I laughed, I cried

Today was actually a really great day, until the end.

Last night we had a bump. She went to bed fine, and then when I came to bed she was restless for about an hour. Was it an omen that night time might be something of a challenge going forward?

My routine is starting to work pretty well (OK sort of). I'm not really a routine type of person, mind you. BUt I'm trying to do this so as to manage day-to-day expectations. However, as those mothers out there know, you have to be flexible with a 2-and-a-half year old.

The morning was nice -- shared some nice cuddle time before slowly waking up. Our breakfast of "pan tostada francesa" (square pancakes really) was a big hit with L. We got four pancakes and she ate 2 and a half of them!

Playtime after breakfast was great. I made a Skype call to my friend Elena, and L and I chatted with her and her daughter (her husband Maurizio too). We even saw their dog on camera!

But my busy Miss L couldn't sit for long. So she played very happily by herself as I chatted for a bit longer with Elena. It was nice to see a familiar face, even if on video.

Can I tell you I thank God for the Internet and cell phones every day. I can talk to Glenn, keep in touch with friends and family, and of course blog. All of these things are really helping. Especially after rough evenings like tonight.

After my chat time, we headed back to the Fontabella Plaza because there is an open space there where I thought she could run around and I didn't really explore the stores the other day.


There was an oversized chess game going on and they were having a free art class for kids (but it was for 5 and up only). I found a toy store and a really nice book store called Sophos. Bought a toy xylophone (which we call a marimba -- this is Guatemala you know) and some books.

I have to say toys & books are expensive here! Still, you can't find these books at home. Almost all the kids books in Spanish at home are just translations of English-language books. The books here are mostly from Spain and Argentina.

We then had some sweets (capuccino for me, chocolate gelato for L) at the Cafe Barista there. I have to admit, I ate about half the gelato.

Then is was back home for lunch and a nap. When we got back to the hotel, there was the usual fussiness from L. But a visit from one of the hotel cleaning staff was a good diversion while I prepared lunch.

She ate well, took her bottle, and fell asleep for a good long nap. I dozed a little myself before washing the lunchtime dishes. I kind of chilled and enjoyed the quiet time.

After nap, we read one of her new books. There's a lion in it and we practiced our lion roars and our expressions showing how afraid we are of the lion. We had a lot of laughs when she stuck her foot between the pages of the book.

Then it was off for an afternoon walk to the Econo Mart (or is it Super Econo?). I needed another gallon of water (and the closer and nicer Super Verdura closes at 2 on Saturdays).

After that excursion I explored the other side of Avenida Reforma (well I went like one block further) and found the Plaza Espana. A big circle with four little park-like settings along it. But I soon turned towards home because I was getting tired.

By the time I was nearing the hotel, the much emptier streets of the Zona Viva on a Saturday afternoon felt a little lonely too me. While the hustle and bustle of Monday-Friday is a bit much, the weekend sparseness just kind of got to me.

I think this put me in a cranky mood, and L too. Because the evening was just full of crankiness on both sides. She wanted to get in bed at like 6, refused to eat dinner, couldn't settle. Well, "Cars" on the Disney Channel worked for awhile but it didn't last (Mary Ellen should appreciate that little tidbit).

So I let her play while I finally ate what was by now a cold dinner. When she saw me eating, she wanted some. But it was not too much to her liking. I improvised mac & cheese again (this time in the microwave), and that fared a little better with her.

Finally I decided it was just time for bed no matter what. Not too long after she settled, I settled, and she drifted off to sleep.

My microphone and internet connection decided not to work when I tried to call Glenn on Skype. But my Guatemalan cell phone worked just fine. So nice to hear his voice.

My patience was really tried this evening. But we made it. Tomorrow there is mass and the barbecue. It will be a good day.