The Ezra Show (starring Josh's shoes)

Here's the movie that I was unable to load in the previous post.

16 Months and Countdown to Canada

Ezra on the shore of Lake Huron, Sarnia, Ontario, CANADA.

Taken from the Canadian banks of Sarnia, Ontario, this photo is of the bridge that connects Sarnia with Port Huron, MI. The bridge crosses the St. Claire River at the mouth of Lake Huron. The bridge to our new life!

We are moving to Canada. We are moving to Canada? We are moving in 3 weeks. 3 weeks???!!?!?!??! Why didn't anyone tell me? That's sort of how I feel anyway. Though we've known for a few weeks now, moving in just 3 seems like we will blink and be gone. Sigh. I've so much to process: leaving camp, another move (not cross country this time, but out of country!) leaving our families and friends, and all the newness to come, which is just too much to list at the moment. Yet we are excited amidst the chaos of my painting for an exhibit in Florida the first week of February, packing our home, saying goodbye, and celebrating the holidays. ( While I think of it, this will probably be our last post state-side.) I am even more thankful for this blog and our friends' blogs when I think about moving out of the country.
Josh will be a youth pastor at Lighthouse Community Church in Sarnia, Ontario, and this brings immense joy to both of us. This "newness" as I mentioned is a gift we are thrilled to receive. So more news to come as a new adventure begins!

In Ezra news, I've been wondering where does the time go? The 4th of December marked Ezra's 16th month of life. Just in the last few weeks he has taken a giant leap in his development...things are really clicking, linguistically. He went from about a dozen words to now a new word everyday. It's an attempt, of course, and not always that accurate, but oh for the joy and hope he has discovered in his little mouth. New and exciting words like "olive" (he's working on his L's and basically just sticks his tongue out a few times during pronouncement) are repeated at every chance he gets and it just about breaks my heart for how darling and tender it is. And I'm not sure why, but this development has my mind wrapping around the fact that my baby boy is so much more than what meets the eye. This little person is a person! One whole and fully human being, one learning boy extraordinaire. I told Josh the other day, "I've never looked at a little baby this way!" To which he raised an eyebrow and said, "Oh, really?" Of course I haven't, but what I meant was that I had no idea how smart and complete babies are. Each day they simply add to their wholeness. Their minds are growing in wisdom, sense, and ability. And it is a breathtakingly beautiful thing to witness.

Over the last month I have been taking short videos of Ezra's latest accomplishments and isms. Catching what I can, when I can, at least. My thought was to assemble them together for a cute little movie. Well, in the time being, he's gotten to the place now where we can just ask him to do something and he will vs. happening to have the camera around at the right time. So, yesterday I asked him to do a few things for our viewers and this is what we came up with: Enjoy.

"The Ezra Show, starring Josh's shoes, Toivo, too"

(video upload error, will try again soon)

And some photos:

As you saw in the movie, Toivo is one PATIENT dog. He and Ezra have a great thing going as you can see. Maybe not so great for the dog, but Ezra sure has fun!

Ezra and Mankind. Think song: "I will follow him, follow him whenever he may go.."

He is a block-stacking wonder. He even got the ball to balance!
(fine, you got me. I'll play the proud mama card on this one)


Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all of our friends and family!