Monday, January 26, 2009

Soccer







As promised...Soccer pictures. He actually listens to Coach Zak (most of the time). He loves to run around and kick the ball. Of course, he also loves to run around and chase Lexi :) I missed the part where he and Lexi were holding hands walking to the bathroom (her mom told me). It's great fun watching these little guys run around...I giggled several times throughout the day when I thought about it. Love my Lil Kicker.

Sunday, January 25, 2009

18 Month Pics




My big boy...cute as a button. He did pretty well, but no big smiles. He looks like his normal, rotten self in the top one and I loved the football pose. We could have a future quaterback on our hands.
I took some really cute pics of Ian today at soccer, so I'll post those tomorrow (hopefully).


Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Days

Thought I might need to clarify my last post. We celebrate all kinds of "Days" in our house. The big day....in my opinion...is coming up in February.

Referral Day (Ian) - September 7, 2005
GOTCHA Day (Ian) - February 17, 2006
Adoption Day (Adoption Finalization) - January 19, 2007

Referral Day (Drew) - October 5, 2007
Meetcha Day (Drew) - July 29, 2008 (not sure we'll celebrate this, but we'll always remember it)
GOTCHA Day (Drew) - July 31, 2008
Adoption Day (Re-finalization) - ?????

The big difference between the two is that Drew's adoption was final in Vietnam and Ian's was not final in India. We will re-finalize Drew's and make the official name change as soon as we finish our post placement visits (which should be very soon). Ian's was not final until after the post placement visits and the court date here in the US. Crazy, huh?

Plus we have birthdays and all that other fun stuff. It's a big party in our house. But...with 2 boys that we waited forever for....the celebrations should continue.

Monday, January 19, 2009

Happy 2nd Adoption Day Ian!






Today we had cupcakes and cookies to celebrate the second anniversary of Ian's Adoption Day. He didn't quite understand, but it didn't matter to him because he got yummy cookies from Merritt's Bakery. Hard to believe that's in the eyes of the US Government and our State Government that he's only officially been "Ian" for 2 years. He's been Ian from the moment we first saw his precious face. The pictures are from our crazy boys enjoying their cookies this evening (plus a pic of my hottie husband).

Monday, January 12, 2009

Winter? Huh?

A conversation with Ian tonight...

Ian: What's that noise outside?
Me: It's the wind. It's really getting cold.
Ian: Why is it getting cold?
Me: Because it's winter time.
Ian: Winter? Huh?
Me: Yes, Ian...it's winter time.
Ian: But mommy...Christmas is over so it can't be winter.

How can you argue with that?

Saturday, January 10, 2009

18 Months Old & Home 5 Months

Time flies when you're having fun. Drew is 18 months old today. He's such a joy and we're so happy that he's home with us now. I can't imagine our lives without him.

His vocabulary is expanding (I love this stage). He clearly says momma, daddy, up, more, yeah, dog, car, cup & ball. He's working on Ian, Drew, please, thank you, and quite a few more. He's signing more, please, thank you and all done. He giggles so much more these days. He is still very "determined" and curious. He loves to give kisses, blow kisses and wave bye-bye. He gets so excited when I come home from work. He meets me at the door with his little arms lifted high saying "up-pa, up-pa, up-pa". If I don't pick him up quickly enough he gets mad. Thanks goodness I remember to go to the bathroom before I leave work. He still loves to eat. The only thing we've found that he really doesn't like is green beans. What? All kids like green beans. He has discovered dipping sauces for his chicken and french fries as well as salsa for his chips. If we don't dip them, he tells us about it.

Drew and Ian are doing amazingly well....considering. There are days when Ian struggles greatly with being a big brother. I have to keep reminding myself that it's only been 5 months. Ian was the center of our world for so long....it's tough to share. Just when we think he's turned the corner....wham....another bad hour or so. It will get better. It's just hard watching Ian struggle.

Charlie may not agree, but I think him being home with the kids has been GREAT for them. Drew especially. He has really opened up. Charlie will be going back to work soon, so their time home with Daddy will be coming to an end.

If you have a moment....please say a quick prayer for our friends Mike and Donna. They are waiting to bring Caroline home from Korea. It has taken much longer than expected and Donna is really struggling. We met Mike and Donna at our adoption workshop when we were in the process to bring Ian home. They were in the process to bring Ryan home. We all know how long and grueling those last few weeks can be when you're waiting to hold your precious baby.

Thursday, January 1, 2009

Happy New Year

Happy New Year!!! Where does the time go? We are such party animals in my house....the boys...all 3 of them are sound asleep. I woke Charlie up a couple of minutes ago to wish him a Happy New Year. He won't remember it tomorrow morning. Woo, hoo....excitement in the Conner house.

2008 was a year of many ups and downs. For a majority of the year, we waited for Drew. What a grueling time. But....finally on July 31, 2008 he was placed in our arms forever. Life has not been the same since. In a good way.

Ian continues to grow and amaze us. He is such a smart and thoughtful little man (most of the time). It's a challenge and a joy to be his mom.

Both Charlie and I faced job changes this year. I'm now VERY happily employed, but Charlie is still looking. I know 2009 will bring him the job he wants. Right now, he's staying home with boy boys. "Mr. Mom" was never a desired position for him, but he's doing a great job and it's been so good for BOTH of our boys.

Our little family grew this year and we are so blessed. Being a mom is the best thing I've ever done and I am so thankful that God allowed me to be "mommy" to these two wonderful little boys. I'm honored to be the wife of such an amazing husband. Charlie has been my rock and my soul mate for the past 22 years...I must have been 10 or 11 when we met :) I look at my family and I have to say...WOW...just WOW.

Happy 2009 Everyone!