Officially Dominicans

Well, we've survived our first week of officially being Dominicans. (maybe that was a little dramatic, it wasn't that bad) We left the house last Monday at 4:15am. A shuttle from the airport came to pick us up since we had so much stuff. We had 6 large duffle bags, 2 carry ons, a diaper bag, 2 car seats and 2 kids. While standing in line to check bags, I realized my shirt was a little wet, Grayson peed through his diaper and since I was holding him, it went through to my shirt. Luckily, I had a onesie in my diaper bag so I changed him, but before we even got through the gate I had already used up his spare outfit. I put Reagan in a diaper just because I didn't want to have to worry about rushing to restrooms or her not liking the airplane restroom. (she did great, used the restroom on the airplane twice, no worries or accidents)

Our flight left at 7:45am and by the time we landed in Miami, caught our connecting flight to the Domician we landed around 3pm. The kids did great on the plane, I didn't even get out Reagan's DVD player. Thanks to Honey and her "plane package" and a few things I had brought, she was good to go. Grayson was fussy a few times, he just wanted to sleep, so Darrin would walk around with him for a bit and he would knock out. There were no delays, no problems, no lost luggage, just a smooth flight until we arrived and it was pouring down rain.

Darrin has a driver he's been using to get things set up, so he was there waiting on us once we arrived. We all loaded up, and we're on our way to our new home. I think it was on the way here that it finally sat in that we we're moving. We had talked about it for sometime, prepared as much as we could, we were anxious because we were ready to be together again, knew the time had come, but it wasn't until, then did it actually set in. We were moving.

We got to the house and immediately I loved it. I really do. Darrin worked so hard for 6 weeks finding the perfect place to live and he did great. I know he wanted us to be happy and he really stressed about where to live, and I do love it. We are not completely done setting up, most of the necessities are here, we just have things here and there we need to get. It's hard not to want to completely decorate and add accessories because we will be here for 3 years. But I have to remember, once we leave here we will be packing up only our 6 duffle bags and flying back. Once everything is a little more set up I will take some pictures of our new place, but I do love it think it is perfect.

I would be lying if I made it seem like everything is perfect. I try to be as honest as I can on my blog because my life is not perfect, nor do I want it to seem that way. My blog is not private, so I do watch some things that I write about, but for the most part I am very real. I want to also remember the tough/sad/difficult times when I look back on my blog and not just all the happy/exciting/fun things. So with that being said, this has been a little bit of a rough week.

I know I am in an adjusting phase, and it will take some time, but adjusting is hard. Especially with 2 kids. I was worried about Reagan, but she has been great. Grayson of course, great. I guess I am the one who has taken it the hardest. I'm really not sure why, other than being a little overwhelmed. You just forget how easily little things are taken for granted and when they are gone, you realize. (I know there is some sort of corny line for that, but it's true) For example, grocery stores. We have been to 2 different grocery stores. One was ok, not bad. And the other was great, it's called Pricemart and is a lot like a Sams. Big bulk American stuff. We have also been to 2 parks, one is where they will eventually go to school. They start taking them at 9 months, so Grayson will go right away. Reagan I am thinking around January, not really sure. Most of the kids her age the speak Spanish, I want her to get a little more comfortable being here. I know it will be good for her, I am just being cautious since it will be her first time in a school and away from me.

Once I am better aquatinted with the city and more familiar with places things will be totally different. Once we get a new routine and adjusted to this new lifestyle, this will become our new normal. I am wondering if I will ever drive. They drive crazy! Honk non stop, don't follow traffic signs, don't pay attention to lanes, if there is room for their car to fit, they go. Like bumpers cars, or chicken. If you have the guts, you go.

We do have a live in nanny, Maria, that stays with us Monday-Friday. She is wonderful. She helps out with Grayson, cleans and cooks. The first couple of meals she made were great, however the last few haven't been very good. I'm a pretty picky eater, so I have taken over the cooking. I'm sure as time goes by we will take turns, but I could not take another bad meal!

I think that about sums up our first week! Great flight, great house, love Maria, the city will take some time, the adjusting to being away will take some time, the driving is crazy, we found a good grocery store and most important, we are all together. Here are some pictures I have taken over the past week. Excuse any cords, luggage, or mess that may be in the background, we are still a work in progress.

Upstairs we have a jacuzzi and a play room. We plan on adding more to this room, nothing up there just yet.

But for now she just enjoys playing with the water hose and in the "swimming pool."

Grayson turned 4 months on the 10th, and the day after I found him in his bed like this. He rolled over for the first time, I think he was a little unsure about it!

Since then we have been doing lots of tummy time to see if I can get him to do it again. I haven't seen him roll over yet, he has only done it a few times in his sleep.

Reagan's pouty face.

We do lots of jumping.

Of course when Daddy gets home the fun begins.

Right now her favorite place to sit is on the stairs. Anytime she is playing alone (which is rare) she is sitting on the stairs just talking away to one of her toys.

We have to our country music, not sure how much spanish I can take. So we hooked up our ipad to the t.v. and play 99.5 through the t.v. Reagan loves to sing and dance to her music!

One of our views. I should have taken it when there was more traffic so you could see all the craziness, but if you look closely you can see a little bit at the intersection.

Outside on our patio.

I haven't felt comfortable enough yet to say, "smile, Maria let me take your picture." So I just took a few while she wasn't looking. Like I said, Grayson loves her already and so do I.

Reagan learned her first word in spanish, brinca. Maria is always saying to Grayson, "brinca, brinca, brinca," which means jump. The other day I heard Reagan telling Goofy, "brinca, brinca, brinca." She looked at me and said, "that means jump, he's jumping."

Grayson loves taking a bath! I love watching him and Darrin, during their time, you can tell they both enjoy it.

Here's to another week! Maybe we'll go to the beach or see some water this weekend!