Back in the Swing of Things

Sorry for the delayed post and I apologize for its briefness in advance.  We are back on our feet in Saudi.  Aden ended up having a rough time of things until a few nights ago.  I tried explaining jet lag to him, but he just blew spit bubbles at me.  Someday he'll learn.

Speaking of Aden, he is becoming quite the water baby.  We took him swimming last week and he seemed to somewhat enjoy himself.  I even dunked him under the water for a split second.  He was a bit shocked, but didn't choke or cry.  I'd call that a success.  He even started kicking in the bathtub last night.  That adds a whole new dynamic to cleaning between his toes.

As for Tara and I, we had standardized testing at school this week for grades eight and ten in the mornings.  Since the morning classes are multi grade level we canceled them and alternated administering tests and taking the grade seven and nine kids to our compound to play tennis and go swimming.  We are also winding down on our fourth masters class with one more to go this year.  In our spare time we have started to plan our trip to Scotland at the beginning of this summer.  The only thing decided for certain is that our one week won't be enough time and we'll have to go back.

That's all for now.

 All that baby fat really makes Aden float well.

Uncle Billy spending some time with Aden while we were back in WI. 

Brad and Katie hanging out with Aden.  Brad, you totally wrecked my candid shot by the way.

We saw labels like this on all the tobacco products in the Frankfurt airport.  Makes our Surgeon General's warning seem pretty insignificant.

Sad To Leave, But Good To Be Back

We made it back to Saudi safely and fairly easily.  Aden required a little more attention and a few more outfits than on the way to Wisconsin, but he did pretty well.  He even slept through the night last night.  He must have been exhausted from the traveling because it is currently 4 am and he and I are both up.

I (Jamie) was a little nervous to come back because I wasn't sure I would be ready too and thought I might regret signing another contract, but it felt good to be back.  After being here for almost two years it felt like we were coming home.

We want to thank everyone for making our trip so much fun and for loving on our little boy.  We were so glad to see everyone and share Aden with you.  It is nice to share pictures, but another thing to let people see and hold him and watch him smile.  If we didn't get to see you this time, we hope to this summer.  And if you didn't see Aden smile this trip, hopefully he will be in a better mood for you this summer.  His little smile is pretty amazing.  Tara already says he can get whatever he wants from her with that smile, we'll have to work on that before he starts talking and asking for things.

Enjoy the pictures.

See what I mean about that smile? 

A picture of the whole family 

 Aden with Great Grandma Gloria

 Grandpa Brian enjoying every minute with the little guy.

Great Grandpa and Grandma Gillaspie

Grandma Wendy having some cuddle time.

Wisconsin!

We made it!  Last Thursday we flew into Chicago safe and sound.  The flights were uneventful and Aden did a fantastic job.  In fact, a few people commented that they didn't even know he was on board.  Go Aden!  We're hoping for the same success on the way home. 

We've been in the Midwest now for a week and everyone is finally back on schedule for sleeping (mostly).  Aden still has trouble sleeping for 8 hours like he did in Saudi, but we'll take 6 or 7 which he is doing consistently.  Visiting friends and family has been wonderful this past week!  It has been so nice to see familiar faces that we haven't seen for awhile and catch up.  There are still many more people to see in our last few days here as well.

Culture shock is something we have to deal with each time we travel.  It has become less of a shock now and more of a "watch you wallet" feeling.  We get really excited about stores and restaurants that we don't have in Saudi.  For example, I'll never take Target and Wal-mart for granted again.  To be able to go to one store and get everything on your list is amazing.  Amazon is my new best friend.  I love putting together orders while we are in Saudi and having it be in Wisconsin when we get here.  It's like Christmas all over again. 

Here are some pictures of our adventures thus far!

First plane ride!

 Becca, Katie, and I with our boys

 Snow!

 Spending time with Steve and Mere

 Bundled up for the REI scratch and dent sale

 

4 generations!

Auntie Annie

On our way....

We probably won't be able to blog on Friday like we normally do, so I decided to do a quick post today.  Plus, yesterday an exciting thing happened..... we got Aden's passport with his visa!  Granted our Government Relations Office took 3 weeks to do it and it came days before we leave, but we have it!  Tomorrow night we will be heading to the airport for a very long trip and Aden's first airplane ride (of many).  We are really looking forward to seeing friends and family and hopefully having some relaxation time.  Here are some pictures to tide you over until we get to the States.

Tara

A real working dad

 Family time at the school's Spring Spectacular.  Kids paid to throw 

a wet sponge at Jamie's face.

Aden's ultrasound appointment

Homeward Bound

We are down to our last week of school before coming home for what is looking like to short a visit.  We are leaving Wednesday night/early Thursday morning.  Thankfully, we booked our plane tickets out of Dammam, Saudi Arabia, instead of Bahrain like we usually do so we will avoid potential transportation issues.  The only detail we are still waiting on is Aden's visa so he can come in and out of Saudi.  We gave our Government Relations office 4 1/2 weeks to get the paperwork done.  They say we will have it, but making us wait until the last minute is not appreciated.  Anyways, as long as we are able to get on the plane and know we can all come back we will be happy.

In other news, some of you know Aden went in for an ultrasound on his clicky hip (very Gillaspie of him). Our doctor wanted to rule out hip dysplasia.  The technician said everything looked good!  Our doctor has to look at it still, but it looks like we have nothing to worry about, and even if we did, it is a pretty simple fix this young.

Also, Tara survived her first week of school.  It was actually only four days because the king declared a random holiday for her first day back.   It is still unclear if he had Tara in mind when he made the holiday, but it was appreciated nonetheless.

We're hoping to see many of you very soon!  Until then, enjoy some more pictures.

Aden with Auntie Laura and Uncky B

Notice the heal of the socks.  These are 6 month socks we bought only to find out were already to small.

Our garden in full bloom.  I hope we have a decent amount veggies to harvest before it gets too hot.

The first potato harvest!  They're small, but thankfully some plants are still growing.

Hi ho, hi ho, it's off to work I go

Tomorrow is officially my first day back to school.  After about 3 months off for Christmas break and maternity leave, I am finding it a bit more difficult than I expected to get back into the swing of things.  Jamie and I spent 4 hours at school this weekend so that I could be ready for tomorrow.  I should have been able to prep for the whole week (or at least half) during that time, but I'm literally only ready for my first day back.  The nice thing is that we had a practice day on Wednesday.  Aden and I went into school with Jamie so I could get some putzy stuff done and say hello to people.  Aden practiced being in the creche (this is the British term for nursery).  He did really well and even took a 3 1/2 hour nap!  The ladies there are so loving, it will just take some time for them to get used to his schedule.  I think it's more an adjustment for me.  I've been with Aden all day since the day he was born and it will be weird not having him within arms reach.  It will just have to be something I get used to.  Luckily we only have 2 weeks of school and then 2 weeks off for spring break to recuperate again.  

Tara

 

 Kamilla couldn't quite figure out how to catch Aden's hand.  It was too cute!

Whaz up?

We can't help but laugh a bit when he makes this face.

Check out my pecs!

Favorite way to sleep... butt up

 

Pics and a video

 

Sleepy-head

 

Funny faces

 

Smiles!

 

 Smiling at Mama