Bill's Birthday

Bill's birthday party came a little late this year. Last Saturday we had a boy's night. 3 Americans, 2 Irish, 2 Swedish, 1 Egyptian (married to an Aussie so basically Aussie), and 1 from Oklahoma. They all gathered to watch the American vs. English soccer match. I believe they sang Toby Keith's song about the "Red White and Blue" twice, and when America scored they sang the Star Spangled Banner. Thankfully for all the neighbors it was a 1/1 tie. Bill had a blast as did the other guys, and as one guy text the next day "had a great time courtesy of the red white and blue." The World Cup is a really big deal here. I was content as can be in the bed room with the lap top watching "Dear John" great chick flick. The next game will be tomorrow.
(There are problems down loading pictures and I have run out of patience, sorry)

Beach Day

We have one more weekend until all our foreign friends travel. So until then we are spending the money for the private beaches and McDonalds basically every Saturday (a couple weeks in a row). The very posative thing about this, in addition to fun with friends. We are able to see Zaky progress rapidly into a swimmer. A month ago he would cry as soon as he touched the water. Gradually, as the water warmed up, would walk into it. And yesterday, the boy loved it. He walked in and out of the water, going in on his own. When the wave would knock him over he would take that as an opportunity to grab sand and throw it (still working on the don't throw). He started laying down in the water, crawling, and if a wave would hit his face he would pick his head up and laugh. So much fun! I am not so excited about the free beach (I will have to wear clothes) but it might be worth it to watch our little fish.

Eye Update

We got the name of a pediatric ophthalmologist in Beirut from a friend and made the apt for last Friday. He studied at the AUB, American Uni in Beirut, and then did his internship at Harvard. Very nice man. HE DIDN'T SEE ANYTHING! he examined him, then put drops in his eyes 3x over 30 min to relax the muscles. We have been praying for a miracle, but me and my little faith , probably wasn't really expecting one. I am still seeing a little something, but have no idea what to think, and praying for complete healing. The dr did say his optic nerve/ retina in the right eye was not normal, his left eye is perfect. So next month we will see his retina specialist. He did not seem concerned, just thorough. Just amazing we paid 20$ more to see this guy then my Dr. Zaky will do the patching 2 hrs a day over the next month (exercise) the dr called it. So all in all still have no idea what to think. But very confident in this Dr and very humbled by our Lord. Please pray for a complete healing.

The patching was rough the first day, and better the second.. And yes that is an entire peach in his mouth. It was early, kept him happy, and its fruit.

By Himself

He has turned a corner. Our little one is now asserting himself now more then ever. He has also discovered the naughty corner. Sometimes discovering it twice in one meal. Bill noticed today he he has started scream/crying when he does not get his way/ told No/ taken away from something... ect. But the rest of the time he is great. So the learning time begins. Eating is probably the biggest challenge. We have started giving the fork at the end of the meal, usually getting a few more bites from him. This particular day he was attempting to pick up jello with his fork, unsuccessfully, but he was trying, and no one was going to tell him otherwise.

Happy Birthday Maa

Maa, Zaky's name for Bill. Bill turned 33 Monday, practically an old man. At least compaired to me, a 26 yr. old and holding. I made a cake, Zaky helped with the frosting. Yesterday evening friends came over as a surprise and had cake. Bill's birthday "party" will be Saturday night when his firends come over for the first American/ England game of the World cup. Our special man will get a new cell phone for his birthday. He broke his last weekend after falling on it. How did the soon to be 33 yr. old fall on his cell phone you might ask. Well as he was swinging from a tree branch, while coming down off from a van, the branch broke and down he came. All who know Bill will not be surprised from this. Anyhow he is staying young at heart, although the body was a little bruised. Happy Birthday Bill.