FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL 2022-2023

 I don't know where the summer went, seriously. Between flying back to India to run the summer program midway through our Scott family beach vacation, COVID for the family (minus me!), a weird bacteria bout of throw-up for the kids, a canceled trip to Guatemala to see dear friends with my MIL, a surprise trip to Jamestown and Williamsburg with Mimi, and ending my time in the US with stitches for Elea.  This summer was surely eventful and also taught us not to cling too tightly to our plans since God's plan is best (even if I'm not happy about it!).  

Yesterday they went to meet their teachers (check out our awesome friend Scott with the photobomb)

Today is the first day of school for the kids, I've been back for some time, but today they woke up a  Kindergartener and 2nd grader.  The morning went smoothly with us having to wake them up, thankfully outfits were picked last night and the jitter glitter Elea's teacher gave her worked (in her mind) as she wasn't nervous and actually excited.  

I cannot believe I've been in education for 17 years. I am grateful for this craft and profession that has led to many adventures and now allows us the opportunity to live overseas and explore the world. I'm also a bit anxious for this year as I am in a new role (to me and to the school) so there is still a lot up in the air.  I've been studying Exodus and felt peace at how the Lord provided manna for the Israelites each morning, as I read that I immediately thought about how God will provide and doesn't want me to cling to past days or pile up for the future.  I need to trust and train my thoughts to trust in him. 

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2 

So here is to a year of leaning in and trusting the Lord to provide.  I can't wait to see how He does, it always blows my mind. I pray Tae and Elea are curious, kind, and risk takers this year. May they be leaders for Him and share their love and light openly! 

ELEA'S FIRST HAIRCUT

The heat in Shekou is unreal, walking outside means dripping in sweat from head to toe.  Elea sweats like her dad and was constantly coming home from playing outside like she had just gone for a swim.  We asked her if she wanted a haircut and she said yes, so we went for it.  

Sunday morning puzzles with long hair 

She sat so still the whole time.  

Sweet Elea 

Tae went along too, probably just for the candy. 

Cheese!  

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL 2019-2020

Elea's 1st Day of Nursery with Miss Jenny 

Loves: necklaces, chapstick, keeping up with the big kids, climbing, getting out of bed in the middle of the night, greens, and Tae. 

Hates: being dropped off at school and not getting her way--pretty typical 

Tae's 1st Day of PreK2 with Mr. O'Shea 

Loves: Dinosaurs, drawing, puzzles, numbers, getting to ride to school with me on Tuesdays, and playing by himself
Hates: When Elea knocks over his creations and not having a routine

Elea had a rough day, my colleague sent this to me.  Sending a note to mommy calmed her down.

ELEA EATS

Elea had her first taste of real(ish) food this past week.  She had rice cereal on Saturday and has been gumming some veggies for about a week.  She loves to double fist red peppers and carrots. This girl knows what she wants, she grabbed the spoon out of my hand and popped the spoon right in her mouth.  She was all smile and so proud of herself, but still hasn't quite figured out how to eat off the spoon.

 

Food and Football

Our little guy loves him some food.  After our 6 month check up the doctor was very blunt and told me I need to start feeding him real food, breast milk wasn't cutting it anymore.  We had given him avocados and sweet potatoes, but now he was going to eat papinha (a mix of vegetables, greens, and meat).  Keila and I headed to the grocery store and bought fresh vegetables and meat for her to make the food.  She is amazing and helped me translate and find what we needed.  She is part of our family and so thankful to have her.

He started full swing the next day with fresh orange juice at 10:00, a couple spoonfuls of papinha de dia (carrots, eggplant, brocoli, and chicken) at 12:00 followed by a bottle at 1:00.  Then at 4:00 he had a piece of papaya, and then had two more scoops of papinha for dinner at 6:30. I nursed him right before bed at 8:00.  Wow, talk about jumping right in.

Every time he eats he is so happy and often cries when we are finished. What can I say, he comes by it honestly, both his parents love them some food too!  We are teaching him baby signing, and he seems to have confused the sign for more. Instead of tapping his hands together he bangs on the table for more.

He is so expressive without even saying a word, it just kills me.  Dinner (and lunchtime on the weekends) are my new favorite times. He is so happy and I love watching him try new things, and by the looks of it he will continue to love food.  We'll need to watch out when he'a older or he will eat us out of house and home!

What do you mean you're leaving for work? 

Before heading to work today I had to snap some pictures of him in his little football onsie. We sure do miss catching all the college and NFL games back in the States, but that doesn't stop us from dressing him in American football outfits.  

I'll hold down the fort mom.