Writing

Amidst all these family picture posts, I would like to return to writing about Peru itself, and our reactions to what we see here. It's so hard to believe how little time we have left, and we want to soak up as much of we can of this country which is so beautiful and sad. I was looking back and realized that we had written much more at the beginning, 2+ years ago, which is natural with all new experiences. But there is still so much to learn, and to share. I hope we can convey at least part of the vast swirl of emotions we face as we conclude and reflect on our time here, and look toward our return.

Seize the Day

I just couldn't help but post about Noah's new favorite song...it's from the Disney musical "Newsies" (early 90's). We had the music, which Noah really enjoyed listening to, but then we showed him the clip from the musical on youtube. Now, he always dances around and tries to imitate the moves he saw on the clip. Enjoy!

Mother's Day!

This past Mother's Day weekend was full of memorable activities - Noah was the star for most of them. On Friday, his school put on an assembly. Noah was a "caballito" (horsey) in their rendition of "The Little Red Hen." He amazed us with his confidence as he galloped, on cue, around the stage, and then remembered his lines perfectly as he responded to "la gallina" (the little red hen) - in Spanish and into the microphone! Then he wowed us again by dancing with his class to Elvis' "Jail House Rock." This was a huge difference from last year where, dressed as a puppy, he stood on stage with his finger in his mouth, deciding to do absolutely nothing (but look cute!). Miss Patti, the school's director, even embarrassed Michael a little by giving him the mic and requesting that he declare his undying love for me. It was good entertainment while the kids were changing costumes. (c:
On Sunday, I got to sleep in a little and was woken by all my guys, and Noah very carefully carrying a plate of waffles to me. When I entered the kitchen, so we could eat altogether, there was a beautiful floral arrangement and the computer set up on the table. Michael and Noah had put together a "why I love mommy" video for me to watch. It was precious.
Not only did we celebrate Mother's Day, we rejoiced in baptizing Ethan! Noah had been baptized on Father's Day, so we thought this would be appropriate. Our pastor (and team leader), Mark Berry baptized him after a beautiful explanation of the sacrament before our congregation. Ethan didn't cry at all in Mark's arms.
Then, following the service, the mommies were all asked to sit together, while others served us plates filled with snacks and sweets. Noah and Michael also performed in the short variety show they put on for us.
We came home around 3 - too late for a nap, so we watched "Peter Pan," called our Moms and just relaxed. We made an easy taco dinner and put Noah to bed early. That gave Michael and I the evening to enjoy together and there was enough time for us to fit in a couple episodes of "24" (we're only on season 3).
All in all, a lovely and memorable Mother's Day and thank you to my sweet husband for making me feel so adored and encouraged!

3 Months Old

Ethan is already 3-months-old...I knew that time would fly...indeed it has. He's just gotten cuter as he has filled out more, of course, that's a mother's opinion. He had his check-up today and weighed about 12 1/2 pounds (almost double his birthweight) and is in the 50th percentile for height and weight. He's still not sleeping through the night, but at least now he has company - Noah has been waking up at night now too, sometimes several times. The Lord has been gracious to us in letting Michael and I get just enough rest - how lovely a full night's sleep will be someday....meanwhile, I'm depending on my mommy naps! Noah has been showing more signs of jealousy recently - talking like a baby, playing with/on Ethan's toys, wanting us to carry him, and being much more clingy to me - so, I am doing my very best to try to make him feel doted on, snuggled, and special too. I'm learning that Noah needs it more than Ethan does right now. Ethan is perfectly content to wiggle on his activity mat while Noah and I read a book together or snuggle on the couch.

(How do you like those carseats?! I even tried to buckle the seatbelt, but couldn't find the buckle)

At three months, Ethan is now able to lift up his head quite high while laying on his belly and his smiles are only getting more frequent as he gets more familiar with the world around him. Today, I picked up his Peruvian passport! That's right, this kid gets dual citizenship for life! It will be interesting to see if he will use that in years to come. Noah has already talked about how when he and Ethan are older, they'll come back to Peru and do the Inca Trail together. (c:

That little lower lip is just so cute...