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.