This must be my third attempt at writing. I'm either interrupted by my boys needing something or waking up from naps or from my scattered thoughts that I can't seem to gather and get a hold of these days...

Elliot is now one year and 9 days old and is gradually outgrowing his Babyphase. Even though he still refuses to walk or even stand (even though he could) he has become increasingly mobile, climbing on and over furniture, up and down stairs, trying to climb out of his high chair or get on and off our bed. It's fun to see how he communicates and mimicks all we say and do. Like Dylan, he loves to dance and whenever there's music - a CD playing, a cellphone jingling, on TV or someone playing the guitar - he immediatley starts bobbing his head and moving his body to the beat. Dylan and Elliot have started dancing together and it's so much fun watching the two of them and the joy they have in music. Maybe we'll be able to start a family band some day. :)

Dylan is enjoying Pre School and learning new things daily. It's fun to hear him sing songs he's learned at school and recently he told me the story of Goldilocks and the three bears. Both he and I were excited when I finally understood what he was telling me about! And the funniest thing on Elliot's birthday was Dylan who started singing "Happy Birthday" the way they do it here with lots of clapping of hands! He didn't know the song before so he must have learned it at school, too.

Last week, I had some days of self doubt as I was confronted with some of my weaknesses in dealing with people. For a few days I felt like a total failure concerning my people skills and withdrew into my own little world, not daring to venture forth into community again. But a date with my husband helped me see it all from a different perspective and that gave me the courage to try it once again. There's nothing like people to help us face up to the truth about ourselves - both the good and bad.