Tuesday, August 14, 2007, Anchorage, Alaska~

Dear Journal~

Jenna Aurora here. I haven't written in a while; sorry about that! When you have a little one to take care of (plus another one on the way), you don't have much free time. I hope you understand.

Mattaq is over one year old now; turned one in May. Talking up a storm, cruising all over (holding onto objects or furniture as he navigates his way around; not quite up to par to the skill of walking independently yet). He looks like me; Michael and I call him "our little Inuk baby". He is adorable!

Michael is taking some time off; he is in the midst of a two week long vacation. He is enjoying working around the house, spending time with his wife and baby son.

I am expecting again: another little boy. Am six months pregnant now; showing like I'm nine months! LOL I have a huge belly; looks like I've swallowed a basketball!! LOL No, make that two basketballs! LOL

The weather here has been relatively sunny and mild: temps in the mid to upper sixties to middle seventies. Have had thunderstorms here, which is a rare occurrance here in Alaska. The only storms we usually get are those of the magnetic variety--i.e., the aurora borealis, or the northern lights! LOL

Two days ago, we saw the Perseid meteor shower. Very spectacular; at its peak (early this morning and yesterday morning, early), there were as many as one to three meteors per minute! Slow earth grazers, really exciting to see!

I am writing to a woman who lives in Fairbanks; she moved here to Alaska earlier this year (May). She is originally from Louisiana (New Orleans); was displaced by Hurricane Katrina nearly two years ago. She's paralyzed and is in a wheelchair. She cannot walk except for very short distances--and then it's on crutches. Her name is Katrina Ann Hammer (nee' Delchamps) and has been married since May to Frank Hammer. She and her husband may be driving out this way to meet us in person. I hope so; I always like making new friends!

(I just hope she knows I'm deaf: I can read lips, just can't talk or hear. Still, I do function quite well in light of all my health challenges! :) )

Heard from Louisiana Sandusky: she's getting ready to go to Louisiana for a wedding (her daughter Dwerlina is getting married); then a week later the family is going to a Cajun music festival.

The family is getting ready to have a foster child, a little six-year-old boy with cerebral palsy. His name is Vincente. They recently adopted a little three-year-old boy from Finland who was born blind and deaf. His name is Bjorn Wilhem, and he looks like a very young Johnny: same white hair, same fair skin, same bright turquoise blue eyes. Very handsome young man! :)

The Sanduskys now have 60 children--and have since found out that Louie is expecting twins, both boys! She is expected to deliver the twins around Christmas time. Now is that crazy or what?? I'm so happy for Louie; she deserves nothing but good things to happen to her! :)

Well, dear Journal, the phone is ringing. I can see the little light flashing, to let me know that the phone is ringing (can't hear it, so the light serves as my reminder). I will have to answer it (use the TTY device, of course). Take care and God bless!

~Love, Jenna Aurora Doucet. :)

P.S.: That little guy in the picture? That's Vincente; isn't he cute? Maybe one of these days I will have to post a picture of my little Mattaq; he is really getting big!

~Jenna Aurora. :)