When I See You Smile

Once Upon a Time We Dreamed Big and Made a Wish...

And God Blew Us Away with These Two Treasures...

And Then He Promised That There Is Still More Joy to Come... 

And Even Though We Haven't Agreed on Her Name Yet, 

She Still Melts Our Hearts...

Because She's Our Little Girl and We Love Her So!

We found out that we are able to share our daughter's picture with the whole wide world and share we will do!  It's true we haven't agreed on a name yet.  We're working on it...slowly, but surely.  In the mean time, the closet is slowly filling up with dresses and bows and baby dolls.  We have dress-up clothes and purses and a baby doll bed.  It's hard to know that our little girl is living her young life in an orphanage on the other side of the world. Our travel date is still a secret though that only the Lord knows, but we're asking Him to bring those travel plans in His time.  Also, I may or may not have made a few suggestions along the way.   I was ready to go...yesterday!

What? What? What? What? What? What?

What? What? What are the boys up to?  

Conversations with Samuel...

Samuel: What? What? What? What? What? What?
Mom/Dad: Only ask 1 time.
Samuel: One time.
* This conversation ensues daily.

Hearing a loud car pass by...
Samuel: Dat?
Mommy: It was a loud car.
Samuel: No, motorcycle.
Mommy: No, it was a just a loud car.
Samuel: No, motorcyle!

As he walked past the room I was in, he hit his head on the wall (somehow)...
Mommy: Did you hurt your head?
Samuel: All fault.
Mommy: Whose fault?
Samuel: Mommy (pointing at Mommy)
Mommy: I didn't do it. It's not my fault.
Samuel: Yes, is.

Samuel is a healthy, happy, super hero crazed little boy.  He's talking all the time.  He wants to be included in any and every conversation   Consider yourself warned.  If he doesn't quite hear every single thing you say, he will not hesitate to ask "what you say".  He washes his hands with the precision of a world acclaimed cardiac surgeon.  Wearing a super hero shirt daily is a must...a must (trust me).  He continues to perfect his stall tactics attempting to start a conversation as he's being rocked at bedtime.  Much like the past months, Star Wars is always a safe go-to when there's a lull.  

The Big Brother is up to big things

He's reading.  He's writing.  He's keeping us in tears...laughing so hard.  If there's any question about how Joey's feeling, just look around.  There will be a sign that will apprise you of just that.  When your day is overwhelming and you question your productivity, just look around.  There will be a card from your Seacrit Amyer encouraging your day.  

The mystery perseveres (duh, duh, duh). Who could the seacrit amyer be?

Spring Break

A few memories from our Spring Break week: 
We visited some wonderful friends at a little bed and breakfast in Ennis.

Feeding apples to the miniture horses and donkeys

(and then the little boys were quickly munching the apples too).

Plenty of rain prompted a dance of splishing and splashing

The donkeys were so gentle and sweet.  I want one!

Dinosaur World and Dinosaur Valley State Park

Molly's responsibility was to guard our shoes and back 

pack while the boys splashed through the creek.  

Gracie's responsibilities?  You're lookin' at it.  

She swam and then rolled in the gravel.  Mission Accomplished!

The 2 master campers were sad to leave the camp grounds.

Even though we stuck close to home, we enjoyed the simple pleasures of God's nature.  The boys were eager to explore, wiped out from tromping, and passionate about sharing their adventure stories with friends.  

                                     

When Snow Days are Bumps

When Snow Days are Bumps

In our process to bring Sister home, we have to complete a step through our US Immigration that involves having our fingerprints taken...again.   And this is one of those appointments you don't miss nor attempt to reschedule.  But, the weather...well, the weather can change it all.  Because of the ice we received last Monday and Tuesday, the office was closed the the appointment cancelled.  So we just showed up on Wednesday along with the seemingly 5000 others who had missed appointments hoping to be worked in somehow.  Turned away!  Crushed!  So, feeling rejected but also an urgency for our girl, we showed up again this morning and not before we called in the troops.  With several amazing prayer warriors (including little Joey) asking that God would show us favor, we walked in.  Also, I had a plethora of tears on deck (mine, not Russ') and an emotional plea prepared just in case.  We were told YES!  The compassionate lady at check-in remembered us from last week and gave us a number.  No questions asked.  No tears necessary.  God showed up and showed out!  And as Russ petitioned for assistance to get us in last week, an immigration officer offered that our paperwork would be approved immediately once we were able to get fingerprinted.  So, here's the sigh of relief...

Ahhhhhhhhhhhh

When snow days bring about unexpected bumps in the road, it just leaves room for God to show out!  Thankfully, we're on to the next step.  As I had prepared for my fingerprint speech should we be turned away again:

"If we don't fight to bring Sister home, no one else will."

The situation was the same when Samuel was only words in a file and a grainy image.  Being paper pregnant is so very different than expecting Joey.  To carry a child inside allows a family to know that their child is warm and hearing kind words spoken.  There's an assurance of adequate nutrition and love.  For a paper pregnancy, it's all out of our hands.  Out of our control.  There's a different level of trust in God's provision for that little one.  And there's a passion - a determined, passionate, longing - that sometimes covers over the excitement and anticipation.  It's funny and amazing to me that God grows a relentless love for a little one we've only seen in pictures and dreams!

Samuel Fun Facts

Samuel Fun Facts

What we've learned from/about Samuel over the past year:

* Sleepovers are a must.  No matter what arguments and irritations have lingered throughout the day between the brothers, when it comes to a sleepover with Joey, Samuel is all in.

* Hugs - the whole body kind where the legs wrap around the other person - are necessary, especially first thing in the morning.  

* Asking your daddy to toss you up in the air, is a workout for Daddy.  Obviously the request is only made for Daddy's health.  And when you beg him to toss you multiple times in a row...again, you're only thinking of Daddy's health and exercise regimen.  Yeah, really!  Ps - it's thrilling for you too.

* Bacon, sausage, ham, turkey, hamburgers, hot dogs...are a staple at any and every meal.  And Samuel would be in favor of having all of the above at the same meal.  The boy loves meat!

* When giving a light saber as a gift, the cost of repairs (fallen lamps, cracked picture frames, broken windows) should be factored into the cost of the gift. It's a multi-million dollar gift, folks!

* Going to school with your big brother is a treasured joy.  And because Joey's teacher is truly awesome, there are times when Samuel has been invited to sit on the rug with the big kids to listen to a story.  It's like winning the lottery for this little one!

* If your dog weighs more than 50 lbs, it is a horse.  Saddle up!

* The day is more fulfilling if you take your shirt off, dance around the room, and claim to be the Hulk.  It just is!

* If there's an argument...Star Wars.  If there's a moment of silence...Star Wars.  If you need a giggle...Star Wars.  No matter the situation, it is always appropriate to whisper "Star Wars".

* When it comes to nap time, never yield.  Don't do it.  Eventually, you will pass out and fall over.  It's better to pass out than to give in!

Happy Birthday, Samuel!

Singing to Samuel at his birthday party

He developed a nervous head-scratching distraction.

Birthday breakfast

The little guy is finally soaking in the 

attention that comes with birthdays.

Joey's gift to Samuel

It's a handmade picture that says 

"I Love You, Samuel".  There's nothing more 

precious than gifts like this!

Getting ready to tackle the gifts

Learning coupled with Star Wars is always a win!

Darth Vader

The battle is on!

A random, heart-warming thought...
For just a few short months, we are the proud parents of 2 - 3 year olds and 1 - 6 year old.  Until June, Samuel and Middle Sister will both be 3 years old.  When we see all the learning that's taking place and all the funny antics of Samuel, it only makes us long in anticipation for the day when Sister will be home too.   We are hoping and anxiously waiting for you, precious Sister!  

Usborne Book Fundraiser

FUNDRAISER

My dear friend, Mandy, has graciously offered to host a book event through her personal Usborne business.  For those who are unfamiliar (as I was before meeting Mandy) with Usborne, they have a huge selection of books for all ages.  Surely, there's something on their site that catches your eye.  The proceeds of this event are being used to help cover adoption expenses for Sister.  What a wonderful way to encourage reading in the life of a child...and help bring Sister home this year too!  Please take a moment to browse the selection of fun, education, and entertaining books Usborne has to offer!  Thanks so much!

Click here for the Usborne Event Link.
THE LAST DAY TO ORDER FOR THE FUNDRAISER IS 1/29/15!!


A few pictures from Christmas and New Year...

Su Su and Joey working hard on Jesus' birthday cupcake

Christmas Eve with Hoo Hoo, Paw Paw, and Flat Gingy

* Flat Gingy was part of a school project and 

he was excited to join our family for Christmas.

Cuddling on Christmas night

Looking forward to the joys of 2015

* All four of us made it 'til after midnight!

Samuel's 1st Year Home

Our family has come so far...

So far from...

• Hoping and asking the Lord to grow our family.   And then seeing a small picture on our computer screen of that faithful answer.  

• Daddy hugging tightly to a confused, distressed little boy who wanted nothing more than to be back in the familiar arms of his nanny.

• A moment to step away in China while Daddy held and tried desperately to win over his affection (or even just acceptance) while Samuel screamed at full force.

• Visiting Samuel's "home" in China where we were greeted just outside the building by a selfless woman who loved our sweet boy.  With tears streaming from her tired eyes, she was anxious to spend a few last moments with him. 

• Us sleeping on the Samuel's firm bedroom floor because the air mattress made the teeny tiniest sound that would wake the sleeping child.

• Watching the brothers learn their new roles in the family with Samuel holding tightly to anything and everything Joey did/does.

• Samuel's immediate obsession with a tiny furry creature living in our home who drank from a bowl and ate willingly (read snatched) from his hand.

• Me wearing a 23 pound little boy in a carrier while attempting to prepare a meal without burning his tooshy on the stove.

And now...

Some days I still gaze at him over breakfast and wonder about his days in the orphanage.  The days before he knew family.  A day before we knew his sweet little personality.  His environment remained constant day after day after day.  There are so many new experiences he had had since coming home - and not just the adventuresome ones either.  The daily life of a family.  He has been cuddled and rocked to sleep almost daily (since he started allowing us to do so in March).  Samuel has been tucked snug into his bed under a quilt made especially for him.  His closet is filled with his very own clothes and shoes.  He has enjoyed a sunny day at the park, running through the lush grass, chasing squirrels and birds.  He has been excited to ride in the car on a cool windy day, feeling the breeze blow through his jet black hair while he and Joey belt out Veggie Tales tunes.  He runs at full force to greet his Daddy when he walks in from work.  Samuel and Joey have enjoyed, on more than one occasion, the thrill of blaring Funky Jesus in the living room and demonstrated extremely rare and unique dance moves.  Life is vastly different for us all - different in a way we could've never imagined or planned.

A glimpse at our first year together...

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