The Tooth Fairy

The other day I took the littles out of preschool for a fun day at the park.  We just had a new one installed near the house and they wanted to try it out.  So, we packed lunch and a blanket and settled ourselves in for the afternoon.  And then MadHatter tried to jump down from the second story.  She would have made it had her chin just cleared the ledge.  She didn't hurt herself too much - but it did make her tooth bleed and cut her chin a bit.  Nothing major.  But to make it all feel a bit better I told her we would write a letter to the tooth fairy when we got home and let her know that we weren't ready to lose our tooth just yet.

We walked in the door and before I could even get Stinkerbells hands and feet washed so she could climb in bed for her nap, I had a pen and paper shoved at me saying that we had to do the letter.  Right now.  Before the Tooth fairy showed up and took her tooth.  I told her that the Tooth Fairy wouldn't show up until she was asleep.  She does her best work at night and as a fairy, can't be seen by humans.  She didn't budge.  We had to write and mail the letter.  Right now.

So we did.

We sent her a note explaining what happened and how she would like to keep her tooth until it fell out on its own.  We addressed it, made a stamp for it and put it out in the mailbox (I didn't have the heart to tell her we don't have a real mailman).  Her anxiety was soothed and we had a great day.

And then we waited for a reply.

And last night it came.

She woke up this morning with an envelope beside her bed.  With her name on it.  She promptly woke her sister up. (Of course, why wake up Mom when you can wake up your little sister and show her that you have something that she doesn't?)  She ripped open the envelope and promptly brought it downstairs for me to read to her.  Because she still had no idea what it was or who it was from.  But she did have a good guess.

And so we read it.  And she smiled, bigger and bigger, as I read what the Tooth Fairy had to say.  She was very happy when she was told she could keep the tooth.  She smiled wide when I read the part about how the Tooth Fairy was proud of her pearly whites and her brushing habits.  And she said that she can't wait to see what surprise she has in store for her when her first tooth finally falls out.  But that will be "years and years, right Mom?"

She is at that perfect age.  The age that I can work all of my Momagic.  She truly believes, which makes me believe in the power of magic.  Even while she is questioning me about the how's, the where's and the why's of it all, she is looking up at me with those eyes, begging and pleading for me not to break the spell.  She is at the age where I get to relive my childhood through her.  And she is my little helper because she weaves these magic tales into her too-young-to-really-understand sisters life.  The little sister that would never question that a fairy visited us in the middle of the night.

I don't know who loved getting the letter from the Tooth Fairy more - me or MadHatter.  I just know that I don't ever want the magic to end.  And I know it will. So for now, I will do my part and I want them to keep doing theirs.  Their only job.  Their only part.  Being kids.

A Little Piece of Home on Thanksgiving

I have spent the last couple of hours pulling apart the warmest, freshest bread I think I have ever bought .  They were literally pulling it off of the racks as I was putting it in my bag.   And I was standing there thinking, "Really?  Today, of all days.  Today is the day I have to get here just after they have taken away the day old bread.  Today I am going to get the freshest bread possible?".  I was feeling a bit sorry for myself.   Because today was the day I needed the day old bread.   I could have used 2 day old bread actually.  You see,  for the first time, I am making my mom's famous stuffing for Thanksgiving (ok, so maybe it is just famous in my family) and I need stale, hardened bread to get it just right.  Instead, I got fresh.  So fresh I swear the yeast was still rising.  I didn't have any other option seeing as all of the breads were just as fresh.  So, I stuffed my bag full with about 40 loaves and took it home and ripped every last loaf into teeny tiny pieces. And all the while I was thinking about how much I truly hoped that the bread would harden and dry out by Friday night.  It has to.  Just has to.  Because our Thanksgiving celebration is on Saturday and it is the one traditional, homemade thing we will have.  Sure we will have turkey (outsourced and made by the supermarket since you can't buy one here), cranberries (from a can, imported from the US), and pumpkin pies (again, outsourced because you can't buy pumpkin puree here).  We will probably also have chorizo and steak.  And some other not so traditional things.  So the stuffing is the only piece of home that our family will have.

And it is like having a piece of home because I don't think there is a Thanksgiving in my memory that we didn't have my mom's stuffing.  Other things have changed over the years - the time we ate, where we celebrated, whom we celebrated with.  And the menu has varied a bit, but one thing I don't seem to ever recall being changed, was the stuffing.  Hand ripped bread crumbs, a bit of celery, some pork sausage and a special blend of spices.  And a few other things that I couldn't possibly give away (it is Nana's secret recipe after all).  And I know in the past ten years, B has come to associate Thanksgiving with that stuffing. It is B's favorite part of the meal and Nana always has to make enough so that he has leftovers for a week.  My girls eat it like it was candy.

And I can't disappoint them.  Because even though we are having a Thanksgiving celebration it will not be able to compare to being with family.  A family that starts cooking early in the morning and starts eating shortly there after.  With a break or two for a football game and a beer and some more munching.  Finally, late in the afternoon, the turkey would be done and we would all sit around the big table (no kids table in our family) and eat until our belts were too tight, drink until the wine was gone and then sit and talk while we waited for our bellies to be able to handle pie.  That is what we will be missing.  And it will not be the same, this we already know.  So if I can only give my family this one thing, I want to make sure I do it to the best of my ability.  It will not live up to Nana's (whose could) but each bite will remind us that, even though we are 6000 miles away from home, we can still bring a bit of it to us.  We will still be missing our families, as I am sure they will be missing us, but maybe with having this one thing in common we will feel just a little bit closer and thankful that we have each other, even if we aren't all together.

And with that in mind I want to leave you with a list of what we are thankful for this year.  This years list is a bit humorous ..It doesn't include the obvious, because who isn't thankful for their family, their health, their job, their good fortune...?  But here are the less obvious things we are thankful for.  Straight out of the mouths of babes...

MadHatter (age 4 5/6) - yep, she takes her age seriously

I am thankful for my Mama keeping my secrets and then writing them down in my book so I can remember them.  For being a kid, because I don't want to be a grownup and have to do the cooking and cleaning all the time.  For my toys and my movies - what would I do when Stinkerbell is sleeping if I didn't have them?  For Mama letting me watch Sponge Bob sometimes when Papa is gone; it's our secret (not anymore MadHatter - sorry).   For Dulce but next year Mama, I want to be thankful for my cat too (she really wants one - B doesn't).  For my bones getting bigger because it would be weird to be 5 and still have them be the same size as when I was 4.

And she finished with the usual - she was thankful for Mom and Dad and her sister, her family and God.

Stinkerbell (age 3)

For Dulce.  For Dulce.  For Dulce.  When asked what else she would like to thank God for this year she said, "nothing, just Dulce".

The Meningitis Vaccine

(I am going to preface this with a disclaimer - I am a mother.  I do what I think is best for my children until they are old enough to make their own decisions.  And even then I will probably meddle.   If you are a mother, I assume that you do the same.  We may not agree on some of the issues, or any of the issues, but let's just agree that we are all doing the best we can.  That said - you may comment but please don't start a fight).

We have had an outbreak of meningitis here in Santiago.  Actually, in all of Chile, but it is concentrated right here in the metro region.  It's a pretty well known strain of the virus (W-135) and the government is doing everything they can to get it under control before it can ever get out of control.  Because, even though this strain of the virus is not the most contagious,  it has a high death rate.  Out of the 46 cases that have been reported in the past 3 weeks, 10 have died.  All children under the age of five.  That is almost a 22% death rate.  I repeat, all in children under the age of five.  Of which I have two.

As a mother, I always have to make decisions on the what is safest for my children.  Do I make them get off the swing when they are standing on it, or do I just let them be kids and enjoy?  Same with climbing trees, swimming without their floaties for the first time, running on the crooked sidewalk where they could trip and split a knee, or head, open.  I am mostly a hands off mom in this department.  Kids are only kids for a short while so I let them have a degree of risk in their lives so they can also have a degree of fun.  I grew up the same way and have fond memories of being wild and free.

But I draw the line at things that can end in death almost a quarter of the time.  I assure you, I understand that the chances of them contracting this strain of meningitis is low.  I assure you, I would never forgive myself if they did.  Especially since there is such a simple solution - the vaccine.   Over 2 million of them will be given in the next couple of months.  And it's being given for free.

And it really isn't a decision I had to wrestle with this time.  Because not only is it free, it is mandatory for every child up to the age of  4 years, 11 months and 29 days.  There will be no questions asked.  You will not be able to  turn it down.  If your children fall within this age range, they will get the vaccine.  They are tracking it through RUT numbers (the Identification Number every child is assigned at birth in Chile.  We, as expats and residents, got them within two weeks of arriving).  The vaccines are being administered primarily at the children's schools.  But if the children are too young for school, there is a schedule in place for each community on where to take your children.  Forget about just not showing up if you are against this vaccine.  It won't do any good.  They will find you.  They have you computerized down to what you bought at the pharmacy last week.  Heck, if they could throw you in jail for not agreeing to take the census this past June, you think they won't be able to track you down to give you a shot?

It sounds harsh but I think that is because I primarily grew up in the United States. This kind of program would never fly in the U.S. anymore.  If it ever did.  Parents have very strong views on vaccines.  And everyone does the research and comes to their own conclusions.  And for the most part, the government is ok with that.  For the most part, that isn't how it works here.  Almost all parents get their children vaccinated.  The doctor writes the prescription and then you take it to the Vacunatorio.  (Yep, they have a special place just for vaccines).  You don't need an appointment.  It's free, it's easy and it is done by almost everyone.  Maybe because there are still some pretty nasty diseases in South America that the U.S. just doesn't have to think about.

So, there is no outrage from parents who are questioning just why the government can tell them what to do and what not to do with their children's health.  There is no protesting in the streets, or groups of parents that are refusing the vaccine.  The parents here are just grateful for the free medicine that can keep their child safe from the deadly outbreak that is just down the road.  They are grateful to live in a country that can afford to keep them safe and avoid this turning into an epidemic   They say thank you and clamor for more information on when they can get their children's shots.  Their only outrage has been that there has been a shortage of the vaccine.

Because, you see, they are thinking of the greater good, along with the good of their child.  They know that if ALL children, and not just some, are vaccinated then this horrible virus, with it's unforgiving fatality rate, will disappear.  And they can all breathe a little easier.  I truly believe in vaccines and my children have had them all, and a few extra that they needed just for South America.  Because I know that no matter how much I try to shelter them from exposure to things like Meningitis or Measles or Mumps, you just never know.  You don't know if the toy that your daughter found in the sandbox at the park and happily chewed on for a few seconds before you took it away, was left there by a little one that has the Hep A virus.  You don't know if the little boy who just played a round of hide and seek under the racks at the store with your bored son, while you were looking at that great new shirt, is only hours away from breaking out in the Measles.  You don't know if the woman sitting next to you in the movie theater at the latest Disney flick has just flown in, with her children, from a foreign country in the midst of an outbreak of Meningitis.  And could have infected everyone near her on the plane, and the theater, before she even knows that she (or her kids) are carrying the disease.

And because I don't know, I vaccinate.

Because I also know that I have made an informed choice.  Not one based on fear - either of the vaccinations or the diseases.  I do know that I have done what is best for my children and the children they come in contact with.  I also know that I may not have eradicated the chances of them getting sick but I have made the odds a lot more favorable.  And in my book, that is the best I can do - give them the best chance at a happy, healthy life.

Lima

After our trip to Machu Picchu we headed to the coast of Peru for the week. B was heading to work, my parents were heading to see dear family friends and the girls and I just tagged along because we could.  I am trying to take advantage of the fact that this is the last year (8 months really) that we aren't beholden to school schedules and their imposed vacations.  We can still pick up and travel when we want, so we do.

Lima was not really a vacation as much as it was a big long "shopping, lunch, dinner, repeat" date.  You see, my dad worked in this part of the world for the better part of his 40 year career.  He has made some very good friends that he then introduced to my mom.  They used to get down this way on a more regular basis but now that he is retired, he hasn't had the opportunity.  And when he does, he comes to Chile to see us.  This was the first time since his retirement party that he would be back.  Which means many invitations to get together and have a drink, a lunch, a dinner.  And luckily I got to tag along for the fun.  And in doing so, I made some new friends that I hope will be in my life for the duration.

Her new best friend - Cuy

Grampa and MadHatter at the ocean.

The Llama outside our hotel.

We were guests at a Peruvian Horse show!  Front row and fabulous.

We got all dolled up for dinner.

Old and dear friends!  One of the best lunches I have had the privilege of being invited to.  The food was out of this world as was the company.

Fast friends.  Maybe they can be doing this 40 years from now too.

The view from the park 2 blocks from the hotel.

Boy do they love their park days.

Plaza de Armas

The Plaza de Armas is not to be missed when visiting Cuzco.  It would almost be impossible anyway as it is smack in the center of the historic city.  And it is large.  Very large.  And flanked by two beautiful, ornate, old churches.  Throw in a Starbucks, a McDonalds, and an Irish Pub and every foreigner for miles gathers here.  (It's too bad they couldn't locate the touristy and imported places outside of the square because even though they have tried to make them fit in you just know they don't really belong).  

The plaza is always teeming with people.  The locals love it because it is a beautifully landscaped space.  There are benches, low walls and many, many steps for sitting.  There are abundant trees for shade.  There are restaurants, cafes, and usually some type of entertainment.  It makes it the place to hang out and be seen.   The tourists love it for the same reasons plus there is some great history to see here too.

The two most imposing buildings in the square are the Cathedral of Santo Domingo and La Compañía de Jesús.  

The Cathedral, also known as Cuzco cathedral, is the mother church of the Archdiocese of Cuzco.  The church was begun in 1559 and was designed to look like the Latin cross.  It's plans called for it to cover an acre of land and almost all of the stones used to build the monolith came from Saqsayhuamàn (visited earlier in the weekend) and took over 100 years to finish.  But what a church it was when finished!  Housed inside are hundreds of original artworks dating from the 17th century to the present.  There are thousands of artifacts housed here too but I think the most impressive part was the structure itself.  Each and every part of it was either covered in gold leaf, silver, or carved by hand from huge blocks of wood.  It is also attached to the El Temple de El Triunfo and La Iglesia de la Sagrada Familia (The Church of the Sacred Family).  In reality, you could hardly tell where one started and the other ended.

But you will have to take my word on the beauty of it.  No pictures allowed inside.

On the opposite corner of the plaza, you will find La Compañía de Jesús.  It is a Jesuit church that rivals the Cathedral in grandeur and opulence (supposedly a deliberate move by the church - which didn't go over well with the Catholics).  The time frame of the buildings are also similar as they were finished within 40 years of each other.  This great church was begun in the early 16th century.  But it was almost all but demolished in the earthquake of 1650.  Finally finished in 1668, it is one of the best examples of Baroque architecture in all of the Americas.  It houses a great collection of artwork and a gilded alter that simply shines even in the gloom of the rest of the structure.  

But you will have to take my word for it, again.  No pictures allowed inside.  

Instead, I have the pictures of the square...

The Cathedral.

The Jesuit Church.

Entrance to the Sacred Family Temple.

There was a military parade while we were there - making it all but impossible to get a picture of the square as a whole since there were throngs of people - some very important.

It may look like it belongs, but it is still McDonald's.

Stinkerbell assumed her usual pose about this time of day.

Playing in the streets just off the square.

And then we had a bus to catch to the airport.  Not before MadHatter got her picture with the lamb (these ladies are everywhere and will stop for a Sole (about $.40).  And then the girls got the last of their wiggles out before having to get on the plane to Lima.

MadHatter did some Yoga.

Made some silly faces.

 

Stinkerbell just danced around being silly.

Cuzco was fun and definitely a once in a lifetime trip.  Ranks right up there for best birthday present (though I have gotten some dandies in my life - so I can't really rank them in order).

Palacio Nazarenas

Day three and I could finally sleep.  We had nothing on the schedule except a late breakfast, a tour of the city square/churches and a late flight into Lima.  I was so tired when we got back from Machu Picchu that I even skipped dinner.  I just went straight to sleep.  I even exiled B to the restaurant since he wanted to order rooms service and eat it in our room.  While watching t.v.  Not while I was in search of a dark and quiet room - so off he went.  And I SLEPT.  Hard.  Well, at least until the kids got up at 7 am (which for my kids can be sleeping in).

After a hearty brunch at the hotel (highly recommended) I had a few minutes to explore while everyone else was finishing their packing or brushing their teeth.  Finally, I was going to get a good look at this wonderful place I had heard so much about.

Palacio Nazarenas is a newly opened hotel.  But that doesn't make anything about it new.  It was originally built in the 16th century as a Palace, then became a Carmelite convent and has been kept away from public view for the past 7 years as they turned it into a hotel.  It was never planned to be such an extensive project but when they started excavations for the renovations they found so many relics and historic artifacts that they had to bring in a team of archaeologists to catalog it all before beginning in earnest on the conversion.  The best part is that they have kept most of their finds on site and kept as much of the original building as they could.  There are Inca sandals on display, an 18th century archangel Gabriel in the lobby and some of the original murals were restored using flour dough to keep their original colors.

But the hotel is not simply an old building.  It is modern and new in a lot of ways:  They built balcony's on the suites that surround the pool.  Using all Peruvian artisans and wood indigenous to Cuzco.  The balconies were carved to mirror the ones you see in most homes in the city.  They have the very first outdoor pool in all of Cuzco.  The restaurant is state of the art and with top notch cooking, and an herb garden on site that is used daily.  And they only use their home (or hotel) grown herbs.  The uniforms the staff wear were designed by two of Peru's most famous designers - with emphasis on comfort, style and their WOW factor.  The spa is five star and was designed with glass floors in each of the five treatment rooms so guests can see the actual underground level of the convent as it was 500 years ago.  Their soap is handmade by local artisans, as are most of the decorations in their rooms.  There is oxygen pumped into each and every suite (it is an all suite hotel) to combat the effects of the altitude.  And my kids encountered Misky - a hand crocheted snake that was to be their friend for their stay, and then for them to keep as a reminder of their journey.  Misky (the local languages word for sweet...How fitting since our pet is named Dulce) was inspired by the snakes that were carved into the facade of the original building.

This is a place where old meets new.  Where clever meets common.  Where antique meets modern.  Where complex meets simple.

It is a place where my senses were alive and I wish I could have spent more time exploring...but alas, we had a few more things to see in town.  So I snapped some quick pictures and headed to town.

Tomorrow I will tell you about our trip to town.

The view from the front desk.  Our room is through the next courtyard.

The view from our rooms.  Also, their herb gardens are the greenery.

MadHatter and Stinkerbell fell in love!

And then I fell in love!

Our free Pisco and Rum bar.  Free...

Where we all gathered for Pisco's and cheese before dinner.

Those hand carved balconies.  There is one in the right hand corner.

The on site church.

The original carvings - partially restored.