The New American Citizens!

This month has been very special for us for several reasons, which I hope to share with you over the next few days... To start, on May 17th, Jonny and I were sworn in as American citizens! We have been here now for almost 11 years and after a long process of different visas and over 5 years of permanent residence, our time came to pledge allegiance to the flag! :) It was a happy occasion and we were so thankful that Daniel, my mother and Stephen were our witnesses (Luke stayed home with a babysitter). 

For so long I have wondered if I could ever call America home and God worked a lot in me to get me to this place, where I could wholeheartedly embrace the new citizenship. It's been a long journey for me, changing countries every 7 years on average and not really having a place to call home... Only if you have grown up across cultures can you relate to what this felt like. But now, finally, I can call America home. The timing is right and I feel at peace. As one of my favorite hymns says "It is well with my soul!" 

The oath ceremony was special because we saw the diversity of all the new American citizens, representing all continents, something we truly love about this country. But what was the most touching to me was that after we took the oath, the man who spoke thanked us for coming to America. He said that they recognized what a long journey it had been for us to get here and how much courage it took to leave our families behind and start a new life in a different country. I never expected them to thank us and recognize our efforts! He also said that though we were now citizens, it did not mean that we should forget where we came from and encouraged us to teach our children about our heritage. A lovely occasion indeed!

Daniel had fun waving the flag!

Luke is 8 months old today!

Our precious baby Luke turned 8 months old today! And he is as cute and sweet as ever! He is such a joy to have around, easy going and an overall happy baby. Especially when his big brother is around; he just loves Daniel! And Daniel loves him right back!

In this last month he has become more stable when sitting, can scoot around and push back on his tummy, and has three teeth growing. He is constantly moving when awake and is very energetic. Once he is mobile, he's going to be hard to keep up with! He has started to take two longer naps a day instead of three, which has been nice because we've had time to go out for walks before dinner now that it is much warmer here (today was a hot day!). He continues to eat well and now that he is 8 months old, I plan to introduce more new foods including lentils. He is doing great at the day care but has recently been at home more with my mother who has been visiting for 2 weeks (more on that soon). Enjoy today's photos!

Look at the two bottom teeth! He has one more coming out on the top right. 

Still loves to "fly" on his tummy!

Being their mamae is the greatest joy!

Daniel said he was guarding Luke in his fort!

And Luke said, "You're doing a great job!"

Daniel makes Luke laugh often!

MB: Jonny graduated today!

We are so proud and thankful to God for bringing us this far! More photos soon; now just a preview... ;)

MB: M.B.A. Done!!!

Jonny just walked in from his LAST M.B.A. class ever! We both still can't believe that from tonight, there will be no more night school! We were remembering that he started it a couple of months before Daniel turned 3! And now, 3 and a half years later, after a lot of hard work and dedication, he is done! I'm so proud of you Jonny!! Next week is graduation and we will celebrate!!