Sink Bath!

Emma Grace is huge fan of the sink bath while at her Kacki and Poopaw's house! Jack got his first sink bath last week while Andy and I were out for my birthday! Check out our little chunk! He's into 3-6 month clothes and even some of those are too small already!

Here we are, all dressed up for our first night out alone as parents of two young babes!

This picture would lead you to believe that I bathe and get ready regularly. That's not very accurate. These days I usually manage to take a shower but often end up back in my "comfys" (that's what EG and I call all clothes that don't have snaps, zippers or buttons!) with no makeup and air dried hair! That's just where I am right now with two little ones and I really like it! Jeans are overrated.

Road Trip!

I had a great time in Baltimore visiting with my dear dear friend Carmen, her hubster and son! She and I have been friends since college and were roomies for a semester. She's a wonderful woman of God who has loved me so faithfully even though I've been so far away all these years. She's great to keep in touch through emails and calls and is one of my prayer warriors-a woman I know I can count on to get down on her knees for me when I need prayer! Check out this photo of us with our babes! I took Jack with me but left my eldest at home with her Dad.

It was a 6 hour drive and Jack slept the whole way there and back, just eating once along the way. Carmen's son, Emmanuel is such a cutie. He and JAck are about the same height, though he's 5 months older! I make tall babies I guess. I also had the pleasure of going with Carmen to the high school girls Bible study she leads. It was so fun to get to meet these girls and see Carmen's world up close and personal! Carmen, thanks for a great time. I just love you so much and I am so grateful for your faithful friendship. Being around you makes me want to love Jesus more. Thank You!

After Baltimore, Jack and I hopped over to DC for the day to get some paperwork done and apply for a visa for him to go back to China! I must say I am one bad driver. It's truly God's grace that I did not cause a wreck. Maybe it's because I don't drive for years at a time coupled with the fact that I got a teeny tiny bit lost in a city I don't know, but I was so thankful to make it out of that city with my car still in tact!

Another evidence of God's work in my day yesterday came at the Chinese Office where we got the visa. I had several different offices to go to and I had to get his passport in by 12:30 in order to get it back the same day. Since I got a little lost (I did enjoy my detour to Arlington Cemetery) my time was ticking. I got to the office at about 11:45 so I still had 45 minutes to turn in the application. Unfortunately there was a very long line-about 30 people in front of me. So at 12:15 there were still 20ish people ahead of me and I was convinced I wasn't going to make it. But God was so kind to take care of us. His provision for us came through the Chinese people's love for pregnant women and babies. Here's what I mean-did you know that in China, women who are pregnant are treated like very special and very fragile princesses? Did you know that after a Chinese woman has a baby she takes an entire month to "Zuo Yue Zi "? That means to sit or rest for a month. It's not like our 6 week maternity leave where you're out at Target shopping with your newborn by week 2. This is intense mandatory resting and recovery and gorging of foods good for you and the new babe. There will always be things in the Chinese culture that are hard for me but this is one aspect of the culture that I love. I feel like they really understand how tough it can be to be pregnant or have a newborn.

So because of there care and concern for this portion of the populous, the Chinese office where we were has a "not wait" policy for preggos and moms with babes in tote! Yipee! Because my little man was with me, we zipped on up to the front of the line and got the application in right before 12:30! I was thrilled to speak a little Chinese with the agent and see so many Chinese people there. China is in our blood and we miss that place.

On a related side note-my Chinese mother, Mrs. Wen, who was also our Chinese teacher for a year is among the millions of people who dote on pregnant women. She was very very concerned that I would wear uncomfortable maternity jeans rather than the moo moo looking outfits all the Chinese preggos wear. Honestly, after two pregnancies and about 10 pairs of jeans that didn't fit me well, I've started to think maternity jeans are a BAD idea and want to start wearing the moos moos as well!

While pregnant with EG, I was terribly sick but still trying to take Chinese classes. We would have class at our house and I had to lie down because of the nausea. This often led to me falling asleep during the lessons. Mrs Wen was so gracious and would come over and cover me up with a blanket and keep teaching Andy. (That at least in part explains why his Chinese is so much better than mine!) She thought it was silly that I was trying to take class anyway! According to her, pregnant women need to be wearing a moo moo, resting most of the time, eating big pots of meat and exposing their unborn child to the zoo, flowers, and music in order to develop their character and intelligence! She brought me one of these big pots of meat one day because she was very concerned with how little weight I was gaining. Unfortunately the smell of the meat made me lose weight rather than gain it! But it really was the thought that counted!

So I don't totally buy into all the Chinese traditions regarding pregnancy and mothering but I am soooo thankful for their care and concern for women like me. God really used that aspect of the Chinese culture to take care of us yesterday-all the way on the other side of the world in Washington D.C.!

We are so happy to be home and Jack has been giggling all day today! We both really missed Andy and EG!

Has processed food always been this bad?

In my last post, I mentioned packing on a few pounds due to Tim's delicious meals. Well, Tim's not the only one to blame! Our time in America has been many things-fun, tiring, comfortable, uncomfortable, refreshing, encouraging, draining-really a mixed bag. One thing it's been for sure is DELICIOUS! We've enjoyed some incredible food and as you know eating is Huffman Hobby #1.

Well, it's been delicious all except for my cooking. Tonight cemented this truth in my mind forever. Here's the thing- I grew up eating my fair share of freezer-quick and easy-ready made-microwavable-canned-will never expire foods. And I thought they were pretty good back then.

Then I went to China, the land of fresh. Since I wanted to eat American food, I had no choice but to learn how to cook and to learn how to cook from scratch using fresh ingredients. It's really hard work to make American meals there. If I want a pizza, I make the dough and the sauce and grate the cheese myself! If I want Chicken Salad Croissants-I make the chicken salad and the croissants. If I want Lasagna, I make the Ricotta and the meat sauce. I've even made my own pasta before, but thankfully we can get that there! So you get the picture, I've come a long way from my hot pocket days! Though it's really hard work, I love cooking there.

Since we've been back in the USA, cooking has been the thorn in my side. First of all, I have a newborn so my spare time is limited. On top of that I have a kitchen that is less than functional for cooking. Not the kitchen itself but rather the lack of basic ingredients and good utensils. One night I gave up cooking dinner because I only had one knife and it was so dull I couldn't cut the onion I needed. Freezer Pizza that night. I didn't want to spend lots of money on stocking my kitchen with basic ingredients only to waste all the extras when we head back over to China, so I've done a lot of simple meals-spaghetti, tacos, and other things that don't require a lot of work or have a long list of ingredients.

Because of my limited time and VERY limited kitchen, I've also ventured deep into the land of ready made meals. And they are disgusting. I am not sure if they always were so or if they've gone down hill in last 5 years while I've been away eating all fresh, homemade meals. I am pretty sure the meals are the same and that my taste buds have changed. Tonight sealed the deal. We had "Swiss Cheese, Crimini and Button Mushroom Stuffed Chicken Breasts." Sounds pretty fancy and delicious doesn't it? Nope. It was disgusting. Andy said it tasted like a hot dog. I love hot dogs and I've never had a hot dog that tasted that bad. We both took one bite and opted to push it aside and feast on our canned green beans and instant scalloped potatoes, which were also pretty gross but better than the chicken.

So all that to say-I'll be so glad to get back to my fully stocked kitchen where fresh is the best and only option! Ok, I do have to admit, I am still a fan of the Pepperoni Pizza Hot Pocket. I had one today for lunch. Ok, actually I had two.

Ok, hilarity! My husband just walked in from running errands and brought us a little snack-a burger and fries. Needless to say, our meal was less than filling so I guess he thought we needed something good to eat! Late night burgers aren't helping with our weight gain, Andy! We need to get back to China soon! Ok, off to eat my burger.

Ode to My Father in Law!

Waiting on some pictures from Mary before I post more about my bday! In the meantime, I thought I would take this opportunity to announce to all of cyberspace that I have the best Father-in-Law a girl could ask for!

Tim Huffman is one cool dude and he's my Father-in-law! I've been so blessed by our time in America and especially by the love our families have shown to us. Tim is among those who have absolutely "loved our socks off!" From playing the guitar for EG so she could churn the butter, cooking delicious meals, to getting in the TePee with EG and dropping by with a box of Cinnamon Bagels on a snowy day-he's been such a means of God's love to us!

He's extremely thoughtful. Here are two examples of ways he's really cared for me. He enjoys reading our blog and really encourages me regarding my writing. One day he told me that my writing reminds him of one of his childhood favorite authors, O. Henry. The next day he went out and bought a book of short stories by O. Henry for me! I don't think my writing is anything to compare with O. Henry, but how thoughtful of Tim to do that for me!

And just today, he sent me a magazine that had an article about Dutch Ovens in it. Tim is a Master Chef and I've been picking his brain about the best kind of Dutch Oven to get. It's on my kitchen wish list and my bday money is burning a hole in my pocket! After we discussed all the options-stone wear verses cast iron, etc.-he found an article in one of his cooking magazines and sent it over to me! How thoughtful. The article sealed my decision-going with the cast iron. Thankfully I can get one in China in a nearby city. You can just imagine the look on Andy's face when I first told him I wanted to carry a cast iron dutch oven on the plane!

So here's to Tim-a thoughtful, kind, wearer of cool glasses, make me gain a lot of weight with his cooking, man of God and the best Father-in-law I could ask for! Tim, You Rock! Love, EA

Happy Birthday to Me!

Saturdays are my favorite day of the week. Andy is off and we get to have some great family time! Today is not only a Saturday, but also my 28th birthday! Wow-I'm an adult. I've been one for 10 years now, but being 28 and having 2 kids just seems really "adult" to me. There is no escaping it-I'm an adult.

Today has been a great day so far! It's 4:30pm and we're hanging out with Andy's parents and sister. Emma Grace started the day out with a birthday serenade ("Happy To You" is her version!) After some early morning birthday wishes from EG and the hubster, we headed for a Cinnamon Crunch Bagel with the rest of the Huffmans. As you know, The Cinnamon Crunch is by far my favorite Breakfast food. It should really be considered a dessert, as sweet as it is!

After breakfast we did some family shopping at Sam's club, stocking up on some essentials to take back to China. Crushed Red Pepper Flakes, Spaghetti Sauce Seasoning, 8 lbs of chocolate chips, 5 lbs of pecans, and new socks were among the items purchased. Our life is so weird. While packing clothes and shoes and jackets, I also have to find room for semi sweet chocolate chips. We are serious about our chocolate chip cookies.

Ok, this day has theme running through it-FOOD! We're now chomping down on some yummy hors d'oeuvres and watching the UNC Maryland game. Tonight Andy and I are going out ALONE for dinner. I usually just tote Jack wherever I go, since I am nursing him but tonight we're leaving him with the grandparents too! Should be fun to go out sans diapers and wipes! I just used two french words in one paragraph. WOW, I'm feeling smart today.

Well, I'm so thankful that God created me and most of all that he has saved me.

Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow,
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!
Great is Thy Faithfulness!

Off to enjoy dinner with the hubster!

What a lovely day!

We had a great Valentine's Day! We started the day with breakfast with my parents and sister, Katie. The morning included some encouragement hearts that we made for each other and a "How well do you know each other" survey! It was a great way to start our day!

Andy and I headed to Lexington to see some dear friends, Dave and Celia! Here we are hanging out with our little boys! Cel is a great friend and former roomie from college! It was so good to see them. I sure do wish you guys lived in China with us! Emma Grace had a great day as well. Her Valentine is this little gal. Sophie is Katie's new dog and Emma Grace just loves her! By the way, I think Sophie is more work than my 2 month old son! Way to go all you dog owners! I admire your hard work! Emma Grace spent the day with her Poppa Dan, Momma Nette, and Aunt Katie at the Life and Science Museum! There are some really fun things to do in America!

Andy and I enjoyed a romantic dinner at Chic Fil A. HEHE. He had planned a great dinner at one of my favorite restaurants, The Village, and then a movie, but we weren't hungry when it was time to eat! So we did some shopping and then grabbed some Chic Fil A right before our movie. It was a really fun day for all of us and Andy gave me a gift certificate for a whole day off! No diapers, no spit up on my clothes, no laundry! YIPEE! Should be fun. I'm not off right now so I better run-my son is calling me!

I had twins!

As you know, we welcomed Jack Alexander Huffman into the world on December 12th. What I forgot to tell you that day is that we also welcomed his twin brother as well. I'm embarrassed that I am just now getting around to introducing you to Jack's twin. But without further ado, here he is, Barrett Daniel Huffman!
Kacki got Barrett Daniel for Jack before he was born and we were shocked by how much they look alike! I even had matching outfits for the picture-so fun! I have a feeling Jack and Barrett will be great pals in the days to come!

TWO MONTHS!

Yeah! Jack is 2 months old! Check out our little man. He smiles a lot and is just a pleasure to be around! He's doing great in cloth diapers and starting to get into a good sleeping groove. It feels like he's been around a lot longer than 2 months. He just kinda slid right into our family and is just the perfect fit for this little family of four! We love you Jack!

Andy passed his Mountaineer genes to his son! Here he is saying, "Gooooooo Mountaineers!"

Emma Grace has started to correctly pronounce Jack's name, which is a little sad for me. I loved hearing her call him Dack! She is super observant these days. If there's the tiniest piece of trash on the floor, she'll find it! She also notices many noises that we don't pick up on! Every time the heat comes on in our house, she tells me to "wisten." She loves for us to stop and listen to ordinary noises that I never even notice! It's so fun to see the world through her eyes! (and hear her toddler pronunciation)

She loves playing with this monkey. We spend our days moving the monkey from the bed to the chair to the stroller. The monkey even gets dressed up to play with us from time to time! Here they are posing as pirates!

I am so thankful to be the mommy of these little ones!

Cut me some slack guys!

Hey, it's me, Emma Grace here. I just want the world to know that it's tough being a toddler trying to figure out this crazy world I live in! So I get a little confused sometimes. Who can blame me? To me, Jack's poop does look like applesauce. It's a good thing my mom kept me from tasting it though! And Baal in our Bible story from last night does look just like Chuck E Cheese, if you ask me. Ok, Ok, so now I know they aren't the same-though my Poopaw tells me Chuck E is a bit of an idol in my heart. Hey, I'm working on that! All I'm saying is-I need this ole world to cut me some slack. I'm new here!

Back on the Wagon

I am trying to get back on the Blogging Bandwagon since I hit an all time low of only 5 posts for the month of January! We don't have Internet at our house and I've been a tad busy meeting the needs of two very precious little ones so blogging hasn't really been on my radar as of late.

It's been quite cold and the view from our window this week looked like this: We've had a lot of snow (by my NC standards at least) and it's been beautiful. We've tried to spend some time out in the snow but it takes quite a bit of work to bundle up two little ones.
We've been spending a lot of time inside and we sometimes get desperate for entertainment! Our current obsessions are hair bows and necklaces!

One great thing about the US is there are some fun indoor options for entertaining little ones. Mamma Nette came up and treated us to an afternoon at the children's museum and play center. EG loved it and Jack slept almost the whole time.

We've also spent some time at Chuck E Cheese. This week we're gonna hit the library and the pool at the YMCA. I will certainly miss these great indoor options when we head back to China. But for now, we're gonna enjoy them as much as we can.

Off to feed my youngest!