Dear Everyone,
| Sad Start to1999 |
As you know Lucy lost her Mum in January. Of course it has been difficult, and was a horrible shock, but so many people have been so lovely (like Caroline being so caring, Duncan being so helpful with the practical matters and Maurice being such a wise friend through-out). There is plenty of healing involved but the process is definitely underway.
| Danny’s School |
Nursery school started for Danny in September. He has enjoyed it from the start, but his teachers comment on how he’s becoming more outgoing and confident by the month! Colleges Nursery was our first choice out of the Nursery schools in our area. There’s such an encouraging and positive atmosphere there. The annual Christmas Fayre put on by them was at the weekend, which gave Danny a chance to see Father Christmas (he was very shy—but wouldn’t miss it). Simon hid in his Dad’s arms the whole time, but he’s sure to be interested by next year.
| Simon's Birthday |
Simon enjoyed his first Birthday party, where Danny and three other friends came and played. He had a caterpillar cake and got some very cool toys like a tractor and a motorcycle. He enjoyed blowing out the candles on his birthday cake and now a game that both boys play often is "wrapping" a present in some paper or material at hand, then singing "Happy Birthday" and giving it to their Mum or Dad and watching us open it.
| House Renovations |
The extension had us frustrated a month or two ago--seemed like everything was putting it further and further behind schedule. But now things are happening very quickly. The windows are going in, the plaster is all done, the bathroom suites have arrived and the radiators are mounted upstairs. Having the roofers and plumbers and builders and plasterers and carpenter coming and going every day makes for an exciting home. Lucy’s looking forward to having her space back in the day-time, and.
| Millenium Plans |
Some friends planned a real "knees up" New Year party, but we both thought we’d probably rather have an early night! (Have we always been such party animals?!) But then we started thinking about what would be worth staying up late for. A few years ago a Dutch family shared there traditional New Year’s celebration with us—which culminated in a food from all the countries which had people representing them being shared at midnight. So, we had some very exotic African food, some British stuff, Dutch munchies and even some grub from the ole U.S.of A. That started out as our idea, along with how nice it was to sit around with two other couples and have civilized conversations that weren’t interrupted by toddlers and young children—after they’ve been tucked in bed! So, to break-in the new rooms in the extension, and ring in the Millenium, we’ll be having Sylwec and Marta (and some of their Polish food) and Rinata and John (and some of their English food) and me and Lu (and some of our American food)—although we’ll eat at a more conventional time since there won’t be any Dutch with us for this one. Of course, each couple will bring their kids, so Danny and Simon will have Laura and Adam who are about Danny’s age and Julia who is about Simon’s age—all bundled into the boys room for our first ever SLUMBER PARTY! So, while the kids are awake we’ll have some games for them and stuff, let them get excited and stay up a bit late, then when they’ve finally zonked out asleep, we can have some nice quiet grown-up visiting and talking time. That’s the plan anyway. (^;
| A Blessing in the Summer |
Yes, we’ve enjoyed the boys so much, we thought we’d make it a family of five by having another baby. If it’s a girl (Kevin would like that) we are thinking we’d agree on naming her Emily. If it’s a boy,… we’re not yet agreed on a name. Either way, without a miracle, this will definitely be the last one! Anyway, Lucy’s due sometime in July
