make way for baby

Whoever thought nesting was confined to the house? It may be cultural cliche or a back handed insult but, for this list maker, nesting is quite real.

Trimming unruly bougainvillea takes a man with a ladder & a cutlass. And two strong boys to haul them off. And two smaller people with scissors clipping the small shoots. Our work was commented on by all passers-by. Many of them said "Ayiko". This is a greeting we've received at church services, and were told it means "You are welcome to this place". We answer with "Yaaye." Meaning, thank you for welcoming me.

It took Richmond to explain why we were being welcomed after 2 years. He says they were encouraging us in our work, that we were welcome to join them in working hard. Yep, these Americans like to do their own work. We turned down many offers for the work outside the wall to be done for us.

A neighbor employed as a mason dug out the deep concrete gutter for a small wage plus keeping the sand to make blocks. Jon finished digging out the gutter, a job he relished after some difficult meetings recently. Above you can see the crowd gathering to watch us finish up the day. They were very impressed with the blower Jon used on the sidewalk.

The boys have changed rooms 3 times. I think they are now settled in room ruled by Tom & Jerry, Legos & K'nex. I caught them one morning starting the day quietly playing & reading. Some moments must be preserved. This was one of them. For two boys who's first words of the day are always clamoring for breakfast, 'cause their starving hungry, this was a treat.

A little Saturday paint job makes this dandy piece of furniture baby-ready. 
And we are ready too.
When the children say they wish our baby would come today, I still reply "Hmm, maybe not today. Tomorrow, please?"
As the hot days stretch on, I know I'll answer "Today? Yes, please," very soon.