Don't forget the Flowers

I came home tonight to find our new eight year old daughter Hannah. She seemed very excited about the day. I noticed that her foot was feeling much better despite here recent trip to the emergency room.

In my rush to return home for her birthday, a bit later than planned of course, I felt like I was forgetting something.

When I walked into the family room the first question Hannah asked was - did you get the flowers? I usually try to buy Tamara & our children flowers on the kid's birthdays. Cause I can't think of the kids without thinking of how much I love Tamara and how much of Tamara's personality is in the children I buy flowers for both. Unfortunately I totally spaced that one today

I've got one more day. The B-day party is tomorrow.

Harvard Day of Faith - The Mormon

I found this interesting and thought I would share. The other discussions were also interesting.

Day of Faith: Personal Quests for a Purpose - 3. Rachel Esplin from Harvard Hillel on Vimeo.

Pears!

I love pears! I love them even more hear in Germany. In Germany, the pears are larger and have a more robust skin. This robust skin seems to allow the fruit to grow longer without being damaged, making the fruit and its sweetness exquisite.

Tamara found some at the store recently and they were phenomenal. I've also had some at work that are shaped like apples. They are equally delicious.

Ian's growing up

Despite not speaking, Ian is starting to be more and more of a little boy. Last night at our friends house we ate dinner with them. I sat next to Ian. When I sat down he was excited that he had a fork, a knife, and a spoon at his place.

I started eating and looked over at Ian. He was eating with a fork and a knife, with the knife in the right hand, and the fork in the left, as is typical here in Europe. I wondered - where did he learn that. That is the way I eat, at least when I am out to lunch at work. I wasn't sure if I eat like that while I am at home.

When I looked over at him again a few minutes later I noticed that despite using two utensils to eat, most of Ian's food was landing on the table and not in his mouth. This worried me a bit, but Ian was still totally happy and totally excited about his eating experience.

Cool Ian

On the way from a friends house tonight all the kids were riled up and had had a good time and wanted some time to express themselves, and tell their stories. This results in a rather loud situation with all parties vying for floor time, where they speak and others listen. At one point Emma, our 3 year old, cried out - someone listen to me, I want to say something.

The whole time I was wondering - what is Ian thinking about? And I said to myself, tonight I'm glad he doesn't say much. He has a handful of words, including Emma, Mama, Hello, House, Papa, and Sponge Bob. But, as usual, he was calm, cool, collected, and quiet tonight and remained so during the entire ride home.

Tonight as I told my dad the story I also wondered if that is why Ian doesn't talk yet? Maybe he thinks, why? There is no chance to get a word in edgewise with this crowd anyway!