In the recent months, there have been exciting changes in our family. Yva (now 2 1/2) and Ethan (now 8 months) are beginning to interact like a typical brother and sister. Ethan can move across the house now in a professional army-style crawl and steal big sister's toys in a heartbeat. His favorite thing to swipe is Yva's beloved doll stroller (anything with wheels is especially thrilling to him), to which she promptly responds by rushing in and reminding him that "this is not a baby toy!". In turn, he has learned the "help me, Mom!!! I'm just the baby!!!" tattle-taling scream which usually results in the toy returning to him. This is immediately followed by the big sister "it's not fair!!!" scream.
. . . . sigh. . .
As to be expected, our lessons of sibling kindness are just beginning. At times, it seems that Ms. Yva much preferred her baby brother as a "baby doll" who simply had to be cared for and typically kept his hands and opinions to himself. But then, there are those priceless moments of pure joy when toddler and baby connect and belly laughs are served all around. These times make all the hard work and tears fade in the background.
In addition, on October 5th, my sister gave birth to my new baby nephew in West Africa - Benjamin Josiah McAfee. We are so excited that everyone is now healthy and getting ready to return to their home in Cote D'Ivoire. A new baby in the family is always an exciting event, but this one seems bittersweet. . . I so long to hold that little bundle in my arms. Oh, if oceans weren't so big!. . .
Now as the weather changes, we look forward to the holidays and time with extended family and friends. God has blessed us beyond belief with wonderful relationships and we are always being reminded of his protection and faithfulness to us.
There is no measure of His goodness. . .
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