Best Date...well...almost

Today, I had a date with my little man Ian. I picked him up from school around 11:30. Our plans were to have lunch, get a car (for him, not for me), and then do whatever he wanted to do. So, we changed our plans around a little....getting the car first. Then Ian chose pancakes for lunch so we went to IHOP. After lunch, I asked him what he wanted to do and he said "are we on our date mommy?" Well, heck yeah we were!

He decided he wanted to go to the park. Surprise, surprise. We headed to a park and I knew where we'd plant ourselves for a while....on the swings. But, he surprised me. He climbed up the "HUGE BIG STEPS" to the "HUGE BIG SLIDE" and slid down. He was so proud of himself. He climbed around for a while and then he wanted to swing. I pushed him on the swing for about 45 minutes. He talked and laughed the whole time. Just such sweet, innocent fun. Then he wanted to climb some more. He got part of the way up the rock wall and decided he was scared, so he came back down. Then he climbed up the "HUGE BIG STEPS" to the "HUGE BIG SLIDE' and came down again.

It was quite hot, so we left to get some water. He held my hand as we were going in the store and said "I'm having fun on our date, are you mommy?" Absolutely little man...absolutely.

So Sweet

Today (Thursday), Charlie and I picked the boys up from daycare. When we drove down the street, we noticed that Ian's class was on the playground. Charlie quickly spotted Ian sitting at the picnic table with Miss Lee Ann. As soon as he saw us, he ran into the daycare, all the way to the front door to meet us.

A little later this evening, I asked Ian why he was sitting down talking to Miss Lee Ann. He said "because she was over there all by herself mommy". How sweet is he?

Celebrating Drew's Birthday

We finally celebrated Drew's First Birthday. Even though it was in July....we still wanted to have a birthday party for him. So, today was THE day. We had a great time. We had a small gathering of close friends and enjoyed pizza and CAKE. Drew really enjoyed his cake. He was an absolute mess...but so, so cute. Here are a few pictures from our celebration!

Drew has a new found "love"....his blankie. This little blankie goes everywhere with us now. But, that's OK...it's making him feel more secure when we're not around. Ian, is now into making silly faces for the camera...see the picture below. And...finally....we have a good picture of the boys and Brad. Usually someone has their eyes closed.

Happy First Birthday Drew....we love you very much!

I Whined Too Much

Vietnam adoption....actually International adoption period...is not for the faint of heart. It seems like both of our adoptions were filled with lots of bumps in the road causing us delay after delay. I whined, cried, got angry, and whined some more. But, all I wanted were my boys.

Most of you may know that Vietnam adoptions to US families have stopped again as of September 1st. That makes me very, very sad. There are several families out there whose dreams are never going to come true and there are countless children in Vietnam that will never have the love of a forever family. All because a few people are so corrupt. We are so very glad that we were with such an ethical agency, Dillon International. We never questioned their integrity in either India or Vietnam. They are well respected in all countries they work in.

But, some things are out of Dillon's control. Our delays were not something Dillon could have anticipated or helped. They were caused by a number of things out of our control. Now, 2 families that I've grown very close to during our Vietnam process are being delayed yet again. Both families have been subject to the new DNA guidelines set forth by the US Consulate in Vietnam. Both of their kiddos were relinquished by their birth mothers and now the US is requiring a DNA test. Sounds simple enough...but it's a nightmare. First, the Dillon staff in Vietnam has to find the birth mother and THEN get her to agree to the test. Second, they have to have the test done in Ho Chi Minh City. Third, both the birth mother and the baby have to go. IT'S INSANE.

Julie and Scarlett both need our thoughts are prayers right now. They have waited way, way too long for their little guys to come home. Bennett (Julie's son) and Dillon (Scarlett's son) are from the same orphanage as Drew. We were blessed to see these little guys up close when we were in Ninh Thuan. They just need to come home.

When I look back at all of my whining and crying, I'm not going to say it was unnecessary...but if I were in the shoes of Julie and Scarlett....I'd be losing my mind. I know that Jynger (at Dillon) is so grateful that we did not have to go through this part of the insanity.

Julie and Scarlett....I am thinking about you guys and praying for you daily. You are strong, strong women. I know you must be mentally exhausted. We are there for you...to whine, cry, get mad, throw things....whatever you need. As adoptive parents, we all know the struggles and we all stand for one another when we think we just can't stand alone anymore. You were both there for me and now it's my turn.

Barney Free Zone....NOT

When we were in the process of adopting Ian, my sweet husband declared our house a "Barney Free Zone". Up until about 3 weeks ago....that was pretty much the case. But now...not so much. Ian wants to watch "Bernie" every day...at least a couple of time. Darn that On Demand feature. Drew loves the music and dances along. Ian just enjoys watching Barney, singing and dancing along. Our friends Paul and Stephanie told Charlie that when he saw his sweet little boy enjoying Barney, it would no longer be a "Barney Free Zone". True, so true.

Home 5 Weeks

We have been home with Drew for 5 weeks now. Time is flying by. He's doing better and better each day. He has a bit of the Oklahoma Crud going on right now (runny nose, congested, etc)...but he's fine.

I have to keep reminding myself that he's only been home 5 weeks. When I look at him and see all that he's doing and how he's progressing, I get lost in the "only 5 weeks" time frame. He is attaching well to both of us, but he's especially attached to mommy. If I leave, he cries. When I get home, he cries (just to show me that he's been upset). But, it's all moving at the pace that it's supposed to. He has gone through some MAJOR changes in the past 7 weeks. Friday night and Saturday night were the first 2 nights he's slept all night since we got home. Hopefully we're getting into a groove.

Drew and Ian continue to push one another's buttons. That's what brothers are supposed to do, right? Ian is learning his boundaries as a big brother. It's taking some time, but he's getting there. It's been a hard transition for Ian, but considering...I think he's doing amazingly well. Drew watches every move Ian makes and tries to copy most of them. I found him standing on the ottoman the other day ready to jump off (just as Ian had the evening before). Ian loves to help me cook. So, he brings his little chair in the kitchen to stand on. Today, Drew brought the chair in the kitchen and stood on it by the hot stove. I had to move quickly to get him down before he touched the stove. I do love watching the two of them together though. They are so cute. I especially love mornings when both of them are still sleepy and want to cuddle on my lap. Mmmm, mmmm, good :)

We went to India Fest in Tulsa yesterday. It was great fun. Lots to see and do. Ian and I both got Henna Tattoos on our hands. They're cute, but I'll be glad when mine fades away (should be in a couple of days). We also ran into our friends Grace, Shane and Jadyn. It was so good to see them. Jadyn was adopted from the same orphanage as Ian. They were actually there at the same time (along with sweet Mia). Miss Jadyn is growing into the most beautiful little girl. Her daddy is in trouble as she gets older.

So, how are mommy and daddy adjusting to having 2 boys? Most days we do great...but we're still learning. It's much more difficult than I imagined going from one child to two. I know, people do it all the time...but I have a whole new level of respect for them. The amount of milk we go through now is amazing :) Laundry...where does it all come from? I've got to get into some sort of laundry routine or I'm going to drive myself nuts. I'm very fortunate to have a husband who helps around the house. Charlie certainly does his share and more plus. he's great with the boys.

EE-Bow

Ian: Mommy, I have a new boo, boo.

Mommy: Oh really. Where?

Ian: On my eeeeebow.

Mommy: On your what?

Ian: My eeeebow. See Mommy.

Mommy: Yes you do...on your ELBOW.



Eeebow, nickles, barrel feet....he's pretty good at naming body parts isn't he?

Raindrops On Animals and Train Rides For Boys

We went to the Zoo tonight for the members only special party. It would have been super-d-duper great if it hadn't rained. We had a really good time, but it rained off and on. We were able to go "behind the scenes" and see the animals up close. Ian even touched a snake (yikes!). Drew was just mesmerized. It was his first time there. His little eyes were wide open the entire time. They both were a little tired when we got hom. So, they're both sleeping soundly right now. Shouldn't have typed that...Drew will probably wake up soon. He's been down for about 3 hours...so it's time. :)

14 Months Old

Happy 14 Month Birthday little man Drew. We're so happy you are finally home with us. You are growing and developing more each day. We love you so, so much!!!

He's "Perfect"

I didn't say that... Dr. Sood did. We visited Dr. Sood today and got the reports of the laundry list of blood tests, xrays and hearing screenings. All came back A-OK. Dr. Sood said "you have another perfect little boy." Yeah...right. I'm thrilled that everything came back fine. I had no doubts that it would, but it was certainly good to get the confirmation.

Teething....aaaaarrrrggghhhh.....I hate it. Poor little guy is struggling so. But today I finally figured out why. He has 8 teeth on the bottom and 6 on top. He had 8 total when we picked him up in Vietnam. So...he has cut or is in the process of cutting 6 teeth in 4 weeks. No wonder he's miserable.

Here's another "Ianism" that I need to pack away so I don't forget it.

"I have nickles mommy? Do you have nickles mommy...do girls have nickles?" AKA...nipples.

Post Placement Visit & Other Stuff

Today we had our first post placement visit. You know, I guess it's because it's our second adoption...but we were not stressed at all for this one. We sat around and talked with Rebecca for nearly 2 hours. Of course, the boys "entertained" while we talked. Ian was a hoot all evening. He gave Rebecca lots of hugs and made a new friend with the Social Work intern that came along. He's not shy when he's in his home. Two more post placement visits and then we'll re-finalize Drew's adoption and legally change his name to Drew. Woo, hoo!!

Drew did well too. He had to run to mommy a couple of times for re-assurance that all was well with the world....but that's a normal thing for him. We are so proud of the strides he's made so far. He's come a long way. Still has some sleep issues, but we think that's due to the evil teething monster. Hopefully things settle down soon.

We're enrolling Ian in a new school. He'll start there in 2 weeks. The class size is so much smaller and their curriculum is much better. We think he's going to love it and excel there. Some friends of our have their girls there and he'll love getting to see them on a regular basis. He'll miss his friend Tezzie though. They're tight. He tells me almost every day "Tezzie's my best friend." On the other days...he says "Tezzie's not my friend mommy." Of course, we've noticed if Ian gets mad at you..."you're not my friend" is the first thing out of his little mouth. Five minutes later, when he wants something "you're my friend, OK mommy?". The logic and mind of a 3 year old amaze me.

OK...Drew's settled back down and I'm going back to bed.

Special Day

Today is a special day for our family. First it was Drew's dedication day at church. What a great feeling to stand before our church family and dedicate our son to the Lord. We have been through 2 long adoption journeys and our church has played such an important part of both. Our friends have prayed with us, cried with us, celebrated with us, held us up when we didn't think we could go on and most of all loved us. We feel very humbled that God chose us to be the parents of two amazing little boys and we pray that we will honor God as they grow to become young men.

Also...today is a special day in Ian's life. Three years ago today, we saw Ian's sweet little face for the first time. He is becoming such a little boy...not a baby (most of the time) anymore. He's smart, funny, sweet, frustrating and kind. We love this little guy so, so much.

Trying to get Drew down for a nap now and Ian is insisting on talking...loudly. So, I'm going to go "talk" to Ian. More later :)

Dedication This Sunday

This Sunday morning, we will have Drew's baby dedication at our church. We go to the 8:30am service at First Baptist Church in Downtown Tulsa. Can't wait to share our little Drew with our church family.

For those in the area that want to get up early, we'd love to see you. If you'd like to watch it live on the Internet, just click on the First Baptist Church link on the right and go to the sermon page and then click watch live. We are early in the service (I think after the first couple of songs).

I have my Ao Dai pressed and ready to go. I had Drew's cleaned (it was kind of messy after his pictures). Ian will wear either his traditional Indian outfit or an Ao Dai....I think we'll have better luck if I let him choose.

Pictures will follow. Looking forward to giving God thanks and glory for our new sweet blessing...baby Drew.

My 3 Boys

Will they ever look at the camera at the same time?

Daddy & Drew at the new BOK Center

Ian showing off his tumbling skills at the BOK Center

Making cupcakes for Daddy's Birthday

Happy Birthday Daddy

Love, love, love all THREE of my boys. Yesterday was Charlie's birthday so Ian and I baked some chocolate cupcakes. Ian was so proud of himself. Charlie loved them.

When we were waiting for Ian to come home (2 1/2 years ago), I couldn't imagine actually being someones mommy. Is that weird? I knew I wanted children, I was so in love with Ian that it was insane...but thinking about being a mommy was just more than I could imagine. Now, with 2 little ones running around....I can't imagine NOT being a mommy. While it has it's challenges and I don't think I'll ever go to the bathroom alone for several more years....honestly....it's the best thing I've ever done. When I'm with my boys, all is well....crazy...but well. I remember a friend of mine from church telling me that my priorities would change when Ian came home. I thought..."well yeah..but my life won't change". Boy...was she ever right. My priorities have turned completely around....especially now that Drew has come home. Don't get me wrong, I still enjoy my "alone" time and time with my girlfriends...but I think I'm cut out to be someones mommy.

What I've realized though, is I still need to make time to be a wife. Charlie and I have to make a real effort for date nights. We haven't had one since Drew's been home (I'm not quite ready yet)...but we will soon. I miss my alone time with Charlie. I'm sappy today...what's up with that? I think I'm just in love with my 3 boys!!!

The New Party Begins

Here we go. A new FAMILY blog.

I'm still working on all of the elements and links...but I'll get there eventually. Both of our other blogs are still active. Just click on Ian's picture or Drew's picture to visit their blogs. I won't shut them down just in case someone wants to read about how we got to where we are now :)

Stay tuned....more to come!