the kids...

"By being present in daily life and in your interactions with others you teach presence. And so that is part of your purpose in life." - Eckhart Tolle

It's been a little while (or so it feels to me as time whizzes by at a rapid pace) since I have updated on my three little snugglebugs. Not to mention my tardiness on the photo site. So, I'll try to take some time now to write a few words about each of the kids (and a couple recent photos) and how much we are enjoying our days!!!

Isabel had a week of school this week and it was positively DELICIOUS. Oh how I adore having her home... the rhythm of our home just flows so naturally. The girls play beautifully together. And Leo eagerly joins in whenever he can. The favourite games right now include playing dress up, hairdresser, doctor, and really anything at all that inspires imagination and creativity. 

The girls following a session of playing hairdresser.

Isabel all dressed up for a friends birthday party and making a posed smile for the camera.

Isabel loves to do everything like a big kid now... helping set the table, getting things ready for lunch, sweeping up spills, cleaning windows, and so on. She talks without pause, and loves without prejudice. She is eager to try new things and shows almost no fear when faced with the opportunity to push herself to her edge. I am sure all parents feel this way, yet she never ceases to amaze me with her level of maturity... in the way she acts, in what she does, in how she embraces the world, and in all the many, many things she says. Isabel's favourite colours are pink, purple and white (in that order), but she still always says she likes all the colours. And most of all, Isabel loves to be 'fancy'... what that means we have not yet figured out exactly, other than that she will always choose to wear a dress over pants and sweater.

Isabel is often lost in thought these days... so I love how this photo (almost) captures her dreamy expression.

Anaïs making one of her favourite faces for the camera.

Anaïs is fiercely independent and has a style all her own. She picks out her own clothes every morning (always managing to coordinate with a sense of flare) and gets herself dressed without any help (other than with her shirt which she still can't quite get on by herself). She goes to the kitchen and picks out a cup for her and her sister and fills them up with water to set the table for breakfast (cold water in a pink cup for Isabel, and warm water in a blue cup for Anaïs). She often takes out the bowls, and then waits for Isabel to help her pour the milk and cereal. Her favourite colour, without compromise, is blue... in any shade. Being two and a half, she also believes that if something is blue, it must belong to her... 'cuz that's her favourite colour, of course. Anaïs loves to dance and sing... both girls do. She adores pretending to be a mama, and it's quite amazing watching my own reflection as she bounces her babies just as I bounce Leo, and sings the same songs, and carries around a million bags full of 'stuff'... oh my!! Anaïs now speaks in full sentences and easily alternates between English and Spanish... in verse and in song.

Anaïs relaxing on the jump-o-lene

Not unlike their mother, both girls are particular about what they like and dislike; though (unlike me) they are never shy to speak their mind... for better or worse!! And, following in my own tendencies, all three of my kids can eat non-stop... aside from eating a full breakfast, lunch and dinner, they are snacking all day long in between meals. Where it all goes... i just don't know!! But we are definitely a family who loves food. Recently I discovered fresh grown blueberries here in Bogotá, and despite the high price we just can't get enough. Anaïs is definitely more willing to experiment with new foods, though all three kids seem happy to eat whatever is offered. I must admit, it's wonderful... we are really enjoying meals together now (often without daddy, but we do our best to share meals when we can).

Anaïs and Leo enjoying each other... Ana was just reading a book to Leo (which is the image i was trying to capture) and suddenly they were moving into wrestle mode...

Happy together!!!!!

Leo continues to be full of smiles and happy as ever...

Leo is now a professional crawler and moves everywhere with ease. He giggles at everything... most of all at anything that his sisters are doing. He has seven teeth and like his sisters he LOVES to eat. His favourite foods include avocado, red beets, and beans of any kind. He also loves rice... and in particular any food that he can eat by himself. He seems to be talking up a storm and making sounds that definitely mimic words... ma, da, ba, la. The other day after we were playing with bubbles, i was sure he was saying: "baba" (which sounded just like bubble to me)!! Following in his sisters footsteps, he has decided that sleep is over-rated and prefers to practice crawling, walking, talking, or just playing, over any amount of sleep. Though is cuddles are so delicious I try to enjoy each moment rather than worry about the lack of sleep. I have been told a time will come when I won't be able to wake them up anymore... ha, ha, ha!!!

... even in his sleep. sweet dreams.

All in all, the kids continue to keep us on our toes... challenging us every single day to stay present, and inspiring us to dig deep for patience, kindness and courage to be the best 'us' we can be... so as to create a home that allows them to grow into the best 'them' that they can be.