Surfacing

 The first few weeks with a newborn always feel like I'm functioning under water.  So, I'm surfacing for air before things get really nuts. 
It's almost surreal how quickly time is passing.  Skylar turned three weeks old yesterday, and the movers begin packing us out on Monday.  We're simultaneously trying to soak up as much of Rio as we can, while mentally preparing for life back in the States.  Send us some good vibes, will ya?

Lots of good things are on the horizon, and I can't wait for them to unfold, but I'm trying to be patient.  NOT one of my strong points.

Speaking of good things...
I commissioned some paintings from the (soon-to-be-way, WAY famous) Jenny of MFAMB.  I asked her to interpret my daughters Avery and Isla with paintings.  They were a Mother's Day gift to myself - instead of a Mother's ring or jewelry, I envision a Mother's Wall with a grouping of her fantastic work that each girl can have one day.  When the baby is a little older, I'll get her to do another one, and somewhere in the mix, I'll pick out something just for moi!
First, though, get a load of the Isla and Avery.

Got them back from the framers yesterday, and am so loving the natural wood.

They're even prettier in person, and I think everyone (and any room) could benefit from some of Jenny's talent.  She offers originals via her Etsy store, and now, via Furbish, you can purchase prints.  There's no excuse - go get yo'self some!

I also managed to have Skylar's birth announcement designed.  As much as I love a nice paper card, I know the truth is most people toss them (how dare they!), so I sent a digital announcement this go-round. #thirdchild

design by River & Bridge

Lastly, I ordered these Paige denim skinnies about three weeks before my Due Date to act as Post Partum motivation.

I've been giving them the side-eye since they arrived...

 

...but succumbed to their promise of fabulous-ass-ness yesterday, and started Tracy Anderson's post partum workouts.  Her Pregnancy Project dvds served me well for nine months, so I have faith the post partum one will, too.  We'll see....

Skylar Areia

It's not like I'm the MOST consistent blogger, but I have been trying to be more so.  Of course, that really gets put on the rails when you have a new baby in the house!

That's right, Baby Girl surprised us last Wednesday (can't believe it's almost been a week, already), and decided she was ready for this world on her due date:  June 19.  Funny how your mind-body works when it's time to have a baby.  The day started off with us attending Avery's Kindergarten graduation, no signs of labor on the horizon.  I even teased her teachers that once the ceremonies were over, the baby was "cleared for take-off," and that's pretty much how it went.  Sometime around mid-afternoon, my contractions began, and that was that.  She was born early evening.

As we had planned, she was born at home.  I'm a huge cheerleader for natural birth, and have always wanted a birth at home.  Here, with an amazing midwife, we delivered her in calm and comfort, without the interference of hospital protocols and interventions.  It was incredible.

Her name is Skylar Areia.  Areia (ah-ray-uh) is Portuguese for sand - a nod to her Cariocan birthplace, and head of blond hair.

Needless to say, we are smitten.
 

Mental Hygiene

Just in case you were wondering, there's no baby news yet.  I'm a week from Due Date today, so the official Kettle Watching has begun.  As I waddle around our neighborhood, I catch glimpses of passersby with that look of 'Wow, you're about to pop - don't do it here, please."  Good times.

Things have been really hectic 'round Casa Portu-Giese.  We've had to attend to some major issues in our US affaires, and all of it has had both Ben and I mentally drained.  It's times like this when I tend to pull back from things like blogs and (to a lesser degree), Pinterest because I feel like I let them unduly influence my scope of reality.  You could say I'm performing a little mental alignment hygiene.
Summer is a good time to do that.
Pre-baby is a very good time to do that.

I've also been reading The War of Art by Steven Pressfield about overcoming inner creative battles.  So often, people who are called to creative endeavors are challenged by severe inner Resistance that keeps them from being their Ultimate Self.  If it sounds hokey to you, you've perhaps been lucky in not experiencing it.  I have it in droves, but instead of just calling it Resistance, I call it my Gremlin.  That nagging inner voice that lives to create self doubt anyway she can.
Anyway, so far, the book is very promising, and I'll share my take when I'm done. 

That's not to say I'm totally forgoing internet eye candy.   How perfect is this Globetrotter wallpaper?

I know.

Stay tuned for Baby G updates...

The Poopside of Parenting

We've been making a concerted effort to potty train our 3 y/o, Isla this week.  Actually, we've been doing the parental peer pressure thing for several months, as we look at having two children in diapers as only slightly less punishment than Purgatory.
It has been hit or miss. 
Last Sunday, Isla didn't want to eat her breakfast eggs, and said "I want to tee tee in the potty" as an excuse to get away from the table.  We called her bluff, and somehow that turned into a concentrated Potty Training effort that didn't exactly match my expectations for an "I'm off the grid" Mother's Day.
We had about a 50% success rate.
So, Monday, Ben offered to stay home with Isla, so we could put her through a Potty Training Boot Camp Day.  It began horribly, with her screaming she didn't WANT to use the potty, and crying for the ensuing hours.  As I am the weaker parent, I bailed to go to the grocery store.  When I came back, she was happy, and had used the potty several times.
BUT NOT TO POOP.
And, she has continued to refuse to use the potty for #2 all week, instead holding it all in, creating one, giant, compacted, uh...s%*t storm.  Last night, she woke up screaming that "It HURTS!"  Well, yeah, kiddo, I'm sure it does!
We had a similar problem with our first-born - something about the different sensation of going on the toilet that first time is terrifying to them.  We ended up using a water enema on her that STILL has me scarred.  But it worked.  She remembers it, though, and I think she'll probably use it against me at some point in her life.
So, basically, I am the worst potty training parent ever.  I dread the time so much, and I will very possibly consider ECing with this third child - in the hopes of truncating the whole endeavor.

So, that's what I've got - no pretty pictures of interiors, or plans of future projects - just preschool poop talk.  Any advice on getting us over this hump?

OK, I'll leave ya with this pretty toilet.

My Preggo Pics

I'm going to attempt three blog posts this week.  That's especially ambitious, considering I'll be single-parenting for most of it.  You just watch me.

I mentioned a few posts back that I was considering having maternity photos taken.  I've never had them done with previous pregnancies, and felt like if I ever wanted to document myself in this preggo state, it was now or never.

I knew I didn't want anything belly-baring or overly serious/pensive.  Having lost our last baby has made me more contemplative, scared and grateful during this pregnancy, but the joy and humor of being pregnant again has not been swept aside - and I wanted to capture that.

I found a really wonderful, kind and patient photographer here in Rio, who just had a baby herself.  I think she registered just what I was hoping for.  Having Ipanema Beach as a backdrop didn't hurt, either!
What d'ya think?

all photos by Daniela Justus

Movin' on Up

...to DC that is.  In the words of Forest Gump, "Our Nation's Cap-it-OL."  Several weeks ago, we finally got word that our days in Brazil are numbered, and as my husband's agency likes to say, we're being brought back "into the fold."  We'll stay here in Rio to have the baby, but as soon as she and I are medically cleared to fly, we'll pack up and head Stateside.

I'm still not sure how I feel about it all.  Our initial assignment to Brazil was for a three year post.  We chose to extend the additional two years because, despite being so far from family and friends, Brazil has become our home.   It's crazy and confounding in its Developing Nation way, but also incredibly rich and warm and welcoming.  The reverse culture shock we will experience moving to the rat race of DC is not lost on me, and we will try to soak up as much of Rio as we can over the next few months.

So, week before last, I trekked my big bump self up to the DC area to scout a housing situation.  Are ya'll familiar with the DC area housing market right now?  It's NUTS.  It's one of the few areas that has really recovered from the housing crash, and is booming.  Low inventory and high demand are again creating this perfect storm in real estate that has people doing things like waiving inspection and finance contingencies, and bidding tens of thousands OVER asking price to get the house they want. 

The last time we were in the market for a home, it was also a boom, but people seemed more genteel.  Now, in that area at least, it's pretty cut-throat, and I felt a bit like Country Mouse.

So, our agent took me house-hunting.  I saw maybe a dozen to fifteen homes that fell within our criteria.  Only one of which I would even CONSIDER living in.  I'm having to adjust to the fact that not only would I never give most of the homes a second glance were they in Texas, where we're from, but we're also going to pay out the wazoo for a home that's....less than inspiring.

*But*

I have craved the chance to DO THINGS in my own home for nearly five years, and now I'll most definitely have the chance to do that.  Might have to sell my soul or body to do them, but, we'll cross that bridge later...
We've put a contract on a house in the Virginia 'burbs of DC, so fingers crossed this one will pan out, and I can start sharing my brainstorming.

Here's to looking through rose-colored glasses.

Join me after the Jump

Many of you who read this little blog are bloggers yourselves, so I imagine you'll probably get where I'm coming from when I say:

I. just. gotta. turn. it. off.

I've been blogging nearly four years.  When I started, it was just my little journal to express excitement about whatever, but mostly design stuff.  I didn't care about stats or comments, I just had fun with it. 

These days, the need to post regularly, then Tweet, FB, Pin and Instagram about it all has made me question my existence as a blogger.
Maybe that's a tad melodramatic, but what I'm getting at is:  When did it become a job to be a blogger?  I just want to be fun, inspiring, engaging.  To connect with others who want the same.

I'm in the middle of a career reinvention, if you will.  The blog is being redesigned to coincide with my budding business.  So, it seems like a good time to start delineating the "old blogger me" from the "new designer me" by taking a little summer hiatus. 

I'm not exactly sure how I will resurface - a rebranded blog, a website, or both, but I'll keep you all in the loop when it happens, and hope you'll join me again when I'm so fresh and so clean, clean!

always,

alison

P.S. - This concludes my participation in the One Room Challenge.  I feel like a total flake, but really - we just moved to Rio - what was I thinking?  Don't worry, though, when it's done, you'll have front-row seats!

Leaving a Home

Friday, Ben and I said goodbye to our home in Brasilia.  He and I have always become very attached to the places we live, which is probably an occupational hazard considering the overseas life we live tends to move families frequently.  

We've lived in our "BSB home" not quite four years, but a lot of life has been lived there in that short amount of time.  It's the first place we settled after joining this somewhat disjointed, Diplomatic life.  

In that house, we learned to cook new foods, and toast with drinks of exotic flair.  Where we celebrated birthdays and anniversaries - sometimes not always together.  Where we brought home one child.  And didn't bring home another.

It's where we hosted friends who shared stories of where they were from, where they had been, and where they were going.  Places all around the world.

They say Home is Where the Heart is, and our house in BSB will forever be one of our Homes.

Catching up in Crazytown

Wait. Has it already been a week since I last posted?

No wonder my stats and stuff are in the It can.

Sorry, but I suspect there will be more of that in the weeks ahead. 

And, I'm just not collected enough these days to build in guest posts, etc.

Speaking of collected....Have any of you looked this effortless coming off a 10+ hour flight?

Yeah.  Me neither. Just checking.

I think it takes a lot of effort to look effortless, though.

OK, where was I?  Catching up.  Let's see...  I'll try to give the Cliff's Notes version:

The movers show up a week from today to box us up for Rio. I'm kinda spazzing about it. 

We sold quite a lot of stuff in a garage sale last weekend.  To pare down, or buy more stuff, THAT is the question.

This here blog will be getting herself a whole new gig in a few weeks.  All bizzy and professional-like.  I'll share more when she's all polished up, and ready for her close-up.  I hope when the time comes, you'll make that move with me (*wink-wink*)

OH!  The CLEANSE!!  I never had a chance to tell ya'll how it went!

In (well, not a) but a few words:  It was. A. Game. Changer.

I came to it needing/wanting to lean up, and shed the last bloody five pounds from my last pregnancy.  I had been trimming excess and refined carbs, and working out consistently for a few months, but not seeing any positive movement on the scale, or in the fit of my clothes.

Demoralizing is what that is.

I kept reading Facebook updates from a friend of mine about how much success she was having losing weight with this cleanse, but more importantly, how much ENERGY she had while doing it.

I am a trained Registered Dietitian, and by default, discount anything that sounds too good to be true in terms of weight loss.  I was doubtful about this program, but after reading about it, the ingredient lists of the products (all natural), I decided to give the 9-day cleanse a go. 

In nine days, I lost five inches, and almost 5 lbs - exactly what I wanted to do.  But get this:  My energy was throughthefreakin'roof.  I haven't felt that good - well, possibly ever.  My mental clarity and ability to focus was Rain Man-like.  My ability to handle stress (i.e. travelling husband, single parenthood) was boosted. I no longer craved sugar.  These are not things that happen with simple water loss or chemical stimulants.  

 *This is where I'd insert my Before and After pics* (yes, I took them) But can't stomach that kind of exposure. (If you want to see my proof email me.  And I'll make you sign a confidentiality clause.)

I'm two-weeks post-cleanse, now.  One pound has come back, but I understand that's typical.  Otherwise, I've maintained the losses.

I could go on and on, but don't want to turn into an infomercial. If you want more info on the cleanse - go here and/or email me. atexski@yahoo(dot)com.

Think that's it....

I'll try to show my face 'round here before next week.

But, don't hold your breath ;)

Lay off meeeee!

What's new in the world?

Let's see....

I'm doing a cleanse.  This one.  I've always wanted to try one, but they always seemed a tad shady.  This one's total nutrition, and I've seen people I actually know have amazing results.  So, I'm in.  I started it on Saturday.  The first two days are pre-cleanse days where you whittle down your food intake, drink high-nutrient shakes, and practically float away on all the water you're supposed to consume.  Then comes two real-deal cleanse days.  As in no food.

That starts today.

What's also today?

My Baby Girl's 2nd Birthday.

 

So, these are sittin' around for later today....

...and I haven't. Touched. One.

Didn't even lick a beater.

Ben told me I'm a Masochist.

All I can think of....

...and maybe the goodness of this...

Source: google.com via Alison on Pinterest

Cleansfully yours,

ag

Other things

Sorry for being so MIA lately.  You know, there was a time when I stressed a lot about this blog - what to post, comparing my posts to others', wondering where (if anywhere) this blog might lead.  Since we lost our baby, so much of that perspective has changed.  The fact that I no longer freak out if I'm not getting X number of posts out per week is a good thing, but the down side is I leave you all in the lurch, and that makes me kinda sad.

I guess while I'm talking about it, well, I'll just talk about it.  The loss of our baby girl, Lauren.  We're doing OK.  As good as can be expected, I guess.  Grief is a journey, and we're certainly still on it, but life also keeps moving.  Especially when you have another almost 5 and almost 2 year-old buzzing around.

I've been busying myself with our upcoming move to Rio - planning designs for as-yet unknown living quarters.

I've also been trying to lose the last five pounds of pregnancy weight.  They say the last five are always the toughest.  I can't even shed ONE much less FIVE.  This stuff is holding on for dear life.  I imagine if I had been able to breast feed, the baby weight would have come off like it did with my other children.  And, it's not like you can read up on "What to Expect after Stillbirth."  Stillbirth occurs in one in less than two hundred pregnancies, but no one talks about it.  No one really researches it.  Those of us who have experienced it are left to figure it out on our own.  Instead of cuddling a newborn, we ride on the roller coaster of grief, hormones, and in my case, stringent expectations on my body to be "normal."

I saw a quote shortly after we lost Lauren that said in terms of grief - It doesn't get better, it just gets different. It's true. You don't really "get better" or "get over" losing a child, but you are certainly not the same.  I'm just hoping that my different is somehow...better.

Painting by Jenny of MFAMB - See her for all your abstract art desires!

Thank You

I am overwhelmed by the touching comments so many of you have left reflecting your thoughts and prayers over our loss of our baby girl, Lauren.  For those of you who share this kind of loss, I am so deeply sorry.  I've also received many kind emails, and if I haven't been able to respond directly, please know that each and every one has touched my heart, and lifted my soul - thank you.

Beneath it all, I feel a current of Hope.  Your thoughts and prayers continue to lift my family, and it is all I can offer to wish you and yours a blessed holiday season.

alison

Lauren Giese 11.20.2011

Sadness

I try to keep this blog real, and in that vein, I feel I should share with you....

This week, we lost our Baby Girl.  I was 27+ weeks.

Saturday, she was moving like a little acrobat - normal for her.  Sunday, we spent the day busy doing projects around the house, so it wasn't until I was relaxing that evening that I realized I hadn't felt her move all day.  We did the usual things they tell you to do: pushed around on my belly, ate some chocolate, but we couldn't get her to move.  Monday, my midwife couldn't find a heartbeat, and an ultrasound confirmed our worst fear:  she was gone.

We had enjoyed such a normal, healthy pregnancy - no different than my previous two.  There was nothing to indicate a problem.  Even the last ultrasound showed a normal brain, spine, heart, placenta - everything looks perfect.  We are devastated and dumbfounded.  We may never know what happened.  

Right now, we are holding our other two precious girls even tighter, and doing our best to put our hearts in God's hands, trying to understand that our angel's mission was not of this world.

Right now, all I can think about is being with my family, and I ask you to please keep us in your thoughts and prayers.

always,

alison

Let's see...what else have I got?

Wow, you all were decidedly not interested in baby Oliver's to-be rockin' nursery. Four comments? ..and I worked my tail off on that board, too. Sads.

Well...how about this? We learned yesterday that baby #3 is another GIRL!! From the get-go, I figured we were destined to have girls, but I took one of those Gender Predictor tests, and it said Boy. So, I had sort of gotten used to the idea that we'd have an XY child in the mix. Turns out, I should've trusted my instincts, as an ultrasound tells no lie, and a baby girl it is. No worries, though, she's looking perfect, and we're delighted and blessed for that.

Still not what you're looking for?

OK - how about some pretty rooms...The latest Lonny killed it. Sent me into some kind of design schizophrenia.

The house full of creamy (and in some cases, contrasting) neutrals have me seriously questioning my devotion to color...

...and then I spy glossy persimmon and aqua velvet (the fabric, not the aftershave), and I feel a tugging at my soul.

Lacquered walls - will we ever get over it? Not when it's this good.

How perfect would this be to reflect our overseas life?

Hey! They're mooching off my inspiration!

3-D butterfly art, Lonny Style:

3-D Butterfly art: Casa G Style:

Lonny's Glossy Turquoise Bureau:

My Glossy Turquoise Bureau:

See? We are of equal, rad style.

This pink couch, amid all this amazing natural light, gives me huge amounts of inspiration for when we move to Rio. What? Did I just say that? It's a secret, so shush.

Now for the quiz:
1) What two things did I reveal in this post?
2) What Missoni item did you snag from someone else's cart yesterday at TarJAY?

Curveballs and Crossroads

You all have been so patient with me this summer (I thank you!). First, I skeeted up to Texas for five weeks with nary a Hello between guest blogger's posts, and now that we're back in Brazil, I've been doing good to show up once a week.

I hate it when that happens. For whatever reason, or multiple reasons, sometimes the blog takes a hit - meaning, it takes a serious backstage to Life. That's as it should be, right? Still, I feel like I've got some 'splainin to do...

A few days after we arrived for our vacation in Texas we learned we are expecting Kiddo #3. I know you're probably thinking, "Wasn't she just pregnant?" Um, yeah, it feels like it. Our baby is 15 months old, now, but still - Tracy Anderson was just starting to make some headway with my Second-baby-after-35 body.

While I'm on it, I have a question to any mothers of many out there...By the third kiddo or so, did you look pregnant, like, immediately? I'm now 12 weeks, and I swear - I wake up three months pregnant, but by bedtime, I'm five! Gravity and fluids are not kind.

Anyway, we had considered having a third child. This was just a leeeetle sooner than we planned. BUT, the way I look at it is A) a blessing and B) If we had waited, we would've decided two is plenty. This baby is meant to be.

However, I can't say it hasn't thrown me for a loop in terms of how and when I'll segue this blog into a business. A while back, I mentioned I planned to go back to school for Interior Design, but the truth is there are few options for me since I live overseas. The online degree programs are few and far between, but the real issue is: Do I really need to get yet another degree when I really just want to enrich people's lives and homes with beautiful décor? It takes talent and skill, but not necessarily formal education to do what I want to do.

I answer my own question with: It just might have to wait. It's tough. I compare myself and this blog against others who post beautifully crafted and well-planned posts every day, and who are quickly turning their blogs into bigger and better things. Most of them are in the career-first stage of their lives. I don't know too many women with three children under the age of five (my situation when this baby is born) who are at the top of their game professionally AND personally. I know there are some amazing souls who do it all. For me, though, something has to give. There's no question that I'll hold onto my dreams while I give my family 100%.

In the meantime, I'll keep plugging away, blogging as often as I can about projects I have going on, and things that inspire my creativity. ...And I still have that card up my sleeve about a spin-off, food blog. You know....in all my spare time ;)

all my best,
alison

Juices Flowing

The other morning I hopped on the treadmill for my usual, decent-but-not-excessive routine. Sometimes, I prefer the treadmill so, rather than having to focus on questionable topography (very typical in Brazil), my brain can meander into creative territory.
So, there I was, pacing along, sort of expecting the onslaught of ideas I use for home decor projects, blog posts, etc when there was....nothing. Not really a void or vacuum as much as the brainstorm equivalent of bellybutton lint.

Todd Romano's NYC Apt. via AD aka My blue heaven

I didn't worry too much about it - ideas will come, blog posts happen - but it got me thinking about what other expressive people do to get their juices flowing. Remember Alexandre (Mikhail Baryshnikov's character) in SATC - pulling all-night, creative benders to come up with his art installations? Or, notoriously, musicians tapping into their inner genius via mind-altering drugs.

I'll take my cafe au lait here, please via Vivre Cote Paris

Note: Extra-tall shower curtain and tufted little bench Disregard: Poor quality photo

I dare say I'm not that in touch with my inner artiste, but I do find that certain environments foster the flow of creative juices more than others. ...And the monotony of the treadmill is usually one of them. So, what happens when that doesn't work?

Well read? I'd say that's a YES.

What do you do when your go-to for creative enlightenment falls through? Inquiring minds wanna know!

...AND - Go back HERE to register for the CSN giveaway (aka Free Money) - Tomorrow's the last day to enter.

Coming Clean

This post has been a long time a 'comin, so sit back, and please sit through with me...

All of us can probably describe in detail the "aha!" moment we had when we first discovered blogs. Mine came about right after we had moved to Brazil. I had been writing a blog for our daughter - to keep family and friends abreast of her milestones, but was oblivious to design blogs.
One day, a friend tipped me off to a fabulous interior designer's blog, and I sat and read each and every post. I was so enamored of the concept of sharing a passion for design via the www that I knew I had finally found an adequate outlet for my own design fervor, and had to have a blog of my own.

I started it without any ambition, other than to share - with whoever might read. I had no idea of knowing that my blog, and all those I read, would create this avenue of inspiration and self-discovery.

This bloggy world is a strange and competitive beast, though, and soon I became aware of things like hit counts, original content, quantity and quality of comments.
Now, may I sidetrack for a moment?
I can honestly say I've never been a stalker - even before I knew how gratifying it is to receive reader comments - I've always openly commented. I guess I just wanted to be part of this giant blog party.
To me, reading someone's blog without ever commenting is like ringing their doorbell, and running away before they answer the door.
So, if you're hovering in my shrubbery (so to speak), please come in - say hello every now and then. I know you're out there, and I'd love to meet you.

I'll admit to becoming ensnared in the comparison game, too. Am I as witty, stylish, talented, unique as the next blogstress? Dangerous game that is. And superfluous, too, as I know in my heart the only Beings who I must rank first with are these three... ...and I do.

But, it brings me to this: What is it all for? For me, there must be an end game - a raison d'etre. I can't just keep wishing and dreaming - I must begin doing. If I want to legitimize my aspirations, I need some book cred - so, I'm heading back to school...design school.
Having a lot of education (and educational debt) has certainly given me pause about taking on yet another study program, but I guess it's just been my circuitous path to discovering who I am. I'm not a salesman, I'm not an attorney, and I'm not yet a designer - but I will be.

Breck Girl

Finally finagled some time for a long overdue hair cut. Kinda hard to see in this pic all of its fab-70s Fawcett-esque flippiness. Fun. More importantly, unbelievably beautiful bougainvillea - courtesy of Hubster's green thumb.

One for the record books

Do you remember when air travel was easy, fun, even exciting? Probably sometime before 9/11 for most of us.
After twelve weeks, five flight changes, and two missed connections, we finally arrived at our house in Brazil on Tuesday.
Are you ready for the tale? Hope you have your coffee (or other choice beverage) in hand...
*Pics of ordeal not available. See inserted inspiration images for monologue relief*

Saturday, the 24th was my birthday. We had finally received Isla's visa after a twelve week ordeal of government bureaucracy, and we were scheduled to fly home. The girls and I had been in Texas, while Ben worked both in Brazil, and The States, so it was actually a great gift to finally have my family together. The plan was for me to fly with the girls from Houston to Atlanta, where I'd meet up with Ben for the overnight direct flight to Brasilia.

A garden I need - San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

When I checked in in Houston - six bags and two kids in tow - I asked the "kind" lady at the counter if she could give a birthday girl some decent seats. Instead I got, "Well, I can give you some bad news on your birthday - your flight has been delayed - you'll get in thirty minutes before your flight to Brazil departs."

I took a deep breath, and just prayed we'd make it - maybe Ben could tell the gate keepers in Atlanta our situation, and they'd wait. I must not have much pull with my prayers, because very shortly thereafter, the flight was further delayed, making it impossible to make our connection.
The direct flights are only offered three times a week, so I knew the earliest we could catch the next flight was Monday, and the agents said there weren't any seats available, anyway. Tears. Restless and tired kids in an airport is not a happy place.

My make-believe Parisian pied à terre

Fast forward to Atlanta. My flight arrived about ten minutes before the Brazil flight was set to take off, so I grabbed the girls, and started to haul it, but Ben met us, and said our seats had been given to standbys. We had to go to the re-booking counter, a train ride three concourses down.

When we got to the counter, I realized I didn't have my carry-on, which I had gate checked. The carry on that contained my $$$ camera/lenses, laptop, iPod, prescription meds, jewelry, oh, and all of Isla's new social security and birth certificate cards. It was a flippin' goldmine for someone with sticky fingers, and I was beside myself. Picture a frantic woman with baby in Bjorn running down the concourse back to the gate - that was me. At the gate - no dice - no one had seen it. Had I left it? I don't know - I was in a serious hurry. It wasn't with the stroller and car seat I had also checked. Again, tears.

Bookshelf goodness

Two hours later - about midnight - the international desk found us seats to fly Monday night, but they weren't direct - we'd have to route through Rio. OK, fine - we just needed sleep. Both girls were still awake - and totally, totally out of their minds tired.

We were told our bags were in a holding area, one we couldn't get to since it was so late. So they sent us on our way to a meager hotel, with a "care kit" that contained a t shirt, a toothbrush, and that's about it. But, before we left, I made a claim for my missing bag.

It was after 2 am Sunday when we all crashed. Happy Birthday to me.

Despite the trendiness, I still love this type of art - for the sheer thundering movement of it

Monday, we were back at the airport, trying to get our bags - for the diapers, changes of clothes we so desperately needed. Good news: bags arrived AND my carry on had shown up in Oklahoma City, and could be sent back later that afternoon. Good thing I got that file started the night before! Major happy dance ensued.

We took a long afternoon nap, and Ben retrieved my carry on that evening - everything intact. Dear God, I know these are not the important things in life, but I owe you one.

Settee and ottoman prettiness

Monday, refreshed with a full-night's rest, we took the girls on the MARTA downtown to the Children's Museum, where Avery had a blast. Took naps and showers, and got ready for our flight.

Before we took the shuttle, I asked Ben to check our flight status (our luck, you know) He got quiet - not good - then said, "Business."
Me: "Hmm?"
Ben: "Business - we got bumped to business - all of us."
Suh-WEEET!
With new spring in our step, we headed to ATL with plenty of time to spare.

Get out of my way, I'm jumping in first!

Then, watched out the windows as the Heavens opened up, and released an enormous deluge. We nervously watched the flight status - it stayed On Time.

We boarded, settled, and began smugly sipping champagne, when the Captain came on the overhead saying we were missing about 70 passengers who were delayed by weather - we would wait for them - for two hours. (Kinda wish they'd offered US that courtesy) Oh well - we were comfy, so it didn't smart as much.

But, it did make us miss our connection in Rio. Ugh, and freakin' ugh BUT with the help of a gracious airline valet - we were rebooked for the next flight, which boarded immediately.

My dream house would most likely have a similar courtyard

It's a short flight - Rio to Brasilia - less than two hours, but we and our kids were toast. Too little sleep. Too much confinement, and our now oh-so-refined rear ends felt especially punished by the coach seats.

We walked in the door of Casa Giese around 3:30 on Tuesday, beat to a pulp, but together, and home.

Avery 3 years, Isla 3 months