Enzo the Impertinent

I have some concerns about Enzo. Several times in the past month people have made a point to comment to me about how adorable they think he is. Unfortunately, the conversation goes like this:

Out of town family member: "That Enzo is just so cute. I want to take him home with me! Today when I arrived he came straight up to me and said, 'I'm angry with you. Don't talk to me!'"

Venerable branch matriarch: "Enzo is so cute. Today when I visited nursery I said "Hello" to him and he told me to shush."

Then yesterday, there was a woman with a petition outside the grocery store. She tried to engage Lena and Enzo with a cheery "Hey there little guys."

Lena smiled back with delight. New people are always new friends for her.

Enzo pulled his face into a fierce scowl and screamed, "I am NOT a little guy."

The petition woman laughed, "He is so cute!"

I'm worried that as long as he's so dang cute he's going to get away with anything. Admittedly, it works on me.

Keeping in Touch

An unfortunate side effect of coming back to the land of the free is my tendency to fall out of contact with the world at large. Something about being between the shining seas gives me the impression of closeness with those that I care about, family and friends. What I forget is that proximity only means so much in a relationship and being in the same country as someone (or even just countries with the same national language) does not mean that I am maintaining a relationship with them.

These broodings were sparked by a response to one of my sporadic attempts to keep in touch. Our first Christmas card in three years made it's tentative way to addresses far and wide without knowing for sure if the intended recipients still lived there. I went on my merry way hoping far flung friends and family would know I was thinking of them and forgive my former silence.

The other day I got a response to a card from an elderly friend who we met while living in New Zealand. The letter was dated for Christmas day and after a brief paragraph expressing surprise at hearing from us shared the sad news that his wonderful wife had passed away. I immediately remembered how I, as a young homesick woman with a new baby, had leaned on her for support. And then, of course, I realized the last time we talked was six years ago, when Maggie was a baby.

I don't want to get so caught up in my busy life that I don't stay in contact with the people that are important to me. This includes you.

I'm a slow learner so I thought I'd start by blogging again. And someday, when I build up the courage, I might even post something on facebook.

What!?!

Classic Slate Blue Solid Colors

Modern greeting cards and party invitations by Shutterfly.

View the entire collection of cards.

Paradise?

Adivce?

Not sure how to respond to this email from Maria...

My dear Madam,
How are you? thanks for your reply. I am sorry to say that, i have no job anymore. Because the new madam doesn't need me. She has suspend me from the job. Now I'm wordless. i have spend nine thousand taka to make a home that u send. I can't do any kinds of hard job because of my physically illness. Now I have no money to maintain my family with two child. I want to start a cloth shop. I need your help.

I will be grateful to you. if u save me from my poverty.I miss you . I also miss your kids.

Lots of Family

Lena and her great grandpa taking each other for a walk.

In the course of our lives we have repeatedly made decisions based on the desire to be closer to our families. It was never too difficult a decision since we're lucky to be related to some of the coolest people on the planet. Over the past few weeks the better part of every day has been spent with aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents in a maelstrom of activity. Today, we said goodbye to the last of our family leaving for home out of town. I'm sad our month of family is coming to a close...

...but it's not even dark and the babies are tucked in

...Bryce took Titus and Maggie out for a paddle

...and I'm online

I think I can get used to this too.

New Perspective

When we left B-desh we immersed our tired minds and bodies in the surreal worlds of hotels and amusement parks. It was a startling contrast but we embraced the transition to life with neat orderly lines, flat sidewalks, and green grass.

We've been here for nearly a month and sometimes I have the sensation that we're still walking through an amusement park. It seems too good to be true. The air is clear and quiet, there is green grass and an abundance of trees to climb. Best of all, when we go outside, no one seems to notice us. We're just another nondescript family enjoying this peaceful abundant existence.

I am so grateful for it.

But, I recognize that I'm more grateful for it than I've ever been before. I appreciate things in a new way. It's delightful to fill my water bottle from the tap. It's wondrous to have a digital clock reflect the correct time day in and day out. Children are playing outside!

I'm a big believer in "thank you cards" so here goes:

Dear Bangladesh,

Thank you for letting us stay with you. We learned a lot.

Love, The Blogtistis