2011 In Pictures

Whew! What a year. What a post! I will warn you that this post is picture HEAVY. I just couldn't pass some of them up. I sort of cheated as I went back into December 2010 for a few of these first photos. I just felt it told the story of Max and Ivanna a bit better. Just take a moment and rejoice with me as you witness through these images of just how greatly God has worked especially in little Ivanna this past year. She no longer is a weak little 20 pound five year old. Nope. She is a strong, walking, super heavy 37 pound six year old now! She also no longer has to have a spoon tied to her wrist with a hair scrunchy. Nope. She holds it and can feed herself!

God has done great things.

2011 was so full of different happenings. Some were great and wonderful times of rejoicing ... like Ivanna's milestones. Some were periods of self contemplation as we all adjusted to this wonderful journey of adoption. Some were just plain difficult and full of heartache as we said good - bye to my Dad, as he passed away very unexpectedly and most assuredly is missed.

But ... still ... God has done great and mighty things.

Happy New Year. May it be one that you will draw closer unto Christ!

*Most of these will not have explanations ... more like a photo journalling. Enjoy! *

First steps to walking

Random ... ness

Okay. So I admit. I have been having issues keeping you all in the loop. Why? Well, I'd like to blame the efforts of having to learn a new computer, or the insanely hectic schedule of craziness around here, or perhaps the illnesses that have been hitting us, maybe I could even blame the holiday season with all it's busyness.

But ... really ... I could find time. I really enjoy blogging, and enjoy the comments and support as well. So ... I am going to endeavor to be better.

So ... here is a bit of randomness for you. I sincerely hope you had a blessed Christmas Day. We did, as we celebrated the birth of our Saviour - and witnessed all of our children's faces light up as they came running down our stairs. All, with the exception of Max - who had been up the night before with croup. BUT ... we awoke him, and he soon rallied and worked up some excitement.

Enjoy the pictures.

This was a picture of Justus and his spankin' new glasses. He loved them ... for about five minutes. It is now a constant fight to keep them on ... sigh. They are too cute for words on his adorable little face. Makes his kissable cheeks absolutely irresistible.

This picture above is a bit of a treasure to me. It is a baby picture of Ivanna. Scratch that. It is THE baby picture of Ivanna. The one. The only. I keep it in my wallet. When we first brought her home, things were a big adjustment, and it helped me immensely to pull this out and gaze upon her little face - remembering the environment from where she came. I had since sort of forgot about it, until a few weeks ago - when I was cleaning out my purse and wallet - and lo and behold. I pulled it out and simply stared. This is my sweet little girl when she was a baby. I don't know the occasion of the photo, who dressed her, why they did so, or how she felt getting her picture done. This was way before she was eligible for international adoption, so I can't assume it was for a photo listing, but perhaps it was for a local photo listing in Ukraine. This is sometimes one of the more difficult things in adoption ... never knowing such details. That's okay. I have this picture. And I am grateful for it!

Okay. Random, I know. This is our Christmas tree this year. Pretty and calming.

Justus was especially liking the tree lights!

Ivanna stopped to look as well.

Ivanna's first snow. Eating it from Daddy's hands. I'm sure the orphanage would freak out if they saw her in this picture! Lol.

We took the kids up to the mountains to play in the snow. I have to admit, I was a bit apprehensive about the whole packing up snow gear, getting kids dressed, getting cold kids undressed ... process for eight kids. BUT ... it was FANTASTIC. No, really. We just packed each child's stuff (snow gear, change of clothes, etc.) in their own bag (ok I admit, garbage bags with names on them) and off we went. Made it SO much easier.

If we stayed home with the excuse that having a large family was just too much work to do anything or go anywhere ... what fun would that be? How boring. I am so glad that my sweet husband has the desire and vision to keep us an active, serving, and fellowshipping family ... even when it may be work. ;)

Justus in the snow! His first time!

Max in the snow. Also eating it, and after Daddy showed him how ... the boy wouldn't stop chowing down on the stuff.

Ivanna wasn't too impressed by the cold white stuff, but she was a good sport.

This year, I made Christmas dresses for each of my girls. SO MUCH FUN! This is Ivanna in hers.

All three girls in their dresses. We got Ellie a sewing machine (kid's machine) for Christmas this year. She is SO excited to learn to sew. Her first desire ... to sew a blanket for her sister Chloe's doll as a gift. What a super sweetheart!

I plan on posting a year in review for New Year's.

Have a great day, and thanks for stopping by.

Merry Christmas All

I just posted a link below to our Christmas card because if you do, Shutterfly gives you a discount on your next order - and well, if you know me, you KNOW I love a good discount. But, I decided I would quickly throw up a real picture. My good friend, Jenny Savage came over with her family and was able to get a few good images. We opted to stay inside this time because it is really cold outside. I think she did a fantastic job, as she typically does. THANK YOU JENNY! ;)

I hope to post more later when I don't have a gazillion things on my to do list. But ... real quick ... everyone is doing well. We recently went to the cardiologist for all three littles. Max and Ivanna still have very small PFO's (upper chamber holes) in their hearts - which really are of no real concern and should continue to close. Ivanna's VSD (bigger lower chamber hole) has closed even a bit more since being home. Justus has smaller arterial pulmonary valves than desired, but the thought is that we will do a cath procedure later. He also has a small PFO.

Ivanna now outweighs Max and weighs in at 37 pounds. That is a 17 pound gain in one year! Max weighs 35 pounds and that is a 13 pound gain for him!

Ivanna no longer has a cast, but is now relearning to walk, and is quite stubborn about it. After all, who wouldn't want to be carted around rather than walk? I just can't lug her like I used to, especially since I am now fast approaching my third trimester.

Oh! That reminds me! We are having a BOY! We will be naming him Christian Lee Browning. Lee is after my father who just passed away in June, his name was Bruce Lee.

I count it an honor naming a child after him, and am grateful for the opportunity. Christian will be born just 10 months after my father's passing.

God is better than good!

The rest of us are doing well. We continue to find ourselves busy with day to day happenings. School, piano lessons, fellowshipping with friends and family, outings to the snow, etc etc.

I hope to post more pictures soon. Have a blessed DAY!!!

Merry Christmas!

For Unto Us Religious Christmas Card

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Slack Blogging

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!