Gwen and Baby Clare arrived last night! It’s been a great visit and so much fun to have folks from home. Will is doing great in his new role as “child” — not “the baby”. Although he seemed to be a little surprised that she wasn’t able to play ball with him or go for a walk, it didn’t take long for him to get over those initial impressions. Now he is doing his best to help out, including offering to carry the stroller up the stairs (he tries to pick up the front the way that we do), holding Baby Clare, handing us her diapers, announcing that she may or may not have a “poo-poo”, and even offering to help Gwen with her breast pump. The best Will moments with Clare: he lightly tickles her belly and says “tickle tickle tickle” and gives her big hugs and kisses. We’ll get on the picture-wagon here soon and start posting some of these truly precious moments.
I had a day off today. Gwen, Clare and I went exploring this morning and had lunch in one of the little cafes in the neighborhood. We all crashed this afternoon (very late night last night — they arrived at the house after 1am — and early morning with the kids). Later in the afternoon, three of us went out again to the grocery store (getting low on wipes) and stopped for a churrilo (I may be remembering the name of this sweet incorrectly) and cappucinos. I answered some emails, read a chapter or two in one of my academic books, but generally hung out. It was good and I frankly am needing a break.
Valerie and I met yesterday (she leaves for Africa this coming weekend) and I am getting so much closer to having a viable prospectus. I feel very good about the trip so far. In fact, I feel that I’ve already reached my goals with the trip (developing research questions and a potentail study design) and am now able to spend time fleshing them out while still here. I hope I can continue to be this productive once we are back in the States. If so, then I really may be able to defend the prospectus before the baby is born.
Tomorrow Gwen and Clare are joining me for breakfast with a nun from the U.S. who works with a variety of health-related missions. I’m trying to network with some faith-based organizations and am starting with her. We are breakfast-ing with another expat and it should be an interesting and fun morning. I have spanish class in the afternoon and have to get back to the grindstone… finishing up translating and prepping questions for a taperecorded interview I’m doing Thursday with a local hospital violence social worker. Friday, I’m meeting with Valerie but have the rest of the day open to spend with Gwen and Clare.
