Traveling Details, 1/11/2010

For those of you are into details here are some from our trip!

We left the Grogg house at 9:36 a.m., made it to the airport and security with only minor problems like I forgot to take my quart size bag of liquids out of my book bag but remembered to take them out of the other carry ons (and now I am told that I should consider baby wipes a liquid too, side note for mother travelers). We checked 7 suitcases and an infant car seat. (It’s going to be Christmas all over again by the time we get them all unpacked.)

Arrived in Atlanta on a super nice plane at 3:30 p.m. (AZ time), the ones where each chair has their own TV in the chair. Kolby and Jon sat in the 2 chairs on the very right side of the plane while Gabby, Kyler and I in the 2 chairs on the very left side. We were separated by 3 chairs down the middle. But Gabby and I quickly made friends with the middle aisle, due to Gabby’s charming personality ☺ and they helped us “stow our carry on” (which continued to be a problem each flight b/c we could never find a space for it…but kept our bookbags at our feet.). The stewardess tried to take our ONE bag to put up top (I think a family of 5 could be allowed to store one freaking bag!) The nice newly weds fought with me to shove it above us ignoring her. They saw the tears spring into my eyes! Don’t mess with the mom of 3 traveling for 24 hours. I knew if she checked it she would check it all the way thru to Africa so I was panicking. Seriously, if you are flying with a carry on that can go under your feet PUT the stupid thing at your feet! The couple that helped us were on their honeymoon. So I explained to Gabby how she had just been in a big Cinderella dress. She started dancing around telling everyone in ear shot about her “lella” dress.

Grabbed some Panda Express and Happy Meals in Atlanta. While Jon and the kids got “lunch” I tried my best to get us bulk head seating AGAIN. Not happening AGAIN. The gate across from us was swarming with men and women serving in the army. I didn’t get a chance to look exactly where they were going but probably the Middle East somewhere. Instead of strangling the guy behind the counter at my gate, I decided to count my blessings! Here we were headed overseas together as a family, while tons of wives, husbands, and children were saying goodbye to their loved ones.

Boarded our overseas plane with Jon and I cussing sometimes out loud and sometimes in our heads ☺. People with no small children sitting in the bulk head seating AGAIN while we had ONE carry on to stow in the top and Jon had to put it ALL the way in the back of the plane. I was sitting next to a big man from Mali, super sweet and nice thank you Jesus. Gabby sat next to me, but then I realized there was no way I was going to be able to feed kyler next to the big man, so Gabby and I moved to the outside aisle with 2 seats and Kolby and Jon moved to the inside one. Gabby was such a mommy’s girl ALL day so it was tricky juggling her and Kyler. Daddy stepped in to save the day when I thought to myself, “This is NEVER going to work!” for the 100th time. After I feed Kyler and they let us take off our seatbelts (about 6:45 p.m. Phoenix time already!) Jon got Kyler to fall asleep on the chair next to him (he made a little tent over him to keep the light out and everything) and Kolby to fall asleep on the floor. I had to hold Gabby in several thousands of positions throughout the flight but she fell asleep right away too. Basically our kids slept from 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. Jon and I tried to sleep a little inbetween Gabby and Kolby waking up and crying. Gabby’s eyes were gooey and watery so I think she has an infection in them again. Kolby would just wake up coughing or bumping his head on something. All in all they did great. It was a harder trip than going to America but I really think it’s harder b/c you are traveling during your real night of sleep. Going to America we were in the van driving to my parents house (where we could sleep from KC to Topeka) by 3 a.m. our time so we didn’t have to push thru an all-nighter.

Landed in Paris. Funny how when we fly to France after being in Africa we always comment on how neat, clean and organized it is. This time, we were SO annoyed b/c they were slow and disorganized! We got used to America way too fast. We had to check in and get a boarding pass, try to rush through security, and run to our gate that was boarding. We made it! Thanks for all your prayers. We made all our connecting flights no problems. Jon sat with Kolby and Gabby while I sat across from Kyler and I. They served the best fish and couscous (not even kidding). And this little lemon pastry! Cracks me up that we get peanuts in America and a five course meal in France on our 2 hour flight! The kids watched “UP” (first time to get out the DVD player) while Kyler slept. Jon kept the trays of food from going all over somehow while juggling squirming over-tired children. Arrived in Africa at 7 a.m. exactly Phoenix time!! Uh good grief it’s pure torture! At some point on our Paris to Africa flight I had just wanted to lay down so bad and sleep. But Jon is a good encourager and together we somehow made it out into the airport with happy children, walked right through customs (no more HINI testing happening), picked up our luggage super fast (for here) and greeted our friends in the airport, Jon pushing 5 bags, me pushing 3 and Gabby (and wearing Kyler).

What great friends we have! Right away Kylan stepped into take over my pushing job, Justin helped Jon and Angie and I got to say “HELLO! YEAH!! SO GOOD TO SEE YOU HUGS HUGS…” You know what normal friends do after not seeing eachother ☺ Veronica, Ellie, Kristie and Kian awaited us at our house at about 4 p.m. Africa time (8 a.m. Monday morning in Phx). The kids reunited easily, Veronica is ready to have that baby in a month, everyone drew us pictures, left us special treats including groceries and diapers. Seriously, again, I feel like we have the easy life with everyone helping us out!! THANKS!!

The kids ran in the yard and climbed in the tree house…till Kolby had a melt down (about 30 minutes after arrival)…we put him to bed and he just woke up at 8 p.m. He’s playing in his room (it’s freezing in there, the heater in the kids’ rooms aren’t working) having a good ol’ time! Gabby stayed awake for another hour or so but then put herself to bed once she had picked out jammies and wrapped her baby up to put in her wooden cradle. Jon and I went to bed right away too.

Now it’s 10 p.m. (Monday night) for us. The whole fam is up (minus Kyler). We slept about 3 hours. Jon is attacking the luggage while I sit here and blog (even though we don’t have internet but I figure I can go send it from Veronica’s internet tomorrow). Kolby wanted to pop popcorn and have a juice box. Gabby joined us now and has some shoes on over her jammies and keeps going up and down the stairs to “see” her room. Kolby is already building with his legos and has said funny things like, “Ah, I like the smell of our bathroom.” Home again home again jiggity jig (that’s for our mothers). We have both commented on how loud it is in here b/c of the concrete and how glowing white it is! It took us back to 2 years ago arriving with the Holdrens and how weird it felt…the smells, feel, and sounds! But it’s already becoming super familiar again.

Love you all. Great to have home in two special places!

There's No Place Like Home

Really, there is no place like home huh? For us, home happens to be in two places. I think Jon and I feel less stressed here in America. Things feel "normal" to us. And our family and friends are here. BUT we are also ready to go "home" to Africa in the morning. There we also have "family and friends" now...and it's the place that the 5 of us live and breath together. For our kids, that place is home. Both Kolby and Gabby have loved being here in America, seeing their cousins and grandparents, meeting up with little friends, and enjoying American luxuries like Chuckee Cheese :) However, they are both ready to be "home", in their home where their beds and blankets and toys are! It's interesting that this will be a dynamic in our family that will most likely last a lifetime. Even if we didn't live in Africa sometime in the future, it will be a place where our kids feel at "home", while Jon & I will most likely always feel at "home" in both places. It's weird we flew away from our home 3 months ago with a 6 week old and now we are flying back with a 4 month old. We are packed up in our 5 black crates, 2 suitcases, infant car seat and our carry-ons. What a pain to make it all 50 lbs! Why can't I just shove as much in as I can? That would make traveling easier for sure. We will fly off around noon tomorrow from Phoenix. Thanks to the guy who had the bomb that didn't work...hopefully security won't hinder our flight schedule! Thanks to ALL of our family and friends that have given generously to us of your time, money, friendships, gifts, and hugs!! Who knows what awaits us...no internet? a broken truck? And our home! Thought I would post one thing just in case :) We love you all!!

Happy New Year...Jon & others starting it off right!

Jon's got his game face on driving to CCV to join his fellow "207" bikers on New Year's Day...
Impressive group right here...committed to riding 207 miles on their bikes to Mexico in order to raise awareness of the poverty happening there...
Jon hurries to get his gear on...so the riders can start at 7:30 a.m.! They are planning to ride 110 miles today...to let you in on a little secret, the furthest Jon has gone for this is 30 miles :)
And off they go!! Gabby went with me to cheer Daddy on. The whole way back to Grandma and Grandpa's house she said, "Where my Daddy go? (voice of sadness) ON A BIKE! (voice of happiness)"

Yes, it has been a LONG time since I have posted a blog...let's start the year off right by showing off my husband! We have been in America since October 19, heading back to Africa January 10. Our good friend Ian had this crazy idea from God to bike to Mexico from Phoenix, 207 miles, raising awareness and money for houses/people/poverty in Mexico. Of course Jon thought this would be a chance of a lifetime and hopped on board, not realizing it might be tough to train for something like that while visiting family and friends that we haven't seen in two years! As I type they have hit the 80 mile marker with 30 miles left to go for the day!! Jon is sticking it out but just text me to say he's feeling the pain! Ian's wife, Erin, is following in their truck and says Jon is a rockstar!

If you want to know more about 207 go to Facebook and look up "207 miles"!!

Our THREE Children

The morning after baby Kyler arrived...meeting his Big brother and sister. They were super excited to finally hold him and touch him instead of Mommy's belly. Kolby asked, "Why is your stomach still so big?" :) Nothing helps motivate you more than your four year old.
Kyler Joshua, 7 lbs 2 ounces, 20 inches long, and lots of black hair.

Angie took these pics for us of his first week. She did a great job...and it helps of course that all three of our kids are precious!
Gabby and "mick" and her thumb....

(hmm, not sure why this pic is so weird....but I am too tired to take it off and try again...)
Kolby's tooth is still hanging on!

Kyler came 2 weeks early just like I prayed :) It's nice when the Lord answers prayers just the way you want!! He was born on Friday, September 11 at 9:52 p.m. The surprise for me was the way he was born. Kyler decided he wanted to be born face up instead of face down...but the Doctor and his mom decided it was better for him to come face down. After a long, tiring labor, dilated to a 9, I gladly accepted a spinal block so I could endure the Doctor turning Kyler while I pushed. Which really at that point I wanted someone to knock me over the head :) but I could still feel all the contractions (and was given pitocin at that point to increase them so we could get Kyler out). To our relief he was finally out, smashed nose, forehead and all. I had started preparing myself for a c-section. I was so happy the Doctor was willing to wait and help (I will spare all the details of my "african" birth). Yesterday he was 2 weeks old already....and actually today is his actual due date. Jon has been busy getting lots of paperwork together so Kyler can get a passport. On Wednesday we made a trip to the American Embassy (my first time inside). When we left I was like, "Wow! I haven't experienced customer service like that in a long time!" Kyler should have a passport in 10 days.

Now that Kyler has arrived safe and sound, we are working on adjusting to having 3 children, a baby's schedule, and getting to America. Jon stayed home for a week and we have had lots and lots of help from our friends here...great meals, lots of offers to play with Kolby and Gabby while I get rest, and lots of love and encouragement. Kyler is super sweet, so tiny, and seems to be more like his brother already. He likes to eat after exactly 3 hours, he likes to nap most of the day, and he likes when his brother and sister talk to him. His first smiles have been for them. But he has saved some smiles for Jon and I too.

ha...thanks, Erin....

just reminded by my friend Erin that we all have 10 fingers and 10 toes....dude, can I blame that on baby brain and being super tired or what?

Our first big ouchy in Africa

Here is our brave boy!! Kolby was running up our MARBLE STAIRS on Tuesday night and slipped, hitting his front teeth on the edge of the step. These pics were taken the next morning. He wanted to look at himself :) Yeah, notice the jewels...he says he's King Kolby...we will go along with that for now :) Thankfully our friend Veronica knows all about teeth :) She came over in the morning to look at his left front tooth. From the pic you can tell it's loose and crooked. Veronica went to the dentist with us yesterday morning. The dentist was FABULOUS, very gentle and kind. And Kolby was super excited to show him his tooth, ride in the big chair, and get an xray. The conclusion: he fractured his left front tooth in 2 places. Estimated time is about 2-3 months the roots will die and his tooth will probably be falling out. I am just thankful it's a baby tooth. Today his poor lip is still swollen but he is eating better and running around. His biggest fear was that he was going to lose all his teeth. He really wanted to go to the doctor so the doctor could make it all better. He's been great with the whole thing...a little whiny with me but I think that's because he knows that Mommy will baby him all he wants!! And she has! It just reminds me that in an instant myself or someone I love could be changed forever...with a little or big accident. Thankfully this one was little. I am still counting my blessings that I have 2 healthy children with 5 fingers and 5 toes...

This waiting game is over...

Our friends finally had their baby girl!! She was 8 days late...but came out in about 4 hours!! First baby...in africa...Susie is a champ! Welcome, Maisy!! We can't wait to sit around and stare at you some more!
Our friend Cerena has been visiting for a month...wow...who knew someone could visit for a month and it go by so fast with very little stress! The most stressful thing we had to figure out was what kind of bagels should we make this week?! Cerena stayed with our friend Ang mostly but we sure enjoyed every minute we got to have with her. She was fabulous with our kids and helped Angie put on a VBS. We were sad to see her go...for real, Gabby started crying when they drove off in the truck to take her to the airport! :( Maisy was born the day Cerena left so she got to see her at the hospital.
Gabby's turn to kiss and hug baby Kyler...which she does about 3 times a day...she loves him, loves him already!! Good news for us. 3 weeks left! Then we will see what she really thinks of him.
Taking Kolby to preschool for the first day...at Angie's house! He goes there Mondays and Thursdays from 9 to 10:30. Tuesdays and Fridays are my days...Jon get Wednesdays! Every day I do a reading lesson with him from this book called "Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons". So far he's flying high. And Angie's house is his new favorite place...our house and Veronica's house were voted out he informed me last week. This pic was also to show off our truck...that its back...and that we now have a car port to protect it.
Our last bagel making day with Cerena here! We made garlic, salt, pepper & oregano; pumpkin, nutmeg, and cinnamon; and brown sugar, cinnamon & pecan. Oh so good. These girls are SO good to our kids...they let them crawl all over them, interrupt them, antagonize them...and they just keep playing with them. It confirms that Jesus meant what he said in Matthew 10:29...whoever leaves his father or mother or sister, etc...will receive a hundred times as much...Seems like He always sends us people to love on us at just the right times. And they really do love us like family (of course, no one can replace family though...I know what you are thinking, Mom!).