The Skinny, The 411, Info Download

OK- call it whatever you'd like. It's been too long since I've blogged so I thought I'd get caught up.

NUMBER 1
Conversation today in the bathroom while Amelia was brushing her teeth and watching her every move in the mirror.

Amelia: My hair is getting really bright in that one spot
Me: Yeah, the sun will lighten it up.
A: My blond hair makes me special
M: Yes, what else makes you special?
A: I'm sweet, kind to my sister, and obedient
A: I love my life. I really do. I have a great mom, a great dad, and a cool sister. I love my life.

WOW- that made me smile :)

NUMBER 2
Emery has been a pill lately. She does not want me to put her down and is only content at night after a bath. I think I'm going to start bathing her every hour until her skin dries up if that's what it takes to make her happy! She insists on getting a hold of whatever Amelia has. If Amelia is playing with her Ariel Barbie Emery wants it. Amelia is being VERY patient with her and gave her the doll. Then Amelia picked up another toy. Emery threw down Ariel and cried for the new toy. Amelia gave it to her and picked up Ariel again. Emery threw down the toy and cried for Ariel. You can see where this endless cycle is going.... poor Amelia she can't win unless Emery is napping!

NUMBER 3
We took the girls to Rocky Point, MX this past weekend. We went to see the family we built for in Feb and to expose Amelia to a different country before we head to Africa in 2 weeks (call it a trial run). We had an AMAZING trip. The family was so excited to see us and we were able to take them grocery shopping which was really fun. However, I had major sticker shock. I expected the prices to be lower. Wrong. 2 dozen eggs cost $4. Everything was very comparable to what we pay here. It's crazy to me that they survive on $100/week salary with prices like that. And the father of this family is unemployed right now- YIKES. I guess because it's a tourist town the prices are high because we go vacation there and pay it. It's made me re-think my $450/month grocery budget and be very grateful for what's in my pantry!

Everyone there loved the girls. They kept saying "amarillo y azul" "blond and blue" referring to their hair and eyes. They were just blown away by how adorable they are. Amelia played with their kids age 9, 7 and 5. Games and flying kites are the same no matter your country or language!

A few funny things from the trip. Amelia asked me how to say chicken in spanish because they have 2 chickens they keep for eggs. I said "pollo." That's the only chicken I've ever known. Well the laughing and shocked faces started as they explained to me that only dead chickens you are getting ready to eat are called "pollo." Live chickens are "gallinas." So I apologized profusely to the chickens for offending them and we all had a good laugh. Guess you'll never learn the language if you don't try!

Going down to Mexico Amelia kept asking "Are we in Mexico yet?" We explained that we had to go through a big gate in a fence and then we would be in MX. Well, when we crossed the border we were both quiet, curious what she would say. Then she said it, "Wow, it's really disorganized here" HA- from a 5 year old.

One final note: I know people were worried about the border situation and our trip. Ian and I did as much homework as we could on the issue and could not ID any threats going into Sonoyta, which is where you cross the border to get to Rocky Point. We did cross the border both directions in the light. We did not see anything that made us uncomfortable or second guess our decision. That said, please don't go to MX because I told you it was safe- that's your own deal.

NUMBER 4
Emery's latest "words"

Mo = more
Mi = milk
Whifffff = woof for sound a dog makes
Head bob up and down w/smile = yes
Emphatic head shake side to side w/scowl = no

Signs she can do
Please
Thank You (latest one learned)
More
She can not grasp "all finished" even though we've been working on it for months- Oh well.