Click here for: Mateo's 1st Birthday Photo Album
August is a special month for our family because all three of us were born within 8 days of each other. We are a pack of Leo's watch out! When we're not competing for each other's attention we get along just fine. There's always harmless teasing mixed with playful tussling in our family, it's all fun and games...till someone gets hurt.
I am fortunate to share my birthday with the WHOLE of Switzerland, Swiss National Day falls on Aug 1, but the real lucky ones are Mikey and Mateo - father and son share the same birthday on Aug 8.
One year ago, on 8/8 at 8am we were wishing Mikey a happy birthday at our local beach cafe with our dear friends and my midwife (hello beautiful Maxine, Lancie, Susie Q, and Hazel). And at 8.18pm Mateo Kahlil slipped into the world. That boy was in a hurry! Little did I realise that this would soon become a regular occurrence in our life.
8 months later we packed the apartment and were on a plane. A further 3 months and 3 passport stamps later Mateo was walking (more like running-walking). Mamma's intuition tells me he will fly the coop early to set off on his own great adventure. I already feel time is slipping by, I must treasure every moment.
Leading up to the boys' first joint birthday I wasn't sure where and how we should spend the special day. Mikey & I were cheerful enough about staying in Beirut, it seemed a practical decision to stay put at home - extreme hot weather makes such decisions easy.
It wasn't until I was asked by Mikey's Mum on Skype "what are you doing for Mateo's first birthday?" that I had to admit I was feeling at a loss. "I think we will stay home" I replied but my excitement wasn't all there as it had been a week ago. My shaky voice quivered "I wish we could be in Switzerland to celebrate with family". Special times like these you just need to be with your kin.
When Jurg & Mikey got wind of our wish, not a moment too soon, they booked the flights. Nothing like a last minute decision! We couldn't have been more excited. A few sleepless nights later we touched down in cool, sunny, green Switzerland. The rolling mountainous landscape never looked so spectacular.
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| Lebanon Mountains in August |
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| Swiss Mountains in August |
The boys' birthday party was celebrated with a traditional bratwurscht braetlae - a swiss sausage sizzle! Mateo spent the day running between the legs of parents, grandparents, uncles and great aunts. Seeing everyone so happy, revelling in Mateo's joy was truly one of those treasured moments.
I thought to myself, how lucky is Mateo to have such a wonderful family. I only wished my family back in OZ were with us. That's the problem with travelling, the gap of time and distance away from those you love. But as I watched Mateo snuggle up to his Grandfather I marvelled how love can just happen automatically, how it just picks up where it left off.
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| Like Grandpa, Like Grandson. |
I think back why we chose the name Mateo Kahlil. It makes perfect sense: Mateo means 'gift' and Kahlil means 'friend'. His gift to us, and to the world, is his warm, open heart. He is pure light that brings great joy. His gaping smile and belly laugh comes from deep within, its not just a giggle, sometimes it's an explosion and every time we hear it, we laugh in his delight.
He has that effect on people. You get the feeling with Mateo that no-one will push him around, at the same time, he has a deep emotional sensitivity and is considerate of those around him.
My wish for you dear Mateo Kahlil is that you continue to laugh from that deep beautiful place that is your soul.
I wish for you to shine and be an inspiration for others.
I wish for you to always be by my side whether it's physical or in my heart.
And I wish for you to treasure every day and celebrate your luck, for that is how we feel when we are with you. Lucky.
XXX
To Jurg and Margit "Merci viu mau fuer aues" you are wonderful Grandparents! And to Christoph and Michelle, thank you for the beautiful lunch on your terrace and for Mateo to spend precious time with his Uncle and Aunty.
To My Mikey, thank you for the chaos, the cheerfulness, and the great care you bring to our family. Mateo is a lucky boy to have such an awesome dad. We love you. Happy Happy Birthday to Leo No.1
