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.