If you remember, the doctor said my blood pressure might cause Ilse to grow too slowly, and so she prescribed two growth ultrasounds to check on the sweet baby's progress.
The first ultrasound at 25 weeks and 3 days revealed a healthy baby that was measuring at 25 weeks and 4 days. I was relieved. Thanks for the prayers!
The second ultrasound was done this morning, and jokingly, as I was headed out the door from Kim's (she watched the boys), I remarked that the baby would be a week big. Well, she is. She's exactly a week big. She is measuring at 30 weeks 3 days instead of 29 and 3. Yay for Ilse! I'm so glad my BP is not interfering with her growth.
Here are her stats: She is perfectly proportionate-- no one part of her body is larger than the others. She has very long legs (Thank you, Parker genes-- they're the tall ones.) Her brain looks excellent. She has no sign of spina bifida (which is a relief to me since I haven't been faithfully taking my folic acid.) She has all ten toes, although it's impossible to tell if they are webbed like little Gracie's, and I think someone else's? The sono tech told me she doesn't have club feet or a cleft lip. She is guesstimated to be at 3 pounds 11 ounces, which is quite a bit bigger than BabyCenter predicts at this week, but the sono tech said that we are within the two week window of normality. Ilse is upside down and facing the right way. I wonder if she'll stay that way? She still won't give us a true profile during an ultrasound. She must be like Zoolander and not want to turn left.
Ilse looks to be perfectly healthy and wonderful. We got a couple good pics of her little lips and nose. She has two nostrils, for anyone who was wondering about that all important fact. Some day, she'll be able to blow her nose in the manner of most other people on the planet.
I have been taking my iron pill regularly and I feel some better; however, I would almost trade the renewed energy for the fresh breath I used to enjoy. Now I am plagued in the mornings with an atrocious taste in my mouth. It is like I swallowed metal.... which I guess I basically did.
I am having quite a few Braxton Hicks contractions which is a new and different sensation. We're getting through it, although it has caught me off guard a couple of times. These are not fun while I am driving, which, if you know me, is something I am almost always doing. Constantly.
My feet haven't grown and neither has anything else that was supposed to. I don't even believe I'm taller, even though somebody, maybe Christie? grew a couple inches when she was pregnant with one of the boys. I do have worse skin, on my face, but the rash on my stomach that I've had for several years is actually better. And my hair is nice and soft. And my fingernails are so thick I can hardly cut them. :)
Ilse and I are doing great; we are enjoying being in each other's space and I just can't wait for the day (night) when she keeps me up kicking. I am downing quite a few Tums each day, but other than the added sugar, I don't guess it will kill me. They sure make me breathe easier.
We are supposed to paint Ilse's room this weekend. I hope I am up to it, because even not being pregnant, painting is hard. The up and down, up and down, up and down hurts my sciatic nerve. Nevertheless, we are going to do our best, and historically, our best looks pretty nice. I am the painter in the family, although no one has called on me in a long time.
When Mom was planning on painting, I offered, and she said, "No, you might have kids soon!" That was last May, and I remember replying, "Um, no, adoptions take much longer! Even if we got a call tomorrow we wouldn't have the kids for weeks." How stupid was I! The next day we got the call about the boys, and that very day they arrived. Perhaps that is why I haven't been asked to paint anything. Clearly I'm not living in the world of reality. :)
Showing posts with label Adoption. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Adoption. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Adoption
I don't even really know how to write this post, and I hope I don't step on too many toes.
We've had many people tell us that we have done such a wonderful thing for the boys by taking them in and giving them a home. One person told me that we deserve a medal. What?!? It bothers me to no end.
I never understood until this minute why my dear mother in law would get frustrated when people would tell her that her husband must be something special to step in and marry a woman with four sons, but now, I do.
We haven't done anything fabulous. Sure, the boys now have a permanent home. They have a mommy and daddy who will love them forever and who will teach them about the Lord. They have comfortable beds and toys. They have cousins and grandparents now.
But that doesn't make Tim and me admirable. It doesn't make us extra holy or amazing. Actually, I feel like I've been given the blessing. I feel like the boys/CPS/the LORD has done something amazing for me!
And since I never have known what to say when people tell me how wonderful I am, I was relieved to remember this verse, and it is likely what I will reply next time the situation occurs:
Luke 17:10. "So you too, when you do all the things which are commanded you, say, 'We are unworthy slaves; we have done only that which we ought to have done.'"
We've had many people tell us that we have done such a wonderful thing for the boys by taking them in and giving them a home. One person told me that we deserve a medal. What?!? It bothers me to no end.
I never understood until this minute why my dear mother in law would get frustrated when people would tell her that her husband must be something special to step in and marry a woman with four sons, but now, I do.
We haven't done anything fabulous. Sure, the boys now have a permanent home. They have a mommy and daddy who will love them forever and who will teach them about the Lord. They have comfortable beds and toys. They have cousins and grandparents now.
But that doesn't make Tim and me admirable. It doesn't make us extra holy or amazing. Actually, I feel like I've been given the blessing. I feel like the boys/CPS/the LORD has done something amazing for me!
And since I never have known what to say when people tell me how wonderful I am, I was relieved to remember this verse, and it is likely what I will reply next time the situation occurs:
Luke 17:10. "So you too, when you do all the things which are commanded you, say, 'We are unworthy slaves; we have done only that which we ought to have done.'"
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Post from Michah 6:8 blog
This post and the follow up broke my heart. That is why I want to go to Eastern Europe to adopt. Lord willing someday we'll be financially able to. And maybe as more people learn about the lives these children have, those who ARE able to afford adoptions like these will fill their empty rooms and free spots at the table with these kids who have no hope or future.
I'm baffled by people who say it isn't God's will for everyone to take care of the widow and the orphan. YES IT IS. How are you doing your part?
I'm baffled by people who say it isn't God's will for everyone to take care of the widow and the orphan. YES IT IS. How are you doing your part?
Monday, November 15, 2010
Anyone Else Counting??!?
It's only four more days!
Four days until freedom, for us and for our boys.
I can hear us being William Wallace now: FREEEEEEDOOOOOOOMMM!!!!!! :)
_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_
The other day Bam-Bam came up to me talking about Adam eating the fruit from the tree. That made me happy: he's absorbing truth. He even got the federal headship part right by blaming it on Adam. Lol.
Joey has done much better these past two days. He is still struggling with lying. He'll see the benefit of not lying soon enough. And he already knows that "There are six things, even seven that the Lord hates, things He cannot stand... proud looking eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that thinks of wicked things to do, feet that run to evil too, anyone who loves to lie about others, and one who causes trouble with his brothers." (Thank you, Judy Rogers.)
One of the things we're trying to teach the boys is not to point. I hate pointing. I do it, and I hate it when I do it. What it demonstrates is a horrible lack in our vocabulary. I understand why the boys are lacking in vocabillary :) words, but none of the rest of us should be. I am working on giving the boys the phrases and directional words they need so that pointing is unnecessary.
Tim's in there right now reading Genesis (Noah, tonight) to the boys and praying with them. They love their bible reading, and they ask every night. They even ask during the day.
What precious boys they are.
The other day Bam-Bam asked to talk to the baby, and he said: "I can't wait for you to come out!"
He was quoting his Daddy, but it was cute nonetheless.
Four days until freedom, for us and for our boys.
I can hear us being William Wallace now: FREEEEEEDOOOOOOOMMM!!!!!! :)
_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_~_
The other day Bam-Bam came up to me talking about Adam eating the fruit from the tree. That made me happy: he's absorbing truth. He even got the federal headship part right by blaming it on Adam. Lol.
Joey has done much better these past two days. He is still struggling with lying. He'll see the benefit of not lying soon enough. And he already knows that "There are six things, even seven that the Lord hates, things He cannot stand... proud looking eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that thinks of wicked things to do, feet that run to evil too, anyone who loves to lie about others, and one who causes trouble with his brothers." (Thank you, Judy Rogers.)
One of the things we're trying to teach the boys is not to point. I hate pointing. I do it, and I hate it when I do it. What it demonstrates is a horrible lack in our vocabulary. I understand why the boys are lacking in vocabillary :) words, but none of the rest of us should be. I am working on giving the boys the phrases and directional words they need so that pointing is unnecessary.
Tim's in there right now reading Genesis (Noah, tonight) to the boys and praying with them. They love their bible reading, and they ask every night. They even ask during the day.
What precious boys they are.
The other day Bam-Bam asked to talk to the baby, and he said: "I can't wait for you to come out!"
He was quoting his Daddy, but it was cute nonetheless.
Saturday, November 13, 2010
The Day For Which We've Been Waiting
(Did anyone notice my correct grammar in the title? :) )
Saturday, November 20, is coming up fast. It is only 6 days away! Tim and I are unbelievably excited. To have the state out of our business, to have our own children in our house answerable only to us (and God of course, but I shouldn't have to make disclaimers), to know that so long as we follow the law no one but God can take them away from us... and the list goes on.
We can't wait to love these children until God takes them home, hopefully long after we die.
Joseph is currently learning how he has to obey. This is, apparently, a very hard concept. Honestly, I don't remember learning it. All I remember is knowing that a child is supposed to obey. I don't think Joey even thinks anyone can tell him what to do. He is generally compliant, but sometimes he gets in a mood where every single thing he does is wrong. And I can't tie it to anything. I can't say it's because we did anything differently, or because there is a weird situation someone involving him, or anything. Sometimes it's just out of the blue. He just wants to ignore Bam-Bam, or he just wants to take Bam-Bam's toy and not give it back. Or he just refuses to say he's sorry, or he won't stop being loud, or he won't keep his mouth off the shopping cart, or whatever it is. Today he did something (it was the first in a long line of infractions and I've forgotten what it was) and we sent him to time out on his bed. Well, instantaneously there was bawling. And bawling! And bawling! He wouldn't stop. Was he sad that he had disobeyed? No. He was involved in self-pity. Tim went in and talked to him because I just couldn't, and he explained to our baby Yoey and it is one thing to cry with a broken and contrite heart, and it is something entirely different to cry in self pity. It is entirely unacceptable. And you know what? He stopped his bawling and worked on his attitude.
This is going to be a long process. No one has ever taught these kids how to obey.
I remember the first or second day we had the boys, and Christopher just wouldn't do anything we said. NOTHING. I had never seen anything like it. So I took him into his room, and after he stopped screaming 'NO!', we had obedience practice. Sit down. Stand up. Sit down. Stand up. Ad infititum ad nauseum, but he learned. And he has known what obey meant every since. Does he always do it? Ummm, no. Not even close. But at least he knows what it means.
We're still working on explaining to Joey the concept of he HAS to obey, and parental authority, and all that. Like I said, it will be a long process. And sometimes I get discouraged, because even though they seem to behave pretty well when people are watching, people don't see the horrendous things they do sometimes. Like the other day when I (ignorantly, apparently, but WHO could have known) left Bam-Bam on the potty to poop and he played in it. I had no idea a three year old would take it into his head to just dip his hands in and spread the water everywhere, but he did.... and now he won't ever again. I've left him there a couple times since, and he hasn't done it again.
On the whole, the boys are doing fabulously. Their speech, mobility, attitudes, understanding about life, and general outlook are amazing. We're so thankful for them, and we can't wait until the boys truly are Minichs.
Saturday, November 20, is coming up fast. It is only 6 days away! Tim and I are unbelievably excited. To have the state out of our business, to have our own children in our house answerable only to us (and God of course, but I shouldn't have to make disclaimers), to know that so long as we follow the law no one but God can take them away from us... and the list goes on.
We can't wait to love these children until God takes them home, hopefully long after we die.
Joseph is currently learning how he has to obey. This is, apparently, a very hard concept. Honestly, I don't remember learning it. All I remember is knowing that a child is supposed to obey. I don't think Joey even thinks anyone can tell him what to do. He is generally compliant, but sometimes he gets in a mood where every single thing he does is wrong. And I can't tie it to anything. I can't say it's because we did anything differently, or because there is a weird situation someone involving him, or anything. Sometimes it's just out of the blue. He just wants to ignore Bam-Bam, or he just wants to take Bam-Bam's toy and not give it back. Or he just refuses to say he's sorry, or he won't stop being loud, or he won't keep his mouth off the shopping cart, or whatever it is. Today he did something (it was the first in a long line of infractions and I've forgotten what it was) and we sent him to time out on his bed. Well, instantaneously there was bawling. And bawling! And bawling! He wouldn't stop. Was he sad that he had disobeyed? No. He was involved in self-pity. Tim went in and talked to him because I just couldn't, and he explained to our baby Yoey and it is one thing to cry with a broken and contrite heart, and it is something entirely different to cry in self pity. It is entirely unacceptable. And you know what? He stopped his bawling and worked on his attitude.
This is going to be a long process. No one has ever taught these kids how to obey.
I remember the first or second day we had the boys, and Christopher just wouldn't do anything we said. NOTHING. I had never seen anything like it. So I took him into his room, and after he stopped screaming 'NO!', we had obedience practice. Sit down. Stand up. Sit down. Stand up. Ad infititum ad nauseum, but he learned. And he has known what obey meant every since. Does he always do it? Ummm, no. Not even close. But at least he knows what it means.
We're still working on explaining to Joey the concept of he HAS to obey, and parental authority, and all that. Like I said, it will be a long process. And sometimes I get discouraged, because even though they seem to behave pretty well when people are watching, people don't see the horrendous things they do sometimes. Like the other day when I (ignorantly, apparently, but WHO could have known) left Bam-Bam on the potty to poop and he played in it. I had no idea a three year old would take it into his head to just dip his hands in and spread the water everywhere, but he did.... and now he won't ever again. I've left him there a couple times since, and he hasn't done it again.
On the whole, the boys are doing fabulously. Their speech, mobility, attitudes, understanding about life, and general outlook are amazing. We're so thankful for them, and we can't wait until the boys truly are Minichs.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Our Lives Intertwined
Hey folks,
While this blog does bear my name, you have not ever seen me write a single post, so here it goes.
Yesterday Emily and I spent a wonderful day together celebrating her birthday. We spent the morning shopping for the boys' Christmas gifts and eating lunch together. It was amazing getting to spend time talking and enjoying each others' company! As I thought about Emma's special day it occurred to me how blessed I am to have known my wife nine wonderful years! The Lord first blessed me with the pleasure of Emily's presence on Oct 5th, 2001 at around 12:30p.m.; we became fast friends and began dating. By Good Friday Emily had received the hearty approval of my two younger brothers (Joseph and Marcus) and I had proposed. May26, 2002, marked our first day as husband and wife. Eight years later I look back with great thankfulness as I see how the Lord has melded and intertwined our lives from even way before our first meeting that wonderful October day. Consequently, to this day the Fall is by far my favorite season for obvious reasons.
We both married very young and were privileged to grow up together in many ways. The Lord has seen fit to sustain us over the years and even in the hardest of times, (my finishing my Degree and the trial of infertility) our love has continued to grow stronger and stronger. Today we are seeing and experiencing the miracle of our Lord's continuous sustaining power through the trials we have faced. I have completed my degree by His grace and as of the 20th of November we will adopt our two wonderful boys! In addition, the Lord has seen fit to end our trial of infertility: We are expecting our third God given child in June! The Lord be praised for His mercy and kindness that is beyond my human comprehension!!!
While this blog does bear my name, you have not ever seen me write a single post, so here it goes.
Yesterday Emily and I spent a wonderful day together celebrating her birthday. We spent the morning shopping for the boys' Christmas gifts and eating lunch together. It was amazing getting to spend time talking and enjoying each others' company! As I thought about Emma's special day it occurred to me how blessed I am to have known my wife nine wonderful years! The Lord first blessed me with the pleasure of Emily's presence on Oct 5th, 2001 at around 12:30p.m.; we became fast friends and began dating. By Good Friday Emily had received the hearty approval of my two younger brothers (Joseph and Marcus) and I had proposed. May26, 2002, marked our first day as husband and wife. Eight years later I look back with great thankfulness as I see how the Lord has melded and intertwined our lives from even way before our first meeting that wonderful October day. Consequently, to this day the Fall is by far my favorite season for obvious reasons.
We both married very young and were privileged to grow up together in many ways. The Lord has seen fit to sustain us over the years and even in the hardest of times, (my finishing my Degree and the trial of infertility) our love has continued to grow stronger and stronger. Today we are seeing and experiencing the miracle of our Lord's continuous sustaining power through the trials we have faced. I have completed my degree by His grace and as of the 20th of November we will adopt our two wonderful boys! In addition, the Lord has seen fit to end our trial of infertility: We are expecting our third God given child in June! The Lord be praised for His mercy and kindness that is beyond my human comprehension!!!
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
TH words
Being the daughter of a woman who always spoke correctly (except for 'odiferous'), it is hard for me to hear the boys articulate sounds incorrectly. The sound that has bothered me the most is 'TH'. In case you haven't noticed, it's everywhere, at least in little kid speak.
What's that? Who's that? Come with me. Over there.
I am worn out with it. I decided a couple of days ago that I was going to make a very concerted effort to correct it every single time, and make the boys say it right before they could continue their sentence. I can do that because they are both capable of saying it, but they have been so lazy that they don't try to say it correctly.
So today, each of them is saying his 'TH' nearly perfectly. I still correct it, but Bam-Bam is to the point where he just needs a simple reminder. Joey still needs me to remind him to put his tongue between his teeth and blow.
I'm so proud of them and their progress. It's just one and a half weeks until court. What a blessed day that will be!
We did tell the boys about the baby. I think it has helped explain my odd behavior. Now they know why I am tired more often and why I eat mid morning or mid afternoon. I can't wait until we can introduce this little one to her/his phenomenal big brothers.
As for the name, I merely suggested Ilse (German for Elizabeth) to Tim many moons ago, and he poo-pooed it. But, I mentioned it again and asked him to think about it.... and viola! He now loves it. I've been asking him everyday, "What's the baby's name today?" And each day he has said Ilse, and then the other day he admitted that he had told everyone at work that that's the name. It made me happy that he likes it so much.
So, if (when?) this baby's a girl, she will be Ilse Joy Minich. Ilse is pronounced ILL-seh and means 'Consecrated to God'.
What's that? Who's that? Come with me. Over there.
I am worn out with it. I decided a couple of days ago that I was going to make a very concerted effort to correct it every single time, and make the boys say it right before they could continue their sentence. I can do that because they are both capable of saying it, but they have been so lazy that they don't try to say it correctly.
So today, each of them is saying his 'TH' nearly perfectly. I still correct it, but Bam-Bam is to the point where he just needs a simple reminder. Joey still needs me to remind him to put his tongue between his teeth and blow.
I'm so proud of them and their progress. It's just one and a half weeks until court. What a blessed day that will be!
We did tell the boys about the baby. I think it has helped explain my odd behavior. Now they know why I am tired more often and why I eat mid morning or mid afternoon. I can't wait until we can introduce this little one to her/his phenomenal big brothers.
As for the name, I merely suggested Ilse (German for Elizabeth) to Tim many moons ago, and he poo-pooed it. But, I mentioned it again and asked him to think about it.... and viola! He now loves it. I've been asking him everyday, "What's the baby's name today?" And each day he has said Ilse, and then the other day he admitted that he had told everyone at work that that's the name. It made me happy that he likes it so much.
So, if (when?) this baby's a girl, she will be Ilse Joy Minich. Ilse is pronounced ILL-seh and means 'Consecrated to God'.
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Our Boys
Yesterday we signed adoption placement papers! We left our house in time to get to Hurst by 10am, and there we signed the papers signifying that we want to adopt the boys.
Joey was terrified as we sat in the waiting room. Poor child; there were family visits going on, and he visibly started freaking out. He must have had so many of those in an office just like that, if not that very office. I'm so sad we were required to take him with us. He managed pretty well though once we got back to the meeting room, because he had the toys that were there on the floor to help him withdraw from his surroundings. So sad.
Before we let the boys down to play, it was disconcerting to watch them trying to misbehave just enough to misbehave but NOT lose their trip to the park. Bam-Bam takes advantage (of course) anytime we are somewhere around people, because you can't effectively discipline with others there and he knows it. Isn't it amazing how kids can figure that out? It's almost like they don't even have to figure it out. They just know.
Joey takes advantage of people being around, too. The other day I sent him to the potty, and right when he was finishing the occupational therapist arrived. He heard her come in, and immediately he began making tons of noise, and THEN he started to come out of the bathroom naked! I'm glad I got back there in time or everyone would have gotten a view.
At any rate, our boys' learning is a work in progress. They are only three and four, and Tim and I believe they have made amazing progress.
Besides all the info we got about court, we also learned something else fabulous. We can now post pictures of the boys! So here are some of my favorites.
This next one is Christopher trying so hard to shield his tongue with his hand... I stuck my tongue out at him, shielding it so Joey wouldn't see, and Bam-Bam just couldn't figure out how to do it. I died laughing.
I love this next picture of Joey. He is such a handsome little man.
These boys are such blessings. They bring me joy every day.
Joey was terrified as we sat in the waiting room. Poor child; there were family visits going on, and he visibly started freaking out. He must have had so many of those in an office just like that, if not that very office. I'm so sad we were required to take him with us. He managed pretty well though once we got back to the meeting room, because he had the toys that were there on the floor to help him withdraw from his surroundings. So sad.
Before we let the boys down to play, it was disconcerting to watch them trying to misbehave just enough to misbehave but NOT lose their trip to the park. Bam-Bam takes advantage (of course) anytime we are somewhere around people, because you can't effectively discipline with others there and he knows it. Isn't it amazing how kids can figure that out? It's almost like they don't even have to figure it out. They just know.
Joey takes advantage of people being around, too. The other day I sent him to the potty, and right when he was finishing the occupational therapist arrived. He heard her come in, and immediately he began making tons of noise, and THEN he started to come out of the bathroom naked! I'm glad I got back there in time or everyone would have gotten a view.
At any rate, our boys' learning is a work in progress. They are only three and four, and Tim and I believe they have made amazing progress.
Besides all the info we got about court, we also learned something else fabulous. We can now post pictures of the boys! So here are some of my favorites.
This next one is Christopher trying so hard to shield his tongue with his hand... I stuck my tongue out at him, shielding it so Joey wouldn't see, and Bam-Bam just couldn't figure out how to do it. I died laughing.
I love this next picture of Joey. He is such a handsome little man.
These boys are such blessings. They bring me joy every day.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Cute Sayings
"I may come out?"
"I may tahowk?" (Can you say tick tock? Talk is like tick tock, not tahowk.)
So now they say: "I may tick tock?" :)
"It may be hining (hiding)."
"It darky?"
"The moon not have no wienie!"
"I bump my haid!" (This is a game they are not allowed to play.)
When someone farts/burps/sneezes and then says "Excuse me," Bam-Bam replies with "You wehcome!"
There are so many more, but as I was about to type them, Bam-Bam came up and told me there was somebody on the phone.
So we had this conversation:
Me: Yes! We are going to have a party! It's in two months.... well more like a month and x days. Yes, we're going to have a bounce house! And two cakes, a train cake and a puppy cake. It's for my two babies, Joseph Enoch Minich and Christopher Timothy Minich. Yes, they're always staying here, even when they're old and ugly. No one is taking them away. Ok, goodbye!"
And then Bam-Bam says, "Do it 'gain!" Big smiles all around.
"I may tahowk?" (Can you say tick tock? Talk is like tick tock, not tahowk.)
So now they say: "I may tick tock?" :)
"It may be hining (hiding)."
"It darky?"
"The moon not have no wienie!"
"I bump my haid!" (This is a game they are not allowed to play.)
When someone farts/burps/sneezes and then says "Excuse me," Bam-Bam replies with "You wehcome!"
There are so many more, but as I was about to type them, Bam-Bam came up and told me there was somebody on the phone.
So we had this conversation:
Me: Yes! We are going to have a party! It's in two months.... well more like a month and x days. Yes, we're going to have a bounce house! And two cakes, a train cake and a puppy cake. It's for my two babies, Joseph Enoch Minich and Christopher Timothy Minich. Yes, they're always staying here, even when they're old and ugly. No one is taking them away. Ok, goodbye!"
And then Bam-Bam says, "Do it 'gain!" Big smiles all around.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Life Happenings
We have a very fun day planned... I don't know what it is about this weather, but it makes me want to do things!
We are about to head to Hobby Lobby and Michaels. I need to find a scrapbook for my babies. I want to get the pictures and decorations put in there so it can be viewed at the fabulous adoption party Tim and I are planning. We are also going to frame some pics to place around the house, and if I can manage it, I'm going to get an easel and a large poster board with their names and interesting tid bits of info.
I am going to make the party invites, also. I'm going to buy stickers to decorate them with. Tim asked me if the boys were going to do it, and I was like.... ummm, no! :) Is that terrible? Maybe I'm a bad mother, but I really want to make them myself. And then I reconsidered, maybe I'll let them help a bit, because we are definitely going to make one to put on their wall in their room.
Before the party we have to replace the screen door on the back, because the other day Stella charged through it. I think she thought she had to have the little stuffed dog the boys were playing with or something.... and she was half way through the door before she charged backwards, realizing what she had done. She looked quite shocked at herself. So this morning I ghettoed the door and duck taped the screen onto the door. The boys were so funny as they said, "Mommy pitst it." I told them, ummmm, no. I ghettoed it. :) They thought that was funny.
The boys are absolutely fascinated with the bounce house we're going to get for their party. They've been asking to see it so often that I printed it out and put it on the fridge. Now they've changed their request to 'see fire truck on commmmputer... peease??' So cute.
I know I've told the boys about the party waaaaay in advance, but we carefully thought it out and decided that Joey would do better waiting forever than not being prepared for a giant party at his house. Historically he's done pretty poorly even having small groups of family here. We're not taking any chances that he won't have fun. So, he's currently really looking forward to having his cousins and friends here, with his wonderful train cake and Bam-Bam's puppy cake. And... the BOUNCE HOUSE! I don't think he could be any more excited. Telling him this early was absolutely the right thing to do. They also know that the party isn't for two months. 62 sleeps.... wow that's a long time! It will fly by, though, because there are so many other fun things to do in the mean time.
We have Bapaw's barbershop competition this weekend... and we are going to a hotel for it! The boys know there is a cool tv there, a pool, and really good food. And they know they have to be quiet.... no talking during the competition! They will do great.
We are going to the Pumpkin Patch with Ivy and Laura, then we have the fair on the 12th, then I am working the election on November 2 and the boys get to spend the entire day with their daddy. He might order them pizza. That sounds like a good daddy thing to do.
The court is on the 20th of November and the party soon after that. This time will be gone before we know it, and then we can breathe a sigh of relief mingled with extreme thankfulness that the state is out of our home.... at least until we adopt again. And right now the plan is to do that sooner rather than later! We want to add to our family and then add again. We'll see if that's what God wants as well. We know that he will bring us the perfect kids, just as he did this time.
Well, this was a horrendously long post, but since I'm off facebook, I've been lacking that periodic status update that lets me update on what is going on over here and what I am thinking. So now, it's in one post. :) Until later!
Oh.... one other thing. We have a new nephew! I've yet to see a picture, but his name is Truman Shepherd. Very upstanding and distinguished. He needs to write scholarly papers or something.
I'm sure he's a cutie.
We are about to head to Hobby Lobby and Michaels. I need to find a scrapbook for my babies. I want to get the pictures and decorations put in there so it can be viewed at the fabulous adoption party Tim and I are planning. We are also going to frame some pics to place around the house, and if I can manage it, I'm going to get an easel and a large poster board with their names and interesting tid bits of info.
I am going to make the party invites, also. I'm going to buy stickers to decorate them with. Tim asked me if the boys were going to do it, and I was like.... ummm, no! :) Is that terrible? Maybe I'm a bad mother, but I really want to make them myself. And then I reconsidered, maybe I'll let them help a bit, because we are definitely going to make one to put on their wall in their room.
Before the party we have to replace the screen door on the back, because the other day Stella charged through it. I think she thought she had to have the little stuffed dog the boys were playing with or something.... and she was half way through the door before she charged backwards, realizing what she had done. She looked quite shocked at herself. So this morning I ghettoed the door and duck taped the screen onto the door. The boys were so funny as they said, "Mommy pitst it." I told them, ummmm, no. I ghettoed it. :) They thought that was funny.
The boys are absolutely fascinated with the bounce house we're going to get for their party. They've been asking to see it so often that I printed it out and put it on the fridge. Now they've changed their request to 'see fire truck on commmmputer... peease??' So cute.
I know I've told the boys about the party waaaaay in advance, but we carefully thought it out and decided that Joey would do better waiting forever than not being prepared for a giant party at his house. Historically he's done pretty poorly even having small groups of family here. We're not taking any chances that he won't have fun. So, he's currently really looking forward to having his cousins and friends here, with his wonderful train cake and Bam-Bam's puppy cake. And... the BOUNCE HOUSE! I don't think he could be any more excited. Telling him this early was absolutely the right thing to do. They also know that the party isn't for two months. 62 sleeps.... wow that's a long time! It will fly by, though, because there are so many other fun things to do in the mean time.
We have Bapaw's barbershop competition this weekend... and we are going to a hotel for it! The boys know there is a cool tv there, a pool, and really good food. And they know they have to be quiet.... no talking during the competition! They will do great.
We are going to the Pumpkin Patch with Ivy and Laura, then we have the fair on the 12th, then I am working the election on November 2 and the boys get to spend the entire day with their daddy. He might order them pizza. That sounds like a good daddy thing to do.
The court is on the 20th of November and the party soon after that. This time will be gone before we know it, and then we can breathe a sigh of relief mingled with extreme thankfulness that the state is out of our home.... at least until we adopt again. And right now the plan is to do that sooner rather than later! We want to add to our family and then add again. We'll see if that's what God wants as well. We know that he will bring us the perfect kids, just as he did this time.
Well, this was a horrendously long post, but since I'm off facebook, I've been lacking that periodic status update that lets me update on what is going on over here and what I am thinking. So now, it's in one post. :) Until later!
Oh.... one other thing. We have a new nephew! I've yet to see a picture, but his name is Truman Shepherd. Very upstanding and distinguished. He needs to write scholarly papers or something.
I'm sure he's a cutie.
Friday, September 24, 2010
November 20, the day that will live in GLORIOUSNESS!
The boys' adoption is scheduled for Nov. 20! That day is National Adoption Day, and families from all over will be adding their babies to their families on that day.
We will be in Tarrant County, and although we don't know the exact time yet, we do know our court appearance will be in the morning. We know there will be long lines and tons of happiness. What a blessing that day will be!
We have our attorney already getting paperwork filed. We've picked the boys' new names and given him our info so it can be on the boys' new birth certificates. We've scheduled the celebration party and reserved a bounce house! Boy, are the boys looking forward to that! (We're considering getting them a trampoline (with a net) now that it will be legal, although when we adopt again we'll have to remove it from the property.)
The boys don't understand much, I don't think, but we're doing our best to explain it to them. We're talking about when they are old and ugly (disclaimer: not that old people are ugly. We'll all be old sooner or later.) they will still be here with us, and Joey has heard it so many times that sometimes he tells me that he will be here till he's old.
This is a very exciting time. And we know that God is working all of it out according to his gracious plan.
We will be in Tarrant County, and although we don't know the exact time yet, we do know our court appearance will be in the morning. We know there will be long lines and tons of happiness. What a blessing that day will be!
We have our attorney already getting paperwork filed. We've picked the boys' new names and given him our info so it can be on the boys' new birth certificates. We've scheduled the celebration party and reserved a bounce house! Boy, are the boys looking forward to that! (We're considering getting them a trampoline (with a net) now that it will be legal, although when we adopt again we'll have to remove it from the property.)
The boys don't understand much, I don't think, but we're doing our best to explain it to them. We're talking about when they are old and ugly (disclaimer: not that old people are ugly. We'll all be old sooner or later.) they will still be here with us, and Joey has heard it so many times that sometimes he tells me that he will be here till he's old.
This is a very exciting time. And we know that God is working all of it out according to his gracious plan.
“It is good to give thanks to the Lord
and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High;
to declare Your lovingkindness in the morning
and Your faithfulness by night,
For You, O Lord, have made me glad by what You have done,
I will sing for joy at the works of Your hands.
How great are Your works, O Lord!”
~ Psalm 92: 1-2, 4-5aSunday, September 12, 2010
Adopion News
The boys' CK case manager told us some interesting news this last week.
The background of the story is this frustrating piece of news that I got from the CPS caseworker. She doesn't even have their file yet!! So annoying. It isn't hard to send over a little ol' file.... ok, I know it's really nearly a foot thick (I saw it), but still, come on, really??? Just walk it over! It's the same building for crying out loud. I could even volunteer to make the trek down the hall with it and I wouldn't even peak!
But no. So that throws the adoption consummation date into limbo... not that we had a date to begin with. But we could have if she had sent the file!
But then our CK case manager told us that once we pick our attorney from their list.... the attorney sets the date! And then CPS has to deal with it.
Fabulous! So once we get the list of attorneys, we'll pick one and see where we go from there.
The background of the story is this frustrating piece of news that I got from the CPS caseworker. She doesn't even have their file yet!! So annoying. It isn't hard to send over a little ol' file.... ok, I know it's really nearly a foot thick (I saw it), but still, come on, really??? Just walk it over! It's the same building for crying out loud. I could even volunteer to make the trek down the hall with it and I wouldn't even peak!
But no. So that throws the adoption consummation date into limbo... not that we had a date to begin with. But we could have if she had sent the file!
But then our CK case manager told us that once we pick our attorney from their list.... the attorney sets the date! And then CPS has to deal with it.
Fabulous! So once we get the list of attorneys, we'll pick one and see where we go from there.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Adoption: We've done our research
I looked all the states' sites over and printed out info on children in whom we are interested.
I had a huge stack, and we've whittled it down to two groups of kids. Both are here in Texas, and both look so cute and special. As soon as our agency gets up to speed on what they need to do, we'll submit interest letters for the kids. If the state picks us, we'll be able to move on from there!
Keep praying for us, because we need to be patient.
I had a huge stack, and we've whittled it down to two groups of kids. Both are here in Texas, and both look so cute and special. As soon as our agency gets up to speed on what they need to do, we'll submit interest letters for the kids. If the state picks us, we'll be able to move on from there!
Keep praying for us, because we need to be patient.
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