So, to start you off - here is a super cute picture of three of my super cute kids just prior to heading off for church this Sunday. Yes, you see new glasses on Justus. A shout out to Gretchen for suggesting Miraflex frames! They are the best for him. INDESTRUCTIBLE! That's what my little mess maker needs. I like Specs4Us ... but not for the littlest of littles. They are just too easy to bend, break and destroy. Besides, these glasses look way cute - in my humble opinion.
A side shot of Ivanna. Why? BECAUSE CHECK OUT HER HAIR!!! It's long! No longer shorn and shaved with that orphanage couture hair cut! She has hair enough for pigtails and pretties!
She's not too thrilled in this picture. I had just brushed and "done" her hair. She DESPISES me doing her hair. I think it is just a stimulation overload for her. Think about it. With a shaved head in the orphanage, how often did this girl feel the bristles of a brush on her scalp???
Chloe is my little mama hen. Sometimes too mama if you know what I mean. She is continually all over Max and Ivanna making sure they are ok and "helping" them. Gotta love her!
Yes. SIGH. Pink cast. Ivanna climbed out of her crib last Saturday and received a small buckle fracture on her right tibia as a result. She needs this cast on for three weeks and seems to be doing well with it. Poor baby.
Mom's phone is ultra cool in this house. Seems to be a favorite amongst the kidlets.
Pumpkin Patch pic
Went down a slide at the Hay Maze
Two littles strapped in and chillin'
Max checking out the chickens on the Pumpkin Patch Farm
Max and Ethan
I love that Max has a bunch of brothers and sisters to invest in him, as well as a Mommy and Daddy. I love this picture and the time my eldest son takes with him. Getting Max outside and walking on the uneven ground is good for him to help with his walking - which can still be a little unsure at times when presented with an uneven or bumpy platform.
Max LOVES BALLOONS!
Ivanna loves being loved!
Max's first county fair!Well, life has been really crazy here and I am not even sure where to begin. I have meant to post pics and a blurb sooner but - life happens and then it's off to managing other more important things.
We all had a great time at the Puget Sound Buddy Walk in Seattle this year. Our family was given the opportunity to share our adoption story and how God truly called and worked in our life through this process. It was good for me to revisit that "story" and remember the workings of God through that process and how He continues to work as we close in on having Max and Ivanna home for a year! (I know ... can you believe it ... a year!!!)
I always love going to the Buddy Walk. It is great to be inspired and help encourage others who may just be beginning this journey of Down syndrome. I was truly touched as I saw babies, children, young and old adults with Ds living a beautiful and love filled life full of accomplishments and victories. It was a good time for all, and of course - a beautiful, crisp fall day in Seattle Washington - quite possibly one of the prettiest cities in the USA. ;)
All three of our littles have had a ton of medical appointments etc. We are really working hard to get all of the things done this year that we can for multiple reasons. It is at times so so so daunting. I do get tired of therapy sessions and medical appointments and really am looking forward to a break from it all.
Max and Ivanna had their adenoids removed and ear tubes placed. All went well with that and now we are hopeful that with being able to hear better, that Max will become verbal. The next day after surgery Ivanna became brave and decided to crawl out of her crib - and so doing broke her little leg. She is now sporting a bright pink cast for the next three weeks. Sigh. I really hope she doesn't keep that up. She is NOT ready for a toddler bed.
Max and Ivanna are doing fantastic. I'm so thankful for how they have adjusted. I think the hardest adjustment was for the rest of us ... lol. I am thinking of composing a post on the adjustments a family can go through AFTER you get those little ones home. It's important to address those things - not to discourage - but to help count the cost and be prepared. That post will come later.
For now - we are preparing for my most favorite time of year - the HOLIDAYS! I am already plotting and planning - and preparing menus in my mind. I love the cool mornings and hot coffee. I love the Christmas movies and music. I love Thanksgiving football games and pigging out. I love the spirit of the holidays - family and friends and thankfulness for the many blessings.
May you enjoy the days ahead - and count your blessings. EVERYONE has blessings in their life they can be grateful for.
Thanks for hanging in there and not giving up on my lack of posts. I know it's been too long friend. Hope to see ya back to visit!
