Sunday, February 24, 2008

Weekend Update

It´s always great to have Matt around for the weekends. It definitely makes the days a little more exciting. And I appreciate having him to lug her around the city. I´m a wimp when I have to carry her around...I only make it a few blocks.

We decided this weekend that we were going to get out a lot more...even if it meant having Reese in a restaurant. Matt was sick for our 2nd week here...and we also got tired of chasing Reese around restaurants...so we´ve eaten at the house a lot over the last few weeks. Here´s a recap of our weekend of ¨getting out more¨.

On Friday we went to get pizza and walked around the park. Peruvians are night owls and the kids´playground was packed at 9 o´clock. It was a little frustrating because they only had 1 baby swing for 200 kids. So basically Reese just crawled around and tried not to get stepped on. But it was kind of fun seeing so many families out that late at night. Reese fits right in with this culture...so do I! Matt, on the other hand...

On Saturday we walked down to the cliffs overlooking the ocean and let Reese play in another park. It´s summer here in Peru...so it´s been strange having such hot days in February. We went back to the house and put Reese down for a nap, and then I walked a few blocks to the movie theater to see 27 Bodas (27 dresses). The movie was in English with spanish subtitles, so that was nice to hear a familiar language... But I did have to say, ¨Me gustaria un boleta para viente siete bodas, por favor¨. That´s about the extent of my spanish...and I have to practice in my head before I can say it aloud. For a few dollars I saw a great movie and had a diet coke and popcorn. It was wonderful to get out of the house by myself...and I always love going to the movies. Here´s a confession...I went to the same movie last weekend too! It was the only movie that looked good to me...and I had so much fun last weekend that I decided to do it again this weekend. Thanks, Matt for being such a nice husband and babysitter.

Today we walked back to the cliffs but actually walked down to the beach this time. It was a long walk down...and an even longer walk back up. I´m exhausted just thinking about all that walking. The beach was semi-pretty... it was a rocky beach...and crowded...so we didn´t stay long. And we didn´t want Reese´s gringo skin to get burned. We also ate at a great hole-in-the-wall restaurant. I had soup, steak, potatoes, rice, and a drink for under $2. Not bad...

Matt´s upstairs putting Reese to sleep right now. She was exhausted from our busy day! The girl only took ONE 45 minute nap today. That´s the least she´s ever slept during the day. On the way back from the beach we bought a delicious fruity drink. Ever heard of a guanabana fruit? It was new to me. .but very good. Reese had to have a few sips, of course. And I think she was on a sugar high this afternoon and never got tired enough to nap. So tonight at 8:30 her head clunked over in the baby carrier on the way back from the store. Maybe she´ll actually sleep through the night tonight...probably not, though. Yep, that´s right. My child is almost 11 months old and still isn´t sleeping through the night.

Here are a few more pictures from this week... Enjoy! Oh, and the countdown has begun. We leave Lima on Saturday to travel around Peru for a week and a half... Then it´s back to Houston on the 12th!! We can hardly wait...

And once again I can´t spell check...so sorry.



Enjoying our walk along the coast...




Here I am asking Matt to come help... The rocks were slippering and Reese was a little scared of the waves. So of course he takes a picture... Thanks, Matt.

What a cute beach baby...and her mother is the winner of the whitest leg award...and the award for best ¨mom bathing suit¨. I think I was the only one there not in a skimpy bikini. The Peruvians are not known for their modest dress code.




Eating is always a challenge with Reese...especially without a high chair. Here she is eating black beans...which is one of the very, very few things she´ll actually eat. Black beans and bananas...



And Reese would like to end this post by screaming, ¨Have a wonderful week!¨

18 comments:

Kelli said...

Wow, your trip sounds amazing! What an awesome experience! Reese is getting so big, too. She is adorable!

Kyla said...

I love reading your updates. I always show Alan and he reads them, too. Reese is so cute! We love the picture of her eating black beans. :) I know that you are so anxious to be home! Only 17 more days! I'm on a countdown myself to find out if and where Alan matches for residency. Do you know where y'all are going yet? -I think you should go see "Viente Siete Bodas" again next weekend!

jody said...

Reese is getting so big! I can't wait to squeeze those arms! We love reading your updates. The beach looks amazing; was it cold water? Have a wonderful week. We are missing all of you. Love, Mom

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the update. That looks like a beautiful place. The time spent there is something you will never forget. Reese has grown and still has that cute smile. Can't wait to see you when you return stateside. Much love to all. Nana

jocelyn said...

I think Reese grew from your last update! I'm glad you got to get out more this past weekend. I'm sure it's hard with a baby. But what a memorable adventure! There's nothing like a good (or bad) movie in English to help with the culture shock. Can't wait to hear more about your trip! Love you guys and pray for you!!

Anonymous said...

And we're screaming back at her: "Reese, we'll see you in Cuzco next week!"

Anonymous said...

Thank you, Jenna, for all your news about your little family, I always check to see if there is an update. The pictures are great.

Black beans (and rice) make a very healthy food. And topped off with bananas who could ask for more?

Much love, GREAT Grandma Cope

Jordan said...

Black beans and bananas were Eli's two favorite foods when he was about that age!! I think he may be only kid in Pre-K who brings a container of black beans for lunch. It sounds very exciting there and I've loved reading your international blogs! That Reese is a precious little baby and your swimsuit was great.

The Doty's Dish said...

Reese is getting so big!! Y'all keep having fun.

JENNY said...

Love the update! You are so good. I like the picture of Reese eating black beans. She's so cute. haha. Glad you posted pics of yourself this time. Looking good JJ. Can't wait to see you guys soon!!!

Ashley said...

I wanna go see "Viente Siete Bodas"!!! Glad y'all are having a memorable time. Can't wait to see you when you get back!

Love you!

jaymie said...

We miss you!! I probably wouldn't have seen you all this time even if you were in Houston, but I feel ike since you're so far away we miss you EXTRA!! FLY TIME FLY so we can get together!!!!!!!!!!!

Nicole said...

Reese is so beautiful. I hope all is well. If Reese is not already Indian Wed to someone, Camp needs a girlfriend. :)

Kate said...

Your family looks so cute. Reese is growing fast and looks adorable in her little tights. I'm sure you'll be happy to be back in the states with family and high chairs and people who speak English, but I'm so glad you're enjoying your Peruvian adventure! Have a good week of traveling! (You look great too, by the way!)

Lynn said...

Jenna.....you look FABULOUS. I have been so hungry to see your beautiful smile. Matt and Reese look great too! I am just so glad that you guys have had this amazing adventure. I am sure it is only the first of many for you. My dull little existence looks even MORE dull. Oh the places you will go..Love and miss yall....Aunt Lynn

Lindsey said...

Hey Jenna,

I just figured out how to stalk blogs and when I came across yours I jumped for joy! (This is Lindsey Hardman by the way). I love that you and your family are in Peru right now. My husband is Peruvian, we met while I was living in Chile. He is actually from a city called Arequipa, south of Lima. I love Miraflores, the area of Lima that you are in. If you are planning on traveling around at all ( which I am sure must be hard with an 11 month old!) please let me know if you have any questions on where to go! Enjoy Lima!

Love,
Lindsey (Hardman) Chalco-Paz

Anonymous said...

Hi Jenna, I have loved seeing all of the photos of Reese. Who knows how old she'll be when I finally get to meet her in person. She keeps changing, so I'm still not sure who she looks more like....:)
Tell Matt hello from us, give Reese a kiss! Take care! Love, Aunt Rosalie

Allison said...

Oh Jenna what a special time you 3 are having!! This will always be something you look back on fondly!

Reese is adorable!! Love the updates!