Sunday, February 17, 2008

Life in Lima

We´ve been in Lima for a little over 2 weeks now. We´re enjoying our time here...but also looking forward to being home in a few weeks...wherever "home" may be these days.

Peru is definitely a different experience than Guatemala. Guatemala felt more like a vacation. We traveled around a lot more...and saw such beautiful places. Right now we´re sharing a house with several other people in a part of Lima called Miraflores. It´s a fun part of the city and we like the people we´re staying with. We have an upstairs bedroom and share the kitchen and downstairs.

I think the hardest part for me is finding things to do each day with Reese while Matt´s at work. It´s easy to be stuck in our small room upstairs for hours...while she naps or plays. We try to walk to the park or go get coffee...or ice cream. Which means I´ve eaten way too many desserts here...it´s an easy excuse to get out of the house.

Reese has done great...and seems content playing with the same 5 toys each day. I, on the other hand, am sick of reading the same 3 books to her over and over again. Mama needs some new books for the baby!

Here are a few pictures to show you a typical day in Reese´s Peruvian life ...





Reese did get a new toy for Valentine´s Day... She loves her new ball from dad.





She usually spends a little time each day in the suitcase. It´s become her toychest. She´s always ready to help fold clothes and unpack and repack.




And of course the day wouldn´t be complete without a game of peekaboo...


Or a good game of patty-cake...




Enjoying a nap with dad...




And here she is sleeping in her pop up tent / blow up baby bed...which actually was a good purchase. It´s nice because I can zip her inside and not worry about her crawling away or anything crawling on her.





There´s nothing like ending a busy day with a trip to a nice restaurant. This picture is a little deceiving. While it might look like she´s a perfectly well- behaved baby...sitting politely and looking over the menu. ..looks can be deceiving. Actually, 98% of the time she´s not sitting quietly in her highchair. She´s crawling under the table eating whatever is on the floor...or crawling all over me because she´s ready to go somewhere else. Eating at restaurants has definitely changed with a 10 1/2 month old.


I´ll try to do better about posting! I found a computer with a faster connection. I know you can´t wait to hear more about my exciting days here in Lima... Thanks so much for all of your prayers and encouraging comments! They were so great to read...

PS - The spell check isn´t working...so please forgive my mispellings... I´m sure there are a few. I did mispell "father" in the 1st grade spelling bee.


22 comments:

JENNY said...

Oh my goodness! Reese has grown so much!! She's such a cutie. The pics were great and made me miss you guys. Reese's bed is too cool- I haven't ever seen anything like that before. Hope you guys enjoy your last few weeks in Peru. I would send you some new books, but they probably won't get there until you're back here. Love you guys.

Giggi said...

So good to hear from you! I'm so glad things are going well. The pictures are so cute! I can't imagine keeping a baby entertained all day in your room! She will think it's Christmas again when she gets back to her toys! Have fun! We're looking forward to have you back in the good old USA!!!

jody said...

That really made me miss y'all even more! I can't even imagine life without books--go find a good bookstore! Reese has grown so much...she needs a playmate (besides you and Matt). Can't wait to see you soon. Love, Mom

JG said...

Jenna, we're so glad to see pictures of your South American adventures! Jonathan and I've been praying especially for the Lima leg of your trip. We're glad to hear that all is going well! Thanks for updating!

Jess

Anonymous said...

27374493It's great to see the pictures and to find out all is well for you all. We love you and pray for you every day.
Love, Papa K

Lauren said...

I'm praying for you, Matt, and Reese daily and I am glad to see you are enjoying Peru!

Anonymous said...

Hey Jenna, Does there happen to be a large library in your house? That would make it an excellent place to stay and you would have more reading options...

Maybe you should look in the room downstairs next to the living room and see if there is one.

Ashley said...

Oh my she has grown!! I miss yall so much and can't wait for yall to be back. Avery wants Reese to come over and play.

Hope you are having a fun time...oh, and go to my blog for there is a tribute involving you. You might get a good laugh.

Love you guys!

Kara said...

i am interested in the tent/bed thing. what exactly is that? where did you get it?

glad yall are hanging in there in lima. can't wait to hear more stories!

sylvia said...

Jenna! I'm so glad you posted...i check all the time! : ) Reese looks so tan! Yall take the cutest pictures of her. I miss you a lot and can't wait to see you.

love, sylvia

jocelyn said...

I'm so glad to see more pictures and hear more about your awesome Latin American adventure! Hang in there! And enjoy all those coffees and desserts. Sounds like fun to me!! Hope you guys know something soon about where "home" will be...Love you!

Jenna said...

An "anonymous" blogger kindly pointed out the fact that I have plenty of books to choose from in our house. There's a really nice book exchange here. But I was actually referring to books I read to Reese. I've said, "Baby Elmo is soooo big!" way too many times... So I went back and clarified on the post.

Kristen said...

Such a fun adventure. I love to hear your stories. I can't wait to hear and see more from all the places you have been. What a special time for your family!

Lynn said...

We seriously do miss you guys. However, we are so proud of you all three! This has certainly been one, of I know many, adventures you will have as a family. Hope Matt is getting lots of "learning" ! Why don't you write some children's books while you are there? You would be great! Reese is so beautiful and has grown so much since you left. We prayed for you at our small group last night and passed around your family picture. Love you guys much! Aunt Lynn

Heather's House said...

It sounds like you guys are having so much fun... We miss you! Reese is getting so big. Come home to Houston soon.

Keep posting!
Love you!

Anonymous said...

I wonder who the "anonymous" blogger was....? that was awfully kind of him/her to point you in the right direction. I miss you lots! I greatly anticipate the next phone conversation.. can you put some pictures up of yourself on your next blog so that I can see you... and like if you've changed or anything.. Give your husband a high five for me and your daughter a kiss. Love you more than puppies and molten chocolate cake. Happy Presidents' Day.

Jor

Anonymous said...

P.S. HAHA to the misspelling father comment... I remember that. One of the many traumas of your childhood...

Anonymous said...

Good to hear from you and see all those cute, cute pictures. We are all eagerly waiting for your return to Texas. Reese has grown so much and I know the is a jewel to stay in the room all day playing with 3 book. Anyway, stay well and hurry home. We love you bunches. Nana

Truitt Ross said...

she looks so mature! She's grown so much! I love that she gets to sleep in her own tent! great idea! I love you guys and miss you so much. I can't wait to see you again. Love, Kayci

Kyla said...

It was so good to hear from y'all! I smile the whole time I'm reading about Reese because I can relate to every bit of it!! She has grown so much! You are in my thoughts and prayers right now- I know that has got to be pretty boring for you at times. I understand how that is to be stuck in one room with a baby...trying to be quiet while they get their nap out can get old pretty fast. :) I'll pray time goes by quickly!

Kate said...

Yeah for another post! It is so good to hear from you. I'm glad all of you are healthy and enjoying Peru. I hope you find some more little daily adventures to occupy the rest of your time there. I wish I could come explore with you and Reese. I can't wait to see you when you get back. Love you!

The Celiac Diva said...

I love reading about your adventures!!! Your precious Reese is so cute! PS...I'm digging the tent!