I love to ...

walk

I love to ...

swwwwwwing

Time to Update

Have we been in hiding?? No not really - well maybe - it's hard to tell. September was an insanely busy month for us (and for many I know strangely enough) and so life happened and pictures were taken and there were stories to tell but there was no moments of down time to sit and share them with you.

So in one big effort I've found some time to update our blog ... share the pictures and stories with you that have happened over the past month and a bit. Pay no attention to the order in which they come ... I tried to figure out how the posting and order works (thus I'm writing this at the end of it all!!) but in the end it doesn't really matter - just scroll down - read and enjoy some snapshots of our life.

Coming soon will be pics and stories of Renatah's first birthday - can you believe it's been a year?!?!?! Where has all the time gone?! What an awesome year it has been!

The Picture Tells a Story

These captured moments speak to so much more than the still life you can observe. So while the picture probably says enough - I've added some thoughts to help paint a more complete picture!

The Picture Tells a Story (1)

This picture was taken just moments too late to capture our little explorer completely inside the cupboard! We caught her coming out! Not too long ago Renatah figured out how to open cupboards. It prompted the installation of some lock thingo's on the cupboard doors that we don't want her exploring (ie under the kitchen sink - we all know what nasty's loom under there!) and some rearranging of where things are stored.

She does however have free reign over the cupboard that houses the pots and pans and now the tupperware! Now she is forever emptying and I'm forever putting away!! I'm not complaining - it's great to watch her explore her world - bumps, bonks and all!

The Picture Tells a Story (2)

"DADA, HI" ... what does this say about the muma?! I guess I'm on the phone quite a bit with Tim!! Although we refer to Tim as 'Papa', Renatah has taken to the word 'Dada' ... we have discovered however that this word is mostly spoken when she sees or is playing with a phone!! Phone = dada!! It was affirmed the other morning at church when Renatah saw a lady walk past with the same cell phone as me and she pointed and said 'dada'!!

Her face lights up when the phone rings and she sticks her arm up in the air and waves her little hand and says "HI, DADA HI". The greeting is usually followed by an outstretched hand saying 'ta' - asking for the phone so that she can hold it and talk to her Papa ( or just push the buttons and observe what happens!)

The Picture Tells a Story (3)

Everything was very quiet as I read a book on the couch. One of those it's-too-quiet-for-my-liking moments - something must be going on.
Sure enough! She had scavenged through the diaper bag and found my wallet ... emptied its contents and was going for the coffee!! (it was empty thankfully!)

Summer Project

This summer we had Shalom with us for two weeks and we did a few projects together. The favourite was making a dress for Renatah and a shirt for Shalom. Shalom chose the fabric and practiced using a machine on scraps before venturing into her first sewing experience. She did a fabulous job on her shirt and I made Renatah's matching little dress. It is wonderful to see Shalom proud of her accomplishment and eager to do more! Perhaps we won't make any more matching outfits but some other projects will be fun!

Gardening with Muma

Oh what fun was had! Muma decided not to care how dirty I got or how much dirt I ate!

If you look closely you can see that I also got watered when the plants did!!

a moment by the tub

Our Renatah LOVES bathtime!!
She is so good at entertaining herself and others.
We thought you might enjoy a few mintues by the tub!!

She WALKS!!

Over the past few months Renatah has grown more and more confident in walking with support ... we delighted in her crawling up to us, climbing up our leg and tugging on our finger in the direction she wanted to go. On Sept 29 just a few days before her 11 month birthday her sense of adventure took over and instead of just a step or two in between objects she wandered away from me (in the kitchen) and into her toy area. Her godmuma - Aunty Joy - witnessed the event. Renatah was so pleased with her self that she repeated her little jaunt a few more times that evening.



After a few days of walking and then falling and then crawling over to something on which to support her as she pulled herself up to standing she has developed into a more frequent and confident walker. Renatah now prefers to walk though she does resort to crawling when she wants to get some where fast - she just trips over her little feet!!



Enjoy the video!

Visits from Home

We had a much anticipated visit from our dear friends 'auntie Gwen' and 'auntie Di' at the beginning of September. They had talked of using their long-service leave to come and visit us in 2007 ... and sure enough ... 2007 came and plans were in the works.

They toured much of the North West of the USA. We joined them in touring Mt St Helens in Washington State. We drove out to the Oregon 'coast' to Cannon Beach and payed a visit to Tillamook Cheese Factory. Seattle Space Needle was another conquered tourist attraction.

We also enjoyed just hanging out at the local shops - Clackamas Town Center where they witnessed Renatah's first (impromptu) photo shoot ... and their all time favourite - Fred Meyer. How are you doing ladies without your Freddies fix??

Auntie Gwen and Auntie Di - we miss you - but the treasures you left behind give us fond reminders daily! Renatah loves 'Fred' - I think he's becoming her favourite!

Death to Crackers

Renatah tried to stuff the big pieces of cracker into her mouth but found that if she beat the cracker to itty bitty bits it was eaiser. Not a good day to be a cracker!

Renatah says YAY!!

the toothless grin

yep ... 9 months old and still no teeth. Aparently it's a typical Ohlson trait so we aren't too worried. I realised the other day - I think I will be a little sad when teeth do start to appear! We are growing very fond of Renatah's gummy smiles and noises. She continues to 'teethe' every once in a while, but it still hasn't produced any pearly whites!

We miss our Gramps and Nonny

You have been gone for just over 3 weeks and we miss you terribly. Looking back at all the photos of your time here makes us happy and sad.

Thanks for coming - come back soon!!

still enjoying VEGEMITE

our 'water baby'

Once again tapping into her Aussie roots our little girl is proving to be a water baby. She loves her baths and splashes in the paddle pool ... last week we introduced her to 'the big pool'. It was a wonderful experience. She seemed to enjoy the freedom of the floating device in the shallow parts where her feet could touch the ground. I was impressed by her calm reaction to going 'underwater' for a second or two and delighted that she would 'fall' into my arms and into the water when we put her on the side of the pool.

I can't wait to introduce her to the beautiful Australian beaches at the end of the year!

Every baby needs a photo in the laundry basket!

Renatah did have a fun time for a few minutes, honestly!! By the time I got the camera out and ready though she was ready to get "out please mumma"!

Summer Days

The hot days of summer are here. We conquered the purchase of a swim suit for our little girl ... and then decided to get her a little paddle pool so that she can cool off in the back yard. She had as much fun playing with it inside the house with no water as she did in the back yard with water. The presence of water kept her inside the pool as opposed to climbing in and out of it when it was empty!

Even her big sister Shalom thought a little paddle would be fun ... although the space was a little cramped!

Our Vegemite Kid

Being half Australian yet living in the US it is very important for Renatah to develop some Aussie 'roots' early. So we have introduced her to vegemite - and she can't get enough!!

We are proud of our little vegemite kid.

Domestic training has begun

Well not really! Renatah just enjoys being up and involved in life and the dishwasher is a favourite place to be. When it's open it's just the right height.

4th of July Highlight

We were invited to a fair put on by the company that friends of ours work for to celebrate the 4th of July. Renatah had a fabulous day - just hanging out.

The highlight of her day was a turn on the bouncy castle right before they packed it up - we convinced the person running it to let the little ones have a little 'bounce' for a few minutes. We were very glad we did ... she LOVED it. When bigger kids bounced around her sending her nose into the bump she pushed her head back up - laughed - and crawled towards 'more'.

Sisters are great

Renatah loves her big sister Sha-Sha. Its the beginning of a beautiful friendship we think!

Life with Gramps and Nonny

mowing the Sandy lawns with Gramps

coming in for a kiss

catching a nap in the bookstore

lunch after a Costco shopping trip

playing with Nonny

playing with Gramps

They're Here!

Gramps and Nonny have been here for almost two weeks already! Time has flown by so fast. We have had lots of fun doing life with them. They have had some special moments with Renatah and are tackling all facets of grandparent hood with joy! (even the nappy changes!)

Here is Renatah holding a welcome sign at the airport on Monday June 18th. We captured the first meeting on video - we will endeavour to upload it onto here soon!

9 More (night time) Sleeps...

...till I meet my Gramps for the first time and see my Nonnie again! The last time I saw Nonnie was the two weeks after I was born. She gave me lots of cuddles and took good care of mumma and me as we got used to life together! Mumma doesn't think I know that they are coming but I have figured it out by how excited she is.

I can't wait to give them hugs and kisses and show them my new tricks!

I'll give you a hint Nonnie and Gramps - I'm seeing the world differently these days - there are alot more things below me and I accessing my world at greater speed!

I love my Papa

I love hanging out with my Papa.

I love it when he throws me in the air - it makes me laugh and my laugh makes him laugh!

I love it when he tickles my feet.

I love to give him kisses - though he says I'm still perfecting that skill - they are rather sloppy.

I Love Elephants Too!

Auntie Di - Look - I'm wearing the funky Elephant booties you sent me. My favourite thing to do with them is to pull them right off my feet ... mumma plays this game with me for a little while - putting them back on my feet so I can pull them off again. But after a little while it's not so fun any more - so I just hold on to them and suck on their noses! mmmm good for my gums!

It's Over!

Renatah and I just returned from our trip to Ohio. We had a wonderful time visiting with Sarah and Benji and Sarah's family. Unfortunately I forgot to take the camera and their camera went out of action - so - no photos to share ... bummer!

Just before we left we had the interview for my green card. It was pretty much a non-event. Just a casual chat with the DHS guy, a browse through our photos and ... I got the stamp of approval. Because of the timing of it all - I am not getting a 'conditional' status as I thought was the case - but rather - I'm 'permanent'! Well - it is valid for 10 years.

So we praise the Lord for going ahead of us in all of this and for bringing us to the end! The card will arrive any day now and I can sit back and relax! Well - in terms of immigration hassles! There's always lots to do around here!

Thanks for journeying with us!
Naomi

Immigration Update

Hopefully there won't be too many more of these needed! On Thursday May 24th at 3pm I am secheduled for an interview for my green card. Tim and Renatah both have to be there with me along with many pieces of paper and what ever 'evidence' we have of our relationship!! Have you ever seen the movie 'Greencard' with Andie McDowell - I wonder what kind of an experience this will be! We haven't been 'studying' each other ... so we'll see how it goes!

The appointment is in Seattle (as our mailing address was Vancouver Washington for the past year or so) ... so it will be quite the adventure. I hope I will be posting news of celebration soon.

Oh - the day after the interview Renatah and I will be off on another practise plane ride to Ohio to visit my dear friend Sarah and her family for a week. We are so excited to see them again and for Renatah to meet them for the first time.

Thanks again for your continued prayer and support over the past 2 1/2 years - crazy isn't it!

Naomi

Exploring the world of FOOD!

Renatah is thoroughly enjoying dinner each night exploring the vegetable world. She is quite eager to 'feed herself' but is working on which end of the spoon achieves the best results!

Happy 6 month Birthday Renatah

On May 2nd we had a tiny celebration of Renatah's six month milestone. She loved sucking on her 'cake' - a granny smith apple with an unlit candle! Fun times!!!

Visits from Michelle

At the beginning of this month we had a visit from my friend from uni - Michelle. She was here the day Renatah was born so it was rather fun for her to see our little girl again six months later.


We love that Michelle's work brings her to the states and that she squeezes in a visit with us before returning to work in Hong Kong. Thanks Michelle!! We miss you.

This photo was taken at our favourite restaurant - PF Changs in down town Portland. Renatah has an odd expression because she has been sucking on a wedge of lemon!

Men at Work

The first project for our new house was to build a fence so that we could keep a dog in the back yard. Chuck, our next door neighbour, is a God-send! He's a 'you-name-it-I-can-do-it' kinda guy and absolutely loves doing things with his hands. With his knowledge and skills and Tim's muscle they put this beautiful fence up in two days. We are so blessed and grateful for God's provision of our handy and delightful nextdoor neighbour!