Being Mommy: The End

The parents are back, since Saturday afternoon, and I can put my feet up at last! Some people stole our electrical cables Friday night so we were without electricity for a few days. Thank God for candles and generators, gas stoves and laptop bateries--what would we do without them?Well, things are pretty much back to normal. As they say, "all's well that ends well."

Picture of The Day

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.

Being Mommy: Day 2

Highlights of Today

This morning I was showing Brendan flashcards and picture facts. When we were finished with that I started singing some songs. I like doing action songs for little kids, one of his favorites is "Open, Shut Them...". It's so adorable when he pauses what he's doing, whether it's playing or whining, and listens to the song. Anyway, this morning I started singing, "If You're Happy And You Know It". I sang "If you're happy and you know it clap your hands..." and when I clapped my hands he did too!--he clapped his hands with this happy/proud look on his face. I was so proud of his little accomplishment and lavished him with praise. Of course he loved that!

Later this afternoon Kiara was calling from the WC, so Brendan and I went to investigate. (of course his usual perch was on my right hip) So I helped Kiara sort out the problem......when one of the most amazing things happened! There's a little shelf in the corner and it had a piece of decor on it. One of these weird, natural seed pod things in the shape of a ball (about the size of my fist). It really looks like a ball with designs on. So Brendan was on my hip and his eyes were getting all big as he gave it a good stare down. He reached out for it making one of his little grunting noises. Then he said, "bau"! Or "ball" for those who don't speak baby. I felt like jumping up and down. He said ball!

Being Mommy: Day 1

Gabe and Nora went on a spiritual retreat and while they're gone Joy and I will be "parents" to Brendan and Kiara. I'll keep you updated as much as I can!

Help Needed

Daniel, Praise, and daughter Florencia. They are raising funds to visit family(Praise's family). Here is a summary of their request, if you can't help financially you can keep their needs in your prayers:

Praise: So I asked Him if there was anything I could do to raise the rest of the funds necessary (as my great dream is that Danny and little Floppy can come with me to meet my family), and He showed me to write this little update and ask if anybody would be interested in helping me with what I need to complete the tickets and Flopy's paperwork (we need to get her a passport before she can travel). We're missing around 300 Euros, total. Like I wrote in my first request letter, our Home is not able to help with the trip, due to our financial situation, but they've encouraged me to shoot for it, GBT! So if the Lord lays it on your heart to help, we would be very, very grateful. Thanks a million!!! Gifts can be sent through the TRF to AR001, to Praise M. (of Danny). Thanks so much for your consideration!! I love you.
Big, big kiss, and a lot of love express to you from Argentina!!!

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.