En Christ pour Toujours

And more...

2012-01-02T17:52:00.000-08:00

More BD pics...

2011-12-30T20:51:00.001-08:00

Robh's 1st BD Pictures!

2011-12-26T18:49:00.001-08:00

Please share yours with us if you have any... :-)

Wishing you a Very Blessed Christmas!

2011-12-25T17:31:00.001-08:00

From our quiet and laid back of Christmas celebration this year, we wish you a very Merry Christmas. May the Sweet Little Baby born unto us this day lighten our hearts, our lives and find a favorable dwelling among us forever. May we all be blessed in the Holy Name of the Lord! Amen.

Our Family Christmas Pictures

2011-12-25T17:25:00.000-08:00

Our holiday shots. Enjoy! More at http://ilenesquiresphotography.blogspot.com/2011/12/roosevelt-island-family-portraits-mayem.html

Random

2011-12-25T17:11:00.000-08:00

Before I get into real picture posting business, I am putting up these to warm up! (Really, I changed the blog layout and I'm just not sure of the works yet, so lets try...)

One Full Year for Robh!

2011-12-06T12:08:00.001-08:00

Will you please join us?

Moments of the past!

2011-11-11T09:39:00.001-08:00

Lazy me?

2011-11-09T19:49:00.000-08:00

I certainly am NOT lazy. I think about keeping my blog up to date all the time! Should count for something...no?

Anyway, it's been a while and that little tooth engendered another one! So two teeth at the 11th month mark isn't so bad, right?

BIG NEWS though is that the pumpkin started walking at the eve of his 10th month (he took his first five steps on Oct 5!).

He is all about running now and they are growing a bit closer with Togue everyday. Nothing makes Togue as happy as being the big bro and it melts me away to watch them play together. So precious and I cherish those moments!

They had a great halloween event: Togue was a meerkat and Robh was a monkey... oh so adorable!

Other news: in almost 4 years, I was finally able to make time for a quiet retreat Oct 28-30 at the Dominican nuns monastery in Connecticut. It was the weekend of the 1st snowstorm of the year and we had to use candles and flashlights toward the end of the week. Lucky the heat running on gas.

I needed the retreat so badly and can't thank my dearest Amanda enough for helping me make it real. And, oh, Fr. Steve, thank you thank you thank you thank you! :-)

It was a laid back retreat, no spiritual director, but great environment for prayer, meditation, silence, reflection and rest! Glory be to God. Looking forward to some more intimate time with Christ my Lord.

La Toute Petite Dent

2011-09-27T16:47:00.000-07:00

Après des nuits d'insomnie et d'inquiétudes issues de la trop forte probabilité d'avoir fait un enfant qui vieillirait sans aucune dent, je me permets a présent de dormir sur les 2 oreilles... je n'ai plus de raisons de m'inquiéter car la vue du nouveau sourire de Robh depuis 2 semaines est plus que rassurante et émerveillant ! :-)

UNE TOUTE PETITE DENT en bas à droite! Une toute et toute petite dent qu'il a pris presque 10 mois pour se la fabriquer! Oh, mon poussin, on doit y mettre un peu plus de paquet et de vitesse pour se rattraper!
Il faut que je prenne un peu de temps pour vous poster une photo, après tout, on n’est pas pressé nous ! :-)

Summer Fun

2011-08-31T15:35:00.000-07:00

He has been cruising since July 6!!!

2011-08-26T20:14:00.000-07:00

rEMeMbEr ThOSe PIcTuReS pROMiseD A mONth aGo?

2011-07-20T19:10:00.000-07:00

The Family is here!

2011-07-13T19:41:00.001-07:00

Mayem et Nelnan: 3 années bénies en Jesus

2011-06-21T19:37:00.000-07:00

Un champagne cassée a l'honneur de nos 3 années de mariage aujourd'hui! Pas de fanfare mais une intime messe d'actions de grâce à l'heure du déjeuner avec une petite croute rapide avant de repartir à nos boulots.
Une petite surprise par Zuzana, une amie Tchèque nous attendait le soir à la maison: un mignon gâteau au chocolat avec 3 bougies nous était réservé après le diner!
3 ans de mariage, 2ans de Togue et 6 mois de Robyane, voilà ce que nous appelons un total succès! Dieu est merveilleux!

All this Time

2011-06-13T20:29:00.000-07:00

Good things happening everywhere, even in the silence of my blog. Good things happening to our family since we last spoke. First thing, we are all well and thriving in the Lord, with a roof over our heads, food in our pantry and good health in our lives. After Nel's BD from last post, we celebrated Robh's 6th month on June 6th and Togue's 2nd BD on June 7th with a party at shool June 7th and yesterday June 12 here with other friends.
I'm just going to dump a ton of pictures here for your enjoyment :)

Joyeuse Fete de Paques ~ Joyeux Anniversaire, Nel

2011-04-25T19:42:00.000-07:00

It was a lovely day, that blessed day when our Lord broke free from the grip of the abyss of the netherworld and gloriously rose up to give us life. Alleluia.
We had a short visit with our friends in Boston for Palm Sunday but spent a rather quiet Easter time in family right here on Roosevelt Island.
And today, my beloved added a candle of wisdom to his life! Have a blessed birthday, Nel, and stay blessed in God forever.
Photos...

Eh Oui, nous sommes bien la!

2011-04-05T19:09:00.000-07:00

Robh is Born in Christ

2011-02-24T09:16:00.000-08:00

Our pumpkin got baptized on Sunday Feb 20, 2011 in the Catholic faith. Congratulations, love, and may God be your light all the days of your life. May he be your guide, your hope and your all. May he bless you and help us be christian role models for you. We love you Robyane.
We had the grace of having my older brother, Toguy with us for the ceremony. Robh's godmother, his auntie Neloum, couldn't make it from Dakar, but our friend Micheline from Boston happily agreed to stand in as the proxy. She joined us with her whole family.
Thank you all, friends and family, from far or near, who have come to celebrate with us the birth of Robh in Christ. Our baby is made perfect in the eyes of God and we bless God's name for this grace.

Robh's Baptism Party

2011-02-24T05:59:00.000-08:00

And...the pic from Chad...

2011-02-24T05:09:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year

2011-01-25T21:16:00.000-08:00

Yes, it may be a bit late,but hey, it's still January, so have yourselves a very blessed year and may God fill your lives with infinite graces!
I am amazed at how fast time is flying by and how slow I am to catch up. I may just get the Guinness record of procrastination this year as I feel like I am mostly living "in my mind," making lists of things to get to (asap) but never actually getting to them. Everything seems to be piling up, crushing down any motivation to get started somewhere. BTW, if by any chance you have sent me a message or called me and are still expecting me to get back to you, my sincere apologies...I don't have any good excuses to shoot out here, but, believe me, you are definitely in my mental to-do list and I am challenging my self to get in touch before long! That said...
So much has happened as always and I am definitely losing grounds on keeping tags. But essentially, all is well and life's good. My little pumpkins are just flourishing and growing so fast! Togue had the greatest adventure as his dad took him for a 3-week vacation in Chad and they just got back! He did so well, staying healthy, happy and charming as always. He loved chasing chickens and roosters around, running in the spacious homes and yards, visiting family and mostly gulping la boule with okra stew! I will put up some pictures soon for your enjoyment, and trust me, it's not one of my silly promises...I'll do it before next week. Pinch me if I fail you ;-)
And the fabulous baby Robh is now 7 weeks and gorgeous! We travelled to Seattle/Port Townsend with him and my niece Jeannette for ten days and he did so well I may take him for a vacation in Japan sometime next week (I wish). But seriously, he is such an enjoyable traveler and he got to meet my college friends in the Seattle area. Lovely! It was such a great get together, given that I haven't seen many of them since graduation.
Robh is a very alert baby, starting to smile and learning to interact with his evironment, with people and mostly his brother. This just makes my heart melt. I need to share more pictures. Soon.

Our blessing: Robyane

2010-12-31T20:20:00.000-08:00

He was born on Dec 6, 2010 at 3.57pm. 9.15lbs and 54cm. He is a doll and we just can't get enough of him. All is well and Togue is being such an angel, coverng little bro with kisses. So divine to witness.
Enjoy him...

Et la Fete Continua...

2010-11-15T19:03:00.000-08:00

La vraie fete au village...

Nelnan Koumtingue, Ph.D.

2010-10-17T18:59:00.000-07:00

The long road finally winded down and Nelnan became Dr. Koumtingue in Economics on Thursday, Oct 14, 2010 at 5pm at the University of Montreal. Congratulations. I am so proud of you and happy that all your sacrifices have finally paid off so beautifully.
The after-defense refreshment table...

Mingling...

"MonamitchekPavel"

Research mates from the same promotion
Togue busy helping dad pack up after the defense...

Togue, the happiest and most proud of the batch...
Cutting his cake...
His advisor (in red) and the members of the jury

Le Beau Gosse de 15 mois

2010-09-07T18:00:00.000-07:00

Nous l'appelons "chef d'amphi" à son daycare car il semble si grand parmi ses pairs. Et pourtant il est bien loin d'être le plus âgé du groupe. Il commence a vraiment se plaire au centre et à mieux se détendre.

En tout cas, il pousse et pousse et pousse comme une fleur, pour notre immense bonheur! :-)

A Year Older... Hopefully Wiser too

2010-09-04T22:12:00.000-07:00

This one really zoomed by me! But here I am, all happy to be a year older although i have stopped counting the candles since the 25th one. I bet I'm over 30 now! ;-)
Well, it has pleased God to grant me another blessed year of life, with always something more to be grateful for. Blessed be Your Holy Name, my Lord.
It was a rather busy day, but Nelnan and Togue managed to take me out to a wonderful Greek restaurant in Astoria for diner. I should have snapped a couple pictures of the awesome and beautiful food we had, but hunger got the best of me before I could remember to do that. so please enjoy the couple other pictures of the another-year-older Evelyne with her fabulous family!

The Big Day of Togue

2010-08-16T19:15:00.001-07:00

Off to school he goes!!! Well, to the daycare, but still...
After more than a year on the waiting list, Togue finally got admitted to the UN daycare and started this morning. Look at him, proudly entering his "classroom" with his big lunch bag! ;-)

It is quite convenient as he is 0n the 2nd floor in the building where his dad is. We commute together to/from work and will be having lunch together several times a week. It is a comfort to take him with us and be able to see him through the day if we can.
The 1st day was rather sad as he cried most of the time. But we hope once he gets used to environment, he will have fun. Please keep him in your prayers!

Still here, well and alive

2010-08-16T18:49:00.000-07:00

I am going to stop apologizing for not keeping up this blogging business, because, you know, oh well...shame on me!
Now let catch up: 14 months have passed since Togue was born, and we are bracing for our Christmas present, a perfect baby boy! We are in so much awe for God's grace and are forever thankful for the blessing of being parents. This time around though, you may not be able to read about all my excitement in the blog, but it is just because life is getting in the way. When I was pregnant with Togue, (well, beside all the excitement of our 1st pregnancy) I did not have a job and spent my days resting, walking, taking belly pictures and writing. I invented recipes and made wonderful fresh diners daily for Nelnan and I. I had time to read and dream about the extra-active little bundle of joy developing and taking form in me. I had time to call friends and catch up. I could even watch a movie or 2 in one sitting. I could go to bed and wake up when I pleased. I did this and that in a whim...
With this 2nd pregnancy, life is a bit different and I try to adjust ... It is now more of a challenge to do anything anytime as I work full time in addition to having a full time family life. It is nonetheless still great even if some areas are now suffering a considerable lack of attention (i.e. blogging, entertainment, mid-day naps...). Luckily, Togue is here to make it all bearable when I think I am too tired to keep going. Most of all, the wonderful husband and father that we find in Nelnan is beyond words. I am so thankful for the grace of such a beautiful family life. no need to say more.
So, life is now different, but still wonderful in its own way and we try to seize every moment, always fixing our eyes and hearts on our priorities. When we can, we will certainly let you in the wonders of our family life :-)

Heat and Water

2010-07-08T18:16:00.001-07:00

What is going on with the heat in NYC? My boys just needed to soak it up while I went styling it around town :)

La visite de Djim Koum

2010-07-08T17:34:00.000-07:00

Le grand frère de Nelnan est venu nous visiter de Dakar et a rencontre T et moi pour la toute première fois. Qu'est qu'ils se ressemblent, ces trois Koum autour de moi!!! En tout cas, Togue s'est très vite attaché a lui et jusque la continue à visiter la chambre ou il dormait pour le chercher :). Merci Djim pour la visite. Elle était formidable mais assez brève. Nous espérons te revoir encore très bientot.

It's OFFICIAL: The BOY IS WALKING

2010-07-08T17:21:00.000-07:00

He's been taking a couple steps on and off but as of today, his 13th month, his is actually walking! If I wasn't so illiterate in the technology world, I would post this cute video we got of him taking his 1st steps... Well, take my word for it and check out the still pictures at least :)

Blessed be God for 2 happy happy happy years of marriage

2010-06-21T19:41:00.000-07:00

We are celebrating our garnet anniversary today! Two full years of blessed happy marriage life. It feels like the honeymoon is ongoing and the grace of being parents is one of the greatest things that happened to us. As a matter of fact, baby 2 is on the way and expected for the end of the year! We couldn't be happier! Blessed be God.
My life as a wife and mother is so fulfilling and amazing I wonder sometimes if I am dreaming. I am not too sure how to explain it, how to put it into words, but it feels so right to be right here by Nelnan, a wonderful man, a dedicated husband and a loving father. The joy in my heart is overwhelming when I contemplate my life. Time goes by fast, but I feel like we got married just a couple hours ago. I am forever thankful to God for his bounty and endless love. May He bless us forever and ever in his undying mercy. Amen.

Birthday barbecue

2010-06-08T16:28:00.001-07:00

ONE YEAR OLD IN ALL ITS SPLENDOR

2010-06-08T15:56:00.000-07:00

He is one year. He's given us one wonderful year together. we are falling a bit more in love with him everyday. He is the miracle that has transformed our lives. He is the gift and grace of God Almighty in our lives. He is our song of praise to the greatness of God. We will forever be thankful for what a blessing he is.
Togue is one bundle of joy beyond our expectation. Every minute together is so fulfilling and we forget the time and world around us. We love him so much, but most of all, we are so blessed with a child so healthy, so happy, so entertaining and so charming. This past year flew by and today we are amazed by a gorgeous one-year old in our arms.
His is babbling his first words now and his favorite is "daddee-eee" with a very special tone to it! (yeah, the ungrateful little brat... kicking me 9 months in the ribs and choosing "daddy" as a first word!)I am pretty convinced he is refusing to walk at this point because he is really strong, stands up and claps his hands , smiles and sits back down! No hurry but we don't mind.
The birthday celebration happened on Saturday with a little barbecue in the park and birthday pictures on June 7. Pictures coming...

Hey, it's me, T

2010-05-31T09:25:00.000-07:00

11 Months and Counting

2010-05-07T18:04:00.000-07:00

Our little angel, full 11 wonderful months of life now! Oh so adorable, so entertaining and so big. Togue is making our lives such a paradise and the only thing that comes to mind when looking at him is a song of praise to the Almighty God.

He can stand up on his own and clap, but still too afraid to dare the first step. He is so cute standing there and smiling and clapping and chattering...He is always so happy and relaxed. His nanny unfortunately had to leave us last month for some emergency issues in her family and will not be returning to NYC, at least not for a while. But blessed as always, we were able to find a great woman right here on the island who was preparing to open a daycare. Togue got to be her first client, but she also has an adorable 2 years old who quickly befriended T. There are only the 2 of them for now but they are having a blast and it is working out great for all of us. AND that is another subject of praise to God's steadfast care and love for us. Everything ALWAYS falls back in place in due time for those who trust wholeheartedly in God.

Le beau garcon de 10 mois...

2010-04-08T18:51:00.000-07:00

I am amazed looking at Togue, how far we've come and how much change he's been through. Two more months and he will be a year old, WOW! He is growing up so beautifully and so healthily and looking even a bit more like his dad. Still some trouble sleeping through the night although it has gotten much better lately. I just wish he could now sleep regularly through the night. It is a challenge for those nights when he wakes up at 2am to scream for no reason. At least he is through eating at night and is now in his crib full time.
His diet hasn't changed much and his main/favorite dish is our traditional Chadian boule with okra stew. He can't get enough of that but he is recently discovering string cheese and seems to enjoy it. However, it is a war getting him to have cereal. He loves formula and still drinks a lot of it but would not take it with cereal. Yoghurt is somewhat ok depending on his mood and hunger status, but he would prefer that to cereal; he would take anything else over cereal for crying out loud.
He loves to get into the pots and pants in the kitchen and we are still working on baby-proofing the apartment. This is so challenging as the apartment is kind of small and not at all designed with baby-proffing needs in mind. He adores his nanny and the two just have a great time together. We feel so blessed for this nanny!
He is very strong although he is not standing on his own yet. He likes to pull himself up to anything he can find and walk around, but he is very scared of letting go the support. We'll see if the first steps are in store for the next couple months; though I don't see the hurry!

Lazy Me!

2010-03-24T18:56:00.000-07:00

Sorry I let you down, dear faithful readers... I have been feeling lazy although busy with whatnots... Life's good and our precious Togue is just thriving.
Hopefully the graces of the Holy Week and the light of Easter will soon revive my blogging inspiration for your delight!

This is Ashley, Togue's lovely nanny :)

Happy Month No. 9 Togue :-)

2010-03-07T21:02:00.000-08:00

Still a strong, happy and healthy baby we've got! And till a wonderful, gracious and more than enjoyable baby. We love you Togue.

La Dent Esseulée

2010-02-23T18:45:00.000-08:00

Si mignon, sa toute première dent! Toute seule en bas à droite. Il prend un malin plaisir à l’essayer sur tout ce qui passe par là. Il ne m’a pas encore mordu à l’allaitement mais je crains que cela soit inscrit dans mon futur proche. Tout de même, il dévore l’os comme si ses dents étaient au grand complet. Regardez-moi ce chou et ses parents si fiers!

Our Valentine Day

2010-02-14T10:48:00.000-08:00

Blizzard Day on the Island

2010-02-14T10:23:00.000-08:00

I had to work that day, but the boys just had a lay-back day enjoying the snow flakes. It turned out that the blizzard wasn't as bad as they predicted in our side of the city...

Eight Months after his Birth!

2010-02-08T19:59:00.001-08:00

No more baby Togue! He is all grown up, enjoying life and making it even more enjoyable for us. We are truly blessed with this little angel and can't thank God enough for having him.
At eight months, he likes walking around the table or pulling himself up to a standing position by holding on to any piece of furniture he can find. He can be said to be officially crawling now but is still cruising around on his belly. It's time to baby proof our apartment for real!
He prefers grownup foods, but still snacks on baby food and loving yogurt.

Togue Togue Togue Togue...

2010-02-05T17:14:00.000-08:00

Dad...He's been gone for 2 years now.

2010-02-05T17:10:00.000-08:00

It remains a tough reality to grasp, but he's been gone for that long already. On this sad anniversary, I want to send up some special prayers for his peaceful rest in Christ. Also thinking about all my brothers and sisters and the whole family. I love you all and miss you very much. Blessings.

Crawling...Yet?

2010-02-02T17:45:00.000-08:00

He is slowly getting there! As you can see in the pictures from the play date, Togue is working hard at his crawling skills. He tried one "step" last Saturday morning but ended up on his stomach and stayed there. Although not officially creeping, he squirms and already gets around to things he is not supposed to have. Oh, boy! I can only guess the marathon of hiding things, putting stuff away and baby proofing every square inch of our living spaces! But exciting as all :-)

Togue and Jude's PlayDate

2010-02-02T17:06:00.000-08:00

I got to babysit Jude, a lovely baby boy living with his parents in the apartment where we used to live when we first moved to NYC. It was Togue's first play date and he loved the company. He was very inquisitive though: he wanted to touch and feel Jude and stopped to watch when Jude made any kind of noises. I am not quite sure about his sharing skills though. He seemed to "want" the toys the Jude was using, maybe to play with it together but he seemed kind of rough for sweet little Jude. Jude is only 2 weeks younger than Togue, so they found themselves perfect playmates! We are looking forward to more play dates with that fabulous little friend!

L'Enfant de sa mère...

2010-01-27T19:18:00.001-08:00

Support IRC's Good Deeds in Haiti: Text HAITI to 25383 to donate $5

2010-01-27T18:43:00.000-08:00

The past couple weeks have been crazy at the IRC for a very noble cause: saving lives in Haiti. Oh God, so much desolation and pain. The media brought to our living rooms the crude images of the earthquake's victims and I just couldn't hold back my tears. It was heartbreaking to witness such helplessness. I am so surprised that we couldn't have used all our mighty scientific knowledge to predict and protect human lives from an earthquake of such magnitude. It just demonstrates how, despite all the human knowledge and advancement, God will remain Master of all and in all. The frailty of human life appeared all the more daunting as corpses were littering the roads. It makes me even more appreciative of all God has blessed me with, if only life itself. But my heart truly goes out to all who suffer any kind of lost as a result of the earthquake. I am thinking about and praying for all those who are still looking for their loved ones, especially a friend of mine who still doesn't know where her boyfriend is, alive or dead. I can't imagine the pain these people are going through, but may God console them and wipe off tears from their eyes.
It's also humbling to realize that in such desolation, we are all uniting our strengths and pooling together our resources to help those in need.
IRC is receiving a great support from the whole community and has deployed the emergency team on the grounds. But we are still hoping more people will donate to help us save lives in Haiti. Every donation, no matter how little, can make a difference; so please consider supporting our efforts at https://www.theirc.org/donate/donate-now-haiti
or by texting HAITI to 25385 on your cell to donate $5.
Thank you very much!

Opération Mains Propres au Tchad, mon Opinion

2010-01-27T18:36:00.000-08:00

Devrons-nous espérer?
Les arrestations des personnalités publiques opérées à Ndjaména ces derniers mois font germer une lueur d’espoir dans la perception généralement pessimiste des tchadiens. Quand on se retrouve d’année en année à coiffer les listes des pays les plus corrompus du monde, il importe de faire preuve de sensibilité et de chercher à défendre notre amour-propre.
La corruption a atteint des proportions pathologiques au Tchad et on sait que corruption et vol font souvent parcours commun. Bien que le doute continue à planer sur le fait que ces arrestations soient engendrées par le désir de rétablir notre crédibilité, il est important d’y voir un acte qui, à la longue, pourrait dissuader les responsables tchadiens de voler les biens publics sans être inquiétés. Le pillage est devenu presque institutionnalisé et automatique dans les services publics au Tchad. On dirait qu’une cabale de bandits a pris en otage le patrimoine tchadien. L’instinct des gérants de nos biens communs est de s’établir le droit et devoir de se servir sans égards. C’est frustrant de végéter dans la misère en gagnant honnêtement sa vie et de voir le misérable arriviste d’hier vivre à coup de millions de francs par jour parce qu’un poste de responsabilité vient de lui être attribué. Pis, ces millions viennent des redevables et contributions des ces personnes qui ploient dans la pauvreté. C’est une injustice socialisée qui dure depuis trop longtemps et si enfin nous sommes prêts à demander des comptes, c’est encourageant.
Toutefois, pour réussir dans l’œuvre d’établir la transparence dans la gestion des grands biens publics, il est aussi important que chaque tchadien(ne) fasse sa part en respectant le bien qui ne lui appartient pas. S’il n’est pas juste pour un gérant de grand projet piller de gros sous au public, il n’est pas non plus acceptable pour une personne de ménage de s’accorder des faveurs sans autorisation de son employeur. Il n’est pas plus juste pour un(e) employé(e) de s’octroyer l’utilisation des outils du travail à des fins personnelles qu’à un ministre de virer les revenus de projet dans son compte personnel. En fin de comptes, on ne peut voler qu’à la limite de ce qui est disponible et donc que ce soit des milliards ou des fractions de sous, le crime demeure. La responsabilité incombe à tous d’assumer avec honnêteté les taches assignées et d’accepter les compensations établies sans cupidité.
Le seul souci demeure l’inconfortable question de savoir si les vrais coupables sont ceux qui se retrouvent en taule ou s’ils sont là pour distraire l’opinion publique des complices et autres auteurs. On dit souvent au Tchad que les cabris passent tous par le trou créé par leur mère, donc au lieu de perdre le temps à écrouer les cabris, il faut aussi mettre fin aux tendances de la mère à créer des trous. Notre système étatique est tel que les instances de vols, quelle que soit leur ampleur, se passent de toute sanction, et si on peut ainsi voler au su de tous, eh bien, on ne peut que s’y éclater en poussant les limites un peu plus à chaque occasion. Ce qu’il nous faut, ce sont des institutions robustes et équitables qui sont prêtes à servir les intérêts du peuple tchadien au lieu de défendre des flibustiers enrichis aux dépens des citoyens.
Avec ces arrestations peut être symboliques, d’autres questions pertinentes s’imposent : pourrait-on compter sur une justice tchadienne indépendante, aux mains libres pour accomplir son travail ? Comment seront renforcées les décisions qui découleront de ce verdict, et pourra-t-on s’attendre à ce que les coupables remboursent le peuple tchadien pour ses bien volés ? La seule bonne réponse qui pourrait aider à réparer notre image est oui. En attendant, on ose espérer que ce n’est pas un simple règlement de comptes et d’humiliation entre les « grands » gérants.
Devrons-nous espérer? Oui. Quelque soient les défis qui s’imposent, il faut toujours espérer car l’espoir crée la motivation de continuer à se battre pour un jour meilleur.

Visiting Mama

2010-01-12T17:56:00.000-08:00

Togue and Nel came to visit me in my office a couple weeks ago. All T could see was his meal. So he snacked on me! But it was a treat seeing them in the middle of the day. It made my day!

Other random pictures...

7 Months

2010-01-07T19:30:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year Dear Reader!
Togue hit 7 months today, very sick with cold, coughing, wheezing and all congested! This evening though he is feeling a lot better and playing.
I look at him every day and feel so happy and amazed at my little angel. He looks so much like a little boy now; no more baby T for me... Come on, who am I kidding? He will remain my baby even when he has his own babies!!!

He is fully enjoying solid food now (at least when he is well and not snuffed up!) He loves baby yogurt of all things and is now discovering Chadian delicacies such as la boule and okra or molokhia stew. He hates peas and baby cereal. He would make the funniest faces when fed those foods.

I am planning on making his food instead of buying baby food as he seems to enjoy my cooking more. He is still breastfeeding too, but I don't produce as much milk as I used to. I nurse him in the morning before leaving for work and after I get home from work. He still nurses a couple time at night and we are slowly transitioning him to his crib. He starts his nights there and always finishes them in our bed. Hopefully we can get him to stay in his crib full time very soon.

Some of the things he loves to do is to sit by the window in the hallway at look at the flag floating in the wind. He could just sit for hours there, look at the passing cars below, the boats on the river and people walking around.

He enjoys the few Christmas presents he received and yes, he does enjoy watching TV... He still loves baths, dancing, and listening to daddy read him bedtime stories. He is overall a very easy going and happy boy! We adore him.

He continues to make our lives an enjoyable adventure and he is growing bigger and stronger in God's loving grace.
May the Almighty continue to watch over him and bless us all in Jesus.

Enfin dans Son Berceau

2009-12-30T20:07:00.001-08:00

Le gaillard pousse comme une belle fleur et vient de regagner son berceau en grand garcon!

The First Noel

2009-12-30T19:15:00.000-08:00

We had a fabulous Christmas celebration with our first-born son! A white Christmas on Roosevelt Island! It was too cold and too late to attend Christmas carols (which I always attended in the past), but we went to Christmas day mass. It was fun introducing T to opening presents in the morning and discovering new toys. We are generally quite thrifty about buying him things but he was spoiled rotten by friends and family. The thing though is that he gets bored too easily with his toys and looks for new things to play with. Our apartment, as most apartments in NYC, is too tight to invest in toys and then have nowhere to store them! So we keep it to a minimum whenever possible.

Santa heard the whispers of my heart and got me - among other wonderful things, the Chapelet of the Divine Mercy in Songs from EWTN. I Looooove it!

Christmas Mass was wonderful and kids of the community put together a lovely Christmas pageant after mass. T was awake and enjoyed looking at children get busy around.

Well, pictures speak a thousand words...

Preparing for Christ's Coming

2009-12-30T18:31:00.000-08:00

This year again, like last year, T's godmama sent us a lovely Advent wreath for our prayers! Last year too, the wreath was our only Christmas decoration but this year, we had a full Christmas decoration, complete with a tree, stockings and presents to celebrate T's first Christmas. As his godmama said, this is the closest he can be to baby Jesus so let's rejoice and be merry! He always looks inquisitively at us when we are praying. He looks at me, looks at his dad and looks at how we hold hands to say the meal prayers but always stays very quiet and just observes. When we say "Amen" he now understands that we have come to a closure! I am so proud of my little catholic boy! He helped daddy light the advent lights and watched us say the advent prayers, the little Trooper of Christ. Advent went by pretty fast as we were both, Nel and I, absorbed in our jobs and used every single extra minute to enjoy life in family. We managed to put up our Christmas tree a couple days before Christmas and boy, T loved it: the lights, the decorations, the looks... He helped daddy put it up and was mesmerized by the colorful little lights that burst to life. It was hard to get him away from the tree! Lucky he is not quite crawling yet. He does get to places moving on his tummy though!

His First Snow!

2009-12-23T20:08:00.001-08:00

Sympho's Visit

2009-12-23T20:04:00.001-08:00

Eating !

2009-12-23T19:52:00.000-08:00

Andrea Visits Togue Again!!!

2009-12-23T19:47:00.001-08:00

Thanksgiving with Feli and Malanda

2009-12-23T19:16:00.000-08:00

It was such a blessing to have Feli and her gorgeous daughter Malanda visit us from Seattle for Thanksgiving. It was the first Thanksgiving we celebrated home and as a family. We had great company and toos of goodness.
Malanda and Feli met Togue for the first time and fell head over heels for him! Well, who wouldn't, for such a charming piece of heaven?

IRC

2009-12-09T18:39:00.000-08:00

I returned to the International Rescue Committee as their Special Projects Program Manager for the International Programs Department on Nov 23. This is such a mixed blessing that I don't fully enjoy yet... Indeed, I have looked so hard for opportunities to get involved with a humanitarian organization like the IRC because I want to help those in need live a better life. I have focused on developing skills to achieve that dream through my education and trainings and today it looks like God is putting on my plate just what I asked for. Yet, just minutes after I was offered the position, my soul got wrapped up in sadness when I looked at Togue and knowing I would be spending my days away from him.

It is quite challenging because I spend every minute I am at work thinking about him and asking myself whether it is a good decision. It is definitely not a money issue as it costs us almost my salary to hire a nanny for him, but it is more of a self actualization issue dealing with a deep seated desire and dream to accomplish something I have always held dear to my heart. I just did not realize how hard this could be with a baby in my lap. My husband is particularly supportive but God I miss my baby!

We feel very blessed though as we found Ashley, a young and fabulous woman from Buffalo who is totally in love with Togue and lives right in our building. Ashley watches him in our apartment everyday while we're at work and so far, it has been going wonderfully.

I cannot describe the joy I feel everyday when I return home to him and see the large smile on his face...

My Little Angel is already Halfway to ONE Year Old!

2009-12-09T18:18:00.000-08:00

Six months already, my baby Togue! It's unbelievable and exciting at the same time. He is such a big and happy baby; so adorable and wonderful! Now eating in a high chair like a big boy and certainly enjoying solid food. I am still nursing him although I do not produce as much milk as I used to. I barely get to pump but he still nurses fine. His nanny Ashley completes it with some formula during the day until I get back from work and nurse him. He likes whole grain oatmeal cereal with yoghurt, apple sauce and sweet potatoes. Oh boy, oh boy!

Un dernier Stop: Paris... Retour a NYC

2009-12-09T17:42:00.000-08:00

Nous avons pu nous arrêter, avant de retourner à NYC, à Paris chez ma cousine Yvonne et son adorable famille. Ça faisait aussi vieux que nous ne nous étions revues ! Et comme il fallait s’y attendre, l’accueil y était très chaleureux. Malheureusement, Togue faisait un début de grippe assez sérieux, avec une très forte fièvre et des vomissements. Il ne mangeait pas et passait le temps à dormir (du moins il gardait les yeux tout le temps fermés). J’en étais si stressée et avais hâte de revenir à NYC pour être à côté de son père et de son pédiatre. Son père en était aussi assez stressé et prenait de nos nouvelles toutes les 5 minutes ! Nous avions envisagé l’emmener aux urgences à Paris en cas d’aggravation, mais c’était aussi déjà la veille de notre retour et je priais fort que Dieu le protège pour nous. Il n’a jamais été malade auparavant et du coup je m’étais retrouvée à déprimer sur le coup. Heureusement, ma grande sœur Angeline nous avait raccompagnés jusqu'à Paris et était à mes cotes pour me soutenir et m’aider à m’occuper de lui. Dans l’avion du retour, T avait continué ses crises de fièvre jusqu'à l’atterrissage. Je l’avais serré tout contre moi durant tout le vol, mais dès l’atterrissage, il avait commencé à se sentir mieux, me donnant un faible sourire qui m’avait manqué 2 jours de suites! Quand il avait reconnu son père à l’aéroport, ça alors ! Il était tellement heureux et du coup la fièvre avait chuté ! Je crois que désormais, on prendra papa avec nous pour tout voyage de plus d’un jour ; c’est ainsi décidé…

Maillot

2009-12-06T11:45:00.000-08:00

L’un des grands moments de notre tour en Europe fut la rencontre avec Isabelle, ma prof de français de la classe de 4eme au CNDT de Moundou. EH Ouais ! 17 ans après, on se retrouve, avec plein d’émotions, de souvenirs et de joie. Isabelle vit maintenant avec sa famille a Maillot (près de Sens, 1h30 de Paris) et continue à enseigner dans une école catholique (les 5eme cette fois-ci). Elle m’avait invitée à bien vouloir partager mon parcours avec ses élèves et je l’ai fait avec beaucoup de joie. Le temps passe si vite ! Elle était une jeune femme quand elle m’enseignait et maintenant je la rencontre avec sa famille et elle me rencontre avec mon fils ! Elle et Gérard son mari ont deux adorables enfants (Noé et Maguelonne) et ils étaient tous épris de Togue.

Maman Ange aka PPInter

2009-12-05T19:21:00.000-08:00

De Bruxelles, nous nous sommes rendus à Montpellier pour assister à la soutenance de ma grande sœur Angeline. C’est à Montpellier que nous avons passé la plus grande partie de notre voyage en Europe. C’était fabuleux de revoir la Sis, même si elle passait beaucoup de temps au labo à achever sa thèse.
La thèse était très satisfaisante, non pas seulement de mon point de vue, mais Ange a épaté tous les membres du jury par la teneur de ses recherches, la présentation de son travail et résultats, et les recommandations qu’elle a proposées. Je ne peux en être plus fière ! Ça valait bien le déplacement.
Elle a aussi passé des moments inoubliables avec son petit neveu Togue qu’elle voyait pour la première fois. Et Montpellier alors, une très mignonne vieille ville…

Chez Tatie Neloum

2009-12-05T18:41:00.001-08:00

Notre grand tour en Europe était assez court mais très apprécié! Notre premier stop était Bruxelles où nous avons visité Neloum, la tante de Togue. Elle était si heureuse de rencontrer Togue et lui aussi l'a adorée! Ils ont passé tout le temps à rigoler, s'amuser et se scruter. Ce fut un grand plaisir de revoir Neloum pour moi aussi, après sa visite surprise à notre mariage à Ndjamena.
Nous avons visité Bruxelles et découvert la pâtisserie Paul et ses merveilles! Hm mm, le bonheur divin sur terre!

Month Five

2009-11-08T10:43:00.000-08:00

Togue turned 5 months yesterday and for the first time, we had him try some baby cereal!!! He is not too sure about it or the feeling of the spoon in his month; he did not know how to eat it . We are trying to get him on solid food to complement breatmilk as I will start working soon.

Oh, about that job... I just got hired as the Program manager for the IRC and will be starting in a couple weeks...will post more about it once I get going.

We are heading to the airport now to visit family and friends in Europe. We'll share some pictures of the visit upon return. I'm taking Togue to visit his aunts Neloum in Brussels and Angeline in Montpellier. More to come!

Fall ... in Love!

2009-10-29T10:06:00.000-07:00

The beginning of fall is one of the prettiest sights in the world! I love it all (maybe not so much for the rain). All the colors, the smells, the leaves falling... Throw in a fabulous baby and your world is GREAT!
Togue enjoyed a little stroll this morning ang got a taste of his first fall leaves - I mean it very literally. Check it out:

BATH TIME BLISS

2009-10-21T11:42:00.000-07:00

He loves it!

New Look

2009-10-17T07:51:00.000-07:00

Last week (Oct 17), T got his first haircut and the hairstylist of course was daddy! He did pretty well, a bit curious about what was going on with all the buzzing in his hair. He got hungry half way through and got to nurse. But for the record, he was pretty collaborative for his age. We had to give him the haircut at the onset of cold setting in because his hair was getting too loong and to thick to manage. He hates all forms of combing and he also had a great deal of cradle cap. Now the hair is growing back already, so he won't be too cold in the dead winter of NYC! Check him out!

4 Months Later!

2009-10-10T16:47:00.000-07:00

This is how he looks at four months, weighing 9kg, mesuring 70cm and wearing 9months old clothes!!! My baby has amazingly grown and keeps growing! He is very healthy thanks to God and seems to be teething (drools a lots and blows raspberries all the time). He seats up steadily and seems to be bored with baby toys already. He needs to be more challenged and still looks forwards to his outdoor sprees. I try to give him long nice walks by the river at least a couple times a day, weather allowing. He loves swinging in baby swings at the park but there are only 2 such swings for the whole island!!!
On his last doctor's visit (oct 7), he received 3 more vaccination shots and took it better than the first time. He screamed as he was being poked but stopped right after the shot. He was not as fussy and forgot all about it a few minutes later. I'm so proud of my little trooper! Oooooh, TOGUE!!!

His father, who has been working on his thesis in Montreal for a few weeks now, came back on his 4th month day to celebrate and spend the weekend with us. We are so happy to see him and can't wait for him to get back for good!While visiting for the weekend, my sweet hubby took me to a concert of my all-time favorite singer Keith Urban! It was sensational, but it was the first time we ever left Togue to the care of someone else. He cried and the babysitter called us urgently. We rushed back home before the end of the concert, just to find the little one fast asleep! It was a great evening though. Great weekend too! A few pics...

Quelques photos de notre Visite a Montreal

2009-10-04T13:25:00.000-07:00

Out with my Boy!

2009-10-04T12:52:00.000-07:00

Nelnan is still in Montreal working really hard on his thesis and he put Togue in charge of taking care of me... Looks like it's the other way around, but we are both managing quite well and waiting impatiently for Nel to come back. We went to mass this morning and it was so gorgeous outside. I liked the liturgy today, especially the sermon. The priest talked about marriage as a beautiful sacrament instuted by Christ and he emphasized the selfless giving of each spouse in order to live the sacrament fully. Some of the things he said were "... it's not a 50-50, a compromise; marriage is rather giving a 100% of oneself to each other in love, putting the other first...we are called to live our lives in Christ and in faithfulness to each other!" BEAUTIFUL. It felt like renewing my wedding vows to my loving and caring husband. Everyday of my life with Nelnan only reinforces my convinction of having found a soulmate in him and living our love in the light of God. I am so grateful and pray that all couples may live the graces of marriage through their lives. Praise to God!

Togue is being a big boy, trying to keep me company and to entertain me. He "chats" a lot and makes me laugh all the time. He is such a sweetheart. I hope I won't suffocate him with my zillion hugs a day...

Ca y est! Il EST ASSIS!!!

2009-09-28T17:46:00.001-07:00

Bravo Togue!

I tried to sit him a couple weeks ago and he sat but he is getting really good at it! He can hold for a whole 5 minutes without help and without support! Oh, I am so happy and proud of my little trooper! Oh Togue, I loooove you!

Notre Vieux Babe

2009-09-22T18:33:00.001-07:00

Ngueita - Montreal

2009-09-22T18:09:00.000-07:00

Togue had the great pleasure of finally meeting uncle Ngueita!!! Although it was a short visit, it was a great joy to spend a fabulous week together. His stay was further shortened by our family visit to Montreal where Nelnan is now advancing on his thesis. We wish we could enjoy uncle's presence for a whle longer but he had to get back to his busy schedule in Seattle.

Mon Poussin a 3 Mois!

2009-09-07T20:48:00.001-07:00

Il grandit bien. Il mange bien. Il dort bien. Il se porte comme un charme! Gloire a Dieu!

More picnic pictures

2009-09-05T06:53:00.000-07:00

Another Year!

2009-09-04T20:25:00.000-07:00

Should I feel old now? Probably not! God granted me another year full of joy and blessings and I hope I am growing wiser and more appreciative of the graces in my life. Of course the highlight of my past year was welcome my very own son Togue, but every day had his pack of great joys and I am very thankful.
For my birthday today, we had a small family picnic by the lighthouse in Roosevelt Island and we had a lot of fun. La vie est belle!!!

Life is Good!

2009-08-26T20:18:00.000-07:00

Should I blame my silence these past weeks on being a busy mother?! Well, I blogged plentiful in my mind... just did not get around to sharing!
Life has been beautiful with its loads of joys and challenges. Baby Togue is rather a gorgeous little boy now and so enjoyable. I spend 24 hours a day with him and I am just lovin' it! His dad just got back from a 10-day trip and I had to take care of the baby all by myself. Usually, dad bottle-feeds the baby at night (with pumped breast milk)and I breastfeed him during the day. But for the past 10 days, I breastfed day and night and it all went well. I got pretty tired though from lack of decent sleep, but Nelnan came back just in time to save me!!! I think Togue missed his daddy as Nel usually rocks him to sleep to their favorite lullabies every night! I didn't do it, otherwise I would have fallen asleep before the baby - and THAT won't be good! We (Togue and I) also traveled to visit his godmother Amanda in New Haven and we are now getting ready for a weekend in Boston with Micheline and her family. We have quite a few trips lined up on our calender for the rest of the summer.
Togue is now very alert and smiles and laughs out loud and splashes us with his bath water!!! When the phone rings, he even stops eating to listen! He has become a real playmate and makes us soooooo happy. He is still eating every couple hours or so and loves the outdoors. We take at least 2 long walks every day! We hang out at the lighthouse, or the swimming pool or the river or even cross to Manhattan and Queens. We always go and meet dad when he gets off work and walk home together (weather allowing). I'm tellin' ya, LIFE IS GOOD!