Back into a Routine...maybe!

It is my hope to update the blog more frequently. HOWEVER, I'm still trying to figure out how to balance everything and so let's just say to be realistic, I'll try to update it at least once a week.

Life will Never be the Same...
We are realizing that our way of life is really changing, not only because we are are in Germany, but because we have the little guy around.  We are now getting less sleep, make decisions about what to do based on his schedule and honestly, we're trying hard not to spoil the little cuddler.   He's growing fast and loves to go on walks in his bed on wheels (he's got a great ride).  Will is also starting to follow things with his eyes and loves looking in mirrors and talking to people. He even responds to his name!

Routine & Schedules

We've also been successful at getting into a routine. This makes me VERY excited!  Now it seems that Will has a routine, but mom and dad don't quite have things figured out to take advantage of the schedule. Sleep is just too important.  We'll get there and then it will all change.  Will is going to bed around 10:30pm (after he eats) then sleeps 4-5 hours, eats again, sleeps 3-4 hours and then gets spoiled.  What does this mean?  Well, it is very bright in our room at 5:00am and Will likes to look out the window, the window is by mom and dad's bed, Will has the cutest blue eyes, and he gets to lay in the big bed until we get up for the day. We'll have to break him of this habit soon, but if you just saw how cute he was you'd do the same thing.

Smiles Smiles Smiles

Will is still a good little baby and starting to smile when all of the basic variables are met (full tummy, clean diaper, plenty of sleep, and someone talking to him).  I'd love to say I have a picture to show you but right now it is hard to grab the camera. :)  Let's just say he's pretty cute.  He's also getting quite long and weighs over 9 lbs.  We're still wearing the newborn pants because he's just too skinny to hold the other ones up yet.

Schnitzel 

This week I went to Anna's and she showed me how to make Schnitzel. I'd seen it on menus, ordered it when we had lunch with Justin and Mary, and was familiar with the word from the song "My Favorite Things" from the Sound of Music.  It's an Austrian dish (not German) prepared with either veal or pork.  After watching Anna prepare it, I made it for Chad on Friday night. I even ordered the meat and had the butcher cut it.  The best part was hammering the meat flat with the pan. Talk about releasing tension. :)  Anna is going to teach me how to make other German dishes as well, but we started with Schnitzel!

Interview and Reflection on our Experience

This past week we also helped a student working on her dissertation. She came over and interviewed Chad and I about our experience being ex-pats living in Germany and our transition.  She interviewed us separately for about an hour and later that night Chad and I talked about what a helpful experience it was for us to reflect on how far we have come and what we have learned.   Maybe it's from being at Marquette, but there really is value in reflection and I think we were reminded of that when talking to Melanie.

Hydrangeas

I also wanted to include a picture of the hydrangeas that are in full bloom everywhere in our neighborhood. Let's just say they are HUGE and BRIGHT!  They are unlike anything we've seen in the States. It would seem the temperate climate here is perfect for these flowers to flourish and grow.

What season is it?

Speaking of Climate...it has been cooler here than back home. We aren't going to have tans this year, that's for sure. We've been wearing jeans and sweatshirts in the evenings on our walks.  Last night in the evening it was in the low 60s. It will also be sunny one minute and rainy the next.  We do miss the Milwaukee summers a bit, but we won't complain.

Koln Lights

July 12 in Koln was the Koln Lights Festival in the city center along the Rhein.  The event included concerts and a large fire works display that started at 11:30pm (you have to wait until it's dark).  Over 800,000 people attend the even up and down the Rhein and it lasts over an hour.  You can buy tickets to sit on the bridges and also on the boats on the Rhein to watch the event. Let's just say, there is always a reason for the Germans to celebrate!

We however, walked along the Rhein around 9:30pm and then had to get Will back to eat and go to bed. We watched some of the event on TV and also heard the fireworks.