So, we don't have any new photos or videos . . . we suffered a computer glitch and are now having to run a backup program to restore our photos and videos and it is taking FOREVER. At least we are getting most of them back. We had made some disc backups months ago, but it would have been a devastating thing to lose even six months of photos . . .

Gabriel is getting so big . . . he's almost a little boy. Starting at about five months old he had some serious separation anxiety from mama. He couldn't even be left alone with his father without sobbing. Thankfully, though, that didn't last long--we did our best to build his trust and help him feel secure, and now he's exherting his independence in a big way. I (Carin) can leave him with his dad and go off alone for a couple hours and he is just fine. That is a welcome relief. The funny thing is, now he expresses his sadness when other people leave. Last week for the first time he cried when saying "bye-bye" as the door closed on Craig leaving for work. Too cute. He's done it a few times now and he loves his papa very much; he is elated when Craig comes home to the point of laughing and jumping up and down.

About once or twice a week he and I also get together with Lisa (my friend) and Evan (11 months old) for a play-date. Today, for the first time, as we said "bye-bye" at the door to Evan, once the door closed, again, his lips turned down, he started sniffling and crying. Again, so cute I think. And I think it shows a healthy attachment to those he loves and his mental recognition that he will miss them. His tears only last a few minutes and then he's done. It is fun to watch him playing so well with Evan these days. He loves it. And it brings a little bit of sanity and retreat to their mothers since they entertain each other so well.

We have found a wonderful church very near our house. The nice thing is that there are a lot of international families there (typically int'l churches here are mostly singles), and they have a fantastic kid/nursery program. We haven't worked up yet to leaving Gabriel alone in the nursery (he's just not ready yet), but the interraction with kids is great for him and one day we'll get to where he's happy and familiar with the people there and knows we'll be back for him. It's just a great option to have it there. I never knew how thankful I would be for those volunteer nursery workers. Everyone has a different opinion, but I find it interesting that some people think that it's "strange" that a little baby should be attached to his parents and that he may cry when you leave him in a room full of strangers. "What's wrong?" they ask. Or "Oh, that's too bad--he's not very secure yet?" Actually, I think, he's very secure . . . securely recognizing that his parents are where his safety is! I know I can sometimes be uncomfortable in a room full of strangers . . . why should I expect a little nine month old to be independent, uncaring of his surroundings enough that he can be left alone with strangers and not feel some sadness? Soon enough he will be pushing me away and saying "I do myself" and then I'll wistfully remember the days when he wouldn't let me leave his side. So, for now, we'll enjoy those moments when he so adoringly says, "Hey, I need you."

Maybe babies are a good reminder to us in that way--that we as adults are sometimes too detached and too hesitant to say when we love and need each other.