The washing machine has yet worked properly. Nathan and I opened it and a rank smelling water was sitting in the bottom. Super gross. All attempts to get it running failed so we called to main compound guy. This one guy keeps coming over but nothing he's tried so far has fixed it. One neighbor washed our sheets for us and another let me do a load today.
We have a market that is a short walk. We ventured out with the kids who were still exhausted. We loaded our cart with food and water and a new broom. Getting home was pretty tricky! Nathan and I should have biceps like the Gods with all the carrying of kids and groceries! Haha!
There are 2 parks. The park up the street is perfect for little kids so we make the walk up there. I've met a few other moms there which is nice.
The kids I made it through our first day without Nathan. The kids slept in until 9 which is the first time ever in their lives. I got an hour to myself which is also a first. We headed to the park before lunch but it was already really hot. I learning when it's a good time to go out. 11am-3pm it is petty hot since it's summer here. We finally headed to the pool, tired of waiting for repair guys to come. I was supposed to meet one of the welcome ladies at 4, but read the international clock wrong... I thought we had an hour at the pool. Then Sylvie showed up AT the pool. I was so embarrassed. Owen threw one of the biggest tantrums ever about leaving the pool. It was terrible! I had to meet her 1. in my swimsuit, 2. with both of my kids yelling and screaming. I carried Owen home all the while he yelled the whole way home, when we got home and while in his room. She carried our swim bag and Riley. Sylvie was so sweet and understanding while my kids lots it. Then to make matters worse, she almost got doused with the washing machine water! She may never come over again.
While our handyman was over, two ladies came by to get one of them a job as our maid. As I speak no Portuguese and they speak no English, we had to get one of the drivers who speaks a little English. I'm not sure how we got there, but she's starting Friday. She'll come Mondays and Fridays. Most of the ladies have told me to lock up this and keep any eye on our food. Makes me want to clean my own house. I'm skeptical about it but We'll see how it goes.
Last night two little girls showed up at our door. I'd met their mom Tracy a few days earlier. They wanted to "meet the new family" as the 7-year old calls us. Sophie (7), Nicole (4), and Owen ran circles around our house. At least 10 times! Riley kept trying to keep up but ended up stopping and saying "are you?" This is her new thing and Nathan and I think it's adorable!
I ventured out to another new store today with Trish. She has 2 daughters and her youngest is Eleanor who is about Owen's age. Owen stayed with Eleanor and her dad while Riley and I went to the store with Trish. I'm learning it's always an adventure when you leave the compound. Kero looks the most like a large supermarket so far. Or maybe Target or Walmart since you can get furniture, school supplies, cooking tools, toys (side note: Barbie costs $60 here!!!!), swim gear, some clothing, house decorations, etc.
So our mattress feels like cement... Terrible for circulation and sleeping. Next week Rich is coming to visit for an article for his magazine. He is supposed to bring us a pillow top cover! I can't wait! We recruited him to bring a few other immediate need things. We thought we packed properly but there are SO many things we should have packed. Lesson learned and we've started a list for our next assignment. Next time (hopefully) we will be prepared!
There are 2 things about the new house I really love, our shower and our closet. They sound minor, but they are so good, they are blog worthy. =)
Owen shaving with Daddy!
Riley eating rice crispier just like her big brother!
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