Fort Louis and Friar's Bay before Finals

Last week was the week before finals and Ezra and I had some fun with friends to get out of the house while Michael studied all day in his office (our guest room). We went to Fort Louis with our friends Adrienne, Fay, and Hanna and to Friar's Bay with Alexi. We are coming to the end of Michael's second semester at AUC here on St. Maarten. It has been a wonderful experience enjoying the beaches, bakeries, and island lifestyle. But, at times it has been trying not having Michael around. Even though he studies at home, he is unavailable. He comes out for meals and quick interactions with Ezra, but most of the parenting falls on me. I miss his help. Not to mention, I just miss having Michael around as my best friend and usual cohort in our daily adventures. Fortunately, I have made friends with some lovely ladies here who share this medical student tag-a-long experience. There's nothing like a friend who is nice to be around, but who also totally understands what you are going through.

When we got to Fort Louis, Ezra was excited to walk up the mountain and find the ruined 'castle' we talked about on our way there. It is always more fun for him when there is another little person to share in the adventure.

I think the feeling was mutual.

The view from the top allows us to see the thin strip of the island on which we live. I remember the strange impression the topography of our new residence made on me when I first saw it from atop the hill descending from Philipsburg. Our island is 37 square miles and we live along a narrow stretch of land facing the Caribbean Sea known as the Lowlands. If you look at the big buildings in the distance in the above picture, we live in the second one from the left.

Ezra the Explorer!

Friar's Bay with Alexi was a good day for us all. We start by stopping at Sarafina's famous bakery for croissants and Ezra's new favorite cookie - a macaron. I will have to take a picture next time. They are adorable little meringue sandwich cookies that come in several different colors. Lately, Ezra always chooses "Percy" green. He also always gets his favorite Pain au Chocolat and I usually opt for an almond croissant sometimes with chocolate.

At the beach there are our own castles to be built...

and warm lapping waters to wade in and out of.

Alexi and I talk and talk while taking in the brilliant view and warm sunshine.

We finish eating our pastries under our umbrella before heading home.

Starting tomorrow we have Michael to do these wonderful things with us for 12 days! I will be in and out of here posting some of the good times we hope to share.

WIP Wednesday

With days like these lately,

I have found time to make this slouchy spring beret for a friend leaving the island,

while Ezra does this.

A little downtime is always good.

Gratitude Sunday

Today I am grateful for:

My sweet date Ezra, who went to dinner with me and about 20 other women for a farewell get together for the 5th semester spouses who are leaving the island

Ezra's island aunties whom he loves and who love him

Michael's steadfast dedication to his studies

My growing vegan cookbook collection and the excellent recipes that have been feeding my family in a healthy non-violent way

The sweet ladies at fountain of health who dote on Ezra and stock things like xanthan gum, soy chunks, and xylitol

My beautiful, spacious, air conditioned home

The spectacular views from our windows

The AUC Spouse's Organization that brings AUC students' spouses together in fun ways to support one another while we're far away from family and friends back home

Our loving family that keeps in touch with us and especially with Ezra on Skype so that he has relationships with the extended family members

Ezra's recent growth spurt that has brought on many changes, including no more diapers, self initiated tooth brushing, hair brushing, and hand washing, trying new things like learning to swim and tasting new foods, and loads and loads of sentences spoken like one momentous morning when he woke up, turned to me and whispered, "I'm not a baby anymore. I'm a big boy."

this moment

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember. If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.

Work in Progress

I am delighted to have a new little baby friend to knit for. She was born on St. Maarten 3 months ago and is leaving next week for a trip to New York and Oregon. I have the softest Blue Sky Alpaca Cotton yarn in the fairest of pink shades that has been waiting for a good excuse to be knit. I'm making the upside down daisy hat that you can download the pattern for at this site.

Easter on St. Maarten

April Showers Bring Rainbows to Sint Maarten

When we woke up this morning it was raining out our bedroom window. Last night I had gone to a movie with friends and did not go to bed until midnight. I was tired this morning, but I'm not complaining, because Michael goes to bed every night after midnight and has to wake up at 6:30 and get ready for school. Ezra is always up first and he comes around so sweetly to our bedside. I was given nose kisses and gentle requests of, "you wake up, mom?" The nose kiss was enough to make me smile as I rose out of bed, but when you see a double rainbow out of your kitchen window while waiting for the water in the kettle to heat up, life takes on that magical 'in the moment' quality that I strive for throughout my days.

One of the best places I can always be completely aware of my breath and surroundings and truly live in the moment is at the beach. The warm sun on my skin, the sand sticking to my shins as I crawl around the big hole Ezra and I are digging, the waves pushing against my weight as I hold Ezra in my arms calling out, "here comes another one!" all keep me totally present to the beauty of my surroundings.

We saw our shadows in the sand yesterday and Ezra had a lot of fun chasing his and I had fun photographing mine.

Guana Bay is one of my favorite beaches on the island. There is a lot of soft white sand, rolling waves on the wide shore and not very many people. The stunning view of St. Barth's reminds me that we're living in a chain of Caribbean isles.

my beautiful boy

I am so grateful for my life here and now. It is awesome to be alive!