So What HAVE We Been Up To?

Looking back it seems we haven't written much about our goings-on since our trip to Paris well over a month ago! Sorry about that...sometimes life gets in the way of keeping up a blog about life. heh heh

So, starting from our current position and moving backwards:

Ella is healthy and happy and seems to be enjoying skolka. She is "really learning not to hit Mattias" and "really trying to listen to Mommy." (Ella's words)

She has a new hairstyle. While in a "time-out" for both hitting Mattias and not listening to Mommy, she managed to cut her bangs! (Or her fringe, if you're a Brit/Aussie.) Luckily she did a pretty good job and I (Mommy) just had to even them out for her. It looks pretty cute, but we're trying not to tell her that too much as we don't want to condone cutting her own hair....particularly while in a "time-out"!

I ran the Prague Half-Marathon on Saturday. It's the first race I've run as a momma. I ran it with a fellow momma friend...actually, I knew 6 moms running, including myself, and we all finished between 2:00 and 2:15. Very proud of us! (I was 2:05.) I managed to do this thanks to lots of support from Jeff and friends. Thank you! Jeff and the kids saw me in the last 500m, which was great - just the boost I needed to get across the finish line!

After the race, a few of us went out to celebrate at a child-friendly restaurant. There we realized that Mattias had a high fever. The fever continued until Tuesday morning (as high as 40.5C/105F!) when he developed a rash over his body. This has resulted in the self-diagnosis of roseola or sixth disease. It's just a virus. Now that he is done with the fever part and moved on to the rash part, he's a lot happier and we're finally getting some sleep. Funny thing! Jeff took him to the doctor Monday (before the rash developed) and the doctor said it was just his teeth!

The reason that Jeff took him to the doctor and not I, is that although my legs seem to be fine after the big race, my neck/shoulder/back has seized up on me. I think it was tense from the race and then with Mattias sick, I've had to hold him lots. Went for a massage last night and hoping it will start feeling better tomorrow.

I've also been holding Mattias more than usual because he slipped on some water after our party (see next paragraph) and hurt his ankle. Nothing broken but he couldn't walk for a week. Then as he was finally getting around alright, he slipped and hurt it again. He's had a bit of a rough time of it! But he remains overall a very happy little man...he loves saying "hi!" to people, blowing kisses, making fart noises, and laughing at Ella's antics.

We hosted our 2nd Annual St. Patrick's Day Pot of Gold Potluck on Sunday, March 15.
A total of about 35 people came, but not all at the same time. It was a real international event! It was lots of fun, if a little chaotic. Prizes were given for best main course and best dessert. And we also had a raffle for those wearing green with one child winner and one adult winner. The biggest hit amongst the kiddies was definitely Jeff, the temp tattoo artist!

A way back in February, we also celebrated Masopust.
This is like Carnivale...a frolicking good time before everyone has to behave during lent. Even though the Czechs are not a very religious bunch, they see no reason not to enjoy the "frolicking good time". We visited Jeff's co-worker friend, Franta, and his family, in the little village of Berunice. It felt good to get out of the city - saw tons of rabbits and deer during our train ride to their village. The celebration consisted of villagers wearing costumes and making their own parade complete with brass band and a "paddy wagon".

The parade went through the village, stopping frequently as it was required that we knock on the door of every villager! Those not in costume were thrown in the paddy wagon and had to do a shot...or they could come out of their house with a bottle and share shots with those in charge. It was a hoot! Ella absolutely loved it...when we had done half of the village and were moving to the other side, the rest of us were ready to head back to Franta's. But Ella was adamant that we must follow the parade! Really, words cannot adequately describe it.

Let's see...other news...we've been continuing to help out with the monthly storytellings. Jeff read at one to rave reviews! I'm starting to study Czech again this week. I'm going to try a classroom setting and see how it goes. Jeff's been busy at work - there's been some reorganizing going on. And he's also busy at home - spending time with the kids, helping me, and also dealing with taxes, working visas, and studying for his Czech driving license.

Hope this finds you all healthy and happy!

Maylia