Midges & Moms

We moved to our second and final apartment this past weekend.  Here are all of our belongings after the taxi pulled away:

It is such a relief to now settle in and not worry about another big change.  For April, our location was great for a while, across from a large park and near lots of conveniences. But it was busy all the time, with many university students living close by.  One of the positive sides to having two different places to stay is that we can really experience two very different parts of the city.  I’m not sure if Newington would have been a frequent destination otherwise.

Our new home-away-from-home here is wonderful.  We are all very comfortable here. This is a photo of one of the many kindnesses from our landlord, waiting in our sunny kitchen upon arrival:

The flat has a view of the city center in one direction.  Across the other side is the Water of Leith, a small river winding through Edinburgh and into the Firth of Forth. The neighborhood is quiet, green, and filled with the sound of birds every morning as we wake up. This swan and his partner are nesting nearby:

Ajax is finally back to his usual self.  And I think I finally figured out a balance that keeps us all more or less happy:  Two at-home days a week. The boy just likes hanging out at home.

The highlight of my week was at the pool, though, after swimming (another thing he loves to do), while having a snack. I was lost in my own thoughts as the kids munched their muffins, and suddenly he is standing in front of me. He took my face in his hands and said, “Thanks for being a good mom.”  And I got a hug and a kiss. Talk about my heart melting. I hugged him back and said thank you, so much, that I am trying really hard, and that it means a lot to hear that. Then he thanked his sister for being a good sister.  I’m going to try and hold that sweetness in my heart for the difficult times, and remember that he is still so little, and that he is going to be OK.

I’m feeling less stressed-out about everything, which I’m sure helps the kids relax a bit, too. They are so much better about walking safely on busy sidewalks now, watching for the green crossing lights with me. We all know the bus fare routine.  I am very slowly figuring out techniques for cooking on an electric stove, but there have been a few times when opening the window has been necessary!  We’ve been able to stay in touch with a few people back home via the Internet, which has kept me sane.

We had a great afternoon in the woods again this week, with a combination of adult conversation for me and free play time with other kids for the kiddos. Our playgroup back home is figuring out summer meet-ups, and it’s so strange not to be there, participating. Our lilac in the backyard will be blooming soon. No garden for us this year.  Instead, we’ll visit the farmers’ market and enjoy all the produce imported from Spain and Morocco.

On Mother’s Day this year, I’ll be thinking of Mom and learning how to drive on the left side of the road on our vacation to the Isle of Skye. May the midges be few and far between. Will report next week on the Highland Midge vs. Minnesota Mosquito.