OCTO!

8 Months Old (yes - I know this is late...)

Keegan with his nanny, Danielle

While relaxing on the beach with a good friend last week, we started talking about how nice it is that everywhere we go, people are so happy to see our little ones. In Nigeria, every where you go, no matter how grumpy or unfriendly someone may seem, the moment they lay eyes on your baby they burst out in a big smile and they start cooing, clapping and what not.

In North America, children can sometimes be seen as a burden or annoying to those who do not have children (ie. a misbehaving child in Walmart!). One certainally wouldn't get the same response as here, the children are almost expected to act out and everyone loves them for it.

Speaking to young women here about having children is also very different, so many of them are excited and look forward to the day they may conceive and have their own. When asked "Do you have children?" most women respond "Not yet! But I want plenty, still need to find a husband first..." This attitude is in stark contrast to North America where the typical single, young professional woman would often answer "Me? No way! Not for a loooong time!" At least that is how I used to respond! Young people in the West typically see having children as life haulting and fun stopping. We don't see children for what they really are, a great joy, blessing and fullfilling! We focus so much on our careers and paychecks, we don't see having a family as something that helps us move up on the coorporate or social ladder. I guess this experience in Nigeria and having the opportunity to have our son here has really shown us the value of family and how rewarding it is to us as people, even if it will impact the pocketbook a bit.

I will truely miss how excited people become when they see Keegan. It is a real icebreaker, strangers come up and talk to you and the baby, and you learn about their family or their wishes to have one. It is great to take Keegan out for a walk and so many people are happy to greet him. We will miss that.

7 MONTHS!

Keegan is 7 months old. He is now sitting on his own, has two teeth and is still just a happy little guy. This age is certainly fun, in my mind he is the perfect size for cuddling, playing and just well perfect. He isn't as fragile as when he was newborn, and is more and more in tuned with his surroundings. I am going to miss him being this size for sure. He is still small enough to hold and carry but as you can see, strong enough to sit and play on his own.

Keegan is trying his best to crawl, and gets frustrated that his body isn't moving how he wished it would. On his tummy he will squirm and squiggle and move almost like a seal and bob his head, trying to get the rest of the body to follow (without success). Keegan finds the strangest thinks funny, he laughs at the cat's tail. (the cat doesn't find this tail grabbing business funny at all). He laughs when we chime a meditation bell (not quite in tuned with the whole zen thing yet, sorry Auntie Carrie, you will have to teach him).

Lately other parents have been telling us, "oh this is the best age, 6-12 months", at first I thought, well all ages are good. But now I am starting to see what they mean. You are less exhausted than the newborn stage, you worry less about everything (especially the first time around), and their personality really starts to show. When I see and hold younger babies I get a bit sad that Keegan is so big already, and it really does go too fast.

Ryan read a quote the other day, "children are the orgasm of life". (it is weird but true statement). Before having Keegan I thought, "wow that is a lot of work" (which is is), but what you don't see it the immense love, and joy they bring to your life. No one can prepare you for that feeling of true unconditional love. It is instantaneous love at first sight, in the truest form. For those ready to take the challenge, being a parent is both the hardest and BEST thing we've experienced.

MMMMmmm, something new to put in my mouth!

Gazing out at the Harmatton Sunset the bright orange sun. Of course with a bit of drool (as always).

Cute little chubby hands!

Morning laughs on the bed while pestering Simon the cat!

Keegan's first Christmas at 6 months!

Keegan sixth month sure was hectic, we feel like we just recovered! To sum it up, Keegan saw Santa, recieved too many gifts, had his first sleigh ride, went cross country skiing and got to and touch snow! He got to visit with grandmas and grandpa which was the best gift of all.

With Daddy, enjoying his first sleigh ride Grandma and Lynne, sitting beside us.

Uncle Darce helping open presents. You can see, the tongue out while concentrating must be a Quinn thing.

Skiing at the Nordic Center

On Mummy's lap, playing peek-a-boo with Uncle Darcy

Keegan enjoying his first "tonka" truck, thanks Grandpa Larry and Jacquie

Sitting with Santa

Loving the jolly jumper