It's a Girl!

When Michal & I first found out we were expecting, this is how I wanted to announce to the world of my news:

 I thought that I was being sooooo clever!  But then Michal came up with a different idea...

 ... and I liked his idea better - so it beat out my idea and we BOTH posted the same picture on Facebook to announce our news.  I didn't want to announce what we were having until I knew what we were having.  That's the reason why we didn't make anything public until about 16-17 weeks into my pregnancy.

And. Let me just rave that I don't understand why people take pictures of themselves getting fatter.  It is quite depressing to step on the scale each week and see a larger number than the week before.  Why do we take pride in pictures where we look awful?  Well, I think that it's because we want to look back and remember what the whole experience was like and judge ourselves from pregnancy to pregnancy on how we are "measuring up."  Needless to say, I was ANTI "fat" pictures, but I have a sweet husband who has coaxed me into taking the following pictures below.

18.5 weeks pregnant (Left)

21 weeks pregnant (Right)

 

23 weeks pregnant (Left)

24 weeks pregnant (Right)

 

27 weeks pregnant

As of today I am officially in my 3rd Trimester.

Here are the top questions that people ask me:

#1. How do you feel?

To be honest, I feel great.  The worst month was July when everything made me sick.  Yes, everything.  I had morning sickness big time.  All I wanted was "American Food" but I was so stuck in a Polish world.  Luckily, I had a friend (Brooke Blair) who came out to visit me the month of July and brought Goldfish crackers & Cheez-its & Pop-Tarts for me.  This saved me.  I stretched these treats out for about 2.5-3 weeks and it helped so much with morning sickness.  Everytime I thought I was going to hurl, I just popped in a few crackers and sucked on them until my nausea subsided.  I can't tell you how much of a blessing it was to have her come out and visit us in Poland.  Not only was it good to have someone to talk to about all my emotions, but it was good to have someone who was there for me when I needed it.

July was also the curse of smells.  I'm pretty sure I made Michal go to TESCO and buy about 7 candles which got rid of the smell of cigarette smoke.  Let me explain.  None of our neighbors smoked, but when someone walked by our windows smoking a cigarette, I would instantly get sick.  We lived on the fourth floor!  FOURTH FLOOR! And if someone walking by below was smoking, I'd get sick.  Michal couldn't even smell the smoke, but I could.  Another smell which made me go green was Ranch dressing.  Poland doesn't have Ranch dressing, but I had my mom bring some when she came to visit May-June.  I was able to enjoy the Ranch until my nose senses acted up.  Because it was so severe, I could still smell the Ranch packets which were sealed in 2 zip-lock baggies.  I gave the Ranch away to a senior couple who could use it instead of me. 

The Metro in June & July was also a challenge.  If an older lady yelled at me for not giving up my seat (or something else that I'm sure I didn't understand because it was all in Polish) I'd just look at her and start crying.  Maybe she was asking me if I felt all right, but the way her Polish was intonated, I thought she was cursing me out and I couldn't stop the tear-ducts from doing their job.  Also, if someone got in on the opposite end of the Metro and they hadn't showered, I had to get off.  It was just too overbearing.  Some Metro rides which normally took about 20 minutes would take me over 45 minutes because of how often I'd have to get on and off to get away from non-showering people.  Michal was really patient about this with me and started to bring our candles, which got rid of the scent of cigarette smoke, on our metro rides.  They also worked for body odor smells and I can just imagine what I looked like to other Poles sitting across from me on the Metro.  "Who is this girl smelling a candle the whole ride?", "Is she high?", etc. etc. etc.

The month of August I was struck with sore feet.  We traveled the whole month of August, and once my morning sickness subsided, my feet took its place in discomfort.  I would come home from walking around for 8-10 hours and just sit on my bed and cry as Michal would try to massage my feet out.  We couldn't figure out what was making my feet hurt so bad.  We even bought me a new pair of shoes in Russia to help with the problem.  Little did I realize it was from being pregnant (who knew - right?).

Other than the last part of June, the month of July & August, things have been going relatively well.  I don't cry everytime someone gives me a dirty look.  I feel like I'm a lot more lethargic than in Poland, but that's expected moving back to the United States.  I'm sleeping better than I did there, although sleeping when you're pregnant is a whole extra blog post.  And I feel like I'm able to go out and purchase any cravings that I have now that they are within my reach.

#2. What are you craving?

Funny you ask. 

June/July/August - Goldfish & Cheezits

June - Pop-tarts

September - Cafe-rio & Sweet Potato Fries

October - Cap'n Crunch Peanut Butter Crunch Cereal & Eistein Bagels with strawberry cream cheese

And lots and lots and lots of fruit. 

(One thing I can't stand is Ice-Cream.  Yuck!  Those who know me, know that this is my favorite food.  Not anymore.  I think I've developed a slight lactose intolerance and just can't stand Ice-Cream anymore).

#3. Can I touch your stomach?

No. 

#4. How much weight have you gained?

This may seem like a very personal question, but I'm more opposed to people rubbing my stomach than asking me how much weight I have gained.  As of today (28 weeks) I have gained 13 pounds.  I feel like I'm doing well considering that I can still fit into most outfits, but definitely appreciate stretchy pants.

#5. Are you excited about having a baby girl?

SO MUCH!  Who wouldn't be!  This is a prayer answered, a dream come true.  I even made Michal pray that our first would be a girl because I wanted a little girl so badly.  I just KNEW that my first would be a girl.  I just KNEW!  I'm so excited.  Finding out it was a girl at 16 weeks made me tear up.  I knew deep down inside that this is what we'd be having.  I really feel so blessed to be having a girl. 

#6. Have you picked out a name yet?

No.  Ideas or suggestions are welcome.  However, I will tell you what we have decided.

Our girl will have one name in English and one name in Polish (first name/middle name or vica-versa).  There will be NO naming of ANY of our children with a "J" name.  "J" in Polish is pronounced as a "Y".  Hence the reason there will be no J named children in the Trenerowski household.  Michal says that for us picking a name is like congress trying to pass a bill.  I think it's because he likes traditional names/white-trash names/soccer-player names/or political names.  These are out.  I like unique names, he doesn't.  It will be interesting to see what we can finally agree on.  I think that once we do agree on a name, we will fly with it and not be discussing names any longer.

#7. What can I do for you?

Give me advice!  I need advice.  Everything I was "preparing" for in Poland has been thrown out the window and even though I feel great, the one word I would use to describe myself right now would be "OVERWHELMED".  I just feel like I have no idea what I'm doing.  I have no idea what to buy, what to prepare for, etc.  I did purchase my first baby-clothing item last week.  I was super proud of it.  And, I've decided that when you go on a mission, they have a whole checklist of things you need to do to prepare.  When you get married, they have a little book or checklist of items to consider.  But when you have a baby... Nothing!  So, if anyone has a good baby checklist - send it my way.  I think I'll google for one and start just crossing things off one by one.  Good thing I have my mom and Michal's mom to help out!  I feel like between those two I don't have to worry about things that I've never thought of before and they have gotten me more stuff than I know what to do with.  So, they are helping me a ton!

And lastly, I just had to share this cool story...

One reason we decided to stay in Utah to have the baby is because of our Doctor.  The OBGYN who is going to deliver our little girl is the same person who taught Michal the gospel as a missionary.  She came to our wedding and has debuted in our blog before (see this post). I know it's a picture of her back... but I'll get a better one later of her.

Needless to say, we are excited, and hopefully we'll be all ready and prepared when baby comes.  Life is full of surprises and we are prepared and hoping that a few will be thrown our way.  It just makes for more interesting stories and a greater adventure.  And for anyone who would like to attend our baby blessing, the invitation is open and we would love to see you there!

3 Continents, 8 Countries, 5 States

During the month of August, Michal & I made it to quite a few places.

3 Continents (Asia, Europe, North America)

8 Countries (Poland, Germany, The Netherlands, Turkey, Russia, Latvia, Finland, United States)

5 States (Oregon, Utah, Arizona, Nevada, California)

We had always wanted to be able to take a constant trip for a whole month.  Even though this isn't exactly what we planned, we feel like we can cross "traveling for a whole month" off of our bucket lists.

And while we love traveling, and have never had a rough time being adventurous, coming back to America was quite the hassle.  Since this is a public blog, I think that I'll keep all the details to myself, but let's just say that I am one angry girl at KLM.  Getting to Utah from Poland was a hassle and this experience opened my eyes (big time) to major reasons why people just HATE to travel. I have never felt this way about traveling, but now - I will think twice before I decide on who to travel with.

So, once we got to Utah, we headed out 3 days later to California.  I know the 5 states is a stretch since one was a layover and another state we were just "driving through", but I'm counting it.

Michal had a job interview in LA (hence the reason we came to America) and we were so excited for the opportunity to move back to the U.S. We jumped on this opportunity, rented a car, drove down, and only spent like 2 hours really "site-seeing" LA.  Our reasoning was that we didn't want to see "all" (like we really could have seen all) of LA if there was a possibility that we would be moving here soon!  Hence, the only place we really got to spend hand-in-hand discussing our future was on Santa Monica's beach.

Michal has always wanted to take me here.  We've been here seperate from each other, but never together.  And even though I'd have to say the beaches in North Carolina trump California beaches anyday, I still enjoyed the wind in my hair (even if it did get curly from the humidity), the sand between my toes, and the salty waves on my legs.  

I feel like this was the perfect ending to the perfect trip.  And while we still aren't sure if Michal ever got the job in LA or not, we decided while walking along the oceanfront, that we were going to make the best out of being here in America.  Michal would interview at as many places as possible and see if we could stay here and move forward with his career in the States.  We felt like it would be best to have baby here with family closeby and that everything would work out - if we had the faith it would.  Sometimes moments like these surmount everything else.  To be able to speculate, talk about your future, discuss fears & hopes & dreams & wishes, to be able to confide in your best friend - that's what made every dollar of this trip worth it.

Łaziska Farm

 One of the last activities Michal & I did in Wroclaw was visiting his family farm.  I had no idea that Michal had farming skills in him.  Nor did I know how fearless he is of animals on this farm. Normally Michal shies away from animals (especially birds) but on this farm, he was a natural!  He helped bathe the horses, he gathered all the geese and chickens in for the night.  He got the calf all taken care of.  And he told me lots of childhood memories of coming here and helping out.  The only thing that I did on this farm was help Zosia collect eggs from the chickens, and sneeze my head off.  I felt really bad, but I guess since I'm allergic to hay - I get all puffy anytime I venture out into a farming area.  I sure wasn't cut out to be a farmer, and I didn't think that Michal was either until our little excursion here.

I was incredibly impressed with how "handy" and knowledgeable everyone here was!  I was stunned by how large the veggies were in Agnieszka's organic garden.  And I was astonished at Zosia's fearlessness of catching a hen.  I dared her to catch one, just to be funny.  But she actually went ahead and did it.  I would be terrified!  This girl wasn't!

Zosia even showed me how courageous she was when she fell off her horse.  She is learning to jump right now and this horse is a retired jumping horse.  She is taking it slow, but I think that once she accidentally gave him the wrong signal and fell off the horse as he went one way and she leaned the other.  This gave me quite a fright, but her dad wasn't worried and was proud of her for getting back up and jumping back on the horse and trying again. 

Everyone here welcomed me like I was right at home and tried to feed me over a million meals (which is, of course, the Polish way).  I had a blast and was grateful that I got to come here to experience this part of Michal's childhood.  I feel like it helped me to get to know him a bit better.

Berlin & DDR Museum

 Our flight back from Istanbul was ten times cheaper to land in Berlin.  So we opted to catch another form of transportation back to Poland from Berlin and save some extra $.  While waiting for our ride we had a half a day to spend in Berlin and while we were there found some fun treasures!

(Left) My Olympic Berlin Bear (see St. Petersburg Post for more Berlin Bear appearances)

(Right) a traveling Octoberfest"ish" Beer Cart where the numerous horses had bells and jingled as if they were hauling Santa's sleigh.

 An adorable little kid shirt (which was way overpriced so we opted NOT to purchase it).

 

We didn't have to travel far from the Airport to make it to our intended destination: DDR Museum.  Michal really wanted to go and was thrilled to be there.  This museum shows what the daily life in East Germany was like in a very "hands on" type of way.  Michal was like a little kid in a candy shop while touring this museum.  I think that we set the world record for spending the most time ever at the DDR Museum.  Here are the treasures in which Michal found. 

 

 Overall, I would have to say it made my heart just melt seeing how happy Michal was.  He wished we had more than a half a day in Berlin so that he could have spent more time there. 

 

(Left Below) Berlin Cathedral (Right Below) Berlin Tower

  (I couldn't pass up this smile as Michal watched his favorite trains go by in the Hauptbanhof).

Wandering back to the train station to catch our ride to Poland, Michal couldn't stop talking about the Museum and what life would have been like during that time. He then told me stories that his mom, Ania, had shared with him about hardships from being under the Soviet Union. Hearing Michal's stories, and visiting this museum, was a real eye opener to how lucky I am that I grew up in the United States. I don't say that casually, but I have such a stronger sense of pride everytime I see my home country's flag, or hear my National Anthem play. Living outside of the United States has been one of the best experiences for me. It has helped me appreciate what I have, but also esteem other cultures for their values and consecrated beliefs. I hope everyone gets the opportunity that I had to voyage beyond the United States and experience culture from a different viewpoint.

Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul was Constantinople

Now it's Istanbul, not Constantinople

Been a long time gone, Constantinople

Why did Constantinople get the works?

That's nobody's business but the Turks

Even old New York was once New Amsterdam

Why they changed it I can't say

People just liked it better that way

So take me back to Constantinople

No, you can't go back to Constantinople

Been a long time gone, Constantinople

Why did Constantinople get the works?

That's nobody's business but the Turks

Istanbul has been on my Bucket List of Places to see (including this post and this post). The reason I have always wanted to go to these places is because of my passion I have for Art History.  I love learning about Art and then being able to see ancient artifacts with my own eyes - not just a pretty picture on a page.  I like to feel the essence and atmosphere of the location, and I love to understand more about the culture of where the history behind the art comes from.  The only other stop I have to make is the Mayan Ruins before I have to create another "travel bucket list."

Regardless, I was ancy and filled with butterflies to come here.  Once we jumped off the tram and wandered our way to our hotel - I instantly knew I was in love with this city.  The parks were filled with people - and not tourists - but locals coming to gather together. (We later found out why).  The city was alive and bustling and didn't stop until the early hours of the morning.  The excitement and entertainment were over the top.  Michal & I felt like we fit right in!

The Blue Mosque bears the inscription "La ilahe illallah" meaning "There is no deity but god."

 That first night we walked through the Hippodrome Square (now known as Sultanahmet Meydanı or Sultan Ahmet Square) because of ancient chariot racing which used to occur here during the time period when Istanbul was known as Constantinople.  Within this square are many ancient artifacts and surrounding the square are beautiful mosques which highlight the city's famous landmarks.  Two of the most famous additions to this Square are 'The Obelisk of Theodosius' and 'The Blue Mosque.'

The Obelisk of Theodosius was brought back from Luxor in the year 357 AD to commemorate Constantine's 20 year reign upon the throne.  The obelisk is now about 18 meters tall, but once stood over 30 meters high.  The four sides celebrate Tutmoses III victory on the bank of the Euphrates River in 1450 BC.  While the obelisk itself truly represents Egypt, the pedestal upon which it stands, was erected to represent events in Constantinople.  With the various sides mostly representing chariot races and the emperor crowning the victors of the races.  This obelisk is one of 29 obelisks still standing around the world (all have been pilfered from Egypt).  They are located in the following places: Egypt (9), France (1), Israel (1), Italy (11), Poland (1), Turkey (1), United Kingdom (4), United States (1).

The following day I made Michal promise me that the first thing we do would be to visit Hagia Sophia.  It was a dream come true.  And, I hate to admit it, but I got quite teary upon entering this church/mosque converted into a museum.  I was overwhelmed that I was finally here and had made it!  I can't tell you how worth it, it was to be able to visit this wonder.  Michal sure planned one heck of an anniversary gift for me.

Hagia Sophia was constructed in 537 AD by Byzantine Emperor Justinian as an Orthodox Church. It remained this way until the year 1453 when the Ottoman Turks converted the Byzantine Church into a Mosque. The reason that this ancient architectural edifice is so important is because of its preserved history and changes which have enriched the cultural meaning over the years. From Minarets to ancient iconostasis features, this museum is an archaeological treasure.

I found my own markings with my initials in them "KT".  May not be as impressive as the Empress Zoe Mosaics, but still such a delightful surprise!  On the right is the Empress Zoe mosaics.  Here Christ sits in the center with a Blue Robe holding the Bible in his hand.  To the right of him is Empress Zoe with a scroll that symbolizes the donations that she has made to the church.  On the left is her husband who is giving forth an offering to the church. (Interesting fact: this guy's face changed 3 times as this is Empress Zoe's 3rd husband.  The face was changed each time she was married).

  This mosaic is probably the most famous mosaic within all of Hagia Sophia.  At the original entrance to the mosque it reminds the spectator that they are entering a Holy Site which was dedicated to the Christ child by Emperor Justinian and Emperor Constantine.  Justinian (on the left) is shown offering Christ (sitting in Mary's lap) Hagia Sophia while Constantine (right) is shown offering up the city of Constantinople to Christ. The mosaic presents the connection between the church and the empire and the church as the seat of imperial ritual.

This was the best picture that I could take which shows how much this building has changed throughout the centuries.  Not only can a minaret be seen in the background, but you can view the old walls of the ancient Byzantine Orthodox Church, which has been flanked repeatedly by numerous buttresses to keep the building standing today.

 

Lunch was definitely on the agenda next.  We were hungry.  Especially me.  

 While Michal studied his options carefully, I knew right away what I wanted: HUMMUS! I'm pretty sure that my diet in Istanbul consisted of 3 items: Bread, Hummus, and Grapefruit Juice. I know it's not the healthiest, but when you're pregnant, you have a great excuse to eat the way you want to.

 Next we headed over to the Blue Mosque.

  While we waited outside to head in, I noticed the bathing stations where Men stop to wash their hands and feet before entering to worship Allah.

The Blue Mosque is actually a nickname for this mosque because of all the blue tiles and blue color which can be found on the interior of the mosque.  The title is actually Sultan Ahmed Mosque because he is the founder, and is also buried here.

This mosque is also well known because of its overwhelming size, its majesty, and its splendor.  As I was there a local pointed out to me that this Mosque has 6 minarets.  He mentioned that most, in Istanbul, had only 4 and the mere fact that this mosque had 6 adds to its grandiose magnificence. 

  Exiting the mosque, Michal was able to put his haggling skills to use and get a Turkish hat for next to nothing. 

  We decided to put his "haggling skills" to use and head to the Grand Bazaar.  Um. I love Bazaars and was so excited! Along the way we ran into a few fun attractions I found in my handy-dandy Turkey Guide Book.

Atik Ali Pasa Mosque (above)

Constantine's Column (below) -

It commemorates the declaration of Byzantium as the new capital city of the Roman Empire. 

 The GRAND BAZAAR

I was SOOOOO excited to go to this Bazaar.  And after arriving, I got a little overwhelmed.  This place is massive (not as big as old town Jerusalem) but easy to get lost and find something that you like and then forget (actually get lost) on how to get back and purchase your trinket.

Not only was I overwhelmed, but hungry and tired. For a Bazaar being one of my favorite things, I just needed a break and to come back to visit. Unfortunately we never did. But that's probably a good thing because otherwise I would have spent WAY TOO much money there.

 On our way back to the Hotel to take a rest, we HAD to have our famous Istanbul "fresh squeezed" orange & grapefruit juice! Better than Ice Cream! And Michal found a store with his (only) Turkish friend's name: Utku.

After our nappie, we headed back out to hit the Bazaar.  All along the streets of Istanbul you can find phone booths.  Seriously, people still use these? The correct answer is: Only in Istanbul.  They are always in use.  We had to document it to verify this otherwise no one would believe us.

 So.... the Bazaar was closed - (bummer) - and instead we decided to hit up a Mosque and then Istanbul University.

Istanbul University

 On the way to see Suleymaniye Mosque we noticed that there were hundreds or thousands of people sitting around tables just WAITING to eat.  And then it dawned on me: RAMADAN!  We visited Turkey during the holy festival of Ramadan.  These families were all gathering nearby mosques or in parks or squares to gather together to eat and celebrate the break of the fast!

 This was just one massive restaurant getting ready (it looked more like a cafeteria).  These people sure showed great restraint in waiting to gorge.  But, the call to prayer was still over an hour or two away to announce that the feast could begin!

  Look at the view!  It is incredible from up here!

 Soon after we left the Mosque, the call to prayer started.  The streets were DESERTED!!! Everyone was already out and about with friends and family ready to eat.  Can you believe this?

Our last day in Turkey we decided to try to go over on the "other side" of Istanbul so that Michal could say that he has been to ASIA!

On our way there we saw some super cool street vendors! (Wouldn't you agree?) 

 Below is Michal enjoying the bus ride over to Asia.  It costs us like a dollar (or something close) to make it over there.  Michal was in heaven.  He wanted to go to Asia so that we could tell people that in the month of August we were in THREE continents.  Even though this is a tad misleading - it is the truth.

So, Asia doesn't look that much different from one side to the other.  We just jumped off the bus.  Took some pictures and took the next bus back to our original destination.

On the plane ride over, I sat next to a gal from Saudia Arabia who had cousins living in Istanbul.  She told me her FAVORITE street in Istanbul was Istiklal Street.  It's mostly a street adorned with fashion shops and street vendors and lots of restaurants.  I tried to see "touristy" things along the Istiklal Street - but I failed.  They weren't that cool.

 Here is the proof that I failed!  We went to see the Church of SS Peter and Paul.  I soooo could have sworn that I had learned about this church in my 'Ancient Byzantine Art & Architecture' class.  I was wrong.  This church was built in the 1400's-1600's.  NOT in the Byzantine Era (correct me if I'm wrong - please).  But we had to ring a bell to get into this tiny church.  A little monk opened it up for us.  We were the only ones there.  It had nothing recognizable (hence I knew I hadn't learned about it). And we missed out on the Galata Tower because I insisted we come here.  At least we can look back and laugh on it instead!

 Don't worry though, Michal made me feel better by buying me some Grapefruit Juice!  Then I didn't feel so bad for dragging him all the way out there!

 The last mosque we visited was one nearby our hotel.  It is called "The Little Hagia Sophia." Same story.... once a Byzantine Church, then converted to a Mosque during the Ottoman Empire.  Not a single iconoclastic image can be found within this mosque.  However, this old man showed us the ancient carvings (done back in 530 ish AD) which are still a part of this building.

We figured it was only fitting to go spend out last night celebrating the LAST day of Ramadan with all the Turks!

We noticed (while we were waiting for Ramadan to start) that kids jump on the back and front of the trams and ride around as if it's no big deal. I was scared to death they would fall off and get run over. I wish I could have gotten a better shot, but this was the best I could do. At least Michal makes a good model for the picture!

We had such a blast and truly enjoyed this culture.  The people were so kind, warming, and friendly.  The place was so energetic, lively, and comfortable.  The experience was unforgettable.  And every penny spent was worth it!

  

This was truly a wonderful experience.  I feel so lucky that Michal enjoyed it just as much as I did!  He is such a great traveling companion and always up for an adventure.