This has been a eventful and "never a dull moment" year from Dos Bebes, and they enter 2008 with a younger sibling on the way sometime in late February. And so we soon go from Dos Bebes to Tres Bebes. Both Liam and Leila are developing their own unique identities and personalities, although they are quite loving and compassionate with one another.
Liam is a bit mellower and softer, while Leila -- who we dub "determination girl" -- has a, how shall we say, more "determined" way about her. That's not to suggest Liam can't throw his voice around, or stir up trouble. Oh yes he can. But they are both an absolute joy, and it's been a blast watching them grow. They have also become mini-celebrities in the local neighborhood, with countless non-related "aunts and uncles" who have been won over by their charm and smiles. And speaking of the neighborhood, Dos Bebes are slowly making their way in the world of sports, having spent a season carefully observing the 3-6 year old kids in the newly established Mt. Adams Soccer League. If the way they kick and throw things around our living room (now a converted "toy palace") we suspect they will make D
avid Beckham a tad jealous.
Big Events in the Lives of Dos Bebes: This has also been a year of loss for Dos Bebes. Not long after the loss of their Great Grandmother Bolser, otherwise known as "Momo," Grandpa Bill Blackshaw (Pete's father) passed away in November after a struggle with congestive heart failure and recovering from late Spring surgery for colon cancer.
As with the death of Erika father, Grandpa Brown, this was an almost unspeakable loss, but we are heartened by the overflowing levels of love and condolence that came from all corners. (There are over a hundred testimonials about Grandpa Blackshaw on the website set up in the days following his death.) Although travel issues prevented Dos Bebes from attending the memorial service, they were able to spend important quality time with Grandpa Blackshaw before he entered surgery for colon cancer.
Few things brought dad greater joy in his final months and days than hearing the ever enthusiastic voices, laughing -- even cries - of Dob Bebes. I encourage you to spend time on the WilliamBlackshaw.com website, and especially to read the moving eulogy from his best friend, Dr. James Knowles.
Thanksgiving with the Browns: Only a few weeks past Grandpa Blackshaw's funeral, mom, dad and Dos Bebes embarked upon a five hour drive to Columbia, South Carolina, to visit Uncle Doyle and Aunt Kara, and cousins Lucia and Calvin for Thanksgiving. Grandma Beverly Brown (and her superb cooking) was also there, and we were all treated to a special visit by Aunt Annie Blackshaw and Uncle Tim McKee (and cousin Rio) who traveling down from North Carolina (where Tim is editor of the literary magazine The Sun.) HEre's a great photo of all the kids hanging out together.
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