Shanghai: Back for Year 3

Here we are. Back in Shanghai for Year #3. If you had told me during our first year that we’d be here a third (and likely fourth) year, I’d have told you you were crazy! But, here we are. Life is wonderful and unpredictable, and we’re so thankful it has lead us to where we are today.

During our first few weeks back in Shanghai…

We bought a motorbike. Totally what you’d expect a 7-month pregnant lady to do, right?! No need to worry though, as Isaac is an excellent and careful driver, and we’re only using it for short local trips (to and from work, grocery store, etc.). Pretty sure we’re going to need to buy a second motorbike soon, however, as my belly has grown so much I can barely fit on the back anymore! Seriously. Isaac is starting to feel Isla’s kicks against his back while we ride.

This guy was at the bike shop too. Behold, the infamous Shanghai belly a/c look… a popular method in cooling around these parts. We see men rolling up their shirts and letting their tummies hang out whenever it’s hot.Been enjoying our snuggle time with this little cutie. Can’t wait to introduce Isla and Lucas!

LOVE these drawings my students did of me in their “First Day of First Grade” memory books. Note the awesome round bellies… the cross-eyed version absolutely kills me… and the diva gave me a few good giggles too 😉

I read this, and then my heart melted. In case you can’t read “first grader” I’ll translate… “This morning I felt a little bit scared, but now I am happy.” I am just thrilled with my class this year… such a great group of cuties!

We’ve had a bit of doctor drama, unfortunately. Our wonderful doctor moved to a new, insanely expensive clinic that our insurance simply can’t cover, so we had to make a move. We met our new (highly recommended) OBGYN, Dr.Kong, as well as our bubbly midwife, Lin, at our 30 week appointment last week and couldn’t love them more! Such a relief for this first time mommy! During our appointment we had an ultrasound and FINALLY got a little peek at our sweet Isla’s face. I couldn’t stop the tears welling up in my eyes throughout the entire scan. Just look at those sweet chubby cheeks. And pouty little bottom lip. And delicate eyelids. AND that hair- I cannot believe my baby has long hair! Oh, I am so in love already!

Perhaps some of our happiest moments have been our quiet snuggle sessions with the boys. There is nothing like having a really good cat to cuddle with. Poor Isaac got hit with a little flu bug and Safa stayed curled in the crook of his knees all day.  

Miller is an excellent help in the photo editing department. Or not. But he’s super cute, regardless.