Cole's Friend's Birthday Party

Cole and the birthday boy!

One of C's closest friends from school invited him to his birthday party. The party was held at this place that has a dress up area, face painting, arts & crafts, puzzles, tons of books, a climbing wall and an area for kids to pretend their shopping for food, which C especially liked.

My friend Nicole watching her son Quinn (who is also in Cole's class).








Quinn shopping.

Around Town

The streets were filled with Omani flags during the week of National Day. Colorful lights were also hung throughout the city. If these many American flags were all over a town in the States, I would've thought it was way too much. But since they were Omani flags, I loved it.

Cole loves looking out the window during our drives. But he always asks to listen to his favorite music in this order:

1. 500 Miles by The Proclaimers
2. Fergalicious & Girls Don't Cry by Fergie
3. Angry Any More & Everest by Ani Difranco
4. Better People & Twist by Xavier Rudd
   
   

Sohar Roundabout

Many major roundabouts throughout Muscat have some kind of big structure in the middle. This one has a ship called Sohar.  Like the vessel E is working on, it was entirely sewn together with coconut fibre rope, with no nails throughout.  E's boss Tom helped build it, and once Sohar was completed it was then sailed to China in 1981.

My boys waiting for me while I take my photos.

Cafe on the Beach

On the weekends, we often go to cafes. We especially love this particular cafe since it is right on the beach. E and I sit, chat and enjoy our tea while Tai sleeps and C plays on the beach. C loves it when we finish our tea and g for long walks on this beach b/c he gets to run around, yell and get all sandy.

Tapas

We went to Tapas, which is one of our favorite restaurants here. It overlooks the ocean, has incredibly delicious pupus and has lots of space for C to run around. We went there one night with my friend Erika and her family. Cole and Erika's daughter, Kayla love playing together which kept Cole busy the whole night- it was great! Erika also has a 7 month old son.

C being extra silly for the camera.

Tai liked Tapas too.

Tai's first 3 weeks

chillin'

3 happy boys

sleeping like a cat

brothers holding hands

asleep after a diaper change

first sponge bath

just hanging out

Tai Michael Staples

Tai was born on September 23rd @ 9:08 p.m. in Oman. We are so happy with Tai in our lives and things have been going really well for us. So far Tai seems to be a happy mellow baby. The breast feeding is going very well, which I'm very happy about since it was so painful last time. 

 

Look how happy E is holding his second son. I have the best partner in the world! My words cannot express how valuable E's love and support have been. 

Tai couldn't have had a better welcome from C. He continues to be such a wonderful big brother. He is gentle and so sweet to Tai. C often asks us what Tai is saying. We usually make something up & the 2 of them then start a conversation. 

The hospital staff never referred to Tai by name.  Instead they called him, "Baby of Jill" as it says on his ankle band.

These are our very good friends Helen & Tom.  They immediately welcomed us with open arms into their lives. We are grateful for their friendship. Tom & Helen very kindly offered to watch C while we were at the hospital. It was a HUGE relief for us knowing that C was in such loving hands. C was thrilled about sleeping at Tom & Helen's house. He loves them as much as we do. 

My 3 boys getting ready to leave the hospital.