Good Monday

You know it's a good Monday when:

• your 22 months old sleeps from 8PM to 8AM and then again from 8.10AM to 9.30AM
• your husband comes home for lunch, warms lunch up for you, empties the dish washer, takes out the trash and makes a cappuccino
• you get a check for $650 in the mail
• you no longer owe a half a million dollars to anyone
• it is snowing
• your toddler naps without you in the room

Ahhhh.....blessed day!

Cheers my dears!

Surprise, Surprise

My Dears,

just when I thought 2010 and all its turbulence were coming to an end - mind you 2 deaths, a wedding, a cross Atlantic move and a remote home sale will suck the life right out of you - I get invited to a party. You know when you think you are going to a fancy birthday celebration but wonder why the invitee insists on a dress code and that you don't forget your camera...you get a funny feeling. Then the scales fall from your eyes - this ain't a birthday party, this is something much more - this will be my father's wedding.

Now dear, you are right, I cannot complain, as I myself and Mike eloped to get married in secret. But we did have a real wedding where everyone was invited - they received invitations months in advance - and folks had gotten the chance to dress for the occasion. Our household goods are still packed, our suitcases did not reveal any festive clothing - so I borrowed and stole what I could to piece an outfit together.

Despite the whole surprise aspect, the wedding ceremony was short and sweet, bride and groom looked beautiful, we took pictures of the small circle of guests, the weather was stunning and we ate like kings. A really great day. Congratulations to the newlyweds! It is was the right thing to do, it is a blessing to find love again later in life. I am happy for you two!

When we got back I was done, I felt like I had run a marathon, not that I could ever run more than 30 minutes in row much less 4 hours, but I image that is what it feels like - absolute physical exhaustion - from sitting through a delicious 4 course meal.

My sister and I are still licking our infantile wounds - time to grow up, eh?

Did I hear open bar?

Cheers my dears!

D.

Baby Dreams

Bunking together and having the whole family sleep in one room, like in the 19 hundreds, is mainly exhausting but it also has some perks. Mike and I discovered a sweet little secret. Now that Mia can speak....she also talks in her sleep.
The first word we heard in the middle of the night from this tiny sleeping girl was -  not Mami - and not Papi either. In full toddler fashion she winced "NEIN" (German for No).
Recently, her expressions have become more complex and friendly. A few nights ago she exclaimed a very cheerful "Hi Mia!" while fast asleep.

Catch your Breath

Dear reader,

you have every right to be upset. I broke my promise. I didn't blog for weeks, actually months. Well, I didn't WRITE a blog but I was blogging every night before bed - in my head. I searched the whole internet for a USB cable that connects my thoughts straight to the computer - without much success. Here are some of the topics I discussed with myself:

• difference between German and American moms
• blessings of bonus grand parents and parents-in-law - the ones you just adopt to be your in-laws or grandparents because they are great
• why I think in facebook updates
• starting over aka re-immigrating in to your own country and its challenges
• why food is love and why I am proud to wear an apron (a pink one with cup cakes on it)
• what to do "next"
• joys of potty training
• turning 30 and its implications

Yup, looks like you missed out. But not to worry, the days are getting shorter and the blog entries more frequent.

Cheers my dears,

Dani!

June

My apologies. I have broken my promise and didn't even post a monthly update. Sorry my dears. But you know when you don't hear from someone for a while it usually means they are doing fine. And fine I did. June has been a great month.

Quick recap.

We went to Mrs. Kate's wedding in Pinehurst, NC. A cutsie little southern town with lots of golf and old white people in them ;) Then met with Mike's brother and family for a quicky vacay in Colonial Williamsburg, VA

Way to kick off a new month I'd say. But it gets better. Shortly after we return my mom came for a visit and it was just so great to have her and take her mind off of things back home. We went to the San Francisco Zoo, where Mia petted a goat, a turtle and a polar bear.

Next was a Playdate BBQ at Jenny's.

And I don't have to tell you that the soccer world cup started in June too. Which is always a great time and reminds Mike and I of the summer 2006 when in took place in Germany, we had 4 weeks of straight sunshine and we got married (on the only day that summer it rained). Germany is again doing really well and I am hoping we kick Spain's butt today and go to the finals (sorry my Spanish amigas, besos).

The biggest new also got finalized in June. Mike got a super duper promotion and we are going back to Germany :) Needless to say my family is thrilled beyond belief to have us, I correct Mia, back in the homeland. I know we just bought a house. I know we just remodeled it. But hey when Mr. Opportunity knocks on the door you answer!!!


Back to June rocking! It was Mike's Birthday too!

He got a cake with 30 something candles, I lost count after 30 ;)

And then of course (yes call me a dork) the Eclipse Premier on the 30th with my chicas Jenny & Kate!
We stood in line for 2 hours to get the best seats (someone should tell US theaters to adopt the assigned seats concept) in the house. It was worth it. Best Twilight movie yet.

So can you tell, things have been awesomely off the hook?

More about July to come!

Off to see Germany give Spain a beating ;)

Cheers my Dears!