Tae's 9th Birthday

I cannot believe Tae is nine. It feels like just yesterday that we were bringing him home to our place on Avenida Júlio de Mesquita. This age (similar to all the others) is so fun.  I love the conversations we get to have, the questions he asks, and the passion for sports he is developing.  He's such a tender-hearted kid, a true strength. He is kind and inclusive and often reflects, not just on how he feels but how others might have felt.   

His love for soccer is apparent, he can't go a day without touching a ball and looking up the Premiere League table. He spends hours playing on the field developing his footwork and shooting.  It's fun to watch him improve because I see the time he puts in.  So of course for his birthday he just wanted to play some footie with his friends. 

Elea Turns 7th!

 Elea is officially seven.  She is missing a plethora of teeth, which makes her that much cuter. She has grown so much in the past year. She loves to read and write, recently she's started a diary and a daily calendar where she writes down all her events and does a daily reflection.  She still is bursting with energy and creativity. She's such a leader and has a really big heart, she's friends with everyone. 

LUCKY 7 FOR TAE

 

Happy 5th Birthday Elea

 Our sweet and determined girl turned 5. I love watching her grow into herself, she is kind, creative, curious, and adventurous.  She loves being fancy (make up included) and changes about ten times a day. She's focused and loves a challenge-particularly monkey bars and perfecting a cartwheel. She shares her opinion freely and is learning when to push and when to give in, it's a fine line we are all learning.   She's happy in her room crafting, listening to music, and telling stories.  

She makes us laugh daily and we are delighted that we were chosen to guide her in life as her parents.  This year we had a small tea party with some friends, she felt so special and loved making our place "fancy". She has never had a party (thanks COVID) so she was super surprised that she got presents! Elea, never change.  Keep pushing the boundaries and walking in who God made you to be. 

Showing off her new leotard. 

And for posterity sake, a look back over past birthdays.  

4th birthday in Lisbon, Portugal (2021)

3rd Birthday in Phuket, Thailand (2020) 

2nd Birthday in Shenzhen, China (2019)

First birthday in Shenzhen, China (2018)

Welcome to the World in Campinas, Brazil (2017) 

HAPPY 4TH BIRTHDAY ELEA!

How in the world is my baby girl 4? It seems like just yesterday she was turning one year old and now she is almost 5! Elea, strong girl, you are so much fun.  You make each day an adventure and we thank God every day for you.  For posterity's sake, here's what you're loving, hating, and doing nowadays. 

        Likes: 

• Creating...anything and everything.  You spend lots of time in your room making art with tape, paint, scissors, and paper. 
• All things girly (painting nails, sparkles, unicorns, and dresses)
• Telling stories, you love to "read" books and tell all of us the story 
• Hop Hop, he's your ride or die 
• Helping around the house. You love to put the dishwasher pellet in and start the machines. 
• Drawing, you're getting really good! 
• Writing words and taking pictures on my phone.  If it's missing I know you have it. 
• Bathtime. You could play for hours in there if we let you. 
• Scooters and playing outside. You create your own world and will play independently for over an hour. 
• Being with her cousins 
• Her best friend, Tiara 
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• Dislikes: 
  Being told what to do
• Not being first (you come by it honestly) 

        Favorite Moments: 

• When you tell a story, you whisper and change the pace of your voice. I think you'll be a storyteller 
• Watching you and Tae play together, you get along so well and have such a strong bond 
• 

Mommy Thoughts: 

Elea, you are going to do big things in your life. You are determined, a smart thinker, funny, and kind--not a bad mix. You have adjusted so well to our crazy traveling life.  You go with the flow until it doesn't make sense to you and then you ask questions.  Never stop asking questions and learning. You love your brother so much and always look out for him. You challenge us almost daily, but through it, you've helped me grow as a mom, person, and Christian.  You are a leader and aren't afraid to get knocked down. We love watching you grow into who God made you to be. Never stop being you, the world needs more of it! 

HAPPY 3RD BIRTHDAY TAE!

Our little boy turned three yesterday, and I would give anything to freeze time.  He has grown so much across the board this year and it has been so fun to be a part of.  I can't believe he's the same boy I held in my arms panicked he wasn't breathing, celebrated making it a year together, and welcomed toddlerhood with just within the past three years. He really flipped our lives upside down, and I wouldn't have it any other way.