There's Nothing Like American Shopping

The other day a friend of mine and I were trying to figure out exactly what it is that is so special about shopping here in the US.  And we couldn't quite figure it out.  Is it because it's what we've known our whole lives?  That we know exactly where to go for exactly what we need (and likely for many other things that we just didn't know we needed but essentially wanted...aka Target).  That we are familiar with the brands and the quality associated with them? 

I have no idea.  After 2 1/2 years I certainly have a feel for the brands in Barcelona and their quality.  I also know for the most part where I can find most of the things I need, maybe not all that I want, but the essentials are there and to this day, I'm still finding things.  As a matter of fact, after 2 1/2 years I finally found women's shaving gel in my new grocery store - it's a nice feeling to know I can once again use girly shaving cream rather than sharing Josh's.  It's the little things in life that keep me happy.

But part of the joys of coming home to the US aside from all the reunions is also that we get to shop.  And I mean SHOP.  I bring a list, several lists even, with me each year.  And more than likely, I go above and beyond that list.  Our luggage weighed next to nothing upon arriving in Boston because I have zero doubt that I will fill it all up and likely need to add an extra bag to our already 3 bags we are bringing home. 

What kind of stuff?  Anything really.  Cookie mix (ok slightly addicted, I know), medicine for us and the kids (yes, I know there is medicine in BCN, but once again, the brands you know thing going on here), clothes, shoes, sneakers for the kids, various food products (minced garlic - who wants to mince their own when I can buy it pre minced??... fruity cheerios... fruit snacks... and so much more), possibly a new laptop, favorite soaps and shampoos, toothpaste (yes, they have many brands in BCN but not aquafresh, is it too much to ask??), video games (our wii isn't compatible with European games), Ninjago sheets for Liam's new room and seriously, so much more random stuff it would make your head spin.

The stores I can't wait to hit??  Target, Hilliards (yum chocolate), Gap, Banana Republic, LLBean, Stride Rite, Hollister, Abercrombie, Apple, Wrentham Outlets, Hannafords (or Stop n Shop), and the list goes on and on.  Actually I left the list in my car and I'm tired and jetlagged so I can't remember what else is on said list, but just know, it's long...

Half of what I buy is probably not completely necessary.  But I can't control myself.  As a matter of fact, this morning the kids and I were up at 5 with jetlag and we weren't meeting our friends til 10:30.  So since we were ready by 8, we were out the door and in Target before 8:30 this morning.  Not even a full 12 hours on the ground and we were already shopping.  Aidan actually insisted on me taking a picture of him outside Target he was that excited.  I don't even know exactly what I bought but I do know I managed to spend $150 on about 3 bags of stuff.  I'm sure Josh is going to be thrilled - as it was he messaged me that he couldn't believe I'd managed 12 hrs on the ground before shopping. 

Aidan insisted I take his picture with the big TARGET logo in the background - he was so excited about going shopping!

Liam was also excited but less than thrilled that he couldn't get up on the ball by himself

Before dinner we did a quick Toys R Us run... you'd think Liam had never seen so many toys, but then it's been a full year since he was in a toy store this size.  Notice his new backpack for the fall that we purchased today, just one more thing that is easier to buy here than in Spain!!

Tomorrow I'm spending the day with my best friend and later this week some time with my mom... and you know what that means??  More shopping.  I think I'm probably going to need that 4th bag overall...

Besos,
Julie

Reunions

I saw my parents last month at my brother's wedding. While it was only 4 weeks ago, we've had so much going on that it actually feels like months not weeks since I saw them. But with only 3 1/2 days in the US with my family last month, it just wasn't enough. Not to mention I didn't get to see any of Josh's family nor any of our friends on that trip.

I'm not a big skyper. I like it but just don't like to have to sit in one place when I talk on the phone. The kids aren't into it, just don't have the attention span. So for the most part it's been a full year since we last saw our families and friends beyond Facebook pictures and my blog. My mom sends me pictures of herself taken with her camera phone and a full length mirror. We really just should Skype more.

But because we don't Skype or see each other real time all year it makes our reunion all the sweeter. Aidan actually said to me that he couldn't wait to run into my mom's arms at the airport. Every year I cry at this reunion. Just writing this I feel teary. In part because it is the sweetest sight a mom could see, genuine love from her child to his grandparent. And in part it's because I feel badly that we have taken the only grandchildren (on both sides of the family) away from our parents and we know how much all of them miss the boys. So it's a little bittersweet as well.

My mom was unsure about picking us up this year. It's a long story that I won't go into right now but in the end we decided to leave it up to Aidan. Because its Aidan that their presence means the most to. And when I asked him if it would be ok for us to have a car service take us to nana and papa's house instead he said that he really wanted them there (and he really wanted them to bring pizza which has become our tradition). And so the decision was made and they will meet us at Logan.

However, I could tell exhaustion had set in with Aidan when the reunion time came and while he was enthusiastic, it wasn't the run into their arms, everyone crying moment I expected.  I even was prepared with video.  But it was a very very sweet moment and Aidan immediately was set by my mother's side with a huge grin on his face.  They chatted the entire time in the car while Liam was low key after his puke fest.

Aidan and my mom

Today I had a chance to see a friend that came out to visit last year while we were home and happened to be finishing up a vacation on the cape yesterday and extended her time here so she could see us.  That is a reunion worth coming home for.  As is the one with my best friend tomorrow whom I can't wait to see.  And all my friends and family that I've got plans with over the next few weeks. 

Urs and me

Tomorrow is the next reunion for the boys.  Josh will be taking them to the Cape to see his parents, whom they also haven't seen in a year.  I can't wait to hear all about it and hope (Josh are you reading) that they take lots of pictures of their time together.  I know how much the boys miss all of their grandparents and aunts and uncles through the year and this is one of my favorite parts about coming back. 

And the boys still have to have a reunion with their friends.  We were going to stop in Attleboro today but instead, we decided to have dinner the four of us since the last time we had dinner as a family in the US was 2 1/2 years ago.  And it was the best dinner we'd had together in a long time so it was worth it.  So the reunion of the boys (more so Aidan than Liam) with their friends will be on Wednesday and I'm super curious to see how the relationships unfold.  Since Aidan is not a fan of skype and he's still too young to email or really chat on the phone, he's essentially been incommunicado for the last year with his friends.  I know they all remember each other, but what will the relationships be like?  The good thing is that they are boys and I think that boys just naturally form bonds easily and jump right back into friendships that have been on hold (in a sense) for a while. 

We're really looking forward to all these reunions in the next few weeks and can't wait to see everyone!!!

Besos,

Julie

Puke Fest 2012

Liam has been a puker since we moved to Barcelona. He never got motion sick until he stopped being in vehicles regularly which happened upon moving since we don't actually own a car in Barcelona. His first 7 months here he may have taken 2 or 3 cabs but that's it. So I'm not sure if we induced this torture or if it was a natural progression. Regardless for some it's not a party unless someone pukes, but for us it's not vacation until Liam does.  

And because of this I've learned to be prepared. My puke instinct is dead on. A few months ago he was home sick but I had told a friend I'd go walking with her. Figuring the fresh air would do him good, I dug out the stroller and off we went. He barely said a word the whole day.  

We got to lunch and he still didn't say anything but he had that look. I whipped out the puke bag despite his protests. And of course within seconds he was puking. My friends were slack jawed wondering how I knew. My response "he got quiet". My friend "but he hasn't said a word all day". Ahhh but there is quiet and pre-puke quiet.

And so prepping for our journey home to the states, I packed 2 puke bags and an extra set of clothes. Last year he puked on the plane (into my hands no less) twice so I wanted to be ready. But I wasn't ready for it all to fall to shit on the way to the airport this time - live and learn.

That's right. Yeah I had the window down in the cab. And I even had a puke bag out because he was suddenly claiming to be sleepy (another tell tale sign). And yet I turned my back for a second and missed the first wave - all over him, the cab and me. With 15 hrs of travel still to go, we'd already had a puker and we still had 15 mins before the airport.

We got to the airport and I put Aidan in line with the bags. There was a nice mom and daughter that offered to keep an eye on him so I could clean Liam and myself up.  The unfortunate thing in Spain (at this particular moment) is they try to be environmentally friendly. So that means no paper towels in the bathroom. Normally I see this as a good thing, but not today. So I stripped him down and just started to take water from the sink and wipe him down and then stuck him under the hand dryer. Not very effective and I'd used my last baby wipes in the car.

Smelling like vomit we checked in, got through security and even customs was easy this year. It's like they knew I couldn't handle one more thing. The kids behavior was actually great for once which I desperately needed.

We bought some wipes and cleaned ourselves up. At least got the puke smell down to a minimum. The kids were super excited about this trip and that feeling is contagious and so we moved on from the car puke to the day ahead. 

But come on, one puke in the start of the trip should mean that the rest is smooth sailing right?  Yeah not so much. Because not only was I flying solo with the kids, but the fun wasn't over yet. As we were in the queue to take off for London (our layover destination) he once again had that look but I was ready. Thank god British air has lots of puke bags. And the people in front of me kept handing me theirs. Good thing because he puked five more times JUST ON THE SHORT FLIGHT TO LONDON. Yes that is 6 times BEFORE our 7 hour long haul flight. You can imagine the panic going thru my head on that 2+ hr flight to London knowing I still had a 3 hr layover AND 7 more in the air.  Even Liam gave me a look of panic when he asked if this was our long flight and I responded that no, we still had the long flight to go. 

During our layover in London, he seemed a bit weak and kept saying to me "Poor little Liamie (kind of like he did when he got stitches in Italy)" over and over again.  How about poor little mommy???  He didn't eat a thing at lunch but at least had some conversation.  He seemed better on the ground.  Despite a 3 hour layover, the time actually flew by and believe or not, I'm calling this our best trip yet to the States as far as logistics go and moods.  Last year our 3 hour layover ended up 60 panic filled minutes as we ran through Heathrow.  This year we stopped for a somewhat leisurely lunch at an actually really good place (I do love Heathrow for it's shopping and food - if you have to have a long layover, that's the place to be) and took our time getting to our gate with only 20 minutes to wait til we boarded.  Not bad at all.

But of course, within minutes of getting in the air, the puke fest began again.  My intention had been to not let the kids sleep a ton on the plane in order to avoid having them get up at 3AM for the day.  However, given that every time Liam woke up he vomited, I opted for the lesser of two evils and just let him be.  Thankfully that meant he puked slightly less than the first leg of the trip with only 4 times. 

So that brought our grand total to 11 times over the course of our 10 hours in the air.  That's almost one time per hour.  That is a really really long day.  Thankfully when we got to my parents last night he seemed like he was feeling back to normal as there was a bit of fear in me that we were starting off our vacation with the stomach bug...

And yet I was the epitome of patience and kindness with them despite everything being thrown at me. I didn't let it stress or annoy me because damn it we are going on vacation and no puking is going to stop that!!!!  However, from now on everyone can come visit us in Barcelona because I'm not doing this trip again....

Besos,

Julie

Heading for "Home, Home"

Today is the day!!!! I didn't think I'd be so excited about going home since I was just on US soil literally a month ago but I can't wait. We booked our flights 6 months ago and the time is finally here for us to go "home home". I'm sure I've told you about "home home" before but in case you forgot, it was the easiest way for us to differentiate with the kids that this is home (Barcelona) and that while the US is still home, it's not our home right now and so it's just "home home". The kids actually came up with it and as long as they understand the difference between Boston and Barcelona, I'm cool with whatever they want to do.

Last month I was a little apprehensive about this upcoming trip. When I was in Minnesota for my brother's wedding I was just feeling a bit lost in relation to "home home" and feeling disconnected with my friends. And while I still feel a little bit disconnected from some, I still feel close to others and to be honest, it will make my calendar a lot easier because I'll have fewer people to see which means I actually get some quality time with them rather than being in constant motion.

Now don't get me wrong, my calendar is pretty full. I have a spare day here and there for some things but also still have times to set up with people that I'm playing email tag with or trying to coordinate calendars with. But essentially I have at least one "thing" every day, usually at least 2 or 3 - something in the morning, afternoon and evening depending on the day. And I know as a result, I'll probably get sick... again. But it will be worth it. It will be worth it because I'll get a chance to catch up with those that I love and miss!

Right now it looks something like this:
* June 23 - crazy day spent in the air with 2 small children who are (thank god) good fliers, but still makes for an insanely long day
* June 24 - spending morning/early afternoon with friends and kids at the zoo (evening free)
* June 25 - Josh taking the kids for the next 2 days
10AM dr appt
12PM - whenever... road trip with BFF
* June 26 - return from said road trip and go to the dentist for 12PM
2PM spa day with my mom
7PM girls dinner night
* June 27 - Boys return to me in time for their 12PM dentist appt
Spend afternoon in our 'hood
7PM dinner with friend
* June 28 - spending the day with my parents (evening free)
* June 29 - spending day (with the kids) with BFF (evening free)
* June 30 & July 1 - no plans....yet
* July 2 - spending day with mom & dad
7PM dinner with friends
* July 3 - heading to CT to see friends for the day/evening
* July 4 - return from CT and head to big 4th of July party with friends, staying over
* July 5 - traditional breakfast with our 4th friends then heading to the Cape to my in-laws
* July 6 - still at in-laws, BFF may come down
* July 7 - leave in-laws, spending day with kids and BFF
* July 8 - free day
7PM dinner with friend
* July 9 - free day / evening
* July 10 - spending day with mom and dad and then heading back to BCN

In the past we've had much crazier schedules than this. Every year I try to do better and better about making sure we have downtime because I know, realistically in the end, we won't really get much downtime. And by the time we get back to BCN, we'll be exhausted!!

I'm also learning not to overpack - less than one bag for each of us because I know that we'll fill it up (much to Josh's chagrin) while we are home purchasing all the American goodies that we've missed. Indulgent, yes... but absolutely necessary in my eyes. And of course, I have a long list of thigns that must be acquired! Afterall, it's likely a year before we will return again!

Other things I've learned for this year. Did you know you can get a prepaid SIM for your iphone?? I didn't know this til a friend of mine travelled abroad (did I just call going to the US abroad??) and did it. I think that while Josh won't be thrilled at our shopping, he will be much happier when I do the prepaid sim and avoid the 900 euro cell phone bill I endured last year. See Josh, I can be money saavy ;)
So since we are heading out this morning and I still have to finish packing, give the kids baths, feed them a good breakfast and make some snacks for the plane, I'll keep this short. We are super excited for the next few weeks getting to spend precious time with all of our loved ones. My hope is that like in previous years, the kids will be on their best behavior because this is their absolute element - the smiles that I've seen the last 2 summers outweigh the smiles I see all year long. This is their time to shine and I can't wait! I'm not so much looking forward to the flight today, but thankfully the kids are really good fliers and I feel like not only do they get better year after year since they are getting older but so do I. Last year we had issues with delayed flights and running crazy thru airports. I'm hoping to avoid that this year, but just in case, I'm packing lighter carryon, a puke bag for Liam for when his belly gets all jostled from running thru Heathrow and making the kids carry their own backpacks (I'm not a pack mule this year!!!). But I'm also hoping that I will be much more mellow and low key when travelling with them this year. Hey, one can hope right???

Anyways, we can't wait to see everyone!!!! It's finally here!!

Besos,
Julie

Single Parenting

It's that time of year again... summer.  Last summer we travelled all but about 10 days outside of Barcelona.  It was the most amazing experience and if I recall we saw something like 10 different countries in that timeframe (it's all a bit of a blur).  But most of it was without Josh which was a challenge.  I had spent the better part of the summer as a single parent and boy, do I give kudos to those out there that are actual single parents rather than just part time ones!!  It's a challenge to say the least!

So now that summer is here again, I'm already in single parent mode.  Josh actually had to leave for the US ahead of me which means that for 26 days (with the exception of the 2 days we will overlap on our trips), I'm essentially on my own. It's nothing new to me, but it makes me appreciate his presence all the more when I'm on my own for extended periods of time like this. 

I'm used to the travel.  Compared to many wives I know, he doesn't travel all that much though it tends to come in clusters like it is now.  He was just away a few weeks ago and now is in the US for 10 days and returns just a few days after we arrive there.  And then he has to go again in August right before our family vacation.  But given that I know women who's husbands travel every single week, I know I'm lucky that his travel is maybe a few days per month on a normal basis. 

However, that being said, I'm thankful that the school year comes to an end on Thursday because making the school lunch is definitely one of those things that I really really appreciate Josh doing.  I did it for Aidan's first 5 years of daycare/school and then Josh took over.  It's just not my favorite thing to do at 6:30AM.  I'm also appreciating the fact that he walks the dog in the morning and the evening - something that I normally do in midmorning and afternoon and now have to do a minimum of 4 times per day instead when he's not here.  I also find that I'm much better about cleaning up the kitchen before bed and folding the laundry when he's not here to help me out - it's times like this that I really appreciate all he does around the house!!

It's also nice to have a someone who can step in when you've just about had enough.  I don't have girls so I can't compare but boys constantly fight... constantly.  There isn't a day that goes by where they aren't bickering about something.  It wears on you, usually before 7AM and then again at 5PM when they get off the bus.  This week Aidan has been trying to do better with the bickering but I think it's because he has a playdate tomorrow that I'm holding over his head - given I cancelled his other one last Sun 5 mins before he was scheduled to be at his friend's house, he knows I mean business.  That and he knows we are going home this weekend to the States - he doesn't want to mess with that either.  Though on the flip side, I found a bunch of wet toilet paper all over his bathroom this morning and when I asked him about it tonight (yes, 12 hours later), he showed me how he had broken the toilet paper holder and had tried to rig it back together with wet toilet paper.  MacGyver he is not, but I appreciate the attempt... though I would have preferred it more without the mess to clean up.  And so with the exception of Liam's constant whining, I think we are going to be ok for at least this week.

I figure if we can make it to the States on Saturday the next 2 1/2 weeks will be managable because we'll be so constantly busy there won't be time for fighting.  And yes, I will be flying with them alone as per usual.  The only trans Atlantic flight Josh has done with us was when we moved here - and this is why on ALL other flights (which cumulatively must be well more than the 10 hrs each way that I fly with them alone) he sits with them and I get to sit on my own.  I'm thankful they are both great flyers because otherwise this would be the nightmare to end all nightmares - it's a long enough flight on it's own but to do it without another adult presents all kinds of challenges.  Last year we had trouble LEAVING Spain (not entering it), we almost missed our connection in London and Liam puked twice on the plane (once into my hands, isn't parenthood grand?). 

However, this is the ultimate in all our vacations for the year.  Yes, we go to exotic and amazing places on a regular basis, but nothing can ever compare to going home.  So I think in a way we are all on our best behavior (mommy included - no yelling on vacation!) because we want to enjoy this once a year trip as much as we possibly can. 

So here's hoping the next 22 days go as smoothly as the first 4 have (I'm probably jinxing myself right now)!  Josh we miss you!!!

Besos,
Julie 

Quick Visitors from Home

One of the toughest parts of living abroad at our age is that the majority of our friends have families as well.  Why is this tough?  Because it's hard to convince a family with young kids to spend a whole lot of money to take their kids on a 10 hour plane ride to Spain.  And while we do it regularly and don't blink an eye about it, I do have to think back to the days pre-Spain.  If someone asked me to take my 2 and 5 year old on a plane across the Atlantic I probably would have said they were crazy.  And then would have attempted to find someone to watch said children so Josh and I could go without them...but even that would be iffy because being 10 hours away from your children in the case of an emergency would make me hesitant to not only go on the trip but to enjoy it.

So what I'm saying is that I understand why it is that we haven't had a lot of visitors here and I don't blame them and if I were in their shoes I'd probably be thinking the same thing.  The visitors we've had for the most part have not included children and while we have had a few visitors who's sole intent is to visit us here, the majority of them have visited us as an add-on.  They are travelling to another destination that is nearby (in relative terms) Barcelona and stop in to see us.  While I'd love for more people who come to see us to come see us, beggars also can't be choosers and I'm thrilled for the chance to see our friends and family no matter how or why they are here!!! 

We had one of these "add-on" visitors a little over a week ago for just a night.  But it was a great night and I'm so glad they came.  Having just moved the same week, things here were a bit chaotic but knowing we had visitors on the way helped to motivate us to get ourselves unpacked and to build the IKEA furniture that was looming in front of us!  And I'll admit to Josh and I putting the guest bed together up til a matter of an hour before our guests' arrival (thank god they were late!). 

Our friend Jeni, her fiancee Dave and her daughter Mairead all arrived on a Saturday evening ready to go.  It was great having our first guests in our new home and getting to show off our new guest room - something we didn't have before!!  So pass the news along Jeni so we can get more visitors!!  Aidan was on a sleepover so he didn't get to see Mairead (who is a few years older than him) til the next morning, but Liam enjoyed seeing her.  And because Liam tends to be our nightowl anyways, we decided to take a chance and take him to dinner so we could all go out.

Of course we went to our favorite restaurant, Specchio Magico.  It was weird not seeing Yolanda and Ricardo there but the food was fantastic as always so that was a plus!  We had fun catching up with Jeni and getting to know Dave a bit as I've only met him once and I think this was Josh's first time meeting him. 

Eventually Liam and Mairead were starting to tire out, poor Liam fell asleep in my arms as we walked home (uphill of course - who really needs the gym when you have a 45 lb child that always wants to be carried?).  But we stayed up chatting with Jeni and Dave for another hour or so after we got back. 

The next day they were heading for Alicante in southern Spain.  So after printing out some maps and having some yummy waffles for breakfast it was time to say goodbye again.  The funny thing is, Josh ran into them at the airport in Paris, France as he was heading back to the US this weekend for meetings and they were on their way back from their trip.  Small world!!!

Besos,
Julie

Expanding Our Family

Haha... you probably thought I was going to say I was pregnant in the post didn't you??  I don't think so!!!!  But we do actually have a new member to the Marcus clan.  Introducing... Turti.  Aidan has changed the name to DJ but somehow none of us have been able to stick to it since he was known throughout the school year as Turti. 

So who is Turti?  Turti was the class pet in Aidan's class this year.  He's a small little turtle, one might even call him cute.  Ok, I may even call him cute, but don't look to me to be playing with him on the floor.  Gone are the days when Michelle and I used to wander the swamps around Easton on the hunt for significantly larger turtles that we would then put in our water/sand boxes to entertain us for hours.  Gone is the tomboy and hello to the mom who sees lots of germs on this little creature and children who constantly put their hands in their mouths. 

But I'm trying my best to remember the good old days and how the "turti"'s in my life made my childhood that much better.  And that's why when Aidan's teacher sent me an email asking me to contact all the parents in the class about putting their children's names into a raffle, I agreed.  Of course, I didn't think we would actually win the turtle at first.  But then ALL the parents came back saying they didn't want their child's name in the raffle.  So in the end, I felt badly that Turti was homeless and agreed that we would take him.  Aidan's name mysteriously was pulled from the raffle and now Turti is ours.

Aidan is really excited to have a new pet that's all his own.  Jake and Sailor were both here long before he was born and he's been begging for a guinnea pig or some kind of small animal to call his own.  At 8 years old, he's ready to take on some responsibility and so I think the timing worked out well.  I actually prefer the turtle over a hamster or guinnea pig...it seems like it's lower maintenance.  And so far he's been relatively responsible, only missing one feeding so far (of course it's only been 5 days) that mom, of course, made up for. 

Turti is off to visit some friends of ours while we are in the States and hopefully bring a little joy to some other little kids while we are away.  In the meantime, here is a picture of our new friend...

Turti on his way home last week...

Besos,
Julie