lake anna

africrap

There are many treasures (or africrap as K calls it) to be had here if you are willing pick through the garish textiles and cheesy masks. For example, through some British friends, we came across a wonderful man who makes amazing handwoven patio furniture for dirt cheap. I am in love with the mod egg shape. The cushion fabric needs to be replaced, of course, but they are comfy for now. I'm thinking a bright orange or a citrusy green would be cute. This is my new favorite spot for morning coffee...

And I finally got my drum tables at a craft fair this weekend. They're very multi-purpose...could be used as a stool, umbrella stand, table, planter...you get the picture. I have no idea how and where I'll use them, but I can't wait to paint them a fun color and find a home for them. Or maybe I should buy a bunch, paint them white, and sell them in the States for $2K like that lady in Atlanta. 

no place like home

If I click my heels, will these transport me home? T-6 days!

gangsta

There have been so many "firsts" lately that I feel I need to write them down before I forget. This week CW has been babbling up a storm with a "dee dee" and a "ma" thrown in there. Not sure if this counts as a first word or not, but it certainly puts a smile on my face!

He's also been teething for the past two weeks (teething baby= verrry long day)  A tube of Orajel later, two little choppers have finally popped up on the bottom. They're very cute.

He's also decided to become a stomach sleeper and I think it's safe to say we're done with the swaddle. The past couple of mornings I've found him on his tummy, up against the bumper with the swaddle around his knees.

Two weeks ago was his first Halloween. I was thisclose to buying him a duck costume, but aside from the thought of him roasting in the african heat, I'm not sure he would ever forgive me for the incriminating photos. So instead we decided to use the retro track suit Kennon brought back from London. I finally convinced K to join in the fun, so we piled on the bling and busted a sag.

That same day CW tried peas for the first time (not so much...but I don't blame him) and got his first haircut. It made me sad, but he was starting to look a bit fraggle-ish...it was time. K did the honors and I must say he did a great job!  I saved every last strand though...

next stop: south africa

We were super stoked to learn that our next post will be South Africa! Home of Kruger National Park, Cape Town (the best city on Earth, so I'm told) and the 2010 World Cup!!  I am so excited to take Calder on safari, be near the ocean and go running in the park without being stared at. You have no idea what a luxury that is! Get in line, people...Casa Kincaid is now taking reservations!

first lady

Last year I was the CLO (Community Liaison Officer) for the US Embassy here. Basically I was the social director for the American Community...made sure newcomers had sponsors, planned events, answered their questions. It was a huge job, but a lot of fun. I decided not to go back after having CW because it was so time consuming, but I've tried to continue to help out in little ways. I design and edit the community newsletter every 2 weeks (a huge job in itself) and host different events like morning coffees. 

The current CLO who took my position is much better at persuading people to volunteer and somehow I got roped into heading up this year's A.S.O.H.O.M. (Association of Spouses of Heads of Mission...translation: Ambassadors' Wives) Charity Bazaar. This is a huge event for Abuja and a big money maker for charity. App. 40 different countries were represented at the Sheraton Hotel and everything from Russian caviar to Argentinian beef with chimichurri sauce was sold. Our booth decided to sell plates of chili + cornbread and apple pies. It was a ton of work and would not have been possible without A LOT of volunteers, but we managed to be the top selling booth with over N 100,000 (approx. $650 USD).

The best part though was getting to shake hands with the First Lady, Mrs. Yar'Adua (who I am told is really the one in charge because the President's health continues to deteriorate), and presenting her with an apple pie. I doubt she actually ate it though...it was passed off to one of the members of her entourage. And a serious entourage it was...about 50 people with 3 photographers following her every move. Nigerians don't mess around.

Please excuse the sad state of hair...that's what happens when you are toiling over pots of hot chili all day and 5 months past due for highlights...it's a hairy situation.

go go gadget stroller

CW & I will be flying back to the States in just 4 weeks without K (he will follow later). In coach, no less. I know that sounds snooty, but flying to DC from Africa is bad enough in business class with a fully reclining seat.

The very thought of traveling 20+ hours with a 6 mo-old by myself sends shivers down my spine, but I have a plan. I am going on the offensive and I am fully prepared for any disaster that may strike. Disposable bibs...check. Bag of Lamaze toys...check. Car seat that morphs into stroller...??

Check. 

This is the ugliest thing I have ever seen. I didn't know about this contraption until my friend Michele walked into my office last year with her adorable little girl nestled inside one. Trust me, she said. You need this. Yeah right, I thought in my head...wouldn't be caught dead. 

But after much research I concluded that this lazyboy of a stroller is the only alternative to strapping a 20 lb car seat to my back in addition to schlepping all the other baby gear (not to mention the baby). I don't like to schlep. As much traveling as we do, I have learned that traveling light is the way to go. 

All I have to do is lift this out of the airplane seat, pop the wheels out and go go gadget handle! Just let that stewardess TRY to tell me it won't fit down the aisle...I'm a Mom on a mission.

6 months

Dearest CW,

(aka baby bird, pumpkin-loo, mr. turtle, bug, mr. squirm the worm)

Today you are 6 months and my, what a difference a month makes! 

I have been counting by weeks, but the Health Unit counts by month, so we'll go with that. Today you weighed in at 20.5 lbs...you are a big boy! But the nurse said that your weight is proportionate to your height so maybe you're going to be tall...but I doubt it ;) Sorry!

You were so tough when you got your shots today...you hardly even cried! Daddy said you were more angry that someone was messing with you. He was so impressed by you (Mommy had to leave the room). 

You are very strong. You can almost sit by yourself and you like to stand in the crib (with a little assistance, of course). You are all boy and I can already tell you are going to have tons of energy...good thing you have a Daddy who will help you burn it!

You are very curious and observant. You like to grab at anything and everything, especially things with texture like the side of the pack n play or a piece of paper. We like to call you velcro because you reach for and grab onto everything. This reaching has also given way to rolling both ways!

You are starting to babble and blow bubbles. I swear I head "ma" today. But it's mostly been "ba" and "da."

You love sweet potatoes (just like Mommy!) You are eating rice cereal two times a day and sweet potatoes for lunch, in addition to your milk. You're doing great! 

You are so fun and such a joy. We are crazy about you. 

Love,

Mommy

magnolia maven

Everyone needs this cookbook. Seriously. I bought it on Amazon after tasting one of Magnolia Bakery's (of Sex & the City fame) cupcakes while living in NYC for 2 weeks...they really were worth standing in line for an hr in the cold! The recipes win rave reviews every time. Everyone will think you're an expert baker when all you did was follow the recipe! So far I've made the Blueberry Coffeecake with Vanilla Glaze, Apple Cake with Cinnamon Sugar Topping and the Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting (all are as good as they sound). Today I tested out the Vanilla Buttercream Cupcake recipe in preparation for the kids' Halloween party and they were ghoulishly good...goblined up by hubby & friends...ok, enough with the puns. I can't help myself sometimes...I get it from my Father. 

laugh-in

I just adore him...

real meal

CW had his first bite of rice cereal today! I think he seemed more interested in the spoon though...

pieces of africa

I am a bit obsessed with Lee Kleinhelter and her Atlanta shop, Pieces. Her work has been featured in numerous design magazines (namely 2 of my favorites that have been shut down due to the economy...Cottage Living and Domino, may you RIP) and she has this amazing knack for breathing new life into old pieces of furniture. I want everything off her website, but of course it is insanely expensive. So imagine my surprise when I came across this piece, priced at....wait for it...$2705!!!

Umm, I can get this at the market here for like N 6,000 ($50). Now all I need is some white spray paint! Or maybe a funky color like saffron (to go with the dahlia chair, naturally). 

rockin' the casbah

Ok, this product has been touted in pretty much every style magazine lately, but I'd like to give it another shout out. It's the only hair product I'm not sorry I bought from the salon. Yep, I'm that girl...once the stylist is done with me I want to know exactly everything she used so I can replicate it at home. But we all know that never works. It's the same thing with beauty counters. Being a graphic designer, I'm drawn to the slick packaging and marketing ploys like a moth to a flame. Somehow I always end up with purple eyeshadow when all I came in for was gloss. 

But this delivers. It smells incredible and takes me back to my 8th grade hippie girl days when I shopped at Picasso Moon and wore velvet mary janes...you remember. It doesn't weigh my hair down either, which is no small feat for my fine, pin-straight hair. Just apply a bit to the ends for a super silky blowout. I also feel that it is single handedly responsible for making my highlights stretch this long (going on 5 months now). So there you have it. Tout tout.

identity crisis

My poor house suffers from design schizophrenia. My living room is cozy Pottery Barn, my kitchen is kitschy Anthropologie and my bedroom is breezy beach cottage. I long to have a cohesive look and a consistent color palette throughout the house. The problem is I can't choose...I love it all! I'm so easily swayed by the latest trends and color combinations. I'm constantly asking myself "What is my style?" to avoid buyers remorse. Throw ugly State Dept furniture into the mix and I've got quite a challenge on my hands. 

So I'm always on the lookout for inspiration and two of my favorite design blogs magically collided in the blogosphere tonight. Young House Love recently featured the most adorable nursery designed by Holly Mathis of Holly Mathis Interiors (LOVE her blog too, by the way) using this funky yet sophisticated print: "Dahlia Aegean" from Calico Corners...really? When did they become cool?

and super fun Nicole Balch of Making it Lovely just featured this awesome hot pink chair from Target (which I would totally buy if I didn't live with two men):

 Well guess what??? This CHAIR comes in that FABRIC!!

And for those who don't like the mid-century modern look...it also comes in a slipper chair!

How cute is that?? AND it's on sale. Hey, I can't paint the walls but I CAN ship furniture!!

So I guess the grand question is...is it me??

cottage update

So the little yellow house was just that...little. REALLY little. My gracious parents made the trek to Chincoteague last month and spent an entire weekend looking at houses for us. 

The house was so small (780 SF) that the realtor had no idea how they got the beds upstairs, which means who knows how long they'd been there...yuck.

So we've been considering other alternatives. This one was actually the first house I found online, but was way too expensive. It has since been slashed $75K but it's still pretty pricey for a house without AC. Ain't she cute though?

The other route is to build a home like this cutie-patootie bungalow. The problem with this plan is that it requires 20% down (as opposed to the standard 10% to buy an existing home). That's a lot of moola. 

So the cottage dream has been put on hold for awhile while we continue to save and gather ideas. One day...

5 months

Dearest CW, 

It's hard to believe another month has gone by. Today is a special day...exactly one year ago today it was confirmed that I was pregnant with you! It was a different kind of "Labor Day" for Mommy!

You are getting more active and curious by the day. Your little personality is starting to come out and you are extremely funny.

You giggle and squeal whenever I do "Cookie Monster" or "Donald Duck." You have also figured out that this makes US laugh so you have started doing it unprompted and you are quite loud...oh boy! Let's hope the neighbors don't mind!

You are a big boy, but you are also very long so I think you're going to be tall (you might be getting that from Daddy's side).  At last weigh-in you were right around 18.5 lbs and you are already wearing 6-9 mos. size.I'm afraid I'm going to have to order the next car seat soon...your infant seat only goes up to 22 lbs!

You have also pretty much outgrown the bouncer and moved on to the Exersaucer. It's hideous but you love it. So much for Mommy's "pretty" wooden toys!

You and Daddy have this fun trick where he balances you in

 the palm of his hand. It makes me a nervous wreck but you absolutely love it! 

You rolled over for the first time 2 days ago! 

You help Mommy hold the bottle. You can hold a 4 oz-er by yourself and almost the 9 oz-er...Mr Independent!

You continue to be an excellent sleeper. You don't even take the paci or cry anymore when we put you to sleep. Somehow after bathtime you just know it's bedtime...yay for Babywise! So far you are not a morning person (like me, I'm afraid)...you like to take a 2-hr nap after being up for only an hour and snuggling with me.

I'm going to get you tested again this week to make sure the salmonella is gone. You are such a fighter and a trooper!

Every Mommy has given me the advice "Enjoy it because it goes by so fast" and I am learning that this is true! I am trying to savor every moment with you because you are already growing into a little boy.

I love you!

Mommy

  

lord of the firefly

There's a new spa in town and today I took a much-need baby-free day to get a pedi...BLISS!

It was actually a very nice spa for Abuja and in typical African fashion, they scrubbed the crap out of my feet until they were buttery smooth. 

The best part of the day though was what I came home to...CW in diapers, sans shirt and slathered in sunscreen (K couldn't find his hat so he thought that putting sunscreen in his hair would be a good idea). Somehow this always happens when he's with Daddy. K says he needs to "air out" and "breathe." I try to explain to him that babies are suppose to have one more layer than us and it's pretty chilly in the house when the AC is on full blast...but alas. I have no idea what goes on between the two of them when I'm gone, but I'm sure it's some sort of secret male bonding possibly involving conch shells and running around naked...they won't tell me.

tootsie roll

It's a big day in our house today...my baby rolled over for the first time!!! 

It's so funny because I was talking to K last night about how I was sort of worried that he wasn't really interested in rolling over. I have been working with him throughout the week, but of course he rolls over for Dad and he gets all the glory...Daddy's boy all the way.

We put him on his tummy in his crib, just to see what he would do, and sure enough he rolled right onto his back. Maybe it had something to do with the shirtless/diaper combo (all Dad's doing...like Father, like Son). 

ps-The video was way too dark so I had to lighten it in iphoto (hence the nightvision effect). Also, please ignore my annoying high-pitched baby voice...ugh.

pancake day!

There are few things I love more than lazing about on a Saturday morning over a pile of pancakes and a big ol' cup of joe with my family. K knows this and most Saturdays he will let me sleep in and puts CW in his bouncy seat while he makes breakfast. So sweet. 

I don't know what came over me last night...maybe it was Target deprivation or my small obsession with kitchen gadgets, but I was up late shopping online at Crate & Barrel and dropped a wad. In all fairness, they are offering up to 60% off certain outlet items and I found some really great deals. I even bought some Christmas decorations (even though we are going home for Christmas this year). I guess my rationale was better to buy now on sale than later at full price. Darn those sail emails...

At any rate, here are some of my finds to feed the pancake love:

batter bowl: no more messy measuring cup! 

(50% off!)

pancake warmer: genius! also great for tortillas! "butter pat" handle...so cute!

(70% off!)

syrup dispenser: diner chic! it's glass so you can put it in the microwave...mmm!

(not on sale)

this is actually called a "pancake spatula": the perfect shade of red to match my kitchen! 

(also not on sale)

the worst birthday present ever

Last year was a great birthday. We had just moved to Africa and my sweet hubby threw me a surprise party with all of our new friends. However, the whole night I was feeling extremely nauseous and couldn't figure out why. Our next door neighbor suggested taking a pregnancy test and sure enough, the next day I found out I was pregnant with CW. 

This year started out great. K invited me to have lunch with him on Friday at work and surprised me with a cake from the Embassy cafeteria (hey, you have to get creative here). Later that night we went to my favorite Indian restaurant, Wakkis, for dinner. Things were looking good...

Saturday (my actual birthday) started out even better. My two men let me sleep in and I woke up to chocolate chip waffles and signs all around the house. But then I got a call from the Embassy nurse (I had taken CW in earlier that week because his diapers were not looking right) saying that he has salmonella. WHAT?!?! 

I have no idea how he got it because we are extremely careful with his bottles, washing hands, etc., but EVERYTHING goes in his mouth these days and Nigerians are not privy to the unspoken "ask before touching" rule. UGH. Through blurry eyes and pangs of guilt I frantically emailed my pediatrician in the States and he assured me that this is completely normal and plenty of kids get it. I believe his exact words were "Really, get used to it because this is what kids do and things like this will be repeated in different ways many times over his lifetime."

Apparently he is ok if he doesn't develop a fever or become overly fussy and I guess something like this was bound to happen living in a place like this without dishwashers and Moms whipping out their antibac every 5 minutes, but still...I feel just awful. 

I have really tried to be chill about this whole Mom thing. I never wanted to be the type of Mom that never let her kids play in the dirt or touch door handles. But 3 bottles of Lysol later, I am feeling a bit different. I know I can't put him in a glass box, but this is my baby. I guess this is only the beginning of the worry bug that all Moms eventually catch...

it is finished

I have wanted to do a black + white photo wall for quite some time. Before we came out here, I bought a bunch of frames at Target and the Crate & Barrel outlet with the thought of making this a "rainy day project." Well I finally got around to it and I think it turned out nice! I printed out photos from Mexico, Spain, Vienna, Venice, and the African Durbar Festival along with various family photos. Then I studied a page from the Pottery Barn catalog for hours and played around with it until it finally came together. It also helps to follow the classic design rule of hanging a collection in the shape of an "e" so the eye can easily follow it.

I love it. It just makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside every time I look at it and it reminds me of how blessed I am. 

fully stocked

So this post isn't very exciting, but sort of interesting, right? I mean, does YOUR freezer look like this?? This represents many hours spent at Costco and Walmart, completely depleting their stock of Oh's cereal and Chex Mix. Notice the dates on everything? Yeah, I'm not throwing anything away this time. Last year I had to throw away about 10 bottles of salad dressing. Did I think I would be eating copious amounts of salad in Africa? 

I bet Costco makes a killing off suckers like me...does ANYONE actually go through a 5 lb bag of baking soda? I'm still working on making a dent in the small canister (and I actually bake a lot). Maybe I thought I'd use it for cleaning purposes...ha!

4 months

Dearest CW,

Today you are 4 months old and I can hardly believe it. You are growing so well and we are so proud of you. I haven't weighed you yet but my guess is that you're right at 15.5 lbs. You are a chunker monker, but we don't mind because your weight gain was an issue at first. We're just glad you're healthy and strong...you can eat as much as you like :) 

You have discovered your hands and thoroughly inspected every inch of your tiny fist. You are able to grasp a toy now and bring it to your mouth (everything goes in your mouth). Your favorite toy is Freddie the Firefly...you love to hear his wings crunch and chomp on his head. You're such a happy baby. My favorite part of the day is when I go to get you from your crib in the morning...you give me the biggest gummy grin that just makes me melt. You're the funniest person I know...you make the craziest facial expressions. 

You luuuuv the bath. We've started blowing in your face and splashing water on you so you're not afraid of the water. Since your name means "from the wild water," this is only fitting. We took you in the pool for the first time yesterday. You weren't sure at first, but you didn't cry and by the end you were smiling...you're so brave. 

You have found your voice. Sometimes I can't tell if you're crying, but I think you just like to hear yourself shriek. 

You're a wonderful sleeper. This weekend you slept from 7:30 pm-7:30 am. Then you slept for another 2 hrs after an hr of being up. It was very nice of you to let Mommy and Daddy get some extra sleep! 

You love music. Anything from Michael Jackson to Chris Tomlin, you love it all. You perk up and start kicking your feet. And you give me the most beautiful smile whenever I sing to you.

I love you more than you know and it is a joy to spend each day with you and watch you grow.

Love,

Mommy

coastal cruzin'

When my dear friend Jenn and I lived above the crazy French lady in Virginia Beach, we would ride our bikes on the boardwalk in the morning before work. I can't remember if they were the owner's or Jenn's, but they were cute little beach cruisers like this one. Right now through Sept. 31, People readers get 20% off all items at beachbikes.net (enter promo code PEOPLEMAG at checkout). Score! I knew I subscribed to that magazine for a reason! This website has a great selection of bikes in beautiful colors and they even sell baskets and bells. Wouldn't she look cute parked outside the beach cottage?

the british are coming!

So we had dinner with some British friends the other night and I was thoroughly impressed (and intimidated) by their hosting skills. We were greeted with a glass of champagne and led out to their fabulous patio that was all a-sparkle in twinkle lights. After dinner we were offered French-press Ethiopian coffee on a tray with the cutest little cream and sugar set. I imagine it's probably standard practice to offer after dinner coffee with dessert (I brought brownies on a plastic plate...cringe), but I always forget this part.  And even though my china cabinet is stocked with an arsenal of serving pieces, I realized how much I still need. On my list of things to buy:

1. demitasse spoons

2. serving tray

3. cute cream + sugar set

4. ice bucket (why am I still breaking out the plastic ice trays??)

5. tea set

6. cake stand (I am loving this jadeite one from poshchicago.com)

7. 3-tier stand

Did you know that there is a proper way to place food for tea on a 3-tier stand? I sure didn't. According to Christian Gradnitzer, executive chef at Jumeirah Essex House in NYC, the scones go on top, sandwiches in the middle, then sweets on the bottom (from Party Confidential) I told K this and how impressed I was with the British and he just rolled his eyes and called me a traitor.

coat of many colors

How much do I LOVE this coat?? I was inspired to check out Boden's new fall line of coats at the tip of my artist friend, Anne, and they did not disappoint. I discovered Boden 2 years ago when they started sending me catalogs in the mail and I absolutely love their clothes. They are so ME--classically tailored with a bit of a spunky vintage twist. And so began my love affair with all things British...

Nevermind that I live in Africa and don't need a coat. This one is too fab to pass up. It also comes in dark grey and celery green, but my favorite is the navy one with hot pink piping. AND best of all, they're giving away 10 free orders every day until August 15. Hmm...my birthday is coming up! 

funky little shack

I am beside myself with glee because my parents are going to look at this house for us this weekend. Ain't she cute??

Since we don't have a home to call our own, I have convinced K that we need a vacation home that we can return to occasionally and rent out while we are away. The market is so good right now, how could we not?? It needs to be close to Richmond and DC, in case we end up back there one day. So I've been trolling the web and considering all locales...Nags Head? Too far. Lake Gaston? Again, too far. VA Beach? Too pricey. 

I've always wanted a little cottage by the sea, complete with a white picket fence and big bloomin' hydrangea bushes. I remembered Chincoteague from when K and I took a B&B weekend getaway there a few years back and that there were a lot of the older Eastern Shore-style cottages on the island. There's also a super cute Main Street with coffee shops, art galleries, and even and old movie theatre. It's about the same distance from DC and Richmond, so that's where I started my search and came across this little gem of a house. It has an old kitchen (complete with drainboard sink), a white picked fence, and best of all...pink hydrangea bushes in the back!! No matter that it's only 780 sqft...additions aren't that expensive, right Dad?

Yes, it's TINY but I feel like I could make it work. I've already designed it in my head. Ugh, please be in good condition...I can't stop thinking about it. Oh, and the address is too much: Ocean Blvd. Can't you just picture the address labels?

the blog is back

Ok, so I realize I have probably lost all of my readers since a) I haven't blogged in forever and b) I've changed the URL a million times. But I have a a lot to blog about so I'm back for good. I switched to blogger because I felt like the iweb URL was just a bit too long and people could never remember the password. I also like that you can design your own header and add other fun widgets. 

Anyhow...so we've been back in Africa for almost 2 months now. I already miss VA and my daily blueberry bagel + cream cheese. It was so great seeing family and friends while we were home (I think we had a cookout at my parents' house every other weekend). Their new house is everything I imagined it to be and it will be even more fabulous when Dad finishes the screened-in porch. 

But living out of a suitcase was getting old fast and I couldn't wait for CW to see his new room. I felt like he was so under-stimulated because all of his toys and books were on a boat somewhere. And as much as I loved walking around the mall with a Starbucks, I was pretty anxious to get back into a routine and not have so many things on my to-do list (getting out of the country with him was a nightmare...too much red tape). So it's back to the land of crazy drivers and fruit I have to Milton-ize, but it's a simple life and one that I've grown to love because of that.