mom-mode post #99 - on flying with a baby (again) and other big things

Well people, we are doing it again. We are taking O on a big and long transatlantic flight yet again. This time though, I ain't flying solo! The husband is going with me, so I can safely assume things will go a lot smoother and tear-free ( at least for me). I've spent the past couple of days running errands, cleaning and packing. I'm exhausted. But no matter, 'cause when get to Virginia the grandparents will take over and there will be plenty of rest for the hubs and I. Woot woot.
Also happening in the next couple of weeks:
1. O will be 7-moths-old! Wow. That's all I can say.
2. We will celebrate one year of our big move across the pond. 1 down, 2 more to go.
3. I may or may not (it all depends on how I do on that test) become citizen of the Great US of A ( while keeping my lovely green passport, of course).

That's all folks!

Remember us in your prayers.

Having a laugh with Daddy.

Two new teeth to complete his handsome looks.

mom-mode post #98 - on dinner time

"The mundane has purpose. If it weren’t for the ordinary duties of food preparation and kitchen cleanup, than this moment, this mealtime, this bond, wouldn’t exist." --
I just love this quote. I'm terrible about saving quotes and forgetting about the source though. So if anyone knows, please let me know. This quote truly reflects what dinner time feels like sometimes (and most housekeeping tasks too!), just so mundane. However it is wonderful to remember that the mundane has a purpose. Some of my most favorite memories growing up were around the dinner table. I pray and hope dinner times will become a wonderful bond for our little family.
About a month and half ago we ventured of in the wonderful world of solids. It wasn't really love at first bite. And actually this experience revealed me more of my son's personality. He always carefully examines his options before he jumps right into something new ( he takes this from his daddy), but once he jumps in, he goes in head first and never looks back (he takes this from his mommy). At such a young age O has an intense relationship with food. He loves every bite and is willing to try new things. But he is not afraid to say when he doesn't like something. 
So far our biggest hits have been: peas, carrots, apples, bananas --which he feeds himself--, oranges, apricots and green beans.
On the list of I'll eat but don't really love it: yogurt, pears, peaches, plums, rice cereal, oatmeal and scrambled egg yolk.
And the list of please-don't-ever-put-this-in-my-mouth-again- foods: avocado and store-bought veggie baby food.


You may notice some unusual choices for first foods we've introduced to him. I wanted to incorporate the different cultures we are immersed in when it came to O's eating habits. So instead of following the usual american schedule, I am adding variety and diversity to what he tries. Hence the yogurt, eggs and oranges. I wish I could find some papaya to let him try! :)))

mom-mode post # 97 - on lessons from the throws motherhood

A couple of week we celebrated O's 6 months of life. Along side with the rejoicing of his precious little life, I realized I was celebrating 6 months of motherhood. And what an exciting time this has been! Aside from algebra, German, and let's face it, Turkish, this undertaking has been my biggest learning curve as of yet. So to commemorate such truly joyous occasion, here are some lessons I've learned from the very throws of motherhood.:
Lesson 1. Motherhood has taught me to be less judgmental. I'll never judge another's mom's way of parenting. I know all too well the pain of being judged for my parenting decisions when no one truly knows what is like to be be in my shoes, raising my baby. The way I see it, unless you are a criminal parent, doing crazy things to your child, you do what you do for  reason. Even if they aren't my reasons.
Lesson 2. Motherhood has taught me to be less categorical. I'll never say: I'll never let my child, or I'll always do this for my child ... Because you will and you won't. U-hum.
Lesson 3. Motherhood has taught me to let go of cleanliness. Because it is dirty work! I never thought I'd have the stomach nor the endurance to clean up some of the messes I've cleaned up. Ugh. Gross!
Lesson 4. Motherhood has taught to be more forgiving. Of myself and of others. I mean, when you are running on very little sleep, you are bound to make many mistakes.
Lesson 5. Motherhood has taught me how far I can go. I've learned that my strength and energy are not endless but it can go a lot further than I thought.
Lesson 6. Motherhood has taught me to cry. Yep, that's right. I'm a cry baby now. And proud. O has made me so much softer.:)

It has been an incredible journey  and it is safe to say that after baby O, I'll never be the same again. And here's the one lesson I never believed when people said it, but I've more than learned it  to be true: Motherhood is hard work but it is all sooooo worth it.