Celebrating 11 on 12 - 13 - 14

Celebrating 11 months together on 12 - 13 - 14

As Christmas draws near so does the one year mark for our family of 4.  Eleven months together today.  It hardly seems possible!  

What a gift!  This time last year we were anxiously checking our email every 3.7 seconds and kept the cell phone within a 1 foot radius.  It was almost hard to take a deep breath and rest a moment.  The government offices in China close for both Chinese and American holidays, so we knew there could be some hesitation in our next steps as Thanksgiving came and went, Christmas quickly approaching.  Just days before Christmas, vital paperwork was already in motion in China.  Documents were trading hands quickly and we just trusted those hands to get it done.  It was 12/31 when we received the news that our  Consulate appointment was made and we could begin making travel plans.   Those were the days when the anxiety level shot up and emotions started rolling (in every direction).  

Joey continues to soak in the things of school like a little sponge.  He loves making crafts and reading.  He reads E.V.E.R.Y.T.H.I.N.G, barely taking a moment to sound out the new words.  And his girlfriend (this week) is Lauren.  Sometimes I wonder what conversations take place between Joey and these "girlfriends".  I wonder if they even know how he refers to them.  And I can say "them" because there have been more than one on an occasion and the names change.  He just loves people.  He loves his friends.  And he loves to talk and play.  I'm blown away at how sharp his little brain is in kindergarten!   

He is still very much into Legos and building.  I should say "they" are.  Both boys love the tinker toys at Big Joe and SuSu's house.  Playing at the park is very much a favorite - hot or cold weather.  What Joey loves, Samuel loves just as much.  Light sabers and Star Wars are a constant reference at home.  In fact, we've had to ammend our previous rule a bit...

NO GUNS AT THE TABLE

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NO GUNS, SWORDS, OR LIGHT SABERS AT THE TABLE

We've all but taken away their utensils and arms at the table.  Somehow it seems awkward to restrain or remove their arms during meals though!  The boys continue to grow in their relationship as brothers.  The pestering and sword fights continue daily, but the sweetness between them grows just as quickly.  When they initiate a hug and kiss at bedtime, it's so obvious.  

Now here we are within days of Samuel's first Christmas with family.  Joey has been pointing out the Christmas trees, inflatables, and shopping ads full of promise.  Samuel talks about it all as if he's known for years.  He crawled up into Santa's lap at the library last week, fully confident that the jolly old man was kind.  Now, we just have to be careful that the "things" of Christmas don't overshadow the "who" of Christmas.  When we talk about Jesus' birthday, Samuel quickly mentions "cake", which is very important when celebrating any birthday.  

Unique Dance Move #4810

Again, I say that these boys love 

music!  The singing tree came out 

and you can see what happened next!

Daddy helping Samuel place one of 

the first ornaments on the tree.

This little guy truly found joy in hanging

the ornaments.  

Joey was extra careful to place his 

ornaments in the perfect position.

Samuel worked so hard too 

just making sure it looks wonderful.

It seems as though there are no real "adjustment" steps to be shared this month.  He's always been here, or so it seems.  Samuel is growing into a smart, active, determined, joyful 2 1/2 year old.  He never misses a beat, rarely sits still, and always has something to say.  You can almost hear the wheels in Samuel's head turning as he stumbled to find the right words.  He leans forward.  The lips keep moving.  He keeps spilling out one word after another.  

Happy Birthday (quickly followed by the reminder of cake)
Christmas Lights
Sausage Balls (he loves meat, especially red meat)
Ice Water
Talk, Joey (if Joey doesn't respond quickly to a question)

As we celebrate this first Christmas with 2 boys, we are thankful 
that just as Mary and Joseph held their precious little boy 
many many years ago, we have the opportunity to hold ours 
as well - telling them of the Jesus who loves them so.  

* Thanks to SB Photo and Video for a fun day at the park

And Then There Were Three

Just when you might have thought 2014 had topped the chart for excitement and blessing for the Webbs, we're continuing the celebration. We're adding a sister to the mix! Middle sister is expected to join the family in 2015. While Samuel claims he doesn't recognize her picture, she is from the same welfare institution he called home. He also gave a resounding "nope" when I asked if she's a nice girl. What does Samuel know anyway? If conversation doesn't involve super heroes or Star Wars, it might be a topic he's unfamiliar with. 

Joey refers to her as Sissy. That is also his vote for names. We're still negotiating.  Joey has added an American Doll to his wish list so he can give it to his sister. 

Sissy is beautiful! She turned 3 years old a few months ago. Just 8 months older than Samuel, she will be a Big Sister and Little Sister. My mind is already flooded with thoughts of bows and sparkles and baby dolls. I have no idea what I'm doing, but looking forward to spending time with my daughter. And truly I cannot wait to see how long it takes for her to wrap Daddy around her finger. Or has she already? 

And we're quickly reminded of God's goodness and the truth that He is able to do far more than we could do on our own.  He still brings joy from hard situations.  And He still writes our stories more beautifully than we could have imagined.  Not only does he set the lonely in families (Psalms 68:6), He has given us as a family the opportunity for more love, more joy, more grace. So...

It's not about caring for an orphan. 

We're not just inviting her into our house. 

We're bringing our daughter home. 

Forever. 

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we 
ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to 
him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all 
generations, for ever and ever! Amen."

Ephesians 3:20-21