A fullfilling Weekend.

This could well have been the first weekend that we've had together without the lingering and ever-present thoughts of coaching strategies, of grading, or organizing for school events. Time took its course and allowed us opportunities to enjoy the moments with each other.

In her daily developments Irini has now expanded her need/want for carrying things. Though she continues to love the one-fruit-per-hand approach, she has now diversified and taken on the use of a basket purchased by Natalia about a week ago. Now Irini gets to be selective of what she carries, and regularly places things in her basket, then stands up and carries it along to wherever her next destination might be.

Irini also discovered the power of opening a faucet this past week or so. Spending time downstairs with her friend Isabelle (and her mother Melissa) Irini was introduced to the marvels of water control. The faucet was turned on. Then opened further to allow the water forceful exit. The water was played with, felt and enjoyed on hands, clothing and floor. The play absorbed her completely, until daddy - who was happily floating in the pool - would ask mommy to please turn off the water so we don't waste the monthly quota of eastern Kuala Lumpur in just a few short minutes. Irini would deal well with the blow, take a few moments to look around, look over to Isabelle, turn her attention to the faucet, and reach up to turn it on again. How does a parent explain to their toddler that water is a precious resource?

We continue to work on making sure that little Irini is growing up to be a good girl but not have over-protective parents. One of the thoughts... let her play with her food. So, in one lunchtime opportunity Natalia had the chance to take this video of Irini's very sophisticated eating style. I am sure that her grandparents will be impressed with her good manners at the lunch table. :-)

Of Pizza and Straws

So, what do a pizza, a straw an abacus and a home made meal with Venezuelan and German friends all have in common? Well, you don't really have to take too long to think of this one.... Irini of course! The added bonus of being a parent of a little ball of -now walking- joy is that everyone wants to hang out with our little one! And what does one do if they want to hang out with the smallest member of our family? Well, ask the drivers/chaperones/supervisors if they might consider bringing her over. Of course a parent can't refuse to share such wealth of wonder, and so it goes. Irina comes to visit her namesake. Natalia goes over to share a brunch with Mike and Dore. Irini impresses us with her straw sucking abilities. She visits Carter's house for a play-date with Marla, Isabel and Carter. She tries pizza for the first time. She takes walks around restaurants guided by two waitresses, holding the hands of both of them and smiling broadly.

And so it is that little Irini is now growing and becoming independent. Her ability to point (with her entire hand) and be understood is impressing even her fiercest critics (of which she has none). She can babble her way into someone's lap or be carried over to the fruit basket to pick up a pear. She can ask for her father to hold her while she pushes the stoller and take a walk around a mall. It is really quite amazing.

Laurence just returned from his final sports trip of the year: A basketball tournament to Taipei. Along with the normal ups and downs of tournament play, he had a number of hours to walk around the neighborhoods and find family owned cafes. He visited dumpling stores nestled in side streets and took walks with his friend and co-coach Scott as they discussed the philosophy of basketball programs and the development of player abilities.

Now that he's back he can't wait to hang out with the coolest girl in town! She shrieked with excitement today as both Natalia and Laurence walked in at the same time for the first time in Months. The shriek was accompanied by a quick paced walk, arms nearly outstretched, and a massive smile that could fill a bus. Life is good. Time is now a little more available. Love oozes from every pore.

Month of Firsts

Some of you have been waiting and wanting more pictures. No need for the wordy approach of the parents. Just pictures. So, by popular demand we thought we'd give you some photos in stead of talk. After all, pictures are worth a thousand words. Firsts this month for Irini:

• Walked
• Visited the Zoo
• Used a straw to sip water from a glass
• Carried an apple in one hand and a pear in another
• Walked across the road!