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...