Not having twins!!!!

Okay, so that worry is out of the way-- could you even see me with twins? I mean can you imagine me balancing all that????

We had an ultrasound and there was just one little bub in there-- cute and flapping around. Sadly I think the first couple seconds really startled the poor little one, as I felt so much movement that s/he actually kicked the OB's wand. I actually saw the movement! Whoa! And that was only at 13.5 weeks......

Oh and Miles started at his Montessori school 3 weeks ago-- the first 2 weeks went fine-- I would stay to draw with him for a couple minutes and he would say, "I will don't cry" and he wouldn't. But the last 2 days has been harder-- he's been having a fit when I leave and it's breaking my heart. Like, am I doing the right thing? Is he too young? Or does he just need some adjustment time?

Anyway, I think it's good at least as far as potty training goes-- they wouldn't even use the diapers I sent him with (he's 2 yrs 9 months now) and he only sometimes has an accident and he's there from 9am to 12:30pm. Sooooo, that's good news as he now wears chones (underwear) except at night. And we are carrying that over to afternoons and weekends as best as we tired (and sick) parents can. He's been doing great with the peeing, but the pooping, uuumm no.

Gotta run get him to school and decide whether I spend my alone time napping (as has been my routine) or staying awake and trying to use my brain for a change. I feel rather dense lately, but that makes sense-- use it or lose it, right?

Miles gets another haircut

I'd been slacking big time on my toddler barber duties since I've been so sick-- had a good day and managed to throw him in the bath and trim trim trim. :)

Blood all looks normal, they say

Just got back from the Hematologist-- he said the exact same thing the Hematologist said during my last pregnancy. It's an in-vitro issue (I just have clumpy platelets that react to the agents they put in the vacutainers) not an in-vivo issue (my blood is normal).

My OB will probably send me for one more platelet count to get a real count (they will do this with an agent like Heparin so my darn clumpy platelets won't clot so fast) but other than that I am good to go. Relieved, as I had been reading up on a new thing called "Sticky Platelet Syndrome" and wasn't liking what I was hearing/reading. But he said that was a totally different issue, and not one I needed to worry about.

Now I just need to move up my next OB appt so I can go ahead and give in and have an ultrasound-- I can't seem to shake this feeling of twins (to the point where I can't sleep at night, and am planning how life will work with three kids! Aaaaahhhh!!!). SO, I just want to be sure that there is in fact only one. Plus, once I have that information, I can start with the plans for flying out my fabulous midwife, Racha. (If anyone ever needs a midwife in the East Bay/Berkeley area, Racha Tahani Gossett and Maura Daly are THE BOMB.

More later....

Made in Malaysia-- baby #2

Yep-- we're pregnant! Baby #2 is under construction (almost 11 weeks along now) and we couldn't be more excited, or more ready. Gilbert has been ready since Miles got here, but it took me a full two years to feel like I could a) handle another child and b) go through another birth. As most of you know, I had a pretty traumatic birth with Miles and have no desire to repeat that. Not likely as we are in a different country, will have a different midwife and (hopefully) a new addition to the birth team: Miles! I really hope he'll be able to be there for it, if he's okay with it and wants to be. My guess is that he will. I am planning my little butt off so that I have everything I think I will need to have the birth I want and deserve. Send me good birth vibes in Feb/March (we are due March 2).

We call the baby "little one"-- and Miles talks talks about him/her almost everyday. Hard not to forget when Mama is constantly lying horizontal on the couch whining about how sick she is. I was never this sick with Miles. With him I had no more than 2 weeks where I absolutely had to eat something before getting out of bed or I would be nauseaus-- the rest of the day I was fine. But this time it seems it doesn't matter what I do most days. I am ill and on the verge of throwing up ALL DAY. Whomever coined the term "morning sickness" didn't have what I (and many women) have. As my mom would say, "it was probably a man".

I'm going on week 6 of this horrific, vile state and I really hope it ends soon. As I sit here I am never more than 12 inches from my crackers and plain soda water. I even took anti-nausea meds a handful of times when I was soooo desperate. Like the day Miles was throwing up on the couch AND having diarrhea. Imagine being in charge of that when you can't even keep your own food down.

We were trying to get pregnant so I was on alert, and I knew a good few days before I missed a period-- just had a feeling. And ofcourse we already had the Australia trip planned so I was in a panic about how I was going to get through that traveling without vomiting all over the flight attendants. I made it fine. Then we get there and I was having a good day so Miles and I walked to the park. And what did I see out of the corner of my eye? It was a couple-- he was hugging her and they looked like...maybe they were teenagers in love and making out in the park? Oh how sweet. Wait, no-- I see the poor girl if puking her guts out and taking sips of water. Repeat. I don't know if she was pregnant or what, but all I could think was, "Yes, I feel you. It SUCKS."

I had a great day yesterday and thought maybe it was over. I was singing, dancing, chasing Miles and lovin' him up like I hadn't done in 6 weeks. Then I woke up this morning and realized it was just a tease. But maybe those will come more frequently over the next couple weeks until I am blissfully into the beloved second trimester. I can't wait for that.

I got in to see an OB last week for an initial appointment (he has a 15% c-section rate which is AWESOME for malaysia and us standards, and his wife is a midwife & doula and the only IBCLC in malaysia). He was really great, especially since I told him I really just wanted prenatal care as I was planning a homebirth, and that I would decline any and all tests I didn't feel were medically necessary. His parting words were, "Sounds great, you can get prenatal care with me and deal with the birth on your own. I really hope you get the birth you want." Wow. What a nice guy.

So, of course my bloodwork comes back weird again-- same as last time-- platelets look low (but they're not) since my blood is in a "hypercoagulatory state". Last time a hematologist cleared me and said all was fine it was just a weird version of normal for me-- I expect the same again this time, but in any case the first step is to go get another platelet/clotting planel (lots more blood-- hope I don't pass out) and go from there. I'm not worried, but it is a little annoying.

We've just sent for a bunch more of our boxes that are in Houston storage-- all birth supplies, midwifery texts and breastfeeding supplies, maternity clothes and baby gear. Can't wait to get all that stuff in my hands.

Post more later, I'm starting go down hill again....fast.

Melbourne, Australia

We got here Sunday morning. Okay, I forgot how much I love it here. Friendly people, nice weather, and a plethora of cafes, smoothies shops and healthy food! Trams, huge gardens, a river. Lovin' it. More importantly, Gilbert is lovin' it. He keeps saying, "I want to live here! Why didn't they send us here! Maybe I can campaign to move here when we're done." Oh my god, that would be a dream. Although we wouldn't be able to afford a maid like we can in KL.

We've had this trip planned for about a month-- Gilbert is here for work...to teach a class for two weeks. It's amazing how more and more he is a valuable commodity for the software that he uses and trains on for ExxonMobil. There are so many more users here than in KL, Gilbert doesn't know why KL got to have him for the region, vs. Melbourne.

Well, we accidentally ended up buying Business Class tickets. Gilbert gets to fly Business (he didn't know though), but when he asked to add his wife and child, they just automatically put us all in Business. We were stratching our heads trying to figure out why is the hee-haw we were paying so much. Shoot, my ticket cost me what my ticket had cost 10 years ago to go from CA to Melbourne-- a much longer flight!

Anyway, a couple of days before the trip he thought to look into it, and lo and behold: Business Class. Gilbert isn't really the sqeaky wheel type, so he just sort of accepted that we had an expensive trip. Oh well, we figured it would be great since we leave at midnight for the 7 hour flight. But let me tell you, I don't think I would ever pay for that again-- not on Malaysia Airlines. Yea, our seats mostly reclined-- but not entirely. Better than in coach, but it was just a few degrees short of fully flat, so I constantly felt like I was falling/sliding out of the chair. Gilbert suggested using the foot rest to stop myself from sliding, but then I felt like I was sleeping standing up. Don't your feet want to rest, too?

We kept having to move Miles back up, so that we wouldn't slip down far enough for the seat belt to strangle him. Thank god he fell asleep in his own chair with seat belt on (holding my hand) because I could not have spooned him this time, like I had on Cathay Pacific-- those were supremely wide seats!!!

It's winter here, and the coldest month, so usually about 50 degrees-- fantastic when you came from KL which is always hot and humid, no matter which month, or what time of day.

Miles and I have been hitting the sites-- the aquarium ( I was loving the sharks, etc. but he kept asking me if I wanted "to go back to our hotel"), botanic gardens-- and today we will ride the tram. Somewhere, anywhere.

So excited that I get to stock up on my Arbonne goodies while I'm here-- and fulfill some orders from folks in Malaysia that want stuff. Perfect timing that they should open the AUS market before I moved to the region :)

Gilbert says he needs to come back here once/year, but he'll campaign to come more often and even move here when we're done in KL.

I have some more to share, but y'all will have to wait a few more days for that, this has gotten too long anyway-- gotta run.

Must. Eat.

The Beach

We went to the beach this past weekend-- Port Dickson it's called-- which is supposed to be a 90 min drive. I think it took us more like 2.5 hours, and there was some yelling and swearing going on, at least until we were able to get back on the right highway. (needless to say Miles has started swearing again).

Malaysia has only recently added a maze of highways so that getting around is "much easier than it used to be". I'm just dying to know what it used to be like, because this "system", and I use the term very loosely, doesn't quite fit the bill. Some maps, people and books talk about certain highways like "E23" and "E1" or "Seremban" and "Pechala Link", but since neither number nor name is used across the board, it's almost impossible not to get lost. Where I come from, you follow on a map, google (not possible to google for directions here) or ask someone and you will probably hear "Take 101 North, to the 405 South then exit onto the 5 South and go 20 miles until Exit 'Santa Clause Road'." Period. And you know what? The signs will say "101 North" and "405 South", etc. Here for the equivalent trip you would hear, "Head out towards Ipoh, then follow the signs for Ipoh and Klang on the North South Freeway, but don't go to Klang, and then don't go to Ipoh, just stay on and go towards Damansara on the E6, go through the toll and you'll see a mosque." Problem is it won't say "North South Freeway" or "E6"-- ever. So you guess. And get lost. Problem is there are a few Expressways now and once you're on it, you're on it. For a goooood long while. It's as is the freeways were built without ever taking into account that they need to be labelled, the same thing every where on signposts. What a concept!

Okay, enough complaining. The hotel had free pony rides (Miles declined-- you know my boy....safety first as always!) a fabulous pool with two water slides. He was afraid to go down, so I climbed the stairs and sat down with him and readied us for the fun-- I thought if we did it once together, he would get into it-- wrong. But imagine for a minute the situation. White lady with tattoos on her back, in a bathing suit without any pants or long sleeve shirt on over it not to mention no burqa, heading down the kid's slide-- it's absolutely no exaggaeration to say that every single person by the pool watched us go down-- with jaws agape. And I do mean agape. And that was just at the pool. We hit the beach (the one in front of our hotel was pretty rocky but there it was so we checked it out) and I was feeling more and more uncomfortable-- I kept my sarong wrapped around me and sat there sweating. Fun. But seriously, I just wanted to sit in my bathing suit in the sand and make sand castles with Miles, but I also was trying to be respectful of my host country and it's (modest, muslim) customs. So the next day at a different beach a few km up the road (this one had fine white sand and few rocks), I didn't even take off my pants....I was getting tired of the stares. Thankfully it was overcast and getting ready to rain, so the sun wasn't beating down on my black pants.

Miles and Gilbert went into the ocean (the Strait of Malacca, opposite Indonesia) as far as they had energy to, and Gilbert was still only up to his knees. It was such a subtle grade-- and that was at high tide. We took a bunch of pictures-- it was really pretty.

Today Miles and I went to Ikea to get a few things, and had a fun little lunch at a sushi place. You know, the kind that had a little assembly line of sushi rolls, etc going past your head at eye level. This particular place also had computers for each table, which was where I was supposed to click in my order. It was too much to pay attention to while Miles was fingering every plate that went by, so I ordered the old fashioned way. Thankfully Miles didn't grab any octopus or eel!

New found freedom

Oh my god-- we drove this weekend! I feel like I can go anywhere! It was awesome-- we got lost both times, but we didn't get mad at eachother-- except when I made a right turn (try this in a land where you drive on the left-- it's very scary), trying hard not to hit a moped-- and Miles thru the car into neutral at the exact moment when I needed acceleration!!! Yes, Miles was in the front on Gilbert's lap-- I know I know-- as we had a bar box in the back seat-- I'll post a picture soon, it's an antique from the UK and gorgeous.

Yesterday we went to the chiropractor again and we drove there-- and Miles got reacquainted with his car seat. He was apprehensive at first, and then every few miles he would complain about how he couldn't move! Ha ha-- too bad. Safety First!

We are planning a trip this weekend-- probably to the beach as it's only an hour away. So awesome to have a car-- it really opens up where we can go and what we can do.

So Miles thinks he can tell time. Gilbert sent him to ask me what time it was, and instead he went straight to the bedroom digital alarm clock....stared at it for a good while and then ran out announcing that it was "40 o'clock!"

He has also memorized the books we read (yes, we need some new ones)-- so I read part of the sentence and he finishes it. It's really sweet to hear him telling me what's going on. He gets bashful if I ask him to read to me, but if I read half the sentence and stop....he will finish it. Love this age-- its so cute. As I write this, he stands nearby playing with his penis. Nice.

Some of you have asked if he is speaking Malay yet-- I didn't think so, but in the car the other day I heard him talking to himself, "Going to Jalan Ceylon! Regency Tower!"-- that's where we leave...on Jalan Ceylon (Jalan = street) and our building is called the Regency Tower-- he's heard me tell so many taxis where we live, now he knows. Which would come in handy if he ever gets lost-- heaven forbid! :)

We get a car today!

Sorry to all who have been patiently and methodically checking the blog-- only to find that I had gone MIA for awhile :)

Today we get a car! We looked at it and test drove it a couple weeks ago-- and it's taken that long just to transfer money and get the reg. and insurance done. Who knows when our Malaysian driver's licenses will come through. Could be months. Doesn't really matter to Gilbert though, as I doubt he'll drive any time soon. (he didn't drive much in Houston except to work and back-- I do most of the family driving) Since we live downtown it's even more scary, as compared with friends who live in the suburbs here where it's quieter and less frightening to begin driving on the left. I've driven on the left before-- during my long stays in Australia and Ireland, years ago-- but even then it was mostly in rental cars for short periods of time. When I had a manual in Ireland-- WHOA-- let me tell you it's another bag of marbles to drive on the left and shift on the left. Too much all at once-- but we made it out alive. But I digress-- that was many years ago.

Now I will be driving an automatic with a wild 2.5 year old in the back seat. And mind you, Miles hasn't seen his car seat since we left Houston, so getting him back into restraints will be an whole other blog entry :)

We bought a Honda City from another expat family who is moving to Houston-- the "City" is only made in Asia, but it's supposedly the model just below the civic-- although I think I like it better. Smaller front engine area, amazing turning radius (great here, as parking lots/spots are very small), and a huge trunk. The seat in the back also flip up OR down, which is great for trips to Ikea. Yes, we have an Ikea. I lied and said Miles was three so I could drop him off at "Smaland" to play-- in the US they have to be potty trained-- here the just have to be three years old.

Speaking of potty training, Miles is trying his very best. While we are at home he spends a lot of time in his truck chones (underwear)...he's very proud of them. They are days of the week, with each day having a different truck, car, tow truck, train, etc. His tushy looks so cute in those little chones it's hard to keep my hands off him :)

As long as I remind him & make it exciting (maybe even pee with him) he will go pee in the potty when we are at home. A few accidents though, usually right after I've asked him to go. Poor kid is just too busy playing with...yes you guessed it...cars and trucks, to stop and pee. And if I ask him if he wants to poop on the potty, his answer is, "Noooooooooo! No poop on the potty! Noooooo!" as if that was the silliest thing I could have asked him to do. He just chuckles and walks away as if, poor mama, if only she knew how things work.

He was starting to look really shaggy and with the heat I had to cut his hair. I bribed him. "If you let me cut your hair I will buy you a tricycle." It worked, but little did he know I wanted to buy him one once we got here anyway. We looked and looked-- seemed everytime we found one we liked, it was "finished" ie; sold out. This is very common here. DARN IT why don't they just take the model off the floor then? I finally broke down and bought a floor model, sampled by who knows how many kids and already had someone's butterfly sitckers on it...which made Miles very happy.

What else? My back has been horrible again this last couple weeks-- I had brunch with a friend yesterday and she took me straight up for some info at her chiropractor's-- instead of info I practically begged for an adjustment and some therapy (eletronic stimulation, like a TENS unit and a traction table, where they hook my feet in and hang me upside down. That felt really weird, but afterwards my back felt much better. It didn't last, but that was just the first appt. Should get better with time.)

I surpised Gilbert a couple weeks ago with an afternoon of Indoor Rock Climbing. Just trying to find things to keep him happy here (he declined to take up golf)-- and now I think we are going to start rock climbing together. This place is the "largest indoor rock climbing in all of asia". Should be fun.

Gilbert needs to go to Australia (Melbourne) in July to teach a class for two weeks, so Miles and I will be tagging along. I can't wait! The last time I was there was....1997. Wow. Although this time I won't be drinking 6 days a week.

My Arbonne business is going really well-- I'm booking parties and finding new clients here. It's not just America that loves their skin care. Miles will hopefully start school August 1st. I can't wait!

We hired a maid three half days a week-- Lani is from the Phillipines and Miles just adores her. He follows her around while she vacuums, mops, etc. (we have hardwood and tile so it always seems to need cleaning). She cleans Tues & Thurs and then Saturdays we ask her to come for a few hours so we can have date night/afternoon. We hit a matinee or go to dinner-- or both. She'll put Miles to bed and keep cleaning. SO nice to come home to a clean house!

Speaking of movies-- it's SOOOO cheap to go the movies! They even have Gold Seating, I think it's a special room, or maybe love seats-- all I know is that it's about $15 each. We have only done regular seating, which is about $3 each! To get popcorn, candy and a soda, you'll only pay about $5. It's awesome. We had our first family movie last week-- went to see Kungfu Panda. As soon as the lights dimmed, Miles said ,"Wanna go home?". He finally settled by supplying him with Mentos and more Mentos and even took a nap for the last 45 minutes.

Gotta run, we're off to meet Gilbert for lunch-- it's Friday here and most people get lunch from 12 to 2. This is so all the Muslim men can get to the Mosque to pray.

Promise to post pictures next time. Kisses, Vanessa and family

couple extras

Forgot to mention.....and might as well since I can't sleep.....

We watched some wrestling on TV the other night (I know I know, our choices are limited at the hotel)-- I think the fight took place in Detroit but it didn't take long for us to figure out why they were so keen on showing it here. Two words for you: Curry Man. I don't know exactly where he was from in SouthEast Asia, but he was hilarious. Only here will you find a professional wrestler called Curry Man.

There are many mainstream shows, as well as telenovelas, spongebob in bahasa malay, and coming soon to a TV near me......Beverly Hills 90291. Nope. I'm not kidding.

Miles' latest moves are:

roaring like a lion/dragon anytime anyone looks at him (we are seriously considering tatooing his face into a lion)

leaping from the couch to the glass top coffee table, and back again, over and over ad nauseum.

swishing/gargling with Mango Lassi (or any other liquid he's drinking but Indian Lassis are the current fave)

changing his "lovey"'s diaper (I found him with the wipes, mysteriously quiet, and he explained that "Lovey is full of ca-ca", as he carefully wiped in all the creases and crevices)

pulling his shirt down over his bended legs and telling me "there's a baby in there" (after which I asked if he wanted a baby sister or brother, answer=baby sister, and then I asked him who is more fun...baby boys or baby girls, answer= baby girls) p.s. i am not pregnant

Almost into our home

We finally have a move in date-- this Saturday. Woo hoo! Hopefully I can schedule the movers to bring our shipment the same morning since we are really starting to miss some of our belongings.

I've been able to set up Skype and a local cell phone, and between those I've been able to keep up with Abonne conference calls, my team and clients in the US. Let's hear it for technology. I'm still in shock my how easy it is to continue working at home from a very foreign country. I just have to work out the time dfference. I called my mom last week and thought she sounded congested-- oh no, she must be sick? Nope, it was the pre-dawn hours and she wasn't up yet! Sorry, mom.

The condo we'll move into will allow Miles to finally have his own room (although I'm sure he will still sleep with us, so it'll really just be for his cars and trucks) and for me to have an office-- and we'll have a guest room for all our friends and family that will be coming to visit over the years. Our place overlooks the pool, and is said to be about 2200 sq ft. and 3.5 bedrooms, and 4 bathrooms. Almost three times the size of our last place!

And let me tell you about the watermelon. I was never a big fan, but oh my god-- it's delicious. The best Gilbert has ever had, he says. And that's just the fruit. I'm enjoying getting used to the cultural differences-- I try to avoid drinking ice cold water, but instead of receiving room temp water at a restauranr, we usually get a glass of hot water. Hhhhhmmm.


This past weekend, Gilbert sent me to the Angsana Spa downstairs here at the hotel for some Mother's Day pampering. Mine was called the "Bliss Package": 30 minute Body Polish (I chose the Jasmine Frangipani Sea Salt Scrub) and then showered outside on rocks surrounded by bamboo, then a 60 min Fusion Massage (thai/swedish, and let me just warn you that they do not have the same rules here about where you can massage), 90 min Instant Lift Facial (during which I fell asleep and woke myself by SNORING-- I haven't been sleeping well, so I guess I'm getting it where I can), then into a large warm bath filled with flowers and green some magic potion (?) where I dined on watermelon and some very sweet ginger tea. All of this took place in my own little curtain-surrounded hut. It was devine and I kept thinking-- I know exactly where to take my mom, Gilbert's mom and our sisters when they come.

Miles I and I have made a habit of getting up and hitting the park before it gets too hot-- and then cooling off at the splash park. Diapers are forbidden (even swim diapers, I know because I got whistled at by the security ladies) and most of the local kids are running around in their underwear. Very cute.

There seem to be a lot rules at this KLCC Park. Funny though, as I was with an Australian woman pushing our kids in the swings when she looked up and saw three grown men yanking on her older 3 yr old son not letting him go-- I think they were trying to get a picture of him (white children, especially pale, blonde ones) are often approached for photos, etc. but nonetheless it was scary. Not for the kid (or the grown men who walked away chuckling) but for the moms who wondered "what if...". Oh my god, I just hate to even think of it. So what was the funny part? The security lady managed to see none of this-- even though she was closer than we were. I saw her blowing her whistle at a family playing badmitton-- but touching someone else's child is just common practice here. Miles hasn't gotten more than the sweet cheek pokes, but he's younger and is pretty clingy lately, so he doesn't get far from me. I guess the more kids you have, the harder it is to keep them all right near you.

I like the fact that in the Muslim community it's common to practice Extended Breastfeeding. I was [happily] shocked though at how many Muslim women were breastfeeding in public. Muslim law dictates that women must cover their heads (oooh, way too sexy to show in public) but nursing in public and potentially flashing some breast area skin? No problem. :) But, like I said that's great that they nurse for so long. Not as common among the Chinese Malaysians, I've been told(my friend here told me it's considered "spoiling" the child to do so-- hilarious).

More later.......my honey just got home and we have some quiet time for a change (Miles is asleep)

One week into life in KL

Well, that was a mistake. I never should have layed down with the boys. Hotel drapes are soooo thick and heavy-- that was one dark room! Instead of a nice quick family nap, our poor jet-lagged bodies didn't wake-up for 12 hours. It was 2am here in KL (Kuala Lumpur) and we were all wide awake. Watching not-so-great-TV and trying to figure what we could eat until the breakfast buffet started at 6am.

A couple local friends took us out to eat at a great chinese food place last weekend that she's been going to since she was a kid-- between her three kids and Miles it was a regular zoo, but nothing phased the staff or our friends. I'm becoming less and less uptight here when it comes to the two-year-old shananigans that Miles gets into in public, as people here are super friendly towards kids and will often come take him from us so we can eat in peace for a few minutes. It's awesome.

A few more days of just not feeling quite right (and being exhausted by 7pm) and now I think we are feeling energized and healthy. Gilbert started work Monday, and Miles and I have been hitting the park (before 9am because it's wicked hot) and malls, and getting a feel for the lay of the land. We spent Wednesday morning out with a real estate agent looking at condos (we took Miles-- and he's really starting to get to like life out of the car seat-- oooh just wait until I get my car and he'll go into shock getting back into the "jail"), Thursday was an ALL DAY "orientation" of the area, local hospital (50% c-section rate), malls (huge and plentiful) and the best Indian food we've ever had. Friday afternoon was more house-hunting. Now we just have to narrow the condos down, and next week Miles and I will grab a teksi (taxi) and go check out some of the area Montessoris. Believe me, I can't wait for his first day of school!!!!! He's feeling less insecure now than he was last week, so I think he's getting into the groove of his new international experience. Thank god.

There's a couple Koi ponds here at the hotel, and we've been feeding them. There's a pregnant one, and boy does she have some crazy stretch marks. Do fish get stretch marks?

Still haven't gotten Skype set-up. Looks like we need more "RAM"-- which to us (and especially Gilbert) translates to= we need a new laptop. So as soon as his first paycheck arrives we'll be shopping. Things really are relatively cheap here.

And so is the traveling. Can't wait to check out Thailand, Bali, etc. And Gilbert will be doing some traveling for work (Melbourne, Russia and Indonesia) and you better believe Miles and I will be tagging along.

We have arrived

We got here about 24 hours ago-- and we are settling in and trying to recuperate from the jet lag. We are 15 hours ahead of California and 13 hours ahead of Houston, just the right amount to REALLY screw you up :-)

The trip (30 hours total travel time) wasn't as bas as thought it would be. My cold had turned into bronchitis just days before our departure, but thanks to loads and supplements, good vibes from my friends and a fantastic massage (I've never had a massage while sick-- but OH BOY I highly recommend it), I was well on my way to feeling better by the time we departed Tuesday night (the 15th). Our first segment from Houston to LAX-- first class on Continental. Wow. That's the way to travel. It was great-- we felt like total royalty.

The second segment was the 15 hour trip from LAX to Hong Kong on Cathay Pacific. This time business class, and we were upstairs! So. cool. Oh my god-- it was pure heaven. Honestly, by the time we arrived, I felt really well rested. Laying flat really does the trick. I don't know how the poor commoners in coach slept sitting up! Okay, I do-- I did a 17 hour trip to Australia years ago-- you really arrive feeling like %#$*&. Gilbert wasn't nearly as well rested-- he decided to stay up and watch a couple movies-- smart move! Miles took a few long naps (I spooned him to sleep as usual (those were some wide seats!) and managed to slip out and buckle him in for the turbulence. He was able to walk around a bit and play cars and color and cover himself in stickers. The flight attendants LOVED him. He has been asking for one in particular, "Blessie" from the Phillipines, ever since we got off the plane.

Miles kept had been asking to go home, but at this point he was starting to get it-- he would tell people that we were moving to a new home, in Malaysia.

It was the third and last leg (3.5 hours) when Miles got really surly. Because this particular group of flight attendants decided he was to big to sit on my lap in a special kid seat belt (the last flight had allowed it) he was in hysterics getting buckled up for take off, landing and turbulence. I turned into "nasty mama" very quickly. I'm not perfect-- what can I say?

So we arrive in Kuala Lumpur (KL) around noon on Thursday (the 17th) and we're just assaulted by the humidity. The temp wasn't crazy, but boy is it humid here. As promised there was a mercedes "taxi" waiting for us-- placard and all-- to take us to the super duper swanky Crowne Plaza. Miles passed out in the cab on the way-- the trip was obviously affecting him! Check out the Executive Suite we're in: http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/h/d/cp/1/en/hotel/KULCP/rooms

We couldn't even check in downstairs with the rest of the folks-- we had to check in at the ritzy Club Floor Lounge.....wow, they really know how to make you feel like a million bucks! I think our suite equates to about $100/night. It's amazing what you can get for really cheap!

Once in our room we just barely took of our shoes when all of a sudden 3 of Gilbert's new co-workers called from the lobby (the office is only blocks away and they wanted to come welcome us-- so nice) and invited us to come down for a meal. We quickly brushed the travel gunk off of our teeth and headed down-- BO and all. We must have a been a pleasure to be around. Imagine how we must have stunk!

We were just saying how great we felt and were surprised by how awake we felt-- then half way through the meal, the table seemed like it was moving and I swear the room was spinning. Like you feel after WAY too many drinks. I found out later that Gilbert felt the same way. If Miles felt it, you wouldn't know it-- he was swinging from the railing and running around shaking all the blinds. So embarrassing.

We managed to stay up until 7pm-- when we all passed out for the next 12 hours. Miles woke a couple times, mumbling and acting confused, but was easily coaxed back to sleep.

Today we walked a little around the area-- change money, found some batteries for the sound machine that we can't plug in and then retreated back to our suite for room service, and for a nap. I swear we were the only ones sweating out on the street. Poor Miles had such a sweaty head.

I love how multicultural it is here-- my mom said, "Just like Berkeley!"-- yea, but Berkeley without all the white people. I stick out like a big sore thumb :-)

We are going to rest today, saturday and sunday and then Gilbert starts work Monday-- and we will start condo-hunting and trying to figure it all out. Supposedly our Allied air shipment arrived before we did, no idea when we get it, or how that all works out.

I'm trying figure out the phone situation-- when I do, I will post the info so folks can get in touch, easily and cheaply.

The boys are passed out-- I think I will go join them.....

Departure date may be getting closer!

Well, we've been given the green light to make our travel plans-- there remains just a few glitches that need to be figured out. We are anticipating leaving right after my conference (which will be in Atlanta) so that may be around April 16th or 17th. How exciting! They way I see it, as soon as we get an actual date we will have lots to get done, but for now we are slowly creating an "inventories" of everything we own, and enjoying the time we have left here with our friends. In some ways I just want to get on the darn plane already!

And as luck would have it, we just found out that Miles has pneumonia-- so we have just a few weeks to get that cleared up.