בנשמה

This pregnancy has felt as if it's been forever. Not sure if it's corona related, the heat or just timing. Short sleeves are a must given the heat. In any case, a couple observations in Israel with the third trimester of pregnancy. After being cleared to not having gestational diabetes (but a weird occasional craving for the drink here - - again, it's a glucose powder that when adding lemon and the water is cold, it tastes like lemonade on steroids) it was discovered that I'm anemic. Whereas in the states this was ignored and recommended to just take an iron supplement, in Israel iron IV transfusions are offered. This seems to also be one of those things that is different in the health system. In any case, so far I've rejected the treatment and waiting to see if supplements and a dietary change works. When the third trimester begins, one more ultrasound is performed. This checks for birth weight and growth. Routine weight checks, urine strip and blood pr

Well, it has been some year! Never would it have crossed our minds to finally feel some sense of normalcy after Coronavirus only to deal with rockets and what is either referred to as an operation or war in Israel.  The strangest thing at the moment is to be on the other side when we've been used to hearing about these occurrences from the United States. Life does in fact continue here, while we are aware there are sirens that go off when hearing the iron dome interceptions. Or when going to Ikea with the kids and seeing soldiers shopping -- not all are on duty in these areas.  The media with the images makes things seem like a total wreck or hell here. And while yes, hearing F16 planes and booms in the sky is unnerving, when we hear it, we don't run, duck or wish to move back. And so, we find the beauty in the moments, watching the children hold hands. Completely oblivious. As children should be happy and unaware of human cruelty. Here's the hoping that Hamas c

Yom Yerushalayim was a very mixed day of emotion. Waking up the morning, the kids got dressed in blue and white. We were relieved the school did not have trips planned to Jerusalem, as we had a feeling things might be intense. And we were very sorry to learn as the day developed that this was right. In the morning, from our windows we could hear school bells ring Jerusalem of Gold and Hatikvah (The Hope, Israel's national anthem). Grateful to still have these little moments where we are in awe that we are here. And it's not a brainwashy thing. There's a very unique sence of belonging here and ease of practicing Judaism.  Later in the day Kube Yerushalmi was bought for the themed dinner with local friends. Didn't have time to make or find pre made Yerushalmi kugel but it felt fun to consider something a bit different. Dinner was called for 5 to 6 pm. After we finished and were chit chatting, we suddenly heard a siren wail like an ambulance. It took a moment t