NEW

Now we're in New Zealand we're doing things differently. Things like walking in the rain and seeing Pukekos and just playing in ways new. Jonah and Ben are having a fantastic time and can't get enough of the plethora of activities offered by the family and the landscape. Ben has enjoyed more than enough "programs for children" on tv. Jonah loves the attention and discovering stairs. He can scale them the same ease that both of the slip in new homes and family circles. We hope to see so many of you over the next few weeks.

moving

The first words I ever spoke to Ben were "I love you". To Jonah I prayed "May the Lord bless you and keep you and make His face shine on you and give you peace all your days". Both Ben and Jonah are remarkable. All children are. All life is. By checking on this post you too are celebrating this fact.

Sadness has befallen many of us this week. A small boy was stillborn last Thursday. Philip was the son of friends of ours. There are no words or warm fuzzies for a time like this. Just the words of the Bible: Mourn with those who mourn.

We leave RAK on Wednesday. I've made a small album of our last moments.

first and last

Our boys are experiencing things for the first and the last time these days. Jonah is walking around everywhere now while Ben can now enjoy movie length shows such as Toy Story and The Tigger Movie. For the last time Ben has attended Kindermusik classes and he is approaching his final day at KidsZone. Jonah will shortly attend his final RAK Babygroup meeting and say "see you again" to his old friends.

It's a difficult time but one which our boys are strong enough to take. We can't wait to take them to New Zealand for some "hello again" moments and some "please to meet you" times for Jonah. Our boys are strong.

party of our toddler

This post is to introduce the photos from Jonah's first birthday. We all had a wonderful time with a handful of close friends and blue icing. Jonah has graduated to toddlerhood. He toddles aplenty. There are two videos below. One is of cake being distributed and the other was an attempt to capture Jonah walking on camera (ambiguous grammar).

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one candle

Tomorrow, Friday, we will celebrate Jonah's first birthday. Jenny has been busy preparing food and decorations (I assisted with the balloon inflating and knot tying section of the evening). We'll meet by the pool and soon after swim and play. Snacks will inevitably follow as will a cake and singing. There is a fair chance that Jonah himself will cry due to the water and Ben will have the time of his life, again. See you there.

first time

Today was the first time Jonah has ever had a birthday. He took is very casually. Nonetheless, he is now a one year old. He walks, says 'mama' and 'dadee' and things. He is known for his smile and dance moves. He is here and he is adored and loved more than ever. The celebrations today were a little downplayed as we will party on Friday with friends and swimming togs. Obviously, I have posted some photos for your cooing pleasure.

splish

The main family event this coming week is Jonah's birthday. On Tuesday he'll become one. What a moment!

Today the teachers who have been running the swim classes Ben has attended held a celebration ceremony. All the children were presented with medals for their efforts and progress this term. This was followed by pool games. Watching the children swimming persuaded Jenny and I then when we got home we too should go for a swim. So, following the swim, we had a swim.

If there is a post, there will be photos, so look right. (There is a slideshow button near the top left corner).

gradually

Ben graduated from his Nursery yesterday. KidsZone had hosted Ben for close to 18 months. We wish you all could have been there because these coming of age moments are emotionally spectacular. Afterwards we went out with the families of a few of Ben's friends. Boy was it a great day!

Jonah is walking. As soon as his ambulation and the rolling video occur simultaneously, we'll post it for you. Jonah becomes a one year old on Tuesday. We'll celebrate it on Friday with, obviously, a pool party.

I've added a slideshow to the right. Each slideshow will be named exactly the same as the post. So today's photos are labelled 'gradually'.

If you click on a photo it takes you to our Picassa album. You can then use the magnify button to see the photos in huge format. Not always useful, but Ben's report is posted today and you'll want to see that big.

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my boys

There is a song in our family (many actually) that goes like this:

my boys my boys my boys my boys (repeat)

The actions vary but always involve both Jonah and Benjamin being held by Daddy and being jiggled up and down. They usually hold each other too and giggle madly. It's sweet.

short stuff

Welcome! The purpose of this blog is to share with friends and family the developments of our two amazing boys.

We aim to keep it updated very regularly, even if just with short bites.

The more we watch our boys, the more we want to share them with you. Each day brings more laughing and wonder than the entire Police Academy series.

We also plan to add photos and video too.

Do RSS/bookmark this page and do leave comments. We will share them with our boys when you do.

Thank you.