Life

Life is starting to feel more and more normal. I won’t lie… the first couple months home were tough. Alan and I mourned the loss of our old lives while our kids acted out trying to adjust to this new crazy life. When I look back I remember it being mostly about making it though each day… boy have things changed. I knew it would be like that in the beginning, but knowing something and living through it are completely different.

Now… life just makes sense. Betti is doing great in 1st grade and I look forward to seeing her every day when she gets off school. Manny is my little buddy and I love getting to spend time with him all day long. He brings us so much joy and laughter… he’s a really funny kid. Betti is a bit of a drama queen, but I can’ t help but think of all the ways her feisty spirit is going to do good in this world.

Al and I are really enjoying being parents to these two… and I remind myself all the time how much of a blessing they are. Most of the things that are worth anything in this life are hard… when you choose to go from having no kids to adopting a 6 year old and 2 year old… it’s going to be hard…but looking back… I wouldn’t do it any other way. I can’t imagine my life without them…

Is adoption easy… Heck No

Is adoption worth it… Every Second!!

Here are some pictures of my Funny Man and Diva daughter!

Something I thought I’d never have…

Baby pictures of my little girl…

Thanks T…

3 Months!

Three months have passed since we met the kids. When I look at pictures I almost don’t recognize those two little kids we picked up on June 21st. I’m so amazed at all that has happened these past few months. Adoption in general is hard and adopting older kids can be even harder… but these kids bring our life a joy that we would have never known otherwise. I thank God for these precious gifts… happy anniversary kids!

June 21, 2010

Now

Family

Life is getting better and better everyday. The first couple months home have been good, but rough. Finally we’re starting to feel a little more like a normal family. We wouldn’t change our rambunctious crew for anything… Betti is doing great at school and seems to really enjoy it. Manny will finally go to the church nursery without us. They love playgrounds and sugar… pretty much normal kid stuff… we’re blessed.

2 Months

Today marks our two months together as a family. It’s been up and down many days, but we wouldn’t want it any other way. Our kids are a treasure and we’re feeling more and more connected each day. Can’t wait to see what the next  few months bring…

First Day of School

Today was Betti’s first day of school. She started 1st grade and was very excited getting ready for school and driving to school. Once we got to school she wasn’t so happy to be there and wanted to come back home with me. I know she’ll love it soon enough… it’s just scary at first. Here are a few pics of my amazingly beautiful daughter!

I love my kids!

You Hold Me Now

On that day when I see

All that You have for me

When I see You face to face

There surrounded by Your grace

All my fears swept away

In the light of your embrace

When Your love is all I need

And forever I am free

Where the streets are made of gold

In Your presence here to hold

Let these songs of heaven rise to you alone

No weeping

No hurt or pain

No suff’ring

You hold me now

You hold me now

No darkness

No sickening

No hiding

You hold me now

You hold me now

No more weeping or suffering for you…

First Camping Experience

Last week we took the kids camping for the first time. Camping with kids is a lot different than camping without kids… but all things considered, the kids did a great job! It was fun to watch them play with their cousins and try smores for the first time. I think we’ll attempt camping again. Here are a few pics for your enjoyment.

Manny actually fell asleep on Alan’s shoulders… ha

One Day At a Time

As our family is transitioning we’re learning to take everything one day at a time. Last night we pulled off our first successful bedtime routine.

This morning Betti wanted to play with playdough. I told her she could only at the table. She repeatedly took the playdough into the living room. She knew exactly what she was doing because she’d smile and run back to the table any time I came near her. Eventually I took the playdough away since she wouldn’t keep it at the table… oh boy… she SCREAMED… for a long time and pulled at my clothes to get me to give it back to her. She cried and cried and exhausted herself.

I put on her favorite movie (Beauty and the Beast) and gave her some juice and she calmed down… then she gave me a hug and whispered “I love you” in my ear… ahhhhh, someone is looking for boundaries and safety. It’s neat to see these little victories… one day at a time…