Howdy Ya'll

Cinnamon rolls, bacon sandwich, peppermint patties, jelly bellies, Twinkies, Ding Dongs, meatloaf, Olive Garden, Kraft cheese slices, Mrs Baird's bread (yes, Stacy you were right!), Miracle Whip, olive loaf, Dippin Dots ice cream, rainbow sherbet... that's what we've done so far.

It's been a great trip already. Toby is at that age where he's suddenly so aware of everything and remembers details from our last trip. Before now it was new everytime but he's old enough to build up a continuity and has jumped right in to life at Papa and Nana's. Rosie made herself at home as soon as we arrived and they've both been having lots of fun.

We've had a few ups and downs. Today J, Mom, Toby, Rosie and I went into Beaumont for the day to get J's hair cut, do some shopping, see Jon and go out for lunch. It was all going well until we got to the Olive Garden and Rosie threw up. I think it's just the change in her food and water and her tummy is getting used to it all. The American food is richer than what's she used to as well. We were all sitting at the table and I noticed Rosie start to gag. I instinctively put my hands out and she threw up right into my cupped palms. I was sitting there with two hands full of vomit. J had been in the loo and he came running over and whisked Rosie off to the loo to clean her up while Mom gathered napkins and we cleaned up the mess. Afterwards Mom said "I forgot what it was like going out with children. From this side of the table it's pretty funny."

The incident used up all of my baby wipes but I wasn't too worried. I thought I could get some more when we went to the mall. A few hours later we were at the mall, Rosie had diarrhea and not a single shop sold nappy wipes. Mom had bought Rosie a new outfit and we were planning to change her into it because she still had some vomit stains on her clothes. When we found a baby changing area I had to remove Rosie's dirty trousers, wet them in the sink and use them to clean her bottom. Not ideal but the wet toilet paper was useless and the paper towels were too rough on her little bottom. While all of this was going on Toby decided he needed to poo too and was sitting in a stall shouting 'Mommy, I'm finished!" Once we redressed Rosie in her new clothes, sealed the dirty ones in a plastic bag and wiped Toby's bottom things calmed down. Thank goodness Mom was there. J had gone off to buy some new trainers and I think my head would've exploded if I had been on my own.

I also heard a very funny family story for the first time today. I think it's a good example of my parents' relationship. When Mom gave birth to me Dad was in the waiting room, as was the custom in those days. After I was born they asked Dad to come in to see me and Mom. Mom was still on the table with her knees up and a bright light shining down between her legs. As Dad walked into the room he shouted, "Linda, your butt's on fire!" Mom said she was in no mood to laugh but she couldn't help herself.

Everyone send positive vibes out towards San Diego tonight. Nikki's first show as a set designer opens in about an hour. I can't wait to see the photos of her set. It sounds very dramatic. I'm sure it'll all go well but it's a big night. Good luck Nikki!