Pommel Visits Brazil

Cliffs: My mom’s visit was too short and too early.

Pommel flew into Brazil on her birthday (and my due date), August 26. I went to pick her up from the airport by myself since K had to work. Some family members voiced concern about this, and I have to admit that the very real possibility of getting stuck in traffic and going into labor had me a bit nervous, too. But other than a couple quick taps on the brakes that left Pommel braced for impact, the trip was uneventful.

What was supposed to be a nice lunch at the Indian restaurant down the street turned into a late takeaway meal because of a miscommunication with the waiter, a leaky diaper from the toddler, and an impending appointment at the salon.

My plans for pretty, purple toes were spoiled when the ladies told me that women giving birth weren’t allowed to wear nail polish at the hospital. I’m still not sure what this is all about, but one of my hospital brochures does say something about not wearing makeup, hair products, or nail polish to the hospital.

Friday Pommel and I went for a walk and took Entropy to school and swimming lessons. I had a doctor’s appointment that morning, and when I was only dilated at 1 cm, we pretty much gave up any hope of Pommel being here for the birth. But at least that freed us up to make other plans.

So Saturday we went to the beach. Unlike the city, the coast was cloudy and cool, but nice for lounging around and playing in the sand. Entropy knocked down sandcastles, I envied the surfers, and Pommel tried several of the typical Brazilian beach foods: corn, coconut, and grilled cheese (not the sandwich--just cheese that is grilled). It was relaxing, and I’m glad that Pommel got to see a bit more of the country.

Sunday we went to the park. We all got popsicles while Entropy slept in the stroller, and then when he woke up and asked for his own popsicle, we couldn’t let him eat alone, so we went for round two. The snacks continued on the way home when we stopped for pastel and caldo de cana (sugarcane juice).

The rest of the afternoon was spent working on a chandelier for Babe-A’s room. Pommel bought the materials to make our own version of the one I saw here (picture of our version will come when it's done--long story). She’s so crafty.

And did I show you the painting she did? It was based on a similar one that matches Babe-A's bedding from the same website. It’s so nice to have an artist on hand to take commissions. Now I just need to get her to come back and bring my dad.