not like we have 4th of July or Thanksgiving, we have mostly the same celebrations as the UK, so I am not really teaching him much about SA. He is going to visit there so he will know the ridiculous things that people think about SA are not true, I.e. people in SA do not keep lions as pets or go to France to buy their groceries.
Congrats!!! That is awesome news!
Ups: We have a house and our furniture as arrived from the US
Downs: Emma had her 4 month vaccinations today and is cranky
QOTD: I think I can answer this question better after we arrive in Scotland...I still plan on celebrating US holidays like Thanksgiving...hopefully I will be able to find a turkey...
turtle - I know here they make straps you can attach to the back of your tv & the wall, so at least it can't tip forward onto them - we're wall mounting ours soon as dd loves pushing on it and looking at me as I'm telling her no!!
Ups: had fun at swimming this week - she just LOVES it - I'm so glad we started doing that once a week on our day off
Downs: man is she testing me, 2-3 times a day she will have a tantrum (standing in the corner crying, waving me away saying NO TOUCH!), over little things like that I won't let her eat dessert first, or that she wants to eat in the living room and I said no *sigh* I'm sticking to my rules though, I figure this is just the start of real toddlerhood
QOTW: I have cds from the US with songs I grew up with, and she has a bunch of books from the US (my favorites are 'Good Night Minnesota' and 'Good Night America'
I plan on celebrating US holidays with her here too. I want her to be aware that she's half American growing up 
Ups: I'm feeling baby move and kick and so is DH. I'm trying to teach DS the word baby and point to my belly. I think he understands because he tries to actively avoid me when 'baby talk' is going on. DS is walking down the few stairs we have in our house with little assistance from me. Which is good because I was getting tired of picking him up all the time to go down them.
Downs: Our closest friends moved last week back to Canada. It was very sad because their daughter and DS were 4 months apart. They have grown up together and were starting to play with each other (not just side by side). I'm really sad because I don't have any other friends for him to play with.
QOTW: We'll celebrate all the holidays to help him. This year I'm planning something for the 4th of July and we'll always watch American Football. I'd like to get some US books in addition to teaching him about American holidays and sports.