Some Random Thoughts…

 A few random thoughts and events from our life the past while… thought I’d share! 

Jared was at the milk dokan in KaWran Bazaar getting milk for the clinic. The owner Tanvir invited him to come for Iftar some evening. Since CSI leaves quite a hefty chunk of money there Jared decided to go. Him and Tanvir have become good friends. He really enjoyed it. They all sat on prayer rugs. They dished out the food and just sat and waited for the prayer call that gives them permission to go ahead and eat. The minute it started they all grabbed their cups of water and juice and drained them dry. Jared said it was quite comical watching them drinking. They had the same type of food that Josna had made for us a few weeks ago. (The vast panorama of diversified objects.) He came home so full and stuffed that he still wasn’t hungry the next morning! 

Some more Ramadan observations: Down our street there’s a dokan that sells snacks and cigarettes. Ever since Ramadan started it’s been covered with a black tarp on the front and sides but there’s always a bunch of men in there. You can only see their feet since the tarp only covers it up part way down. I made comment of it because I thought it strange that men would duck under the tarp in this heat just to go to the dokan. Plus when a dokan is tarped like that it means they are closed or at the mosque praying. Someone said “that way no one can tell who’s in there and if they are eating, drinking or smoking during the day.”  Melissa says this is common to see at any cha stall or outdoor restaurant. The other day we were driving along by KaWran and it was probably around 6:30 in the evening. In between the two streets is a big area where it appears people like to socialize in the evenings. Sitting along the sidewalk maybe every three feet were 2 cups (1 of water and 1 of juice) and then a box on top. (We wondered if it was a snack of some sort or maybe dates?)They were prepared to eat and drink as soon as the prayer call sounded. 

We’ve made friends with another family here in our apartments. The kids are often down in the courtyard in the evenings so Layton is always listening and watching for them so he can go down to play. Easter Sunday Jared and their dad were talking and got acquainted. They are Catholic. They have lived here in Siza Court for some time. He asked how Duane was! He went and got us a pork dish that they had made. Reminded me of bone broth with potatoes, large chunks of pork fat and pork in it. The kids all came trooping up to our apartment  after they were done playing “to see the baby” it was said. Every evening that the men are down there at least one of the children has to come see Shania.

The Drivers and guards and moyla ladies have all been oohing and awing over the wee princess. They think it is quite something that now we have “ec meye, ec chele.” One boy and one girl. I say “ses” (finished) and they all laugh. When the guards or our workers see her they all say she looks looks like “boss” and that Layton looks like “ma.” No denying that! Shurov says “they just say that as flattery because they know Jared’s a good looking guy. Plus it’s scientific that a child will favor it’s parents.”😂Can always count on him for a detailed explanation of the matter at hand! My children are very loved here. Sumita always holds Shania when she comes to clean. The dokan guy gives Layton hugs (much to his dislike). One day Layton was picking blooms off one of the trees at the guesthouse. A lady came out on her veranda and hollered at him. One of the drivers came and hollered back at her and told Layton it was fine. 🫣

Miss Trish came and stayed with us for a week and a half after the baby came. She spoiled us rotten with good food. Chocolate cake, homemade French fries, tacos with homemade tortillas and fresh salsa, cookie dough for the freezer. Kelly’s dropped everything and hit the road an hour later to come be with Layton and to bring Miss Trish when they found out we were headed to the hospital. We had originally arranged for them to come the 8th into Dhaka for when things were scheduled but Shania couldn’t wait that long. Apparently my children don’t like to wait until their appointed times to come earth side! 

One day to get out of the house we went and rode the metro rail. Plus we didn’t want Miss Trish to think we were total bumps on a log. haha! We took a rickshaw about 15 minutes from our house to the station and hopped on. It was such a fun experience! I thought it would be a hot crowded noisy ride and wasn’t sure about taking Shania to ride. We got there and everything was incredibly clean! Looked like we were in the states. The metro wasn’t crowded at all and there was plenty of seating room plus it was even air conditioned!! Any where with air conditioning is our new favorite place. We rode 20 minutes to Uttara North (the end) and then rode all the way back. Layton was absolutely in his element. Lots of questions. Everything from “does this have tires on it?” To “could we do this at least once a week?” I was glad we could get out and do something that he enjoyed so much. He has been so patient with me not being able to play with him as much since Shania was born. While we were riding he said “I can’t wait to tell Grampy and Papa about this!” It was 60 taka for one person one way so figured it was cheap fun. The next morning and every morning since… We hear “Can we ride the metro again?” 

Shania and I are doing well. She is well over her birth weight and keeps on eating like a piggie. It’s fun to see! She is doing pretty good at night… can’t complain. It’s been so long since I had a newborn that I’m not sure what to expect. Layton has done really well with her. Very attentive and a bit possessive at times shall we say? He was not happy when the ladies at church were passing her around and holding her. When Lanae told him that he was a big brother now, he said “well, I’m still only 5.” He loves to hold her and often sits by her on the couch. Shania is pretty happy most days but she has her times of being restless and fussy. She sure lets us know when she is upset. One funny thing from the hospital stay was that on day two the physical therapist came into my room. She told me to “get up and walk 2 times a day for 15 minutes each time otherwise stay in bed.” Jared just hooted. After the epidural wore off, I finally convinced them to let me get out of bed and stand up beside the bed at least and the nurse was awfully nervous. She thought I didn’t know what I was doing. So after that I waited until they weren’t around and Jared helped me get up to walk.😂 

Elwoods (“uncle elbows”) left today for India. Was fun having them here in Dhaka with us for several days. Hopefully we will be able to see them again in a few months before they head back to the states this fall. It’s hard to imagine them not being in Bangladesh! They’ve just always been… 

Other than that we are settling into a new normal as a family of four. Jared is back at clinic and our usual schedule continues… Thanks for all the prayers and well wishes during our pregnancy for a healthy baby. We are so grateful for our support group back at home. 

Love, 

Jared, Brianna, Layton and Shania