1st Semester break so far

Now that our car is legal to drive on the road we have been taking advantage of it! Monday after Jordan's final we had lunch at BarCode and then over to our friend's new apartment at Rainbow Beach Club. They just moved into a 2bedroom apartment and it is beautiful! One of the things I love most about Rainbow Beach Club is the private access to the beach and caves. They had a get together of students celebrating the end of the semester. It started down-pouring, but it was still fun being out there. We stayed for an hour or so until the kids got tired. It was great celebrating everyone's success! It has been an awesome 1st semester at AUC.

Another fun thing we did earlier in the week was check out the Caribbean Cinemas. We went to see The Jungle Book, and really enjoyed it! Ian nursed and slept the entire time, which was awesome because that allowed me to actually be able to sit and watch the movie as well. We also to the Carousel in Simpson Bay for more gelato. This was our 3rd time to Carousel, but we love it just the same as the first time we went. Bradley rode the teacup all by himself!

We have had such a great break so far {still 3 days left!}. I'm going to do separate entries on some of the bigger days we had so stay tuned!

Block 4 + Riu Palace

Whoo-hoo! Block 4 wrapped up this past week which means 1st semester of medical school is nearly over! Jordan has one last final on Monday then he's on break for 12 days. It seems like most of our friends are going home over break, but my parents and grandma are coming for a visit, so a piece of "home" will be coming to us. We are excited for a break to really enjoy the island.
Anyway, after the Block we did our traditional eating dinner out. After every block we've tried out a new restaurant, and that has been just about the only time we've dined out. This time we tried out BarCode, which is literally right down the street from our apartment. Food was really good and fairly inexpensive. About 10-15 other classmates joined us at dinner so it was nice to have some company.

After dinner some friends came over for some card games after our kids went to sleep. Good times as always. I think I've said it before, but the friendships we've gained is my most cherished part of medical school so far.

 

On Wednesday, the Spouses Organization hosted a "5th semester send off" all inclusive day event at the Riu Palace resort. It was such an awesome day. We were at the resort for 8 hours, hanging out at the pool and Anse Marcel beach. I have to brag on Bradley a bit..he has really GROWN into a KID this past semester. He doesn't even seem like a toddler anymore. He swims without me and engages with all the other kids. He is polite and very well behaved..he makes my life as a mom pretty..dare I say..EASY. I am so proud. Anyway! Lunch was good, and drinks were flowing. I would definitely recommend the Riu Palace to anyone visiting St. Maarten. This past semester we have met some of the greatest 5th semester families, and are sad to see them leave. We will miss you and the kids, Marcie and Jillian!! Good luck on clinicals back in the states!

If you think my hands are full, you should see my heart!
The boys and I enjoying our day at the Riu Palace



Our new island car + Doctor's Visit

The best advice I got while looking to buy an island car was, "There's going to be something wrong with any car you buy here, so pick your wrong." It's true. There was something wrong with almost every car we looked at. Whether it's suspension, paint job, transmission, etc., the island is rough on cars. Roads are different here than in the states. There are speed bumps everywhere because there are no stop signs or traffic lights. It's just different. I decided I only wanted to buy a car from a student selling theirs. One reason is to help the student out and also I feel that a student would be more honest than a local. A lot of our friends knew we were in the market for a car with a MAX budget of $3k. Whenever a car came up for sale on the classifieds someone would tag me or Jordan..well, 40 minutes after I was tagged we went to look and test drive the car. Then we bought it. It's a 2005 Hyundai Atos and Bradley has named it Blueberry.

We had a bit of Buyers remorse because not even a day later the car was not starting. Luckily I married a jack of all trades and he was able to take an afternoon and get it back up and running. Jordan needed to tension the belt and replace the battery. So now we have the convenience of getting around the island. Now, if only my anxiety of driving around the island would lessen up...

In other news, Ian went to his first doctor's appointment on the island. I was a month late for his 4 month immunizations (oops). We went over to Mullet Bay Medical Clinic which is the closest doctor's office to us. Dr. Deketh is Dutch, and seemed very nice. We went into his office first for a consult. It may have been his culture, but he wouldn't even pick up Ian. I had to put him on the scale and straighten out his legs when he checked his height. He didn't listen to his heart or look in his ears or anything like we are used to. The office reminded me of like an old-time movie..everything was very old fashioned. For instance, he pulled out a very worn old chart to show me Ian's growth percentages and wrote out the immunizations on literally a sheet of notebook paper. Whereas in the states we are used to seeing all these fancy diagrams on iPads and whatnot. The nurse administered the shots in his booty and he barely even cried! I remember with Bradley he always had immediate reactions to shots- super fussy and feverish. Ian- no issues. Anyway, it was a fine experience! The immunizations were free under the Dutch government and I only paid for the office consult which was $33, so comparable to an office co-pay. I will take him back there next month for his 6 month shots.

Ian is happy and healthy!!

Date Night

When my friend Muna sent out an invitation to her birthday dinner, I was frantic to go! Firstly, I love Muna and wanted to celebrate her! Secondly, I was in dire need of adult conversation and alone time with the hubs. Block #4 is next week, then a cumulative final the week after so needless to say, Jordan will be pretty non-existent for the next 2 weeks.
One of my fears before we got to the island was no date nights for 2 years while we're in St. Maarten. Luckily I have met so many awesome spouses and students that I genuinely consider friends. My friend Juliana was willing to watch both boys while we went to dinner. I'm forever grateful! I was worried that Ian would have some attachment issues, but she just put him in the Ergo baby carrier and he slept the whole time. And of course, Bradley loved playing with her 2 sons.

Dinner was at Escape which is literally right next door to our apartment complex. It was amazing!! They just opened January 2016. It's a bed and breakfast upstairs and restaurant downstairs- beautiful chic decor, and the food was delish. Food is cooked fresh daily so expect longer wait times. We put our large group order in 2 days in advance for convenience sake. Definitely the best dining experience we've had so far on the island. I had teriyaki beef skewers and Jordan had a chicken mushroom dish. Our table shared 2 bottles of wine and oops I accidentally told 2 different servers I wanted the same drink so I ended up with 2. Don't worry, they were both consumed. It was a great evening. Thanks to all that made it possible!