A warm welcome home :)

It's hard to believe I haven't mentioned this little monkey on our blog yet, for he, his mom and dad are a huge part of our lives. This little guy is Kekoa Kai and he was born in August to Scott and Hsiaolei Hanson, our beloved next door neighbors. We have grown so close since he was born and their friendship means so so much to me. It's funny to think that we've lived next door to each other for years and, though we were always kind and friendly, we never connected until our bebes arrived :) I remember Hsiaolei and Scott coming over to ooh and aahh over Ava in her bassinet when we brought her home and 16 months later I got to meet the love of their lives, Kekoa! Isn't he such a sweetheart?

When Brad, Ava and I arrived home from our trip back east there was a "welcome home" sign above the doorknob and our apartment was warm and toasty because they had come over to turn the heat on for us the day before we came home. It's so nice to have a friend right next door to share life with. We share meals and make time to play a lot. Ava loves Kekoa and can be heard loud and clear screaming out his name when the screen door is open "kekoka!", she says! It's been a joy to watch him grow and develop and to share stories and experiences with Hsiaolei on childrearing. I am so grateful to have them next door and I miss them terribly when they are away. Even if it's just for a day. There is a great comfort in knowing someone is right next door that you feel so connected to and comfortable with. It's a blessing.

pretty Hsiaolei and Kekoa in the sling (taken the day we left for Boston).
This is Scott and Kekoa, all dressed up for pre-Chirstmas festivities :)
These are our love-bugs in their B.O.B strollers. We went for a walk together to the park the day after we returned from Boston. It was so nice to reconnect. We missed them!
Ava & Kekoa, best buddies :)
Ava is eager for Kekoa to grow. We took them to the park again early this week and Ava was asking for"kekoka wun?" (Kekoa run?) with her. We told her not quite yet, but someday!