Halloween flashback

My little pumpkin on her first Halloween.

It's so hard to believe how much she has grown!  And to all who are wondering where the "Bode's First Halloween" pics are, this is Bob's computer. I don't have access to my photos, or else I'd post "flashback photos" of them both!
xo

Happy Halloween

Trick-or-treat!

This morning, when I got Bode up for breakfast, I excitedly told him it was Halloween.  He was so excited and wanted to go celebrate, saying, "I want to go do Halloween, Mommy!"  Ooops.  

So, I told him that he and Gianna had a special Halloween shirt to wear. And for Bode Wm's Halloween treat, we went to the bakery for a roisin schnecken! 

Happy Halloween, everyone! We hope that you get lots of treats!
xo

Photo dump

Here are this week's pictures:

On Tuesday afternoon, the owner of  the babysitting agency came by to personally apologize to me about the awful babysitter we had.  She brought beautiful pink lilies!

I have given up on cooking here.  We eat out a lot. There are a lot of Italian restaurants in our neighborhood.  Gianna loves eating pasta. I love her "pasta face" when she is eating. 

This was the view from our kitchen window Thursday night. I really enjoyed watching the sky change from blue to this brilliant pink.

On Friday, I braved the Berlin traffic and took the babies to Legoland.  It was a hit with both of them. This is (obviously) a giant giraffe made entirely of Legos in Potsdamer Plotz.  There are several interesting Lego sculptures inside.  Every Legoland has a "master builder" on site, who just builds all day. Imagine that being your day job!

Bode got a "souvenir" from Legoland. What did he pick? A car, of course.

On Friday afternoon, we picked Daddy up from work early and went straight to the park before dinner. 

On Saturday, we drove to Potsdam.  It is such a quaint, lovely town!  I wish we could spend more time there.  We had a beautiful day there. We spent a lot of time in a park watching Gianna walk and Bode run.  

We stopped at the bakery in our neighborhood before driving to Potsdam.

The leaves were yellow, and with the sunlight, everything had a golden hue. I loved it.

Gianna walks!

This is our last week here in Berlin.  And we've heard that the Northeast has been hit with a massive winter storm.  Since we are headed to New York very soon, I was not surprised by this news.  I can't wait to get home to CA, enjoy our house and some good weather one last time.

Halloween is tomorrow! It is one of my favorite holidays.  There's no sign of life around here, which bums me out.  A few stores have pumpkins, but there's nothing else "Halloween" that I have seen.   Have a Happy Halloween!

xo

Mia Gianna: 16 months

Dear Gianna,

If today had a theme song, it would be "Lovely Day" by Bill Withers.  At least, that is the song that was running through my head while I watched you walk around Potsdam, among the yellow leaves and sunlight.

When the day that lies ahead of me seems impossible to face

And someone else instead of me always seems to know the way
Then I look at you and the world's alright with me

Just one look at you and I know it's gonna be -

A lovely day - lovely day
lovely day lovely day
lovely day

I guess today you woke up and decided that you were done with crawling.  You walked all day, everywhere we went. We took a drive to Potsdam, and there couldn't have been a better setting for you to begin walking.  We stood on a square by a park, and your daddy put you down on the ground and you took off. You started walking and you didn't stop.  We stood and watched you, and Daddy put his arm around me and said, "Well. That's it."  And then he kissed me on the forehead. He knew that I was sad to see you walk.  We both knew that you had turned a page.

You charmed a lot of people while in Potsdam.  Everyone would stop and watch you walk. People would stop, smile, cheer you on, and chuckle at your (obvious) new found skill.  Daddy saw one couple watching, and overheard the man say, "You've got to love that. We never got to experience it, because we didn't have kids." And it seemed like a profound statement for him (for us) to hear.

Today, you also got a new tooth. Number 5 has finally made an appearance.

Whenever you drop something, or whenever you want something, you say, "Nah!" or "Nah-nah."  I thought this was your way of saying, "Mine!" or "Pick it up for me, please!"  But I discovered this week that is your way of saying, "Gianna." One night this week, you woke up and I went in to pick you up. I turned on a lamp, and I held you while walking around. We stopped in front of a mirror and I said, "There's Mommy and Gianna. Say, Hi Gianna."  You waved at yourself in the mirror and said, "Nah-nah, nah-nah."

You also have your own way of saying "Bode."  You love your brother like crazy. You always  have a big smile and a wave or "Hi" for him.  You two have a special "shrieking" game that makes me crazy and hurts my ears. But I know that it is your special thing with Bode.

You love eating oranges, pasta (we've eaten a lot of pasta while in Berlin), and hard-boiled eggs. Since there are no Goldfish or equivalent in Berlin, your new special snack to eat is Liebniz Butterkeks.

When you are finished with something, you throw it down. Whenever this happens, Daddy and I turn to each other and say, "Well, I guess she's done with that!"   I only packed two of your favorite bottles for this trip.I was told by several people, and adopted the motto, "whatever you need, you can buy." This I learned early on, was not a good idea.  We lost one of your bottles immediately. Then, on a walk last week, you were drinking from your bottle and I guess you decided that you were done with it.  It wasn't until we got to our destination that I discovered that you had lost your beloved "bah-bah."  We had to run to the store and buy replacements, and it wasn't the same brand as your favorite.  You knew this, and you didn't drink as much milk as you normally do.  I felt so bad for not bringing more of your bottles to Berlin. The area that we are in has limited  selection of baby stuff. I couldn't find your bottles anywhere.  Then, I went into my favorite Apothetek (chemist) this week, and asked them for your brand of bottles.  Luckily, they had (only) 2 of your bottles. We bought them, and I raced home to sanitize them and fill them with milk.  You are now happily drinking your milk again.

You have done well with the transition to Berlin. Sleep is a still a big issue though. I hope that when we get back to California, you will sleep well again once you are in your room, and sleeping in your crib.  Everything else here has been fine. But, as I said to your daddy, all you really need is your parents, your brother, your milk, and your penguin. 

Congratulations on walking, my lovely G.  It was a very lovely day. 

I love you.

Mommy

xo

Strollerama

Bob has rented a car for us. It has sat on the street for the past 2 days, because I am intimidated about driving here.  I decided that today's rainy weather called for an outing.  My secret destination? A special surprise for Bode:  Legoland in Potsdamer Plotz.

Instead of our usual lazy morning, I got the babies dressed and into the stroller early, and we walked to the car.  Bob had parked it in this primo spot, around the corner from our apartment. I hated to give up such a great parking space. But I also felt guilty about not using the car.

I got the babies and myself buckled in, and drove off.  Everything was going great!  The traffic, though a little intimidating, was moving smoothly.  The navigation system was directing me in a soothing British voice.   Soon we saw the Victory Column ("See the golden angel, Bode? That's Victoria!") and Brandenburg Gate, telling me that we were headed in the right direction.  Hooray!

We got to Sony Station/Potsdamer Plotz. The only little issue was parking, and I had to circle twice around before locating the entrance to the parking garage.  I found a great spot with lots of space around the car. Perfect!

"Here we are!" I announced, in a sing-song (proud) voice. I smiled at my accomplishment: I got myself and my babies safely around the city!  I hopped out of the car. I opened the trunk.

MON DIEU.

I had driven off and left the stroller behind! It was left on the street!  I started shaking. "oh no, oh no, oh no..." I said, as I fumbled with the keys.  "Bode, we have to go home." By this time, Bode and Gianna were done with the car seats, and fussy.  Luckily, I had not told Bode my secret destination. I know better than to tell him anything until it is right about to happen. Still, I felt terrible!  But my feelings of guilt were being overridden by feelings of panic.  "What if the stroller was gone? What would we do? How would I get around?  How would I tell Bob? Should I lie, and say that the stroller was stolen? No, I can't lie. It was my own stupid fault! Our stroller was gone!" These thoughts raced around my head as I drove home as quickly (and safely) as possible.   Ack!

We pulled up to the street where the car had been parked.  I had to wait for traffic to pass, and I strained forward to see if it was there. A big bus passed before I spied it.  And there it sat: our beautiful red stroller!  I was so happy and relieved!  And, our parking space was still available! A complete miracle, given that parking is so hard around Berlin.  I said a prayer of thanks as I parked the car. Bode asked, "Where are we going now, Mommy?"  Neither of them had any clue about the absolute panic I had just been through. Bravo!

I told Bode that we were going to have lunch at the castle (the Charlottenburg Palace).  He was thrilled. Here are some pictures from yesterday while I recover from this morning's drama:

Park outing.

Little Miss Bedhead after her afternoon nap.

Playing with blocks and dinosaurs.

The Charlottenburg Castle. Bode is anxious to get out of (our beautiful red) stroller.

There are huge swans in this pond.  When the babies walked down to the water, the swans got out of the water.  I think they were looking for bread. It was so neat! They are bigger than Bode. Unfortunately, I couldn't snap a photo. I have to keep my hands on the babies!

Bode walking around his castle.

At least I know that I can drive in Berlin, and get us somewhere! I just have to remember all of our belongings before I drive off. 

Happy Wednesday.

xo

Walking and the Wall

First of all, Mia Gianna is walking.  Okay, not full-time "officially" or anything but she is almost there. She is still wobbly, and only takes a few steps at a time before crashing to her knees.  She took more steps today than ever. This past Sunday, we were walking around the neighborhood, trying to locate a restaurant that was not Italian (per my request) for dinner.  Gianna would walk using my hands as a guide.  It made our walk twice as long, and painfully slow at times, but it was worth it to see her smile proudly as she strolled along. 

Bode says funny things, like, "I want to learn to walk, too!"

We found a restaurant that was not officially Italian, but we ordered lasagna!  Because I am all about the food, I will tell you about our meal. They had a special pumpkin soup, which I immediately ordered as soon as the lady came by our table. It was fabulous. It was creamy and had roasted pumpkin seeds in it.  Then we ordered pumpkin lasagna and a fish dish.  The pumpkin lasagna had a tomato sauce and mozzarella. That sounds gross with pumpkin, right?  It wasn't. It was perfect.  The fish was a big white fish (something "zander"), wrapped in cabbage, with a stew of French lentils and crispy sweet potato chips on the side. Everything was delicious, and I can't wait to go back there.  Nothing makes me happier than finding good food.  

Bode enjoying the bread.

While we waited for our meal, Gianna practiced walking around the courtyard. We sat outside because the interior was small and quiet, and we have loud, boisterous American children.  It was chilly, but the outdoor area was lovely with vines and plants all around us.  Gianna had a great time moving around.  In fact, she didn't want to stop walking for dinner, and I had to coax her with the pumpkin soup.

Tempting the new walker with food.

Doesn't my hair look fabulous?!!  I can only say, I am so glad that I don't know anyone here, because my hair is on vacation, too.  Oh, let's get real:  my entire self is on "hiatus" right now.

At one point on our walk, Bode stopped in front of Gianna, grabbed her in a big hug and said, "I love you, Gianna."  PING! went my heart strings. I nearly cried.  Bob was walking up ahead and I warbled, "Did you hear that? He said, I love you, Gianna. Get a picture!"  Bob whipped out his iPhone. Yes, I had to capture Bode's first "I love you, Gianna" on film. But by the time Bob got the camera ready, things were leaning back toward brother-sister feistiness. Bode continued to hold Gianna (perhaps a little too tightly),  and Gianna wanted to walk, so she began to squirm out of his reach. Bode started laughing at the "control" aspect of his hold. I was trying to keep Gianna from crawling on the ground...and things spiraled out from there. Emotional scene over, irritated controlling Mommy back on board.

Now he thinks it's funny.

Gianna is losing it and Bode is giggling like a loon. He is wearing Gianna's hat, too.

But enough about dinner.  And enough about Miss Wobbly Pants. We saw the Berlin Wall.  A fragment of the wall, about 1400 yards (I think). It is called the Eastside Gallery, and the grey wall has been painted by artists from around the world.  On the other side, graffiti from other "artists" around the city, I guess. Graffiti is all over this city. I find it disturbing and ugly.  But I guess the graffiti is a mark of what this city has been through.  I was young when the wall came down. I vaguely remember watching it on t.v.  Hey! High five for an "I was young when..." !!! Woot!
But seriously, I can not communicate intelligently about the Berlin Wall.  All I can say is, it was emotional being there, and it is hard for me to wrap my head around the whole thing. I just can't imagine living through that, and coming out...or coming over, to the other side.  Amazing.  

The other side of the wall. 

Tomorrow it is supposed to rain. I'm not sure what that means for us three.  Hopefully I can come up with something to do, besides sitting in a bakery and watching the rain fall!

xo

The Brandenburg Gate or Disneyland

On our first weekend in Berlin, we were prepared to take it easy. But it suddenly got filled up with things to do!  Stefanie (our "guide") took us on a driving tour of Berlin, to familiarize us with the area and touristy spots. We saw Checkpoint Charlie, Victory Column, Tiergarten and many other of the top spots which escape my brain at the moment. We stopped in a great neighborhood, Prenzlauer Berg, where Stefanie says all her relocation clients want to move because it the "hip" neighborhood. We sat at an outdoor cafe while watching horse drawn carriages carry children around the block.  The neighborhood did have a nice vibe, and if we were staying longer, we'd probably want to live there, too.

Sunday, we thought it was important that we try the U-Bahn or S-Bahn, to see if it was doable for me and the babies. 

We went to the Brandenburg Gate.  When we got off the S-Bahn and walked out of the station, the first thing I saw was a giant Minnie Mouse, dressed up as Princess Leia from Star Wars. There was also a giant bear. There was a man blowing big bubbles with string and bubble solution, and the bubbles would float around the square before popping. There were boys break-dancing off to one side (break-dancing? is this the eighties?) while loud music blared from speakers.  I was so jet lagged that I thought we had somehow ended up at an amusement park (even though, if you have seen it, there is no mistaking the huge Brandenburg Gate!).  There was a Starbucks on the corner directly opposite the Brandenburg Gate, making the scene even more surreal for me. 

We were also so out of it that we were using our camera for video, which is why these shots are set up as movies!

Next, we went to the Memorial for the Murdered Jews of Europe.  The Memorial for the Murdered Jews of Europe.  I love the clarity and boldness of that title.  There is no mistaking what this memorial is about.  What was disheartening to see is that people lounge all over this memorial. I was upset that it was such a social scene, instead of a place for quiet reflection.  Maybe I don't know the intended purpose of this memorial because I don't read German.  And there are no guards or signage that would suggest that you are not allowed to sit and lounge on the memorial.  But I found it very disturbing to see people lying on their backs, chatting and laughing with friends. Children would run in between the rows, playing hide and seek.  It did not suit me.  It bothered me for days, thinking about how casually this memorial was used by others.

Our biggest adventure that day was getting around on the S-Bahn. It is quite the transportation system! I am directionally challenged, so I was overwhelmed by the map and all the options.  We don't think that it is a transportation option for me and the babies.  It is too much to haul the stroller, the babies and myself around and to keep up with the connections.

Bode wearing my scarf. He is so European!

Bode really enjoyed being on the "train" and I'm sure that we'll be on it again soon!

xo

A spoonful of zucker

You are stuck with us, babies!
(riding the S-Bahn)

Bode was 9 months old when I was finally agreeable to allowing a baby sitter into his life.  Actually, I was never really "agreeable" to the baby sitter idea.  Bob, unbeknownst to me,  had taken matters into his own hands. He had already interviewed and selected a nanny for Bode.  When he informed me, I rejected the idea and refused to even meet the person. 

Then Bob tried another tactic: he got me tickets to the show Wicked for my birthday.  If we were to go, Bode would need a sitter.  Knowing how reluctant I was to find someone, and how long it would take me to find the "right" sitter for Bode, Bob very wisely bought the tickets  6 months in advance of the show.   I remember he said to me, "You have 6 months to find someone." and in my head, I heard a big GONG.

Today, I am much more agreeable to taking a break, and letting someone else watch our children while I drink a mocha in Starbucks.  No longer does Bob have to twist my arm!  Today I am more likely to ask him for more time, as in, "How long can I keep the sitter?" I love taking a break, and I love our regular baby sitter, Susana.  Susana was 'the' babysitter when we went to see Wicked.  And she has been with us ever since. She entertains the children and cleans while they nap.  Bode and Gianna adore Susana; Susana adores Bode and Gianna.  Susana is our only babysitter. I know that I should find someone else. But I have no interest in trying someone new for my babies. If Susana is not available, then I have to change plans.

Unfortunately, Susana was not available to travel overseas with us. I joke, of course, but don't think that the idea didn't cross my mind!

I remember when I was trying to find a sitter the first time for Bode.  I asked everyone, "How do you know? How do you know that this person you are interviewing to watch your most perfect, precious gift in the world is going to treat him like he is the most perfect, precious gift in the world?" Okay, I didn't phrase my question like that. But I did ask, "How do you know?"  How do you know that the person isn't abusive and mean? How do  you know that this person is loving and attentive?   And everyone answered, "You just know."

This week, I decided that I need a break.  I asked our liaison, Stefanie, to secure an English-speaking baby sitter.  I had no intention of leaving the apartment, or leaving my children alone with this new sitter. If you know me, you know that there is no way that this was ever a consideration. I just needed a break. I wanted someone to play with Bode and Gianna while I sat in another room for some uninterrupted "me" time. The sitter arrived this morning.  And within 1 minute of speaking to her, I knew.  I knew that she was not going to work out.  I texted Bob, "This isn't going to work."  He called me, and we chatted. I decided to give her a chance, and see if things improved.

Things did not improve. I explained that I would be here (with her and the babies).  She said, "Then I have no authority here," gesturing to Bode and Gianna.  That's right, honey, no authority! I explained that I just need an extra set of hands, and someone to entertain the babies for a few hours. She looked around the apartment and asked, "How do you want me to entertain them, I see no toys?"  Hmm. And when I suggested that we take the babies to the park, she dismissed the idea, stating that it is too cold for the babies, especially Gianna.  I then affirmed that we would be going to the park. She asked how I get the two babies, myself and the "kinder car" (stroller) downstairs. I told her that Bode walks, I hold Gianna in one arm, and carry the stroller in my other hand,  and we all get into the elevator. She shook her head emphatically in the negative. "I beg your pardon. I can not do this; it is too much."  I got mad. I said, "I do it" She continued to shake her head and said, "I don't see how you are able to do it, you are so small...it is too much for you, for me...." I pressed, and we went to the park.  I "shadowed" her and the babies all morning.  

I can't explain it. And it really doesn't need to be explained.  I just knew, within 1 minute of meeting her, that this person was not the one to watch my kids, even while I am in the same room. I shouldn't have given her longer than the 1 minute it took me to size her up.  To know. Auf Wiedersehen!

xo

Ich bin ein Berliner

Before we left for Berlin, I got on this "Ich bin ein Berliner" kick. I wrote about it here. I would repeat it constantly, as one repeats things that are catchy or "stuck" in your head. It is practically the only German I know, so whenever we talked about Berlin (and we talked about it a lot), I would also say, "Ich bin ein Berliner!" Bode of course picked up on it, and would also repeat it constantly.  Sometimes during travel, we'd say it as a joke.

Yesterday at the park, Bode chased two little German girls who were pushing a baby carriage.  They noticed Bode charging after them, and ran off to their mothers, who were sitting at a nearby park bench. The girls spoke in rapid German, pointing at Bode, who stood close by, smiling broadly, and ready to give chase again.  I ran up and gestured to the mothers that he was only playing, and didn't mean any harm.  I told Bode to leave the girls alone, and asked him to chase me instead.

Later, the two little German girls were sitting under a slide, playing quietly.  I watched (and giggled) as Bode "broke into" their play area, asking loudly, "Hey, do you know Lightning McQueen?"  and continued rambling on about Cars.  The little girls looked around helplessly. One girl in red boots spotted me and asked me something (in German).  I said, "English."  The little girl turned to her friend and (I guess) explained that Bode was English.  The little girl in red boots said to Bode, "Ich bin Anna." (I am Anna) And Bode said (wait for it), "Ich bin ein Beriner!" (I am a (jelly) donut!)  I tried not to laugh, and I tried to get Bode to stop saying it. The girls took no notice, but I just don't want him repeating that in front of Germans!

My sister lived in Berlin for awhile so she is super excited that we are here.  One directive I got from her is to make sure that Bode Wm. has a schnecken from the bakery. This morning, we went on our bakery run.  I always scan the bakery case before making my selections (ha).  Today, they had schneckens!  So I immediately ordered a schnecken for Bode Wm.  Before I handed him his schnecken, I explained to him that his Aunt Melinda wanted him to have a schnecken when he was in Germany.  I told him that Aunt Melinda says it looks like a snail. He solemnly said, "Aunt Merinda gave Bode dis schnecken all the way from Germany!"  Well, kind of.  Enjoy.

He ate one half this morning. These are from this afternoon!

My little schnecken.

These bakery runs have got to stop. 

Enjoy your day.
xo