A donkey is a boys' best friend

Over the last few days Caelan has developed an affiliation with one of his stuffed toys - a donkey. It has a creative name: Donkey. We have noticed over the last month or so that Caelan's play has been changing. He is starting to make up stories, role and pretend play. Some of his 'little people' have become mummy, daddy and Caelan.

Today, Caelan took on the role of mummy to donkey. Maybe a girl would develop this sooner, but today was the first time I have noted Caelan cuddling, cradling, rocking, consoling a soft toy. Many times today, donkey was tired and needed to be tucked into bed. He was even scared of Opa's truck and was told 'shhhh, it's o.k, ok'. Up until now Caelan has not had a particular doll, animal or object which has been favoured. Donkey however, was tucked in with him both at lunch and nighttime. We also had to kiss Donkey good night. I wonder whether Donkey will become part of the family...

7 months young

Elisha turned 7 months old yesterday. How the time is flying. It has been a eventful week for 'Sha' (as Caelan still calls him). First, was two bottom teeth finally breaking though on Wednesday. Second, was sitting up on Thursday and third was saying 'da-da-da-da-da' on Friday.

We are continually enjoying Elisha, who has taken very well to solids this last month. He happily enjoys three meals a day and soon will have some snacks as well. He has started to become a lot more active on the floor these last couple of weeks. Always rolling and much happier for longer on his tummy. He has never developed a real interest in toys. He just loves watching and interacting with his older brother.

It's been amazing to watch how Caelan now plays differently with Elisha as well. He seems to know Elisha is older and can interact differently. Caelan has started lining cars and trucks and animals around Elisha and proceeds to identify each item for him.

The two boys have already started wrestling! Caelan lies over Elisha (not with all his body weight) and they roll over together, and Elisha tugs at Caelans hair and kicks him! They both think it is hilarious (so does mummy - that is before one of them loses an eye!) They are great mates already.

In terms of stats, Lishi is still on the smaller side of things. Weighing in at 7.5kg (at 6months) and about 68cm long. But of course, on the cutemeter comes in on equal top with his brother. (in his mother's eyes anyway)

For interest, spot the differences between Caelan (below) at 7 months and Elisha!!

The presence of others

Adriaan left before 5am this morning to catch a flight to Adelaide for work. He won't be home until late Friday night. So it is a good solid 4 days I am alone with the boys. Thankfully we are all feeling much better than last week, although still not 100%.

It is times like these that I am extra thankful for having family close by and willing to let me hang with them for a good portion of this week. When Adriaan has been away in the past, mum has stayed with us. But this week I will probably spend two nights at her house. Having someone else around to help with the kids is wonderful. Mornings and evenings x4 on my own with two young boys is not my idea of fun!

Some people like solitude and don't mind their own company. Adriaan is one of those people. I am not. I just like company. We don't have to be talking, but someone just to hang with. Someone to help fill the void. Mere presence is enough. Isn't it interesting the way that we are wired; there is a deep desire in most of us to find the 'one' person to share the rest of your life with. When we travel, see a movie, watch a sunset, we want to share it with someone else; a spouse, a friend, a sister. 'I wished you could have seen it with me.' Something significant is gained when an experienced is shared. Perhaps part of it is the building of memories and stories with others. If you do it alone, retelling the story in years to come is no where near as much fun.

I suspect a big part of it is a reflection of how we were created. God in himself is in relationship. He exists not as one but three. When he works in the world he works as Father, Son and Spirit. God is relationship.

If (God was) simply One God and only One Person, then you would find yourself in this Creation without something wonderful, without something essental even. And (God) would be utterly other than (he is)... All love and relationship is possible for you only because it already exists within (God). Love is not the limitation; love is the flying.

-William P. Young, The Shack, p.101.

So when we yearn to be with others

we could remember that this is something to be deeply thankful for. Our yearning images the One who yearns to be restored to all his creation. And how wonderful to know that when we begin a journey with the maker of all, he welcomes us into his awesome presence. In grace and wisdom he gives us his Spirit to walk and journey with us.

His presence with us. Immanuel.