Getting Settled Back in Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor is one of my favorite places. It definitely holds a special place in my heart having graduated high school and college here, plus my mother still lives in town, but it really is one of the BEST "small' towns in the country. I think after my medevac I'll have to write post of all there is to do and my favorite spots. I've discovered some new ones since our arrival so I need more time to thoroughly research. So far I'm really fortunate that friends from Chicago came to visit/help our first weekend, that our nanny arrived from Riyadh, and that my mother is here to loan me her car as well as spend time with The Gents when she's not working...and J arrives this weekend!

Surprising to me, our time here has been busier than imagined. We moved into our apartment almost two weeks ago and I feel like I've been going non-stop since our arrival - doctor appointments, grocery runs, getting some items to make this new place a little more comfortable and nesting for baby girl. Being productive is a wonderful feeling, but now being almost 38 weeks along, my bed with new linens is like a siren beckoning me...as is the TV with all of the on-demand content I've missed this last year! I kind of just want to lay in bed (so much respect to women who work up until giving birth AND chase kids around), but these boys need activity and stimulation. Most importantly, I want them to feel more settled and secure before baby girl arrives and their world turns upside down. 

I'm getting C&R into a new routine, that seems to be working well. There is a park a block away that they spend a lot of time at and a pool steps away so they're staying on top of their swim skills. This morning we got to the downtown branch of the library for a very entertaining morning story time and followed by lunch on Main St. I discovered some restaurants where kids eat free! Now to add in a day to go to the Hands On Museum and we'll have a nice weekly schedule. 

What's been a particularly special treat is going to the farmers' market. There are actually a number of them around town throughout the week so it's always possible to get really fresh, in-season fruit and veg. We just finished strawberry season so I think I got the last in-season strawberry rhubarb pie. YUM. And having an abundance of gorgeous peaches, super sweet blueberries, and so many beautiful varieties of tomatoes is wonderful! It's simple things like this that make me appreciate the US, and Michigan so much more. Definitely something I want to make sure our children are exposed to, learn, and appreciate about their food. 

It's not even September/fall yet, which means football season, fresh donut eating and apple picking are still to come! Can't wait to share more with you all soon. xo

Mentally Preparing For My Medevac

It’s pretty quiet here in Riyadh. The wind down of the school year, Ramadan, Eid, and the heat has sent a lot of the mothers and children packing. Most take the summer to go visit their families back home or travel. It’s also a transition time of year when people leave for other posts.

In just over a week we’ll be leaving for our first R&R back to The States (finally!). I will be staying on for my medevac to deliver the baby, The Gents in tow. This is the longest stretch of time I’ve ever been away from family so I’m more than ready to get back for an extended period. Not going to lie, I’ve been a little jealous as friends here have been leaving and posting pics of freedom on Instagram.

Before I got pregnant I really didn’t think we’d spend more than an R&R (3 weeks) back home. If a mother isn’t working, I can see why she would take the entire summer break. The challenges of Riyadh are especially hard for children. Kids need to be outside, burning off energy. Once the temperature crept past 100 degrees our playgroup disbanded. It’s hard to get The Gents to play outside, first thing in the morning and in the shade, longer than 15 minutes. This summer they’ll be able to run outside on green grass any time of day they want, won’t be exposed to 110+ degree heat and residual dust from sandstorms.

The positives come without a little stress though. First, packing for me and the boys for 3+ months, spanning two Midwest seasons, is a bit overwhelming. Then there is all the gear – car seats, stroller, and cribs; and the long haul flight. Oh and don’t forget about baby girl! I’ll be shipping some items we used early on with C&R to make the first month+ a little easier on me.

J will be there for R&R, but he has to come back to Riyadh for work. Hopefully he’ll make it back in time for the delivery (fingers crossed because I’m getting nervous about this!), but at the very least he’ll be able to take a couple weeks of paternity leave to be with us. The baby and I won’t get medically cleared to fly back to Riyadh until 6 weeks post delivery.

This impending time apart is what I’m dreading the most. Sure we dealt with a long distance relationship while he was in Virginia and I was still in Chicago, but I’m already getting sad about it. Not only do I miss him terribly when we’re apart, but The Gents do, too. 

J had to travel last week and was gone for five days. On the fourth day I was playing with the boys in their play area. C heard the front door open and said, “Dad?” as he started to run to the door. It was our nanny. He handled the disappointment well, but my heart sank for him.

On the plus side, it’s hard to imagine a better place to spend the summer – between Chicago and Michigan – surrounded by family and friends. I’m thrilled our family will have so much time with the boys. I know they miss us all so much. It’s going to be a really special time, finishing up this pregnancy back home. I’m grateful I’m able to deliver this baby in The States and have The Gents with me for it all. So yeah it’s a little bittersweet to be separated form J, but there is a huge upside. I’m thrilled to be coming HOME, again.