We have a Shoprite in Matola now! That may not sound newsworthy to you, but trust me – it is a great day, not only for Matola, but for all of Mozambique! Even if they don't carry cinnamon and are constantly running out of stock of things like milk, it is still a privilege to be able to walk into a grocery store. And until this week, the closest (and, until a couple weeks ago, only) grocery store in Mozambique was 45 minutes drive away.
So today while I was sleepin' at my cousins' house, Mommy ventured to Shoprite and remembered two important things – grand openings have lots of people, and grand openings have inexperienced employees.
When she arrived, the music blaring from another store in the shopping complex made things seem quite festive. (Too bad it wasn't Christmas music.) There was quite a bit of parking available. There were shopping carts (not to be taken for granted per other shopping reports). They let Mommy in the store without checking in her purse. And there was food on the shelves. So far, so good!
Then came time to check out. There were no checkout lines – just a huge mob. Mommy stood in "line" for 20 minutes and it didn't move an inch. So she moved closer to another check out spot, and that one actually moved slowly. With only two people ahead of her, all of a sudden five more showed up – the person in front of her had been saving their spot while they got some more items . . .
Then the "new" person in front of her (one of the five) had to have a price check, since the juice she bought was showing up with the price for the larger quantity on the register. Finally the customer service manager came and told her she could either take the juice at the higher price or come back and get it later after they fixed the price in their system.
As Mommy was putting her food on the grimy, sticky check out counter, a woman with only a chicken came and pleaded to go in front of her. Hot and bothered, she refused. So did the family behind her. So much for her good deed of the day. That is still bothering her.
And then the cashiers changed. It's not just a matter of swapping drawers; the old cashier had to remove all the currency one slot at a time into a Shoprite plastic bag. Then the new cashier had to take her currency and sort and put it in each slot.
So finally her total was rung up. She paid with a 1000MT note (US$40), and the new cashier didn't have enough change for her US$20 purchase. So she had to wait for the cashier beside her to make change with her.
Goods in cart, Mommy headed for the mob at the door, where people were trying to squeeze past the ONE man who looks at your receipt and checks the items in the cart to make sure you are actually taking everything you bought. (You'd think he'd be checking to make sure you bought everything you're taking, but she swears that it's the other way around since he checks the list first and then your cart.
Free at last! Now Mommy gets surrounded by ten 10-year-old boys (no more, no less) wanting to grab her cart from her. As soon as she gets to the car, they grab the bags from the cart and pack them into the car. As she drives off, they are still surrounding the car, squabbling over who gets the two coins she paid them.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch, I was waking up and running a temperature. I'm sick, you see. I was very happy to see Mommy again, and I need to go to bed now and get better before we go camping tomorrow.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Birthday Party!
I went to Christian's 1st birthday party on Sunday! Mommy and I made a card and wrapped up a football for him – the tissue paper tasted really good! There were lots of kids there and balloons and a cool puppy dog cake that I didn't get to eat. I played with some 9-month-old triplet girls and snitched some of their cookies while Mommy & Daddy weren't watching, so at least I got some party loot. Then I played at the kiddie pool where there were three naked little boys running around. My cousins were at the party, too, and tried to keep me entertained and in line some of the time. For my part, I try to run everybody ragged. It's a tough job!
On Tuesday Mommy and I went to the Singing Group. I haven't been there in a long time – since I was 3 months old. There are other mommies and babies there, and we sing songs like the Silly Monkeys and Old McDonald and Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. I like playing with the bigger kids (and trying to eat their food). Mommy likes knowing she's not the only crazy person in the world and that other people have babies and speak English, too. Everyone was impressed when I took the circle shape and put it into the circle hole of the shape toy. Then I took the triangle shape and put it into my mouth.
On Wednesday Mommy, Daddy, and I went to Bella and Joshua's house. Bella brought out almost ALL her toys for me to taste. I decided that rice cakes, which I used to like, are about the same taste and texture as woven drink coasters – maybe the coaster is a little tastier.
This week I have been practicing standing and am starting to cruise on furniture a little. Today Mommy laughed at me when I fell on my bottom and toppled over while cruising. It was very upsetting. At least she apologized afterwards.
I have also been practicing my counting, since Mommy is filling payroll envelopes this week. I know there are five 200 notes in 1,000 – that one is easy. So we count to five lots of times.
On Tuesday Mommy and I went to the Singing Group. I haven't been there in a long time – since I was 3 months old. There are other mommies and babies there, and we sing songs like the Silly Monkeys and Old McDonald and Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. I like playing with the bigger kids (and trying to eat their food). Mommy likes knowing she's not the only crazy person in the world and that other people have babies and speak English, too. Everyone was impressed when I took the circle shape and put it into the circle hole of the shape toy. Then I took the triangle shape and put it into my mouth.
On Wednesday Mommy, Daddy, and I went to Bella and Joshua's house. Bella brought out almost ALL her toys for me to taste. I decided that rice cakes, which I used to like, are about the same taste and texture as woven drink coasters – maybe the coaster is a little tastier.
This week I have been practicing standing and am starting to cruise on furniture a little. Today Mommy laughed at me when I fell on my bottom and toppled over while cruising. It was very upsetting. At least she apologized afterwards.
I have also been practicing my counting, since Mommy is filling payroll envelopes this week. I know there are five 200 notes in 1,000 – that one is easy. So we count to five lots of times.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
In Memory of Mic
Written by Esme's Mommy.
It was with sad shock that I heard Mic Christensen was found dead in his apartment this morning. Mic's death was too sudden and too soon.
I met Mic through TurningPoint church. He was easy to spot – the youngish white-haired guy signing the praise music. As I got to know him, several characteristics stood out.
First was his sense of humor. I attended his sign language classes, and he often had us in an uproar by telling on himself, or more preferably, his mother! His expressions and dramatic signs more than adequately conveyed his jokes and made him a perfect choice for emcee of our church's yearly talent show as he mimed us into hysterics.
Another characteristic was his patience. As we struggled to learn a "foreign" language, he patiently repeated signs over and over, doing all he could to ensure our success. You could often find him teaching animal signs to kids. And he applauded even the feeblest of efforts as we learned how to communicate not only with him, but with an entire culture of deaf people.
Mic had a love for animals, probably inherited from his mom & step-dad. Most significant was his love for Lila, his dog, but he had compassion for all animals and for the relationships others had with their animals. When my cat was hit by a car, Mic was there to sympathize, and he was thrilled when I acquired another cat.
What stood out most, however, was Mic's perseverance, persistence, and tenacity. Mic was one of the most determined people I know when it came to communicating with the "hearing" world. I often wondered if, as the only deaf person in our church, he would get frustrated with communication there and stop attending, but he persisted. He would go to all extremes to get his message across. And he insisted in being involved. Many of us were recipients of his dogged phone calls. Picnics, talent shows, and other programs came to be because he would not let go, and we were all blessed as a result.
Mic reminds me of the story of Jacob wrestling with God all night, then saying "You can't go until you bless me." I know God has a special place in his heart for Mic, a man who would not let go.
Mic was no saint. Mic was my friend. And I find this world a sadder place without him in it.
It was with sad shock that I heard Mic Christensen was found dead in his apartment this morning. Mic's death was too sudden and too soon.
I met Mic through TurningPoint church. He was easy to spot – the youngish white-haired guy signing the praise music. As I got to know him, several characteristics stood out.
First was his sense of humor. I attended his sign language classes, and he often had us in an uproar by telling on himself, or more preferably, his mother! His expressions and dramatic signs more than adequately conveyed his jokes and made him a perfect choice for emcee of our church's yearly talent show as he mimed us into hysterics.
Another characteristic was his patience. As we struggled to learn a "foreign" language, he patiently repeated signs over and over, doing all he could to ensure our success. You could often find him teaching animal signs to kids. And he applauded even the feeblest of efforts as we learned how to communicate not only with him, but with an entire culture of deaf people.
Mic had a love for animals, probably inherited from his mom & step-dad. Most significant was his love for Lila, his dog, but he had compassion for all animals and for the relationships others had with their animals. When my cat was hit by a car, Mic was there to sympathize, and he was thrilled when I acquired another cat.
What stood out most, however, was Mic's perseverance, persistence, and tenacity. Mic was one of the most determined people I know when it came to communicating with the "hearing" world. I often wondered if, as the only deaf person in our church, he would get frustrated with communication there and stop attending, but he persisted. He would go to all extremes to get his message across. And he insisted in being involved. Many of us were recipients of his dogged phone calls. Picnics, talent shows, and other programs came to be because he would not let go, and we were all blessed as a result.
Mic reminds me of the story of Jacob wrestling with God all night, then saying "You can't go until you bless me." I know God has a special place in his heart for Mic, a man who would not let go.
Mic was no saint. Mic was my friend. And I find this world a sadder place without him in it.
Friday, November 23, 2007
Pilot Trainin'
I learned how to be a pilot in school today. First I put on one of my airplane onesies. Then I packed my monkey backpack for travelin' and put that on, too. Then me and Traveler Monkey got out my wrist airplane and made it fly.
Mommy and I made a tasty paper airplane, which went down real well with some spit. It didn't fly so well (must be that A4 paper), so we talked about what makes airplanes fly. I practiced ground control with my barbershop rattle.
We read books like Going on a Plane, How Far is Far?, Flying is Fun, and It's a Small World. Of course we had to sing "It's a Small World" and then "Missionary Plane." We said "airplane" in sign language. Then I read my plastic book with different modes of transportation aloud to Mommy while she cut pineapple & papayas for lunch. I like the airplane and the ice cream truck the best.
We read Psalm 139:9-10: "Suppose I had wings like the dawning day and flew across the ocean. Even then your powerful arm would guide and protect me."
I was offered a menu selection of papaya, litchi, peach, banana, or pear for lunch, as well as a packet of OTees (the closest thing you get to Cheerios here). Bummer airline only let me drink water, though. So I helped a few OTees go flyin' from my high chair. Then I went flyin' through my mosquito net for a nap . . .
I'm learnin' lots of other stuff, too. I learned how to drink from a straw – you dip the straw into the drink, then take it out and lick it. I also learned how to get wet wipes out of their container (wait til I get to the toilet paper, Mommy!). I've got crawlin' downpat – I hardly ever squiggle anymore. And this week was the first time I've VERIFIABLY stood from a sitting position and sat up from a lying position. The last one is easy; you just get into a crawling position and then flop onto your butt.
Mommy and I made a tasty paper airplane, which went down real well with some spit. It didn't fly so well (must be that A4 paper), so we talked about what makes airplanes fly. I practiced ground control with my barbershop rattle.
We read books like Going on a Plane, How Far is Far?, Flying is Fun, and It's a Small World. Of course we had to sing "It's a Small World" and then "Missionary Plane." We said "airplane" in sign language. Then I read my plastic book with different modes of transportation aloud to Mommy while she cut pineapple & papayas for lunch. I like the airplane and the ice cream truck the best.
We read Psalm 139:9-10: "Suppose I had wings like the dawning day and flew across the ocean. Even then your powerful arm would guide and protect me."
I was offered a menu selection of papaya, litchi, peach, banana, or pear for lunch, as well as a packet of OTees (the closest thing you get to Cheerios here). Bummer airline only let me drink water, though. So I helped a few OTees go flyin' from my high chair. Then I went flyin' through my mosquito net for a nap . . .
I'm learnin' lots of other stuff, too. I learned how to drink from a straw – you dip the straw into the drink, then take it out and lick it. I also learned how to get wet wipes out of their container (wait til I get to the toilet paper, Mommy!). I've got crawlin' downpat – I hardly ever squiggle anymore. And this week was the first time I've VERIFIABLY stood from a sitting position and sat up from a lying position. The last one is easy; you just get into a crawling position and then flop onto your butt.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
South Africa & Dinner
We got up real early yesterday morning and drove to South Africa. (Mommy actually woke me up instead of me yelling for her attention.) It is real green now after some rain, so it was a pretty drive. I am a very good traveler.
I got real bored waiting for Daddy at the welding store. Then he dropped Mommy and me off at Riverside Mall, and that was much more fun. Lots of people and things to see there! We looked at baby clothes and books and toys, as well as doing grocery shopping and picking up the mail. I sang throughout the grocery store! I like it when people stop to say hi and tell me how pretty I am! After about forever (six hours), Daddy joined us for supper.
We stopped at the Paul's house to drop something off and ended up spending the night there. They even had a cot for me to sleep in – I pulled myself to stand in it all by myself. They have horses and dogs and kitties. Their six-year-old, Kelly, shared her lullaby teddy and her soft purple teddy and her doll that giggles when you tickle her feet. She (Kelly, not the doll) is losing both front teeth according to the Tooth Mouse, so we could be twins singing "All I Want for Christmas" together.
We got up real early again and were ready to go by 6 a.m. today. It took us a LOOOONG time to get home, though. We got back at 1 p.m., then Mommy rushed around trying to make food and get me and her showered. We were all ready to go to my cousins' for Thanksgiving dinner when Mr. Abel came and needed some checks, so people were eatin' by the time we got to their house.
There was still lots of food left, though. And the decorations were really cool, too – I wanted to eat them as well. There were paper chains and dried leaves and flowers and a fruit/vegetable display and red & yellow plates and fruit that looked like minute pumpkins and napkin holders made with corn kernels and stars. I wanted some pumpkin pie, but Mommy gave me butternut squash instead. I did get to drink some slushy drink and eat a roll, which I shared with Dixie the puppy.
Then I got to play with my friends Bella and Christian. Daddy and I played soccer together with everybody, too. I even cried when Mr. Marlon kicked a goal for the other team by accident and cheered when we got a goal. I like soccer! I like to kick things: balls, squeaky dolls, monkeys, etc.
I got real bored waiting for Daddy at the welding store. Then he dropped Mommy and me off at Riverside Mall, and that was much more fun. Lots of people and things to see there! We looked at baby clothes and books and toys, as well as doing grocery shopping and picking up the mail. I sang throughout the grocery store! I like it when people stop to say hi and tell me how pretty I am! After about forever (six hours), Daddy joined us for supper.
We stopped at the Paul's house to drop something off and ended up spending the night there. They even had a cot for me to sleep in – I pulled myself to stand in it all by myself. They have horses and dogs and kitties. Their six-year-old, Kelly, shared her lullaby teddy and her soft purple teddy and her doll that giggles when you tickle her feet. She (Kelly, not the doll) is losing both front teeth according to the Tooth Mouse, so we could be twins singing "All I Want for Christmas" together.
We got up real early again and were ready to go by 6 a.m. today. It took us a LOOOONG time to get home, though. We got back at 1 p.m., then Mommy rushed around trying to make food and get me and her showered. We were all ready to go to my cousins' for Thanksgiving dinner when Mr. Abel came and needed some checks, so people were eatin' by the time we got to their house.
There was still lots of food left, though. And the decorations were really cool, too – I wanted to eat them as well. There were paper chains and dried leaves and flowers and a fruit/vegetable display and red & yellow plates and fruit that looked like minute pumpkins and napkin holders made with corn kernels and stars. I wanted some pumpkin pie, but Mommy gave me butternut squash instead. I did get to drink some slushy drink and eat a roll, which I shared with Dixie the puppy.
Then I got to play with my friends Bella and Christian. Daddy and I played soccer together with everybody, too. I even cried when Mr. Marlon kicked a goal for the other team by accident and cheered when we got a goal. I like soccer! I like to kick things: balls, squeaky dolls, monkeys, etc.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Thanksgiving
In honor of Thanksgiving, here is a list of things I am NOT thankful for:
Cold Showers. Our water hasn't been working right, so I had to take a cold shower. Mommy says she pretends she's in a prison camp and then it doesn't seem so bad. I say let's escape this prison camp or die trying!
Bug Bites. I'm being eaten alive. We practice counting by counting my mosquito bites. I had nine the other morning – five on one arm, two on the other, and two on my face. At this rate I'll be counting to kajillion soon.
Face Washing. I HATE it! In the bath, after I eat, before I go to the bed. I do not like it here or there. I do not like it anywhere. Especially ear washing.
The Word "No" (or "Nee"). Why do Mommy and Daddy persist in stopping my fun? I like to pretend I don't understand when Daddy tells me not to dive off the bed. He just catches me by the ankles, pulls me back, and I can dive off again. It is lots of fun.
Jump Ropes. I can spot a fake computer cable/extension cord a mile away – please don't try to fool me, guys. I like the REAL thing.
Malaria. Rutendo is gone this week cuz her mommy has malaria.
Now for the things I AM thankful for!
Mangos. The mangos on our two trees are getting ripe! I had a mango banana smoothie the other night – yum!
Peek-a-Giggle. I was lying with Mommy on the bed the other night. She fell asleep first, but woke up because I kept kicking and giggling. I was playing peek-a-giggle with the sheet – kicking and waving cuz it was so much fun!
Djuba Church. On Sunday I went with Daddy to the Djuba church site. It is a pretty setting – lots of trees and green gardens around. The ladies cooking the food for the workers were really nice. There were baby chicks to see, eucalyptus trees to smell, and my favorite game (the "drop-the-book-onto-the-dirt-over-and-over" game) to play.
Bath Time. That is, warm baths. Now that I can move, I can get to all those bathtub toys without having to splash really hard.
No Dog Poop. Our gardener is back this week! No more dog poop on the lawn!
Walking. Put me on my feet and you'd better be ready to move with me. I have places to go and things to do! I have learned how to step over the net when walking on the table tennis table. I am also practicing walking down the stairs.
Letters and Comments. Hearing from grandma and all my friends is cool! Just wish I could see you all!
Books. You can judge a book by its taste. Of course, the ones with pretty pictures taste better.
Long Hair. OK, so it doesn't qualify as long yet, and Mommy still can't do anything with it yet, but it IS long enough to pull, and I like pulling my own hair.
There are lots of other things I'm thankful for, too, like clean dry diapers, computers, extension cords, lizards with blue bobbleheads, Mommy & Daddy, and Groban the dog.
And now to end with the traditional Thanksgiving prayer:
Thank you, God, for foods that are yummy
And for the nice feeling of a very full tummy!
Friday, November 16, 2007
Week in Review
Let's see – what has happened this week?
I could talk about the regularity (or irregularity) of my bowel movements, but Mommy says that would make me sound ancient.
I learned how to play table tennis by myself. You just take the ball and hit the bat with it over and over. (Daddy says you take the bat and hit the ball, but I like my version better.) I personally take taste test breaks from time to time to make it more exciting. The bat tastes better than the ball any day of the week, maybe cuz of the sweat on it.
I chewed an extension cord and lived to tell about it.
Whenever Mommy plays the flute I try to take it away from her and play it myself. I've figured out that my mouth goes on the mouthpiece, but I can't make a noise yet – I just bite it and spit on it.
I rode Daddy's motorcycle. (Don't panic – it was just across the yard.)
Mommy and I had a papaya picnic – we sat on a blanket in the living room, listened to Michael W. Smith, and ate a whole half papaya. It was a little messy, but who cares?
I noticed sunbeams for the first time. They made me smile!
I found out that my cousin Braiden, who is only 1 or 2 months older than me, is getting a baby brother/sister. Bella (14 months older) has a baby brother, and Christian (4 months older) is getting a baby brother/sister. I could use some littler fingers to chew on, too. Somebody might wanna talk to Daddy about this.
My squiggling is getting more and more technically advanced. Soon you'll be able to call it crawling.
I visited my cousins – I got to watch Baby Songs at their house and play toys with them. They fed me a banana, too.
I went to a Thai restaurant with some new Australian friends for supper. We didn't start eating until almost 10 p.m. All I got to eat was rice, but the food sure smelled yummy!
Computers – how I love them! The crisp clean lines, the springy keys, the warm breeze from the fan, the plasticky aroma, the way their cords wave gently in the wind . . . Daddy tries to keep me from touching his computer with my hands, so I am learning to use my feet. I've got the control & alt keys downpat, but haven't figured delete yet. My use of the mouse makes up for any deficiencies, though. I know how to make all kinds of rubbish internet stuff pop up on Daddy's computer and how to turn Mommy's computer off.
I got my hands on Daddy's credit card for the first time. It makes a real cool noise when you bang it on the glass coffee table.
I survived the hottest day of my life – 40 Celsius. I don't want to talk about it.
I stood by MYSELF (not holding on to ANYthing) for several seconds. Then I got a little concerned and bent forward to brace myself against the ground.
Mommy says the easy stage (from when a baby starts sitting up well until he starts moving around easily) IS OVER. Daddy says soon Mommy is gonna think this was the easy stage – it's while she can still run fast enough to catch me when I'm on the move.
I was just thinkin' about hair. Mommy says God knows the number of hairs on my head. Well, I'm growin' more hair every day, Mommy's losin' hair every day, and Daddy's got TONS of hair. Knowin' how much time Mommy spends countin' petty cash to keep track of it, God must be really busy countin' everybody's hair. He must really like bald people – cuz he gets a break when they're up to be counted.
Wow, it's been a pretty busy week, huh?! Even without taking into account my bowel movements . . .
Now if you'll excuse me, I see some extension cords I need to chew . . .
I could talk about the regularity (or irregularity) of my bowel movements, but Mommy says that would make me sound ancient.
I learned how to play table tennis by myself. You just take the ball and hit the bat with it over and over. (Daddy says you take the bat and hit the ball, but I like my version better.) I personally take taste test breaks from time to time to make it more exciting. The bat tastes better than the ball any day of the week, maybe cuz of the sweat on it.
I chewed an extension cord and lived to tell about it.
Whenever Mommy plays the flute I try to take it away from her and play it myself. I've figured out that my mouth goes on the mouthpiece, but I can't make a noise yet – I just bite it and spit on it.
I rode Daddy's motorcycle. (Don't panic – it was just across the yard.)
Mommy and I had a papaya picnic – we sat on a blanket in the living room, listened to Michael W. Smith, and ate a whole half papaya. It was a little messy, but who cares?
I noticed sunbeams for the first time. They made me smile!
I found out that my cousin Braiden, who is only 1 or 2 months older than me, is getting a baby brother/sister. Bella (14 months older) has a baby brother, and Christian (4 months older) is getting a baby brother/sister. I could use some littler fingers to chew on, too. Somebody might wanna talk to Daddy about this.
My squiggling is getting more and more technically advanced. Soon you'll be able to call it crawling.
I visited my cousins – I got to watch Baby Songs at their house and play toys with them. They fed me a banana, too.
I went to a Thai restaurant with some new Australian friends for supper. We didn't start eating until almost 10 p.m. All I got to eat was rice, but the food sure smelled yummy!
Computers – how I love them! The crisp clean lines, the springy keys, the warm breeze from the fan, the plasticky aroma, the way their cords wave gently in the wind . . . Daddy tries to keep me from touching his computer with my hands, so I am learning to use my feet. I've got the control & alt keys downpat, but haven't figured delete yet. My use of the mouse makes up for any deficiencies, though. I know how to make all kinds of rubbish internet stuff pop up on Daddy's computer and how to turn Mommy's computer off.
I got my hands on Daddy's credit card for the first time. It makes a real cool noise when you bang it on the glass coffee table.
I survived the hottest day of my life – 40 Celsius. I don't want to talk about it.
I stood by MYSELF (not holding on to ANYthing) for several seconds. Then I got a little concerned and bent forward to brace myself against the ground.
Mommy says the easy stage (from when a baby starts sitting up well until he starts moving around easily) IS OVER. Daddy says soon Mommy is gonna think this was the easy stage – it's while she can still run fast enough to catch me when I'm on the move.
I was just thinkin' about hair. Mommy says God knows the number of hairs on my head. Well, I'm growin' more hair every day, Mommy's losin' hair every day, and Daddy's got TONS of hair. Knowin' how much time Mommy spends countin' petty cash to keep track of it, God must be really busy countin' everybody's hair. He must really like bald people – cuz he gets a break when they're up to be counted.
Wow, it's been a pretty busy week, huh?! Even without taking into account my bowel movements . . .
Now if you'll excuse me, I see some extension cords I need to chew . . .
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Kissing Time
Mommy just got a newsletter from Baby Center that says I may start kissing soon. Hey - I've been kissin' for months already! Mommy gets the most, cuz I love her and she doesn't have a prickly face. My kisses are big, giant, open-mouth with slobber and teeth kisses - the best kind!
The newsletter also listed five occupations I might be good at - I think they're right on:
- Dentist — scratching at Mommy's gums with my fingernails is an important part of my training!
- Professional raspberry blower — not in large demand, but surely somewhere one is required.
- Night watchman — I'd never fall asleep on the job!
- Disgruntled prison inmate — I've already got the table banging and bar rattling down pat.
- Member of a studio audience — though I might occasionally clap at inappropriate moments.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Singin’ in the Rain
I woke up this morning with an allergic reaction to something – rash on my face and I couldn't breath through my nose. I hate that – I try to scratch my face on everything around me. I feel a little better now, though.
Mango season is fast approaching! We don't have any ripe ones on our trees yet, but we're starting to see people biting into them on the roads everywhere. Mommy says they are really yummy!
We went to the Ximanjane church dedication today – church 5! I got to hang on the window bars again – practicing my monkey act. I also got to see the green puppet king throw Daniel in the den with the orange lion. Then the pink angel came and kept the naughty lion from biting Daniel, and they all lived happily ever after.
The roads are even more bumpy than usual now cuz of the rain. I like to "sing" and let the bumps make my voice do funny things while we drive.
Mango season is fast approaching! We don't have any ripe ones on our trees yet, but we're starting to see people biting into them on the roads everywhere. Mommy says they are really yummy!
We went to the Ximanjane church dedication today – church 5! I got to hang on the window bars again – practicing my monkey act. I also got to see the green puppet king throw Daniel in the den with the orange lion. Then the pink angel came and kept the naughty lion from biting Daniel, and they all lived happily ever after.
The roads are even more bumpy than usual now cuz of the rain. I like to "sing" and let the bumps make my voice do funny things while we drive.
Friday, November 9, 2007
Who’s Tired? Not Me!
I didn't want to sleep today – Mommy put me in my crib and I did taste tests on my three dummies (pacifiers). They are all equally tasty, but the newborn-sized one is the best; I also have one for 0-6 months and one for 6-12 months.
I learned how to make my caterpillar head squeak this week.
Mr. Antonio, our gardener still hasn't come back. His wife did pass away, sadly, so we're expecting him back anytime. Our garden has been doing very well thanks to the rain, but the pool has floating termites and there is dog poop in the yard, so we'll be glad to see him back for multiple reasons.
I had some perfect papaya this week. Mommy says papaya isn't like apples or grapes, cuz there is no such thing as an "OK" papaya. They are either perfectly delectable or utterly despicable.
We went to an Agape supper at the Ximanjane church that the volunteers worked on. It was pretty with the candlelight, flowers, and fruit on the tables. I didn't really want to eat anything, but had fun when Auntie Susan took me around to say hi to everybody. (Truth be told, I was really kind of tired, but I would never admit it to anybody, so don't tell, okay?)
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Teeth!
I now have four teeth! My two new teeth are coming in on top, but are the teeth next to the middle instead of the middle ones. Mommy says I may just be a poster child for the "All I Want for Christmas" song. They still help me bite on fingers and other body parts really well, though.
I am doing new things every day! Today I kept trying to put my baby doll's thumb into her mouth. Then I kept kissing my busy bee mirror - that baby in there is just too cute!
Daddy bought me a bright blue Lil Bratz swimming suit today. Now I can match the color of the pool water. Gotta be color coordinated, you know.
I also tried fizzy drink for the first time. It was Just Juice sparkling kiwi juice. I kept trying it a couple of times to try to figure out what was wrong with it, and then decided I wanted a banana instead. I really like bananas - I haven't had any for a while.
Monday, November 5, 2007
Hot! Hot! Hot!
It's crazy hot here today! (36 Celsius) When you walk past the open windows and feel the breeze, it feels like a heat wave from an oven. You can't blame me for being a little bit cranky - you would be too if every time you tried to sleep you woke up in a puddle of sweat.
Mommy says I inherited Daddy's jeans cuz I sweat like a pig. Do pigs sweat?
Some of Princess Roxy's puppies died. I am very sad about that.
In Memory of Marilyn Greene
This is Mommy writing now.
Marilyn Greene, my father's cousin, passed away yesterday after a struggle with cancer. She left behind her husband, Tyrone, and two children, Andre (15), and Krystal (almost 12).
My memories of Marilyn stem primarily from my eighth grade year (1985-86). My oldest sister, Susan, had gotten married that summer, so was no longer at home. My closest sister, Ann, had just graduated from academy and left for Walla Walla, so was no longer coming home each month on home leave. In a way, Marilyn stepped in and became my surrogate older sibling that year.
My mother had started working at the van center (providing evangelism ministries – blood pressure screening, sandwich lunches, and prayer on the streets of NYC). I "helped" her with her bookkeeping job there in the afternoons. Marilyn also worked there. She was the "cool" relative who went to Manhattan on Saturday nights and even took me along on occasion. She was in our home regularly for Sabbath lunches and started bringing Tyrone along during the course of that year. As a pre-teen, it was fun watching that romance develop. When my parents gallivanted off to Bermuda (for work . . .), I stayed with Marilyn. And when I graduated from eighth grade, Marilyn was there – with a pink mouse.
After I left for academy in Pennsylvania, things changed. I was in school when she got married, so missed the wedding. The last time I saw Marilyn was on Vancouver Island as her parents were packing up to move to Florida, and Andre was a baby. When I heard she had cancer, it was hard to envision in the active person I remembered.
Yet even though I haven't seen her in years, I miss her today as I go back through my memories. May God be with her family now, and may we meet again. Maranatha – our Lord cometh!
Marilyn Greene, my father's cousin, passed away yesterday after a struggle with cancer. She left behind her husband, Tyrone, and two children, Andre (15), and Krystal (almost 12).
My memories of Marilyn stem primarily from my eighth grade year (1985-86). My oldest sister, Susan, had gotten married that summer, so was no longer at home. My closest sister, Ann, had just graduated from academy and left for Walla Walla, so was no longer coming home each month on home leave. In a way, Marilyn stepped in and became my surrogate older sibling that year.
My mother had started working at the van center (providing evangelism ministries – blood pressure screening, sandwich lunches, and prayer on the streets of NYC). I "helped" her with her bookkeeping job there in the afternoons. Marilyn also worked there. She was the "cool" relative who went to Manhattan on Saturday nights and even took me along on occasion. She was in our home regularly for Sabbath lunches and started bringing Tyrone along during the course of that year. As a pre-teen, it was fun watching that romance develop. When my parents gallivanted off to Bermuda (for work . . .), I stayed with Marilyn. And when I graduated from eighth grade, Marilyn was there – with a pink mouse.
After I left for academy in Pennsylvania, things changed. I was in school when she got married, so missed the wedding. The last time I saw Marilyn was on Vancouver Island as her parents were packing up to move to Florida, and Andre was a baby. When I heard she had cancer, it was hard to envision in the active person I remembered.
Yet even though I haven't seen her in years, I miss her today as I go back through my memories. May God be with her family now, and may we meet again. Maranatha – our Lord cometh!
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Swimmin'!
I went swimmin' in the pool with Mommy & Daddy today! It was real hot (about 32 Celsius), and the water felt good. I shivered a little at first, but then I started splashing at the water with my hands. I'm not totally comfortable floating on my back yet. I tried drinking the water to check the taste, and it was okay.
Oh yeah, my VCR stopped working last week, so I can't watch Baby Songs any more. Life is terrible sometimes, huh?
Saturday, November 3, 2007
7 Months Old!
I am seven months old today! Can you believe it? I'm going to have gray hair before you know it!
Let's see - I am 74 cm tall (off the charts again). I don't know how much I weigh, but don't expect me to tell you even if I did - a girl starts to get sensitive when everyone tells her how healthy she looks. Mommy had to pack away more of my clothes this month.
I can do lots of things now:
- I am walkin' better (with help, still) every day.
- I try to pull myself up in my playpen and on the couch, and I stand really well if I have something to hang on to.
- I've started eating "chunky" food like pea soup, oatmeal, mashed bananas, and peach bites. I like "drinking" oatmeal from a mug even if it makes me messy.
- I've recently started talking a lot again, though squealing and giggling is more fun. I say "bababa" when I play with my baby doll.
- I learned how to clap and cheer this month and like to hold my arms up or out to everybody.
- I keep trying to push into a crawling position and then get scared and sit back down, but I can still squiggle my way across the room when I want to.
- I still like to nibble my toes.
- I am a terror now when it comes to diaper changing. You can distract me by giving me my diaper to chew (the clean diaper) while you take the dirty one off, but then I start rolling around as soon as the dirty one is off.
- Oh, yeah – I brush my teeth all by myself.
- I can do all kinds of things on the computer, too.
Puppies!
I like to lie between Mommy and Daddy on the bed. I lie sideways so I can kick Mommy while poking Daddy (or the other way around). It's a great way to start the morning!
We went to the beach today! It is very shallow a long ways out, so Daddy carried me miles and miles into the ocean (or almost that far). We stopped at our very own island (patch of sand sticking out of the water), and Daddy pulled me around and around the island on the boogie board. The water was very warm, almost like a bathtub, and it was warmer in the water than in the air. It was fun, though I shivered a little when I wasn't in the water.
Then we stopped at my cousins' house to see the seven puppies Princess Roxy had this morning! They are very cute and very little. But I still like puppy Dixie the best, cuz she likes to lick my feet and make me giggle.
Friday, November 2, 2007
Church Site
Mommy & I visited the church where the volunteers are working today. Some of them were up on planks (scaffolding) putting blocks up - they are almost to the roof already. There was a loud machine cutting blocks so they would fit right. It was hot and sunny - I'm glad I didn't have to work putting up blocks.
The church is smack surrounded by the village (like all the other churches I've been to so far). There were a bunch of little boys in the "bleachers" watching the work, so we went and said hi to them. Only they don't understand "hi," so we shook their hands, too.
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Volunteers
There are lots of tents all over my cousins' yard, and lots of people there! I guess they are helping to build churches in Mozambique. We went there tonight so Mommy could practice counting. I like people! They smile and say nice things to me. I like to touch their faces - Daddy says it's probably because everybody touches mine. (I also like sticking my fingers into their eyes & noses and mouth - explain that one.)
Then Mommy & Daddy started playing Boggle with a couple of them, only Mommy couldn't play for more than a few seconds because I really don't like sitting still on her lap while she plays.
Posts
.jpg)
