Tired....

So, so tired! It's Friday tomorrow. Hooray. Yes, every day feels like the weekend now, but my mind still finds a way to race its way away at night. We were worried Samara had this horrific stomach bug today, but she was only sick twice and her spirits are crazy high. No dairy, well, really no food all day, so we're hoping for a clean run tonight. Clean... yes. Cause doesn't that smell of baby's sick just linger on? A few weeks ago, we were all so sick, it was horrendous. It feels like we are just finally all better again, so today was a bit of a blow, leading to my crazy tiredness tonight, but if you could see Sammy, you'd never know a thing, nor that she was run over by Finny today at her little school. She's amazing, that girl. Talking up a storm now, and way more animated than I'll ever be, she keeps us on our toes and in hysterics...a lot. 8:16pm now. Zzzzzz....

De Vuelta A Casa

It has taken a full week to get out of the communist bubble and find my way back. I'm in the middle of documenting our trip for the Boston Globe and local papers, so I won't write much here, except that this was our greatest group of kids yet! We just adored them, and sharing Cuba with them. Cuba, itself, hasn't changed. Oh the wonder and sadness of that. Here are a few of our group shots from the trip. We weren't allowed to photography any of our humanitarian efforts for various reasons, but safe to say, these kids changed those whose lives they touched, just as they too were changed. It seems like a dream now, but the pictures mean it was real. Viva Cuba Libre!

Cuba's Call

We are off at the crack of dawn tomorrow. Thank goodness the blizzard is arriving mid-morning. For some blessings and allowances, we can only say... WOW! For other things, we grow strong and more capable than we ever dreamed. Samara is better now, thank goodness, but her ears started running (think toddler nose running) on Sunday and she now has ear infections. Poor little thing. We spent all of yesterday afternoon at the doctor's office. Tonight is our last one with her before 5 days apart. Having never had a single night away, the thought of that seems quite overwhelming right now. My dear parents will watch her as we embark on this incredible journey with these terrific students of mine. I came down with a sinus infection myself last night, and feel quite rotten, but have a doctor's appointment at 4:30pm today. A non-OB doctor's appt. When on Earth did I last have one of those? (What's wrong with these last days of preparation?). I have faith that somehow, these months and months of endless calls and forms and plans will all come together, we will be watched over on our journey and in a little more than a few deep breaths, we will all be home together, I will just be Samara's Mummy, a hardworking, quiet type who happens to be 6 months pregnant and could really, really do with a couple hours of sleep, but will be every so glad to see the back of this winter and the dawning of the sun on our tired little faces. Cuban sun, oh, that will be majestic, too, but this is far from a holiday. We are taking 11 cases of medical supplies and goods to distribute while there and the excitement and depth within the hearts of the 9 kids we are taking makes it all far more than worthwhile in the end. Wish us well, please, please. It is not an easy trip, and Lord knows, I'm leaving half of my own heart behind. If you see my little one, give her a huggle from me. Hasta la vista...

a birth story

If you want to be moved and tugged, to smile and weep as only mothers can, here is a birth story to read today. God bless baby Nella and all the love she has brought into this world already...

http://enjoyingthesmallthings.blogspot.com/2010/01/nella-cordelia-birth-story.html?commentPage=2