what?

Here is a what C told us last night.
Mom/Dad- Did you understand what was being said in swimming class?
C's response-Yes, they "speck" English!
Mom/Dad-They what?
C-They "specked" English!
Mom/Dad-What language do you "speck?"
C-I "speck" Enlglish, Polish, and many more languages.
Little did she know that "speck" is not the right word. We could not tell her the truth. Thus, there is a new word.

Bracing for the best!!

As we sit here in Poland, we are hoping for the best in Texas. The latest that we heard is that Galveston was being forced to evacuate. Ike is looking to hit with a fury. We are bracing ourselves. We love Texas and all the wonderful Texans that it houses. We are praying for a downgrade in the storm.

A day to remember

As we reflect back 7 years ago today, we remember how things were forever changed. Evil embarked on the lives of every man, woman, and child. This particular evil was more of a coward than a mighty giant. However, this evil still lurks today. The USA is continuing to fight, rally, and protect its fundamental beliefs. Many brave men and women are fighting enemies daily, so that you and I can have protection and freedom. Their sacrifices do not go unnoticed. We appreciate them beyond words. Our hearts are still grieving the lives that were lost on that day, and the lives lost due to the war on terror. We will forever memorialize them all. God Bless the USA.

Post Office

A and I took the family to pick up some medication that was sent from Ramstein. I have to say that after a year from being in country, I have managed to not go to the post office. I have to say that the lines in the States have nothing on the lines here. I have to say that I was most astonished at what you can buy at the post office. Lets say, you need did a load of laundry and ran out of fabric softener.... you can buy some at the post office. Also, you can buy shaving cream, razors, and toilet paper. I was amazed. It is like a small stop Wal-Mart. I left with my eyes wide open to the new found postal store.

Revenge

Well, perhaps all the happy pictures that were posted were great, but the aftermath of our trip is bad. As of Friday, the "revenge" began. Perhaps, it was the massive amounts of squid and octopus that were consumed. Then again, maybe it was the Serbian Konoba. At this point is all speculation. All I know is that it "stinks" to spend so much time in the bathroom. I am however, catching up on the bathroom reader. C is also running a high temp, and she is saying that her tummy hurts and that it is cramping. She used an interesting analogy. She said that the tightening feeling in her tummy feels like her bike helmet tightening. Okay, that makes sense, kinda of!!! We will see how this whole thing plays out.

How do you say, Texas?

So tonight at dinner, our chatter box daughter got excited talking about going back to school tomorrow. She proceeded to talk about her school in "Tescas." We tried and tried to politely correct her, and walk her through saying it correctly. After several attempts and frustrating faces, she busted out with this. Mom-Dad, "Do you remember when I went to school in the United States?" We laughed, but she was serious. We told her that Texas was easier to say than saying United States. She did not believe us, so it stands not as Texas, but as Tescas.

Who will you vote for?

In the recent months, this question has been asked a handful of times. It is becoming a familiar question here in Poland. The Poles don't think that it should be a private matter at all. Then when in Paris, at Disney none the less!!! A popcorn vendor, asked if I was voting for the "black candidate?" I didn't respond right away, and much to my surprise he asked again. I thanked him for the popcorn, in true Texas fashion-"Thank ya very much!" I then blew my cover, he proceeded to ask where I was from. Then a whole new conversation began about Bush. Sorry, I digress... Well, on the recent trip to Croatia, it happened again. While enjoying some sun and waves with the family we began conversing with some people from Capetown. They knew right away that we were from the States, when C announces that she needs to go pee-pee. That will do it!!! I guess they decided to attack like vultures. The questions began about the Government and Politics. Immediately following, "Who are you going to vote for?" I think that my answer was,"That is a toughy!" Their response,"No, it is not!" I thought they asked me the question, but okay!!! They torn into a rampage about the wars. We just sat there and nodded in kind response, but quickly exited. C, oblivious to the conversation sat there and said, "I am hungry, and I need to pee!" Oh, how I love 4 year old's. Nonetheless, we never divulged our opinions about voting, however, I told A that next time I am going to say-Ron Paul!!!
Happy Voting!!1

I saw it !!!!

Well, it is official- after 31 years of life on this planet, I saw and conquered my first totally nude beach. We ventured to Lokrum Island off Dubrovnik with kids in tow. It was a nice island. The kids and parents went for a quick dive in the "Dead Sea" pond. Then we toured the "island." I had to see it for my own eyes, so we went to find the FKK(aka-nude beach.) I have never seen a sign indicating no clothes allowed. I offered to go first, as kids were off limits. I ventured down the hill to a cliff that was full of naked men and women. When I say men and women, I mean men and women. No disrespect, but they were old. I noticed not one hot, young couple. These people that were enjoying the breeze, were older than my parents. I had to run back and tell A what I saw, and offer to sit with the kids for him to have a look see. He decided to decline the invitation based off what I shared with him. Of course, Colesie wanted to know what was behind the mysterious cliff. I shared with her a brief bit, only to turn around and see that she was then topless. What an experience!!!

Anyone have relfux suggestions

Ca is still dealing with reflux. We have decided to eliminate some of his Reglan, as it is not doing much. We are going to try hypoallergenic formulas. Currently, we are giving him Enfamil AR. This is such a tiring process. We always get a refund on his food. Any suggestions?

I hate the sun

Okay, it is official. I hate the sun. I want to shoot it out of the universe. I feel like a gremlin. If I see light, I will go crazy. We have foiled several of our doors, but nothing can trap the sun that rises at 4:30 in the A.M. Last night, I slipped on a mask over my eyes, and it helped. I hate to moan and groan, but I have too.

Interrun 2008

Somehow I thought I was ready to accomplish a run 12 weeks postpartum. It was however a 5Kilometer run. It hurt. Not to mention, A and I got beat by a cute blonde that was wearing blue jeans and heels. She beat us!!! It was a very pleasant run. The Poles have their technique down. The chip for the run was embedded in the race number. The chip was activated and deactivated by a wire that hung above us during the start and finish. It was pretty impressive. Let it be known that A left me during the run, because we told our friend who was watching the kids that we would be done in 25 minutes. At about 28 minutes, I told him to run on. There were young kids that were jumping around like it was a joy to be running. After the run was over we went to scarf down some awesome pizza. Ca decided to have is constitution. There are no changing tables here. We were left to change him in the street. He was all contorted in the stroller. His poor swanson was hanging out in the air in the middle of the street. I was squeezing my legs together to keep from peeing my pants. We gathered a crowd in the street, not to mention A and I still had our matching running shirts on- we stood out like sore thumbs. All for now. Off to bed.

Pani Ania

We decided to hire someone to help us out. She is a jack of all trades. She cooks, cleans, irons, and takes care of Ca. She went with me to the grocery store yesterday. She showed me the best meat, ham, and veggies to buy. She doesn't speak English. When I am with her I am challenged. This is the most Polish that I have ever used. She is the greatest "Babcia!" She will come 3 days a week for 3 hours a day. I love the way she talks to Ca. She is making potato pancakes right now, and they smell yummy. I need to go help her.

Admiral Marsh and Barbara visit

The Marsh's arrived in Krakow on Thursday for their country visit. They are here until Sunday. We have enjoyed them so much. We had dinner here on Thursday night, but Friday was full of activity. Saturday night is the big dinner. We have a babysitter for Co, but Ca is going with us. It has been nice to talk with them. They truly are exceptional people. We will post pictures soon.

Love/Hate relationship

Okay, so I gripe when the sun doesn't come out, and I gripe when it does come out. However, I believe that 4:30 a.m. is just a tad too early. A says that it would be just as bad if we lived in Maine. I just don't like the fact that the days start so early. It is self-fish. I understand that the days get longer during the summer, but it is only spring. Like I said it is a love/hate relationship!!

shots

We took Ca to the Polish pedi that we see here. It is so funny to go to the Dr. in his home. We were followed by the Police, probably because we still have Texas plates. Here in Poland the shots are slightly different. Ca received some numbing medicine on his little thighs which took 30 minutes to take affect. He received his exam, and informed us that he should be drinking 50-100 ml of tea or water. We gave him the complimentary smile. Well, the shots knocked Ca on his hiney. He slept most of the day and night. We have had nightmares of repeating feeding like we did with Co. His appetite is better now, thankfully. He weighs 12 lbs 10 oz's. He is 22 1/2 inches long. We got back in 2 months for more shots. YEA!!!

Colic and assorted questions/statements

Does anyone have any help on Colic? We are dealing with a baby who has Colic and Reflux. Also, my daughter seems to think that she has worms. We keep telling her that if she sucks her thumb when it is dirty that she will get worms. Last night she had a breakdown with tears rolling down her face. I had to reassure her several times that she is perfectly fine. Any suggestions on thumb sucking?

Dr.Pepper and breastfeeding

Random post here. We found Dr. Pepper yesterday at Real. We bought 16 cans at 2 zloty's a piece. The checkout lady commented that it must be a great drink. It has half the sugar, and tastes great. It is bottled in Warsaw. We will have to ration them. On another note, why is it that if you don't breastfeed you feel inadequate. I breastfeed for 2 months, but I still feel the pressure to breastfeed. Here in Europe mothers breastfeed for economic reasons. They typically breastfeed for a couple of years. For some reason, I just don't enjoy the act of breastfeeding. So why am I beating myself up? Social stigma? Is there anyone out there that feels the same way? Thats it!!

Home to Poland

Welcome back to the land of no personal space, no Sonic, no Target. Perhaps, though I will save money. The last 3 months have flown by. While we enjoyed our stay in Texas with family. It was time to get back to a "normal life." We made it back here on April 13th. We all had a hard time adjusting to the time change. Things have leveled out, finally. C started a Polish preschool this past week. Ca stays home with me. We are looking into getting a nanny a couple of days of week so that I can start running again, and start language classes again. The weather is gorgeous here. The sun comes up at 4:45 a.m. and it goes down at 8 p.m. We are in the middle of trying to black out the kids windows to eliminate the need to get up at 5. We are also trying to plan some trips to see friends. We hope that all is well with everyone.

Happy Easter

Praise the Lord!! He is risen. We have so much to be thankful for. Enjoy your Easter.

The Taylor's

CAT

Well, let us say how quickly time passes by. A leaves on Monday to go back to Poland. C, C, mom, and I leave April 12th to fly back to Poland. My mom is flying back with us. I am so thankful. I know that it will be hard on her, because her and my dad just bought a coffee shop, and now she has to turn around and leave. Baby C is growing like a weed. At his two week, he weighed 7 lbs 13 oz, five days later he weighed 8 lbs 7 0z's. On Thursday he weighed in at 9 lb's 3 oz's. He likes to eat, but he doesn't know when to stop. Sometimes he gives us a refund on the food. C is doing better with the adjusting process. She actually sings to him when he starts to fuss. We will hopefully get some pics up soon.

Laid to Rest

This is a relatively sad post, but we wanted to post it anyway. We have laid Saskia's ashes to rest here in Texas. We buried her urn in the backyard at my parent's house. C has no idea about what we did. We figured that it would confuse her. Saskia is in a better place, pain free.

Baby CAT arrival

Baby CAT arrived on Feb. 25th at 10:28 P.M. He weighed 7 lbs 9 oz's. He was 21 1/2 inches long. He has blonde hair, and beautiful features. He is perfect. Andy arrived on the 19th of Feb. We only had enough time to eat at some of his favorite restaurants and get our taxes done.
Andy leaves to back to Poland in a couple of weeks. We are hoping to follow really soon.
Hope everyone is doing well.

What a day!

What a day it has been for the Taylor's. Andy is still in Poland finishing up loose ends and school, and caring for our beloved DOG. We learned today that she does in fact have cancer. It is in her pelvis/hip area. It is fast growing,and it has eaten away at her bones. We have reluctantly made the decision to put her down. We have had Saskia for almost 8 years. We got her 6 weeks after we got married in 2000. We have gone through a hip surgery, nose surgery, and minor ailments. This is the one thing that we can't fix. We want to keep her with us, but she is in pain. Andy has had to do all the shuttling to and from appointments. He is emotionally drained. We learned today that it is not going to be easy to get her cremated. We ideally want to keep her with us until we can get back to the States, and properly bury her. Since we live in Poland, and only 70 kilometers from a concentration camp, they don't believe in cremation. Andy and I both respect the reasons for this. Unfortanetly, since we don't own land or a home, we are hitting a roadblock. We just don't want to dispose of her like trash. Andy is being very diligent about what the options are. He is in a time crunch, because he is coming to the States on Tuesday of next week. We have to make a decision in the next day or two. Our hearts are heavy. I love Golden's so much. We will own another someday soon. She is so loyal, caring, sensitive, and patient. We groomed her, she was our first baby. If I could take her pain, I would. We will always love her.
On another note, I had an ultrasound today. This is going to be a big baby. Based off the information that I was given today(35 weeks.) He is roughly 6 lbs and 10oz's. He has hair,and his head is down. He has part of his rear end in my rib cage. He is cramped for space. We are excited about the next few weeks.
This blog reminds me of the circle of life. The old passes on, and then new is alive.

Home, but miss Andy

Sorry for the delay in posting a new blog. Colesie and I left Poland on the 19th of January. We arrived in Texas late that evening. For those of you who don't know,I will give a brief synopsis.
The State Department and the Embassy doctor basically said that it was not advisable to have the baby in Poland. I was given two options. I could go to Germany and stork nest, or go home. We opted to come home. Health care in Krakow is not awful, just not desirable. I had good prenatal care, but even my Dr. suggested having the baby in the States. We, of course had to leave Andy in Poland until he finished finals. We are crossing our fingers that he will make it in time for the delivery. Thankfully, I have my family to help with Colesie. I have already had my first prenatal appointment, and everything is okay. My blood pressure is a little high, but nothing compared to what it was in North Carolina.
We are hoping that the passport process doesn't prove to be too long. We want to get back together as a family. I miss Poland so much. More importantly, I miss my wonderful husband. He has been so supportive during this whole process.
We have learned that the health care in the US is wonderful and should be embraced. We will certainly encourage scholars, friends, and family that move overseas to do their homework on the health care. We have learned a lot.
More to come!!!!

C Acting Goofy

The wrinkling skin syndrome

So last night after a long bath, Colesie emerged. She was having a great time getting dried off with her towel until she looked down and saw her fingers. I can't believe that she had never noticed that her skins wrinkles when she soaks. I, perhaps, made matters worse when I said," Oh, Colesie what is wrong with your skin?" The tears started flowing. She said,"Mommy, get my old skin back?" Daddy ran in the bathroom to see what the problem was. He immediately offered a solution that she liked. She shook her hands and feet violently to shake the wrinkles away. Of course, after about 5 minutes the wrinkles were gone, and all was better in the household. Just had to share.

Beautiful Day

We have to make this big announcement. It was an absolute beautiful day on Saturday. We think that the high was 58 degrees. The sun was shining, all day. There was not one cloud in the sky. It is also getting darker later. I think that it got dark at 4:45, instead of 3:45, yeah!!! Today, however, it was cloudy and cold. We will take what we can get.

haircut

I have to praise my salon on their quality service. I took Colesie there today. I had asked Andy to convert "one inch" to centimeters. I was able to get my desires across to Magda. She propped Colesie up in the chair with several towels. Then it was Colesie's favorite part. The cape. She was in heaven, and was full of smiles. Magda did a great job, she was very skillful. It was a very inexpensive trim. Mom and Colesie are very happy with the haircut. Unfortunately, we had to have a Dr. house call. She has a small case of bronchitis. At least she has pretty hair.
The ups and downs of parenthood.

Kids

This is a two part blog. First, let me say that we are experiencing night terrors in the Taylor household. We were up with Colesie 4 times last night. She could have woken the dead with her scream. She never told us what frightened her. To be honest, she watched one minute of "Meet the Fockers." where the dog is flushed down the toilet by the cat. She saw this, and she went hysterical. I don't think that she understand that the dog was fine. Perhaps, she had nightmares of the dog going down the potty.
On another note. I don't know if it is just me, but I am very frustrated by the children here in Krakow. Colesie tries very hard to communicate in Polish with them. Unfortunately, she doesn't understand why the children at the IKEA playhouse walk away from her. I have to keep telling her that she is saying everything perfectly. Even the parents look at her like she is crazy. Perhaps, I am being overly sensitive. I guess I will keep encouraging her in her Polish conversational skills. That is it!!!

Pictures added

Finally, we have added pictures. The pictures include Andy's 34th birthday(which is Christmas Eve.) We had to make birthday hats, because they are so expensive. The other pictures are from Christmas morning, and pictures from my parents visit. I hope that my dad will send us more, because there are some good ones of everyone skiing in Zakopane. Enjoy!!!

Pizza

We have pizza delivery. I am so proud of Andy, he was successful in ordering a pizza online. We had heard about a place that delivers where we live, so we gave it a try. There are some interesting options for pizza listed. I think one of them was: tuna, pineapple, and chicken. That was not the pizza we ordered. After deliberating, we ordered a pizza that sounded like normal pepperoni. About 45 minutes later, the pizza man delivered what even looked like, and tasted like a pepperoni pizza. We were pleasantly surprised. We will definitely order from them again.