Kiara's Birthday

This week I was invited to Kiara's birthday party. She turned 4 this Thursday, 18th--such a big girl now! As you might remember I was her teacher since she was 4 1/2 months. It's crazy to see how fast these little guys grow! I've seen Kiara and Brendan a few times now since being back in South Africa. Kiara remembers me very well and I'm still "her teacher Stephie!". Brendan didn't remember me the first time I saw him again but he has warmed up to me since. He has grown like crazy and no longer looks like my little baby. They're both so adorable and as much as I love to see them it hurts a little that they're no longer "mine". I miss teaching them and just being with them. But I know they're doing well in their new situation with new teachers and friends, so I will just content myself with seeing them as much as I can.
Kiara and her friends.

The Glaser family.
The most charming little man.
Brendan feeding me cake. He thought it was the most funny thing and had so much fun laughing as he fed me each bite.
Kiara got an art box as one of her presents. As soon as Brendan saw it he wanted it, so he promptly toy-napped it. Here he's trying to show off how strong he is and how he can carry the heavy box.
Kiara looking like a little princess in her new ballet outfit ( a birthday present from her friend).
I love this little one!

Children

How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and strong. Because someday in life you will have been all of these.--George Washington Carver

When I approach a child, he inspires in me two sentiments; tenderness for what he is, and respect for what he may become.--Louis Pasteur

Bitter are the tears of a child: Sweeten them.Deep are the thoughts of a child: Quiet them.Sharp is the grief of a child: Take it from him.Soft is the heart of a child: Do not harden it.--Pamela Glenconner

Photo of the Month!
Oooohhh they're just too adorable in this one. This picture got the most "votes" from people in the home. I love the adoring look Brendan is giving himself!

Brendan trying to hide under the desk.

Kiara seems to be into goofy smiles these days. Brendan looks like such a goodie-goodie boy with his hair combed to the side.

Trying to escape down the garden path...

Kiara and one of the smaller eland.

Sick Ones

Today was such a different day with the kids.--A "let's-play-hospital" kind of day. Kiara has a tummy bug and is "oh so sick". Brendan is teething; he has watery eyes, looks flushed, and is very tired. Kiara threw up a few times this morning. The poor thing tries so hard to use the bucket I brought for her...but it's not easy when you're only three. Brendan meanwhile looks at her with a strange look, he's probably thinking something like, "What? I thought we're not allowed to spit our food! Why does she get all the attention?". But I told him to pray for Kiara so he cups his hands and makes his respectful face. What a sweetie! I put Brendan in his bed and made a bed in the classroom for Kiara. I read her stories while Brendan slept. She was so quiet and sick she just wanted to stroke my arm or hold my hand. When Brendan woke up watched a little video together. He seems to be doing a lot better but Kiara is still quite sick and throwing up. Please keep them in your prayers!

My Work = My Life

“Life becomes harder for us when we live for others, but it also becomes richer and happier.”-- Albert Schweitzer

On our walk to see the zebras..

Kiara looking prim and proper.

The smile that melts my heart...:)

My little orange-juice-aholic! If you give him a cup of orange juice he'll down it in no time pausing only to breathe.

Widdle Ones

Pictures of the Poochies

Kiara and Brendan watching Your Baby Can Read. It's mainly for Brendan as it's much too easy for Kiara now.

Brendan and Arthur(of Andy and Amber) having some baby talk-time.

Brendan loves the swing. He makes little humming noises to himself when I swing him.

The Lord supplied a trampoline for the kids! It's such a blessing and they all have loads of fun bouncing on it. Kiara wanted to take these pictures for Joy. She hasn't forgotten you Joy!

Fun Times

"Hmmph! I know what they want. They want me to reach for the ball. But I'm not going to fall for their tricks."

Brendan having school. He loves reading books. His favorite part is turning the page.

Kiara doing school games outside.

"I can stand up all by myself!--well, almost."

"I'm having so much fun!"

"I can eat it all in one BIG bite!"

Being Mommy: Days 3,4

The days are starting to blur...Tiredness describes the way I feel for most of my waking hours. Last night's sleep could hardly be described as restful. For one, it was freezing cold. Then the kids: Kiara woke up crying twice, I can't count how many times Brendan woke up. But really, in the wee hours of the morning when he's wide awake, and he gives that irresistible smile and coo....you forget how tired you are, how your body aches, and that your eyes don't even stay open. It doesn't matter because you know you love him no matter what.
Today I took Kiara for a walk while Brendan was napping. I needed to clear my head a little, and I also wanted to do something fun with just Kiara. Steve kept an eye on Brendan for me so we could go out. We had so much fun together walking on the road, admiring the view and listening to the silence. It's so amazing how kids love so unconditionally and without restraint! Kiara was just purring with delight to have me all to herself. She asked to hold my hand and didn't stop telling me how much she loved me, how fun it was to be on a walk with me, how much she loved being with me. I of course felt all warm and fuzzy inside. I knew she meant every word. She wasn't trying to "butter-me-up" or gain "brownie points", which is what you would expect hearing things like that from any other mouth, she was just speaking from the heart. That's what made it so special. Needless to say I enjoyed our walk.

Now, Brendan absolutely adores Steve. Since Brendan was 5/6 months old they've had this little "buddy-buddy" relationship. It makes me a little jealous at times. I feel like, "Hey, I'm with you most of the day don't you love me too?" But in spite of that I do understand. It's also a nice reward/change for Steve because when we first got together Kiara was so jealous she really didn't like Steve. That was very hard for him as he was so nice to her, but she got it stuck in her mind that "he was talking me away from her" so she was quite mean to him.
When I'm not wallowing in self-pity I love watching the look on Brendan's face when he sees Steve. His whole face lights up and you can almost feel his little heart overflowing with joy. Steve loves being with Brendan and they're always going off to play guitar or have some buddy time. It's so cute! I've never seen a little baby love someone that much.

Easter Fun

Kiara just loves to wear the bunny ears. I tried getting her to pose for the camera but the excitement of a chocolate hunt was too much.

Brendan with his favorite buddy--Steve.

Mmmm! She usually doesn't get to eat chocolate or sweets so she made sure to take advantage of this day.

Awww....

A little note from Kiara! Isn't she adorable?
(I was quite sick with the flu this week and was in bed for two days. A few substitute teachers took the kids for me. I missed them so much those two days...I just had to post this note.)

Chubby Cheeks and Toothless Grins

Some recent pictures and updates of the kids during this last month. They grow so fast...sigh

Brendan: 7months.
So cute! The cutest baby in the whole world. He going through teething, he has two teeth now, and he's being weaned! I can tell you he does not like it one bit. He hates drinking milk bottles but tolerates water. He loves walking, whether in his walker or supported by one of us. It's one of his favorite activities and can keep his happy when nothing else will. He also still loves the great outdoors and can entertain himself for a long time just sitting on the grass.

The pose he likes to take when flirting.

Toothless no more! Take a good look and you can see two little teeth peeking out.

"Baby in a basket." Anything new is totally awesome in the eyes of a little tyke. It also gives me a few extra minutes to clean up any disaster that was made during snack time.

Kiara: 3 years.

We celebrated her birthday on the 22nd on this month, but it's actually on the 18th. There was a big plan for a party with all her little friends but one of the homes have measles and are in quarantine. Her parents made the day as special as they could and she had fun.

She's the best little student a teacher could ever have. She reads and writes so well. This last week she has really overcome her shyness barrier with reading to others. I found her showing off her new skill to a few people in the home! (I'm so proud of her) We try to do French every afternoon. It's so cute when she tries to pronounce the words. When she gets into it she starts asking me for the French names of objects, then she shows of to others at meal times.

She's kind to Brendan and acts like a little mommy for him. I ask her to help watch him and the other day I let her feed him. She really enjoyed that! Sometimes there are little bouts of jealously especially when she sees the interesting baby thing he has. She wants to try anything that's his: his bottles, his baby mush, new cup,..etc.

And she's still very affectionate. She's always holding my arm, kissing it, or asks to give kisses and hugs.

The Princess

Licking frosting of the candles

Look at that serious little face!--so pretty, so cute.