Little Boy Luke

Since our last dispatch, it's been more of the same on the political and public health front here. Italy's government is having to reevaluate itself after Prime Minister Romano Prodi received a vote of no confidence and resigned. Italy also has a president but this role seems to have very limited power, so an interim acting government needs to be formed. I don't fully understand all the political details, but admist these murmurings, the trash crisis continues. Thankfully, we are unaffected at our home. The only problems we have encountered personally are the occassional protests that block the way home. The Navy is holding a town hall meeting about it Tuesday, so maybe we will get more information or at least an update of what is really going on.

At home, life is far simpler and focused on our Little Boy Luke and all he is learning to do. Tooth Number Five is finally seeing the light of day. He walks so fast that he can dart away from you now, and he's kicking his soccer ball around like the World Cup is just around the corner. He's getting creative in his play, turning over his activity table and using it for a sort of saucer to balance on. And he's communicating more than ever, especially regarding food and drink. If you ask him is he wants a snack or a drink, he walks to the kitchen doors and pushes on them. He's trying to say more (mo') and cup (cu'), though Ben and I discovered the "cup" concept didn't quite match up to what we thought and all forms of food and drink are now affectionately asked for as cu'. Oh well, he knows it goes in your mouth! Little by little....piano, piano, as the Italians say.

He loves playing outside and exploring all the little things he can get his hands on. He especially loves walks with Ben. Lately they have been going for afternoon adventures when Ben comes home from work. Ben carries him in the pack carrier. Luke must look forward to these outings because he saw the pack carrier on the table one day this week, and he pulled it down and proceeded to entangle himself in the many straps and buckles. He was quite proud when he believed he had adequately suited up and walked around in front of the door, ready for the moment Ben arrived. Brought to mind a dog waiting with leash in mouth for his owner to take him out. Very sweet and endearing to know Luke enjoys these "adventures." There are so many more ahead of him.

The Day-to-Day

No big trips or amazing developments here this past week, only the mundane details of daily life. These little things, though, will probably what we will try to remember most about our time in Italy.

Ben has been very busy at work lately, so his days are filled with meetings, deadlines, and the very occassional cafe break. January is the main month for sales in Italy, so we took a trip into downtown Naples yesterday to look for a suit for Ben. He may need one occassionally in whatever new job lies ahead for him. Lots of looking and trying on but still too high-end for us even with the sales. We still can't figure out how average Italians dress as sharply as they do with the fashion prices so high. Maybe it's a lot of good knock-offs, but I still think they spend a large part of their income on clothes and shoes. Just an outsider's opinion, though.

Luke is determined to eat unassisted these days and has become quite choosy in his tastes. I'd like to think we are maybe just 'losing the battles but winning the war,' but I am beginning to doubt this. I need some new tricks for meal time or a double dose of patience and prayers!

I have been volunteering through the American Red Cross and am enjoying my placement with the Department of Occupational Health. I'm working on a research study right now and am glad to have a chance to keep my public health skills sharp with use. The work is on the epidemiology of work-related injuries, so it's a new subject area for me. I log most of my hours from home, but I go in one or two days a week for meetings in the clinic. This means Luke gets a break from me so he can play with his friends at "day camp," as Ben likes to call it. Luke's never there very long, but it always seems to be enough. Luke doesn't nap well away from home, so he's usually exhausted when we come to pick him up.

The other nice things about working with Occupational Health is that 1) the clinic is on Ben's base, so I can see him for breaks or lunch, and 2) I work with both Navy and Italian personnel. I work most closely with an Italian physician who has provided a lot of insight into the way the Italian social medicine system works. The Navy system interfaces with this Italian one when local Italian employees have a work-related injury or illness. Still much to learn, but it is proving to be a great education in health policy and politics, too.

Tomorrow starts another busy week here, just as it will for most of you back home. Hope it's a good one!

Luke's First Birthday!

Luke's biggest day of all finally arrived on January 17, 2008---
his very first birthday! Whether he knew it or not, it was no ordinary day to Ben and me and all our good friends and family. We appreciate all the cards, phone calls, and emails wishing him a happy birthday. Thanks for remembering him and us on this red-letter day.

We threw Luke an Elmo birthday party for a few of our friends here in Italy. Many of them have known Luke from the beginning, while others are more newly arrived, making his acquaintance in the past few months. Either way, they have all been good to play with him and always ask how he is doing. It was bittersweet to celebrate this day without our family and friends back in the US, but we are thankful for our friends here who cared enough to come celebrate Luke with us.

With bluegrass playing in the background and thinking of home in the South, we served good Southern food for the party. On the menu: pulled pork barbecue, coleslaw, potato salad, hushpuppies, corn on the cob, chips and dip, and of course, sweet tea to wash it all down. I made a white cake with coconut cream cheese frosting for his very first birthday cake. The adults all liked it, but Luke wasn't too interested in it after all. We had all hoped for the big cake smashing and noshing to follow singing "Happy Birthday," but alas, he was either too tired or just didn't like the taste of it. We'll try again next year! Luke's special Tickle-me-Elmo doll served as entertainment for baby and grown folks alike.

Luke received many wonderful gifts, including great books, a teddy bear, a piggy bank, clothes and shoes, a wooden name train, and generous savings bonds. None of his gifts were more special, though, than the handwritten letters from family back home. Ben and I cherish them now as Luke will when he is older.

Ben and I are awed and humbled everyday by the gift we have been given in Luke. Can't wait to share more of him with all of you back home before his 2nd birthday rolls around. Here's wishing Luke another great year and new adventures ahead in 2008!