Life in Maputo...

I have been so busy lately with Luka and trying to get back into shape (more on that project later). I haven't really had time to update the blog. I will find time this week to share some news and photos with you, but for now I leave you with this photo I took about 3 weeks ago on my way to a birthday party with Luka. I don't know why I like it so much...I just do. To me it really depicts life on Maputo streets...on a Sunday when the streets are quiet.

Gefeliciteerd Marinke & Evert

Our cousin Marinke van Herksen got married in the Netherlands this weekend to Evert (our newest cousin). We really wish we could have been there, but with our upcoming trip to Europe in just a couple of weeks it wasn't going to be possible, but we want to wish them the very best and send them lots of love from Maputo. We hope you have a wonderful honeymoon in Bali...we are so jealous! Thank you Anniek for sending us these photos.

Marinke you look beautiful! And we will see both of you in Holland in a few weeks!

Sell, Sell, Sell

This weekend Picture Perfect Concepts (Paty and I) are selling photo cards and prints at a local Artist Fair in Maputo. Yesterday went pretty well. I sold two prints and a dozen card sets or so. Hopefully today the traffic will pick-up and we will sell out of our cards...okay, that might not happen but a girl can dream, right?

Above is the flyer I created for the event. If you are in Maputo I hope you can make it...if you are not, then you can visit our website here to see all the card sets we have for sale.

Happy Birthday Baby

Happy 32nd Birthday Baby! Who would have thought when we first met on match.com that we would be celebrating your 32nd Birthday in Maputo. I hope that you have a great day today and that you get your special birthday wish.

I hope that our life continues to be an adventure and that the three of us never forget how lucky we are to have eachother...no matter where we are.

Flashback....Ahhhh.....look at us the day you proposed in Captiva.....we look so young....lets see...you were almost 28 in that photo....how time flies!

Oh, in addition to the birthday gifts you got this morning, here is another one: no matter what birthday you are celebrating you will ALWAYS be younger than your wifey!

Easter in Miami

Here are my parents and Maxwell (my nephew) visiting the Easter Bunny in Coral Gables, Florida. The only people missing from the photo are Moqui (my sister) and Wole. Monica, I want to see that baby bump!

Most Recent Project: Luka's Favorite Things 2009

Click here to view this photo book larger

I was recently inspired by this idea that I saw on one of my favorite blogs. I put my own little spin on it and after a day of taking photos and a few hours on Shutterfly...Luka's Favorite Things was born. This book chronicles (in three languages) Luka's favorite objects, toys, food and activities at this moment in time. It uses Luka's own items to tell the story. Now Luka has a book where he will recognize all the characters and hopefully treasure it for many years to come. The good thing about shuttefly is that if he trashes it (I am sure after a couple of months the book will be a mess) I can always order a new one. The whole project took about 8 hours and cost only $35 USD. I went for the expensive cover and added 9 extra pages...but if I would have stuck with the soft cover and 20 pages this project would have only cost be $16 USD (with the 20% & free shipping coupon I had). Either way a great bargain! 

More Fun Pics from this Past Weekend...

Luka doesn't want anyone touching his eggs!

Delicious mess...

Our Family on Easter Sunday in our backyard.

Happy Easter

We hope you have a wonderful Easter holiday and enjoy time with family and loved ones. Here are some photos of Luka having fun at the Easter Egg Hunt yesterday and some other recent photos of our family. For more Easter photographs click here.

Our Not-so-Easter Eggs

Easter eggs were very important in my house. It was a tradition that the Vigues family always participated in. I think my sister and I were still participating in Easter Eggs Hunts (just the two of us) until the age of about 25. My parents would hide the eggs around the house and the yard and my sister and I would compete. As we got older the stakes got higher. I think last time we did it...it was like $1 USD per egg (clearly before any type of recession). Go mom and dad with the cool prize for the eggs!

But prizes aside, painting the easter eggs was always the best. I remember all the cool colors and some of the different Paas kits that would come out every year. Do you remember those plastic sleeves that you would boil with the eggs and them you would have a plastic design on your egg? Or that really cool metal dipper that would come in the kits so you could drop the egg in the colored water.

Anyway I could go on, but this was something that I wanted to continue with Luka...not the money...just the painting and the egg hunt. Well there is no Paas kit in site in Maputo so I had to get creative. We don't even have white eggs. So I bought some white candy eggs with chocolate inside and some food coloring...well I couldn't drop the egg in colored water because the sugar would come right off (I tried it)....so I just used concentrated food coloring to paint on the eggs with one of my make-up brushes. I am telling you I was so short of supplies!

Well here is the result of our hardwork (my friend Paty and her son Max joined us). The painting session really didn't last long. Luka thought it would be more fun to pull the table cloth out from under us...literally. So Paty and I finished painting the eggs as the boys rode their little plastic bikes, which they seemed to enjoy more than any silly eggs.

But I will still keep trying this "tradition" with Luka and I enjoyed myself very much and with every paint stroke I thought of my sister. This is one of her favorite holiday activities ever and she was always the one that made sure we did it. So Moqui, these eggs are for you. I miss you!

PS Who says Easter eggs have to be pastel? Once the paint started getting mixed together it all turned into this very dark green.....

Luka's Dance Challenge

Thank you Michael B. for this video from Luka's Birthday Party. You can see how Luka was "challenged" by one of the dancers at the party...how do you think he will react?

Butterfly Kisses from Luka to Abuelo

Dear Abuelo -

Hi, this is Luka. Just in case you were wondering how I learned to type...well I haven't. I asked mami to type this letter for me. For some reason I can't use my crayons on a "blob." What the heck is a blob anyway..oh, wait mami says it is called a BLOG...whatever. Blob sounds better to me!

The other day we were talking on Skype (gotta love the internet) and I told you how much I loved "bubberflies." I love coloring them, drawing them (with mami & papi's help), chasing them and seeing them on tv. It is one of the words I say the most and every time I see one no matter how tiny..I always find it.

Well, abuelo....it was like magic. I told you I loved bubberflies and poof you sent me one in an email. How did you do that? Is it magic? Can you show me one day? Mami kept calling it a "jpg"...what the heck is that? A type of bubberfly.....

Well I loved it and I colored it for you. I hope you like it. I still haven't gotten the whole coloring in the lines thing...but I call this piece "Modern Art Bubberfly."

I miss you and keep sending me bubberflies in emails. I also love fishees and dolphins!

Love,

Luka

Luka Loves to Eat Chips!

No matter how hard we try to feed Luka solids he just doesn't like it. We have tried veggies, fruits, chicken nuggets, pizza, bread, etc. Basically Luka likes all his food mushy except for cookies and chips. Here you can see him enjoying his favorite guilty pleasure...potato chips. Please note that all these photos were taken at different times in the party....I kept telling him he couldn't have any more chips and then he would sneak off. I had my camera with me that day so I have the evidence!

He becomes a little possesed when he sees a bowl of chips...think cookie monster meets Luka....he stuffs as much as he can in his mouth and it doesn't matter what the flavor. For him the spicier the better. We have had to ban chips from our house...can anyone give us ideas on how to get the boy to eat a carrot stick?

Little People Timeout

Okay, so I am not sure if my "timeout" strategy is working with Luka. Today he was lining up his Little People and saying "Little People Timeout." Then the poor elephant got it the worst. He kept saying,"Little People Elephant You TIMEOUT." I don't even put him in timeout that much. I think he thinks it is something fun. I think I must have missed the Super Nanny episode that spoke about this. He is two. Should I be putting him in timeouts? Am I scarring him for life? He might be taking his frustrations out on the poor Little People. Hmmmmmmm.

It's all in the details...

Last week was Luka's Party and everyone had a good time. But to tell you the truth I was running around the entire time and it is not until now that I can sit back and appreciate the event. It had been a very bad week for our family. We were thinking about not having the party, but then we thought of Luka and we thought the party must go on.

As I look back and think of the things I loved about the party...

The cake....how lucky was I for Luka to mess up the cake of little boy the day we visited the Montessori school. Yes, he totally trashed the cake before the boy even blew out the candles. I didn't know these people and we were just visiting the school. Que pena! I was mortified. But the mom was so nice and I asked her where she got the cake. A Brazilian guy named Divino...translated means divine! Pretty fitting considering the outcome of the cake. So that is the story of the cake..and it was so freaking delicious...the inside was more like a brownie than a cake.

His Happy Bday House...last week we got a shipment in from Ikea and had this huge box. I didn't want to toss it so I had this bright idea to make a house from it. I had the vision in my head but had no idea on how to execute it. Here comes Jaime (local handyman) to the rescue. This man can do and fix anything...and now I know he can build cardboard houses...another one for his resume. Thank you to Laura for the letters made out of capulana (material used in Mozambique for dresses, carrying babies, etc.)

The Party Bags...Why do I always obsess about the party bags? Have you seen what kids do to them 2.5 seconds after you give it to them? I mean the minute I pass them out they are destroyed! But even knowing that I think I will always obsess about these silly things...what OCD mom wouldn't.  I just used brown paper bags and slapped a label on it with Luka's photo. Thank goodness for Avery Labels. I had this idea about making little drums out of colored paper and labeling it with the names of the kids....but there was no time...so Avery Labels it was. Add some ribbon and a star punched hole and viola...party bags.

Musical Petting Zoo...okay I am totally stealing this phrase from my friend Wendy that saw the photos of the party. But that is exactly what it was a musical petting zoo. The dance group not only gave a great performance, but their ability to engage and capture the attention of the kids was amazing. Children ranging from age 1 to 30! Everyone was having a great time dancing, banging on the drums and playing the timbila (the big thing that looks like a wooden xylophone).

My only regret is that I didn't take more photos. I only have photos of the show and cake cutting...thank goodness for Tia Paty. But mommy should have been more on the ball and taken photos of Luka and all his friends. I think next time I will just hire someone to snap pics. I mean I should know better since people hire me to take pics...silly mami!

If you live in Mozambique and want the number of Divino (cake guy) or Milhoro (Dance Group) just send me an email and I will pass it along to you.

The reason I am totally boring you will all of this is because I just found some new blogs and I can't get enough of them. These women are so creative, amazing, funny, normal and reading thier blogs is so refreshing. As I was reading it made me think of Luka's party and I decided to type and reminisce about the party. Here are their blogs:

http://simplelovely.blogspot.com/

http://partyperfectblog.blogspot.com/

ENJOY!

Wow, what a party!

Luka's Birthday Party was a big success! Thank you to Milhoro (Mozambican Dance Group). You did an amazing job and everyone enjoyed it. The most important thing is that Luka and all his friends had a great time dancing and singing.

Thank you also to everyone that brought items for Luka's orphanage. He had asked his friends that instead of bringing presents to bring diapers, formula or food for the babies at Primeiro do Maio Orphanage. We collected tons of food and close to 500 diapers. Luka and I went yesterday to deliver the donation and they were truly grateful. There are so many babies at the moment. They really need our help.

For all the photos from the party please click here.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LUKA!

Luka, 

Happy Birthday Luki! I am so proud of you. Your "baby" days are definitely over and for the record they went way too fast! That day that we brought you home in November of 2007 I really thought you were going to stay a baby forever...well maybe not forever. But I never could imagined that less than 18 months later you would be the big boy you are today. And I mean big..today you weigh 33 pounds (compared to the 8 you were when you came home!!!)

I know we didn't meet you the day you were born, but I think that is the day you started to grow in our hearts. That is the only explanation I have because the day we met you, you already had a big chunk of our hearts and we fell in love with you instantly. Even though you were very tiny that smile of yours was there and your eyes had that spark that still gets everyone today.

Today at two years old you love MUSIC. I think that if you hear a song once you can sing it back to us. You speak four languages. I am still amazed at that. Please can you give me some hints on how you manage that. I am still struggling with my Portuguese and let's not even mention Dutch, but you and daddy can have great conversations in Dutch and keep mommy completely out of the loop. I know you guys really enjoy that. But please Luka can you please stop laughing histerically everytime I try and read you one of your Dutch books.

At the moment your obessions seem to be Barney, Nijntje (Dutch Cartoon) and anything Little People. You also love to draw or as you say "pintar, Luka pintar" and your favorite things to color or draw are fishes and dolphins. Oh, let's not forget how much you love the beach, pool and really any body of water, to the point that you will jump in head first (that freaks me out). 

Okay, so you are my son so I am a little biased, but you are so freaking smart. I mentioned you speak four languages, but you always know who to say what to. And you remember everyone's names. I mean everyone and before you go to sleep you like to say everyone's names that you played with that day. Sometimes you say names that I didn't even remember.

And I have to say that at this moment the thing I enjoy most about you is your smile and that laugh of yours...it is truly infectious! You are the happiest little person I have ever met! No matter how bad things are you can always make me laugh. 

Luka, I love you and want to wish you a very special day today!

Besitos,

Mami

PS Today we are making you a very special chocolate cake (thank you tia susana for the recipe). I really hope you have a piece...but if not more chocolate cake for us!

Luka is almost two...

To celebrate Luka's 2nd Birthday (he turns two on Thursday) we took him on a little photo shoot last week. Isn't he the cutest? I really think he might have a modeling career. Okay, so I might be a little biased. You can also see the photos here.

Luka & His Toys

Luka loves his new toys. He is learning how to cook and he can't get enough of climbing up and down his slide. Doesn't he look like such a big boy!

Ouch...Knee Surgery HURTS

Okay, so I didn't realize what an essential part of my body my right knee was until now that I have temporarily lost use of it. I apparently had a pretty messed up knee cap so friendly Dr. Kuhn had to go on there and clean it up. In a couple of weeks I should be as good as new and be back to doing toe touches and hurkies (cheerleading jumps) like I did in high school....okay so they were never really that great in high school either. But at this point I would love to be able to bend down and reach for Luka and not feel like that old lady from the commercial that says, "I have fallen and I can't get up."

That is how I was feeling the last couple of months...this surgery is long overdue. But man recovery is a b*tch...not to mention the one I become when I can't move around...my poor husband. Today I yelled at him because my peanut butter and jelly sandwich didn't have enough peanut butter and it was on wheat bread. Come on isn't is so much better on white bread! But seriously honey I am sorry....but my knee really hurts. Right now it sort of feels like I have a rubber band around my knee so tight that it could burst at any moment....all this will pass and I will be running around the block with Luka in no time...I hope.

In the meantime I can't sleep since I sleep like 20 hours yesterday after the surgery. Right now I am confined to the top of the stairs since it is 1:36 am and there is no one to help me down the stairs...what is a girl to do...

Well, here I am on my blog driving all of you nuts...I wish I had some really cool photo of Luka to post or a funny video....but no...just the rantings of a woman who is really missing the mobility of her knee...my whole right leg for that matter.

Oh, wait I forgot to post this before....this week my photography group....Kupfula had another opening. This exhibition is entitled Maputo in Black & White. I unfortunately had to miss it since I had to be in South Africa for surgery at the crack of dawn the next day, but I heard it went well. I will post my photos that were in the show for fun...much more fun than hearing about the pain I have in my knee right now.

Here you go...

Maputo @ Night

Cat Nap

Realidade

Luka Plays American Football on the Beach

Recently we stayed in Bilene when JJ's mom came to visit. I decided to take the American football that someone had given him for Christmas in Miami. I don't think I have seen an American football in Mozambique since I arrived. There are tons of soccer balls, basketballs and rugby balls...but not one football. I never thought about that until I saw these photos....hmmmm. Anyway this is a video that shows Luka and JJ's first attempt at playing American football...I might have a little quarterback on my hands...but from the size of his legs he might be more of an offensive lineman!

Luka's First Trip to Miami

This book documents Luka's 1st trip to Miami in February - March 2008 when he met his Cuban side of the family. The trip was filled with many firsts. Hit play and enjoy!

View Project at Shutterfly

Tender Moment with Luka & JJ

I took this photo while we were in Swaziland. We were tired from a day of driving and Luka was trying to wake up his daddy.

Luka's First Love

Luka is quite the Casanova these days. I think he falls in love everytime he sees a pretty girl. Here he is with one of his favorites...Nynke. This was taken by Paty (Nynke's mom) at her birthday party celebrating her 1st birthday. Every time he sees Nynke's photo he goes crazy and says, "Nikki, Nikki, Nikki." For weeks the Engelhard Family Christmas Card was in our toy box because he didn't want to part with it and had to give kisses to the whole family and repeat thier names several times, but I think he was most fond of Nynke. Oh, lord...lo que me espera!

New Gardeners at the Embassy

Okay, so I am not sure if I am allowed to post this photo...I don't think I am violating any top secret Dutch law....but I thought it was too funny to pass up. The Dutch Embassy is building a new garden. The original estimate was that it would take two weeks...it has been two months. I think the picture says it all. You have to love Mozambicans....they really know how to make the most of their "breaks."

Oldies But Goodies

I have recently started to organize the videos I have of Luka and learned how to use iMovie (thanks Susana). Here are three videos of Luka from months ago. He is so different now, but I guess it is good to see how he got to be the big boy that he is. Now he is talking in English, Dutch and Spanish. I don't know how he learned three languages at the same time and he knows exactly who to speak what to. Well anyway, here are three videos of some of his "firsts." I hope to post a new video soon. For some reason I am intimidated by videos, unlike photos. I will try and be better about it.

It's Oscar Time

Every year I get a little obsessed with the Oscars and I try to see EVERYTHING on the list. I mean everything. This year I am getting a real kick out of watching the animated short movies. You should see them on youtube...but here is one I really liked - Lavatory Lovestory. It is so simple and yet sad, hilarious and fabulous all at the same time. Just be sure to set aside 9 minutes to really watch the video. Enjoy! 

35 Years Strong

As you can see from my previous post, my life has been a little crazy. But on Sunday my parents celebrated their 35th Wedding Anniversary. Yes, 35 years can you believe it!

Congratulations, Mami y Papi te felicito! Many things have happened during those 35 years...many good times, the occasional bad times, tears, laughs, scary times, adventures but in the end your love for eachother has been the foundation for our family. Our family may not be perfect, but I know that it is the perfect family for me. You guys have taught me so much through your examples and sometimes even your mistakes. But having both of you in my life together as a constant for 35 years has made me a stronger and better person.

I love you both and hope that you enjoyed your special day. The only bad thing about celebrating your 35th Anniversary is the reality that I will be turning 34 this year! Yikes.

PS Mom and Dad...Could your cake have been any bigger??!?!?!?!?

The Terrible Twos....They Weren't Lying

I don't know why I thought that I would be spared from the "monster" they call the "Terrible Twos." Luka was always such a good baby. Almost always did what he was told except for the occasional incident...but that Luka is gone and "Luka the Terrible" has been born. 

I say that with all the love in my heart. I love Luka so much and most of the time I want to crack up and laugh at the things that he is doing...but my goodness! How can a child change so much in a matter of days. Since we arrived back in Maputo (6 days ago) Luka's past times have gone from playing with cars, legos and musical instruments to flying off the sofa, seeing how fast he can go up and down the stairs, climbing on the kitchen counter and then showing me his version of bungee jumping (without a rope), emptying out our bookcase, climbing the bookcase, taking the ornaments off the christmas tree (YES, my tree is still up)...etc. I am just exhausted typing this and reliving each moment. Oh and did I mention that he likes to wake up at 5 am now...lucky me.

Parents weren't lying when they use the term terrible twos. I really didn't understand it before. Luka is only 22 months, but I guess he decided to get there two months earlier. 

Can someone tell me how long this will last? I am a nervous wreck. Luka is a total boy and now with his "adventurous" side I am always looking over my shoulder to make sure his face and limbs are still intact. Seriously...I am totally paranoid. I thought I would always be this laid back kind of mom, but no one told me that my child would turn in Evel Knievel.

But even with all that said I enjoy every moment with Luka!  At least I am never bored and man can that boy make me laugh! Everyday he comes up with something new that amazes me, drives me crazy and makes me fall in love with him all over again.

PS Mom, I am sorry for everything I did when I was two years old :)

The Mom Song

Okay, whether you are a mom or just have a mom I think you will agree with me that the video below is hilarious, but so true. Moms do so much...I know my mom did while I was growing up and still does. I love you mami...this one is for you!

P.S. I never usually pass along these types of emails, but this was was too good not to share.

Experience the Inauguration

A friend of mine sent me this link and I thought I would share it with all of you. It really gives you a feel of what it was like to be there that day:

FULL VIEW OF INAUGURATION

Enjoy!

Catching Up...

I am finally getting the chance to organize videos and photos from recent months. Here are some videos that my friend Caroline took while she was here visiting from Paris during the month of November. I think Luka thought that Caro was his first girlfriend and he was always hamming it up for her. Take a look...

Luka Dancing at Lua's Birthday Party

November 13, 2008

Luka Dancing in the Swaziland Village

November 24, 2008

Luka Dancing at Thanksgiving Dinner in Bilene, Mozambique

November 27, 2008

So you can see the pattern. Luka loves to dance!

Hello from Morocco

No, I am not in Morocco. Luka and I made it safe and sound to Maputo. We are very happy to be home, but the homecoming was bittersweet since JJ was called to Morocco to help out with the embassy there for a couple of weeks. So we haven't seen him since January 7th, but he will be home soon.. For now I will share with you the rainbow he sent me from Fes, Morocco (city he visited this weekend).

On another note I have started to upload the photos from our holiday...so be sure to check out our photo album when you get a chance.

WE MADE HISTORY!

We were there! It was amazing. Next to my wedding day and the day we brought Luka home...it will be one of the most amazing experiences in my life and my sister was the perfect person to share it with. From the concert on The Mall and exploring DC with the kids and ending with the Inauguration...it has been the trip of a lifetime. We were there when history was made!

I will give more details later, but for now you can read our story on the Miami Herald online @ http://www.miamiherald.com/inauguration/story/862260.html

By the way....a HUGE THANK YOU goes to my brother-in-law, Wole, for taking care of Luka and Max so that we could attend the inauguration!

Here is a link to the photo book I created from our trip:

View Project at Shutterfly

Happy Holidays from Mozambique

We would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. We hope you like this collage of photos from events this past year, as well as some photos of Maputo. I am sure they are easy to spot. 

This year was an amazing year for the van Herksen family. We got to know our wonderful son and he got to know us...being parents has totally changed our lives. Okay, we might miss the sleeping in and general FREEDOM...but nothing compares to seeing Luka grow up and how he interacts with the world. Seriously, he learns something new everyday and in turn we learn something as well. Just yesterday Luka learned how to say Obama properly, sounding out every syllable and I learned how to properly put him down for a nap. It only took me 13 months to learn! Not bad for a day's work...humor me please.

Be sure to click on our Photo Album link (on the right) and see more pictures from this past year. 

Happy Adoption Day

One year ago today we brought Luka home. We can't hardly believe 365 days have gone by so quickly. Luka has grown so much and our hearts have grown even more with him. I read an article this past weekend about a couple that had adopted...the mother said, "When I had my daughter she grew in my belly...but when I adopted my son he grew in my heart. They are both part of me." That sums up how we feel about Luka. From the moment that little boy went home with us our heart was his. Life has been such an adventure with Luka and everyday is a new discovery. He certainly has come along way from being 8 months and 8 pounds. He is now 20 months and a VERY BIG BOY. He loves to dance, play and talk up a storm. But I think he prefers singing to talking.

Luka, we are so blessed to have you in our lives and today is a very special day for our family. Every year we will celebrate this day and give thanks for being a family! 

Our Postcards from Maputo

We hope you can make it to Opening Night @ 8 pm in Maputo's very unique Nucleo do Arte. You can read more about the venue by clicking here.

Melissa, Obama & Uncle Sam Spotted in Maputo

And I thought I was going to miss out on Election Night excitement because I was all the way in Mozambique...I was in luck. Obama and Uncle Sam stopped by the Election Party sponsored by the US Embassy. McCain was also there, but he didn't like my shirt so he opted not to take the photo with us.

Congratulations America

Mark your calendars and remember this day! Don't forget what you were doing at this moment. It is such an important day in the history of our country. Just think...40 years from now when people are talking about this day you will want to remember what you were doing on the day Barack Obama was elected to be the 44th President of the United States of America.

I just heard Obama's speech from Chicago and it just assured me that he is absolutely the right person to lead our country at this moment in time. If you didn't listen to his speech, I urge you to get on youtube and take a moment to watch it in its entirety.

JJ, Luka and I were watching from our living room in Mozambique and we were all moved. Looking at all the faces in the crowd you could see how much it meant to those people and everything that was at stake. Even Luka was excited. I know that at 19 months he can't really understand the importance of this occasion, but he was pointing at Obama...saying "bababa" clapping and giving the Obama kisses. He must at least like him right!

As we were watching the festivities Elizabeth arrived to our house. She is our "empregada." She works at our home and watches over Luka. She rushed in and asked....DID HE WIN? It is amazing to see how the entire world was watching this election and Obama's journey. Realistically Obama's victory won't affect her day to day life here in Maputo, but somehow she was filled with hope and happiness. I explained to her how black people in America weren't even able to vote a few decades ago and she was shocked. Actually, I don't think she believed me. 

And for those of my friends that are reading this and not sharing in my happiness...being a Cuban-American from Miami I have many of those...I ask you to be patient and give Obama a chance. Our country has changed and we need a leader that understands the challenges that face this country and will motivate everyone to work together and create solutions.

Congratulations Obama! Congratulations America!

Election Day

Get up...go out and vote! I woke up today with the excitement I used to feel when working on a campaign back in Miami. I have been biting my nails all day and I can't concentrate. I don't know if it is because I am all the way in Maputo, Mozambique, but I am so excited and I can't wait to see the results.

Okay, so you know that I am a big Obama fan! So if you are not voting for Obama then stay home...just kidding. No, seriously everyone needs to get out and VOTE. We need to show the world that Americans care about their government!

Luka's First Halloween

Halloween in Maputo was a little hotter this year than usual. It was about 95 degrees and I really didn't think about that when I was planning Luka's 1st Halloween. I was a good mommy and ordered his Halloween costume early to make sure it would get here on time. But little did I know that his costume would make him sweat off all his baby fat. So in the photos from Halloween you will see that Luka has three different costumes:

1. Dragon - my favorite, but too hot to wear outside of the house where we had every air conditioner set to "eskimo."

2. Halloween PJ with Afro Animal - Not sure what that was, but it was damn cute and it was orange and black...perfect for Halloween.

3. Mouseketeer - I must admit this was pretty creative...I had to come up with something that wouldn't make him pass out from a heat stroke. This costume was actually worn on November 1st, when many of the American families in town got together for Trick-or-Treating and other Halloween traditions.

Maputo was full of activities for Luka to celebrate his first Halloween. First he hosted a Baby/Toddler Costume Party at home. He invited all his friends to show-off thier costumes and play some lego. Then it was off to the American School for Oktoberfest, where the PTA merged Beer, Sausages, Candy Hunts, Costume Parades, a Haunted House and a Mummy Wrap all into one event. Then on Saturday Luka and I went to an "American" neighborhood in Maputo to Trick-or-Treat and eat lots of yummy candies that you can't find anywhere in town like Resees Peanut Butter Cups, Snickers and Twix...okay, so Luka doesn't eat that stuff yet, but JJ and I really enjoyed it.

Make sure to click here to see ALL of the Halloween Photos of Luka and his friends.

PS Feliz Cumpleanos Paty!

Who is going to make the difference on Nov. 4th?

AARP 08 Video

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Obamonos!

Even if are not planning to vote for Obama on election day, if you are Latin you have to watch this video. The song is really catchy and pretty honest. As most of you know I am 200% behind Obama and I am trying to rally as many absentee votes as I can for him here...all the way in Maputo! Luka has even helped his mommy spread the Obama fever. He has learned how to chant: "OBAMA, OBAMA!" and he proudly wears his Obama shirt.

PS My Republican mama is also voting for Obama...you will only get it if you watch the video.

Click on my Wordle...

I just "wordled" my blog and this is what I got. So basically it captures the words on my blog and creates this image. Funny how Luka, photos and musical pop out! You should try to wordle your blog or any group of words. Try it at http://www.wordle.net/.

Luka @ 18 Months

And the grammy goes to....LUKA

I think Luka might win a Grammy or a Tony award some day. Our son is very musical. JJ and I have never played any musical instruments or actually have any musical talent, but JJ does love music. His one trillion songs on his iTunes is proof of that. And although I am not blessed with any real musical abilities, I have been singing to Luka since the first day he was home. My repertoire consists of church songs (in Spanish), some country songs, the complete soundtrack from RENT and The Little Mermaid and when I am absolutely in need of it....Barney. I never said I was cool, but I can belt out a mean lullaby.

Over the last couple of months Luka's love of music has manifested itself many ways...first there was the humming along to all his favorite songs...now he mimics every song we sing to him. He also loves to play his piano, xylophone and tambourine. He knows all the instruments by name and loves to put on concerts. But by far the most entertaining showcase of his musical abilities is his singing and dancing...as you can see from the photos above.

I think he actually knows he is performing. There is one song in particular...it is in Spanish about a little boat that gets lost at sea for seven weeks...quite silly, but Luka LOVES it. He cracks up and starts singing and dancing every time he hears it...every SINGLE time! Gracias Mami y Papi por enseñarle esta canción. Es la mejor manera de ver la sonrisa de Luka!

Our Not-so-New Home

Mom, this one is for you. For months (since August when we moved in) my mom has been asking me to post photos of our new home. I kept waiting for the house to be all picked-up, pictures hung, boxes put away...but the more I waited, the more I realized that this would never happen. So here it is...our house on a Sunday...with mess and all. To take the complete photo tour and get a sneak peek into our crazy life click here.

Luka Says Bye Bye

The actual date of this video is September 9, 2008. Since the video was taken Luka has added some new words to his vocabulary: ball, car, Max, Benthe, Barney, Ninjte and some others that I am still trying to figure out. But this video was taken when he started to say his favorite phrase: BYE BYE. He says it all the time. When JJ and I get home and grab him to give him a kiss...he looks over to the nanny and says Bye Bye...it is just priceless. He does the same thing when he is with one of us and wants us to leave the room. He is getting quite independent these days...much more so than what I want him to be...why do they have to grow up so fast.

I am trying to catch on all my photos and blog entries, but as you can see I am a little behind. Click here to see recent photos of Luka.

PS For some reason the video is NOT working. I will get back to you on that.

Better late than never...

If you have visited this blog before you know that Luka sometimes receives letters from his cousin - Maxwell. The letter below actually arrived before we left on holiday a couple of weeks ago, but between getting ready for the trip, finishing projects at work and running around after Luka I never got around to posting the letter. Now that things are back to "normal" and I found a few minutes to dedicate to the blog I thought I would add this letter. Max's letters are ALWAYS very entertaining and Luka really likes them. Here it goes:

Dear Luka:

I'm really happy you are coming to stay with us for 3 weeks. I understand , being older and wiser, you will be the flavor of the week for 3 weeks. I don't mind, you are a great kid and all that, but there are subjects I want to avoid during your visit.
 
First, do not talk about your teeth. You are almost a year younger than I am and you have more than double the number of teeth that I have. Everybody in Miami is always my mommy that maybe I have a problem. I don't chew hard stuff, or anything in chunks, but I still have more real teeth than Grandpa...I have four.

 
Also, don't mention your family portraits. I live in the country with the most photo studios in the world and you live in freaking Maputo and already have great professional family pictures. I think Mom and Daddy are waiting for me to get more teeth...just in case I smile at the freaking photographer.
 
I also know you are an international traveler like myself, but your Mom is telling people that you will speak five languages: English, Dutch,Spanish, Portugese and the native language of the people in Mozambique. Give me a freaking break!!!  Maybe you will speak those languages in the FUTURE...because you have so many teeth.

But let me tell you I have a problem with the Spanish, Yoruba and the freaking English with cuban accent everyone speaks here. After Grandpa's stroke I started going to a Day Care at an English speaking Baptist church to learn proper english. But I was surprised to see  all the freaking kids and all the freaking teachers are either cuban, nicaraguan or colombian. The only english word I have heard is "Pamper" and with a colombian accent. So I warn you, I think we will get along better if we use baby talk to communicate.  My baby gibberish doesn't have a cuban accent...I think.

I love you and hope to see you soon!

Your cousin,
 
Maxwell 

Luka Takes Off

Luka's First Steps

After 6 flights and 5 planes Luka didn't seem to be too jetlagged to take his first steps today. They were taken at about 6:30 pm today - Sunday, August 3rd. I think he was just waiting to get home and see daddy to show off his new skills. We are so proud of him!

Happy Birthday Mami

Happy 55th Birthday. Luka and I were very happy to spend this special day with you. We love you!!

Finally...Luka Says Mama

Finallly, yesterday Luka started saying Mama. He loves to repeat it over and over again. He will now switch from papa to mama...but he says it when he looks at me. I am so happy and proud of my little man. I will post a video soon.

Both Luka and I say hello from Miami. We will be heading back to Maputo next week. We both miss Daddy very much.

Papa & No Mama

At 10 months Luka started saying pa and the occasional ma...but never twice in a row and never in the context of calling either JJ or myself. But recently during our holidays in Holland Luka started saying Papa loud and clear and there I was left broken hearted as the syllable "ma" has seemed to disappear from his vocabulary. People tell me that the "m" sound is much harder for a baby to pronounce than the "p" sound...but so what...you still want to hear them say "mama." For now JJ will be the PROUD Papa and I will be the very proud (but a little jealous) ba, which is what Luka likes to call me.

Here is the video of the moment Luka first entertained us with his "papa" speaking ability...you can also hear him meow like a cat and throw some delicious kisses. Enjoy.

Luka's Blessing

Luka was baptized in Miami on February 24th (oops still haven't uploaded those photos), but none of his Dutch relatives were able to attend the ceremony. In celebration of his baptism and to welcome him into the family he was honored with a "blessing." His Uncle Henk, who is a member of the local Catholic Church arranged the entire thing. It was perfect! The family gathered at the church in the village (yes, it was really a village) and we sang, prayed and celebrated Luka! Most of the ceremony was in Dutch, but it didn't matter...you could really feel how special it was. Marielle, his other godmother, said a few words and both sets of Dutch grandparents read out their wish for Luka. JJ and I were also asked to say something....we prayed the Our Father in English and then the family sang a beautiful canon. Did I mention that JJ's family sing like the Von Trapp Family...except they are the van Herksens! The theme for the day was the start of his new life with us and as a Christian. The funny coincidence for the day was that final song...if you translate it...it roughly translates to the same song I sing to Luka every night before he goes to sleep. Above you can see some of the moments from the day, but for the rest of the photos visit our photo album.

Photo Moments from Our Trip

Van Herksen Family European Vacation

I apologize for the lack of communication and postings on the blog, but we have been on the road in Europe. We started off in Holland then went to the south of France, made a quick stop in Luxembourg, then it was back to Holland. Now we are still visiting other parts of Holland. I promise to post some photos and videos soon! We haven't had continuous access to email, but I will try and get everyone up to date in the next couple of days. JJ will be heading back to Maputo next week and Luka and I are headed to MIAMI!

Our Family Portraits

Okay, so when I think family portraits I think sitting in Sears or Zayres (do you remember that store!!!!) infront of some funny backdrop. At least those are the portraits I remember taking growing up and I wasn't really fond of them. Now that I have my own family I was in search of the perfect photographer to take modern family portraits. Sounds easy, right....yes, if we were back in Miami or Holland. But in Maputo it was a bit challenging and then I met Solange - a mom at the school I work at....I got really lucky. She just opened a photo studio in Maputo. She is great and really captured what JJ and I were looking for. So here they are....our first family portraits. I hope Luka likes them when he is older. But who knows...by then the wacky background and posed shots might be back in style. Click here to see all the photos from our "shoot." Enjoy!