Atticus Adventures

I find it really hard to blog... not that I do not have time, because let's face it, if I can watch The Colbert Report and Girls every week, then I can certainly take 30 minutes to blog. The problem is that I just do not have any desire... however I know I would love to go back and read this one day, so I will try.

2013 HIGHLIGHTS

• NC State vs. Duke bball game LIVE
• Getting to watch college basketball for the first time in two years
• Returning to Germany with Atticus - he was wonderful on the plane, our neighbors welcomed us with gifts we will never forget (cute clothes... including an honorary hoodie for the motorcycle club and a "made in Franken" tshirt, hand crocheted blanket, gift card to BabyOne, The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister)
• Bingo Nights with the girls
• Frülingsfest with the Tebbutts before they returned to the US
• Little Luke Tebbutt's baptism
• First vacation with Atticus to Tuscany
• Return to work
• Chodovar Beer Spa
• Paris with the girls
• Basketball

TUSCANY

Day 1 - March 8
We drove from Nuremberg down to Lucca.
Visually stunning: nothing compares to driving through northern Italy
Financially stunning: the tolls along the way
Frighteningly stunning: trying to control a 115lb mastiff in the back of a car and breast-feed a baby while an innocent and friendly Italian decides he want to talk to you about italian weather in the rain
Refreshingly stunning: arriving at the most peaceful, artistically decorated, just plain gorgeous cabin in the middle of Italy and realizing you get to stay here for a week

Day 2 - March 9
Found a great market for produce and cheese, explored medieval Lucca, made up our own sign language to order items from the cheese store and deli, had an amazing amazing amazing dinner at a local spot recommended by the landlord.

Day 3 - March 10
Relaxed in our villa.

Day 4 - March 11
CINQUE TERRE - and wouldn't you know that torrential rains resulted in all the hiking paths closed. Had we been able to hike, I think that I would have absolutely love it. Unfortunately were were only able to visit the towns by train and I found it a bit overpriced and overtouristed. Highlight was definitely getting swarmed by Asians wanted to take pictures of Atticus.

Day 5 - March 12
Took off in search of the infamous Dario the Butcher. We found his deli and were treated to the most amazing meat dishes ever... BEEF SUSHI yall! Ventured on to Sienna... interesting, but without a formal tour guide, found it a bit boring. 

Day 6 - March 13
Relaxed in our villa. 

Day 7 - March 14
Took the train to Florence for an amazing atmosphere and over-priced everything. Would love to tour the city sometime without the little monster in tow. He was fantastic, but I have a new appreciation for seeing a city with a knowledgeable guide after Paris.

Day 8 - March 15
Drove home and enjoyed the views along the way.

CHODOVAR

On a recommendation from our friends we decided to check out the beer spa just over the Czech-German border and boy were we satisfied! After a night away with our boy, two full massages, two beer baths, and a big Czech meal, our wallets were still practically full and our bodies were relaxed.

According to the website, "Beer Baths are an original curative spa therapy combining remedial effects of warm mineral water, beer, ingredients for brewing beer, products of the brewing process and classical as well as special massages. The aim of the baths involves harmonizing functions of the organism, mental rest, recondition and relaxation. The procedures have curative effects on the complexion and hair, relieve muscle tension, warm up joints and support immune system of the organism. For better rejuvenating results I recommend to accompany the original beer treatment with a partial massage aimed at problematic body parts or a full body massage reducing muscle tension."

PARIS

During one tipsy bingo night with the girls, we decided it was time for another getaway to be planned. We wanted our darling Inge to join us, and the only place we could really get her to agree to was Paris... so off to Paris we went. My sweet friends did all of the planning, and they found an AMAZING apartment just down the street from the Lourve. To save money we drove and a friend of one of my friends agreed to let us use his parking spot for the weekend... this led to me pushing my 2 month old in his stroller and towing my bag through Paris after midnight... I couldn't help but be thankful there wasn't anyone around that could judge me. I also broke my "keep it real" communication style goal... the girls were helping me with Atticus's stuff and at times kind of struggling. Instead of asking, I just assumed they were getting annoyed with me and my crap, so I was just all "let me do it". It resulted in minor, minor, minor tension, but it could have all been avoided if I was more straight forward because I would have KNOWN they wanted to help instead of ASSUMED they were annoyed.

We walked and walked and walked. Anyone that knows me, knows that I LOVE to walk, so I was so thankful that these girls were game and soooooo helpful with Atticus.  We skipped Musee d'Orsay because of the line, but I really hope to return one day. We did catch the Catacombs (taking a baby through a 2k maze of bones underground may not be the best idea, but wth) and the best of off the beaten path. We enjoyed an AMAZING lunch with FABULOUS decor the first day ... the beef tartare was the best I have ever had.

I will never forget the breakfast beer, the Joan of Arc statue, breast feeding under the Eifel, the guy with the soccer ball at the Sacre Couer, die Inge DRIVING around the Arc de Triomphe, the priest singing in the Notre Dame, getting to know Brandi, and having Inge get annoyed with me because I only wanted to drive the straight drive on flat, open ground.... :)

Atticus C Arrington is HERE!

Atticus C Arrington arrived January 20th at 11:50 pm, exactly one week late.

He decided he would spare me the induction scheduled for 7am the next morning, so my water broke at 8pm. After thinking I had peed on myself and throwing my pants into the wash, my contractions started immediately 4-5 minutes apart. I spent 30 minutes on the toilet thinking it was horrible gas pains, and then went to pacing around the kitchen like a mad woman. Maggie and Mom timed my contractions and kept asking for severity. They all seemed super strong to me, as the pain was so strong that my body kept threatening me to throw up at the end of each contraction.

Finally Billy talked my mom into letting him call the doctor. They told us to come on in... Billy went into mad man mode, packing up everything, including my lip glosses (????) and chicken wings and pizza (really????). During this time he knocked my earring holder and all of my earrings all over the floor and ran into the kitchen only to shatter a large glass all over that floor. I screamed "You need to chill!" in the middle of a contraction, and my mom countered with "He is just excited and trying to help." On my exhale I managed to get out "Well he is stressing me out." Thankfully I apologized in the car on the way to the hospital.


Maggie drove Billy and me, and Mom and Butch followed behind. Maggie was so skilled at comforting me through my contractions, letting me squeeze her hand, and managing to safely drive us 45 minutes to the hospital! Mom said she knew when a contraction occurred because Maggie would speed up 10 mph and then a minute later be back down at the speed limit.

Maggie claimed an alien came out of me as we neared the hospital. As she rounded the exit, I begged her to slow down and then when we got to the hospital, sweet Billy was trying to get me dropped at the door, but I yelled, "turn RIIIIIIIGGGGHHHHTTT" in a voice that she couldn't ignore. We got out and made our way to the door, but my legs gave out on me as body collapsed in chills. Mags covered me in her coat and we made it to the door.

They offered me a wheelchair, but I couldn't sit, so Billy and I headed up to the birthing floor at 10:45pm. Now was Billy's time to shine. He was so good and so kind and so encouraging as I tried to pee in a cup and was put into the bed.

The nurse checked me and I was 8cm dilated. I could tell by her reaction that we were in a race against the clock and baby at this point. After two more contractions, I involuntarily started pushing with just the nurse in the room. She told me to try not to, as I was going to strain my cervix, but it couldn't be controlled. I said, "OK, then I am going to poooooooooooooop."

The doctor had not arrived yet, and I could tell the nurse was getting anxious as she called for more help. They were able to get my IV in as I asked for an epidural. The nurse kindly let me know that wasn't going to be an option. I was pretty scared at this point and Billy was so encouraging, yelling "Ohhh shoot this is about to happen. You got this Boo!! This is happening!!!" It was so cute. He continued to try in vain to get me an epidural, but it wasn't going to happen. The doctor arrived and checked me. She said the baby would likely be born that night and not on the 21st. She calmly told me with each contraction we were going to push. After four contractions, intense sweating, intense shivers in between each one, Atticus came flying out. I remember seeing the doctor catch him vaguely and I remember being scared about the placenta coming, but it being painless. Then the happiest moment of the night was watching how excited Billy was. After they let me hold him, we both were shivering so bad that they had to put Atti under a lamp. Billy wouldn't leave his side and there was nothing that could make my heart smile any bigger.

After the birth, the doctor pushed on my uterus, which was really painful and I asked for medication, but since I wanted to try breast feeding immediately, she told me I shouldn't because it could be passed to the baby. I was so thankful I didn't.

Atticus was cleaned up and given his first bath, which Billy filmed. Mom and Maggie came up (for a second time... they came up during the birth, but I turned them away because I was in so much pain).

Nothing could make me happier than seeing them with B and Atticus. Butch came up shortly afterwards and got to meet him and take some pictures for me. After they left, we were moved to our room and reality set in. We had a baby, and it was just Billy, me and Atticus from here on out.

My 2 cents

I'm not as good at this blogging thing as Hannah but what I am good at is living life. So I think sharing some of these moments with people give me a chance to give a little incite to the life of the Billz. Atticus C Arrington has entered and changed my life forever. Not having the pleasure of having my father around is what motivates me to be the very best dad around. I admit that sometimes I can cut corners, like laying down to sooth Atticus or allowing Hannah to jump to Atticus's every little cry. I assure you when the bullet meets the bone daddy is there. The little things are so very important and I'm getting better at not being a lazy parent. Atticus is such an amazing kid! Hannah is the closest I've ever came to loving a human this much. Every time I look at him I feel my soul moves and that my friend is life! The "problems" I found to be so aggravating pre Atticus seem to be so miniscule. Things tend to bounce off me at the moment, I'm not sure how long this will last but for the moment things are so clear. Hannah has always been pretty good at time management, me on the other hand.... I kinda do what I want. That has changed.... It's all about the baby! Life will never be the same. Having family around to help the first 4 weeks was a great help for us. When things got a little tough just hand him off to Cha Cha and let her do her magic:) I'm a little nervous about when Hannah goes back to work and it's mano e mano with Atticus. I know things will be just fine when we get our routine machine up and going! See now i'm at the point in this entry where I feel like i'm rambling. Do I sign off or keep talking about myself? Long story short life is good! I love my family, friends and i'm happy. Til next time.      

2012 Hurricanes

1) DRINKING BUDDY OF THE YEAR
Ben Tebbutt for Billy

2) LIFETIME SERVICE AWARD (longest friend)
Sarah Noland - Friends since middle school... we got to spend time together each time I have visited the US and she drove up for Atticus's shower this month. I am thrilled to get to spend time with her celebrating Spencer's wedding in May.

3) NEWCOMER AWARD - MOST AMAZING NEW ADDITION IN MY LIFE
Die Inge!!! Free spirited, opinionated, strong, fun, open minded, kind

3) HIGH POINT OF THE YEAR
Playing basketball after being retired for a decade

4) LOW POINT OF THE YEAR
Cyprus - struggling to adjust to pregnancy, spent too much money, couldn't pull myself out of the funk

5) BEST HOLIDAY
Walberla

6) SONGS FOR 2012

Mumford - Hopeless Wanderer
LMFAO - Sexy and I Know It (Louie)
Alicia Keys - Girl on Fire
Fun. - Some Nights
Rihanna ft. Calvin Harris - We Found Love
Gotye - Somebody that I Used to Know

7) MOVIES FOR 2012
Les Mis
Hunger Games
Stoked to see Silver Linings Playbook, Zero Dark Thirty, and Lincoln

8) VALENTINE of 2012
Eeeeks I cannot remember

9) BEST RELATIONSHIP of 2012
Mommy... great phone calls and emails

10) Deleted

11) HALLOWEEN COSTUME of 2012
Hot mess... I was too prego to try anything

12) RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR
Huett'n

13) BOOK OF THE YEAR
The Book Thief

14) BEST DECISION MADE THIS YEAR
Hmmm... yet to be determined.

15) PLANS FOR NEXT YEAR
Raise Atticus... travel to Italy, Greece, and somewhere in the Baltic (Norway or Finland)

16) MOST STUPID IDEA WHEN DRUNK in 2012
Erin's Bachelorette Party and falling asleep on the bus on the way home

17) TV SHOW OF THE YEAR
Homeland

18) MOST HONEST and AUTHENTIC FRIEND of 2012
Anna Small

19) BIGGEST CHANGE OF 2012
Pregnancy

20) BIGGEST DOUCHEBAG AWARD
hmmm... douche? Maybe Billz ;)

21) NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION
marathon and keeping it real

22) MOST HUMOROUS EVENT OF 2012
Prague

23) BIGGEST PURCHASE OF 2012
Vacations...

24) DA MISS YA AWARD
Tiffers

25) THE COACH K AWARD FOR BEST ROLE MODEL IN 2012
Probably Ben Borrusch. His work ethic and the way he handles people is impressive and admirable. His ability and courage to speak German also inspires me.

26) THE MAGGIE AUSTIN GENIUS AWARD MOMENT
falling asleep on the bus coming home from Erlangen

27) GREATEST GIFT OF 2012

Coldplay in Hannover!

28) CW AUSTIN AWARD FOR BIGGEST IMPACT
Probably Anna Small again

Baby Atticus is on the Way

In November my wonderful friends in Germany threw me a Baby Shower. Kelley put it all together with help from Anna, Brooke, and Inge.

Last Saturday, my sister threw me a huge brunch to celebrate Atticus's coming arrival. I was so thankful for all of the amazing gifts and even more that so many people drove to be a part of it.

...cause it's ladies night and I feel alright...

A little over a year ago I was pretty depressed in Germany and decided I needed to put myself out there if I was going to pull myself out of that funk. Therefore I joined a basketball team and attended my first Chickhaus (ladies expat group) event. I was a bit timid and considered cancelling since, as much as I try to be, I am not exactly a girl's girl. Thanks to champagne and a bartender that gave us free roam of the bar, most of the night is a bit hazy, however I do remember letting completely loose and having an absolute BALL with Ms. Kelley Geris.

While I had met Kelley 8 months earlier, we had not hung out much due to the interesting (to say the least) social dynamics of an expat community. I must say, Kelley has completely livened my German experience. She is never short on witty comments, inappropriate jokes (a compliment in my book), fabulous fashion, enviable decorating or entertaining ideas, drama, and craftiness. Unfortunately, she is returning with her husband, Jesse, to the US in December. Therefore, we decided to recreate our Prague experience (minus broken doors and crazy midget Asians) by traveling down to Munich with our other Real Hausfrauen of Erlangen castmates.

The first night I had organized "The Real Hausfrauen of Erlangen Present... Favorite German Things" party (similar to Oprah's favorite things party) for Kelley. We each bought items that were or represented our favorite things in Germany and gave them to her as gifts. I think it turned out quite well... I gave her a scarf I bought at a market in Budapest to represent the European markets that I love so much. I also gave her chocolate, schnapps, and a stein from the Altstadtbierbrau in Nürnberg (my favorite beer). I slid in some OB tampons as a joke since we cannot find any regular tampons here.

We stayed up past 4am talking and laughing (insert some drama in every now and then)... really a nice night.

Saturday we did some shopping and then went out to dinner and to a small bar for some drinks. Sunday was breakfast and a nice train ride home.

The Pest!

Shall I step up to my high horse again? Na... I will try to stand in place.

Since I am fortunate enough to be in Europe, I feel I should travel European.

We took the train to Budapest - it was CRAZY, especially at 7.5 months pregnant, but that is part of the experience.

We arrived and took another 45 minute bus outside the city to our hotel. I had bought a weekend off of Groupon because it included a spa and Aquaworld - not bad, really enjoyed the comfortable bed (and probably needed it due to Atticus) - but I really prefer to be in the city, in a hostel.

We started the next day in the tourist district and wasted a day... not bad sight seeing, but when I are in a place as unique and alternative as Budapest, I need more than pretty sights. We did the Central Market Hall - nice to see but generic, Parliament - incredible architecture, wandered the streets looking for certain stores I had read about, drank hot wine, stopped into Zappa Cafe, and went into every McDonalds or Burger King so preggs could pee every 30 minutes. Ugh so annoying.

We did visit the Tisza shoe store, and I could kick myself for not buying a pair now. I was so focused on finding a Christmas gift for Butch's son Zach, and so disappointment when they didn't carry a 14 for him that I forgot to look for me or Billy.

We also found a tapas restaurant for dinner that absolutely hit the spot. It reminded me of my first time overseas in Le Creausot where I didn't eat a lot of food, but it was of such quality that it completely filled me up. The prices in Hungary though did not remind me of France AT ALL. I had a 3 course meal (spicy red lentil soup with homemade bread, pork cutlets with fried onions and a sauce I wasn't familiar with, potatoes, and pistacio cake with vanilla bourbon cream) for what converted to about 13 euro. Billy had a four course meal for what converted to about 15 euro (smoked trout on bread with homemade cream spread, soup, duck in an asian sauce, and pistacio cake). Amazing. I also had a fabulous homemade lemonade and Billy's wine was to die for.

Early to bed and early to rise is a pregnant woman's life. So we were off Saturday for Antique shopping... unfortunately Hungarians do not rise so early, so we skipped the Antique district and headed out of the city for the Esceri Fleamarket. We were definitely the only English speakers out here, but this is what Billy and I travel for... to see something real. To see and experience life outside of our comforts. We didn't know which bus or where to get off, but luckily with some fancy hand signals and a map, a bus driver put us on the correct bus and motioned at us when we were to get off.

A food stand welcomed us into the market, and for what amounted to 3 euro we ate chicken wings, pork sandwich, sausage with homemade bread, and hot peppers. We had some difficulties ordering, and Billy got embarrassed for the first time in our marriage when I practically touched someone's food trying to say I wanted some of that, but it was soooooooooooooo good. OMG.

We went to the Castle District for fantastic views of the city, an even more fantastic wine tasting, and topped it off with a late lunch at the best deli I have ever been to. At Mangalica & Társai Húspatika we had something similar to a burger, something similar to a hot dog, and baked cheese and a salad. Ahhhhhhhh.

We finished the evening with the Budapest version of a funnel cake, a long walk, and an evening in the spa at our hotel.

Sunday was WAMP day. I was super stoked because I had read a lot about it. I had hoped for the design fair, but unfortunately it was the gastro fair the weekend we were there. Coffees and jams and cookies and hummus and cream spreads and breads and cheeses and meats... OHHH myyyyy. Billy was in heaven with the local brews - very hoppy makes a very happy Billz.

Next was the market at Szimpla Kert. Sooooooooo cool. I cannot even describe it. I could absolutely kick myself for not going here each day for the atmosphere. We supported the local poor population by enjoying a bowl of some type of meat stew. There was every type of pickled veggie on sale and it was cheap as dirt. I always feel 'not cool enough' at these types of places, but at the same time it is so unpretentious that it just doesn't matter.

We caught our afternoon train back to Germany. Tough ride back, but I will take that any day over car or plane.

Was there an October in 2012? No, really.

Ash came. I forget how much I enjoy her company. Super, super cool girl.

Fuerth's Michaelis Kirchweih

Lina's Birthday

Finished my German 3 class

Guided city tour of Forcheim

Bowling

More doctor's appointments to make sure my baby boy is ok

And Halloween....

Fix You

I am thirty, 30, 3-0, three zero.
I am an adult.
I am a wife.
I am a [soon to be] mother.
I am my favorite number.

Crazy.

My 30th birthday was my absolute favorite birthday since my 21st birthday when my mom took me to NYC.

We kicked off the weekend with a 1.FCN Nürnberg game with a big group of our friends. I always really enjoy the sporting events in Germany.

Billy had also began the week by giving me a present each morning.
Day 1: socks and a butterfly
Day 2: bracelet and family wood piece
Day 3: maternity pillow
Day 4: heating pad
Day 5: skull necklace
Day 6: the sweetest card and a trip to Hannover to see Coldplay!!
Day 7: box of letters from home and gifts for Atticus

It was absolutely wonderful. It was just amaaaazing quality time with the most quality person that I know.

We woke up and hit the road heading north.

Billy had a cardboard box with him that I knew was from my sister, but I thought it only contained gifts that she and mom had bought for Atticus. Once he told me I could open it, I began to go through letter after letter from all of my friends back home... absolutely touching.

 
We stopped for a sandwich and arrived around 2pm. We grabbed some coffee and soups at the cutest little cafe, 'Audrey's', and then did a little shopping.

Our shopping extended later than we planned, so we rented bikes to get to the Thai restaurant and back to the stadium in time. Unfortunately, the Thai restaurant did not have a table available, so we found 'Thai to Go' down the road. It was SOOOOOOOOOO GOOD. It was a little mom and pop restaurant with amazing authentic Thai.

We sprinted back on the bikes to get to the concert.

After searching for about 30 minutes for our seats, we were quickly informed that our seats were actually in a private bar area... we had to be escorted by beautiful women in white suits to our seats!! It was soooo boooossshhhhiie. 

Say what you will about Coldplay's music, but their shows feel so personal and special. Coldplay doesn’t just give you a performance, they give you an experience. We got these light up wristbands, so colorful and cool, they had fireworks and clouds of confetti floating down on me, and splattered painted beach balls, and they prove how talented they are live. It was romantic and fun, beautiful and unforgettable.