Oops! Maybe Not...

I thought I was officially recognized as "Mama".  

I was wrong.  

I spoke too soon. 

Apparently there is room for two mamas in our house. 

It's a special title limited to only 2 individuals though. Unfortunately, one of those mamas is actually the dada. Could it be that Samuel's word "mama" simply means "you've repeated this word in my face almost hourly since we met. And the number of times I will repeat back to you each day will outnumber the stars in the sky". Maybe it's the word for "parent". Yeah, that's it. At least that's what I tell myself! It's what I tell Dada too! Ha! Gotta love these parenting moments (realizations).

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WE INTERRUPT YOUR REGULARLY SCHEDULED 

BLOG POST TO BRING YOU THIS BREAKING NEWS:

Meet our newest family member Gracie Mei. Why stop at just one new family member in 2014? If one is good, 2 must be better. This little lady (85 lbs of loveliness) joined our family Sunday night. She had been fostered by a wonderful family while her previous family was sought. No one stepped forward to claim her.  Unfortunate for them - fortunate for us.  She is amazing with the boys. Molly doesn't even seem to mind her new friendship. Watch out, world.  Gracie is here to stay!

Did I mention that she's the gentle giant?

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Dancing machines 
Who would guess that we - 2 uncoordinated people - would be chosen to parent 2 dancing machines? Ok, maybe dancing doesn't automatically equate to coordination. In fact, it does not mean that at our house at all.  Ever.  Joey is all over the place when he dances. He probably burns a million calories in one dance "show". From flips to kicks to random arm swings. That's what you get at a Joey show. He even invites the audience to participate, which makes me even more thankful that he does not have access to a smart phone and YouTube! Samuel is...um, his moves are more like A Night at the Roxbury...

Sorry, haven't been able to capture 

shots of the head bob...yet.

These 2 run circles around each other.

Truly the greatest show on earth

There's a head bob and an occasional lip syncing, which are both hilarious by the way. Samuel's head nods so much at times, I'm afraid his head might come loose. He doesn't care whether he hears "Funky Jesus" or an oldie from Bon Jovi. They all necessitate a good head bob, even in public! And the look on his face - complete seriousness. Not a grin in sight. He's very serious in his head bob, fully concentrating.  It only adds to the humor! He can copy pretty much any move Joey makes, but the head bob... it is all Samuel! 

Hopscotch anyone?

 Soaking up the sunshine

By the way, today marks 2 months since Gotcha Day.  Just 2 short months ago we walked into the civil affairs office and walked out with our hearts and arms more full.  We've been together ever since.  This little guy just fits so well into our crazy family.  Since that day in the civil affairs office, God has given us many many opportunities to practice patience and more fully grasp our great need for Him.  Also, we are grateful for the joy, laughter, excitement, and unconditional love the Lord has poured out on us over these 2 months!  These 2 boys are more wonderful than we could've imagined!