A Sick Child

Cecilia has been sick for the past couple of days with a virus of some kind. She's really miserable and Shiella has had very little sleep. I can't take watching a child being sick. How much I wish that I could be sick instead of her. But isn't that what God has done for us? Did he not want to see us sick with sin so much that he choose to take on our sin through the suffering and death of His Son, Jesus Christ? He loved us so much that He did take on our sickness so that we could have eternal life. And in suffering for my own child, it is amazing how much I learn about who God is and share more deeply in His Life.

Patrick's First Steps

Patrick started walking yesterday (February 10). I was setting up a chair in the family room and here he comes walking right in from the kitchen following me sporting a gigantic grin. He sure was proud of himself. Apparently he had taken several steps earlier in the day while I was at work, but by that evening, he looked pretty solid on his feet. The only one happier than Patrick was Ponce, who desperately wants Patrick to grow up quickly so that he and his little brother can play together.

National Museum of the American Indian

One of the benefits of living in the National Capitol Region is the many museums, monuments and other places of historical importance. Today we visited the National Museum of the American Indian. The museum is part of the Smithsonian Institute and admission is free. We saw several short presentations on canoe making, beads and weaving. The children really enjoyed the visit.

Let It Snow

It doesn't snow very often in Southern Maryland, so any snow at all generates a whole lot of excitement in the house. Last week, we had a couple of inches fall and the kids were so excited. It's certainly not the really serious snow we enjoyed in northern New York, but Ponce, Isabel, Cecilia and even Patrick had a great time. Here's a few pictures to show how happy they were.

Welcome Mama!

On January 21, 2009, we welcomed Shiella's mom, Ingrid, to our family as she finally (and legally) immigrated to the United States. It is such a blessing to have her with us now and the children all love having their grandmother around.

Meet the Crew

This is a recent photo taken just before Christmas 2008 in our backyard in Owings, Maryland. From left to right: Shiella, Patrick, Cecilia, Isabel, Ponce, and Paul.

Why We Started This Blog

Shiella and I began this blog - really an online journal - to keep a record of our life that we could share with our family and friends. We hope to share photos, news updates of what's been happening and an occasional comment, thought or two. Feel free to visit often and comment. I hope this little journal will help us to renew old friendships, stay in touch, as well as make new friendships around the world.