The Valentine's Day Surprise

A few of you asked how my Valentine's Day surprise went, and I thought it went pretty good so I will share here. Peter and I met in October 1998 at the Head of the Charles rowing regatta in Boston. This means, of course, that we have now been together for over 10 years. I really wanted to do something special for Peter this V-day and so I planned a scavenger hunt for him. I left the house before it began and had Peter's sister, Christina, direct Peter to the first clue. The first clue kind of explained what was going on and each clue after that was hidden in or around the house attached to a rose (have I been watching too much Bachelor on TV?) and represented each year that we have been together. Now I am not a poet AT. ALL. and I don't have a clue as to meter, pentameter, or whatever that stuff about poetry was that I supposedly learned in grade school, and I know that I cram too many words in some lines. However, I am quite proud of my clever clues and I think that Peter was really appreciative. So, without further ado . . . here they are:

(Well, there is one ado, must warn you this is fairly long, so you might want to grab a cup of coffee . . . or pop a couple of No Doze to keep yourselves awake. But if you are at work and just looking for something to waste time, I am gifting you with at least 30 minutes of non-productivity here. You're welcome!)

Happy Valentine's Day, Love!
This is how it starts:

Some 10 years ago, God put to work His plan
For Amy, I have created a handsome German man.
His eyes are sparkly, his hair is dark
And when my Amy sees him, there will be a spark.

God who is smart at that time did know
That from that spark a deep and true love would grow.
Now ten years later we’re a family.
Where once there were 2 has grown into 3.

So, walk with me love and share memories sweet
Of all that has happened to the two that in Boston did meet.
We may not be rich or have enough rest,
But there is no doubt that from God we’ve been blessed.

You’ll find many clues, 12 to be exact
And on this journey lots of time has been packed.
Your first clue is this: search if you dare.
A flower awaits you attached to a stair.
______________________________________________


Clue #1:

Now 1998 was a magical year
Of rowing in Augusta with a German family near
At Head of the Charles the hint was dropped
And from that moment on no love could be topped.

Thus began the first (somewhat) annual party
Of carving big pumpkins with friends and snacks that were hearty.
Amy sure learned that this boy could be tardy
But also learned that this boy could be farty.

How early on did Amy meet Wolfram, Inge, and Suzi?
Not really sure but after many mornings together a’snoozie.
A translated love note in German sealed the deal
On winning over a German family with zeal.

The next clue can be found by looking outside
In a place that only someone small could hide.
This place cooks burgers and dogs by the pool
With such good flavor it makes everyone drool.
____________________________________________


Clue #2:

1999 was a year to remember.
Amy rowed a single in the month after September
At the Head of the Charles where we first saw one another.
And was it this year or the last that you first met my brother?

Yes the American family can be scary and a vest would not do
It takes a nice shirt and a smart pair of shoes.
We all learned a geography lesson that day
That Americans can be pretty dumb when a map is placed in their way.

Many days together Peter and Amy did spend
and slowly became each other’s best friend.
I’ll never forget the color of the blue sky
That I saw from the window in the arms of my guy.

Too bad we no longer have so much time to waste
But you have to keep searching for clues post haste.
The next one is easy if you have culinary wishes.
It’s placed in the kitchen, next to the dishes.
_____________________________________________________


Clue #3:

Peter graduated from Augusta Tech in 2000
And after that rowing ambitions came rousing.
An excellent coach and 2 strong young men
Made coming 1st at US Nationals an easy win.

Tragedy struck 2 times in this year
Peter’s mom had a stroke and for her life we all feared.
At this time a scared sweet Suzi ran away
And no one could see towards a better day.

Then off to Croatia for Junior Worlds race
And a heartbroken Amy with only a trace
Of her sweet Peter gone away possibly forever.
But would he let such a love go that easily? Never.

A phone call between lovers across the lines
Started a promise to love each other for all times.
Thus the engagement to wed was started
And as God’s plan would go for a year they were parted.

How does the story continue from here?
The next clue will take you there my dear.
Stick to the outside if you don’t mind,
For under a slide the next clue you will find.
_______________________________________________

Clue #4:

2001 was a year for change
And all of Amy’s belongings to rearrange.
Just shortly after Amy graduated from ASU
Peter swooped over to tell her “I Do.”

An unlucky bride with a streak on the gown
Was remedied to make the best wedding in town.
And Peter’s first (and last) yard sale is hard to forget.
I wonder if that man has used his “can o’ hair” yet.

Peter, Amy, and Baby Girl flew across the pond
And of their little apartment all were quite fond.
Settled in the heart of Munich in this new homestead
But all that was needed was the love of 2 newlyweds.

That love is still strong, though not always so sweet.
But through all times I’ve known that with you I’m complete.
To continue the tale of these lovebirds a clue you must find.
Look towards the washing machine if you don’t mind.
_______________________________________________

Clue #5:

Not a lot to remember from 2002
Except working a lot and having friends too few.
Amy learned German and worked at a hospital near the river
And in that first winter suffered the cold with a shiver.

Peter climbed the ladder of Mickey Mouse
And sometimes left Amy with an empty house.
But some travel ensued and a few new friends were made
And we enjoyed laying in the English Garten in the shade.

Where will she take me from here you may wonder?
Think of where Kayla goes when there’s thunder.
Close by her masters under the covers
There the next clue and another rose hovers.
_________________________________________________

Clue #6:

My mind is a blur in 2003
Those harsh German winters made my memories freeze.
But I remember missing home and many tears were shed.
And I remember on your shoulder resting my head.

I believe it was this year that my job took to gambling
In a town called New Orleans where the voodoos were rambling.
Alan and April came down there for a while
And Al was convinced of his winning Roulette style.

In this year we started planning for our journey back home.
It was also the year we last visited Rome.
What a good husband you were to change your plans for me
When I wanted a home on the other side of the sea.

Are you having fun on memory lane?
Don’t let your energy wane.
It’s time to shower to get ready for a date.
In the shower cabin your roses will find another mate.
_______________________________________________

Clue #7:

We headed back to the US in 2004
And found a small house on the opposite shore.
Of Savannah River, that is, on Spring Oak Lane
And from that move some good new friends also came.

Our new and old friends were soon to have babies
And instead we opted for a species more prone to rabies.
Kayla arrived much to Baby Girl’s dismay
And you created a home office messy in your usual way.

Then Peter got an offer to get back into rowing
Coaching high school girls where all their emotions are showing.
And just like everyone else Peter meets,
He charmed his way into their hearts and put smiles on their cheeks.

Many changes occurred in this year and we both know they weren’t cheap
Continue this journey with the next clue in the heap.
Of clothes, that is, that you will put on
After your shower when the stinkiness is gone.
________________________________________________

Clue #8:

2005 is the one year I would go back and try more
To prevent another tragedy from knocking at our door.
A mom who was just too sad and couldn’t face another day
Has left an empty place in our heart and changed us in a very big way.

Two moms now affected in our lives thus far
In the golf game of life, that is way over par.
But in these dark times we clung to each other so tightly
And you held a weeping wife in your arms almost nightly.

As time continues to move forward and hurts slowly fade
we've learned that as long as we're together we'll always have it made.
So, we made plans for the future and put down some dough
On a plot of land in Whispering Woods where we planned to go.

You are a little more than halfway there
And I still have more memories to share.
After you are dressed continue your mission
To find the next clue attached to a toy car ignition.
____________________________________________________


Clue #9:

In 2006 we had a little more pain to bear.
A simple mistake and suddenly Baby Girl was no longer there.
But a vacation trip with Christina, Kelly, and Wade
Made things better and it is thought that there a miracle was made.

Some weeks later Amy feels something bizarre
And a home pregnancy test surprises us by far.
A little boy is on the way we must make room
So building plans and tractors start – zoom, zoom, zoom.

But with no time to waste we make a quick decision
And know that building would require time and precision.
Luck is on our side when we pull up to Deerwood Way
And our dream house appears where we plan forever to stay.

A pool with fountains and landscaped yard for kings
A dream kitchen with granite where Amy can cook lots of things.
A master bath for royalty and large TV meant to keep.
But the best was a jungle room for our baby to sleep.

More adventures are to come but you have to hurry.
Amy will be waiting and you don’t want her to worry.
Find the next clue under a table that was kostenlos.
Next to the wall with pictures hung together close.
_____________________________________________________

Clue #10:

My what changes we experienced in 2007.
Having a newborn in the house isn’t always heaven.
In the early hours of a February morning
Cooper came into this world with a cry of warning.

We spent the first few months as new parents just fumbling
And found this miracle of life to be profoundly humbling.
Diapers, ear infections, Laryngomalacia, and croup.
Spit up, car seats, tiny laundry, and green goop.

While Cooper got bigger and in this world made new gains
Lack of sleep and stress caused for our marriage growing pains.
But one thing we were sure of and that was we were blessed beyond miles
How our hearts doubled in size with those tiny, toothy smiles.

And just when we think we’ve got it all figured out
Another of God’s big changes is lurking about.
Peter moves to London for a job promotion
And alone Amy must put a moving plan into motion.

You’re nearing the end, only 2 more to go.
Our story has had ups and downs don’t you know.
But before you give up and your energy is spent,
Look for the next clue in Cooper’s big tent.
________________________________________________


Clue #11:

Things were moving so fast in 2008
Sometimes we wanted to stop and just wait.
But time to pack up all of our things
And head back to Munich for new beginnings.

Amy bid MCG a goodbye fairwell
In order to chase Cooper up and down the stairwell.
Cooper survived with us one entire year
And that he would never learn to walk was our biggest fear.

As our little man learned to get faster and reach much higher
He also became recognized as a frequent flyer.
We’ve traveled to Paris, London, Prague, and the mountains
although we still have a heartache for our old house with the fountains.

All of a sudden it is October, time moves fast.
On a trip to the US Cooper gets some stitches and cast
Also on this trip we get some news that is a treat.
We will become Aunt Amy and Uncle Pete.

It’s not quite over this fun little game.
In 10 years together no year is the same.
The last clue is still yet to be found.
I believe it is underneath a footstool that is round.
_____________________________________________________

Clue #12:

It is still very early in this new year
And at times our future is filled with uncertainty and fear.
But there is one thing this year you should keep in mind,
I forsee a lot of promise for 2009.

There is the promise of clean shirts and underwear and warm dinner
For the man of the house and our bread winner.
The promise of seeing Cooper explore all of mankind
And finally telling us what’s on his mind.

The promise of a beautiful German summer in Isen
And the smell of manure symbolizing a new season.
The promise of friends and family coming to visit us
And the promise of a new nephew over which we will fuss.

The promise of all the new memories to come
And possibly getting ready for a new little one?
The promise that I will always be there for you.
In sickness, health, rich, and poor our love will be true.

God surely has blessed me beyond merit and measure.
An amazing husband and son is for me the best treasure.
I can’t thank you enough for the sacrifices you’ve made.
There is no other person for whose life I would trade.

Who knows what will come in the next year.
But with you by my side, we can perservere.
With every death, detour, move, job and new start,
I promise to love you till death do us part.

I’m glad you journeyed with me through our last 10 years.
Perhaps you’ve had a few laughs and tears.
Come join me for dinner to toast to 10 more
At the Lindum restaurant waits some bubbly you can pour.

There you’ll find the girl who once was your bride
With a great big hug and smile she can’t hide.
Bring her 10 roses for a lovely bouquet
And we will toast and celebrate past and future days.
____________________________________________

I enjoyed a romantic dinner with my sweet, handsome Valentine. I love you, Peter, and am honored to be the one that you chose to share your life with. Looking forward to all the years to come with you.

Snow Day!

On Sunday after Cooper's birthday party. Peter and I decided that we would go to the sledding hill across the field in front of our house. We have had TONS of snow lately, which translates to TONS of shoveling said snow. But it was a gorgeous sunny day so we all bundled up and headed out.



Side note: bundling a 2 year old to go out in the snow is a chore. Here is the list that Cooper wears when we go outside:

1. Long-sleeved Onesie

2. Long john pants

3. Sweatshirt

4. Light zip up jacket

5. Regular pants

6. Snow pants

7. Thick Jacket

8. Scarf

9. Inner gloves

10. Outer gloves

11. Socks

12. Another pair of socks

13. Snow Boots

14. Winter jacket

15. Hat

Kayla gets a jacket as well, and after all that I am lucky to change out of my crocs to some real shoes. There have been days that I didn't even do that. I digress.



So, we headed out and had a great time. I think Kayla enjoyed sledding more than any of us. Cooper loves the snow (unless he falls down in a thick spot and can't get back up on his own). Here's the pics from our wonderful afternoon. And I don't want to hear a single comment from any of you hillbillies in Augusta wearing your flip flops and t-shirts and basking in the warm sun. Save it for somebody who won't be completely jealous and might have to hunt you down and hurt you real bad. That is what weeks on end of freezing temps and snow can do to a Georgia girl.

Turning 2

Cooper turned 2 last week and we had a birthday party on Saturday. Our neighbors came with their 3 little boys aged between 2 and 6. Some American friends of ours came with their 2 beautiful girls aged 3 and 5. It was a great time, and we had lots of yummy cake and fun play time. Cooper got a plasma car (after seeing my friend Mandy riding one, I couldn't resist), and all the kids thought that was really cool. Cooper liked it, but nothing beats the tractor that he got for Christmas. Well, that and the salad spinner. Yes, the salad spinner has become the toy of choice now that our little man has turned 2. He is no longer amused with the trite toys that other 2 year olds play with. Cooper knows where the salad spinner is kept, how to access it, and let me tell you, that boy can spin that spinner like no other 2 year old. And the best is that most of the time, he returns it to its drawer in the kitchen when he is done . . . unless he decides to take it upstairs to the living room.

I mentioned last post that Cooper likes to put things away, sometimes where they don't belong. We had a little mystery in our house in the last couple of weeks. Seems that somehow the little rod that feeds through the toilet paper rolls to hold it on the wall was missing. And seeing as how no besides me seems to have the ability to take off the empty cardboard roll and replace it with a new one, I honestly thought that I had somehow lost the thing. Luckily, my fears were relieved when Peter found the rod . . . in his wardrobe. Apparently if you are Cooper, the wardrobe is a perfectly logical place to store toilet paper rods.

This picture cracks me up. This is Peter's son for sure!

Cooper Can Do

I know that I haven't been the best blogger and I'm about to tell you why. Well, at least each half of the reason why. The first and foremost half is that I am lazy and a skilled procrastinator. Self proclaimed. The second half is that quite frankly, it is hard to blog about what isn't happening. You may have picked up on some of my little jokes about Cooper's development or, at times, lack thereof. While I make no bones about the fact that Cooper is quite possibly the happiest, most loving, and most adorable little guy on this planet, it is a little harder to own up that your child is . . . let's just say it . . . behind. It's something that Peter and I have watched very closely from the beginning, sometimes a little too obsessively. Now that there are books that track milestones by days, weeks, and months parents have become competitive and often base their self-worth in parenting on whether their child smiles, turns over, crawls, walks and talks before the other babies. While Peter and I have watched our friends kids move forward in giant leaps, we find ourselves making excuses and yes, occasionally stretching the truth, about Cooper's progress. And as for the mother guilt (and every mother knows exactly what I am talking about) - we won't even go there.

So moving on - Peter and I have talked to our pediatricians both in the US and here about our concerns. Our pediatrician here noted our worries and said that at Cooper's 2 year check-up he would closely examine Cooper's development and see what if anything needed to be done. Now, I am putting aside for a moment my absolute disbelief that my little munchkin is nearly 2!!!!! We'll cover that next week. At this 2 year check-up appointment they ask all sorts of questions - Can he dress himself? Can he say at least 20 words? Can he say small phrases of 3-4 words together? Can he point to parts of the body and name them? Can he stand on one foot? Can he follow short commands without hand gestures? - No, No, No, No, No, No. The verdict - definitely behind. The doctor told us that we would go through a small battery of hearing and eye tests, which both turned out fine as I expected. Then we are to go to what is called a Fruehfoerderstelle (that's a long word) which is a therapy center that does speech therapy and works on motor development and occupational therapy for kids. We had our first appointment on Tuesday where the therapist talked with Peter and I about what we see at home while Cooper played around us. Next week she will attempt to perform some diagnostic tests, but was honest to tell us that she wasn't sure that he was even ready for those, and if that is the case therapy would have to wait. I am happy to finally have some action on what we have known has been an issue for quite some time and hope that we won't have to wait any longer to start working on it and getting some help.

It is hard sometimes not to focus on what all Cooper DOESN'T do as opposed to what he DOES do. But he sure does make me smile every time I look at him. He is still the happy and healthy guy that he always is. He has learned a few new things which we are always excited about, but in the back of our minds we always have the feeling that it isn't what it should be. At 2 years, I still have never heard mama or mommy except by accident. I so can't wait for the day that he looks at me and calls "mommy".

So, in my attempt to focus for now on what he CAN do, I have created the following list entitled:

Cooper CAN DO!

1. When changing Cooper's diaper I can give him a wipe and he will attempt to wipe himself and then try to put on his own diaper.

2. He knows what a plug is and often tries to put the plug in the outlet (a slightly dangerous skill, but shows comprehension!).

3. He likes to crawl under our bed and turn off the power surge protector which means that we have to crawl under the bed each night and turn it back on to be able to use the lamps and then reset the clock . . . every night.

4. Cooper opens and closes every cabinet, door, and drawer imaginable. Even those that other kids would never notice such as pocket doors. This includes the refrigerator door.

5. And while we are on this topic, he loves to close all the doors to our wardrobe as well as his in his room. He has learned to recognize that when the door won't close something is in the way and then he moves it.

6. He also likes to put things away so that things are "in their place". His place may not coincide with our place, so our sock drawer currently holds a big red wrench, his toothpaste, the key to my jewelry box (which he locked himself), and his little snugly blanket.

7. He can climb stairs with expertise (which is a necessary skill in a house with 45 steps total).

8. He loves the vacuum cleaner and knows how to open the hatch to access the attachments.

9. He loves to climb and can get in pretty much any chair or sofa on his own. He even knows what a rocking chair is, and likes to rock himself.

10. My little man knows how to work his CD player in his room. He can turn it on, press play, skip between songs, and turn the volume up.

11. When I say, "time to brush your teeth", he climbs on his little step stool at the sink and lets me brush his teeth and then knows that afterwards it is his turn to brush his own teeth. When I am not looking, he sometimes grabs our electric toothbrush.

12. At the moment he wants to eat most things off a fork. He hasn't learned to jab his own food with accuracy yet, but he tries. He can hold the fork himself and bite the food off.

13. Cooper likes to play with those little rings that slide over a post. His is wooden and the holes on the rings are really small, so you have to get it just right. He is really good at this.

14. For a while now, Cooper checks his own temperature with the electric ear thermometer. He turns it on and sticks it in his ear. After the beep, he takes it out and looks at the display.

15. Since we went to the ear doctor 2 weeks ago for a hearing test (which he screamed through), he gives himself hearing tests at home as well. If he finds a certain computer cable of Peter's (which always seem to be laying around our house) which looks a little like the ear probe at the doctor's, he sits still and puts it in his ear, then waits a few seconds and takes it out.

16. He can instantly locate the Pringles potato chip can or the bag of gummy bears or the M&M's from the pantry. I have NO idea where he learned this, but it CERTAINLY was NOT from me!

17. He has learned to unzip his pajamas.

18. When I get him out of bed in the morning (always smiling of course), he puts his arms around my neck and gives me the tightest hug.

19. My new personal favorite: He has learned to give a kiss on the lips.

That is all for now. And in case you had any doubts about who the cutest little boy in the world is, let me just remind you.