Observations from the outside.

This is an Aunty blog. I'm Marion, and have been able to grab 4 days in Auckland catching up with the family.Finally getting to meet Samuel is wonderful. It has been fascinating (and frightening sometimes) reading Samuels blog but really hard to grasp some of the challenges of this wee fellows life. Being here, and seeing some of his daily routines has been interesting. Ordinary daily activities need alot more thought and planning than most people will ever realise.

Today we went to the Domain gardens for some fresh air and spring sunshine. A very simple outing that involves quite a bit more than just "quick into the pram and off we go." Some lines that need connected to portable equipment, check batteries, have a look at the clock - Samuel needs to have these cares now, and be back for the next ones when? Finally all ready and off we go! Wonderful to be outside and enjoying the time. There is an amazing knarly old split Pohutakawa tree that is a natural slide, worn completely smooth by hundreds of childrens bottoms! Ducks and ducklings to watch and chase. (Geese to keep away from!) An opportunity for some family photos and family play time.

I have really enjoyed the chance to babysit my nephew. Coming from the bottom of the south Island means I won't be able to do this very much at all. He's a hard wee chap to get smiles out of, but we had some great chats while he was awake. Samuel has had some really settled days and nights which is great -good resting and growing times for him, following some really rugged weeks earlier on. I sat with him for a few hours yesterday and hopefully will get the chance tomorrow. Lovely to spend time with the girls as well - walking kids to school was quite a novelty!

It was a real lesson in patience and timing, and the answers to alot of prayers that I would be able to come and stay, and be able to help in some way. I feel very blessed to meet Samuel.