Our Holiday is Almost Here

In less than 48 hours we will be on a plane for our holidays. It seems like yesterday that we still had a month to go. I still haven't packed....I am getting nervous. Europe here we come! How the heck to I pack for a 5.5 week vacation?!?!!? Wish me luck.

Luka & Mami on Mother's Day

Having fun with the Photo Booth application on our Mac. Luka really loves to see himself on the screen!

Our Mother's Day Card

Happy Mother's Day to Mami, Moqui, Yeya Nena, Ine, Tia Georgina and all my other mommies in Miami. In Holland we want to send a big Mother's Day Hug to Joke, Marielle, Oma Stolk & Coby. 

We love each and everyone of you and wish we could be there to celebrate this special day with you. 

Here is a special Mother's Day Card that Luka made in his toddler class.

Love, 

Melissa, Jan Jelle & Luka

My Saturday Morning

Most of my posts are about Luka, right? So today I will tell you about my glorious Saturday morning. JJ stayed home watching Luka and I went on a Saturday morning shopping trip. I didn't need anything specific. I just wanted to get out and enjoy Maputo a little on my own and I woke up with that itch to shop. With our trip to Holland approaching I wanted to buy some gifts for our family and also do a little shopping for me since Mother's Day is tomorrow.

My first stop was a yard sale. Yes, we have those in Maputo as well. Every time an expat family leaves they have a yard sale and you can find some really great things that you can't find in the stores here or in Nelspruit (our closest "shopping" city in South Africa). Well this was an American family with kids...my goal was books for Luka and possibly an exercise bike. I scored on the books for Luka, but no bike in site. Maybe next time....

Next on my itinerary was the Saturday Craft Market in town. It is true that amongst friends sometimes the things you buy there are referred to as "Africrap." I think it is because some items you really get tired of seeing and it doesn't seem different anymore, but I must admit that I love to go to the market and find new things that I haven't seen before. I probably go about once every two months and I always find something new. Today I found this great totes. They fold up so that you can stick them in your purse and then they open up into a decent sized tote for shopping or anything else. They are made from capulanas (very Mozambique). I think JJ's sisters might get these unless I decide to keep them, which I am always tempted to do with bags. I really have too many bags, but really can a girl have too many bags?

I also bought a cover for my cellphone made out of capulana...also something new I hadn't seen before. I guess this was more of an impulse buy, but my scratched up cell phone needed some TLC and it looked so darn cute.

Then I bought an oldie but goodie - a capulana shoulder bag. I must have about 5 of them now. And I have probably bought about 10 for presents since I have moved here. I just love them. There always seems to be a new pattern for sale and these bags are so practical. I just love them....I said that already didn't I? I haven't decided what to do with this one yet....present, me...present, me. The jury is still out on this one.

Oh, and I made a stop at the local office supply store where I bought a mechanical pencil (I am such a sucker for pens and pencils) and some mickey mouse notebooks and crayons for Luka. He is really into Mickey Mouse Clubhouse these days and I thought they would keep him busy on our long trip to Europe.

So let's calculate the damage:

Books for Luka $12

Tote Bags (2) $8

Cell Phone Cover $1

Capulana Bag $6

Office Supplies $7

TOTAL $34

Pretty cool...not much for a Saturday morning shopping trip. I just love Saturdays!

Okay, now do you see why I rather tell you about Luka...this was such a silly post. But that is my life in Mozambique. Pretty normal, huh.

Mother's Day is Almost Here

As my second Mother's Day approaches I am feeling lucky, happy, nostalgic, homesick and a little sad all wrapped into one. Here is how that makes sense....

I really hit the jackpot with JJ and Luka...what mom wouldn't be lucky to have those two guys in her life. Everyday I wake up and I think, man my life is really great. Who knew that living in Mozambique would bring so many blessings and happiness to my life. Here I have been able to explore my creative side, be a mother, make wonderful friends and travel to places I never thought I would go. I am in a point in my life where I am truly happy. 

But then I start to think about my family and the life I left behind in Miami and I get a little nostalgic and homesick. There is not a day goes by that I don't think about them and pretend what it would be like for Luka to grow up with his grandparents, tias, tios and Maxwell...and I have to admit that I miss silly things like cafe con leche and tostadas at "La Carreta" or watching American Idol with Monica and Wole. Sis, isn't this season great?

But I guess the trade off is the fact that I am really happy and I know my family knows that. But when that homesick bug bites I have my own "home" remedies: looking at photos, watching episodes of Que Pasa USA or a call on Skype always does the trick.

This Mother's Day is particularly tough. So much is going on in Miami...my abuela is in the hospital. My sister is going to be a mommy again soon and I wish I could see that baby belly of hers. My mom has lost like 20 pounds and I want to be there to congratulate her and give her a big hug. Mami, keep it up...I am so proud of you! 

I leave you with some photos that I was admiring today:

Aren't my boys cute...this was taken when Luka was 13 months...now he is 26 months!

This is me being silly with my sister's first belly! She was so cute all preggo...although she begs to differ, but then again I wasn't carrying around that big belly!

Does my mom look great? This must have been around 1978 or so...

Mother's Day 2005. I think this is my favorite current family photo (pre Maxwell & Luka). Weren't we all photogenic that day?

Yeya Nena (my grandmother)...doesn't she look a little bit like Julia Roberts!

Luka Loves Yogurt

Yogurt is one of those things that Luka will eat at any time during the day and asks for it all the time. It is also the first thing with a spoon that he can eat all on his own with no supervision from mommy. Well, he can get a bit messy but that is part of the fun right?

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.