January Dayblog

Outside my window…

It’s in the middle of the winter here in Egypt for the moment, and although it’s not really cold at all, it’s as cold as it gets in Cairo. It’s only like this for a month or two at most, but the weather is different enough that it’s notable. During the day it’s around 17 degrees Celcius, and sometimes it’s a bit cloudy. Some of the trees have lost their leaves, none of the flowers are in bloom, and although the neighborhood does not have that dark gray appearance that Belgium could have, it’s gloomier than at any other time of the year. I can still usually see the sun when I wake up in the morning though, and I know it will be eternal summer again before we know it.

The boys protest when I make them wear long pants; I told them they have to wear long pants until the baby comes. It should get warmer again by then.

The state of our house…

I took all our Christmas ornaments down a few days ago, and the boys told me they think the house looks empty. They’re right; every year when I put the Christmas ornaments up, I empty all the shelves of things accumulated over the year, and take pictures down. We Once we’ve got our schoolwork going again (involving crafts and painting), and go on more trips, we’ll generate more pictures and things to display on our shelves. The house is fairly clean though, since my nesting instinct has been running on high.

From the kitchen…

We went to Carrefour again yesterday and stocked up on a lot of things. I’ve made a list of various dishes we can make over the next 10 days (I filled up the freezer with fish and meat), only having to add a few produce item as we go. One of the nicest things we got was fresh strawberries. They were less than a dollar per pound and they’re big, juicy and taste really great. We also bought about 20 pounds of oranges for less than 10 cents per pound. I’m enjoying a glass of freshly made orange juice as we speak. This is something I really like about Egypt: the fresh fruit.

I am wearing…

Some of the maternity clothes I wore initially feel snug these days, and my wardrobe has been reduced even further. Today I’m wearing a red quarter length sleeved t-shirt which, by the time it has rounded my belly, comes out about ½ inch short, and a pair of Motherhood secret belly blue jeans.
Believe it or not, over the past couple of weeks I’ve been wearing socks! When I go out, I wear my city sneakers. If I don’t have to go far I’ll still just put flip-flops on, but if we’re going out for a while, and especially if I know we’ll be out after dark, I’ll cover my feet. THAT’S how cold it is!

In the school books…

The boys are actually quite excited to have started school again, and they’re enjoying their weekly assignment schedule. After all the holiday inspired themes over the past couple of months, we’re enjoying a few weeks of non-theme; just plainly getting back to work. I’m currently reading a book on King Arthur to the boys, August is reading a chapter book on Hercules, and William is enjoying his “The cat in the hat.”

I am listening to…

Involuntarily (August plays this song over and over again on my computer); Wagon Wheel by the Old Crow Medicine Show. It was all right the first ten times. The music video on YouTube is a must-see but make sure to cover your children’s eyes!

On my mind…

I’m starting to think about the birth; it’s not an entirely pleasant process – a planned c-section – and I need to go through it mentally to be fully prepared. I don’t just have myself to think of either, or myself and the baby, but I need to make sure it’s a positive experience for the boys as well. I still have a few things to do before the birth – practical things, and I’m a bit anxious about getting everything settled.

The things that make me smile…

The boys kissing my hiccupping belly. Seeing Courtney every day (he’s on Christmas break until the 1st of February!).