Boys Club

It has been so fun this year having friends with babies! Josiah, Jack, and Malcom are each two months apart. In the beginning Josiah was the big boy

But as you can see- they've caught up! (don't you love the way Josiah is leaning in the for picture?!)

When they were first born we could all have a leisurely lunch together while the boys slept. Now, things are a bit different. Here, Emily and Jamila took me out to lunch for my birthday. The floor was a mosaic of finger food- but we all had a great time!


Josiah and I are so thankful for our buds!

Swing

How do you like to go up in a swing,
Up in the air so blue?
Oh, I do think it the pleasantest thing
Ever a child can do!

Up in the air and over the wall,
Till I can see so wide,
River and trees and cattle and all
Over the countryside--

Till I look down on the garden green,
Down on the roof so brown--
Up in the air I go flying again,
Up in the air and down!





My mom used to recite this poem to me when I was a little girl swinging in our back yard. It has been so fun to watch Josiah discover the simple pleasure of swinging. Baby swings are few and far between in Hong Kong so whenever we see some we get excited and have to stop. I feel a little funny saying the poem aloud to Josiah, but often it is running through my head as I push him. Thanks mom!

Lavished with Love

One of the things I fell in love with Jason for was the creative and thoughtful ways he planned our time together. Now, 12 years later (yikes!) he still loves to wow and appreciate me. And I don't object. Jason was able to take his two personal days over the weekend of mother's day and my birthday. Here's a bit of what we did. . .

Eating out, here is my birthday (western style) breakfast


Shopping


Facial


We stayed a night in Discovery Bay which is like Little America. Our friend let us use his vacant flat. This is the view out the window.



Josiah loved the beach.




Thanks honey for making everyday a happy day! I love you!

Worldless Wednesday

1 Year

Dear Josiah,
I remember one year ago gazing at you all night long in your clear bassinet next to my hospital bed. I couldn't shut my eyes because you were finally here!! Tonight your Daddy and I ate left- over cake and watched videos from when you were first born. How much you have changed in a year! We have loved watching you grow and explore. You just keep getting more fun as your personality shines stronger. We had a great time partying with you today, dancing, eating, playing, and laughing. It was a day to celebrate for me. This last year being your mama has been the biggest, most rewarding, accomplishment of my life.
All My Love,
Mom


* Birthday party photos are coming~ right now I'm crashing into bed.

Date Night

Tonight I went on a date with my handsome husband to Sai Kung, a relaxed little fishing town known for its seafood. It had been a while since we'd gone out just the two of us and we really enjoyed our time together. We talked, laughed and shared our dreams. It was nice to take in our time together without juggling board books, doling out finger food, and chasing our little man from one disaster to the next.
After dinner we strolled a bit. Along the water fisherman sell their catch fresh off their boats, tossing it in bags to the people on the dock above. This picture is of Jason and some horseshoe crabs on the sidewalk.




After we picked Josiah up from our friend's house (he did well, no tears) we decided he is ready for his first pair of real shoes. The folks at Dr. Kong measured his foot and helped us pick a good pair. They seem big to me, but I guess that is how they are supposed to fit. He looked goofy running around the store in his big shoes and jammies. Just another "first" that we enjoyed. We can't believe how fast Josiah is growing up!

Josiah's Latest Tricks. . .

- covering his eyes with his pudgy fingers to play his own game of "peek-a- boo"
- patting his hand over his mouth to make the "ah- ah- ah" Indian war cry
- picking his nose (such a boy)
- blowing raspberries on my arm
- pulling his finger out of his mouth trying to make the "pop" sound
- pressing elevator buttons indiscriminately, he has obviously been influenced by HK culture because he impatiently presses them repeatedly!