Sunday, February 26, 2012

Early Morning Mason

Mason has been on a schedule of waking up around 6:30 each morning, but as soon as I pick him up he falls back asleep in my arms, which just warms my heart.  I spend about a 1/2 hour looking at his beautiful face, day dreaming about his future, and praying for what is to come for him.  I wonder about his birth parents and what life would have been like for him, and I am so very thankful that the Lord chose us to be his Mommy and Daddy! I am so thankful that his birth mother chose life!

If we spend too much time wondering what life may be like for us or Mason in the future we begin to search the Internet for stories....*Warning* this is dangerous!!!  Mason has the features of fetal alcohol syndrome and with the assistance of Birth to Three and the miracles of Jesus Christ we are fixated on the positives.  We've heard the stories, read the books, and are part of the support groups so we aren't naive.  We have our eye wide open, and although love can't heal all, it sure does help!!  Since he's been in our care he has hit most of the major milestone and has grown from a fragile 6lbs baby (4.2lbs at birth) to a 13.6lbs butter ball and we love it!!  God is so good and Mason is an example of that. His brothers hearts have grown 3 sizes and then some for this boy.  I can't wait to share the amazing pictures of his last 5 months to show you just how special he is.  But that will have to wait two more months!!!
Until then prayers are always welcome and appreciated, because with three boys life is an adventure!

Monday, February 20, 2012

Evaluation

We had a Birth to Three evaluation today.  I was super excited for this event.  I know it sounds crazy but I was excited to get someone elses opinion on just "how" Mason is doing. 

He qualifies for services, which will happen weekly.   The women who came out were great.  They said he is a little delayed in the use of his upper body muscles.  His tone is there he just needs to use those muscles :o).  His eye contact is of concern as well, which we knew it would be, but everything else is good.  Happy, Happy

In other news, it's almost the beginning of March, which is when our LAST visit with the Social Worker happens...and then she files the paperwork with the court for a finalization date!!!

Sunday, February 12, 2012

Family Love Weekend Pics

We had a blast!!  Some of us are feeling a little under the weather but overall it was a great day!

Our itinerary was as follows:



Breakfast

Wii Bowling Champs


Pool Time

Craft time
My favorite part!

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Friends in China

I just can't help but chronicle that both the Pastor (& his beautiful wife) that I work for AND friends are over in China together to bring home their children. I love watching their child's stories unfold with each new adventure for their parents.   I AM SO EXCITED!

It was just about this time last year that we started the process of adoption and I was following another friends travel to China and Gotcha Day experience.   I can't believe its been almost a year, I can say that now because we aren't waiting to meet our Mason.  While we were waiting it seems like time stood still.  But as a memory, time flies!  :o)

I am excited for my friends adventure now and for the adventure that will begin soon.  I pray for their safety and sanity while in China and beyond. I pray for their children and their healing.  Soon there will be two less!

Our Family Love weekend

Normally I post about after some event happens.
Not this time..

Saturday begins our 3rd annual Family Love weekend

The last two years we have gone to hotels, near and far to enjoy each others company and to swim. 
Well this year, it just isn't in the finances to go away (we are finishing up an adoption ya know). So we will be going to Hotel Home.

We have an iteneray and everything, breakfast bar, lego time (complete with new legos), craft hour, even some pool time.  My favorite part is Chocolate class which we will enjoy during our evening movie. 
I am so excited!!!

Best part is...they allow pets, and my own bed :o)

Monday, February 6, 2012

How to my kids enjoyed the Super Bowl (in photos)

This is how Dylan enjoyed the Super Bowl

Tyler enjoyed watching the game while listening to his ipod

Mason enjoyed eating the ball.
This post was going to have so much more, but the computer is being difficult so, this is all there is.  Take my word for it....so fun!!

Saturday, February 4, 2012

The winner is...

Tyler AND Dylan!!!

Our electronic challenge is over (yay!!) and it was tough.  But the boys did so well.  I'm so proud of them for a lot of reasons. 
1. They supported each other
2. They watched 1 show here all week
3. Tyler struggled on Sunday, became frustrated (there were tears) but decided on his own that it wasn't worth the points
4. They found great stuff to do around the house that they hadn't seen before

There are more but my favorite was the look on their face when they realized they were the winners.  They were proud of themselves.

Now I'd like to say that this challenge has helped us turn off the electronics more, but I'd be lying.  We like our electronics and I miss reading things on the web, but it has made us aware of how much we like our electronics and the first step to change is awareness...so the first step is done.  Again yay!!