New Photos

This is one of those rare moments where my internet is working, so I am going to use this time to update some pictures.  The two of Ben were taken last weekend.  We explored an old monastery in Norfolk and found a great pub.  The one of me and Joe is at the Habberdashers' Hall in London...before I got sick.  Enjoy!Helmet or not, that is one cute kid!  We all really enjoyed our picnic by the ruins.  Afterward, Ben enjoyed "walking" around.

A Really Bad 24 Hours

Monday was a pretty special event for Joe and I...or at least it was supposed to be. The Habberdashers, one of London's oldest guilds (est. 1371), was having an event in London and we were going to get to go. These people are exactly what you might imagine old rich British high society to be. They probably still fox hunt when they aren't throwing parties and giving away money to charity. Needless to say we were very excited about going.

The Habberdashers give money to Joe's squadron to help bring home individuals when they are deployed and a family situation comes up. So they needed some people to show up on behalf of the squadron. I rode the train to London with one of his squadron mates and then met Joe at the train station. The plan was to grab a snack beforehand, go to the church service, and then back to the Habberdashers' Hall for a champagne reception and fancy hors d'oeuvres.

As soon as I got off the train, I started feeling queasy. I was determined to shake it off and have a great time. (Rub some dirt on it!) However, about 2 minutes into the church service, it became clear that that was not an option. The rest proceeded like a bad movie. I excused myself to find a bathroom, but I had no idea where they were. A man tried to help me, but the doors were locked. While he went to find keys, the tunnel vision came and I realized I was not going to make it. I ran out the doors and vomited all over the front of the church. When I was finally done, the man guarding the door made me sit down on a bench and handed me an umbrella, as it had begun to rain. I had never been so embarassed in my life. I was really hoping the rain would wash me down the drain so I wouldn't have to face these people and their comments as they exited the church.

When the service was over, we boarded busses back to the hall. I began to feel better, but it was clear that my night was ruined. I just wanted to go to bed. I did force myself to drink about three sips of champagne on account of the fact that I figured it wasn't the cheap stuff.

The next day I felt tired and weak. Fortunately, it was Tuesday and Ben could go to nursery. I dropped him off after his first nap and went home for a nap of my own. Although I did begin to feel better, my afternoon got a lot worse. On the way home from picking Ben up, I had a car accident. I hit a car as I was trying to make a right hand turn.

It was so awful. Benjamin was crying, I was crying. No one was seriously hurt, but I just felt so stunned. Everyone around me was so kind, helpful, in control. I could barely speak. I kept feeling guilty, like I had been doing something careless. But I hadn't been. No speeding, no cell phone, no adjusting the radio. It was just a bad intersection, with a bad blind spot. I had actually been stopped for a while at the intersection waiting for an opening. I just should have waited longer.

I'm grateful for small miracles. Joe was feeling sick and had come home early so he was nearby when I called. He ran over and helped me handle the police and medical personnel (and entertain Benjamin, who by this point was feeling fine again). I was so glad he was there.

Now that it is Friday, I am feeling more positive about surviving the week. I just really hope the worst is over.

Trip to the Pool

I took Benjamin to the pool for the first time today.  He really enjoys his bath so I figured he would really enjoy the pool.  

His first impression of the pool was not good.  We got in the shower according to pool regulations, but water flew out like a fire hose and scared him.  I really thought we had failed before we had even begun, but he warmed up to it.  I carried him out to a deeper end and let him bob around for a moment.  Ben seemed a bit skeptical, but then started splashing.  And that was it!  He completely loved it.  The pool was quite shallow all around so it was easy for me to play with him.  There were whirlpool jets coming up off the floor.  I thought they might scare him, but he just liked the bubbles.

What he enjoyed the most was floating around in a yellow baby seat.  The only problem was that it was not community property.  It belonged to the other baby and his family.  Oops.  But they were very nice about it.  I guess I will just have to get him one of his own.  

Ben is a Big Boy

As Ben gets closer to that first birthday, Joe and I are just astounded at how much he is changing.  Suddenly, our baby isn't one at all.  He has magically morphed into a little boy and is just so neat to behold.  

He has gone through a lot of "firsts" lately.  None of them are big, but they are there and remind me that he is growing all the time.  Some of them are imposed by us, like his first happy meal, latte, and ice cream cone.  (I'm pretty sure none of those were my idea.)  Others are all him.  He says "Da Da" for everything and has become very skilled at drinking from a cup.  He can now move forwards in his walker and has figured out how to open the kitchen cabinets.  Miraculously, he hasn't broken anything.  I guess he is saving that for when he can walk.

And of course, there are the "firsts" that are imposed from outside sources.  I picked him up from nursery to learn that he had drawn his first picture, a beetle.  Nursery has also given him the gift of his first pinkeye and his first red bodily rash.  (No, it isn't the chicken pox or the measles.  He seems to be feeling better so we'll see.)  

I'm learning the parenthood is bittersweet.  My heart swelled with pride this morning when he learned to roll the ball to me.  Yet, this afternoon, I got a little sad when I had to buy him big boy pajamas.  I suspect the 60 years will feel much the same way.  

Bristol, Bath, and Stonehenge

I am now relaxing after a tiring but fantastic holiday weekend. Friday afternoon, the Howell clan packed up the car and headed west. England's southwest section is really well known and for good reason. We focused our time on the cities of Bath and Bristol. Both cities are Amazing.

Originally, our plan was to spend all of our time in Bath. However, we could not find a place to stay so we had to branch out. (That's what happens when you don't look until the Thursday before a holiday weekend.) Joe Sr. found a two-bedroom apartment in Bristol so we happily booked it. To be honest, I wasn't overly optimistic. I thought it might be a little run down or on the outskirts of town. But it was amazing. It was right in the middle of the downtown area, which has a harbor and tons of restaurants and bars. The apartment itself was brand new and very spacious. Two bedrooms, two and a half baths, living room, kitchen, and a balcony. Granted, the elevator was out of order this morning when we needed to check out, but since I wasn't the one carrying the luggage, I didn't think of it as a big deal.

We spent Saturday afternoon in Bath, which is definitely not enough to do it justice. Bristol was bombed heavily in WWII and has since taken on a modern feel. However Bath feels old and beautiful. If you've ever seen the old Pride and Prejudice miniseries, Bath is where it was filmed. We toured the Roman bath ruins, which give the city its name. Apparently, when the Romans ruled England, they had a large bath and temple complex there. Joe Sr. kept wondering where it all went since the remaining ruins are quite small. I guess the ancient Britons were adept at recycling and they used stones to make other buildings.

This morning, we all piled back in the car and headed for Stonehenge. We knew it wasn't something we would make a special trip for, but since we were out there, we took the tour. It was neat to learn about what they think the stones were used for, but I would agree with my friends. Not exactly something I would drive 3 hours just to see.

Benjamin did very well all weekend. He is such a little trooper. I'm always a little anxious whenever we take trips because I hate to remove him from his routine. But he continuously surprises me and makes me so proud. I have a great boy.

Off to London for a Helmet

First off, I just want to apologize for slacking off lately. Life has been quite busy, which has left me little time to write, ironic since I have a lot to tell you.

Today, Joe, Lorre, and I took Ben to London. Unfortunately, we were not there to sightsee. Ben's head is quite flat on one side. After months of "repositioning" (keeping him off his head), the time has come to get him a helmet. The first time I ever heard of babies wearing helmets, I nearly laughed my butt off. I'm pretty sure it would have fallen off when I saw the pictures, but it suddenly gets a lot less funny when it is your kid.

Anyway, so we took him to the clinic to have him assessed and fitted for a helmet. As a side note, our insurance does not cover any cost related to the helmet since they think it is cosmetic. That whole issue is such garbage. If one side of his head is pushed in, then one side of his face gets pushed out. Eventually, the face is disfigured. (Think Sloth from the Goonies.) That is not cosmetic! We are fortunate that our savings can cover it, but what about the other families? Their children don't deserve to be odd looking because their parents don't have enough money.

After the appointment, Ben had his first Happy Meal from McDonald's. Big day for a wee Boy!

Spain/Visitors

I really hope that spring in England isn't over. April was so beautiful. Nearly everyday was sunny and warm (English warm, not Florida warm). The last few days have been overcast and cool. I guess Ben and I won't be playing outside today.

These last few weeks have been really busy. Right after my last post, I went to Barcelona with some ladies from Lakenheath. I only knew one of them initially, but I figured a girls weekend in Spain sounded fun. Although I love Barcelona, I have to admit that it wasn't the best time. For starters, we left early Saturday morning and came back Sunday afternoon. That is just way too much traveling in such a short time. I was so tired by the time I got back. Also, the trip was quite bittersweet. Everyone else's husbands were gone so they had no one at home anyway. But mine was home and he was with my baby. Weekends are precious. I don't always see Joe much during the week so I really look forward to Saturday and Sunday. I feel like an ingrate for saying this, but I think I would have rather stayed home.

Last Sunday, Joe's parents flew in. They stayed here a few days before heading to Morocco for a 10-day tour. Joe and I really want to take a tour, but I told them they had to work out the bugs first. They will be back just in time for Ben's christening. Meanwhile, my folks get here Thursday. (My mom is already packed.) I am really looking forward to seeing them, but I admit I am bummed they can't stay longer. There are so many things I want to show them, but there simply isn't enough time.