Isn't Technology Amazing???

So, I have debated on whether or not to share this one because some things should still be sacred...which is why we are keeping the name to ourselves. But I figure that by the time she is born she will look different anyway. What you are looking at is a scan of baby Haske's face at 30 weeks. Pretty amazing, huh? The blurry bit on her forehead is most likely her hand. I can't remember if she was wiping her face this time, because we have seen her do that on several occasions.

I am now 35 weeks and to answer the most frequently asked question, "I feel great!" I must say that pregnancy suits me! Being tall certainly helps because I have so much room for her to grow. And she is growing! The most recent measurements were in the 90+ percentile, which shouldn't surprise anyone. I haven't had the issue of "foot in the ribs" or difficulty breathing, although that might be still to come. I am still sleeping quite well and am able to get out to walk when it is not pouring down rain.

Can you tell from all of the !s that I am excited???

Updated Belly Photos

This weekend we were once again showered with love and friendship. Below are a few photos from a group shower that was held for FIVE of us who are expecting in our neighborhood. (There are only 18 families!) You will notice that there are only four mommies-to-be present; the fifth was already in labor at the hospital!

Jenny (December 20ish), Jen (October 14), Liz (October 6), Jess (November 30ish)

As you can see, I was very proud to be the winner of the blindfolded baby dressing contest!

Our Jakarta Home: Before and After Shots

Our first year is nearly over, which means we will be regaining our hobo status next weekend when we fly home and fill our days with kayaking, reading and general lounging around! We will throw in trips to Nags Head and Iowa as well as a few weekend visits with friends. It will be a much deserved rest after the busy year we have had! I, however, won't be on full rest mode because I am still chipping away at my master's degree. Between taking two classes online, I am certain I will still be able to find plenty of time to unwind.

To help you appreciate the transition we have made into life in Jakarta, I have snapped some photos of our house and put together a before/after album.

http://picasaweb.google.com/lizhaske/BintaroHomeBeforeAndAfter?authkey=Gv1sRgCOGMgKK-2P_MDg#

Enjoy!

No Longer an "It"

We switched doctors after realizing that the lady we had been seeing wasn't going to be able to deliver at the hospital we want to use. Instead she was an hour and a half away - and that is in "good traffic." Really, the traffic in Jakarta never really falls into that category! So of course we had to have another scan (how terrible, right!) when we met with our new doctor and this time we were able to confirm the sex of Baby Haske...it's a GIRL! The doctor did a very through check and everything looks healthy.

She is starting to do amazing things like kick, which later on I am sure won't seem as amazing, but for now is pretty magical! Jim was able to feel the movement today, which was really exciting for him.

So, to answer the most popular question, "How are you feeling?" I feel fantastic! Even during the first trimester, I rarely felt sick and never vomited. I learned when I needed a snack so that my blood sugar didn't drop and I didn't have to experience too much nausea. I was tired beyond anything I have ever experienced, but that passed in a few weeks. I also learned that if I drug myself out the door and got my heart rate up I felt a lot better. I am nearly five months now and so the worst should be behind me, well at least until the uncomfortable stage at the end.

I am in full "nesting" mode, trying to get as much done as possible before we leave for summer holidays. The room was painted a beautiful calming green at the beginning of the year and will stay that way. We picked up a crib from a family who was selling it and sheets are being stitched as you read this. I am consumed with researching cloth diapers, strollers and other necessary things online. As Jim said, having a baby opens up a whole new market he never thought about before. Lots of things are available locally, but you just don't have the selection or the quality control. So anyone that is up for a little baby shopping this summer, give us a call!

Hobos and a Half...

By now most of you have either given up on our blog, because we have been so hopeless about updating it, or you already know our news. But, for those that don't...we are expecting our first baby in October. The babe is due on 10.10.10, which falls during our 10th years of teaching. (With all of those tens you would hope that is a good sign for ten fingers and toes!)

We had our four month check up today and the baby is healthy and the development looks good. Unfortunately we had a view of the back and weren't able to see the face. We did get to watch the little thing touch it's head and kick around a bit. Each visit proves to be magical and leaves us wanting more. Below is a glimpse of what we saw today.

More to come soon...we promise!

Better Late than Never...New Zealand

So it's been over a month since we returned from New Zealand and most have you have probably given up on an update by now! But considering that we are spending less than half of our time as hobos this year, we hope you'll understand.

Spending Christmas in New Zealand was simply amazing. The pictures from our trip speak more than any update could. We got to do what we love: camp, hike and enjoy nature. What more can you really ask for? Take a look for yourself and maybe if you are lucky we will post a few stories from our adventure here very soon!
http://picasaweb.google.com/lizhaske/NewZealand?authkey=Gv1sRgCPOIhJuEqoCNVg#

Crashes, strikes, screams and volcanoes - all in one form or another

Recently, we along with our friends Brian and Jen, decided to make a weekend getaway to Bandung about 100 miles east of Jakarta. We had heard good reviews about the train that runs to Bandung and decided to travel by rail. The four hour train ride was a refreshing experience on what Java has to offer considering that most of our experiences are limited to the chaos of Jakarta. For me, as a geography teacher, it was exciting to see the transition the city made as we left the CBD and made our way through the various urban zones until finally reaching the surrounding rice terraces.

Bandung was established by the Dutch and at one time was called the 'Paris of Java'. Although charming with its Art Deco buildings and green space it was clear the city had lost this label. Bandung, however, is 750 meters above sea level so the cooler climate was welcomed and appreciated.

We were only going to be away for a little more than 24 hours so we wanted to make the best of our time. So what was first on our agenda (well the girls' agenda at least)? Shopping! Bandung is known for its factory outlets and that's what a lot of people come for. Wasn't top on my list of things to do and by the second hour I was ready to throw a tantrum. Reciprocation is important in a relationship and after going into 4 or so outlets Brian and I stumbled across a bowling alley and went bowling along with Liz and Jen. He won the first match and I the second with a 189 I believe. 244 is my high score but I do not consider myself a bowler. The Big Lebowski just happened to make an impression.

Bowling was followed by a trip to the movies to see Paranormal Activity. Yes, we were having quite the cultural getaway. Why did we leave Jakarta again? I am not a big fan of fright films but I was actually entertained by this film. Seeing almost any film in the theater enhances the overall picture but it was fun to hear everyone's reactions to the film as it progressed. I was also impressed by the fact that the makers of the film were able to produce the picture for just over $10,000. Pretty inspiring if you ask me. After agreeing not to scare one another that night we headed back to our hotel to get some needed sleep.

The next day we got up and with the aid of a driver headed to Tangkuban Prahu, a volcano that collapsed from a build up of ash. Volcanoes always fascinate me and it was an interesting site to take in despite that fact that the surrounding parking area was a major tourist trap. After inhaling sulfur for a bit we made our way down a slippery trail to Kawah Domas, another volcanic area that is on the side of Tangkuban Prahu. We watched people wading in the sulfur geysers, spreading mud on their bodies, and some were even boiling eggs. While scrambling over rocks we could hear thunder approaching and decided it was time to head for the car just to play it safe. About a quarter of a mile on the trail the skies opened up and lightning began striking 3 - 4 miles away. I had to shake my head at the families (both western and local) heading toward Kawah Domas with no rain gear, flip flops on and little children. Not the safest or wisest decision in my opinion. After having to take shelter twice along the trail we made it back to the van but were all in need of a change of clothes.

Our final stop before getting back on the train was to be a visit to the Museum Konperensi. A colleague told me it was a must see. Basically it was where the Asia-Africa conference of 1955 was held. This conference was attended by such figures as Sukarno, Ho Chi Minh, Nasser and other Third World leaders of that time. Unfortunately we made it there 15 minutes after closing so I had to get my history fix by peering through the windows of the auditorium.

Despite being a short visit it was a needed refresher. We'll definitely have to make it back so we can get to the museum and some of the surrounding tea plantations. Next stop is New Zealand which we are embarking to tomorrow. Look out for an update from there. We'll be talking our camping gear with us and plan to hit the trails as hard as we did when down in South America. Happy Holidays to any and all that might be reading this.

Rice terraces as seen from our train

Wood worker stripping bark that creates natural design

Kawah Ratu

Kawah Domas

Bubbling geyser

Jen and Liz near geyser

Sulfur vents

Waders, bathers and egg boilers

Liz and Jim at Kawah Domas