Samuel 3 år // Samuel 3 years old

Samuel turned three today. The first birthday that he understood - marginally anyway. He knew he'd be three and not two - and therefore big! And he'd decided that dinner was going to be rice pudding - his favorite Christmassy meal.

When asked if he had any wishes he'd answer "a parcel ... and a letter". Preferably brought to him from Santa Claus. So obviously the concepts of birthday and Christmas have been mixed a bit. Then, you can't really blame him with the two things being so close together!

For breakfast we had pancakes the american way (= thick, tasty things). The boys had theirs shaped like hearts. Also the birthday candle was on the table.

Presents and letters were opened this afternoon where we had plenty of time to look at them. And good thing too. He opened the present from us first, finding a yellow Lego bus and immediately started playing with it. I think, he spent quarter of an hour on that before he was ready to open anything else. The clothes were looked at, pj's with bull dozers, lorries etc. were examined - then back to the bus!

All cards were opened by Duncan and I. (Thank you all) I think, the little man has really enjoyed himself - mostly because of the attention and the amount of presents than for anything else. He's a contended little guy, luckily!

Min James // My James

At the end of October James came to visit. It really was good to see him. Especially he and Duncan enjoyed having time together - not surprising as it's been a couple of years since they've even seen each other shortly. It's agreed it won't take years before we next see each other again.

James kindly brought Duncan's presents from a far - needed things like hobnobs and tea, I think it was.

And as Samuel is a great judge of character he soon decided that James is "My James". A title not every one is deemed worthy of :-) But then James understands the importance of playing as is seen below. Samuel and I drew James to the airport (so, so early) and as we got out of the car Samuel needed to run. Enthusiastically he shouted: "Come, James. Run!" And so they did.

Samuels dåb // Samuel's baptism

A month before Samuel was to be baptised Samuel and I went to see a friend of mine's little boy be baptised. Samuel was very excited about it, as he knew, he was going to be baptised too. In fact, he was ready for the minister to put water in his hair there and then!

So, needless to say, he was very excited when it was finally "my turn", as he said. so much so, in fact, that he wanted to know when it was his turn, as soon as the service started.

Our good friend and collegue Thomas had come to baptise. He and Duncan had split the service between them. It worked really well, and the service really was special, as one of Samuel's very best friends, Joel, was also going to be baptised.

Here's them hugging before the service:

We were a bit nervous how the two little ones would react, as they have a nag of winding each other up. We hadn't had to worry at all. They behaved so well and took it all very seriously. The only outburst came when they were both presented with a little book of bible stories and prayers, and they happily shouted "Present!"

I was filled with such gratitude during the service. Gratitude that we could stand there as a family with this precious child. That he's well and happy. That I'm getting well too and that we have friends and family surrounding us, encouraging and helping. God is good!

Here's Samuel looking up at Thomas as he prayes after the baptism it self.

After the service we had pictures taken. Samuel had to stick a finger into the baptismal font and try to put a bit of water on his own head :-)

And here's the cake we had made for coffee in the afternoon. Samuel's mad about Postman Pat, and this cake made a huge impression. We still haven't been able to eat the cat.... It is amazing, tho. A girl/woman from our congregation gave Samuel the cake as her present. Very special in deed!