We are half way around the world, yet our domestic life is much the same as at home. I clean, cook, make the bed and do laundry; Bob does work and plays video golf on his PSP! But to be fair, he has now been grocery shopping more times in the past three weeks then in his whole life, I know he will do a huge amount of caring for Owen once he’s at the apartment (Susan, don’t be too upset but I do have to tell you that Bob changes most of the diapers!), and I'm sure he'd do more around the apartment if I asked.
If you’ve followed along to this point you may have the impression that we have parties every night, but in reality our days are pretty routine and not that exciting. We wake, take our lukewarm on/off shower; eat breakfast, dress in layers and meet Rada and Vladimir for the thrill ride to the Children’s Hospital. There we visit with Owen for about two and a half hours, then we either go to the Internet cafe, the Tsum store (souvenirs, clothes, electronics, household items), or the pick-up store (groceries). If we go to a restaurant for lunch it usually takes at least two hours to complete the meal between Rada translating the entire menu for us – and the “salad” section alone usually has at least 20 choices – and the fact that it seems the kitchen cooks meals to order. After lunch we head home, repack Owen’s bag for the next day (new outfit, eight diapers), do laundry/dishes, etc., then have a light dinner. Most evenings we watch a movie or turn on Russian MTV and read, play video games (Bob), work on the cross stitch project Maureen gave me (Jodi) or work Sudoku and crossword puzzles (thanks Amy B!). At about 11:00 its’ lights out then we wake in the morning to do it all over again.
It’s not a bad way to spend a month and a half, but as those before and with us have said; it does get to be a bit like the movie “Groundhog Day”. But we are making memories that we will always have to share with Owen and we know that this trip, although at times difficult and very long, is so worth the end result. And we are now almost halfway home!
3 comments:
Hi Jo and Bob,
So glad to hear from you again and to see more pictures of that precious little boy!!! The "girls" are fine, but missing their Mom, I'm sure. They spent a lot of time with Aunt Cathy and me over the weekend. Just got home, talked to Kris and got everything put away. Good luck with your court date, your prep for the day and your speeches. We will all sending love and good wishes for you during that time. Looking forward to seeing Owen in your arms in your apartment!! Love to you all. MOM
Oh I miss that apartment so much. We stayed there in Sept-Nov. We had such a great time there and have so many great memories. When Owen comes home, we took the drop leaf table opened it up and put it behind the couch like a sofa table. Then we put out a changing pad on it and used it like a changing table it will save your back for sure. Enjoy every minute you will miss the simplicity too when you get home.
Bob -- love the undies. Jo, I see you are expanding your cooking style :-) I hear winter has hit Maryland. VA is warmer than normal. Yesterday we were in the 50s today should be mid 40s. Tomorrow is Valentines day. I know how much you like that holiday. I'm sure Bob will think of something. It sounds like you're getting Bob trained for home duty. The good thing is that he's had practice with the diapers part. I did want to tell you that I think about you guys every day. I wish we could talk on the phone and I can't wait to hear all the stories in person. Team Strojny can't wait to meet Team Mechem.
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