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

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

It Has Already Been 10 Months

The Boys are into everything
Everything Super heroes.
Everything Legos.
Everything Star Wars.

These 2 are great laughs, especially when they're together.

I walked in yesterday to find Little Brother relaxing in Big Brother's lap.  This. Never. Happens.  First of all, they're never still.  And second of all, there's usually wrestling and screaming in place of the quiet relaxation.  I snapped a picture more for myself.  

Proof is in the picture

Joey and Team Turbo finished the soccer season strong!

Joey brought home his class pet, Doxie.  The 

three super heroes kept the family safe all weekend!

"Ice" See More Clearly
Samuel has an infatuation with ice...truly.

Joey and I had been having a debate on whether the white substance littering the church lawn was mushrooms (which he would offer a swift kick) or more likely just ice someone had throw out on their way in the building.  As we're quickly saying our good-byes to Daddy and he heads in church, I turn for one moment.  One. Single. Moment.  And then look back to see Samuel crunching something.  Ugh!  The ice from the grass - quite possibly from someone's mouth/cup or even a cooler storing raw meat (ok, maybe the cooler scenario is a little extreme) - was now in Samuel's mouth.  And oh the rejection on his face when I said "Spit it out.  Spit it in the grass."  I'm still not sure if the look was from the rejection of his action or simply the disgust that I would force him to waste perfectly good ice.  Note to self: Samuel really likes ice.

Oh, the places we will go (according to Samuel)...
Joey School.
Daddy Work.
Mommy Kitchen.
Samuel Store.

And what really raises questions...SuSu Work School.  CoNfUsInG!

Common Words and Phrases Heard From Samuel

Wootman (Superman)

Biiiiiig Poop (He brags)

One More (holding up one finger in front of the cute smirk)

Want it (head shaking actually means don't want it)

Mormon or is it Woman or is it Robin?  Nope...it's Fireman!

We're quickly approaching a year home with our tiniest love.  As I tell Russ, sometimes I can't believe it's almost been a year, but at the same time I can't believe it's only been a year.  I realize there was brokenness in our stories (for both Samuel and our family) prior to welcoming him home, but that seems to pale in comparison to the family love we now share.  God is good.

Birthday celebration for Mommy

We're all smiles!

Family, Fall, Fun

She keeps getting better and better
Samuel and I traveled to Arkansas for my mom's birthday almost 2 weeks ago.  It was a surprise!  A surprise party.  A surprise visit.  And it was a success!  

I called Saturday morning to wish her a happy birthday.  We talked about Joey's upcoming soccer game and Russ' discussion of visiting the State Fair that afternoon.  Both were true.   I just forgot to mention that Samuel and I would have to miss out.  I was convinced my mom had figured out our motives for a casual Saturday birthday lunch with Aunt Lucy though.  Something in her voice seemed giddy...giddier than usual.  Maybe that's what happens when you turn 70!  

Complete Shock!

I'd give away my car right now to see that look on her face again.  Priceless. Unforgettable.   And all suspicions that she had figured it out...were gone.

Lucy, Frank, Annie, Dawn, Samuel

And after the party came the next surprise...my dad.  He didn't know Samuel and I had driven in the night before.  We had talked briefly that morning on the phone.  After receiving a voicemail from him a few hours later, I casually sauntered up the truck as he returned from the gym.  I announced that I had received his voicemail and wondered what he needed.  All he could say was "this is just so weird".  Thankfully we are no longer limited to a landline.  It lends many opportunities to surprise those we love.  

Sheer Determination

Determination. He's got it!  Oh, baby, he's got it!  Samuel's personality is becoming more apparent day by day.  He is such a cuddler at times.  He still grabs my face at bedtime for a quick smooch.  He's quick to give us all a thumbs up at mealtime if he finds his food to be "good".  Samuel loves to tell people "hi", except that he doesn't speak.  He waves silently.  And when I point to my mouth to tell him "say it out loud", well...he just points to his mouth and continues to give a quiet wave.  We're working on communication.  He seems to have it down very well when we're in the car.  

In fact, when he and I were headed to AR I had a few moments where I needed full concentration and complete silence to navigate traffic.  Much to his dismay, I was unable to talk to him for a few moments, which I'm sure seemed like years to him.  He was quick to tell me loudly "TALK".  Then, he went on to say "Joey talk" as if to say that Joey would talk if he were there.  That is certainly true.  

This sweet little face can also get quite unruly when he wants something NOW.  If determination is evidence of a great level of comfort, we have arrived.  I'm still convinced this determination will one day be channeled to a different avenue - one where world problems are solved, cures are found.  When you notice the boney little finger pointed in your face and the solid, adamant "no" spewed in your face, you know he's serious.  This "determination" could last 2 minutes or 30 minutes.  It's always a surprise.  We like surprises over here.  It could occur in a discussion about picking Joey up from school or something as little as which shoes he should wear.  And all this from the little guy who...

dips his grapes in hummus

prefers to watch "Wootman" (aka Superman)

eats fish sticks with a spoon

wears his super hero cape to the grocery store

Our Big Boy

The kiddo has lost yet another tooth.  He is obsessed with Lego Star Wars and we have channeled that enthusiasm to encourage family responsibilities.  It's working!  He sleeps on top of is comforter so that he doesn't have to make his bed each morning.  Also, he has a girlfriend(s). 

He announced in Sunday school during snack time that he has a girlfriend.  And then he went around the table speaking each girl's name and informing them that they are his girlfriend.  Whoa!  All this while his teacher (read mother) was standing a mere 5 feet away.  My heart sank.  You see, I'm still stuck back on the days when he would argue with Russ over whether I was his or Russ' wife.  Where are those days?  I want to be his only girlfriend, at least for 20 more years!

A trip to the pumpkin patch with the Webb pumpkins

The guys enjoyed a sunny (warm) day at the pumpkin patch recently.  They appeased me with a few pictures.  Samuel seemed shocked at the abundance of pumpkins!

Scooby Dooby Doo

Why have a cute dog that resembles a famous movie star if you don't take advantage of it?  That might be the question you would ask...maybe.  Just maybe.  And don't feel sorry for Gracie being tricked into a walk with these 2 characters.  She scored a few dog treats along the way.  

Shaggy, Fred, and Scooby Doo

                              Happy Fall!