Wednesday, March 31, 2010

pics





ps. it´s official. i get free coffee at starbucks. YES
also, my daughter wears 6-9 MTH clothes here in spain (at zara at least) awesome!

Holy Week/Semana Santa

Enclosed are 3 videos that you must watch on You Tube. You have to watch to get just an idea of what holy week is like here. Every year it amazes me.....the people and their dedication to this holiday. It´s been tricky this year w Nora and we haven´t seen many pasos, but the ones that I have seen are amazing.






http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkad7Hv51-0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-MqqzYIj4v8&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rp0uTqPtiX0&feature=related

Holy Week in Seville (Semana Santa de Sevilla) is one of the most important traditional events of the city. It is celebrated in the week leading up to Easter (Holy Week among Christians), and is one of the better known religious events within Spain. The week features the procession of pasos, floats of lifelike wooden sculptures of individual scenes of the events of the Passion, or images of the Virgin Mary showing restrained grief for the torture and killing of her son. Some of the sculptures are of great antiquity and are considered artistic masterpieces.

During Holy Week, the city is crowded with residents and visitors, drawn by the spectacle and atmosphere. The impact is particularly strong for the Catholic community.

The processions are organised by hermandades and cofradías, religious brotherhoods. During the processions, members precede the pasos (of which there are up to three in each procession) dressed in penitential robes, and, with few exceptions, hoods. They may also be accompanied by brass bands.

The processions work along a designated route from their home churches and chapels to the Cathedral, usually via a central viewing area and back. The processions from the suburban barrios may take 14 hours to return to their home churches.

As of 2009, a total of 60 processions are scheduled for the week, from Palm Sunday through to Easter Sunday morning. The climax of the week is the night of Holy Thursday, when the most popular processions set out to arrive at the Cathedral on the dawn of Good Friday, known as the madrugá.

The core events in Semana Santa are the processions of the brotherhoods, known as estación de penitencia (stations of penance), from their home church or chapel to the Cathedral of Seville and back. The last section before arriving to the Cathedral is common to all brotherhoods and is called the Carrera Oficial.

The standard structure of a procession is:

A great cross (the so-called Cruz de Guía - Guiding Cross) is carried at the beginning of each procession. opens the way.
A number of people (sometimes barefoot) dressed in a habit and with the distinctive pointed hood (capirote), and holding long wax candles (only lit by night), marching in silence. These are the nazarenos. Colours, forms and details of the habit are distinctive for each brotherhood - and sometimes for different locations within the procession. Usually the nazarenos march in pairs, and are grouped behind insignia. Moving between the lines are diputados de tramo, guardians who keep the formations organised.
A group of altar boys, acolytes, dressed in vestments (many of them wearing dalmatics), with chandeliers and incense, and other servants.
The Paso.
When applicable, the musical group follows (bands) or precedes the paso(chapel music)
A number of penitentes, carrying wooden crosses, making public penance. They wear the habit and the hood of the brotherhood, but the hood is not pointed.
This structure repeats itself depending of the number of pasos (up to three). Usually the last paso is not followed by penitentes, and the procession should be closed -presided- by the titular chaplain in full processional vestments known as el preste

Although this is the standard structure, depending on the traditions of each brotherhood, details (and even the plan) may vary.

A procession can be made up from a few hundred to near 3,000 nazarenos and last anywhere from 4 to 14 hours, depending how far the home church is from the Cathedral. The largest processions can take over an hour and a half to cross one particular spot

At the center of each procession are the pasos, an image or set of images set atop a movable float of wood. If a brotherhood has three pasos, the first one is a sculpted scene of the Passion, or an allegorical scene, known as a misterio (mystery); the second is an image of Christ; and the third an image of the suffering Blessed Virgin Mary, known as a dolorosa.

The structure of the paso is richly carved and decorated with fabric, flowers and candles. Many of the structures carrying the image of Christ are gilded, and those carrying the image of the virgin often silver-plated. As of 2007, all but one of the dolorosas are covered by an ornate canopy or baldachin (palio) attached to the structure.

The sculptures themselves are carved and painted, and often lifesize or larger. The oldest surviving were carved in the 16th century, though new images continue to be added. Those highly regarded artistically include the Jesus del Gran Poder and Cristo de la Buena Muerte by Juan de Mesa, Francisco Antonio Ruíz Gijón's Cristo de la Expiración (known as El Cachorro) and the two virgins named Nuestra Señora de la Esperanza from Macarena and Triana. All of the principal images of the Semana Santa are on display for veneration in their home churches all year round.


Overseer giving orders to the costaleros.A distinctive feature of Semana Santa in Seville is the style of marching of the pasos. A team of men, the costaleros (literally "sack men", for their distinctive - and functional - headdress), supporting the beams upon their shoulders and necks, lift, move and lower the paso. As they are all inside the structure and hidden from the external view by a curtain, the paso seems to move by itself. On the outside an overseer (capataz), guides the team by voice, and/or through a ceremonial hammer el llamador (caller) attached to the paso.

Depending on weight (most weigh over a metric tonne), a paso requires between 24 and 54 costaleros to move. Each brotherhood has a distinctive way to raise and move a paso, and even each paso within the procession.

Some processions are silent, with no musical accompaniment, some have a cappella choirs or wind quartets, but many (and especially those historically associated with poorer neighbourhoods) feature a drum and trumpet band behind the image of Christ and a brass band behind the virgin playing religious hymns or marchas from a standard repertoire [5] Those associated with the images of Christ are often funeral in nature, whilst those associated with the Virgin are more celebratory.

- As each procession leaves its home church, (an event known as the salida), at its return (the entrada), and along the march route, improvised flamenco-style songs may be offered by individuals in the crowd or from a balcony. These songs are generically called saetas (arrows).

.....

Yesterday evening our internet was not working and it was the longest evening of my life. Oh internet, how I love thee. Don´t ever leave me again!

Nora slept 7 hrs. straight last night. Rock it! We had her one month apt. yesterday...although she´ll be six weeks tomorrow and she is healthy has a horse. As far as weight and height she´s topping the chart and kicking these measley spanish kids asses!!!!

I also had to get some blood taken and I´d rather pluck out nose hairs.......that´s how much I hate it!

Side thought: I have milk. In my boobs. Weird.

Monday, March 29, 2010

Top 10 Things New Mothers Don´t Do

10. New mothers don´t leave the house on a moment´s notice.
9. New mothers don´t eat meals sitting down.
8.New mothers don´t read anything longer than what can be digested during a visit to the toilet.
7.New mothers don´t know about any of the movies nominated for a Best Picture Academy Award.
6.New mothers don´t like other people´s children, especially around their precious angels.
5.New mothers don´t listen to any news stories that involve harm to small children.
4.New mothers don´t end each day with a satisfying sense of a job well done.
3.New mothers don´t wear anything that must be dry cleaned or ironed.
2.New mothers don´t listen to Howard Stern anymore.
1. New mothers don´t sleep long enough to experience one single dream from start to finish OR
1.New mothers don´t remember their former personal grooming regimen OR
1. New mothers don´t remember anything. (I think that´s everything.......)

-Vicki Lovine

6 wks (almost)



I went to the midwife today and had my six week check up.....(although it´s not til Thur) Everything is AOK downunder (just incase you were wondering). The other day Antonio and I were talking about how insane it would be to have two kids in the same year and that´s what happened to my midwifes mom! She had one baby in Feb and another in Dec of the same year! That´s like me having another baby in December. HOLY CRAP that´s insane!

Pregnancy and post pregnancy is like a neverending process!!!!!!! Now I have to get more blood taken tomorrow morning just to make sure all my levels are normal etc. and then make another apt with the midwife so she can tell me the results! JEEZ So, tomorrow I have an apt. at 9 something to get my blood taken and then Nora has an apt at 12 something.....which was supposed to be her 1 mth apt. but we are a little slow so it´s more like her 1.5 mth apt. Bad parents!

I´m currently obsessed with Mtv´s 16 and pregnant. This is just too good for words. You must check it out!

Ok, so posted is me at post Nora 5 weeks. I still have a LONG way to go and thank God I can get back to the gym next week.....but I don´t think I´m doing too bad.

Also, just for fun a froggy pic of Nora.

Sunday, March 28, 2010

skype me!

yesterday was awesome! i got to talk to four friends on skype! if you don´t have it......you are dumb!

Saturday, March 27, 2010

........

I´m sure everyone is sick of me blogging about my baby. Baby this and baby that....but you´ll see. Once you have one that´s all there is. Baby. Because everything else is placed on the back burner and baby becomes your life.

Why?

Because you can´t believe you made something so beautiful and special and that it´s yours.....and that you can actually take care of it and that it didn´t die in the first week of life is a shock. I couldn´t even take care of a plant without it dying and for some reason God thought I could take care of a baby.

But then you have the baby and you look at it and this overwhelming love just takes over your body and from the first moment you look at your baby you know you´ll never be the same and that you´d give your own life to protect your baby and anytime your baby is in pain you wish it could be you.

How many times did I say ¨baby´ in this post? Ok, I´ll switch to ¨nora¨ ha!!!!!

I´m convinced I have the fattest, sleepiest, noisiest baby on the planet. When she eats it´s like she´s a little piggy and grunts like there is no tomorrow. I´ll have to tape it sometime!!!!

Friday, March 26, 2010

omg

Nora weighs 12 lbs at 5 weeks old. Is this bad? Does she need to go on a diet already?

S and K.........having babies totally should be my job.......I just wish it didn´t take 9 mths. What if it took like.....2! ha!

I forgot to mention......the other day when my mom was here we were at H & M and we saw a baby girl...she was probably 1 and she had THE LONGEST EYELASHES IN THE WORLD! I am talking freakishly long. Like.......fake eyelashes long and you couldn´t help but stare. And then I kind of felt bad for her because her WHOLE entire life people are going to be commenting to her about her eyelashes and she´s going to want to rip them out. I wish I could have gotten a pic!

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Nora´s 1 month pics





These were taken on March 22nd.

Thanks to Nora we are 2,500 euros richer. Not only is it free to have a baby in Spain........they pay you!! WICKED! I´ve found my calling.......ha

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

yes!

our new washing machine was delivered today! YES! Our other one was only two years old, but it never worked correctly and the belt that broke was mysteriously not part of the warranty! It´s amazing how dirty those dang babies can be!

Seville smells like one big flower at the moment. LOVE IT!

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

girlie girl



We haven´t had a chance to get Nora´s ears pierced yet (prob will next week....it´s a Latino thing) so here if the babies do not have their ears pierced they are automatically boys. Even if I have Nora decked out in pink people are like¨What a cute little boy¨ so today I decided to bust out the headband. If someone still says ¨what a cute little boy¨ I might have to punch them.

Monday, March 22, 2010

birthday boy


Happy Birthday to my outrageous brother.

Sunday, March 21, 2010

...

staring at a newborn never gets old. my friend asked me what i do while breastfeeding and the answer seemed obvious...... stare at my baby...duh!

nora is so noisy it is hilarious. she grunts all the time and has all these little squeeks and did anyone ever tell u how loud newborn farts and burps are? she can out-do a gassy fat 54 yr. old anyday!

Saturday, March 20, 2010

pics!



Gunnar

Super sad we have to put our family dog Gunnar to sleep on Monday. He can't even walk anymore poor guy. We got him when I was 17. I have so many fabulous memories with him...unfortunately I don't have any pics on this computer.

Love you Buddy. Many hugs and kisses from Spain. See you in heaven.
xoxoxo

Friday, March 19, 2010

Night out!

So, tonight A and I had our first ¨date night¨ and left Nora with her abuelos
(gparents) We had a nice dinner and I finally got that glass of Bailey´s I´ve been craving..for 9 mths. Nothing better than a cold Bailey´s on ice. So delish!!!!!!!

I think Friday´s are going to be our date night. Yay for g parents that live close by......and for Bailey´s. ha

Thursday, March 18, 2010

1 Month!

My Dear Little Nora,
It's so hard to believe you are already one month old today! It's true what they say...time flies when you are having fun! It's been fun to watch you grow and see how much you have changed just in this past month. You have gained almost a whopping 3 lbs. and your cheeks are officially chunky *don't forget the belly too! You like to eat! You also love to sleep! You hate having your diaper changed and getting a bath......you also don't like your bouncy chair all that much. You do however love to be snuggled in someone's arms, taking walks in the warm sunshine and listening to music and voices. You are already almost too big for your newborn clothes so I suppose we'll just have to go shopping!

This month your Nana came from IN and you loved hanging out with her. You also poopied on her about three times...but she loves you so much that she didn't even care!

Everyone says you are beautiful, adorable, gorgeous, morena, preciosa, and guapa. I couldn't agree more! Our hearts sing when we hear people tell us how beautiful you are. That never gets old:O)

Lately I've been putting you in the baby Bjorn and off we go! You've seen most of the town of Sevilla and everyone at Starbucks now knows your name. You are practically famous!

I love you more every single day and I'm so thankful that God sent you to us. What would we do without you? Thanks for being such a wonderful baby and happy one month little girl.
Hugs and Kisses,
Mama

Tuesday, March 16, 2010

All good things come to an end

I can't believe my mom is leaving tomorrow morning! Time has FLOWN by and it's been great spending time with her and having her here!

We've spent lots of time shopping, walking, and frequent Starubck runs (ok daily) all 3 of my very favorite things!

This morning on our walk to Starbucks we passed by a McDonalds and I saw a flailing mouse on the ground under a table. Seriously. A mouse! In McDonalds! On the floor!

Note to self: Never eat there again!

Have a safe flight tomorrow mama! So glad Nora was able to meet her Nana! xoox

Monday, March 15, 2010

Newborn pics










I´m so thankful that my wonderful friend Anna can take pics of our Nora every month. Here are a few of my favorite newborn ones that she took.......enjoy:)

Saturday, March 13, 2010

pics




...

Guys grab their crotches all the time...why can't I grobe my boobs in public to see if they are full? (of milk that is)

Friday, March 12, 2010

Gross

Nora just sneezed and a huge booger flew out on my sweater! awesome!

Yesterday Nora turned three weeks old and already weighs 10.5 lbs. Holy chunky monkey!

Wednesday, March 10, 2010

...

-I'm so glad I can sleep on my back again. Oh how I've missed it so.

-Thanks to my mom for bringing me Tucks medicated pads, soothies and lanolin. Three must haves after giving birth. What would I do without them?

-Nora is a chunker and my milk is neverending. I wish I could sell the extra..I'd be rich!

-We've been having fun shopping this week and walking around when the weather allows.

-So, the past few nights Antonio has been waking me up by shaking me. I'm all " What the HECK!" Not a happy camper when he does that because I already have to wake up every few hours to feed Nora so I don't like being woken up in between. He says he's dreaming of the baby and he's " shaking" her to get her back to sleep. Yesterday I woke up to him grabbing and shaking my ginormous ta ta. Umm...what a way to wake up. I was NOT happy and he said he was dreaming it was Nora's head....kind of hilarious...but why would he be shaking and squeezing her head? Hmmm???

Monday, March 08, 2010

.........





It´s still raining which is ridiculous! Even so, sometimes it stops long enough that we´re able to take some walks and get out of the house! Nora had her first bath this week and her first ride in the baby Bjorn. I think she liked it! (not the bath though)

My mom arrived on Thur and of course is spoiling Nora to the max...afterall, what are grandmothers for?

Nora also has quite the belly. She´s gaining weight like a champ!!!

Wednesday, March 03, 2010

how


ridiculously cute is my baby?!

Tuesday, March 02, 2010

lbs

6 days after Nora was born I had already lost half of the weight I put on.....here is to hoping the other half comes off just as easy......somehow I doubt it!

......

Breast feeding= free breast implants!