I love .....

Most people who write to me and ask about Jasmin will spell her name wrong, so an explanation is in order. Jasmin is named after the flower Jasmine. In Portuguese the name Jasmine is pronounced JAZ-MIN-I. Both Andre and I did not want her to be called JAZ-MIN-I so we have purposely taken off the E from Jasmine. Now her name sounds the same in both Portuguese and English.

Jasmin is growing so fast, at her 3 month check up she weighed 6.1 kilos and was 62 cm. Jasmin has taken after my side of the family with her looks, she is a mini Steven. However I can see little bits of personality now and then and she is so much like Andre and his sister Jerusa. I am still only breast feeding Jasmin, a great perk about breast feeding full time is you don't get a period apart from the one after birth. That was a long one, 5 weeks. 5 weeks of wearing pads, I had the worst chafe of my life. I love you Hipoglos cream.

Jasmin has discovered she has hands and is getting very good at her hand to mouth co-ordination, everything see touches goes in her mouth. Jasmin loves to be held and cuddled and my arm's are always sore because she is getting so heavy. Watching her make new discoveries every day is a joy and babies learn fast. She loves to sit even though she is unable to by herself yet. Mum told me I was walking at nine months, I reckon Jasmin will be the same.

I love the smell of Jasmin's breath, it smells like sweet milk.

I love her fine fluffy hair.

I love her grey eyes and long eye lashes.

I love her gummy smile.

I love when she pouts her bottom lip.

I love when she pokes her tongue out at me.

I love how she likes to chew everything she touches.

I love her chunky cheeks.

I love her button nose.

I love her double chin.

I love when she gurgles at me.

I love when she screams and scares herself.

I love when she sneezes and farts at the same time.

I love to hear her try to talk to me.

I love when she talks to her owl mobile above her cot.

I love when she talks to her Winnie the Pooh blanket.

I still love to watch her sleep.

I love the faces she pulls when she is sleeping and dreaming.

I love her cute little belly button.

I love her chubby arms and legs, they have so many creases in them.

I love the dimples on her knuckles because her hands are so chubby.

I love when she tries to do sit ups.

I love her dimpled bottom.

I love her loud, smelly farts.

I love when she’s hungry, it’s life or death if she doesn’t get a boob straight away.

I love watching Jasmin feed from my breast.

I love it when Jasmin is drunk from my milk.

I love how every morning when she wakes up and sees me she smiles.

I love when she gets angry, her eye brows go red and she looks so cute.

I love watching her shower with Andre.

I love to watch her play with her baby gym.

I love watching Andre play with Jasmin.

I love every thing about her and then I love her some more.

Having Jasmin in my life has opened my eyes so much and made me a more patient person, Babies are so forgiving, makes me wish grown ups were as forgiving. Jasmin has taught me not to be so serious and have fun, pull faces, dance and sing, I do all sorts of silly things to entertain her and it doesn’t matter where I am. It's very hard work being a mother but I'm loving it. Andre will be celebrating his first Daddy Day tomorrow and I know he is so proud of our little princess just as I am.

World cup fever

World cup fever had swept across Brazil, their crazy for football (can’t call it soccer here, they look at you strange). I cannot believe work, schools, shops, everything closes to a stand still when Brazil played. When ever Brazil scored a goal the sky erupts with noisy fire works that scared the hell out of me, I especially didn’t like it when it was an early game 10:30 am. Very rude awakening. I think the whole country is watching the game, I’m not a big fan of watching sport on television (much rather play) but tried to watch a few games here and there. In the beginning I told everyone Australia will win the world cup, they just laughs at me. I don’t know what’s so funny about that! How cool was Octopus Paul!

The weather here in Rondonopolis is a predictable sunny 33 degrees every day. It’s the dry season and I have not seen rain for 3 months. Although we had a couple of weeks where it felt like a Melbourne winter. I was not prepared for the cold and only have one pair of tracky pants and one jumper. You can imagine how I smelt after a whole week of wearing the same clothes. I have been spoilt by this heat and I will be a big wimp when I return to a wintery Melbourne. In the dry season the nights are a cooler but the day is still to unbelievably hot to do anything outside. I don’t know how anyone works in this heat, so glad my job is looking after Jasmin.

I have been in Brazil for 9 months and got no where with the Portuguese language. Everyone in the family talk way to fast for me to try and understand and Andre’s step sister Luciene felt sorry for me not being able to communicate. She is a teacher for little 4 to 5 year olds and is teaching me Portuguese after hours and in return I am teaching her English. I have completed my alphabetization and slowly getting in to phrases. I enjoy my time with Luciene, it gets me out of the house and she is has such a big heart. Luciene is not a blood sister, she was adopted by Andre’s parents when she was fifteen.

Brazilians are very religious, 70% are catholics and every year in June and July they celebrate all the saints. They do this by throwing big country parties with traditional food, clothing and dancing. I went to a couple and the were very colorful events, loads of fire works and flags. The girls would wear short little dresses similar to Jasmin’s in all different colors and the men would dress up like farmers with patches on their shirts and pants. The food is fabulous as always and my favorite drink had to be the hot spiced wine, nothing quite like hot wine to warm you up on a cool night. Brazilians sure know how to party.

MOSQUITOES. No matter were you are in the world there is nothing more annoying then mosquitoes, here in Rondonopolis they come in the millions. I must admit I am grateful that it is the dry season, dengue mosquitoes are not out in high numbers as they are in the wet season. One thing that really annoys me about the mosquitoes here is they are silent unlike the ones I have encountered in Australia. The Australian mossies give you a warning that they are coming so you can prepare for battle. The Brazilian mossies are silent and sometimes deadly, you don’t even know you have been bitten until it’s to late.

I am the mossie assassin, I cannot sleep until every mossy in my room is dead. Andre thinks I look like a crazy person when I am hunting for mossies. I pull my bandana tight around my head like Rambo does, I arm myself with a pillow/towel what ever is near by (I stopped slapping walls with my hands a while back because I kept hurting myself) and I start running, chasing the mossies. Sometimes I get lucky and sneak up on them and POW, one deadly swipe with a pillow and his a gonner. I always try to use Andre’s pillows because I hate getting blood all over my pillows. I have lost count of the number of kills, maybe around 1,000 by now. If I were a Buddhist, I would be in for so much bad Karma.

2 month in and loving it

Having a baby has turned my life upside down but I cannot imagine my life without Jasmin. So many changes to the way I look at life, my relationship with my husband and my body. All for the better of course. Jasmin is completely dependent on Andre and I (more so me as all she eats is my milk) and this is a big responsibility. We need to make sure she is clean, warm, dry, fed and comfort her when she has colic/gas.

Jasmin never took to bathing and when we tried it was a nightmare, she would cry so much that she stopped breathing and turned purple. There was a stage after she was born where she did not wash her for 3 weeks (don’t worry we used wet wipes to clean her during this time). I suggested to Andre we try wash her in the shower and she loved it. The running warm water relaxes her so much that she ends up falling asleep before Andre finish washing her.

Keeping Jasmin warm and dry is easy just check her nappy from time to time. When Jasmin does a big bara boom, an explosion erupts in her nappy and gets very hot. As soon as we hear this explosion we have to rush her to her change mat, Andre and I have many times been victims of the aftermath. This is no fun for those of you who have not had children yet, baby poo is the most smelliest, stickiest, yellowy mustard in color poo I have ever encountered. If you get this poo anywhere it is so hard to wash off. I am very lucky that Andre loves to change her nappy so this is his job in the evenings after he finishes work and on the weekends.

Breast feeding in the beginning was very difficult and painful but now that I have got use to it, it’s such a special time for me. Jasmin is close to my body and I love to watch her drink and get so drunk on my milk. Jasmin knows what’s good for her and will not drink anything else but my milk. We have tried to give her bottles of formula and camomile tea and she just spits it out. We tried to give her a dummy and she’s to smart for that, she works out that there is no milk in them and spits it out after 10 seconds. One thing I don’t enjoy is the vomit, baby vomit smells like off cheese. All my clothes smell like off cheese all the time.

There is nothing more heart wrenching than listening to Jasmin crying because of colic/gas and not be able to do anything except comfort her. I have had countless sleepless nights comforting Jasmin, time and the days become a blur and you have no idea where your at. If the crying goes on for to long I end up joining Jasmin and cry with her. I am so grateful that this is becoming less of a problem as she grows bigger.

Before I had Jasmin Andre and I were so laid back and relaxed about everything now we find ourselves so protective over Jasmin. If someone else is holding her or if we go out we can’t help but watch her like a hawk. What are we going to do once she starts to walk? Jasmin will drive us crazy.

My relationship with my husband has deepened to another level, we are more in love with each other than ever. We spend more time together helping each other looking after Jasmin, sleeping and talking to each other. Like Jasmin, I cannot imagine my life without my husband, I love him with all my heart, body and soul. As for sex, what sex? Either I’m to tired or Andre is to tired or we’re just both to tired. Jasmin’s starting to get into a routine so maybe we might get lucky like the old days.

The most obvious changes in my body are my boobs and my belly. Three days after giving birth my boobs grew 4 times bigger, I looked like I had silicon implants. They get in the way when I try to sleep, they bounce all over the place and they are always leaking milk. Before Jasmin came along I could never imagine getting my boobs out in public but when a woman decides to breast feed her boobs become public property. When the baby is screaming you don’t care where you are, you just get them out and feed your baby. Two months after giving birth and my belly is still flabby, god help me does this ever disappear?

On friday last week Jasmin had a check up at the doctors and Dr. Cadu is so impressed with her development. He says she looks and her motor movements are that of a 3 month old and she is not even 2 months old yet. Jasmin is 5 kilos and putting on 41 grams a day, the average baby puts on 30 grams a day. Jasmin is 58 cm and is growing 1 cm a week and the average baby grows 2-3 cm a month.

Being a mother is the hardest job I have ever had to do. Unlike a 9 to 5 job where you can go home and relax being a mother never stops. Jasmin is smiling when she see Andre and I and this alone is so rewarding, it wipes the slate clean from all the crying, sleepless nights, vomit and shitty nappy’s. Jasmin is becoming quite the talker like her father, although I don’t understand a word she says. She has such a beautiful voice and I melt every time she talks to me.

Jasmin’s eye brows and eyelashes have grown, we are not sure what color eyes she will have. She still has a gray mirrored film over her eyes, I am sure I see hints of green some times. Andre and I decided to get Jasmin’s ears pierced she was brave, she only cried a little. Jasmin copes with her vaccinations better than I do, she cry’s while the needle is in her and as soon it is removed she stops. Where as I sweat and get all nervous watching her get her vaccinations. Jasmin is fat, chubby and has rolls like the michelan man but to me she is the cutest baby in the world.

Jasmin’s arrival

I am now the proud mother of Jasmin Sofia Dinardi Peixoto, she is so beautiful that I cannot stop watching her. She really is mine and Andre’s, our masterpiece. What an amazing feeling it is to be a mum, there are no words to describe how much I could burst with joy right now. I have never been so happy in my life, sorry baba our wedding day was fantastic but the joy of being a mum is something different.

Jasmin was not due until the 14th of April but I had a feeling she would come early, 4 days early to be exact. On friday the 9th of April, I was cleaning franticly. I cleaned our bedroom inside out, I did my yoga, I had a craving for good foods so ate well. When I was cleaning the mirror in the bathroom I stopped and looked at my belly and thought how big it was and that I should take a photo of it as it may be the last chance I get. I did not take that photo and as it turned our it was the last chance I had.

I went to bed as usual, but I had an overwhelming urge to go to the toilet all night long. I went many times and in the early hours of the morning 5 am my back was hurting a little. I had wind the previous night with the same pain so thought nothing more of it and went back to sleep. I woke up again at 5:30 am with a little bit more pain but this time the pain was creeping around to my pelvis as well, but would go away. I contemplated for 30 minutes as to whether I was feeling contractions.

At 6 am I woke up Andre complaining of pain and that I may have contractions, he did not believe me so for another 30 minutes we waited and the pain increased and blood started to appear when I went to the toilet. I ordered Andre to call Doctor Holland, so he did. Doctor Holland instructed us to go to the hospital for a quick check up, Andre wasted no time and rushed me to the hospital. I had to ask him to take it easy on the speed humps, so annoying they are everywhere in Rondonopolis.

On our arrival Doctor Holland did an internal examination and told us I was 7 cms dilated. Andre was surprised and my contractions were strengthening, it took another half hour to completely dilate. Andre and I were preped for labor, with a couple more contractions before the big one hit me. Like a tsunami wave ripping through me and I had to push. The urge would not go away so I pushed and pushed and pushed. Jasmin’s head was a little to big so Doctor Holland had to make a cut for extra room and with the last couple of pushes I felt my baby come out. I was completely and utterly exhausted.

Jasmin was born 7:50 am on Saturday 10th of April 2010. She weighed 3.27 kilos and was 49 cm long. After I was stitched up and taken to my room, the rest of the day was a bit of a blur, almost felt like a dream to me. The family came to visit and wanted to spend time with our new princess, it was pass the parcel with Jasmin. Essio and Andre's god father, Matias also came to visit, this made Andre very happy. I felt uncomfortable in the hospital as was Andre and Jasmin, I could not wait to get of there. Sunday morning I was released from hospital and finally got to go home.

I spent some quality time with my little girl and a bond was formed so intense that by the end of the day I cried tears of joy. It had all finally sunk in that this was my little girl. Andre has been so amazing the last couple of days, I could not have picked a better husband. His willingness to help and assist me is greatly appreciated as I recover and to see the same love and joy in his eyes for our little girls just makes me love him even more. Andre and I are tired from feeding, burping, changing nappy’s every 3 or so hours but we could not be happier.

Jasmin has not only brought joy to Andre and I but to the whole family. I have never seen Iracema so happy and excited with the arrival of her first grandchild and she is not afraid to share that excitement with everyone she knows. Messias does not say much but the love in his eyes when he spends time with her is beautiful, he is so proud. Graziela and Jerusa are the happiest aunties I have ever seen, they love to take Jasmin off my hands to give me time to shower, relax even squeeze in a sleep. Even uncle Diego is happy with Jasmin’s arrival, he watched futeball with her yesterday but I don’t think Jasmin was all that interested in watching, she slept the whole time.

Jasmin has so much more joy and love to spread to all her family and friends back in Australia.

One week to go before I become a mother

I have come a long way since I first found out that I was pregnant, the all day sickness. The mood swings, the sleepless nights, the acid burning my throat and more recently the sharp pains of sciatic nerve in my hip and the constant dull pain in my left hip. Sometimes pregnancy gets to much for me and I break down, but Andre brings me back down to earth and reminds me it is not easy making another human. It has not been all bad, when I think of my baby, the joy and the unconditional love I feel in my heart has been worth any pain I have been through. Lets see if I still agree with this after I have been through labor.

My belly is huge and very tight, the baby is filling out with fat nicely. Due to the limited space in my belly the baby movements are less, I kind of miss the mischief my baby use to get up to. The baby's hiccups have become so strong, they annoy the baby. But hiccups are good, they prepare the baby for breathing out of the womb. I can't help but giggle each time the baby get the hiccups, and I'm sure the baby does the same when I get the hiccups myself.

The baby wakes up every 3 to 4 hours for a stretch in my belly and I have read that this will be the sleeping patterns once the baby is born. I worry how and when I will sleep myself, I'm not very good with broken sleep but I guess I will have to get use to it. I will not get to sleep in now for at least the next 18 years. I am surprised how responsive my baby is with me and not just when I talk to it but a simple thought that the baby has not moved for a while, are you ok baby. Seconds after I have the thought the baby moves and puts my mind at ease. I wonder if the baby will be just as responsive to me out of the womb.

A couple other down falls with pregnancy is the constant peeing, I will be busting with pain to go to the toilet and when I get there and pee almost nothing comes out. My poor hemorrhoid has taking a beating with the added pressure of the baby's weight and pushing. My belly gets in the way and I keep bumping it everywhere, doors, benches and tables. Sometimes I really enjoy my big belly, I love to rub it and Andre asked why I rub my belly so much. I think it's because I won't always have this big belly so I'm making the most of it. It's a way of giving my baby some love to, I cannot hug it or kiss my baby yet, so rubbing some love into my belly is a way to show I care.

As each day passes I grow more curious about what sex my baby, but I have come this far without knowing so what is a few extra days. Benjamin or Jasmin? Andre and I have a middle name worked out for Benjamin, Luke. But finding a middle name for Jasmin has been a bit more difficult. We cannot agree on many names, we agree on Leah but I also love Pearl. I came across a German name "Wolfgang" for a boy which I adore as it so different and unique. I wish I came across this name earlier, I think I would have a hard time trying to convince everyone to change from Benjamin now, but I do love "Wolfgang".

My baby must be about 50 cms by now and I cannot understand how it fits inside me, pregnancy is so amazing when you think about it. Creating another life, Andre and I will be responsible for this life, it's a little bit scary. I guess anything new or different is a little scary and the best way to deal with this new life is to take it day by day.

My 31st Birthday

I am a big fan of spoiling other people for their birthday and don't usually like a fuss for mine but I must admit I enjoyed being spoilt yesterday. I have come a long way since my last birthday, married, pregnant, moved to Brazil and now about to become a mother for the first time. I have everything I could have ever wished for and more.

My special day started out with birthday wishes after midnight from Andre. I got up at 8:30 for my usual corn flakes and 2 milks (soy and sabor doce de leite). Messias greeted me and wished me a happy birthday. I have been reading New Moon and spent half an hour reading after breakfast and then had to get dressed for my professional photo shoot. Andre needed a hair cut prior to the photo shoot so we stopped by the hair dresses then over to the studio in central.

Iracema was already there getting the final touches of her hair and make up as she was getting photos taken to. I was next in the make up chair. I was surprised to see a man doing the hair and makeup and he is very good, the best I have come across so far. He curled my hair first then worked on my makeup, it felt so good to be pampered, like a princess. The photographer was good, he took some amazing shots. I cannot wait to see them all. It was a little weird getting my gear off and and flashing my boobies in front of other men but Andre assured me both photographer and make artist are gay.

After the shoot it was straight home for lunch and a nap. In the evening Andre and I went out for dinner at Rondon Plaza. I finally ate salmon after 4 months of not having any. It was amazing and I never wanted the eating to end. However I cannot eat as much as I use to with the baby taking up all my insides. I felt bad that I could not eat it all. I could have gone to sleep after eating, my belly was full and I was completely satisfied. We went to Americanas to cool down, their air conditioning is fantastic. I got to pick any chocolate from "Cocoa Show" for my present, I found a 70% dark chocolate egg mmmmmmm.

I had a funny suspicion that a party was being organized back at the house as Andre received many phone calls asking when we would be home. At home I walked in the house and the kitchen light was off so I knew they were all there waiting for me. I walked in and the singing started, bubbles filled the kitchen and there was a huge ice cream cake with many candles lit. I took my place next to the cake and once the singing came to a halt I blew out my candles. Jerusa's Diego was there with his brother and friend and a couple of Iracema's friends from work all wished me a happy birthday and the family gave me presents.

From Lou I received a summer PJ set, Graziela, Diego and Jerusa got me a baby album. Messias brought me Boticário Mamma Bella oil and relaxing jell, perfect timing as I was about to run out. And if Iracema had not already given me more than enough with an amazing photo shoot, she also brought me dressy flip flops. I had to laugh when I opened the box because I had seen these very shoes in the shop window and thought how hideous they were and questioned Andre who would actually buy then. Here they were in front of me, but I know you never judge a book by its cover so I slipped then on and it was like walking on clouds. They were very comfortable and I fell in love with them.

The ice cream cake was very delicious, Andre had two servings. I felt tired after such a big day and thanked everyone and had to make my way up to get ready for bed at 10 pm. Just before I went to bed Daniel came on-line and I had a little chat to him then lights out for me. It was an amazing birthday and I will never forget it. I am 31 years old now, I have to get use to saying that.

What's in a name?

Over the years I have come to love certain names like Lulu, and would love to use it as a middle name. Now that I live in Brazil I am told that I cannot name my child Lulu because it is a prostitute/dogs name. Who makes these rules up for giving baby names? Being the mother of my soon to arrive child I thought I had rights to name my baby as I see fit. It seems as though everyone wants a say in my baby's name. I could never tell another person what to name there child, quite frankly it's not my child and not my business. If I did name my child Lulu, would everybody love her any less? What a nightmare, I hope I am having a boy at least everyone agrees on Benjamin.

I had my week 34 check up with Doctor Holland and the baby is 2.030 kilos and 47 cm tall. My sister in law Graziela drove me to my appointment and Andre met up a little later at the clinic. Graziela got to see baby on the ultra sound for the first time and I think she was pretty impressed. Andre could not make the start of the check up so Doctor Holland really made an effort and tried to talk english with me. I was impressed, he knows more that what I expected. I am going to be having more frequent appointments (weekly) leading up to the due date.

I have put on 1.5 kilos despite being sick all week. I have not had the flu in over 2 years and this I believe has been due to the healthy way of life that I lead. Good food and plenty of exercise but at my last check up I was told to eat more meat, so I did. I ate meat for lunch and dinner and by the end of the week I was experiencing abdominal pain and surprise, surprise I got sick. I am not made to eat so much meat and I am paying for it now.

The baby is very active and I can feel it moving higher in my belly. It is growing fast as is my belly. I am beginning to feel pain in my lower back from the weight of my belly and I am becoming less mobile. I don't even want to leave the house anymore because I get so tired and uncomfortable being out and about. I have become so boring. I cannot believe I have less than 6 weeks left, 42 days before I hold my bundle of joy in my arms. I cannot fit into my normal clothes any more and I have given up trying, time to make use of the maternity clothes I have.

One thing that I am ever so grateful for is how amazing my husband has been through my pregnancy. He gives me so much love and makes me feel good, despite feeling fat and ugly. He is so attentive to my cravings and gets me anything I want. For example if I am craving açaí and I don't get it, he is worried the baby may end up looking like an açaí. I love my husband more and more everyday and so glad he is in my life. I can see his excitement growing as the due date is approaching and I know he will make an amazing father.

It still has not set in that I will be a mother very soon, I know I have no idea what I have got myself into. I promised my baby to be he best mother I can be and lets see how things play out.

32 weeks check up

I had my 32 week check up with doctor Holland yesterday and all is very well with baby and I. The baby is 44 cm long and weighs 1.7 kg, with only 8 weeks to go. I myself have only put on 3 kg up till now and I am under strict instructions from Dr Holland to eat pizza's, hamburgers and lots of meat. He wants to fatten baby and I up a little.

I cannot stop farting but I am assured that this is normal, my body is so busy helping the baby grow so the digestive system is neglected and slows down. Oh don't even start me on the acid/heartburn I have been getting, I have had many hours awake at night trying to wait it off. I do not wish this on my worst enemy.

Dr Holland is an awesome Dr, I feel really comfortable with him and he is studying english delivery words so he can communicate with me throughout the birth. It is so good having the doctor do everything from checkups to the ultra sounds all in one consultation. The doctors in Australia had me running around back and forth between clinics and hospitals and between doctors, nurses and ultra sound technician and you could never get a straight answer from any of them.

I have been told by many people I meet that they think I am having a baby boy because I am all belly (apparently girls are carried more on the hips) so there is a good chance that the baby will be a Benjamin. If everyone is wrong then it's Jasmin. There are childbirth/parenting classes starting in the next weeks which will be very interesting, all in Portuguese so I need to get cracking on my studying.

I cannot believe that I have been here in Brazil for 4 months now. The weather is getting hotter here in Rondonopolis as the dry season is fast approaching and it does not rain as often so I am spending the majority of my days getting in and out of the pool to cool down. I told Andre "if it wasn't for your swimming pool I would have moved back to Melbourne yonks ago".

Andre is working hard as "Arts Director" for a plantation company, he starts at 7 am and finishes at 6 pm with a 2 hour break for lunch. I get to see him for lunch everyday. We brought a second hand 2003 fiat car named "Lulu" to get us around. She is a royal blue beauty. I have transportation to the hospital once I go into labor, yeah.

Finally an english movie

I cannot believe I will be 30 weeks pregnant this week, only 10 weeks to go (give or take). It takes so long to make a baby, I am looking forward to the day when I get to hold the baby in my arms. The baby is very active at the moment and over the past week I have been able to feel the baby hiccup. The baby's head has gone down ready for a natural birth and at the last check up with Dr. Holland on the 18th January the baby was 38 cm long and weighed 1.357 kg. I have entered my last trimester and all that is left to do now prepare the lungs for air and fatten up the baby before it comes out.

It is unreal the love that I feel for this little girl/boy already, and I have not even met it face to face. I have been on my own for so long now, only recently married thinking for 2 but that is not so hard as we are both adults and quite independent but now a little who will be completely dependent on Andre and I. It's hard to imagine what life will be like when the baby comes along. Many questions run through my head; will I be a good mother? will I ever get any sleep? I guess only time will tell.

I try to be good and do exercise most days, since Andre started working we have not been for a walk in a long time and I miss it. I do my squats in the swimming pool, there is nothing better than a swim in the pool to revive me and make me feel alive. I am at my most happiest in the water, must be because I am a pisces and I think better in the water too. I need water around me so if it is not a pool than I need the ocean near me always.

I have been here in Rondonopolis for almost 3 months, my time here has gone fast. Andre and I have brought a house on a closed estate, the house is nothing special but it is ours. I have been longing for a home for some time. The 2 bedroom house is the perfect size and it will be fun decorating the house with colour. I know my husband will hate it but bad luck, I cannot live without colour, colour is so exciting and has so much energy. One thing about the estate that has won me over is the common pool and playground, the baby and I will be using these everyday.

A big enough backyard for a couple of raised vegetable patch's, I cannot wait to grow my own tomatoes, basil, parsley, beetroots, strawberries, garlic, spring onions, chilies and maybe even a lemon tree. I look forward to my very own kitchen so I can cook up a storm, I have so many new recipes I want to try. Have a look at me, the house will not even be ready for another year let alone if we live in it at all and I'm going crazy over this house. I can dream, it's what keeps me going.

For now it's living with my inlaw's, well Andre and I have upgraded and moved into the main house as the bungalow was much to small for 3. I like my new room, it has the most beautiful view of Rondonopolis. Most days at about 5:30 pm I sit in my new sugar cane chair (a gift form Andre) and watch the world go by while I wait for my husband to come home form work. It is so peaceful and relaxing.

Andre has been painting the exterior of his mum's school and it looks fantastic, I am so proud of him. The baby and I have our fingers crossed for the job where he is going through the interview process, a graphic designer for a large company. It is exactly what he has studied in Australia and will give him a chance to use his talent and creativity. He has had 2 interviews already and one more to go.

I finally got to go to the cinema tonight, there have not been any english movies for a month and a half now. Gra, Andre and I watched "Couples Retreat", very humorous. We ate out before the movie and tonight I had the chicken fillet with bacon burger from the "Pantenal Grill" oh it was so good, I devoured it in no time at all. Avatar was the last movie Andre and I watched and it had to be the most thrilling and exciting movie I have ever seen. We watch Avatar in Cuiaba before Christmas when we visited Andrea, Paul and the kids, what an amazing cinema. All I can say is keep the english movies coming Rondon Plazs.

My dentist check up

Yesterday morning I had to wake up early, something both the baby and I do not enjoy doing. The baby makes it known by making me feel nauseous but I got up and ate some cereal and granola and Andre and I went to work with Messias. Messias is a Dentist and works at a local public dental surgary where I was going to be a patient today. A colleague of Messias was going to do my check up however I had to wait my turn, 2 patients ahead of me. I usually don't mind waiting for anything but when it comes to doctors and dentists I hate it. The longer I wait the more nervous I grow, the sounds of dental drills buzzing in the back ground uneasing me even more.

I had not seen a dentist in almost 4 years so I was a little concerned at the state of my teeth but I do my best to look after my pearly whites. Finally my turn came so in I went with my personal translator (my husband) and I sat down in the chair. After a thorough inspection most of my teeth were fine, need a few fillings however they would have to wait until after the baby is born. I had one tooth in the top left side which was not fine. The outside of the tooth looked fine but looks can be deceiving I had a crater the size of Wolfe Creek. The entire inside had rotted down to the nerves. This was very serious and the horrored looks from Messias and Andre were not helping.

This tooth needed work immediantly but because I am pregnant they can only clean the tooth and fill it, once the baby is born I will require a root canal. I was given a special local anesthesia made for the pregnant and with blood pressure problems. Needles noooooooo, I closed my eyes and felt the needle enter my back gum. It felt like it went all the way up into my brain it was so long. The anesthesia was released from the needle and dispursed into my muscels, the dentist then slowly removed the needle. I could feel my mouth numbing as soon as the needle was out.

The dentist was preparing the drill for the clean and as he brought it into my eyes sight I could feel my body tense and started to perspire under my arms from nervousness. He mumbled a few words to my translator and Andre said "if you feel any pain slap the dentist in the face" this was no time for humor and followed by "no just raise your hand". The dentist went in and the drill started hissing and buzzing, my breathing irregular, the sound piercing my ears and sending chills down my spine. My body was fully erect and I would not dare move.

I felt some discomfort as he was drilling but I dare not say a word for I do not want any additional needles nor to prolong the drilling. What felt like an eternity of drilling before it finally came to an end and the drill was placed on the tray table. Only then did my body ease, relax, my ears rejoiced at the sound of nothing and my breathing returned to normal. The clean was over now the filling, I could handle this bit not a problem. I was surprised how much filling was required to fill in my Wolfe Creek crater, it just kept coming and coming.

The dentist said "bom" and I knew it was all over so I slowly got up and I was feeling a little dizzy. We went home and I snoozed off the anesthesia, my mouth was a little numb at lunch. To my surprise I could finally eat on the left side of my mouth. There was not sharp pains, nothing, this tooth was the problem all along. It was not the baby's fault as I thought from the start. It was a very rotton tooth. You don't know how happy I am to be able to eat on both sides of my mouth after chewing only on the right for 4 months.

Now I have the nightmare of my root canal to look forward to.

Christmas and New Years

This year is the first time I have spent Christmas and New Years with my husband so I was very excited. In Brazil Christmas is celebrated the night before on Christmas Eve. A late dinner starting at 10:30 pm with all the family and a table full of food. We gather around the table standing, holding hands as a prayer is said by Messias. He says a special prayer for my unborn baby then on to the usual Christmas prayer and everyone joins in. We all tuck in to some amazing food like turkey, farofa with figs and potatoes, salads, rice, palm white sauce, stroganoff and of course Gaurana. The food is delicious and full of flavour so I eat slowly and savor every bit I take. Dessert was pineapple and cocoanut pudding, so light and creamy I had to have seconds.

Fireworks are not illegal in Brazil and all night long you could hear the cracking going off near and far. After dinner I was on skype to my family till 3 am, I talked to Grandma, Daniel, Steven, Helen, Veronica and mum. They all had a lot to say except Veronica which was unusual, she always chewed my ear off in the past but now Helen was the one to do so. I think Veronica is camera shy, prefers to talk to people in the flesh. Christmas day was spent eating left over food and lazing around the house and we all did that with great style.

Between Christmas and New Years was Jerusa's surprise birthday party, she got the surprise of her life alright. Many of her friends come to help set up the backyard and her boyfriend Diego brought her home, she was so embarrassed as she has said all along that she did not want a party but Iracema could not help herself. I experienced my first proper Brazilian BBQ and it was delicious. Meat and sausages cooked over hot coals served with steamed mandioca and vinagerete salad (tomato, onion and green olives diced mixed with red wine vinegar and olive oil). Andre served up a dish for us to share and I ate it all on my own, it was to good to share. The birthday cake was very impressive, chocolate sponge topped with big swirls of chocolate and a sweet cocoanut filling. It taste like a bounty chocolate from back home, mmmmmmm bounty cake.

I met Andre's God Father Matias, a very tall, friendly man with a deep voice. Andre joked around with him saying that he came to Jerusa's birthday party and Andre did not even get a call from him on his birthday the week before. I also met his wife and very tall son to, Neia, Matias's wife use to be Miss Rondonopolis in her younger days, although a larger lady now she has so much life in her, she is lovely. Jerusa had a skirt on hold in a shop which she went to pick up earlier in the day, it was not there and she was very upset it was sold on her. As it turns out Diego had purchased it earlier to give to her as a surprise. Jerusa had to go back to the shop the following day to appologise to the shop assistant for being so rude. It turned out to be a good night.

New Years Eve was spent at the local country club with the Peixoto family, a great buffet and live music. Iracema curled my hair for the occassion and Jerusa did my make up. The entrence to the country club was impressive with fruit and flowers everywhere, I felt like I was in Eden. The funtion was held in a large room and white was the colour of the night, in Brazil most people wear white to bring in the new year. The band was pretty good but the speakers were much to load to enjoy the music properly. The food did not dissapoint, I could have easily gone for seconds but I wanted to enjoy the night and not nurse a sore belly.

Just before middnight Andre and I went out onto the belcony to watch the fire works, it was beautiful but I think the pirotechicians had some trouble with fire works going off on the ground, all the piros dipursed running for their lives at one point. It was quite amusing to watch. I shared new years with my husband and my unborn baby, our whole family was there, what more could I want, a shower of fireworks. Andre and I danced later in the evening, it was lovely as I have not danced with him in two years. As we left for the night we all grabbed handfulls of fruits including a whole watermelon. A good night was had by all.

How Andre and I met

Friday 21st December 2007, I was living in London about to finish work at ISS Eaton. I felt tired and I was not sure if I would have the energy for a night on the town with the girls. I spoke to Harp over the phone and she convinced me to go but I told her I would catch the last train home. I met up with Harp after work and went back to her house for dinner and for Harp to get ready. Our next destination was Covent Garden. Covent Garden Market is beautiful, it is in the heart of London and a popular local and tourist spot. There are market stalls, restaurants, pubs, and even a night club called "Road House" where most of my evening will take place. Harp and I met up with a Polish friend of hers who works at the market and went to line up to get into the "Road House".

We did not have to wait long before we got in, we walked down a flight of stairs as the bar was underground. It was a big club and packed with people drinking, socializing and dancing. It was an American style bar with vintage motorbikes and cars displayed above the many bars, there where booths where you could order food. The club was split level with one big main bar area raised in the center of the club and you step down a meter of stairs to get to the dance floor. We left our jackets in the cloak room and ventured out to explore the club. Wasn't long before Harp was at the bar buying a round, beer for me and we cheered to a girls night out.

The DJ was pumping out classic house tunes that made my body want to scream with joy so we danced, and danced and danced some more. There was an annoying young guy who kept pestering me telling me how beautiful I was, blah, blah, blah. Every time he walk past me he tried to get a dance and eventually my number so I gave it to him and said "we'll catch up some time" then he left me alone. I was having such a blast that I didn't care if I missed the last train home, I didn't want this night to end. I shouted a round of drinks with my remaining £20 and I was on the water after that. Later in the evening the girls lashed me for men, so much for a girls night out. I stood at the main bar watching everyone dancing, drinking my water till my glass was empty and went for a refill.

I walked past a guy and he stopped me to say hello, we talked and he introduced me to his friends, they all seemed lovely then I proceeded to the bar. The guy came up beside me and asked what I was drinking and I told him "Water", he didn't believe me so I gave him a sip of my water. I walked over to the edge of the bar to watch the dance floor and the guy walked over with me and asked me "who are you here with"?. I embarrassingly pointed to Harp who was trying to be sexy leaning backwards over the balustrade. He asked me for a dance, how could I refuse. We danced for a couple up tempo songs, he knew how to move, he spun me around and we danced close to each other. It felt nice to be held by a man. He made his move and kissed me, I closed my eyes and I felt fire works exploding inside me.

It wasn't long before the girls were hounding me to go home so I exchanged numbers, kissed one last time before I began my long tedious journey home to Barnes. Three buses and three hours later I was home in my warm bed. I woke up with a smile on my face, thinking what a lovely night I had. That afternoon I got a call, "do you know who this is"? I had forgotten his name so I replied "yes of course the Brazilian guy I met last night" we arranged to meet on Thursday night at Baker Street station.

Thursday came and I was at Baker Street station waiting for my man to meet me, from around the corner came the young annoying guy from Road House and I said "Hi, what are you doing here" his face went white and I realized he was he was also Brazilian and I thought "oh no, your the wrong guy". Did I just say that out loud? He mumbled something and began to walk away. Oh my god, I did say that out loud. I ran after him and I apologised and said "I think we both need a drink" so we shared a drink and talked and it was an early night for me. As soon as I got home I rummaged through my phone to find the other Brazilian guys number and messaged him " What you doing"? a few short messages were sent back and forth and I was invited to a birthday party by the right guy this time.

The 5th of January came and I ventured over to Steatham to the birthday party, I was so nervous especially after what happened the pervious week and I still did not know this guys name. He was there when I arrived and I was introduced to everyone at the party and desperately waiting for someone to call this guys name out, I was to embarrassed to ask for his name now. I spoke to a another friendly guy and he asked how I know the Brazilians and I told him "I met them all at Road House a couple of weeks back" and then I hear an "Andre" and my man answers, yes I have his name. Andre came back with a beer for me, I was so happy to know his name. I ended up staying the night and when Andre and I were alone he asked me "will you be my girlfriend", I smiled and replied "yes".

22 Week check up

Andre and I went for my 22 week check up with my Brazilian obstetrician, Dr Holland on Tuesday this week. It's always nice to see my doctor, I feel safe with him. He does his own ultra sound consultations so everything displayed on the screen is explained thoroughly. Unlike the rude ultra sound technician we encountered in Williamstown hospital, he did not say a word to us and when we asked questions he answered "it's not my job to comment you have to speak to your doctor". Later when we returned to see my obstetrician at the time Dr How, said "I am not an ultra sound technician, I don't do his job".

Dr. Holland spent an hour and a half with us and checked all the baby's bones, brain, internal organs, sexual organs, umbilical cord, placenta and blood pressure for both baby and I. He measured everything and all that I could understand was perfect, it is so good to hear a professional reassure you that your baby is growing perfect and dispels any fears I have. He explained the natural birthing procedure to Andre and he then relayed onto me in English. So long as the baby dose not grow to big and there are no complications there will be no problems having a natural birth. I feel quite opposed to caesarian sections because it is a major operation however if is is necessary I would not argue with the doctor.

Andre and I try to imagine what our baby will look like, will it have my eyes? Andre's nose? my athlete body? Andre's brains?
I still don't know the sex of the baby, just happy to know that the baby is strong and healthy unlike the rest of the family. They hound me every time I have a doctors appointment "what sex is the baby" and I always reply "I don't know and I'll tell you when the baby is born" Graziela thinks it's a boy, Jerusa and Iracema want me to have a girl so they can dress her up and put bows in her hair.

My boobs have grown more, they are nice to look at however I don't know how women live with them. They get in the way and they jiggle all over the place when ever I do any form of exercise. Well I am stuck with them now so best I get use to them. 22 weeks in and no signs of stretch marks, I rub oil into my tummy, boobs, hips and thighs every night. Blood tests and needles are the only thing I have cringed at so far. There has to be a better way to remove blood, I cannot stand the pain or the sight of the needle penetrating my skin then vein. What's worse is when the nurse misses the vein altogether and has to try again on the opposite arm.

Being pregnant has had an effect on my dreams, strange and vivid. Every morning I have a new crazy dream to tell Andre. My cravings are changing, in the beginning all I craved was salty/savory foods. Now halfway into my pregnancy and I am starting to crave sweets, cakes in particular. I still off chocolate and candy. I had a craving a week ago for pancakes so Andre took me to "Krepes" a local pancake restaurant. There I came across main meal savory pancakes, you choose the filling and sauce topping. Sweet filled craps on a stick is new for me, I gave it a go and I loved it. I will be back for more.

Andre love my new baby body, he is always complementing how beautiful I grow everyday. If Andre got his way I would be pregnant for the rest of my child bearing life. Bless him, he is so sweet but that's why I married him.

Christmas is coming.....

The countdown is on...15 days till Christmas Day. I have not been caught up in the Christmas fever this year so far, I have no work Christmas party to go to because I don’t work anymore. No money to buy christmas presents so I cannot go crazy shopping for gifts. At least Andre’s mother has made an effort, she is spreading her christmas cheer. She has decorated the house from top to bottom and inside out. It looks beautiful, there are santa’s hanging from light fixtures and the balcony. Christmas lights decorate the front of the house and looks magical at night. Christmas ornaments, fake plants, ribbons, you name it, it’s all here.

I am starting to miss home a little, most Christmas’s are spent with my family but not this year. It will be spent with my new family, my husband’s family. Brazilians are big Catholic followers, especially Andre’s family so I think Christmas day will be celebrated in grand style. I feel awful that I cannot buy presents due to lack of funds so instead I will contribute by making a Christmas cheese cake for all to indulge.

Iracema is very busy this time of the year at her school, winding the year to an end. This means late nights at work, Graziela and Diego have been burning the candle at both ends as well with no extra pay. Jerusa could not care less about staying behind, she is home most nights on time. I am looking forward to get back into work, even if it is casual. I may be working at the local English school next year. I am starting to get a bit nutty, I spend nearly every waking hour in the house. I need to see new surroundings to stimulate my brain.

I miss blueberries but I have found a replacement....açaí berries, a Brazilian super fruit. Most commonly eaten frozen then blended with granola sprinkled on top. I love a half bend of açaí and half frozen peaches topped with granola. Açaí is packed with Vitamins B1, C, E, fiber, proteins, potassium, calcium and antioxidants. Brazilian Athletes always eat açaí and hour before their events and it gives them the energy to perform their best. I am no athlete however I am pregnant and tire very easily and açaí gives me a boost.

“Oranges” are not actually orange in Brazil, when an orange is ripe the skin is green and the flesh is yellow. How can you call this orange an orange in Brasil? “Lemons” have green skins and green flesh, they look like over grown limes. In the supermarkets they sell tiny “quail eggs”, they are so cute and are used boiled in salads. They are the perfect size to fit in your mouth. Brazilians also love “farofa”, it’s bread crumbs fried with oil, onion, dried meat and eaten as a side dish or sprinkled on top of salads/beans.

People in Rondonopolis love to wear jeans, I honestly don’t get it. It is so hot and humid and everywhere I look everyone is wearing jeans. They wear jeans to work and out on the town. The shops have walls and walls of jeans in all shapes and sizes. The women prefer to wear skinny jeans no matter what size they may be and men wear relaxed fit jeans. My brother Daniel always wears jeans so he would fit in just fine here.

Messias is finally home, he arrived at 6 am this morning by taxi from Cuiba. He’s crazy, he spent R$400.00 to get home from the airport. He woke Andre and I up at 7 am this morning and I was not happy Jan. I had not got a lot of sleep as Andre and I spent all night talking again. I stayed up for a bit, it was so good to see him. It’s been a month since I saw him last and now the whole family is home, a full house.

Wrong side of the road

Do you know that Brazilians drive on the wrong side of the road.
It was a little scary for me when I first arrived to Brazil as Andre says it is the right side of the road (literally) but for me it's wrong. As soon a I get into a car, I buckle my seatbelt and hold on for dear life. There are so many motorbikes and scooters here and they swerve in and out of cars, on average there are more motorbikes and scooters per person here in Rondonopolis than anywhere else in Brazil. There are 2 kinds of cars on the roads here, you either drive a big pick up truck or a tiny small car. There is no in between cars and as I learnt the other night motorist do not respect pedestrians, I almost got run over at a pedestrian crossing.

I have tried lots of amazing new drinks and foods, my two favourite drinks are fresh "pineapple with mint" juice and "Guarana Antarctica" soft drink made from the Amazonian berry Guarana and is the second most popular soft drink after coca cola in Brazil. An unusual one I have tried is "cashew juice" from the fruit of South American cashew trees. Some new foods I have tried, "mandioca" a potato like root vegetable eaten steamed or in soups. "Tapioca bread", a white, soft, bread like pancake filled with meats and melted cheeses, I like this one a lot. "Corn ice cream" surprisingly very delicious, "sweet corn cake", "corn pudding" and "creamed corn". There is lots of corn here in Brazil and they have come up with some creative ways to eat it.

From time to time I get sick from new bugs and germs introduced to my body from trying new foods or eating out and it is not fun. When this happens I am usually up all night fighting world war 3 inside me but feel better within 24 hours. This does not stop me from trying new food or eating out. Everyday at midday everyone comes home for lunch and the maid Maria has a feast ready on the table of rice, beans, salad and a different type of meat each day. I look forward to lunch everyday and it is the main meal of the day here in Brazil. Dinner is usually left overs from lunch, if there is any left or toasted sandwiches.

Eating at the local plaza is quite an experience, you take a seat at the table in the food court and waiters from all the food shops come to you with a menu and take your order and deliver the food to your table. Once you have finished they bring you the bill and you pay the waiters. You don't have to queue for your food, you just sit down and enjoy your meal. Here in Rondonopolis you eat or use then you pay later, if you want to hire DVD's, you take them home and watch them once you return them you pay for them. Oh how this privilege could be abused in the wrong hands.

I am a little disappointed with the cinema's here in Brazil. All the blockbuster movies are dubbed in Portuguese and if I'm lucky enough to find a movie in English the sound quality is poor and I struggle to hear anything. They also have purple sweet popcorn and it is not very nice and never go to the movies on a Wednesday here because all the school kids go to the movies to socialise and hang out with friends, very loud and rude. Thankfully the DVD store is my salvation for because all the DVD's are originals (English) so this is a better option than the movies for me and anyway I make the worlds best popcorn. I find myself with a lot of time on my hands so I have been reading, my latest book is "eat, pray, love" I highly recommend it to all the ladies, it's beautiful.

My portuguese is coming along very slowly, the portuguese/english dictionary and phrase book are my best friends. Andre helps me but I find myself just talking in english because it's easy, but a different story with the rest of the family I have to try. My gorgeous sister in law Jerusa always is up for a chat with me and I really enjoy this time with her because she is patience as I flick through the dictionary to find my words. Graziela is moving to England early next year so I try to speak english with her, has a pet name for me already, "bunitinha" and every time she say it to me she squashes my cheeks between her hands which means cutie.

The weather has been crazy but always hot, one minute the sun is shining, the next there are wild wind storms, lightening, thunder and rain. The storms can be very violent with howling winds like out of a horror movie and make a real mess. Thunder so load that it shakes the whole house, I feel so small and powerless compared to the great forces of the almighty mother nature. My favourite time of the day here is at night when all the street lights are on, Rondonopolis looks like a sky full of stars. I sit out on the balcony in a rocking chair and just watch the world go by so calming and relaxing.
Life doesn't get better than this.

My Unborn Baby

This is something new for me, a baby, and it's in my belly.

I can remember the day I found out I was pregnant like yesterday, I had a feeling something was up with me when I did not get my period for 2 weeks. I happen to be walking past a chemist on my lunch break and stopped in my tracks, I thought I have to know for sure and this was the only certain way. I asked the assistant where I find the pregnancy tests and she guided me to the baby section, there are so many to choose from. The assistant assured me they all did the same job so I purchased the test and took it home that night.

I told Andre that I had purchased the test and he wanted me to do it right away...so I peed in a cup (because I did not want to pee all over my hand) and dipped the test fibers into the pee. Now the test is supposed to come up positive after about 5 minutes well, we only had to wait 30 seconds for a positive result, I'm pregnant. I was speechless, I mean I wanted to have children with the love of my life and we talked about it but when it actually happens I did not know what to say. I didn't have to say much anyway Andre was ever so excited and still to this day says it was the happiest day of his life when he found out he was going to be a father. I am excited but weary because of the what if's and I know will I share Andre's excitement once the baby is in my arms.

Pregnancy was not kind to me in the beginning, I had constant nausea 24 hours a day but I never vomited. I was cranky, moody, snappy, tired and I think I almost made Andre hate me during this period. I hated myself because I could not control my own body, I felt like the young girl in the Exorcist movie, possessed by the devil. Saying and doing things I would never in my dreams say otherwise. The nausea stayed with me until 16 weeks before it subsided and I haven't even mentioned the sore gums yet. In to my second trimester my gums on the left side become weak and this was very painful, I could not eat and I still cannot eat on my left side of my mouth.

So far we have had 3 ultra sound tests, the first at 8 weeks. The blob in my uterus did not resemble a baby yet, but it already had a heart beat. Every time we have a scan Andre gets so excited to see the baby, it's a real treat for him because he can have a look behind the scenes once in a while. The second scan was at 13 weeks and now the baby has arms, legs and we see all the internal organs and brain. The last scan was yesterday at 18 weeks with my new obstetrician in Brazil, he is very happy with the baby and I and kept saying how perfect baby looks. It is amazing to see the baby at this stage, we could see all the bones developed and the baby measures 21cm. It's half way to meeting Andre and I.

Thank god now at almost 19 weeks I am finally starting to enjoy my pregnancy, my belly is growing day by day and I love rubbing my buddha belly. For the last three weeks the baby is strong enough for me to feel it moving, at first I thought I had wind but quickly realised that it was actually the baby. Each day the movement gets stronger and stronger and over the past week Andre has been able to feel the baby to, you should see the smile on his face when he feels the baby move. The baby is most active at 10'o'clock in the evening, I when I am settling to sleep, cheeky.

The obstetrician asked if I wanted to know the sex of the baby, at the beginning of the pregnancy I wanted to know so I could pick a name and buy appropriate colours, but now I changed my mind and want a surprise. I figured that I really don't get all that many surprises in my life so I want to wait to the birth to find out whether I am having a boy or a sweet little girl. Right now I don't have any interest in knowing the sex, I am just happy that the baby is healthy and moving. Although I have thought about names, for a girl I would love to name her Jasmin and for a boy I adore Benjamin but Andre is not so keen but one name we have agreed on is Romeo.

Whether is be Jasmin or Romeo, I look forward to finally meeting you come mid april next year.

My new home in Rondonopolis, Brazil

Well here I am in Rondonopolis, Mato Grosso, Brazil. With my new husbands (Andre Gustavo Dinardi Peixoto) family and I am 4 and a half months pregnant. You could say a lot has happened in the last 6 months. There is way to much to write about so I will focus on my first impressions of my new home.

Rondonopolis is a small town with a population of 200,000, to a new comer it would be a bit of a culture shock however I have travelled all through Peru, Bolivia and Brazil before so I knew what to expect. Rondonopolis is a very dusty town, not just any old dust but red dust, I kept waiting for horse back cowboys to stroll down the main roads and my wait is over, last night on the way home form the farmers markets I got my 2 cowboys on horseback, hats and all.

It is very hot in Rondonopolis depending on the season rainy - humid and dry - dry hot, yesterday was very humid hot being rainy season at the moment and no matter how much liquids I was consuming I was constantly parched. I found it difficult to breath at times to. I need to keep a bottle of water with me at all times and pray I get use to the heat. Maybe I should make use of the pool in the back yard to cool down at times.

The night markets were pretty good, lots of fresh produce which is heaven for me and half the market was food stalls preparing dinner for the shoppers. The market reminded me of the night markets in Melbourne in the summer time except it is always summer time here and so every friday and night you can grab a bite, catch up with friends (not that I have any yet) and shop for fresh produce for the week. I experienced my first proper "pastel", a square pastry pocket with various filling, mine being shredded chicken. It was delicious and I will have to try all the flavours. I also had a bite of "pamonha", a creamed corn steamed slice and fresh sugarcane juice, "garapa" mmmmmm. I hope Andre takes me to these markets every friday.

Brazilian people are very friendly and come in all shapes, sizes and colours, I wish I knew Portuguese, I would love to converse with the locals and shop for myself. I will make it my mission to learn asap. One thing that really alarms me about Brazil is they don't really use seat belts, I see pick up trucks loaded with kids on the back and even Andre's sisters always tell me I don't need to wear a seat belt. I wear one anyway because they might be good drivers but I worry about the other drivers on the road.

My new family, are a colourful bunch. Andre my adorable husband is sweet and we are so alike in many ways, we both share a passion for food, arts in all forms and love of course. Our greatest love will be making an appearance mid April of next year.

Iracema my mother inlaw is a work'a'holic, she owns and runs a private school nearby and it is one of the most successful school in Brazil. She is amazing with time management and seems to balance her personal life with her professional life and most importantly she is a loving mother. Grazi (Andre's older sister) and Diego who I have already met in Savona, Italy are still the same, Grazi is a shit stirrer like Andre and has a very strong character and highly opinionated with a soft gooey centre which sneaks out once in a while and Diego is placid and gentle and love football (soccer)

Jerusa is sweet and affectionate, she has so much love to give. She is studding to become a law judge and she will make a fine judge at that. All Grazi, Diego and Jerusa work for their mother at her school, CIE. Maria the maid does not say much but she cleans and cooks for the family everyday except Sundays. That leaves the 2 little fluff balls Sofia and Nicolie who might I add took an instant liking to me which surprised everyone. These 2 little territorial mutts were like melted butter in my palms.

The Peixoto's live and a very beautiful double story home, very new, modern and secure with electrical fencing around the house. Andre and I sleep in the granny flat out the back, it's a small space but we have everything we need including air conditioning (thank god for that). I am loving the food however once I get over the germs and bacteria's I can enjoy it even more.

These were my first impressions of my new home.

I love the Italian life style

I have been in Italy for 3 days and it has been very cold, the town of Savona is at the beginning of the Alps and all are capped with snow. I saw a van today that drove past while Andre and I were warming up in a cafe with 30 centimeters of snow on the roof!!! I have never in my life seen anything like it. Thank goodness Grazi has loads of jackets and I have adopted a nice big, grey, metallic looking number that almost touches the ground. It's as warm as a duvet (dooner), come to think of it shiny, metallic and futuristic looking jackets are in. I'm not to keen on them. 

Andre and I have come across the most amazing hot chocolate drinks while in Savona, so thick it is more like a dessert than a hot chocolate and we will randomly stop in bakery's and buy cake. Ahhh Italians now how to make good cakes and sweets, I suppose they have had over a thousand years mastering these recipes and it show mmmmmmmmmmm cake.

We spend our days walking whether it be window shopping or by the cold windy beaches then come home and I cook a dinner for everyone. After dinner we may play some rummikub, they are all quick learner's and were whipping our butts in no time. And well, last night Grazi's house mate a 45 year old Brazilian woman completely shocked us all by bringing out a black box. In the box was a latex life size dildo, I was very scared and asked if it was a used one and she assured us it was an unused present, well once we know that, who would have thought we could have so much fun and laughs with a dildo. All clean fun, I can assure you. 

Last night I also tried fizzy red Lambrucho vino, strangely enough it was was bloody good. I frowned at it when it first appeared because it was taken out of the fridge and everyone knows you store red wine at room temperature and then when I made out the translations that it was fizzy I was going to give it a miss altogether, I am so glad I kept an open mind and tried it. I wonder it they sell this in Australia????

Tonight we went to Grazi's work, she looks after and keeps company a little 85 year old Italian lady named Luciana. She is the sweetest thing and I want to keep her for myself and take her home with me. Grazi spends 3 hours with her most days of the week and I can see what a difference it makes in her life. Luciana has family but they find her a choir rather then family, tonight as we left we all kissed her and said good night to her and she cried because her family don't even do that. She found more love from strangers tonight than she has had from her family in a long time. I will always remember sweet Luciana and her beautiful green eyes.

Italy

In primary school as part of the school curriculum we learnt Italian. As our Italian teachers would describe the places they grew up in and the food they ate and the way of life, I have always wanted to visit there. I have finally made it. With the love of my life Andre, we arrived to Milan airport yesterday then a 3 hour train ride to the lovely town of Savona. 

It was quite a drama to get here as we were booked on a flight on Monday morning but we missed it by a whisker, this could have been the worst day of my life so far. I cried like a baby all the way back to London with good reason, I was awake all night and been trying to get to Stansted airport, I hit my head tyring to get my bags out from the bus then no PDQ (EFPOS) machines weren't working, the reason to missing the flight....after all that I had to turn around and make the same journey back. 

Once we were at Milan Central Station we brought our train tickets to Savona, I was thirsty and hungry. I purchased a bottle of water then we looked for a shop that sold food. I waited a while before I was served and just pointed at everything I wanted. I waited while they toasted our flat sandwiches and heated up some sort of crumbed thingamajig(which ended up being mushie rice with cheese centre and then the outside crumbed), I collected our goodies, turned and gave Andre a big smile and the next moment I was on the ground, fallen flat. Tripped over by an old woman's suitcase, didn't bother to apologise and continued walking. Squashed food in one hand and I could not get up because my backpack was weighing me down, my knees were killing me. Andre and two strangers came to my rescue. Welcome to Italy, nice welcome indeed. Andre could not stop laughing, after the shock had settled I must admit it was quite funny. 

Anyway lets not dwell on the past, I'm here and what a glorious day it is, I cannot get over all the manifico shops and boutique's. Every food shop I walked past I found myself starring with my tongue hanging out and Andre would have to drag me away. Health food stores, chocolate shops, cake shops, butchers, fish mongers, you name it they have it here and the quality and variety to die for. 

Fashion, well were do I start.....Italian women love to look glamorous, they all deserve the cover page on Vogue. Clothes are very stylish and classical, I feel a bit out of place because I am such a scruffer and my clothes are made up of random bits from around the world. One day I may look like these ladies. Shoes, dresses, coats, boots, trousers, shirts, scarves loved it all except for those awful velvet traxies, ooooooh they really hurt my eyes. What possesses women to wear these? 

Only if I got paid out from Ripcurl after they went into receivership, I would have a field day shopping for everything but the velvet traxies. 

I really miss our house mate Ben Collis, he rang me to tell me he made meat balls from the new Jamie Oliver cook book Andre and I brought him, oh bless him, love him to bits. 

I have finally met Andre's sister Graziela and her husband Diego, Grazi sure suits the Italian lifestyle, she loves to talk a lot, shame I cannot understand instead her voice puts me to sleep. She is a bit bigger then a midget with big luscious kissable lips, little lady but big personality. Diego is a sweet man, they have both lived in Italy for the past 7 months tying to get their European Citizenship. Andre is here for the same reason, this time next year we will be able to live freely here and experience a new way of life, culture and language. 

Maybe here in Savona, who knows.

 

Friendship Bands

I made a friendship band tonight for the first time in a long time, infact I cannot remember the last time I made one. 

Andre the love of my life has been wearing rubber bands around his wrist and I really didn't like them and could not find any nice bracelets for him so I thought how cool it would be to make one for him. Making one is a lot more personal and a lot of thought needs to go into a friendship band, where to buy the cotton from, what colors to use and remembering how to make it in the first place. 

I have been trying to think of keep sakes I could give to Andre before we part for half a year so friendship bands are great for this. Once you make a friendship band for a special person and tie it to there wrist, it is not allowed to be taken off until it falls off with wear. It was so difficult to choose just 3 colors, it's like buying candy from a candy store. I decided to choose colors I liked so I went with red, blue and black. I forgot how to make them until I tied the three strings together onto my big toe and started notting, it all came back to me like riding a bike. 

I thoroughly enjoyed making the bands, taking the time to do something creative and the patience to see it form start to finish. Oh the satisfaction of seeing the finished band on a loved one. 

I wonder why we stopped making friendship bands when we grew up, why should kids have all the fun! 

Should you receive a friendship band consider yourself very special to me.