Looks like he gets his hair from his father... We just finished another great weekend with the faux-hawk boy - he is really growing by leaps and bounds. His balance is truly amazing now - he barely needs a helping hand as he walks around - and now he even seems to understand hug, kiss and "no" (thank goodness). I realize all this sounds like bragging parents, but really, he seems to pick up something new every day. He and Mom are headed to the States for training and some fun with the little cousins - should be an interesting re-introduction - the last time they all saw eachother he was two months old. Dad gets a much needed fishing trip to Latvia or Slovenia while the other two are gone - will miss them terribly, but I miss the trout too :)

Weekends in Belgrade

This is basically what constitutes Saturday fun at the Johnson/Canon/Kai household these days - it's too hot to go outside (he gets prickly heat) so we spend a lot of time rolling around the floor or bed and cracking up with the little guy. His new thing is exploring my dental structure while drooling on me - most wonderful. We actually did go to the Ambassador's pool yesterday for his first swimming experience which he loved - he paddled around in a inner tube for a little while and spent the rest of the time flirting with the ladies, another favorite past time. It is actually pretty funny - he doesn't even really look at guys, but when someone of the female persuasion comes along he tilts his head, smiles and pretends to be shy for a couple minutes before really turning on the charm. All Serbian women seem to be in agreement on which word to use to describe him - "opasan" - dangerous :) So true - not only in that sense but also now that he's walking and able to reach previously protected items on shelves and coffee tables he is becoming dangerous destructo boy. I must say, parenthood with this guy is probably the most rewarding, fun, and exhausting things I've ever done!

Look who's walkin' now!

He walks! - and is obviously just as excited about it as we are!

Miervaldis in Riga

We had a wonderful time in Riga, and are incredibly thankful for all of the help that the Godfather provided in setting up the ceremony and the party afterwards - and for the Godmother traveling thousands of miles for the event. The picture on the left is one of the few family shots we were able to take before everyone split to drink (extensively) to Kai's health. He was a doll during the ceremony, with Dad being the only one to tear up during the event. It was actually pretty emotional being back in Latvia on this occasion - in some ways it seemed like we were closing the circle by bringing the next generation "home," even though we were not able to have it at Opa's old church in Limbazi. I hope we have the opportunity to teach him the language and to create stronger links between the families in the next several years, and a posting for us in country would go a long way towards making that happen! In theory that chance exists so stay tuned, we'll be sure to let you know as soon as we do...

Say hi to Kai Miervaldis!

Well, we finally got our act together and put up a site for Kai-man. This is definately a better way to share his life here in Belgrade, or wherever else we might end up over the next couple of years. Just last week we returned from Riga, Latvia where Kai was christened in the oldest wooden church in the country in what was a beautiful ceremony. We'll try to update this as often as possible in the future so come back soon!