Wow...where does the time go? I can't believe that we are already into the month of July! As promised, I am finally getting around to the previously mentioned blog that will be all about Zeke and what he is up to these days. So, here we go!Zeke has been a great fit for these people and this place. He goes just about everywhere we go and does everything that we do. He is such a trooper! He totally dives into the culture here, even if an all day picnic causes him to miss his afternoon nap! He is quick to bounce back and has proved to be the most flexible child I know!
Zeke also makes friends everywhere we go. He is definitely unique here with his blond hair and blue eyes, but his outgoing personality also sucks them in and makes it so that they remember HIS name even when they don't remember OURS! This picture is him with our neighbor, who routinely comes over with his brother to pick him up and bring them over to their house to play. Often while there he sneaks a sugar cube or two from them, which they think is hilarious.
One blessing that we have received while here is another American family who has a boy within two weeks of Zeke's age. Together they are learning about sharing and being kind to one another (a harder lesson for the other boy since Zeke is the bigger child!). Zeke has a blast with his friend and even seems to have a little crush on his older sister since he is constantly saying her name!
Zeke seems to love everything about summer. He loves playing out in the yard with the hose and playing in his little kiddie pool. He gets a real kick out of trying to get me and Scott as wet as he is and often turns our driveway into one big slip'n'slide. He is so into playing in the water these days that I can hardly put water into a bowl or pan for cooking without him wanting to splash in it or even put his little feet in!
He also loves that summer comes with eating ice cream cones out in the yard. When we first hand him the cone he always informs us that its cold, but then dives right in and enjoys every single bite! He seems to have quite the sweet tooth...hmm, wonder where he gets that from:-)
Zeke is also a great eater! We have very few struggles at meals because he is happy to dig in whether its American food or local cuisine! He has recently started tell us when he is "hungies" and wants a snack. Fortunately he likes both sweet and nutritional foods so we are able to get a balanced diet in him without much if a fight. He has also recently gotten into asking for "boose," (juice) and has discovered that I am adding water...when he catches me he is sure to let me know that he was asking for the real deal. He has also figured out how to open the fridge himself and routinely tries to help himself...this has resulted in spilled honey mustard and milk all over the kitchen floor!
Another thing Zeke loves to do is pretend to drive. It seems everyone here is happy to let him play in their car and push all the buttons. Here he is in the neighbors car having a great time. Anything that has buttons and produces some kind of sound or light is loads of fun for Zeke. We're having a hard time keeping him away from electrical sockets here which have a little switch that turns them on and off and has a little light...they're just too tempting for a little guy to stay away!
Zeke is also trying to help around the house. Here he is throwing all the clean, folded clothes all over the bedroom. He often will pull clothing out of the washing machine and also loves to help stir while I'm cooking!
Zeke has recently gotten more into videos. For a long time he was completely incapable of stopping long enough to watch something, but he seems to be lengthening his attention span these days to include videos and books. Here he is enjoying a baby einstein video which he managed to get through entirely that day...a much needed break for a tired mommy and daddy.
Zeke is also really getting into trying to be like us and do everything we do. Here he is wearing daddy's baseball cap. He loves to stroll around the house wearing our shoes and clothes and if he sees us doing something interesting he definitely wants in! His mimicry also includes tons of language and we are shocked sometimes at the things he is picking up even when he only hears it once or twice. He is also speaking a fair amount of the local language, much to people's delight! Its tough for us to understand at times because its hard enough understanding baby language in your own native tongue, but then you add two languages and it gets much more complicated. He is making two-word sentences (in both languages) and seems quite pleased with himself and his ability to get what he wants!
Here is Zeke in daddy's shirt, checking himself out in our bedroom mirror. He loves mirrors and often dances on our bed where he can see himself in the dresser mirror. He is such a funny little boy...he's always ready to make us laugh or to laugh with us!
I have mentioned before that Zeke has this little scam with the reality shop next to our house. He goes in, waves at the guys, says "ewe ta" which means "I want that one" while pointing at the candy dish and then sits with them for a few minutes before coming back outside to me or scott. I was thrilled to have the camera this day and catch him in the act. It has become a regular routine and they are always happy to invite him in, give him candy and water, and to send him on his way. We can barely get out of the house without having to make this stop!
As you can imagine, Zeke is quite the little character! He is such a joy in our lives! God gave us a little boy that couldn't be more perfect for our family. We still can't believe how he has gone from a tiny, little baby to the toddler we see running around our house and running our lives! We love to watch him learn and grow and can't wait to see what else God has in store for his life! We thank God everyday for our little Ezekiel...how Good is God!!!
