Republic Day

 Many times this year we have found out about a holiday the day before. This week, we had a little more warning for Republic Day - the celebration of when the constitution was amended and the country became a republic. We thought there would be a parade of some sort, but were pleasantly surprised to find out we had fireworks in our harbor instead.  This first set made our giant bridge invisible!

 Micah was actually quite enthused to point and clap at the different fireworks...especially the 'green' ones as that is his new favorite word. It is difficult to capture that enthusiasm on camera, but believe us, he enjoyed staying up past his bedtime!

Our plaza was packed with people watching the brilliant display. Boats throughout the harbor set off rockets so that you could see the show all the way down the Bosporus. Very cool. We'll definitely put this holiday and event on our calendar for next year!

on being pregnant...

Last week I passed out on one of the public buses. Thankfully Rick and my mom-in-law were there to catch me and such. That's not the interesting part...

At the doctor's office the next day...
Dr: Any issues you want to talk about or questions you have?
Me: Well, I passed out for the second time yesterday.
Dr: Hmm.
Me: Should I do anything about that?
Dr: Make sure you always do it in a safe place.
Me: Hmm.
Me: Anything else?
Dr: You have low blood pressure from your pregnancy, eat more salt.
(My mom-in-law, the ob nurse, had told me I should eat more sugar...so I guess I'll just eat more in general).

A bit later...
Dr: Would you like a prescription to prevent stretch-marks?
Me: A what?
Dr: Many of the women here are concerned about stretch marks. I'll write you a prescription and you can choose if you want to have it filled or not. It's very easy.


Moral of the story:
I may pass out on a bus full of strangers, but at least I won't have stretch marks.

another banner year - 31!

Last Friday my boys served me breakfast in bed as a precursor to a lovely birthday. Micah jumped right up next to me and proceeded to eat half my breakfast. Rick must have predicted this as he had extra large portions available.

 

After such delicious service, we took off on an adventure. Those who know me best know that the best gifts are "adventures" and "words of affirmation". So, we headed out the door in pursuit of the Belgrade Forest - a beautiful forest outside of Istanbul that we have only previously been to by friends' car. After a bus ride, a subway ride, and a taxi ride, we arrived at the entrance...only to discover that the walking trail inside the forest was a 2.5K walk from the entrance...a factor not necessarily anticipated by those who have only been there by private car. Anyway, we had a lovely walk through the woods. Micah was excited (mostly) to run free and I enjoyed the exercise. The leaves are not yet changing here, so we will have to go back in a couple weeks. We saw the start of the walking trail, but decided a 2 year old and a pregnant lady could only handle so many miles in a day. On our way to the exit, we were escorted by two street dogs that Rick named Limpy and Skinny. They kept Micah entertained, which is the important part...as nap hour approached.

On our way home, we stopped at a mall to enjoy some McDonalds...another posting to come...and then headed home.  Some family bonding time, and the best gift of all...to bed at 7:30. I slept 12 hours! I've since discovered that was the first night of a cold, but thankfully I only felt tired that night and not the itchy, sneezy, ickies of oncoming days. All in all, a great birthday with the fam. Thanks to all who called or sent cards or e-mails. I got warm fuzzies all over! :)

Visiting the Hagia Sophia

Our first family visitor arrived this week! We have been excitedly showing Rick's mom around all of the major touristy spots. Micah and I go along for the morning and then head home for a nap after lunch while Rick and Ginny continue their touring. Unfortunately, there has been A LOT of rain this week. But, there is plenty to see indoors. We started with the Hagia Sophia. Micah was excited to play hide-n-seek behind pillars and such. Who knew that the once largest church in Christendom was also the largest playground?

We're glad we sat inside the bus for this tour...

First School Field Trip

Our school organized a trip around the city. We got to bring Micah with us on the fancy tour bus. We saw a beautiful mosque and drank cay (tea) at a cafe that overlooks the city. And then Micah needed to go home for a nap.

Making Pancakes

Micah loves to help with the baking - mostly pouring the ingredients in and mixing. For some reason, he understands that you have to wait for pancakes to cook, but not for noodles. Hmmm.

genes - nurture vs. nature

Well, he may not look like either one of us, but he sure does display the mannerisms of one of us! I'll let you guess who. :)