Thank god for Ives W. McGaffey, creator of the vacuum - seriously. Some days it's the only thing that will help Addi get to sleep. Walked her up and down the hall trying to get her down for a nap for 15 min. Finally my arms were getting too tired, so I put her in her crib and turned the vacuum on and, like magic, she quieted right down and fell asleep. Then halfway through my shower she woke up again. So I ran out in the hall, covered in soap, and plugged it in again and back to sleep she went. Yes, Ives W. McGaffey, you are my new idol. May set up a shrine...

Ok, so after complaining about Addi's colicky nature in the last post, she's been a very good girl for me so far this week. I hate to say that and risk jinxing myself, but we're getting into a routine and having a pretty decent week. That said, I've still been very busy, but I guess it's been a good crash course on being a mom. She has allowed me three days in a row of showers (even slept long enough for me to dry my hair twice!) and we've had a long walk (at least 40 min) each day. We've also been to the grocery store a number of times and have most of the housework done. To top it all, I've been able to watch a few movies (all be it with long pauses in the middle), gotten caught up on tv shows and am halfway through my book, which I seriously thought would never happen.

The weather also has been very nice this week (50's). So, Finn's a very happy camper, as he's gotten to run some. He's also very intent on teaching Adelaide to learn to play with the toys. My personal feeling on this is that he thinks if he succeeds, he'll get to play with some of the cool stuffed animals he can see in her basket - keep hoping dog ;-) I keep telling him in a few months he's gonna love her - playing and dropping food on the ground, every doggie's dream...

Well, it's off to dreamland for us. Maybe I'll regale you all with tales of baby grunting and pooping in the next post - bet you can't wait!

It's officially my week as a single parent and, after two days, I'm already tired. My beautiful little colicky one is not happy with having to be put down at times. Thus, I'm getting much better at doing everything one-handed and in five minute bursts - eating, drinking, cooking, peeing, cleaning, typing, etc. Good thing she's so stinkin' cute! I did manage to hop in the shower yesterday to soap up and rinse off, but I think my hair is going to be much in need of a wash by the time Brendon gets home next week if this keeps up. How do you single parents do it??? Oh and Missy - thank you, thank you, thank you for the baby bjorn carrier!!!

That said, what is up with the tv "seasons" Can anyone tell me why two of my shows don't have new episodes until May! Don't they know I cooped up in the house alone with a fussy baby, no good nursing chair, in a country where I barely speak the language and my longest non-Enlgish conversation so far has been about five sentences! I'm tempted to call the companies, but, then again, no time. I only even watch 15 min. of a show at a sitting these days and I'd probably be on hold that long. Damn tv.

Also, damn KU, although I still love them and damn Chipotle, Taco Bell, or any other half decent US Mexican fast food chain, for not having a location in Munich. Can't get any Mexican food here, much less fast. Blah! I'm ready to be back in the States, where things are easier - if only we could impeach the idiot currently in the White House.

Few more pics as we end the visits. Included are Addi's first museum trip and jayhawk tournament game attire, plus a few others of the family :)

We've had a great time with everybody!

Schlafen

Well, the last set of granparents has arrived and Blake has already taken up residence on our couch.

Here are a few pics of the first night. We'll have to get one of Grandpa Mick tomorrow :)

Well, our visit with Grandma was too short, but fun. Now Papa Jack & Gram Margaret are here visiting and we're having fun with them.

Yesterday Addi managed a new high - explosive pooping on mommy, followed by immediate peeing on daddy a moment later, as he tried to help out - good times ;-)

We watched KU win last night!!! Rock chalk jayhawk! Then went to the market today with Papa and Gram M. and ate outside. Oh, and had a bath tonight. Very exciting life we lead...

We've been out to eat three times now (lunch) and Addi's doing great. Really enjoying our visit with grandma :) And we can't wait to see the other grandparents. Here are some new pics

Well, we're home with our new little one and loving her dearly. Adelaide Isabel Allen was born on February 19th at 2:15 pm, Central European time. She weighed in at 6.05 lbs. and 21 inches. The first few days were a little tough, but all in all, she's a great baby, very happy and alert - and gassy! ;-) We've already had our first lunch out, been to the store a number of times, gone on quite a few walks with Finn and even ate outside at the English Garden with mom today. It's been a very good couple of weeks. We love the German system of the midwife visiting every few days for the first two weeks - great for asking new parent questions, and our midwife has been fabulous! Addi is two weeks today and now weighs 7.6 lbs. and of course we think she's the most beautiful baby ever :)