I’ve lost track of the days, so I apologize ? for not writing a blog sooner. The days certainly have their routine, and time slips away when I’m immersed in these routines. I try to spend equal time with all the kids, which is challenging, and I have been focusing a lot of my attention on Ti Fi.
Each morning, I bring her to Devotions, and slowly a few of the kids have been taking on that duty in helping me. Josie, especially, is someone I can count on to help me get Ti Fi across the yard. Ti Fi is getting stronger physically each day. I make her use her own legs to lift herself up instead of pulling her up, and she is practically doing this independently. After devotions, Germaine has been helping me get Ti Fi to the main house. Today, to our amazement, Ti Fi seemed like she was trying to run…she is so aware of what is going on. I set her up in a chair in the living room, and try to stimulate her in whatever way I can think of. We have a few books, a couple of “babies,” plate, cup & spoon to feed the babies with, and I have discovered that Ti Fi LOVES Baby Einstein videos. Every now and then we have a hug session, and boy does she give the best hugs ever.
I had a sleepover with the older kids last night (Jose, Leica, Dieunel, Moise and JJ). What a treat for me to see kids get sooooooo excited over popcorn ? and a movie ? (sorry Karen, I found your stash…there’s still lots left though). What we take for granted back home, gives the greatest pleasure to these children. It’s like I’ve stepped back in time to when I was a kid. Watching these children on a daily basis brings me back to MY childhood (I turned 52 today by the way, to put things in perspective). I remember days of black and white t.v. with only 4 or 5 channels until my dad put up an antenna. We played outside alone…without adults hovering over us…until it got dark. The big kids on the street took care of the little ones, and we played with things that were not store bought, so we used our IMAGINATION.
I admit that there are moments when I cringe when I see Magdala or Dickieson jumping from the steps, or Jonathan and Markenson playing with a big plastic tube that doesn’t exactly have the smoothest edges. But suprisingly, the kids here have learned to be pretty careful. Oh sure, they sometimes get hurt by falling or stubbing their toe on a rock, and some will cry, but mostly they shake it off and keep playing. It makes me laugh about the “rules” we’ve had to establish for recess time at my school…the “don’t” rules…don’t do this, careful of that, oh my goodness, that blade of grass might hurt you!!!!
Anyway, Moise is coming up soon, and we are going to attempt to sew the parachute to have it ready for Mariah’s arrival. I’ve also been trying to slip in math “games” to practice basic facts with him. When it’s a game, they love to practise. Don’t we all? We’ll go on another walk in the late afternoon, if it doesn’t rain. The sky looks pretty dark right now. There’s nothing like a good thunder storm ? to cool things off…ya…down to at least 30 would be nice. Luckner has been by a lot as well to supervise the construction next door at the school, and to make sure I’m ok. I just had to get a picture of his shirt. Canadian readers will understand why!!!!
Hugs and Love
~Beate
The boss aka Papa making sure we’re ok (I do miss Timmies)
Ti Fi feeding her baby!!! Amazing
Mr Independent
Just having fun that’s all
Ti Fi is colouring her mask too
Dieunel measures the wall
Markenson layin’ down on the job
Sandra is working the drive through
Quieter times whew!!!
And posed for this (although we did sew the rip)
Math games…Ok, we did pose for this pic
Reading time (also a good trick for quiet time)
