100% on the Court

As our girl grows and learns and grows some more she is becoming more comfortable on the court and on the field. She works hard. She follows directions. Has an instinct for hustling and loves playing defense. She's also happy to get going in transition on a fast break. These are things she wouldn't even know about a year ago and yet, here she is 'doing her thing' on her team. 

But with her parents working, and daddy in particular coaching often at the same time, being able to see and support her was a challenge this season. Where in volleyball we were all together, basketball was difficult in that way. I seemed to worry the parents more than it stressed Irini, though, who was happy to keep on going...

On one afternoon daddy was able to make his way to the school next door where Irini was playing. He entered in the fourth quarter, with not much time left, but was able to see Irini in action for that short period of time. Proud as can be, and happy with her effort and attitude, he also took out his phone to get a short video of her efforts too. Well, in that short time he was able to capture a great bank-shot right in... Irini's gift to her father. So though we can't tell what the rest of the season looked like, she's 100% shooting as far as we're concerned!  And her stats are even better where they matter: the intangibles that are so much more important! 

Irini Turns 12! Whaaaaatt?!?!

And there it was. The morning came. She followed her little "12" signs and moved her way into the hallway where the presents sit, waiting for this moment. This year was different because Avi was around and even if there was school on "her day" Irini didn't seem to miss a beat. A few presents later, smoothies made, henna later in the day and a special birthday meal might have moved her to just one year from teenagehood. Wow!

Irini has grown up. Not that she hasn't always been a bit more of an 'old soul' than most in her class, but she has grown up. She's independent, self-regulating, speaks her mind, confident, empathetic, mindful, supportive, loving, sporty, approachable, positive, and the list goes on and on. When she was born, all those years ago in a hospital room on the east side of Kuala Lumpur this girl - the one that stands with us today - is exactly what we had hoped and wished for. We didn't know at the time how easy it would be, how much comfort her presence would fill us with. How much love we could generate. But here she is, old(er) and wise(r) than her years, beaming with joy, surrounded and filled with love. She is pretty awesome, and ready for another lap around the sun!

We love you glykoula!!  So so much!

Family Photo Shoot.

Mommy and daddy are always disagreeing with the value of formal photo shoots. But though daddy is often concerned about the costs of such things, mommy keeps focusing on the emotional value to having professionally-done, beautiful photos for now and beyond. She's right, of course. 

Our last "formal" photos dated back many years to when we were all in Malaysia and much younger. Probably half a decade has gone by since then so it was only fair that we give it another try. If memory serves us right, the last set were taken in Lake Gardens, Kuala Lumpur. This set was taken outside of Dubai in an area with no name (that we know of, anyway) but with great lighting in the wee hours of the morning. 

So after waking up before sunrise and heading to the meeting point, we were taken a 20 minute drive outside the city and let to walk around, to hug, to look at the sunrise, to smile and to - on some occasions - just follow direction. The final result was, even for daddy, pretty perfect. Our girls are growing up and it seems that they are become more beautiful by the day. But part of the beauty if not the physical piece. It's the light that shines from within. Some of it comes from the individuals. But some of it shines even brighter when he/she is surrounded by beautiful people. It's a light worth celebrating, especially when Avi is also in town to add her little bit to it too. Can you see it?