Like Mother, Like Son

Recently my parents emailed me some photos of when I was a baby. These photos are great and my dad says there are more coming. They bought some sort of machine to digitize all their film and slides....I can't wait to see more!

Here are the first ones I got. First of all doesn't my mom look great and man...she was so young. And did you see the awesome blue car! And third of all (although my husband does not agree) doesn't Sam look just like me! Sam is just the blond version...don't you think?

Scenes from Our Sunday

Today was a great day. What a beautiful Sunday in La Paz. We started off this afternoon with a trip to the city's Golf Club. We were invited by Stephan's (Luka's classmate) parents.

As the taxi driver kept driving up the mountain I kept wondering...where the heck is this golf course...there is no way there could be a golf course here! I mean we were in the freaking rocks and the road to the club seemed as it if was carved out of the mountains for the sole purpose of arriving to the Golf Club. But low and behold and we drove up to the main gate you saw the green fields. It was amazing! It is the highest golf course in the world. So, let's see....I live in the highest capital of the world. We flew into the highest airport in the world and today we had lunch at the highest golf course in the world! Wow, that seems like a lot for two weeks. ha ha ha.

Here is a photo of the golf course:

After lunch it was off to see the Lion King...or should I say El Rey Leon. Boy, was I impressed! The show was great and Luka kept on singing and dancing when we got home. I think now I have to download the soundtrack for him. He loves the music!

Here we are as we just arrived to the theatre...which happens to be at his school...they rent it out to the local production company.

Sam's Stats

This week Sam and I went to the doctor for his three month check up and he passed with flying colors. This boy is in the 95% for height!!! He weighs 6.7 kgs (14.8 lbs) and is 67 cm (26.4 in.) long...and isn't he so cute to top it all off. Here is a photo of him hanging out in the hotel.

Spending the Day with Luka's Class

Today was Student Appreciation Day at Luka's school and they had a day full of fun activities for the kids (magicians, BBQ, games, etc). I thought it would be a good day to hang out and spend some time with my son at school. I asked the teacher and she said it would be fine. Well, it was a BAD idea. Who knew that your child turned into someone else when you were in the class? I was feeling really bad and a little embarrassed, but then his teacher came to me and told me that it was completely normal for your child to act up if you in the classroom. Sorry, Luka mommy won't be spending the day in your class anytime soon!

It wasn't all bad. It was fun to see Luka and his classmates interact and I did get some fun pictures.

To see the photos from Student Appreciation Day click here.

Maputo on the Front Page of CNN.com

(photo taken from here)

It is a pity that Mozambique has made the front online page of CNN.com for these reasons. Mozambique is hardly ever on the international news scene and now it is a negative story. You can see the story entitled Gunplay in Mozambique Streets by clicking here. I hope all my friends in Mozambique are doing okay. In 2008 we also had riots for the same reasons - rising food, fuel and transportation prices - but they seem to be worse this time.

Click here for yet another article.

My thoughts and prayers are with my friends in Maputo.

What have the boys been up to?

Life in La Paz has been pretty filled with activities. We have made some friends through school and here you can see Luka having fun at his first birthday party. We were invited by Candela and her mom Maria that we know from Maputo. Luka had a great time, but I also had some fun talking to adults. I have been pretty much hanging out in the hotel with Luka and Sam and this party allowed me to socialize with adults...FINALLY.

Sam has also changed so much since we got here. He continues to grow like a weed. He is already wearing things that are for 12 months. That boy is LONG! Tomorrow is our 3 month check-up and I will be able to tell you how big he really is. Now he is turning all over the place and as you can see from this picture he prefers his hands to the pacifier. He also tries to talk to us and he likes to try and stand up. We hold his hands and he uses his leg power to stand up. Is that normal for a 3 month old? I try to give him as much tummy time as possible but he just likes to be held standing up.

Oh, I almost forgot...yesterday Luka took his first ballet class. It was quite an experience. Of course he was the only boy. Was it naive of me to think that other mommies would bring their boys to Baby Ballet to help strengthen their balance and coordination!?!?! Luka seemed to keep up well in the class, but he did have outbursts now and then when he would yell, "Mommy, I want a pink dress too. I want you to buy it NOW." I explained that boys wear pants for ballet, but that answer didn't seem to satisfy him. Here is a photo of his debut class. Next week we will try gymnastics and if he likes that better we will stick with that. It is up to him.

Hug Somebody Today

Thank you to my friend Ana for sharing this video with me on Facebook. I thought it was great. Have you ever really stopped to think how much a good hug can accomplish? Don't you just love a genuine hug. Go hug someone you love today!

See more about the Free Hugs Campaign here:

Sam Loves to Read

Okay, well maybe he is not actually reading yet but he does know how to hold a book and these books I found are great. I am in love with Indestructibles. On our recent trip to Miami I made a trip to Books and Books with Luka for Storytime. I found these books on the table and was intrigued with the title and the fact that they were "chew proof." I had to take a closer look. Well I did and I fell in love with the illustrations. You will fall in love with them too. Just take a look on their website.

I have Jungle Rumble and Mary Had a Little Lamb. Sam is in awe of the photos and likes to stare at the pages and try to rip them apart, but he can't. Isn't that awesome. Oh and Luka loves them too because he can "read" a book to his little brother. He sits with him and uses his imagination to invent text to go with the photos. The books don't have any words, just beautiful pictures.

Well, I just wanted to share my little find with you and I can't wait to collect them all.

Bloglivia

Well, there it is...a new title for the blog. I miss the other one! I will update it with my own photo as soon as I take one. What do you think of the name? Thank you Edgar and Charles for suggesting it via facebook.

Bienvenida Vicky

Vicky started working with us two days ago. She started warming up to Sam today. Luka really likes her, but that is because he thinks she is his playmate. She seems really nice and has a good aura. She reminds me a lot of Elizabeth, who worked with us in Mozambique. Man, I miss her and Clotilde (her daughter). Just today Luka was asking about them. He wanted to know if they could come over and play. These things are so hard to explain to a three year old....what do you say? I just hope that I am not lying to him when I say that we will see them again when he is older.

For now let's hope that Vicky likes us and she blends into our family and it all works out.

Greetings from La Paz

Wow, we are finally here...in La Paz! It has been a while since I have been able to write on the blog. From the moment we arrived in Miami I was alone with the two kids (JJ was in Spanish classes all day) and I just couldn't find the time. My two little boys are very high maintenance these days...ha ha ha. I have so many thoughts and photos to share on our Miami visit. I will try and post later this week.

Right now it has been less than three days since we arrived in La Paz and it is the first time I have sat down with the laptop. Luka and Sam are asleep and I am still awake. Usually I would be collapsed in bed right about now...but today I kept looking forward to bedtime so that i could cozy up to my Mac and tap away checking email, uploading photos, etc. I really enjoy my "me" time with the computer.

Let's see...what can I tell you about La Paz. First thing is first...the city is freaking high. Luckily the four of us have adapted pretty well, but we have had headaches and get winded just walking up the steep streets. But I have to admit that we feel much better than what I was expecting. I was really nervous about the altitude...but so far so good.

Luka started classes at the American School and he loves it. Above you can see the photo of him pointing to his name on the door. He was really proud! To see photos from his first day click here. We also love the school. We were very impressed with everything! Here is a photo of the whole family when we dropped him off at school on Monday.

We have also been house hunting...so far we haven't found anything that we love...but we are hopeful that something will pop up soon. The four of us can't wait to finally have a "home" again. We have been "homeless" since the beginning of June. Here is a photo of Sam...he has visited every house with me. I don't think he is too picky....he hasn't shown any preference so far.

About the city....the mountains are everywhere. You can't escape them. Everywhere you look you see the landscape. It is a constant reminder of close you are to the clouds here. Here is a photo of our hotel and the street right outside.

The weather is insane...or I should say the SUN is crazy. I thought it was going to be cold...and it is a little chilly in the morning, but by the afternoon the sun has baked the city and it is quite warm. Then later in the even it gets cold again. You have to dress in layers to make sure that you are dressed for any weather you may encounter...especially if you are gone more than a couple of hours. The temperature really drops at night. This is another reason that house hunting is tricky. 90% of the houses don't have heating so you need to find a house that has sunlight for most of the day.

The people are super polite. Everyone is really nice and I love that I can speak Spanish (That is one thing I don't miss about Mozambique - the Portuguese). I haven't had the time to explore the city and really talk to the locals...I hope to post some interesting photos very soon and give you more insight into La Paz.

Okay, I have to sign off for now and read a magazine or watch some TV before I fall asleep. I am not sure when is the next time I will have this "me" time.

Sammy is on a roll...

Today Sam rolled over for the first time. He is growing up so fast! I don't know who was more excited...me or him. Can you see the pride in his face?

Truly Inspiring

I just discovered that one of my close friends, Wendy, has started a blog for children's books. Just at two "posts" old this blog is truly inspirational and it is 5:30 am and I wish Barnes and Noble was open so that I could rush over and buy the first two books she has reviewed.

If you have young children take the time to click on her blog, you won't be disappointed.

http://thereadingteepee.blogspot.com/

Wendy, where do you find the time? Wendy is an architect, professor at the University of Miami, photographer, graphic designer, excellent party planner and A+ mom...well I could go on with her many talents....and now this blog. Thank you Wendy for taking the time for making us part of your literary world. I don't know how you do it.

Neneca

Neneca is what they call it in Mozambique when you carry a baby with a capulana (fabric tied around your body.) Well, I had to leave Mozambique to finally get it right.

Today I learned how to carry Sam "neneca" style. He was so cozy and really loved it. I have three baby carriers...a sling...an ErgoBaby and a Baby Bjorn and this is his favorite! I used an old black scarf and just like magic I had a baby carrier. Just goes to show you that I am a sucker for baby products and you don't really need so many things for a baby. I mean if all the women in Africa don't need a Baby Bjorn why do I?

Day of Male Bonding

Today JJ, Luka and Opa Jan Erik (JJ's dad) spent the day in Schiermonnikoog. It is an island and a national park in the northern park of the Netherlands. You can click here to find out more about this island.

It was a relaxing day of biking and laying on the beach. Here are some photos from their male bonding day...

Luka & Papa on the beach

Luka & Opa on the boat to the island...look at how Luka looks at Opa....what a cutie!

Luka on the beach sporting his Elmo underwear...JJ, did you take a proper bathing suit in the backpack?

Typical Dutchmen riding their bike.

Luka wiped out with all the "male bonding."

Our 12 Week Traveler

Sam is 12 weeks today and he has basically been travelling since he was born. He was born in South Africa...then we drove back to Maputo packed up our house...then we moved into a hotel for a couple of weeks...packed up again and traveled to Holland. We are here now...in a couple of days we will head to Miami. Then FINALLY to our new home in Bolivia. I think Sam will have more stamps in his passport at 3 months than I did by the time I was 18.

Sam is doing great...growing by leaps and bounds. He has really started to interact, play with toys hanging in front of him and discovering his hands and feet. It is really cute to hear him try to talk. And just today I noticed that he can move around on his own. If I lay him on a mat he will use his legs to move his whole body up. I didn't know he could do this and I layed him on a playmat and went to the kitchen...when I walked back into the room Sam was on the floor. He must have really strong legs!

He is also doing a good job still sleeping through the night...thank goodness.

We love you Sammy!

Babies & Buggies on the Bus

We met Marinke (JJ's cousin) Evert and their new baby Quinten (same age as Sam) today in the city. We had a delicious lunch at a bagel cafe (yummy!). Here we are in the bus riding along with the babies in the buggies. JJ couldn't hold the camera still, but you get the idea.

Here is photo of the two boys...

Good Friends, Good Food, Great Sunday

Today we spent our Sunday in Bedum with some special friends. JJ has been friends with Niels and Ted since college and it is always great to see them together. It was also fun to hang out with Ines and Khadija. Ines and Niels are expecting a baby in October and Khadija and Ted will be getting married soon.

Although, I think that Luka will put up a fight for Khadija. Those two get along so well...he even wanted to go home with Khadija today. She is wonderful with him. You can see thier mutual admiration in all the photos.

In addition to the great company, JJ's dad made delicious food. I am always in awe of him and his cooking skills. He is so relaxed. The food is always delicious and he always makes the EXACT amount for the number of people. How do you do that? Thank you Jan Erik. Today's menu was Groningen Mustard Soup & Jumbalaya....Yummy!

Here are some moments from today...Mommy & Sam:

Sam & his aunt Marlotte

Sam with Oma Coby & Opa Jan Erik

Look at that face...almost 12 weeks old now.

To see more photos from today click here.

Sunday Morning Treat

Luka enjoyed a pamper morning with his Oma Coby this morning. He was loving soaking his feet in the water, exfoliating and the foot massage. I think Oma was having fun too.

Pancakes for Dinner

In Holland everyone for the most part eats very healthy. When I walk around town I see very tall thin people. But they do have some food traditions that I find very interesting...and very yummy. For example...

Did you know that it is very common to eat french fries for lunch when you are on the go? You can buy them at stands on the streets with a big glob of mayonnaise. They also like bread with butter and chocolate sprinkles for breakfast. I really like that one.

But my favorite has to be pancakes for dinner. Yes, you read right...pancakes. Well, they are a little different from the pancakes you get at IHOP. You can eat them with syrup, sugar, Nutella or something salty like cheese, ham, salami, etc. They are delicious....

Luka loves them as well and he made them with Oma for dinner. He ate three pancakes that night!

Happy Birthday Grandma

The four of us want to wish my mom a Happy Birthday today, but Sam as the newest member of the family wanted to say Hooray and Happy Birthday Grandma! See you soon...

Family Time in Holland

We have been in Holland a couple of days and I have lots of stories and photos to share, but I am not sure where the time goes. We wake up in the morning and before I know it it is time to put both of the boys to bed. Where does the time go? I promise to update the blog soon with some of our outings and adventures in Holland. But for now we are enjoying the time with the Dutch familia and Sam is busy meeting everyone...

Here is a photo of Luka and his cousin Benthe the day we celebrated Oma Joke's Birthday (JJ's mom).

Napping in Daddy's Arms

I just couldn't resist posting this photo of Sam napping in JJ's arms...doesn't he look delicious?!?!?!?

McReunion

Yes, that is JJ & our good friend Bastiaan at a McDonald's in Den Haag. No, we are not really excited to be at the golden arches....we were really excited to see our best friends from Maputo. They left Maputo in mid-June and we had really missed them and will miss them in Bolivia. But we got the chance to meet up with them for a couple of minutes before they embark on thier Brazilian adventure. They will be moving to Brasilia (close to Bolivia.....yeah!)

Paty, Bastiaan, Max and Nynke have been a constant in our lives the past four years. We would see them everyday (sometimes twice a day). They were our neighbors in Maputo and Luka and Max played together all the time. Check out Luka's reaction when we surprise him:

Happy Birthday Oma Stolk

Today it was Joke's (JJ's mom) birthday and we were in Holland to celebrate it. We started off the day at Neenord (a kid's park) and then we had lunch at a restaurant on a nearby lake. It was a great day. To see all the photos from the day click here.

Happy Birthday Joke!

Happy Birthday Maxwell

We missed Max's party at Chucky Cheese...Luka is really upset about that. But we will be in Miami soon and Luka and Max will have time to celebrate. Here is a photo of him at his birthday extravaganza.

Thank you Dad for sending me all the photos.

Farewell Mozambique

Today we said goodbye to our home of four years. So many wonderful things happened for us in Africa. It is a posting that we will never forget and I have a feeling we will visit often so that Luka can always feel close to his country.

It was a very strange feeling to leave Maputo and know that we won't be back after a holiday. It was our home, the place where we began our lives as a married couple, had our children, had our family and made some of the best friends we will ever have. The friends we made in Maputo became our family and I am not sure what i will do without them, but I know that we will see each other very soon....actually we have already planned a Maputo reunion in Brazil next year.

I will also miss Maputo the city. The day I found out I was moving to Mozambique...I am not going to lie to you I was afraid and didn't know what to expect. As an American never stepping foot on the African continent I had no idea what was in store for me. Little did I know that I was moving to one of Africa's best kept secrets. Mozambique is considered a "hazard" post according to the Dutch Foreign Ministry....but I think the only hazard is that you won't want to leave after four years.

Coming from Miami I was very happy to live on the ocean again. It was great to be able to see the ocean every single day. Either when we woke up in the morning (when we lived in our apartment) or in our daily drive around the city.

I also am going to miss Elizabeth & Clotilde. They became part of our family and Luka developed a close bond with them. Elizabeth was Luka's surrogate grandma and my surrogate mother at times...always giving me advice. I was a little lost sometimes when it came to the kids getting sick and she was always there to calm me down and answer all of my questions. When we left they each wrote Luka a letter and I will save the letter that I will read to him again when he is old enough to understand where he comes from. He will always have a tie to Mozambique through them. After all they are his Mozambican family. To see photos of them with the boys click here.

Some things I won't miss from Mozambique...everything taking so freaking long and all the red tape and bureaucracy in the government. After all a place can't be perfect. Mozambique still has a long way to go as far as these things go.

But our time in Mozambique will always have a permanent space in my heart...it gave me the most precious gift of all...my family.

Luka's Last Day of School

Luka was able to celebrate on the last day of school with his friends and teachers. We took cake and chamussas for his schoolmates and they sang songs and wished him well on his new Bolivian adventure. Here is a "silly" photo of his class and teachers (Ms. Maria & Ms. Rita).

To see all of the photos from his special day click here.

Bath Time

Every night we have our routine. Luka takes a bath first....then he is put in bed. Then it is Sammy's turn for a bath. JJ and I do it together and it has become a little ritual. For the last couple of night's Luka has wanted to join in on the fun. He really gets a kick out of helping us with Sam. And from the looks of Sam's face in the photo below he seems to enjoy having his big brother around as well.

One of Sam's Favorite Poses

Doesn't it look like he should be saying, "Hmmm, one million dollars."
From Austin Powers....

Los Tios Cubanos

Luka was lucky enough to have sus tios Cubanos in Mozambique. We met Mirtha and Yudel a couple of years ago and they have been a constant in Luka's life in Mozambique. This couple is amazing. They volunteer 100% of their time in an orphanage in the outskirts of Maputo and live on donations from the church. They are wonderful with the children and even took in Deborah as their own. Here she is in the photo. She was teeny tiny and very ill when they got her and with them she has flourished and keeps getting better everyday.

Luka loves his visits from his Cuban aunt and uncle. We will miss them!