Thursday, January 19, 2017

TAE AT 22 MONTHS

Dear Tae,

I'm horrible at keeping up with this little old blog and your monthly updates.  I realized the other day I need to keep myself accountable or else I forget all of your little milestones, your growth, and the fun we have on a daily basis.  I find myself constantly saying, this is my favorite stage, just to be proven wrong because the next one your in ends up being my favorite.  I think its safe to say I've learned so much from you over the past 22 months, but particularly to savor every moment. It seems like just yesterday the doctor was putting you on my chest in the delivery room and now you are a full blown toddler.

You are such a fun, happy, tender little guy.  You are always smiling and laughing, especially when you are dancing, outside, or coloring. You, like your mom, laugh at your own little jokes/actions. You are a cuddler and are in a stage where you only want your mamãe, I think you realize that something is up and things are about to change in your world. You are our little sponge, absorbing everything we say or do. We are so glad you made us parents and can't wait to see what your future holds.



Here are some "stats and facts" about your life since your last monthly update:

  • You understand and speak both Portuguese and English.  
  • English words you can say: dada, cat, please, shoes, color, blue, banana, sheep, bird, cheese, Santa, bye bye
  • Portuguese words you can say: mamãe, vaca, pé, lava mão,  mais, menina, não quero (you leave off the o), pular, macaco, piexe, barba (borboleta), papa, tia 
  • Favorite songs: Row, Row, Row Your Boat, Roda, Roda, Roda, Hokey Pokey, Wheels on the Bus, Old McDonald
  • You are a pretty good eater, but definitely love routine.  If we try to feed you a little early you don't eat anything 
  • You taking baths, showers not so much.  You play with dunks and trucks in the bath. 
  • Car rides are so fun with you, you love to sing and look all around. Sometimes you don't like to get buckled in.
  • You are obsessed with coloring--crayons, markers, pens you name it, you use it  
  • You always have something in your hands and have been known to walk around with 2-3 things 
  • You're a jumper, you jump up and down but then wag your finger and tell us "no pular" in the bed. 
  • Walks around the neighborhood are pretty much your favorite thing ever.  
  • You don't like to have dirty hands, but love jumping in puddles of water. 
  • You absolutely loved the beach, you were fearless and ran right into the water.  
  • Lately, you love when your dada becomes a bear and chases you before bedtime 
  • You still like books, but not as much as you used to 
  • Favorite books: Goodnight, Goodnight Construction Site, Goodnight Stinky Face, The Boy Who Lost His Name











Sunday, January 1, 2017

2016 IN REVIEW

I love to take time and reflect on our year, I am always surprised at how much I forget! This year was no different and has us looking forward to 2017 even more.  Basically our year in review includes lots of beach trips, family and friend time, some travel, new jobs for next year, and an addition to our family!

January 

Beaching it in northern Brazil 

Beautiful Bahia, Brazil 

Learning to pull up on everything 

Hands in the air on cue...

Music classes 
Getting assisted walking down 

February 

Made it to Iguazu Falls

Took a helicopter ride over the falls 



Still not walking

All things books...

Date night at Forneiro 

March 

The night before his 1st birthday 

Our baby turned 1!
Birthday balloon wake up

Celebrating one year!  

Easter Sunday 

April
 

Flying home to see Grammy and Poppy 

Contrary to the picture, not a fun flight.  It happens 

We hung with Grammy and Poppy for spring break 
Greenville Zoo 



I took a trip to the Dominican Republic for an accreditation visit. 

Back where I belong
Kristi came to visit!  Linners were started.

Found a new place in the neighborhood
May 

Date nights.

Jess cooked for Keila and her girls, Tae loved playing with them. 

Lots of laughs with dada 

June 

I had a girls weekend in Rio with dear friends 

We supported Jess from the stands at graduation.  The seniors chose him to speak, it was an inspiring speech.

Jess DJed the end of the year teacher party

The start of cousin/family time.  Grace and Tae in Denver. 

We let everyone in on our news (we're pregnant!) 
Tae rode his first horse in Olathe, Colorado.  Thanks Jori!

Grandma Tutu and Tae
Lots of family time!





Breckenridge, CO 

We met and played with Mason. 
T and T had a blast together.

Tae enjoyed Colorado 

July 

All the sissies met up in Colorado Springs!
Jess surprised me with a couples massage at the Garden of the God's Country Club for our 4th anniversary 

Tae got his first haircut, he actually didn't mind it!
Tae lavished everyone with hugs 
Seriously, no one was safe



Lots of cousin time

Play all day in the sun and hangout at night

August 



We took countless walks around the hood 

We made our official Facebook announcement that we are expecting.

September 

I hosted a churrasco for Jess' birthday

Celebrated Jess' birthday 

October 

We celebrated Malu's birthday and Tae and I survived a week without Dada (on an accreditation visit) 


Went as a hippie family to the EAC Halloween Festival 

Another birthday party for Tae's friend, Natalia

Churrascos with work ladies ( + their hubbies and kiddos) 

November 
We celebrated my birthday with a breakfast for dinner night with close friends

We accepted jobs at our dream school, Shekou International School.  The Lord is great! 


We escaped for a day date to celebrate our new jobs

Enjoyed Ipanema with Mi and Fafa



Caught some rays in Rio 



Enjoyed our week with Mi and Fafa

Learned to like his sock monkey 
December 

My amazing friends showered Elea (and me!) we love
Took an eventful trip to see Santa 

Tae got his first stitches after a fall...3 above his right eye
A family that swims together, stays together.

Vacationed a week in Riviera for Christmas


Ended the year with an ultrasound of our little girl.