Spring Has Sprung!

Hangin' Out at Grandma's

Heading for the sandbox

Last day of "Big Boy School"

My Mother's Day Perspective

I'm reposting from my Mother's Day post at Illinois FSA:

Mother’s Day was the least celebrated holiday in our home for the seven years we were married before our son joined our family in August of 2006. Every Mother’s Day for seven years was spent in tears. The Saturday night before Mother's Day, I told my husband that I didn’t think I could go to church the next day. I didn’t have the strength to listen to the children sing to their mothers as my heart and arms ached, longing for a child. “ALL women are mothers in some form” a member of the Bishopric would say as they asked all the mothers in the congregation to stand. I would drop my head knowing deep down that it was true, there was more than one way to be a mother, but I still longed to be called “Mommy” by a sticky fingered, blessed little spirit running around my home. I would wipe away the tears and question why we are all commanded to “multiply and replenish the earth” with exception of us (visualize an enormous finger pointing down from the heavens at me and my husband!)

My first Mother's Day with our son was one of my most special days. My poor husband thought he was free from tears on Mother's Day now that we had adopted our son, but this time there were tears of joy, love and gratitude. There were even tears of sorrow as I thought about the pain birthmothers were experiencing. It was on this day that I realized the errors of my ways while dealing with our seven years of “waiting” for our adoption miracle. I needed to change my thinking. We were not cursed with infertility; we were blessed to have been chosen by a loving Heavenly Father to be adoptive parents! The two of us were a couple that would have strength enough to survive the challenges of the adoption process - Adoption is not for the faint of heart! We were a couple that would have the capability to raise a child placed in our arms by another woman. Not only would we have the opportunity to raise a child, but we would get to meet and know true heroes and angels in the birthparents that would entrust us with the sacred duty of raising their child. How special it is to be living among angels.

We feel honored to be among those whose families are created through the most emotional and most wonderful experience called adoption. We know our son is meant to be a part of our family – there is no doubt about that. He just took a different, less traditional route to get to our family. He fills a place in our heart that only he, his birthmother, and her family could have filled. It was a painful wait, but each day as we watch him grow, we know that our Father in Heaven specifically tailor-made our family for us!

As our family rides the roller coaster of the adoption process again and as our “wait” seems to move forward at a turtle’s pace, we find peace in knowing that the Lord is again designing our specific family just for us. He knows each of us individually, our needs, and he has not left us alone nor will He. Creating families is a delicate process that takes time, thought, and “waiting”.

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end” ~Jeremiah 29:11

Too Much Rain!

It rained all day Sunday, all day Monday, morning rain today, and a chance of more rain tomorrow -- Too much rain! Needless to say, we were trapped inside. A lot of rain wasn't going to stop us from having fun. We played with colored rice in our sensory tub, made food out of playdough, took a break to go out and jump in puddles, and built towers to crash down out of blocks. This was our favorite: "Building a 'Tower of Chicago' where Daddy works"

Easter at Our Home of Hope

Before the coloring of the eggs:

The hands after the coloring of the eggs:

The ride home from T-Man's "Big Boy School" the Tuesday before Easter:

The craft for the day was bunny ears.

T-Man camera shy? Not usually, but this photo shows off his creative skills!

We Got Out of Dodge!

Visiting T-Man's Birthmom

We took a three + hour drive south and spent the weekend visiting with T-Man's birth mother. It was nice to see her, give him the opportunity to visit with her and to see her family.

The Drive Down

We think the WORLD of his birth mother and thank her so much for the life she gave to T-Man, for how well she took care of him for 9 months and for what she did for us. Thank You VC!! We are truly blessed and so grateful for her and the miracle of adoption.

She took him on a carousel ride (they were trying to catch the lion before the ride "left")

We also went to the children's museum down there

Cap'n T-Man and Daddy went for "boat" ride.

He was also a huge fan of the water table.

Proud New Home Owner

No stimulus plan needed here - T-Man now owns his own home! Thanks to a wonderful Aunt J, T-Man is the proud new owner of THE COOLEST Bob the Builder home. It comes complete with three windows, a personalized door, and "lots and lots of trucks" on the top!

Watch your mailbox for an invite to his housewarming party. We will note where he is registered on the invitation. First item on the registry: Air freshner since the home has no indoor plumbing. Even if it did, someone doesn't know how to use it yet!

THANK YOU AUNT J!

Our Little Cowboy's Sick :(

Chillin' in the Elmo Chair

Covering a Cough - he would make Miss Manners so proud!

Our home has been overtaken by illness! T-Man has been "lassoed" with a fever last Monday and then vomiting this Monday night. T-Man's small cold from last week turned into a major head cold for me all weekend and last night the hub threw up. What a lovely time at our home! I hope we're done for now. T-Man slept a ton yesterday, as did the hub, and I can actually almost get air through my nose.

**Update: an almost clean bill of health at home of hope
just in time for Valentine's Day!

Calm Up

When T-Man is tired, he's "loopy-tired" meaning he moves at lightning speed, is giggly and overall a goof to watch. Last night he was "loopy tired". Eric picked him up and put him on his lap. He said, "You need to calm down. Take a deep breath and calm down." T-Man's reply - "No, Calm Up!"

Bob's a Hit

(Don't teach a two year old to say "Cheese" - Ever!)

In front of The Chicago Theater marquee

Bob on stage

Leaving the restaurant - Like father, like son

Overall, the play was enjoyable. We decided that we could do without the 20 minute intermission and the length of over 1.5 hours. But it was an enjoyable evening out together. As we were walking from the theater to the restaurant, there were unexpected fireworks going off over the river. T-man liked those but thought they were loud. It was bizarre to see the reflection of the fireworks on Trump Tower and to hear the sound bounce off and echo around the buildings.

Big Day Tomorrow!

We have tickets to take T-man to see Bob the Builder at The Chicago Theater. In preparation for the blessed event, he has been wearing his Bob the Builder tool belt all week and singing, "Bob the Builder, Yes we can!" for the last four days straight and when I say straight, I mean, as in non-stop, one continuous stream :) I cannot imagine life any other way than with the singing of a two-year old little boy coming from the toy room.

As a side note, he has now memorized the second and third Articles of Faith. He mastered #1 a couple of weeks ago. Right now he on the floor, watching a musical video of the Articles of Faith and eating "jungling balls" with the dog sitting next to him just waiting for gravity to be her best friend.

"jungling balls" = Kix cereal