A Few Observations

I've been trying to remember to jot down things that, even though they aren't big things, are just kind of bizarre to Americans. At home in the US, I'm sure we have quirks and oddities that are just a way of life, not a second thought to it. But a foreigner might roll their eyes at and question it. Of course, I can't think of a single one... because we have it right. (I'm saying the word "sarcasm" in my sing-song voice, but not quite sure which font to use to get that point accross.)

(Or am I??)

DISCLAIMER: To any British friends (if they read this), these are not insults. Just differences and slight irritations. Insert winking face here.

I hate not being able to go to the grocery store late at night. At home, it was an early Sunday morning ritual. Though I was never a late shopper, I enjoyed having the convenience of shopping late if I wanted to or needed to (night before Thanksgiving comes to mind). But now because of a baby, I would prefer to go at night when Scott is home.

Unfortunately, the grocery stores close at 8:00PM (4:00PM on Sundays) and if you wait until closing time, odds are you won't get some items on your list because that stuff is G-O-N-E. There is one store called Tesco, in another village a short drive away, that advertises to be open 24-hours. However, we discovered that on Sunday, 24-hours means they close at 4PM and weekdays it means 10PM. WTH??

I also miss the convenience of one-stop-shopping. I mean, as a small business owner (at one time), I kind of appreciate the fact that the grocery stores in England aren't trying to dip into everyone else's business. However, when the other stores shut down at 5PM, it makes me not really give a crap. If the other stores want the business, they would extend their hours. Households with two working adults must really be out of luck, because I know they aren't getting home before 6PM. Oh, in things in London aren't much better. I think stores pretty much shut down at 7PM. I guess London is a town that sleeps.

Another thing that is slightly irritating is the tv selection. I'm noticing this more now that I'm in the house with an infant. We went with satellite to get the most channels, yet there is nothing on. I know, I know... we say this at home, too. But, there seems to be a lot of repeats. And I'm not talking replaying the shows once the season is over. I'm talking playing three episodes of one show, then seeing the same three on another channel and THEN the same three played on the first channel later that afternoon. And these are shows that probably have about ten seasons or more. I don't get it! Family Guy comes on at night, two episodes in a row. I can almost bet you twenty-dollars that if you watch it all week, you'll see at least one episode twice, maybe three times.

Still scratching my head at some of the way things are done with NHS. I now take Will in for bi-weekly weigh-ins. This is fine and dandy, but these clinics are once a week and about a 2-hour window. If you don't get an appointment, then you are driving to another village. Also, Will has his 8-week GP appointment in a couple weeks. But, I have to take him in for his weight and measurements the day before. They can't do this during his appointment?? I'm glad I'm not a working mom. Though, in the UK, I think there are no working moms at 8-weeks. They are fortunate that they get a very long maternity leave. Still completely freaked out about having to carry his records with me. What if I lose them? What if we have a house fire? What if a tornado blows through? What if the dog eats them??

Okay, gripes over. Here are the hearts:

Towel Warmers. Enough said.

Flowers are cheap. I buy flowers at the grocery store every week. For once in my life, I have fresh flowers on the table all the time. And this is coming from someone that has either owned a flower shop or worked in the industry. For all of her adult life.

I love how green it is here. And not just the grass outside... I'm talking about the environment. EVERYONE uses their own bags at the store.

If you don't compost, you have food bins to keep under your sink so that the county can compost your old food scraps - not filling up landfills with old food and putting it to good use. The selection of cleaning and everyday products that are enviro-friendly seem to be larger here than in the US. Garbage is only picked up every other week, so you either have to think of ways to cut back on garbage, or take it to the dump yourself. And that place was impressive. You have to sort your own waste so that as much can be recycled as possible.

Here are some of my new food loves. At our first farmers market, we discovered Anila's. Anila's has a really large selection of curries, pickles and sauces. My mother is hooked on her Chili Pickle. That stuff is hot. Finally, someone says something is hot and means it. My favorite is the Tindoori Pickle. I bought a jar and put it on everything. By day two, the jar was gone and I found myself on her website hunting down the other area markets she attends because I couldn't wait a month to get another jar. Here's her link:

http://www.anilassauces.com/

Sweet corn season has hit. It seems really strange to be buying really fresh corn in late September. At home, this season is around July. But, it is SWEET and it is GOOD. Because I've rarely see it in the stores until now, we are having corn like once a week.

Custard. Wow. This stuff is good. Not at all what we call custard at home. It's a much thinner consistency. It tastes like warm vanilla pudding right off the stove. Except you buy it in a carton at the store, warm it and pour it over cake or fruit. I like it cold and could easily sit and eat the entire thing. I haven't yet, but I know I'm quite capable of it.

People, Americans and Brits, keep asking me what I miss most. Besides the obvious friends and family, I always draw a blank... so, I must not be missing that much. However, on occasion I think of things and I try to make note. I'll list a few now, and save some for future posts:

-a garbage disposal (yet, this contradicts my composting statement above)

-American toilets (some of you might know what I'm talking about, Willis)

-REAL shopping malls

-Nordstrom's shoe department

-Longhorn football - we have perfect football weather (even puts me in the mood)

-Seeing the Rangers play in person (of all years, dammit!! Thank goodness for ESPN-US)

-the MINI. Not liking the Peugeot driving experience.

-USDA beef (but, you can't beat the lamb here)

-Sprinkles, Marco's & Scotty P's.

-a sprayer on the kitchen sink

Like I said... just a few from my list (gripes, loves and misses). I'll save some for another date.

Let's see... it's 9:45AM. Let's see how long William might give me to get dressed this morning. I'm betting I get about 10-minutes before he decides he's hungry. I had better hurry!

Bopka & Pop

Just a quick update on our past week. My dad and step-mother came for a visit. Daddy and Pat arrived on Sunday and left the following Saturday. I was so afraid that they would not make the journey over. Pat hates to fly on long flights. My dad prefers the road trip, despite the fact that he served in the Air Force. Of course, that could be the reason. He discovered Southwest for quick trips to Albuquerque, but prior to that, I think his last flight might have been during his service years.

Scott and I decided to pick places to take the folks to that involved us going by car. With a baby, this is just the easiest way to go. I haven't maneuvered the train yet with a stroller, and I'm not looking forward to it. With most of our trips being by car, this also knocked London out (for all of us to go). Scott is an excellent driver, but even he refuses to drive in London. And as for me... let's just say that I haven't tapped my side mirrors on anyone else's car, but that doesn't mean I'm ready for London driving, either. So, we chose Windsor Castle and Bath as our two day trips. Windsor was great and I highly recommend it, as long as it's times where the Queen IS NOT there. From what I understand, the state rooms are not open during her presence. And those are what you want to see. Bath was a very pretty town, and of course there are the Roman Baths. But, my favorite part was the drive there. The stretch between the highway and the actual town was amazing. I'm ready to go back with my camera.

Scott took Daddy and Pat into London for a day while I stayed home with William. It sounds like they saw a lot of things in one day and I think their favorite part was Abbey Road. It was one of the few things my dad requested to see and I'm so glad they made it up there. And yes, they took pictures crossing the street.

I'm so glad that Daddy and Pat got to see William before he got much older. Even though my dad is already a grandfather, he's glad there's finally a boy to "take on all those girls." Talk of golf lessons are already on the table and I'm sure the first set of clubs will be in Will's near future. Grandparents are great and it's nice to have them here to help out. I'm sure William will enjoy his stays at Bopka & Pop's. That poor tire swing and Pop will never get a break.

And William. Wow. He is changing so fast! He has started to become a little animated. Working up his first smile - and then pulling it off for real! I got pictures of the event... and can I tell you that I have to look at that picture all the time. It melts my heart. If I weren't in love with him before, then I am now. He doesn't sleep much during the day, and somehow that prevents Mommy from getting much done. Some days that includes getting dressed. I keep promising myself morning walks, but somehow snuggling in bed sounds a little better. Mornings are getting a little nippy and babies are just so warm.

Blue Day

It has been a sad day for me. Today was the day that I had to wave good-bye to my mother and watch her leave our place in the back of a cab. It was a good-bye that was filled with tears and promises that October will be here soon.

Prior to this move, I've never lived more than 30-minutes from my mother's doorstep. And though there were times where a few weeks might have gone by without seeing each other, there were usually daily phone calls.

At least I moved in an age where communication is easy and cheap. Thank goodness for internet and video chats... if not, I don't think I would have been able to leave home.

My mother arrived a month ago and Mark was here for the last week. His return flight was on Sunday, my mother's followed today (two days later). I know it was hard for my mother to leave, she's already so attached to William. And of course, I feel terribly guilty for FINALLY giving her a grandchild, but then moving half way across the world to do it. I'm really starting to think about when I would like to move home. Though I am finally to a point that I am enjoying life here, I'm still homesick on occasion(s). Plus, I don't want William to miss out on the opportunity to get to know his family and friends.

I get to go through all of this happiness and sadness again in September when my father and step-mother arrive. It's so great to see family and friends, but is terribly sad when they leave. It makes you realize how much you love these people and how much you want to see them more often.

Scott has officially gone back to work. And I am officially alone with this little baby to tend to during the day. Luckily, William is a good baby and is making this parenting thing seem pretty easy to get the hang of. I hope he's not waiting to spring something on me, like colic...

Tomorrow, I plan to get things done. Cleaning house, for one. Scott has been great about helping out, but with two dogs and open windows - things get dusty in a hurry. I had planned to do these things today, but decided a nap with Will on my chest sounded better. A perfect way to celebrate his two-week birthday, I think.

They Don't Call it Labor for Nothing

Announcing the birth of our son, William Ross Cooper! Will was born on Tuesday, August 3rd. He came in at 9 lbs. 3 ozs. Measuring 22-inches long. Like the rest of our pregnancy adventure, he did not make things easy. But, he's here and perfect and that's all that matters.

But, to have something to write about, I'll share anyway.

Saturday (July 31st, our due date), I awoke at 5:45AM to realize that my water had broke. So, I got up and called the hospital where I was instructed to come in to be checked out. Upon arrival, they monitored me for contractions and baby movement. Baby was fine, but I wasn't having any contractions yet. So, I was sent home until the three-in-ten rule (3 strong contractions in 10-minutes). However, if I had not started any by Monday morning, I was to call at 8:00AM and they would tell me what time to come in for an induction. This particular hospital's policy was 48-hours to allow for natural labor to set in.

The next two days were the longest ever. I kept imagining that labor was setting in, but of course, it never did. My mother and I picked blackberries and made a cobbler for the Tilt Road Neighborhood Party, but really hoping that we might would have to miss it. But, by the time Sunday afternoon rolled around, still no labor, so we went. It was a nice time, and met some of our neighbors. It's so strange to be able to tell people that ask when the baby is due, "Yesterday, but he'll be here tomorrow." Oh, and our blackberry cobbler was a hit.

We made it to Monday morning and called the hospital. They told us to come in now. I guess it was a slow morning and they had arranged a spot for me. When we arrived, they put us in a labor room and after about an hour and a half, they gave me a tablet of Pitocin to get my contractions started. Then we were told we could wander around and do whatever we wanted. So, we did, eventually ending up in the restaurant for lunch. At that point I could tell that contractions were beginning and by that evening, I was at about 1-2 minutes apart. I was given an exam, thinking that I would be at maybe a 7 or 8cm, but to my disappointment, I was at a big fat zero. Turns out that the Pitocin can cause severe cramping that mimics contractions. So, they discussed giving me an injection of Pethedine. Up until this point, I was just using my TENS machine. A quick note on the TENS. I found it to be helpful. Maybe relief isn't the word, but it definitely gave your mind and body something else to feel to distract it from the other pain. Not completely effective, but great for early contractions.

Okay, back to the Pethedine. In our NCT course, we learned about it. I had said I did not want to use Pethadine in my birth plan. Why? Pethedine is morphine-based, and morphine makes me sick, sick, sick. Also, it crosses the placenta and most times leads to a sleepy baby at birth. Today, you want a responsive baby if you plan to do the skin-to-skin interaction to encourage nursing right away. But, for me, honestly... it was the idea of how nauseated I get on morphine. The midwives explained that this early in labor, the drug would already be out of the baby's system allowing him to be alert. They also mixed in something to keep me from getting sick. So, I agreed. Pain will make you do a lot of things, I would totally cave at an interrogation.

Pethedine... oh yeah, another side effect??? It can start REAL contractions after you've had Pitocin. So, yeah.. I got no pain relief from Pethedine. BUT, with real contractions and a few hours later, another exam and this time... I was at 4cm!! So, after about 12-hours of all of this, I was ready for an epidural. Around 1:00AM I got one. BEST DRUG EVER! I can't believe that I even considered giving it a go without it. This allowed me to somewhat sleep through the rest of the night and continue on the next day. By the next morning, I had progressed to 7cm. About three hours later, what should have been a 10 (or at least some movement forward), it was still at 7cm. That's when the doctor suggested I think about a c-section. We weighed the pros and cons, and after about thirty-minutes of discussing it, went with it. The baby's head was already swelling, and I didn't want to put any stress on him.

I was awake during the entire procedure. Normally, my epidural should have been topped off a little heavier and then they would proceed, but I was still having some sensations in my legs, so they did another spinal. It took them about 45-minutes to prep me, and then they went and got Scott.

I made him sit there and talk to me the entire time because I didn't want to hear any conversation or focus on the tugging that was going on. But, about five-minutes later, I heard a screaming of a baby and Scott stood up to look. Told me he was a big baby... which I didn't think he would be. And then I heard, "nine-pounds, three-ounces." Holy cow!

After a few hours in recovery, I was able to score a private room (at a cost, but totally worth it). There Will and I spent the next three days patiently waiting out our stay, both ready to go home. Though everyone was extremely friendly, it was time to go. I did get a little choked up saying good-bye to our midwife, Kim. She was there through the birth of Will. Through a lot of my labor, c-section and then again on Friday when she came up to do our check-up. I'm very impressed with midwife care and would definitely consider it at home. Though my birth plan didn't go as planned, I still think it was an excellent experience and one that I don't think I'll ever forget. I can now hold this over William's head for the rest of my life when he's naughty, "I was in labor with you for twenty-nine hours..."

The Beginning of the End

Well, I guess it's the beginning of the end of my pregnancy. I woke up at 5:45 this morning, slightly stirred and then Uh OH!... my water broke. No contractions, though. So, we got up, called the midwife at the hospital. She suggested that we come in just to check things out, so we did... and as I suspected, they suggested that we go home to wait things out. A few hours later and I'm still having no contractions. Instead, I'm sitting here, catching up on facebook and a few other forums that I follow. My mother is possibly more ready than I am because her days spent with the baby are numbered before heading back to the States. However, she is passing the time with numerous projects... one being this cute little cell phone cover we saw in a magazine. She has taken the idea and fled with it, I think she's on number three or four now! So, if you have an iphone and want a funny little animal cover, I think she might have one for you.

We are thinking of getting up and making a blackberry pie. We discovered that wild blackberries are EVERYWHERE and we see no one picking them. But, that didn't stop us from picking a giant bowl of them. The neighborhood we live in is having a party tomorrow and we had planned to attend (you know... if I was home and able). The tickets said to bring a dish and a bottle of wine, so our dish was going to be this "local" blackberry pie/cobbler. Guess if we don't get to go, then I'll just have to eat it by myself. Not sure if I can handle that one (says the one that might now have permanently stained purple teeth and tongue)!

Oh, back to the baby. If I don't have contractions by Monday morning, then I go in to be induced. So, I guess I had better get off my butt and get moving... try to move this along as naturally as possible. Hopefully the next time I post, it will be about my birth experience (not to graphic, of course) in the UK.

"I'm Never Moving Again"

I said those words the last time we moved.... and almost five years later, I had to pack up that entire house and put it all in storage. Five years to the date, I was unpacking and assembling new Ikea furniture at our new place in Cobham, Surrey, UK.

Yes, that's right... we are finally in our new place!! I can't believe it. We took possession on the 12th, and lived off a air mattress and two camp chairs for about three days until our Ikea shipment arrived on the 15th. My mother's flight arrived on the 14th, so if you do the math, you know that one of us slept on the floor for a night. And no, it wasn't me or my mother.

Seventeen Ikea furniture boxes plus the about fifteen we shipped from home, two rather larger orders from John Lewis, three trips to the local recycling center and a week later, I think we have EVERYTHING in its place. Yes, I still need a few things for the walls and maybe a few things on the mantels, but... that will come with a little time. I can't keep things sparse for long. No matter how long I try or want to keep it that way. It's in my blood.

And as much as I've said I'm not shipping anything home when we move back... well, I don't think that will happen. I'm already in love with a few things that I've purchased and I can completely envision them in our Dallas house.

We've found the local "Home Depot" which is a store called B&Q (What can you do? - their slogan). and purchased a grill, some plants and more rods for the closets and wardrobes. So, I would say that we are settling in quite nicely.

My only frustration is that my separate dryer (you know, one of the reasons I fell in love with this place) is not working. The landlord has already sent someone out to repair it, but the guy's fix only lasted a few days (which he warned me could happen - and if so, then he would come back and replace a part). So, I'm living the British life. Hanging laundry on a little rack. Of course the dryer decides to break on the day that I decide to start washing all the little man's duds.

Speaking of little man, he's not here yet. He did what he was told, stayed put until we got moved. I hope this is a sign of future years and that he always listens to mom and dad!

We met with a midwife yesterday and all is normal and we are getting close. We've also toured the hospital we will be giving birth at, Epsom Hospital. It's a smaller place with fewer births than some of the other hospitals in the area. I'm looking forward to all the attention from the midwives, I think. I wouldn't be surprised if I were the only one giving birth at the time. During our visit, there was only one room occupied. My mother said it sounded like Henderson Memorial... where I was born. I was the only baby in the nursery, so no mistaking me for someone else's child.

Well, time to get up from here and get more laundry out in the fresh open air. Hint of sarcasm on that one...

I think in my next blog I'm going to point out the things in our house that I like, and things that are completely ridiculous. Still trying to Americanize everything.

Am I Jinxing It?

If I tell you that we are moving into our new place on Monday?? Man, I hope not. But, there you have it. Monday, July 12th at 11:00AM. Fourteen days later than we were originally told. I'm not bitter, anymore. I'm just ready.

"We have so much time and so little to do! Strike that, reverse it." -Willy Wonka

Our weekends are filled with trying to get things purchased. The hard part is deciding what we need as soon as we get there and what can wait a couple days. The problem with buying it now is that we have to move it and get it out to Cobham. So far, we have 2 suitcases, 1 large suitcase, 1 huge duffle bag, 3 boxes that came ground shipment from home, one HUGE box of linen items that I ordered here, an air mattress (in a box), assorted grocery items, 3 large bags of accumulated items, 2 large dog crates and two smaller dogs. Okay... not a lot, really. But, it is a lot if we think we are going to get it all in a cab! Guess we are going to have to contact "a guy in a van" type operation.

We did make another large purchase this week and it is waiting on us in Cobham. We bought the one thing that I didn't think we would need living in London. But, I guess since we aren't technically in London, we found it to be a necessity. Yes, that's right... I've joined the ranks of other mothers and we are now the proud owner of a station wagon.

Okay... it's not a station wagon, it's a four-door hatch. I guess it's as close to a station wagon as we get these days. But hey... it's not a mini van, therefore, I'm still somewhat a cool mom.

If you care to look it up, we bought a 2003 Peugeot 307. Not my dream car, but it fits our needs for now.

If you know me, you know I love the driving experience... not sure this is going to do it for me long term, but not knowing how long our stay was, we weren't willing to buy new. Also, since this isn't my baby (the car) I won't really get upset if Baby spits up all over this car or spills his cheerios everywhere.

Anyway with this purchase, you are probably asking why we don't transport our own stuff to Cobham. Well, I'll tell you... I'm not going to let my first drive on the wrong side of the road be IN London. I need a little time to get used to the idea of getting in on the wrong side of the car and driving on the left side of the road. See? Even typing that, I had to stop and think about what side they drive on. RIGHT, people!!! IT SHOULD BE RIGHT!! I also need time to learn all the crazy street markings. Once again (like a lot of things here), it's not simplified.

And if you're wondering if I need a license to drive here, well I do. So do you! The good thing is that your US license works for a year. And that's a year from your arrival date. After that you do have to get a UK drivers license. From what I understand it's a pretty tough program, but once you have it, you have for life (or maybe until your 70 - or whichever comes first).

Other big things... my mother arrives on Wednesday the 14th. Our Ikea shipment arrives the very next day. So, I hope she's in the mood to assemble furniture. I can't wait to see my mother. This is one of the longest separations we've ever had. Thank goodness for video chat. I hope I have enough time to show her around town a little before the baby decides to arrive. I have been making a list of a few places to show her.

I'll share one, now. The Borough Market. This is actually our favorite market, and we hit it regularly on our last visit here. So far in the last two months, I've only hit it once. Not sure why, though. If you are a foodie, this is foodie heaven. I know both my parents will enjoy it, but the main reason I want to go is to buy Burnt Sugar. My facebook friends already know about this, as I've gone on and on about it. But, it Burnt Sugar is a taste from my past - yet, I didn't know it or expect it to be. Bought a little on a whim.

Have you ever had one of those?? A taste that you always remember??? You can taste it so vividly in your mind no matter how long it's been since you've had it??? Well, for me I have about three of those. Things that I can still taste, but can't have or find, but it's permanently embedded in my brain and taste buds. One is my grandmother's Lebanese bread. I've found close, but just not quite. The other is cherry Certs. Why don't they make those anymore?? And the third... one of my most favorite flavors in the world... the little praline squares that were found in the bottom of the chip basket at Monterrey House. Well, guess what. I've found that flavor, and it turns out it's in the form of burnt sugar.

They call it fudge here, but it is in no way close to what we call fudge. Number one, it's not chocolate. Number two, it's not a fudgey texture (well, fudge that is made the right way, anyway). And three, it's pralines from Monterrey House - plain and simple! I bought a few squares (see? squares!) just to see what they were all about. Later, Scott and I tried a bite - I just couldn't believe what I was tasting. Scott agreed - it's the same! I'm so excited!

So, I plan to take my mother back and stock up. I know she'll want a bag, too - and so will just about anyone in my family. I think I'm seeing some future Christmas presents here!

I know it's crazy to get so excited over something, but it's been over twenty years since I've been able to find that flavor for real... now that I have, I hope I don't ruin it by tasting it too often - but, I really don't think that's possible.

Here's the link for those that might be at the Borough Market and grew up on Monterrey House:

http://www.burntsugar.co.uk/our_sweets/

It's the one called Crumbly Fudge with Sea Salt.

Our weeks have been filled with finishing up antenatal courses and hospital visits in the country (making it an almost all day event). We did celebrate the 4th at a picnic event hosted by one of the overseas political parties. It was great to have a REAL hotdog, REAL yellow mustard and whoopie pie! Also for this coming weekend, Scott has purchased tickets to go to Kew Gardens for a picnic and a Queen cover band. Sounds like a fun time, actually. This will be our last chance to do nothing for a few weeks and I'm looking forward to it.

Hopefully the next time I post it will be from the beautiful village of Cobham!!