I'm a grandma!

Yes, I know it will surprise most of you, since I'm only 31...
Let me explain! Emilie, my house worker, went on maternity leave at the beginning of December. She was to return to her home country, Benin, to stay with her family, and have the baby. Two weeks ago- the day after she was to leave- I got a phone call. "It's Emilie. I'm at the hospital." "Did you have the baby?" "Yes." "Is is a boy or girl?" " It's a girl" "Are you still in Niger?" "Yes"
"Do you need a ride home from the hospital?" "Yes"
So we headed to the maternity center to pick up Emilie and her new baby and drive them home, so they could avoid a taxi ride.
As Emilie works for us, and we provide for her, her Christian friend here calls me her "maman." When I walked into her room at the maternity center, her friend announced "Here's your grandma, baby!"

Yesterday Emilie came by with baby Odil, to say goodbye before heading to Benin to see her family. We were able to get a lot of pictures, and spend a couple of hours visiting with Emilie, and holding sweet little Odil.

Now, with new baby Odil, Emilie and the baby's dad are on the bus headed to Benin.

Christmas party!

Wednesday was the last night of girls Bible Study for the semester. So we had a party! Cheese fondue, spinach dip, chocolate fondue, popcorn with seasonings... lots of food! Our girls were so happy to be able to stay out and participate. We played a few games, and everyone laughed a lot. Most of the fun was with the kids dolls and dress ups. That and the chocolate! Maybe there was a little too much giggling for Kevin and Silas. They hid out in the corner and let the girls be girls.

Mumps

One of our latest happenings is that Elayna developed the mumps. Poor kid was not too comfortable! Then it abscessed...also not fun. Now it is drained, and she is feeling much better. Back to her entertaining and trouble-making self. She is loving the new Curious George bandaids from Nana and Papa that arrived yesterday! What fun to get TWO packages on the same day! The girls have ballet this afternoon, and plan to wear the new leotards.