Magical Pony Party

So Kristin pulled off the “magical pony party” in celebration of Mallory’s 7th birthday. Despite early confusion over the headgear, mistaken to a girl for rabbit ears, the kids had fun, and Mallory, as the center of attention, was in her element. Also, despite seven good years of heavy fortification, a Barbie slipped in under the radar.


(Mallory with pony head cake)

As mind blowing as our daughter turning 7 is to me, I am even more in awe of the pony pinata we found for the occasion. I couldn’t decide whether the pony had a demon, or if it was really just a homosexual dragon in pony drag. Kristin wanted me to “trim” the wicked teeth, lest they scare the children. Of course I refused, knowing our pony would receive punishment enough at the hands of these missionary kids.


(The attack of the drag(on) pony)


(The death of the drag(on) pony)

Angel in Guate

The Deck’s have moved into Casa de la Todd with their little angel, Lilliana, all 5 pounds of her. She is the most precious little nugget I have ever seen (though terrifically precious herself, Mallory was no nugget). Between the eating and the sleeping and the poo-ing—the trinity of the newly born—I think my favorite has been the sleeping. She is a professional, could put on a clinic. She is hard at it even now, and I am wishing I had a pink onesie of my own to slip over these skin and bones and join her. There is no sleep like the sleep of the very young.

Julie will be fostering Lilliana from here while the adoption is processed, and David will come and stay as often and for as long as he can. We feel so privileged playing a part (however small) in this extraordinary experience with them.


(Mallory earning her keep)

For more photos of Lilli, click here.