Beach Volleyball

Dave and I made our way to Horse Guards Parade so we could see some beach volleyball.  Yesterday, the weather was perfect for some beach volleyball...unfortunately, Tuesday was chilly and rainy.  The weather didn't deter us or the other 14,999 spectators from heading out.  We got there in plenty of time and were greeted by tons of friendly volunteers and very few long lines.  While wandering around the area, we saw the Band of Blues and Royals and Kerri Walsh--she was much taller than we expected!

The Band of Blues and Royals getting ready to entertain the masses

Kerri Walsh was HUGE!

 When we finally decided to head into the arena, we were directed to our seats and were pleasantly surprised by how good they were!

Getting the court all set up

A look at our surroundings (not many people had shown up yet)

Millennium Wheel

Arial view of the stadium which was right next to the Parliament and Downing Street 

The Horse Guards Parade dancers who entertained us between games

We got to see two women's matches and two men's matches.  The men played first and we I was highly disappointed in Brazil who came out dressed for a snowball fight.  I agree that it was a little chilly out and it was raining off and on, but the people came out to see half-dressed volleyball players!  All of the men wore shorts and jerseys, but the women came out in their skimpies.

The boys of the Czech Republic who beat the boys from Japan

The boys of Brazil who beat the boys of Switzerland

The girls of Spain beat the girls of Argentina

The girls of Brazil beat the taped up girls from Germany

The final match of the day (Brazil vs. Germany) was definitely the most intense of the day.  The two teams were so perfectly matched up that I wasn't sure if we would ever get a winner.  The games usually play to 21 points (15 if a third is necessary), but at one point we went way over 30 points.  The crowd was on its feet for quite a while cheering on the girls.

At one point during our beach volleyball adventure the sun even came out.  I even had to put on my sunnies for a while!  The announcer did a great job of getting the crowd riled up and got everyone excited despite the weather.  He had us clapping and shouting "Olé" and doing the wave all around the stadium several times.  The mayor of London, Boris Johnson, even made an appearance--I think he heard the Ameri-Mulleys were going to be there and wanted to see us.

Boris searching the crowd for Dave and I

The thing that has driven me crazy while attending some of the games is how so many people will swing their flags about when nobody from that country is even participating in the event.

I might be able to give the Brits a break...since they are hosting the Games

Australia....not playing beach volleyball that day!

USA...not playing and we certainly don't display our flag that way!

We also happened to be seating by some of the most obnoxious American's in England.  The guy behind us insisted on using the words "cheeky" and "brilliant" at least 10 times in each sentence.  He didn't seem to care that he was using both words incorrectly-he just kept doing it.  I wanted to turn around and say, "You keep using that word.  I do not think it means what you think it means." (name that movie).   We also had a group of four Americans who came in way late and proceeding to chug beer--probably to live up their homemade shirts which read, "USA Drinking Team".  In a matter of about 15 minutes, one girl consumed a pint of beer and then two more bottles of beer.  Along with their homemade shirts, the group had painted what I can only assume they thought were American flags all over themselves.  Little did they know, they actually painted French flags all over their flesh.  No, I did not take a picture of them.  I didn't want to encourage them anymore than everyone else already was.  It's people like this that make everyone hate Americans!

Tomorrow, we are all headed to indoor volleyball!

Table Tennis

Today, Dave and I attended our first Olympic event- Table Tennis.  I honestly didn't go in with high hopes.  I thought it would be interesting since we were at the Olympics and all...but it was AMAZING!  I'm now slightly obsessed with the sport and plan on learning even  more than I did today.  So many superstitions and technicalities that I wasn't able to pick up on everything in just 4 hours.

The arena

All the sports held at this arena

The dramatic lighting when we first got there...caused me to trip up the stairs.

Four tables were in action at once

Basic set up

Flags of everyone participating in this sport

part 2

Cool Olympic table

Olympic mascot teaching everyone the rules of the game

Here are my Table Tennis Superlatives:

Most Enjoyable Match to Watch: Korea (South Korea) vs. Peoples Republic of Korea (North Korea).  These two men were amazing to watch.  Some different matches were quite subtle and stuck close to the table, but these men were all over the place.  I'm sure Dave also enjoyed my constant commentary about how if the player from the Peoples Republic of  Korea didn't win he would surely be sold to slavery or completely disowned by his country.

Korea (black) vs. Peoples Republic of Korea (red)

Match Most Like The Bachelorette:  China vs. Turkey.  I'm embarrassed to admit that I watch The Bachelorette/Bachelor and therefor have some knowledge of the show.  When the contestants go out on a date they have to pack their bags in case they aren't given a rose.  When the players from China and Turkey came out to start their match, I noticed that Turkey also had his rolling suitcase with him.  The Chinese player is ranked number one in the world and Turkey must have been made aware that if he didn't win he would have to leave the mansion arena immediately and fly home heart broken.  Well, as luck (or skill) would have it, Turkey lost and he immediately gathered his suitcase and rolled it out of the arena.  My question for you...why in the world would a table tennis player need to bring a giant gym bag, much less a rolling suitcase?  It's not like they have a lot of equipment.  The table, paddles and balls are provided.  They basically just have to show up.

The Infamous Suitcase

Start of the Walk of Shame

Rounding the Corner

And there he goes...without a rose

Most British Table Tennis Player:  Paul Drinkhall.  Okay, well he was the only player from Team Great Britain, but that still makes him the Most British.  While he was playing the crowd went wild.  They stood behind him the entire match and unfortunately, he didn't not advance to the next round.

Paul and his coach (who apparently has a bit of a wedgie)

Paul hydrating

Paul in action

Most Vibrant Uniform:  Slovenia.  When this man walked out, there was a gasp from the crowd as they took in the amazingness of this players uniform.  What was even better was when his coach came out in a matching track suit.  I also really enjoyed that this player drank a drink that matched his lovely uniform.  That is dedication.

Oh yes, turquoise and lime green

Enjoying his turquoise drink

 Biggest Temper Tantrum from Loser:  Slovenia (again).  Singapore mopped up the floor with this player from Slovenia.  It was a complete shutout.  After the match the Slovenian player, kicked his coach's chair after he stood up, then sat on the floor and slammed his fist into his gym bag and threw his towel.  I'm pretty sure Jack is a better loser than this guy.  Unfortunately, I did not get a picture of said tantrum, but here is another picture of Mr. Slovenia:

Before the meltdown began!

Most Impressive Pair of Shorts:  Croatia.  This players shorts got shorter and shorter as the match went on.  I was quite concerned that we were going to see some of his dangley privates by the end of the day.  He just kept pulling them up higher and higher.  Thankfully, this player made it to the next round so with any luck y'all will be able to check out that action.

Check out the rise on those shorts!

Most Television Ready:  The Mulleys. The camera caught us a couple times when they were panning the crowd today.  Obviously, I don't have any pictures..but I'm sure people really enjoyed my snarky face when the people in front of us were raising their American flag..even though the Americans were not even in the Table Tennis event.

ahh, the self-portrait

Tomorrow, we have Beach Volleyball.  I hope the weather cooperates!

We Made It!

We made it to London Friday morning around 7 o'clock.  Jack was an excellent flyer, but unfortunately there was 26 children on our flight and not all of them were as awesome as Jack.  We had a hard time keeping him asleep due the screaming coming from a few rows behind us for a majority of the flight.  Dave and I got no sleep but that's okay...we'll catch up one day.  We have all been adjusting to the new time zone by taking frequent naps and playing as much as we can.

We have experienced various weather conditions from rather warm on Friday, to cool and sunny on Saturday and finally cool and sunny followed by torrential downpours and thunder storms today.

Jack is thoroughly enjoying his time with his grandparents (and I think their having a good time too) and has them wrapped around his little finger already.  All he has to do is look at them and he gets exactly what he wants!

Jack and Nanna playing in the back garden

Jack playing with his first Mr. Potato Head

Daddy helping Jack with the glasses

After a while, Jack decided to soak up some of that wonderful English sun so he took a break on the lounge chair.

Browning those lily white legs

Ahh, this is the life!

This morning, we drove to a neighboring town so that Dave could participate in a 5 mile race.  As you know, Dave and I have been to a lot of running races but I must say that this race had some of friendliest people I have ever encountered at a race.  When we left the race in a hurry, I somehow dropped our camera and didn't realize it until we got back home.  Dave posted something on the race's Facebook page and within 20 minutes someone replied saying they found out camera and turned it in to the race director.  Dave then, posted to the race director with our local phone number and within 5 minutes, he called and set up a place to meet so we could retrieve our camera.  For those who are doubting, there are still good people in the world!

While at the race, Jack and I had a wonderfully unique experience.  We got to hold an Olympic torch!  As if it weren't cool enough that we are in London for the Olympics, but Jack and I got to hold a piece of history!  The lady who the race was in memory of had been granted the opportunity to run with the torch, but unfortunately she passed away before she had the opportunity.  Her father ran in her honor and then brought the torch to the race so that people could get their picture taken with it.

How cool is that?!

Jack really wanted to take off and run with the torch, but I was terrified that he would drop it and was not willing to have that on my conscience.

Tomorrow, Dave and I will embark on the Olympic Park for our first event-Table Tennis. 

We'll catch you on the flip side!

19 months

Jack is 19 months old now!  Before you know it, we'll be speaking in years and not months anymore.

There wasn't a doctors appointment this month but Jack is continuing to grown and learn everyday.

This month, Jack:

• is wearing 18 month clothes
• is wearing size 4 diapers and size 5 at night
• has some size 6 shoes that he's growing into
• says "dog"
• walks up the stairs (holding a hand when he can't reach the railing)
• enjoys reading books and will point out things throughout
• loves to play hide & seek with Daddy and Mommy
• puts his cup and snack bowl in the sink when he is finished
• has tantrums...but they are pretty weak (thank goodness)
• can point out several body parts (on himself and others)-head, nose, mouth, ears, toes, belly button
• really likes a good group hug-either Mommy, Daddy and Jack or Scout, Molly and Jack
• favorite foods include: broccoli, black beans, smoothies, animal crackers, kiwi
• had a little sleep regression for a couple weeks but is back to sleeping at least 11 hours a night and a 2 hour nap in the afternoon
• blows kisses, gives high fives and waves to everyone he sees (where does he get his outgoing personality?)
• his legs are finally long enough to use his Fropper properly

This months photo shoot made me giggle quite a bit.  As soon as I pulled his chair out, he sat right down and started smiling.  Then after I took a picture or two, he would have to come over for a hug and kiss.

Another Catch-up

I know there hasn't been any blog updates in quite a while, but...I can explain!  Jack's sleep schedule had taken a turn for the worse and I was using all free time (which was quite limited) to sleep myself.  His schedule got messed up with the second round of swim lessons.  They were at a goofy time and I tried to adjust his schedule accordingly.  Well, it didn't work.  Jack started waking up between 4:30 and 5:30 for the day and then wouldn't take a nap.  If he did decide to take a nap, it would be for 30 minutes.  This mama has been needing an afternoon nap herself so it has been a very stressful time.

I think we are on the mend.  Jack is now sleeping 'til after 6 o'clock in the mornings and takes at least a two hour nap each afternoon.  This has made things a lot better.  I have been able to get some additional sleep, or sew and today I caught up on some blogging.

Here's what we've been up to...

Dave ran a 5k in some hot weather

We celebrated 4th of July with some friends

Jack had a playdate with some lettuce

The Olympic Torch was spotted 

Kori and Levi came to visit 

We checked on Baby #2


Now, that we are back on track...somewhat...I hope to update a little more frequently.

Baby # 2--23 Weeks

I had my monthly OB appointment to check on Baby #2 today.  They also scheduled me for another ultrasound because this is about the time that I started having issues during my pregnancy with Jack and they also wanted to make sure I would be okay to travel to England in a couple weeks. 

A little background information:  When I was pregnant with Jack, I started to experience a lot of pressure and pain around 24 weeks and it turns out that my cervix had shortened to about 2.5 centimeters (not a good thing that early in pregnancy).  I was put on bedrest so as not to aggravate the situation.  I stayed on a modified bedrest for the remainder of my pregnancy and had Jack 21 minutes after my due date.

Now back to our previously scheduled program: So, I go in for this ultrasound and the ultrasound tech measures my cervix.  The cervix should be around 4 to 4.5 centimeters at this point.  She measured mine at 7 centimeters.  She and the doctor were amazed at how long it was and said that we would definitely fine to travel to England.  Baby Boy looks healthy and is measuring right on schedule.  I also got a copy of my chart to take with me on the trip in case something comes up and I need to see a doctor while I'm there.  I like to follow the philosophy that if you take your umbrella, it won't rain!

We are so happy that everything looks great and that we have the green light to travel!  Ready or not England...here we come!

Dave says he looks just like Jack!

My next appointment is scheduled for when we return from England.

Levi and Kori

Aunt Kori is back in the States (from Honduras heading to South Korea) and she wanted to make sure she saw us while she is here.  Uncle Levi is still in North Carolina before he heads up to Massachusetts for college this fall-he decided to tag along with Kori for a visit this morning.

Jack was so excited that some of his favorite people came to see him.  As soon as Kori and Levi walked in the door, Jack was running around showing them all of his really cool toys.  Jack has always loved his Aunt Kori, but today he had a very special place in his heart for Uncle Levi.  He would just go up to him and snuggle in.  I am always touched when someone loves my child...but there is something extra special about a teenaged boy appreciating how awesome my kid is.  The Browns hold a very special place in my heart and I love that they take the time to keep in touch and love my family as much as I love theirs.

As some of you probably know, I was the Brown's nanny for several years when the kids were younger (before Levi was even in school, Kori was in elementary and Teva was in middle).  Levi always introduced me to everyone as his girlfriend.  It was a pretty serious relationship...until I moved away and came back to visit.  Levi and I went on a walk and I vividly remember him "letting me down easy".  Levi just graduated high school and it was kind of surreal taking Jack to Levi's graduation.  Jack is only a little bit younger than Levi was when I first met him.  To see how sweet and gentle Levi is with Jack truly melts my heart.  Kori and I have always been close and I am certain that she loves Jack as much as I do.

If my boys can grow up to be as awesome as the Brown children, then Dave and I have done something right!

Jack knew how to smile for the camera

Levi, Jack and Kori

Levi trying to get Jack to make a face

Family portrait

Levi was starving so he shared a snack with Jack

good sharing

Teaching Jack how to open the package

Jack settled in

Jack figuring out Levi's phone...while holding him hostage

Levi attempting to sweet talk his way out

Jack and Levi

Kori getting some good snuggles

Jack attacking Levi with love

Levi using Jack in his workout

Kori, Jack and Levi