Morning message from Pach

Anika y familia:
Aqui seguimos mas movidas y nerviosas ya que los movimientos(replicas) son muy seguidas Ayer pasamos y dormimos vestidas listas para salir en caso necesario.Hasta ahora los movimientos han sido cortos y no mas de 4º aunque sean suaves da su poco de susto por lo que estaremos siempre preparadas para la emergencia.
Anoche no pude comunicarme no tuve internet pero supe que Juan Caroca quien estaba enel fundo se encontraba bien y pudo llegar a su casa en San Fernando donde lo esperaba su familia, todos bien.
Tito y Su mama bien pero muy nerviosa .
De Cristina en Concepcion aun no se nada no tenemos comunicaciones.
el resto de la familia y amigos hasta ahora bien.
ya te contare mas.los quiero mucho Pachy saludos de Nolfa su familia esta bien.

She writes (and this is as best a translation that I can offer...it's a "loose translation" so now you all know my Spanish is not all that great...)

Anika and family:
Here we are continuing to move and nervous that the aftershocks continue one after the other. Yesterday we spent the day and slept dressed in our clothes ready to leave if necessary. Currently the movements have been short and not more than 4.0. So they seem calm and give less fear but because they continue we are prepared for an emergency.
Last night we were unable to communicate because there wasn't any internet. But I think that Juan Caroca who was outside was found well and was able to arrive at his house in San Fernando where his family was waiting safe and sound. Tito and his mother are well but very nervous. About Cristina in Concepcion still no one knows. We still can't communicate to there. The rest of the family and friends are now fine. I will tell you more. I love you all very much. Regards to all, Pachy. Nolfa's family is well.

Made me laugh

This link brought a smile to my face. Be sure to click on the link at the bottom of the post entitled "Oh Shit". I knew it was going to be good I just didn't know how good it was going to be. Thank you FUPenguin.

Please Earth, Settle Down.

So it's late afternoon in Chile now. There is still little known about Concepcion. Again I am thankful for internet and technology as I was able to talk to Pachy and Nolfa for a long while on Skype. The conversation went through highs and lows. While we spoke they had another aftershock of 6.5 and Twila and I sat, watched, and waited with crossed fingers as they left to hide under the door. Crazy. The damage seems spotty in Santiago. Their apartment feels strong (knock wood) while the bell tower fell in the church not 10 blocks away. But it's mostly rubble in the parts of the south. My Aunt and some others have told me that they were so afraid this morning that they thought that was their last moment. I have read that online too...that people were so afraid they thought they were not going to live through it. I guess an earthquake that long really would allow you to go through a whole range of thoughts and emotions. I am just so thankful to talk with my aunt and to know she is okay. I got an email from Pocha as well and she was very frightened but is doing okay. I guess there was some damage at her apartment but she's already looking into how to take care of it. Tito and his mother are afraid but okay. They had a little damage in their house with the walls chipping a bit but with a house as old as theirs they are thankful things are not worse.

It was strange, and I don't know if it was thinking about people losing their lives or about feeling sad that Chile was frightened, maybe just feeling lament-y...but I started to mourn my dad again. I feel like it's selfish to admit that when so many people are having to deal with this but this is a blog right? It's pretty much a place for these kind of thoughts... I guess I was sad that places like Temuco where my dad and I had some of our last great memories are now leveled. In fact, that was my first blog post. But as I write this and look back at the posts I feel happy of the time we did spend there. I guess nothing can take the actual memories away. I suppose thinking of Chile and of Chileans makes me first think of my dad. And I have yet to meet a Chilean or someone who has spent any time there who doesn't feel patriotic at the mere mention of the place. It's special there and I still hope everything is better than expected.

Chile

Pachy is ok. So is Nolfa and Pocha. When I spoke with her and said that the news looked horrible she said it was not an over-reaction. It's bad. But the Chileans seem prepared for earthquakes and like those in California people seem to be able to remain calm all things considered. We still don't know about our friends and relatives in the South. Pachy's cousin Jaime's house is leveled and the garage fell on his car but he is okay. The highways and bridges are out and there isn't any phone or internet in the south now so we still are hoping all is well. We do have some family in Concepcion and they are the people we worry most about now but I still hope to hear about Juan and Cueca and Tito and his mom. I hope to hear about my godfather as well. Seeing the photos online have made me feel worried for the Chileans. My heart goes out to everyone and I hope strongly that it's not as bad as I fear. It's strange that I can sit in my home, feeling calm, and pleasure while on the other side of the world there is rubble and chaos and people who I love in rubble and chaos. Thanks to everyone who has called to ask about Pachy. That's what was most important to me right now. And thankfully she is okay.

Good Morning

Perspective with Dr. Greg

Today we went to Twila's pediatrician. If you ever hear of anyone needing a great dr. for their child I highly recommend Dr. Greg Blackmon. He's good with kids, adults, is interesting to chat with and knows what he's doing. He instills trust. I wish all doctors were as thorough and patient. So, today Twila went in for a checkup. And well, after talking to him awhile, most of the questions I had seemed kind of stupid. He just got back from volunteering in Haiti. He told us stories about standing with the armies while talking with kids and handing out lollipops just moments before an aftershock. In retrospect, the stories he told us were less about the destruction and chaos and more about the loving nature of the children he encountered. To me, that really spoke volumes. It is good to kind of put things back into perspective. All these things that are out to make our lives healthier, easier, more organic... they are good things sure but not necessary. And as a mother, do I really need to put a charcoal filter in the bathroom Dr. Oz? That's supposed to be at the top of my list?? Perspective. Our mothers did things, it sometimes seems to me, even more instinctively. Choices don't have to be so overly thought out. Sure, there are those things we have learned that do improve mental capacities, longevity, healthy bodies and attitudes... But my point I guess is that with a little perspective, for me, there are certain things about raising another human that I can relax about. Parenting does not have to be stressful or overly thought out. She is a human, wants to thrive, and we've been doing it for a really long time. I suppose I just need to keep those simple goals of raising a happy, healthy girl who is respectful of those around her and is aware of how lucky we are. So, this morning was another lesson in letting go and letting nature take its course. I am going to try and un-complicate the complicated parts of my life. Twila will be the better for it and so will I. It can be that easy.

Logan

Steph got a new buddy and boyyyy is he cute! Wow, I mean really cute. So I guess one of the pitfalls of doing animal fostering is that you have maybe one, two chances to foster before you fall in love with your new pet. He's a really good example of just how sweet animal adoption can be.

What happens when I don't blog for months

Twila grows and grows...it's what she does best. To catch everyone up, she is starting to stand up, is very proud when she pulls herself up (this includes squealing and laughter along with turns of the head to see who has just witnessed her accomplishments), is finally starting to eat a bit, likes to laugh, loves dogs and cats, and is quite the Chatty Kathy.

I am feeling more comfortable at home these days although cabin fever has officially set in (I am really ready for spring to come!) I feel good about staying home with Twila. I think it's been really great for the both of us and I feel lucky to be able to do it. It may sound strange but at first I don't think I could accept that. I think I felt guilty for a really long time. Then it suddenly dawned on me that I am kind of living my dream. I think that that scared me. I don't know if I felt like if I admitted that it would disappear or if I felt guilty sharing that (even to myself), or if I felt like I didn't deserve it...I don't know. But I decided that that was stupid and to snap out of it. (It did help to have a few great friends tell me "You're being stupid! Snap out of it!!") Life is good and that's okay to admit. This last year has been a big transition. Twila does occupy every waking moment. I have a lot of respect for women "who can do it all". I think I'm okay with doing "some" and trying to do "some" as well as I can. But from the second she wakes up we are on. I hear this is the easy part before she starts walking and such...my back thinks otherwise. But, she is adorable and loving, funny and entertaining...she's is a joy to be around and I feel so lucky to be a part of her life.

I have been trying to use the time I have to myself to start selling some art and projects I have been working on. I am getting some projects going to try and sell at the farmer's market this spring too. I opened up a store on ETSY and am going to open another storefront with some baby items when I get the chance. If you have never been to ETSY you should visit...great handmade items of all sorts. Be prepared to lose a few hours and dollars! Doug is doing well-he's a busy man these days but is taking to fatherhood like a pro. Music making is still going on but at a bit of a slower rate. He's getting ready for the third round of Song Poems to arrive in about two weeks.

To everyone who's been asking to see some up to date photos of Twila and have been wondering how we are all doing- Thanks! It's been great getting to share this with you and having you in our lives. Oh, and that adult chit-chatting is well appreciated as are the evenings out with a little sippy-sippy.

When it rains it pours

It was a week full of baby showers. The first shower was for Rachel and Travis, some Naples pals. It was at Fatty's and if you have not been you should go. It's mostly Cajun food but also has a really great breakfast menu. It was a fun time and very nice to see everyone. Twila had fun being passed around and playing with various plates, spoons, and wrapping paper. (see? just like a cat.) It was nice to be able to go with Doug too. Total baby games: 1, very casual...plus, it involved snacks.


Days later we had some fun at Danielle's shower. It was nice to see some Striders again,see Danielle and her pre-baby, and to see Twila happy in the arms of others. People make her smile and she makes others smile...it's a vicious smiling circle. Danielle looked great and very happy. Total baby games: 5, or was it 6? More traditional shower games and lots of laughs. Dre was an excellent hostess. Oh, and did I mention she has a really cute kitty?

Today's milestone: First pair of hard soled shoes. ("v.cute", as anna and saj would say)

ETSY

So, finally did it...opened a little shop on ETSY. I was getting tired of hearing myself tell people how I was going to do this! It's a nice way for me to get some feedback and show pals what I am up to. It's also a nice way to keep me producing and FINISHING projects. So if I can make a little money AND work on my personal issues it's a win win. I plan on opening another site up for some baby stuff but here's what's going on currently.