American Soil

Today, Aliena took her first crap in America!

Let me back up a bit...

We made our second trip to the American Consular Presence (read: poor man's consulate) in Toulouse to yet again try to have Aliena's citizenship papers filed. Technically were were in America (all 50sq ft of it).

This time we were armed with all the paperwork that they neglected to tell us to bring the first time...as in "Alexis' US passport is not sufficient proof of his US citizenship even though it is irrelevant since Amy is also a citizen and was born in the US...so you have to bring Alexis' consular report of birth". I guess for some reason the US government is skeptical of the quality of a citizen's passport when they honestly declare that they were born in another country (as if any cheats would tell the truth!). To make a long story short, the same grumpy lady scowled at our paperwork which differed only in the fact that another archaic bit of paper was put on display (my consular report of birth...whose existence I discovered about a month ago), and finally said that it all looked OK and that the consul would come and watch us sign the papers (tough hob...I know...but at least you get to see your tax dollars in action). Whew....and Grumpy even gave a half-smile as she went back to her cubicle.
Then the consul came out...to glance at the papers. He immediately looked up and said "Aliena? Very Shakespearean" ??????? The look of confusion must have been obvious since he followed that one up with "Do you know what play it comes from?"...uh...no..."Let me give you a hint..." at which time he stated to describe every one of Shakespeare's plays (two people in the wilderness...one is not who they appear to be...a confused individual falls in love...etc...). Finally I asked him which one it was..."Ummmmmm....I just saw it in London last weekend (2 days ago!) and its on the tip of my tongue...I'll remember before you leave." (he did remember...after a trip to his office where I am sure he googled it!).
Then we got the consular stamp of approval....Aliena was recognized as a US citizen. (and there was rejoicing....yaay)...she can now pin the US flag next to her french one. A 3 hour drive for 30 min well spent!

Aliena then celebrated this very exciting event and her second visit to 'America' by soiling her diaper.......and yes......we all heard it.........even the consul...........all 6 times! A momentous poop for a momentous event.