We had the babies 1 mo apt today, she has gained about 3 1/2 lb and 10cm.
Shes doing great
Funny story about the 2yr old.
A little back ground first, we try to read a bible verse with her every morning over breakfast. And a lot of her books that we read her throughout the day and at night are about God.
Yesterday morning we were doing her bible verse and she said it was her turn to read so I handed her the bible.
She opened it and said, " Its 25" (I always tell her the verse Im reading, then she said "God made the world it was good and beautiful, ... and we ate ice cream."
I love my babies. ;)
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
The fair
The fair was at a totally different location and had no animals. Issac called the fair number to find out where it was and when the circus started and if they were having any promotions the day we wanted to go. So the girl goes on to tell him the directions and when the fair is (we found out later the times she gave us was wrong). Then I see Issac make a strange confused face and then snarl. I asked him about it after he was off the phone and he told me she said, "at 730 there would be girls fighting in chocolate." Yes you read it right at the family fair at a time when most kids would be there they are having girls fighting in chocolate. Issac said, "I guess because I'm a guy she felt I would want to know." with a face of being obviously irritated by her telling him about it. lol Again only in Mexico. We went around 6 in order to be able to see the circus then eat dinner then go home. Well the circus was cute, but there was absolutely no food ready in any of the stands till almost 8, so Alana got to ride some rides (they were free with the ticket). This one was also 25p for each adult and 10p for Alana, the circus was free as were the rides. We got out of there spending less than 200p and got to eat dinner there. Which was supper yummy, I ate what they call a Gringa (yes that's slang for white girl, which is why I wanted to try it) lol It was so good, its pork made pastor (Ill explain in a min), cheese, pico digallo, between two thick home made tortillas and guacamole sauce on the side. OMG it was to die for.
So Issac and I have decided in the future when my family is rich and they can come see us they need to come in April during the festivities.
So Issac and I have decided in the future when my family is rich and they can come see us they need to come in April during the festivities.
swine flu info, from consular e-mails and CDC site.
Just in case you all wanted to know or might be worried from hearing stuff on the news here is what the CDC has to say. Oh and I always get e-mails from the gov when things are bad so Ill also show you what those had to say. Any U.S. citizens out there that do not get the e-mails from your consular office you should sign up for them, they just let you know what is going on in your area and what you should watch out for. They are non alarming and simply give you the facts. I usually send them to my family also to keep them calm about what is really going on down here because what they hear is usually blown out of proportion.
Ill show you the e-mail first, they sent me another one saying Mexico city schools and public areas are now closed until May 6th. And just so you know Mexico city is 12 hours away from us and they have not detected the flu in my area yet. Although the workers at my husbands work are being cautioned to wear masks because they have so much traffic through there.
Dear Wardens,
Although we have received no reports of flu concerns in our consular district, we are sharing the Mission Mexico warden message with you. Please let us know if you become aware of any illnesses in your area.
Regards,
Janie Friedlein
ACS Chief
American Citizens Services
U.S. Consulate General Guadalajara
Picture (Device Independent Bitmap)
United States Consulate General Guadalajara
PLEASE CIRCULATE THIS IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT TO
AS MANY AMERICAN CITIZENS AS POSSIBLE
Warden Message #06 FY2009
April 24, 2009
Flu Outbreak in Mexico
The U.S. Embassy in Mexico advises that as a precaution, Mexican authorities closed all schools in the Federal District and in the State of Mexico on April 24, 2009 as the Mexican Secretariat of Health announced hundreds of cases of flu in the country, some of which may be the H1N1 strain of “swine flu”. Some other public institutions, such as museums and government offices, are also closed. Exact numbers of the people infected with the various strains of flu are unavailable. The U.S. Embassy has no additional information about closures.
The U.S. Embassy reminds U.S. citizens in Mexico that most cases of influenza are not “swine flu”; any specific questions or concerns about flu or other illnesses should be directed to a medical professional. Although the U.S. Embassy cannot give medical advice or provide medical services to the public, a list of hospitals and doctors can be found on our website at the following link: http://mexico.usembassy.gov/sacs_medical_info.html (Spanish)
http://mexico.usembassy.gov/eng/eacs_medical_info.html (English)
At this time the Mexican Secretariat of Health urges people to avoid large crowds, shaking hands, kissing people as a greeting, or using the subway. Maintaining a distance of at least six feet from other persons may decrease the risk of exposure. In addition, the following prevention tips are from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website:
1. Avoid close contact.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
2. Stay home when you are sick.
If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
3. Cover your mouth and nose.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
4. Clean your hands.
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.
5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
6. Practice other good health habits.
Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
For additional information, please consult the CDC website at www.cdc.gov, or the website of the World Health Organization at www.who.int. The U.S. Embassy will also post additional information as it becomes available at: www.usembassy-mexico.gov.
And here is what the CDC says:
Current Situation
Since March 18, 2009, the Government of Mexico has reported an increase in the number of cases of influenza-like-illness. occurring in several areas of Mexico. Please visit the website of the World Health Organization, for further details about these cases.
CDC has confirmed that seven of 14 respiratory specimens from patients sent to the CDC by the Mexican National Influenza Center are positive for swine influenza virus and are similar to the swine influenza viruses recently identified in the US.
CDC and state public and animal health authorities are currently investigating 20 cases of swine flu in humans in California, Texas, Kansas, Ohio, and New York City. Some of the US cases have been linked to travel to Mexico. At this time only two of the 20 cases in the US have been hospitalized and all have recovered.
This investigation is still in the early stages. Further updates to this investigation and any related travel recommendations will be posted on www.cdc.gov/travel when available.
CDC Recommendations
CDC has NOT recommended that people avoid travel to Mexico at this time. If you are planning travel to Mexico, follow these recommendations to reduce your risk of infection and help you stay healthy.
Ill show you the e-mail first, they sent me another one saying Mexico city schools and public areas are now closed until May 6th. And just so you know Mexico city is 12 hours away from us and they have not detected the flu in my area yet. Although the workers at my husbands work are being cautioned to wear masks because they have so much traffic through there.
Dear Wardens,
Although we have received no reports of flu concerns in our consular district, we are sharing the Mission Mexico warden message with you. Please let us know if you become aware of any illnesses in your area.
Regards,
Janie Friedlein
ACS Chief
American Citizens Services
U.S. Consulate General Guadalajara
Picture (Device Independent Bitmap)
United States Consulate General Guadalajara
PLEASE CIRCULATE THIS IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT TO
AS MANY AMERICAN CITIZENS AS POSSIBLE
Warden Message #06 FY2009
April 24, 2009
Flu Outbreak in Mexico
The U.S. Embassy in Mexico advises that as a precaution, Mexican authorities closed all schools in the Federal District and in the State of Mexico on April 24, 2009 as the Mexican Secretariat of Health announced hundreds of cases of flu in the country, some of which may be the H1N1 strain of “swine flu”. Some other public institutions, such as museums and government offices, are also closed. Exact numbers of the people infected with the various strains of flu are unavailable. The U.S. Embassy has no additional information about closures.
The U.S. Embassy reminds U.S. citizens in Mexico that most cases of influenza are not “swine flu”; any specific questions or concerns about flu or other illnesses should be directed to a medical professional. Although the U.S. Embassy cannot give medical advice or provide medical services to the public, a list of hospitals and doctors can be found on our website at the following link: http://mexico.usembassy.gov/sacs_medical_info.html (Spanish)
http://mexico.usembassy.gov/eng/eacs_medical_info.html (English)
At this time the Mexican Secretariat of Health urges people to avoid large crowds, shaking hands, kissing people as a greeting, or using the subway. Maintaining a distance of at least six feet from other persons may decrease the risk of exposure. In addition, the following prevention tips are from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website:
1. Avoid close contact.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
2. Stay home when you are sick.
If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness.
3. Cover your mouth and nose.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.
4. Clean your hands.
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs.
5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
6. Practice other good health habits.
Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
For additional information, please consult the CDC website at www.cdc.gov, or the website of the World Health Organization at www.who.int. The U.S. Embassy will also post additional information as it becomes available at: www.usembassy-mexico.gov.
And here is what the CDC says:
Current Situation
Since March 18, 2009, the Government of Mexico has reported an increase in the number of cases of influenza-like-illness. occurring in several areas of Mexico. Please visit the website of the World Health Organization, for further details about these cases.
CDC has confirmed that seven of 14 respiratory specimens from patients sent to the CDC by the Mexican National Influenza Center are positive for swine influenza virus and are similar to the swine influenza viruses recently identified in the US.
CDC and state public and animal health authorities are currently investigating 20 cases of swine flu in humans in California, Texas, Kansas, Ohio, and New York City. Some of the US cases have been linked to travel to Mexico. At this time only two of the 20 cases in the US have been hospitalized and all have recovered.
This investigation is still in the early stages. Further updates to this investigation and any related travel recommendations will be posted on www.cdc.gov/travel when available.
CDC Recommendations
CDC has NOT recommended that people avoid travel to Mexico at this time. If you are planning travel to Mexico, follow these recommendations to reduce your risk of infection and help you stay healthy.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Night out with Hubby finally
Finally the last time my husbands mom was here to stay the night he asked her if we could head out for a few hours while she was here with the girls. There is a new bowling ally here we wanted to check out. Its actually very modern compared to most places in town. I had pumped and had some bottles prepared so I could have a beer with my hubby. I'm not a get drunk drinker anymore but I like to have a couple while out. We got there and realized they had pool also and chose to play pool instead. We had a lot of fun and both said it reminded us of when we were dating. When I was living in the States and visiting him we only went out one time because he wanted to spend as much time as possible with out daughter during our visits which was understandable. And since we've been here Iv been pregnant so we did go out a few times but it was more for going out to eat. We had a blast and it was good for us to get some time together to just be alone and yet out at the same time.
So here is the funny part and something that blew me away. We didn't know the place was closing at 11pm and had just ordered our second beer (yes we are slow drinkers lol). they put them in to go cups for us. Can you imagine, I kept saying are you sure they are gonna let us leave with this. Issac just kept laughing and saying yes. So off we went on our way home with my husband sipping on the last of my second beer and his. Seriously only in Mexico.
So here is the funny part and something that blew me away. We didn't know the place was closing at 11pm and had just ordered our second beer (yes we are slow drinkers lol). they put them in to go cups for us. Can you imagine, I kept saying are you sure they are gonna let us leave with this. Issac just kept laughing and saying yes. So off we went on our way home with my husband sipping on the last of my second beer and his. Seriously only in Mexico.
Decision made for now!!!!
I had been considering going back to work for a few reasons. I hadn't left the house with out my kids in over a month, I had no friends of my own, there were other English speakers at the school, and I didn't have anything going on other than feeding and cleaning after everyone. A lot of those things have changed. Also I have always worked since I was 15 1/2yrs and able to get a work permit. So although I'm enjoying it for the most part this staying home stuff is weird for me. I feel first of all that my daughters deserve for me to stay home if we can keep our heads above water. And we can so I should stay home. Now that Im feeling better and am getting a little more sleep though I needed to get some stuff going for myself. My husband and I made the decision that I shouldn't work just yet for a few reasons. First off he and some of my blog readers helped clear my thoughts which have been a little jumbled with the lack of sleep and adjustments of having 2 kidos and not one. ;) We decided that the class for the instructor cirt was to expensive (13,000p+), that it would cost to much time and money for me to go take it, I really don't want to teach I want to be a nurse, the money out and in ratio didn't help us enough for the sacrifices we would have to make, and again we feel our daughters need me at home for now. I have to agree with American Mommy in Mexico when she mentioned that this is a constantly changing thing through out a families life. And I know I will work again some day, although prob only part time until my kids are at least through or almost through high school (which is a long way off).
Some of my remedies for the jitters is that:
- Im baking bread again for us at home (which saves us some money) and in the next week or so plan to start baking to sell again.
-Printed some pictures to make my scrap book
-I soon want to get some patterns to make my ninas some cloths (which will also save us some money)
-Im spending more time with my Spanish so I can speak better with those that I do know here and hopefully grow some friendships
-The spouse of one of my husbands friends at work has been coming over to spend time with me and letting her daughter play with mine. She is also teaching me to knit. Our conversations are limited for now but hopefully that doesn't last to long.
For now Jitters are calmed, ;)
Some of my remedies for the jitters is that:
- Im baking bread again for us at home (which saves us some money) and in the next week or so plan to start baking to sell again.
-Printed some pictures to make my scrap book
-I soon want to get some patterns to make my ninas some cloths (which will also save us some money)
-Im spending more time with my Spanish so I can speak better with those that I do know here and hopefully grow some friendships
-The spouse of one of my husbands friends at work has been coming over to spend time with me and letting her daughter play with mine. She is also teaching me to knit. Our conversations are limited for now but hopefully that doesn't last to long.
For now Jitters are calmed, ;)
Friday, April 24, 2009
Childrens Mexican Birth cirtificates
Im pretty sure I already wrote about getting the 2 year olds birth certificate in another post. But just in case I'm gonna sum it up really fast before going into the new born's. For hers we just had to turn in her U.S. birth certificate with apostille and translation, and in 2 weeks we had her Mexico birth certificate. Also I dont remember how much it was but I do remember it was cheep, and we also got an official copy made that we picked up the next day which was also cheep. (meaning like 50p or so)
For the newborn we needed more paperwork!!!!! We had to have the official paper from the hospita, a marriage license, 2 witnesses and copies of theirs and our ID's. Most of this wasnt to big a deal except the Marriage lic. The lady at the office suggested that before we did the birth cert we should get our Mexican marriage lic and a copy because what ever we gave them they would have to keep the original of. So we brought in our appostiled and translated marriage lic.
After 2 hours of everyone in the office checking out our marriage lic papers and telling us a couple times it wasn't the right papers and us being stern about the fact it was they finally took it. Basically most situations that are even close to ours here the people are from Cali and the papers look a little different there. The lawyer who did our translation warned us about this. Finally one of the employees pulled out other marriage lic and appostilles and noted that although they look different (they are on diff paper and in different fount) that they said the same thing as ours. They apologized a lot (prob because Im not good at hiding my feelings and at that moment IM sure my face was saying I was getting ready to hurt someone). But I chalked it up to the fact that our situation was a strange one even for the big city of Guad when I was getting my FM3 under familiar support.
The lady told us to come back in a week and our Mexican marriage lic would be ready. We waited a week and a half, and went back with all the requirements for the babies birth cert. (including 2 friends to be our witnesses). When the lady saw us she said she was getting ready to finish our marriage lic and then she would do the birth cirt. ARRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGG she hadnt even done the marriage lic yet. "OK breath Amanda you should have expected this." We are doing this on my husbands one hour lunch stretched to 2 hour, because his boss is nice. It takes an hour to just get her to finish the marriage lic and my husbands and the pastors name is spelled wrong. So theres another 30 min. Oh and one of my witnesses had a 2 year old also so her and my daughter are causing havoc in the office. Ok finally after 1 and 1/2 hours the marriage lic is done. The lady tells us to go eat something and she will get all the birth cirt stuff done and when we get back in about 45 min or so she would have it ready for us. Why did we believe her you might ask. Well we didn't have much a choice so we went across the street to eat and feed our friends who were wasting many hours of their day for us. When we got back an hour later she hadnt even started on it and had two people in line before us. What the crap. By the time she got to us and typed everything up my hubbies 2 hour extended lunch had turned into 4 hours. But hey we walked out of their with the birth cirt and a marriage lic that we can use for any other legal matters here.
Finlay thats done now to start gathering papers for the babies U.S. citizen paperwork which is a lot more stuff. But we are determined to do everything needed for both counties and our kids will have a choice of where to live unlike us. Also when we go to get the babies papers I have to renew mine and my 2 year olds passports. That will be a fun trip Im sure.
Yahooooo gotta love legal crap and paper work.
For the newborn we needed more paperwork!!!!! We had to have the official paper from the hospita, a marriage license, 2 witnesses and copies of theirs and our ID's. Most of this wasnt to big a deal except the Marriage lic. The lady at the office suggested that before we did the birth cert we should get our Mexican marriage lic and a copy because what ever we gave them they would have to keep the original of. So we brought in our appostiled and translated marriage lic.
After 2 hours of everyone in the office checking out our marriage lic papers and telling us a couple times it wasn't the right papers and us being stern about the fact it was they finally took it. Basically most situations that are even close to ours here the people are from Cali and the papers look a little different there. The lawyer who did our translation warned us about this. Finally one of the employees pulled out other marriage lic and appostilles and noted that although they look different (they are on diff paper and in different fount) that they said the same thing as ours. They apologized a lot (prob because Im not good at hiding my feelings and at that moment IM sure my face was saying I was getting ready to hurt someone). But I chalked it up to the fact that our situation was a strange one even for the big city of Guad when I was getting my FM3 under familiar support.
The lady told us to come back in a week and our Mexican marriage lic would be ready. We waited a week and a half, and went back with all the requirements for the babies birth cert. (including 2 friends to be our witnesses). When the lady saw us she said she was getting ready to finish our marriage lic and then she would do the birth cirt. ARRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGG she hadnt even done the marriage lic yet. "OK breath Amanda you should have expected this." We are doing this on my husbands one hour lunch stretched to 2 hour, because his boss is nice. It takes an hour to just get her to finish the marriage lic and my husbands and the pastors name is spelled wrong. So theres another 30 min. Oh and one of my witnesses had a 2 year old also so her and my daughter are causing havoc in the office. Ok finally after 1 and 1/2 hours the marriage lic is done. The lady tells us to go eat something and she will get all the birth cirt stuff done and when we get back in about 45 min or so she would have it ready for us. Why did we believe her you might ask. Well we didn't have much a choice so we went across the street to eat and feed our friends who were wasting many hours of their day for us. When we got back an hour later she hadnt even started on it and had two people in line before us. What the crap. By the time she got to us and typed everything up my hubbies 2 hour extended lunch had turned into 4 hours. But hey we walked out of their with the birth cirt and a marriage lic that we can use for any other legal matters here.
Finlay thats done now to start gathering papers for the babies U.S. citizen paperwork which is a lot more stuff. But we are determined to do everything needed for both counties and our kids will have a choice of where to live unlike us. Also when we go to get the babies papers I have to renew mine and my 2 year olds passports. That will be a fun trip Im sure.
Yahooooo gotta love legal crap and paper work.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
I hit 20
No not my age I hit that awhile back. I have 20 readers, I know its cheesy but that's exciting. :) The best thing is that most of you are not just readers but I chat back and forth with you and are becoming friends. This blog was one of the best things Iv done for myself since moving to Mexico. Thanks all for reading and keeping this American company while living in Mexico.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)