A Sad Goodbye

You stepped out, young, brave and bold,

To come to this land, something so new to behold.

Not knowing what kind of story would be told,

We would have to wait and see as time would unfold.

The beginning was slow, not how you would like,

Between holidays and referendums… it’s like the country was on strike.

In those days you got into the hearts of our baby and our tyke.

And you came over in the early mornings so I could ride my bike.

Once all the un-eventfullness passed,

Things picked up and you started having a blast.

This is when things really started to go really fast.

And all of a sudden we’re here… and we’ve reached the day that’s the last.

When things did get busy you went ahead… with full steam!

Going many places each week with endless energy, so it would seem.

KIFL, Church, Nile Valley, Boys Homes, Kaplan Center and our team…

Bridge walks and long talks and movies drinking Mike’s mocha ice cream.

Dear, sweet Leah… six months ago I never knew,

What a joy, what a pleasure, what an honor it would be to have you pass through.

You have become one of our family, tried and true.

It’s been the best season yet in this country, thanks to God, through you.

I’m not saying goodbye forever, oh dear no.

But just goodbye to having you here, as close as a stone’s throw.

Goodbye to my kiddos bedtime routine pro,

Goodbye to my remarkable young friend that I’ve watched grow.

As you move onto New York City, a more challenging place,

We’re so thankful for the time you’ve had here, in this space.

You’re always welcome back… I want you to know… just in case,

We will always wish you could be here again and bless us with your grace.

You are one on which so many have learned they can depend,

Into life here, you really did so easily blend…

So we say farewell to our aunty, our sister and our friend,

But for me… this is just the beginning of a friendship, not an end.

These Days

Here is some of what we have these days...



We have lots of pigtails,



and ponytails



on a girlie that is growing up! For some reason she looks like such a girl to me in this photo!!

Bittersweet indeed.



Also, she loves noodles,



gives kisses on the mouth



and just might get the box of wipes and lay down on the rug in front of the bathroom if she feels she needs a diaper change.



AND, she does this trick which I seem to remember her big brother used to do also.

This trick NEVER ends well. Ever.



Can you see into the future in the above photograph? Take a guess what happened a half second later.

Yes. You guessed right.

And it wasn't pretty.

I wish she'd stop doing it.



Aaanyway... speaking of big brother... he's been quite helpful these days putting away silverware



scrubbing the kitchen counter



and giving teeth a nice healthy dose of citric acid.

This is his favorite trick of late, if you haven't noticed.



But there are also flips with Dad in the kitchen



and story time with Mom.

And we can't leave out travel preparations!!



Here is the practice run of making a single stroller into a double! (Inspired by my friend, Corrie, who trademarked this move!)

It works, by the way!! Just pile 'em on in!

A Going Away Party

My dear friend Leah has led English Club during her time in this country. She's done amazing! And I have just gone to be a participant. But we are both leaving in a few days and when we announced that last week was our last time... they insisted we let them throw us a going-away party. And they would NOT let us say no.

So we said okay.

And today we went to the party.

And it was, um, interesting?



We sat around in the room for awhile just waiting. H was right at home. He was especially fond of the chair with the table that flipped up and down.



Like, he LOOOOOOVED it.



Sweet N never got a moment to herself.

This was to be expected and she was a great sport about it.

I did warn her, just to be fair.



The party began with us standing up to accept our tokens of appreciation.



Very formal and African-like.

This I am used too.



Isn't it just beautiful and so tasteful?

*wink*

You not only help us at English Club, but you were a great support.
"An open mind leaves a chance for someone to drop a worth while thought in it... since the best cosmetics what is in life Truth for lips, confidence for eyes, charity for hands, smile for face love for heart, use them well and mak life beautiful."

So meaningful.

I think.

But I'm not sure.

Could someone translate?

Thanks.



Then they brought out snacks.

At this point my girlie started collecting one piece of popcorn and piece of candy from each person.



Then they served fresh juice.



Then my boy wanted me to take a picture of him doing this.

So I did.



Then began the talent show portion of the party.

I wasn't prepared for this, but this guy stood up and sang.

He sang.

And he planned to sing, apparently, because the guy on the computer just happened to have karaoke version of the song he wanted to sing.

The song was "How Do I Breathe" by Mario. I only know that cause I sat there and texted myself some lyrics so I could come home and google it. Which I did just now.

He was really good! I don't have any idea how it related to two white ladies being done going to English Club... but whateva.



Then came this guy, who demonstrated folk dances from all four regions of the country.

Fun!



This is my boy. He fits right in, huh?

He sat down there the whole time, as if he had ever been in that room before and actually knew any of those people he was sitting by. He may have no idea that he was born in a different country, has skin a different color and is approximately twenty years younger than everyone else in the room.

I love that.



THEN... this guy stood up, put some beat on the computer and did his own rap.

He rapped in English but I couldn't catch it all. One line I did catch was "I am the best rapper in the world."

Now I'm not sure about all that... but he was good!



And I got especially distracted from the rapping when singing guy got into the center of the floor and started dancing.

Pardon me.

Where AM I?

And WHOSE life is this that I am living?

I'm just curious.

Anyway...



Then my boy wanted me to take a picture of him doing this.

So I did.



Then folk dancing man did a silent skit about riding a bus. It ended with something about a thief and everyone laughed.

I didn't really get it.

But I still enjoyed it.



Then my girlie hung out with the rapper and the rapper's friend on the computer for awhile.

Then we shook everyone's hands and left.

I found the whole thing strangely awkwardly wonderful.

Meeting the New Cuz in the Belly

As you know from this post... Mikey's sister is having a baby this summer! This time I'm not gonna talk about how I may or may not STILL be bitter that I was actually in the presence of this baby back in November and NO ONE TOLD ME, thereby robbing me of all forms of in-person hooting, hollering, kissing, hugging, tackling, crying and belly-talking (no matter that baby had no ears yet.) No, I'm not gonna mention those things at all.

What I am gonna mention is that this special bundle is due to arrive in less than 8 weeks time... but we won't be in our home state until after that.

Do you know what that means?

It means I never get to rub the belly and tell the beautiful bump that "I am your aunty Suzanne and I am gonna wove you sweet wittle itty bitty baby sooo much when you come out and and would you please kick once if you are a boy and kick twice if you are a girl?"

I mean, it can't hurt to try, can it?

Anyway.

Skype is as good as it gets for these pre-birth introductions.



Lookie! Sweet N knows where to find the baby!



And even though we're far away...



It's still pretty sweet.

I can't wait to meet this wee one and love him or her forever and ever amen!

Warning

You should know... that if ever you cross my daughter, you may get some of this...



or this...



or this...



or this...


or this (in the background). She isn't crying. No no. She's just giving you 'the face'.

Isn't she just precious?

Consider yourself warned.