The Felder Family: Lots of updates

So much to update. Read if you want!

Our conference in Thailand was great. Most days, we had a 3-4 hour session including worship, teaching, and updates from workers in all the countries we represent. Then there were options for other specialized sessions and lots of free time to hang out with friends who live all over Asia. We decided to let Malachi sleep as much as possible in the room instead of trying to make him sleep in the carrier while we attended sessions. Thus, Michael and I switched on and off staying with him and missed lots of things. In the end, I think it was better that way. This little one just isn't a great sleeper to begin with.

Josiah had a blast with all of his "friends." (Friends = any small person) There was a large open space in our hallway and we families would gather out there to let our kids run and jump and play. Every day, as soon as Josiah woke up from night or nap, he said, "Let's go meet some friends!" Haha. I still wouldn't call him an extrovert; he took quite a while to warm up, opting to observe first. But, he'd eventually join in. And he did a great job sharing all his toys.

In all, conference was good, but much different than last year. Last year, I got to listen to all the teachings and worship. This year, I was tied down to the kids. So, as stated on the first night, I had to find Him in my own space. Good advice for my life right now. I also got to connect with lots of other moms and talk about our struggles. Some have been here much longer and gave some great wisdom and insight on life with kids in this difficult place.

Once we got back, everyone got sick. AGAIN. This time, just colds/coughs..but man, they've been nasty! (BTW, with this trip, Malachi continued his streak of getting sick every time he arrives at his destination. This is #4.) Malachi is still struggling to get over his. Poor kiddo. His throat is probably so sore. I tell ya, with all these viruses, our family is going to be immune to things all over the world!!

Since we've been back, we've just tried to get into a new routine. Malachi was still taking 4 1.5 hour naps and I decided it was time to go to 3. Well, he doesn't understand that. Most of his naps have still been frustratingly short. He'll get the hang of it someday, right...??

In other news, he enjoys rolling over and laughing/smiling when he's awake. I'm truly amazed he's a decently happy baby with such terrible sleep habits. This morning, he arched backwards out of the Bumbo. Nice, kid. Nice. We also inherited an exersuacer from a friend. Hallelujah for something for him to do! He doesn't like it much yet, but hoping he'll learn to like it so my arms can have a break! We also ordered a huge rug so he can play on the floor. Our tile floors wouldn't be so forgiving if he konked his head.

And, I finally decided not to decorate. Sad, I know. I've lived in bare-walled apartments for 2 years. Last year, it was purposeful because we were told we were going to move 4 different times throughout the year. This year, I was determined to get things on the walls. I came late, in October, and didn't feel like I had my feet under me until December. Then everyone was majorly sick for 2 weeks. Then we went to Thailand for a month. And here we are, with a mere 4 months left. Honestly, it's not worth the effort to figure out how to hang things. We have cement walls. Which means we can only use those 3M sticky hangers. I also ordered wall decals, but am afraid they wouldn't come off the walls to take with us. Sooo...here we are, left with white walls. Oh well. Our next move I MUST decorate. We should be there for 2 years, so that should be some incentive. :)