A Gift

HOW lovely to have a child to remind you of the earth's beauty.

How lovely to have grandparents that will fly half way around the world to share in your discovery.

In gratitude for both.

Memories of Kiawah

WHILE Grandma visited, we spent a few days at the beach in one of the loveliest spots on the coast. An island resort, this area is also dedicated to nature conservation and has strict regulations on anything that could disturb the peace or ecology of the island. Our rental house backed up to a narrow inlet, where we could watch crabs scuttling out of the sand, elegant snowy egrets fishing and raccoon tracks in the mud. Glorious sunsets, sandy beaches, mysterious marshland, salty air and sparkling waves.

No-one welcomes the loss of an unborn baby, but if it had to happen, I'm glad it was here. I'd like to think he or she caught a glimpse of this beautiful place as they returned to heaven.

Sharing...

...a giggle

...a resting spot

...a snack break

...a bath

Family Gatherings

TO our good fortune, a family wedding took place close enough to Christmas for us to attend both events with family. We have now embarked on our annual visit to Europe, staying in England and enjoying also the company of German grandparents who are visiting for a few days. We always try to make the rounds of as many people as possible, but this time we have already, or plan to, see every one of our 'immediate extended' family on my side with the exception of two. For our little family of four on the other side of the world, all this clan gathering is wonderful! All in all, our visits have included or will include (from the children's standpoint) one great grandma, four grandparents, three great aunts and uncles, six cousins once removed, ten second cousins and one uncle. How lovely to see all the children playing together!

New Life, New Rhythm

BABY Alexander is here! Just when we thought we were getting the hang of the daily rhythm thing, along come days filled with endless nappy and clothing changes, nights not filled with sleep and the sudden exponential elongation of every 'getting ready' step that causes you to be late for everything and get very little achieved in a day. And then there's the incredible new life so entirely dependent on you, the heart-melting moments when Emma brings her very special cuddly toys and blanket to "make baby brudder happy", the look of utter peace and contentment on the baby's face when asleep on papa's chest. Give us a few weeks, and our new addition will be fully incorporated into a brand new family rhythm!