The Things No Book tells you about being a New Mom

Here is a list of items that no one tells you about being a new mom:


1. Your life is going to be turned upside down in a way you can't comprehend right now

2. The words "I don't know" will come out of your mouth several times a day

3. It takes time to get to know your baby, you won't have it figured out in the first three days

4. It will probably take you a month before you can even think of making a meal

5. When your baby cries, you will start to cry. But only at first before you get strong

6. You are going to be very emotional and you will cry, A LOT!

7. You will not be able to use your mind for anything other than trying to tame this new human being, so write everything down because you won't remember what you said one minute ago.

8. Do NOT even think of making a T0-Do List because it will just depress you that you can't even cross one thing off of it.

9. Start to embrace piles because they will build up all around your house and there will never be time to go through them. Put the pile somewhere in your house where you won't have to look at it for 6 months.

10. Eating is no longer enjoyable, it is only necessary for your survival and you won't be able to do it when you want to.

11. Going to the bathroom can be terrifying because for thirty seconds your eyes are off of the baby that you can't stop looking at in case it stops breathing. I promise you, as I have lived it, He did continue breathing.

12. You thought you would be the cool mom that goes out with your kid to a store and has this nice life, until you hold your child for the first time and all you want to do is keep them from every harmful thing in this world including people breathing, coughing, staring, and crowds.

13. Your child will poop more times a day than you can ever imagine, and no you are not feeding it Indian food. (FRIENDS quote).

14. When and if you fall asleep, your dreams will be filled with hallucinating that you are holding the baby, feeding the baby, and you will actually believe this happened

15. You are going to have to make a million decisions about when and how to raise your baby, so you need to have read up on all of the parenting books before you have the baby. There will be no time once they are here.

16. Babies will cry and fuss, be prepared and hold strong.

17. Granola bars will be your best friend, food on the go.

18. You need to be able to leave the baby, even if for a short amount of time. If you don't, it will get too hard to do so.

19. You will love them to pieces and being a mom is the best and most humbling job there is :)

A Play Day with the Hamminga Family

I had the privilege of hanging out with my favorite nephews and my beautiful niece for a photo shoot. I was literally learning as I went. The positions and angles were a little rough. We started off with some professional shots and shortly moved out to play on the swing set. I am so grateful to have this family in my life. They create so much joy when I see their smiling faces. Here are a few of my faves:

Easter Celebration

Grandpa with his grandsons

Uncle Larry and Aaron

Hamminga Family Pic

Family Pic

Our Easter Eggs that we dyed

Moore Decorations

"Oh praise the one who paid my debt and raised this life up from the dead"

Oh savior has risen, what a glorious day! Larry and I were so happy to be with friends and family to celebrate the Risen King. We started our day with worship at Woodside. Then, loaded up the car for a full day of family celebration. We went to the Moore's to see Julie & Eric and receive Easter Baskets from Mom and Dad. Larry and I were excited to get some candy and Mags. The Moore family soon arrived to eat and chat. Then, we headed to the Nelson's house where we had more food and fun with our niece and nephews. I took a few pics. Enjoy!

Final Day of Sighteeing

(The Colosseum)

This is our last day for posting our European Adventures. Thank you for reading and joining us as we traveled Europe.

Today was a busy day. We were headed to see all outdoor sites and historic monuments in Rome. God gave us our greatest gift this trip sunshine and and a temperature of 57 degrees. It was the first time the jackets came off, so you will see our clothing for the first and only time of the trip and not just our jackets. This was a blessing because every site was outside. We had another full day of walking.



We started at the Colosseum where we quickly discovered they only took cash and we were four Euro short. We had to quickly find an ATM and get back in line. Once we resolved the problem we had missed the guided tour for the hour. We decided to book a later tour and come back at the end of the day. So, we headed onto the Roman Forum. This was the main square for all activity during the Roman empire. Today, very little of it remains but artifacts and rubble. We were able to read some commentary on each site which helped piece together what we were seeing. Then, we hiked up the Palatine Hill which used to be where all the palaces of Neo and Julius Ceasar were placed but were destroyed and remains are all that is left. Todays journey got me very interested in European history. Larry and I hope to rent more movies about Julius Ceaser and watch the Gladiator, where it shows the reconstructed Colosseum.



We had our last savoring taste of italian pizza for lunch. Then, we headed to the Colosseum. We were excited to get a guided tour in English and I was also excited to be around other Americans or at least English speakers. However, this was not the case. Many of the people in our group weren't speaking English or its not their first language. But they can understand it to join a tour. I was very envious of this gift. I wish that I was able to converse in another language.



One observation I have made is that when two people converse and they both speak different languages, they both start to speak in English to converse. I never realized how luckily I am to speak such a universal language. While most people were able to speak English with us, it is very frusterating to not be able to converse with others.



The Colosseum was our favorite event of the day. This larger than life amphitheatre was built for entertainment such as gladiator fighting. The vast size and construction in the shape of an elicpse was amazing. They have even reconstructed a portion to show you what it would have looked like and it would have been even more beautiful than we can imagine. I can't believe we are still constructing stadiums the same way today.



We headed to the Pantheon which has been preserved very well and is now a functioning church, but mass was soon starting and we were kicked out. We continued walking around the various squares enjoying all that Roma had to offer.



Then, we finished up some shoppping and got Larry the shirt he has always needed, an Italia shirt. After all, he is one-fourth italian. We ate our last italian meal along with some italian desserts canoili and tiramsu. We have truly loved Italy. The food is by far the best than in any other country as you can see from my posts and many mentions of all of our meals.



We are very sad this wonderful experience has to end but are so greatful for the quality time, amazing memories, and breathtaking pictures we have. Tomorrow comes the difficult part. We are leaving at 6:40 am to catch a train to the airport. Our flight leaves around 9 and we have a 10 hour flight to Newark, New Jersey. We are praying that we can work out the time difference and are able to sleep on Sunday Night. We arrive in Detroit around 9pm, which makes our travel time 19 hours. Please pray for patience, strength, and our bodies to rest and heal for work on Monday. I can not wait to turn on my phone and say Hello when we get to Newark. We love you all and will be seeing most of you very soon.



Mom and Dad don't forget you are picking us up in Detroit. I will call you in Newark to arrange details.

Another day and more to see

(THE VATICAN)

Today we started off with croissants and nutella (just like a donut) and cereal. I loved the croissants and chocolate so much I had 3, Oh my!! Then, we headed to the train station. We wanted to see the Vatican first and it was an hour walk. We soon discovered that today the Bus, Train, and Airlines decided to strike until 2pm which left the city in chaos. There was a half hour wait for a taxi and no way to get out to the Vatican beside using our feet. I decided to grin and bear it and walk the hour to the Vatican. This was actually the best weather of the day. It was sunny and we even got down to our short sleeve layers, it was so beautiful out. As we were approaching the Vatican, it started to rain. This rain continued on and off throughout the day and even hailed at one point. But, we were prepared with the unbrella. However, this cooled the temperature quite a bit. I guess we have been very lucky to have missed most of the rain. We are beginning to wonder if this isn't a daily occurence. (Larry helped me find the apostraphe button today, yeah!!).

The vatican museum is quite an adventure. It has several artifacts from Mestopantia to Greek and Roman statues, tapesteries, various art pieces and of course the sistine chapel. It was kind of strange to find other deities within the Vatican museum but it also had several painting and tapestries devoted to saints, popes, Jesus and Mary. Our favorite part was entering the Sistine Chapel. This is the Pope's personal chapel and it is also known for Michaelango's famous painting. It took him 4 years to build. The chapel is covered floor to ceiling with this painting. The entire chapel is his canvas if you will. You truly had to sit down and spend time looking at each piece. The main ceiling covers the first seven days including the famous Adam and God touching fingers. We was vast in color and beauty and never been retouched. The original colors still stand.

Then, we headed to St. Peter's Basilica which is the largest church in the world with the largest dome. We used Rick Steve's commentary (a book we took) to tour this church. It is very overwhelming when you first walk in. The walkway to the alter seems to last for days. It even marks how other churches compare in size if they were to fit inside the church. It has several statues, monuments, and prayer rooms. There was also a statue of St. Peter that was said to be kissable. Everyone was going up and touching this foot and kissing it, kind of strange. You could walk up the dome but due to soreness and tiredness from the walk did not go up the dome. However, we did enjoy going to the mecca of christianity and visiting the Vatican, which apparently is its own country. So, technically Larry and I have been in 5 countries in 9 days.

Next, we went to lunch at a pizzeria. Day 2 for pizza and I received the best gift so far on this trip, a glass of coke with ICE :) :) :) I know it is silly but I really miss things cold. In Europe, they do not serve anything cold and I would hate to be the snoody American that demands ice, but this glass just came with it. I really enjoyed it!! I can't wait for more cold drinks coming back to America.

Then, we started some shopping. We have not found anything really great in the other countries to buy. But, God was saving our money for Roma. It is definitely the cheapest country so far and has the best souvenir gifts. Needless to say, most peoples gifts will have originated in Italy. I was able to find some spectactular finds including my most favorite gift of the trip: My very own Louis Vuitton Look alike. It is just wonderful and very similar to the original!! I am in love. We also collected our last magnet of the trip.

We ended the night at an italian restaurant, where we got spaghetti and lasagna. We decided the difference in the pasta and what makes it so wonderful is that the pasta in Roma is more doughy which gives it an amazing filling taste. Of course, no night would be complete without gelato and I was able to sample, mint chocolate, chocolate and strawberry. This is of course anothe business I would like to bring to the states, a gelato store, there is just nothing like it.

There are a few things I do miss about America, including my friends and family and cold drinks, it is American bathrooms. During my European experience I have had to use the same stalls, bathroom sinks and bathroom quarters as males. I have had to see males washing their hands and other things. I know what you are thinking I went into the wrong bathroom and the answer is no. Many of the bathrooms are coed in a sense that its all unisex or open where you can see everything. This has been very disturbing to me because I am not used to seeing that and I never knew how much I enjoyed privacy. I am grateful that I havent had to pay for a restroom yet, but this is crazy. This wouldn't have been so bad until I got to Roma. In all of the public restrooms I have used in the past 2 days, none of them have had toilet seats. The holes are there to have a toilet seat, but none is actually on. So, yes, I am getting excited for American restrooms once again.

We can not believe this journey is coming to a close. Thank you for all of your prayers and being devoted to read our daily adventures. We hope to enjoy one last day visiting the historic monuments of Roma. We hope to see you all soon!

Love you all!

New Day, New Country

(holy stairs)

We awoke at 6 am this morning to prepare for our departure from France. We took the metro to the bus stop and a nice ride later arrived at the airport. We were off to Italy. I decided to take some dramanine because on the last airplane ride I got a little motion sickness. This was a truly blessing. From the moment I sat down in my seat I was ready to sleep. Larry and I both slept the entire plane ride (2 1-2hrs) there only to awake for a quick glimpse of the Alps. They were breathtaking from the air. Heavens true mountains. But we shortly fell back asleep. We were able to find a train to take us into the city. This was like a real train as if you were going across country, so we were still able to experience the train after all.

We now had to switch modes, from french to italian. I got to tell you, we are better at the french. Dad did tell us a few words to say. We are trying to use them correctly, Thanks Dad. Italy is even more historic than Paris. All of the roads are very narrow, with brick pavers on all streets and they have preserved history and simply built around it.

We arrived at our hotel, which has the smallest elevator I have ever seen. Larry, myself, our luggage and the hotel worker barely all fit and that was with our luggage stacked to the ceiling. The best part of this hotel is that our view overlooks this beautiful church and we can watch the sunset. Don,t worry I took lots of pictures.

We quickly ate lunch at a pizzeria with the largest slices we have ever had. We figured out it was 1 pound of pizza we ate, plus bread. I would like to reiterate, gaining lots of weight, and hopefully walking it all off. Then, we headed to the Church of San Giovanni in Laterano. We didn,t know much about the church other than the holy stairs are there. As we arrived it was a vast, gold plated basilica (church). I quickly found a worker and asked where the stairs were. This was apparently very disturbing to him because they were not here, they were located in the church next store. We quickly asked if I knew what this church was and of course I said no, and he preceded to tell me. It was built in the 4th century and is 1700 years old. WOW!! It was cool but we were ready for the holy stairs.

These stairs are the stairs that Jesus walked on to converse with Pontius Pilate in Egypt. A women had them moved to Rome. You may only climb up the stairs on your knees, all 28 of them. Larry and I wanted to take the journey up and spend that time praying to God. It was very very painful and wonderful.

This was the only day of bad weather we have had on our trip thus far. It did rain for a small portion today, but luckily we were prepared with our umbrella.

Today, I realized that I have been in 4 countries in 8 days and my mind, body and soul reminded me of that. I just frankly ran out of steam. I needed a break. We decided to head back to the hotel where we took a 3 hour nap. It seems so unlike us but I just couldn,t keep up any longer. After the nap, we were refreshed any ready to head to our first italian restaurant. We had a great meal. I had ravioli with swordfish and shrimp. Larry had macroni with sausage. It was the best pasta we have ever had. All handmade pasta. Just wonderful!! Afterwards, we visited the Trevi fountain (Fountain of Love) for some kodak moments. Then, thanks to Jenny and Justin,s suggestion, we had our first of many gelatos. DELICIOUS!! Julie, it tasted like rainbow sherbet from Baskin Robbins.

Today, I realized I havent shared much about my wonderful traveling partner. Larry has been the best husband on this trip. We is always concerned with my needs. We is constantly asking me if I am o.k. If he can take more bags or if I need water. He has truly been so amazing and I really feel like he has shined as a husband this week. I just hope that I was a trooper for him.

My time is almost up on the computer. I apologize about the apostrophes, but on this keyboard I can not find the key. Sorry, English majors, who this is bothering, like myself and my overuse of commas.

Love you all. Can not believe its Thursday! Almost home to see everyone.

Tomorrow: Vatican

Last day in Paris

We began our day heading to the Louvre. This is one of the largest museums I have ever been to. It houses very famous pieces such as the Mona Lisa, Sphinx, and Aphrodite. We were already a little sluggish and sore, so we mapped out some exhibits we wanted to see and ventured for those. You could easily spend a couple days in this place. There were large amounts of people and you could tell where there was a really famous piece because it gathered lots of crowds. The Mona Lisa being one that everyone wanted to see and you got up there and were like, yep that's what I thought it would be, (kind of disappointing). After an hour or two, we left feeling very cultured and more knowledgeable of world history.

Right outside the Louvre, is the Champs Elysee's, which is a long pathway to the ArcD'Triumphe. We took a nice long stroll down the Champs Elysee's with the sun in our faces and very little wind, it was a great STROLL :) . While we were approaching the Arc we had a women yell, "excuse me, do you speak English?" Larry and I had already been warned not to let anyone know we are Americans near tourist sites in France because they will harass you until you give them money. So, Larry and I of course turned when we heard excuse me, as anyone would do, but then quickly realized that by doing this, we already acknowledged that we speak English. We were luckily able to avoid her. This is an unfortunate business that many of these women are in. Later, we saw their head boss that train them to prey on Americans. We pray that these women can escape this horrible life.

The Arc D'Triumphe is this grand Arc that Napoleon built after winning this famous battle. It was beautiful and large. You had to take an underground path to get to see directly under it.

Next, we headed to the Eiffel Tower. However, we were starving. We decided to have our lunch next to the Eiffel Tower. We enjoyed our first crepes, Larry had his with strawberry jelly and mine with Nutella (chocolate and bananas). We were able to eat right under the Eiffel Tower. Then, we waited in line to ride up the Eiffel Tower. This was very very scary for me. I had a small anxiety attack at the top, but Larry reassured me that I will not fly off the building. You take an elevator to the first and second level and have to buy a third ticket to ride all the way to the top. IT was an enjoyable and memorable experience to be with the person you love, standing on top of the Eiffel Tower. After we took in the sights, enjoyed a few kisses and pictures, we headed back down.

We headed back to the hotel to regroup and change into nicer clothes. I was finally able to wear my Paris dress and we headed out for dinner. This became an hour and a half process due to choosing places that weren't open, then waiting around to find out that they only had one meal choice, so we decided to take the train back. Needless to say after a lot of running around, we came to a Rick Steve's recommended Mediterranean restaurant. Amanda was able to try White fish (delicious) and Larry had a risotto.

Now, we are trying to gather information for our last and final destination which is Rome. We are trying to pack up our belongings again and figuring out how to get to our next hotel. We are ready to learn about a new city and experience an even different culture.

Paris Notes~:

*Many homeless people

*Dirtier than London

*Very fashionable- I feel undressed all of the time, many clothing stores and ads

*Fancy foreign cars everyone and motorcycles rule all

*Some rude people, but overall pleasant

*People willing to speak English and help when able

* Beautiful sites, great place to visit

P.S. Rome is the city where internet is not so easily accessible. OF course it will be my mission every day to find a place where I can post on the blog, but please be patient if I am not able to everyday.

We are praying and thinking of everyone! I can't wait to be able to talk with everyone again soon. That's been the hardest is not being able to talk with the people I love.

Lots of love,