Sophia's Least Favorite Things. . .

You've seen Sophia's talent in high heels, so you'd think a flip-flop would be no problem, right? Guess I underestimated the strangeness of having something between your toes.  I had a full box of shoes stashed for her to grow into, but one by one they've been absconded from the box and excitedly worn around the house until they've been stashed into some unknown corner.  I have no idea how she can squirrel away that many shoes?  It seems to take me forever to find a simple matched set though she doesn't seem to mind, anythings better than flip-flops? 

I've got to give her credit she tries, but after several uncomfortable upsets (ok she's my daughter and I've never been patient, I've been able to master too many things quickly to have much persistence with things that don't come naturally.)  Instead of hearing our little girls footsteps flip-flopping around, soon we hear clomp, clomp.  Sure enough, she's opted for her favorite brown Mary Jane's, about three sizes too big and typically on the wrong feet.  She looks like a little clown-in-training with rounded toes pointing out in opposite directions. Still you'd be amazed the mischief she can get into in these adorable clod-hoppers. 

Sophia's Favorite Things. . .

If Sophia asks you to 'Please read Sookie'  she means this book.   It's her FAVORITE and she can read it along with me getting all the "shiver" motions in just the right place. 

The No No Song . . .Sophia's Inspiration

Goodbye Uncle Banga!

Last night we drove to Des Moines to say goodbye to Nate's little brother who's heading off to boot camp this morning.  I don't know anyone who's got a bigger heart.  Only Sophia can get his heart a poundin' though.  We found that out last night when Sophia charged a Canadian Goose and then took him to a rather rowdy play area in the Jordan Creek Mall.  It was adorable to see our big soldier get so worried over the well being of a bunch of little kids.   "I can't watch this, my heart's beating a mile a minute, I think I'm safer in the Army!"   We love you Banga and we're prayin' for you!  

Paris Paparazzi

We met up with Nate's little brother Joseph in Paris. He captured different aspects of the same Paris, it's always interesting to see through someone else's eyes. 

Paris Snapshots. . .

Paris in 30 seconds. . .

Left USA Thursday evening-arrive CDG Friday morning 7:00am Greeted by Nate's father Abel we were treated to lunch and a brief nap as we caught up as a family. Several hours later after annoying several French people trying to get checked-in BEFORE 2pm so that we could go into town early.  My husband discovered a new pastime-annoying French service people.  (Don't get me wrong the French people we met were wonderful, warm and friendly, but these we didn't encounter in a tourist role. Hmmmm maybe a new take on the French stereotype?)  Later that day we binged on tourism, we met up with Miriam-a childhood classmate of Joseph's and a fairly new inhabitant of Paris.  It was a wonderful introduction to French for me, she and I had a lot in common as mother's of toddlers and so I hit the ground running with the language b/c instead of foreign words it was now a person that I wanted to connect with.  That evening we trekked up the Rue de Rivoli, past the Louvre, a statue of Joan of Arc and all sorts of great shops and recognizable names like Rue de Pont Neuf.   

Saturday we took the train, to the metro, to the Porte de Clingancourt (train travel was the common theme of our whirlwind trip.)  "Les Puces," literally translates, the fleas, are a group of flea markets that have been in this place since the 16th Century.   Here you can buy knock-off Converse, a 1950's movie poster, or a Louis the 14th chair for hundreds of thousands of Euro's. 
That afternoon I took a nap at the foot of the Eiffel Tower.  I had no idea how big or elegant it would be. Only the French could make their national monument coordinate with the iron scrolling on the lovely penthouses that surround this graceful tower.  Yes there were herds of tourists from all over the world but it was nice to hear the crack of the Pentaq ball in a time honored tradition of whiling away a Saturday afternoon in the park.
Sunday we took two trains, one into Paris, one out of Paris to the city of Cergy for Sunday services at a church-plant not unlike the one we go to here in Iowa.  I had the rare chance of hearing my father-in-law preach and were treated to a wonderful Chadian meal by the pastor's family who happen to be our family as well.  Monday was a French national holiday so we traveled back to Cergy to be the guests in Nate's second cousin's home and spent the afternoon in Vaux sur Seine (more stories and pictures to come)  Monday evening, we took a tip from our new found family and friends and traveled up and down the Seine in a lovely open air boat.
Tuesday we traveled back into Paris so that Nate could attend a morning meeting while I got to shop and sketch the beautiful square we stumbled into off of the Rue des Innocence.  The last of my souvenirs purchased, we jumped back onto the train and got off at Charles De Gaul airport where English surrounded us again as we lumped onto the plane with all the other Americans.

Nous arrivons! We've arrived

And this is just how I feel, like a kid in a candy store--or a bakery in this case.  In only 24 hours, I've had every conception of Paris confirmed and contradicted many times over.  I've seen lovers kissing on the Pont de Neuf, I've counted the disciples on the front of Notre Dame, there are indeed 12.  I've been in conversations with rude Parisians, and nice ones.  I've seen men carrying arm fulls of baguettes or flowers. Even a lovely French women with her shopping and a big bite out of the end of her baguette.  I've walked past the Louvre and a statue of Joan of Arc.  I've fallen in love with a little boy floating boats in a fountain and even had the Eiffel tower play peek-a-boo with me from the tree-tops.  Thus far, I have my rose-colored-glasses on and it's beautiful.   Yes, I've seen many non-Parisian cliches and many people who aren't Parisians, this is definitely an international city.  But that will have to wait for later. This morning, the flea market is calling and I want to live in the glow of my expectations a little longer.

With All My Heart. . .

Someone asked me today, "Paris, are you going to come back?" Take one look at this face. What do you think?  Sophia will be surrounded by Nana, Papa, Uncle Dana & GG, GG and Auntie Minga all for good measure.  But I miss her already.  My dream, my life, my hope, I wouldn't be complete without her.   What a beautiful reason to come home.

Tomorrow Paris. . .

 “There are 26 bridges in Paris. You choose one and go to it in the morning with a croissant and coffee to write in your journal." Julia Ormond, Sabrina 

This might not be a traditional Paris image for you, but for me it was one of my first experiences in modern art.  Initially skeptical,  in college my professor introduced me to Christo's Pont Neuf Wrapped.  It was love at first sight.  I'm looking forward to living like a Parisian this trip, so a walk across the Pont Neuf will be a spiritual experience. It may be the oldest bridge in paris but there's a reason they call it "the new bridge."

Sophia's Guardian Angels

I've always believed Sophia has a guardian angel but today I couldn't be more thankful for my fleet winged friends.  This afternoon I discovered a mother's worst fear, the remains of a chewed pill, hmmmm?    Only when I found the coordinating empty bottle did I really begin to panic.  I immediately scoured Sophia's floor, half of a chewed pill casing.   Kneeling beside her bed and I asked if she ate the medicine?  No, she told me matter of factly, which was odd b/c lately she's been simply parroting my questions back to me.  We immediately prayed together, for guidance for me and for safety for Sophia.  Turns out the kid was telling the truth!

It only took several hours in the ER and two separate blood tests to confirm!  In the mean time, Nate & I discovered that Poisson Control will call the hospital for you so they know you're coming.  We discovered our daughter's a trooper not even flinching as the nurses put in an IV. We discovered how tender ER staff can be while they sweetly commented on each color of the leads they were implementing on to her little chest.  Brave little Sophia even offered her own commentary we sang Jesus Loves Me and sweetly chirped "Sure" when someone would ask her questions.  She was completely unfazed by the six or seven doctors and nurses clamoring around her. 

Unfortunately, I know all too well, the more people in your room the more trouble you're looking at.  The only upside to this ill-gotten information--I know flight nurses (the ones in the jump suits that work on the helicopter air-lift) are THE VERY BEST of the best, so when they're putting an IV in your child's arm, thank the good Lord b/c it's downright painless!   Another blessing is having parents as nurses and doctors. They know all the tricks including mixing chocolate milk with the charcoal so that it goes down easier.  Thankfully, there wasn't any stomach-pumping, only a slight overdose on charcoal and chocolate milk.  It came up immediately after we were discharged but not before we'd left the waiting room.   

It also helps when the Nana-squad rolls-in.  Miss Susan & Miss Cheryl, a former Infectious Disease nurse and a former Army nurse.  I felt safer with them around then anyone else.  Of course, they spoiled Sophia with toys and us with coffee while we waited for the 4 hour mark to approach so we could make-sure Sophia was in the clear. The nurses all laughed when they asked me what time it happened.  I guess I'm the only one who can figure out what time of day it is by what's on PBS?!?!?  I knew it happened during Thomas the Train so that had to be 11:30! 

 The ER is also an easy place to make friends, just as we were leaving an adorable little girl named Emma, who's only a few weeks younger than Sassy, sidled up to us while her parents remarked, "You must be the other two-year-old who ate something she shouldn't!"   That women was an angel!  We sat and commiserated and I felt SOOO much better to be talking to a fairly normal, Christian, mom, and her husband who were trying to determine how many of Grandpa's pills Emma had mistaken for candy.   Nothing makes you feel better than realizing every things going to be okay, and that you're not the only one in the world who's been caught off guard by a curious two-year-old.  

In the end Sophia's tests didn't even show Tylenol, meaning not enough had gotten into her system to be detected, let alone dangerous.  Thank God, but I still puzzled over that empty bottle?  I'd had the flu this weekend which is why there was a bottle of Tylenol on my nightstand but I didn't think the bottle was completely empty?    My husband came up with the answer to that one by looking under my desk and bed, sure enough there were three renegade pills.   Seems I'd searched Sophia's room after I'd found the spit out pieces but failed to search my room. So I'm guessing only half a pill or so, actually went down the hatch.   

French Connection. . .

Parisian countdown begins.  .  .  No surprise that the internet is vital for the traveler, so many great tips, deals, info.  The other day I was checking the 15-day weather forecast for Paris.  Only one problem, it was in Celsius.   I'm not really sure what the temp will be but I do know that since 22 is higher than 16, Friday will probably be warmer than Thursday.  Well, I guess somethings got to be a surprise, otherwise it wouldn't be an adventure.   My new favorite French website doesn't even come from France, the BBC has a wonderful language site that's free and available in multiple levels!  Wanna study with me?

This blog brought to you by. . .

No, I don't have corporate sponsorship, but PBS does.  Every time this lovely lady appears on screen (usually right before Sesame Street)  Sophia points at the screen and says with conviction "THAT'S MOMMY!"   Guess it could be worse.  Could've been the Michelin Man!

This Weekend Chicago--Tomorrow Paris!

The tickets have been bought, the visa has been issued! We're going to Paris!!! And by we I don't mean Sophia. She's staying with Nana & Papa, Auntie Minga, Uncle Dana, Great Grandma & Great Grandpa (GG.) What can I say, it truly takes a village. She'll be missed but well loved. We are meeting up with Nate's little bro, Joseph and his father Abel Ndjerareou. We're looking forward to visiting the seminary his father attended and works with doctoral students.

Nate and I are looking forward to lots of people watching, cafe-sitting and picnic's in the park. There won't be a lot of museum touring this time around. Yes, we're already planning our next trip and so we'll save all that for when we have more time.

Getting Nate's Schengen visa was a small adventure in and of itself. Late Thursday night, it looked like he would have to work on Friday and miss his 9am French Consulate appointment in Chicago (the closest consulate and yes you have to apply in person.) Since we were trying travel with family we were dealing with limited timeline which meant one-shot at the visa.

Around 10pm we got the phone call that work would survive without Nate. Should we go for it? Do women like shoes? Do two-year-olds get into mischief? These are all easy questions!!!! 3am we packed a sleepy Sophia into the car, along with snacks, coffee, a clean shirt for Nate & I (just in case). A couple blankets and outfits for Sophia (plus the mandatory pacifier and backup pacifier). We crept out of our neighborhood in the dark and I'll admit I felt like we were fleeing something. But I'm oddly proud of my ability as a mother to pack up the family in the middle of the night on a moments notice! Good practice for Paris!

The trip was fabulous, we breezed into downtown Chicago and rolled into the consulate long before anyone else (they're French, what can I say)? Sophia captured everyones heart giving hundreds of grumpy looking commuters something to smile about as they waited for their Starbucks. I don't believe in coincidences, I know someone was looking out for us. I texted a friend of mine on the off chance she was in town. Turns out she was four blocks away! 1o minutes later we were watching Sophia run around Millennium Park. Later that day we dropped in on my college roommate Annika and Sophia played with her adorable children. Back home by 10pm we wisely decided to crash with my parents to catch up on a some much needed sleep. Grandparents don't seem to mind the occasional 6am visit by a toddler. All of this reinforced Nate's long held motto: We're Ndjerareou's, we don't plan--we improvise! It goes without saying that God does the rest!

How come? . . . Second Edition

How come a child always gets in the worst trouble between 4:30 & 6:30 the night their father's working late?  Never the day he comes home early?

How come it takes at least five minutes for Sophia & I to BOTH pick up a mess but she can make one all by herself in .5 seconds flat? 

How come whenever Sophia starts a video she looses interest and I end up watching Little Nemo?

How come I have to clean the carpet every time I serve spaghetti?  

How come I have carpet in my dinning room?  

How come prolonged silence with a two-year-old in the house is the most terrifying thing on the planet?   

How come my daughter thinks anything that comes in a plastic bottle/tube is either toothpaste or lotion?  

How come my daughter is wearing conditioner as a facial mask?  

How come children take baths so often?  I'll tell you why, because at the end of the day it's the safest place for them and everyone else in the house!

Answered Prayer

The Thompson family has a reason to celebrate today!  After nine long months they SOLD their house!  This can be a traumatic event for anyone, but Naomi & Travis have only been parents for a couple years and have done a FANTASTIC job!  Showering their girls with love, security, and support as they transition from Liberia to America. 

Emma, Garmai, & Madeline mean so much to us. Sassy gives Madeline someone to mother and giggle with plus, Naomi is our hand-me-down supplier. She keeps Sophia in a constant supply of  'princess dresses and new shoes.'  In fact, the Thompson girls love to decide if something is too small then it's time to give it to Sophia! 

The other day it looked like the Shoe Fairy had stopped by with a box of shoes the girls had outgrown.  Nate walked in and said "Looks like Naomi's been here!"  Naomi & I are scroungers, we love to shop Goodwill quarter days, children's resale shops, sales, and garage sales.  The best part is that people always comment on how great Sophia looks and I know she's the third or fourth little girl to share in the love!   

Speaking of love!  It's meant so much to carry this family in prayer.  My beloved prayer group (my husband calls us the DREAM TEAM) began praying for them this week and VOILA!  Oh we're not taking credit for this.  It's just beautiful to be a part of their joy and witness first hand the power of prayer!  Thank you God, for taking care of the Thompson's 

Sarah Kay - Hands - With HBO's Def Poetry Jam

Thanks Linda for this. . .I'm proud to share my name with her she's amazing!

The Cheese & Jam Sandwich Experiment

Necessity, is the mother of invention.  .  .if your school ever looked like this?  Well, let's just say your reference point may be slightly different.  Of course, this is only one of the many types of schools I attended growing up.  But today,this experience got me out of a jam. . . (Ahem, no pun intended.)

One of Sophia's favorite snacks are peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.   (I'm really enjoying taking requests since she's only two and up till now it's been a guessing game of grunts and signs.)  But there was NO peanut butter today!!! Oh no!  Think SK, think.  Of course I could give her another healthy snack--but from the back of my mind an old favorite raised its neglected hand.   

I'll admit I was curious. Would my little girl enjoy the same snacks that were part of my British/Swazi/International school repertoire? Or, had Americanism so saturated the amniotic fluid that she would immediately spurn something different?  Actually, I think she liked it! Maybe she's young and still flexible?  Still, I believe it's important to prepare her for other cultural experiences. Especially those important to children everywhere--like lunch! 

Please note--cheese and jam sandwiches CAN'T be Americanized (tried it when I was a kid--the details are  important!)  No American, single sliced, prepackaged cheese, please. (Personally, the slimy, cheese wannabe, kinda grosses me out)  No, you need thick, hand sliced, STRONG cheddar to make this work.  If it sounds gross to you? Well, think what hot dogs sound like to the rest of the world?   

Uncanny!

It's official!  I'm a PSYCH junkie!  (Remember LONG winter--no cable!)  I was into the show before I re-watched ALL of season 1 the past couple of  weeks. I wanted to see what other work James Roday (Shaun) had done.  But of course, I was more interested in the fact that he and a certain co-star are dating in REAL LIFE!  (Physchers know--and no it's not Gus!) 

Wanna know if your a Physcher?? (just coined the phrase)  Check out OMG link below to play Phsych game and see if you get 100% too!  I think there may BE a couple psychics working on their staff though. (I know, I know, I do need to get out and get some sun! But there IS no SUN in IOWA!) 

OMG

100% Nice! Break out the mortarboards and gowns, because someone just earned an advanced degree in Psych-ology. You're a Shawnophile. You're a Gusologist. And we suspect you're spending entirely too much time inside watching your Psych DVDs. So go out into the world and tell all your friends you aced this quiz. You could use some sun.