The Reason Why My ONE YEAR Update Was Sooooo Late...

We came home with T and M on April 10th, 2010. Since we came home, I have posted a monthly update with the highlights for each month they have been with us. April 10, 2011 was a bittersweet day. We were so excited to celebrate our one year family-versary, but inside I also knew that I would no longer be doing "monthly updates". In my mind, the one year anniversary marked the day when we would "officially" live life as "normal" (whatever that is). It marked the day where we simply were a "family"...not a family defined by having biological children and adopted children...simply a family with 4 children. When we arrived home with T and M, I longed for the feeling of "normal" and now that it is here I wish it wasn't. 


We have had a truly fairytale journey growing together a family during the past year. T and M have transitioned better than could have ever been expected. They are incredible, amazing and wonderful children, full of strength, love, and trust. Through them, I have learned so much more about God's incredible love of us and understand, on a much more genuine level, that we are ALL adopted by Him. 


I guess in some ways I fear the feeling of "normal" in our family because I am afraid to take what God has blessed us with for granted. So as I adjust to life without "monthly highlights" and doing my best to capture every special moment...I will have to learn to live in the moment with each of my children and cherish each of them in the every day life. I will never forget how God brought our family together, but I honestly believe it will become less of a focus as we simply focus on growing in our relationships with God and as my husband and I learn how to effectively parent 4 incredible kiddos given to us by God.


So if you are someone who looked forward to monthly seeing what was going on with T and M as they transitioned to life here, I am sorry to say the updates are done. Much of my life is on Facebook and I will continue to post the "every day" life stuff there. However, for now I can say that "2plus2plus2" is finished. Thank you to everyone who has followed our journey, prayed for us, supported us, encouraged us, and loved us. We could not have made it this far with out you!!!

Home ONE Year!!!!!!!!!!!!

This post is WAY, WAY, WAY over-due! I will write about the reason why it a separate post. Life is very full and our family schedule keeps us on the go. Here are highlights from our TWELFTH month together:

T**s**e:

We are so blessed by you! Here are some highlights of your 12^th month:

-You have officially "out-grown" Xavier! In the one year since you have been home with us, you have grown 7 inches!!! Xavier is only comforted by the fact that he will still always be the oldest.

-You had you first softball game...and were awesome (not a surprise)! You received the game ball at your 2nd game for being "Player of the Game"!!!

-We planted a garden together and you were very excited that we got flowers in your favorite color, purple.

-You have been accepted into the school we prayed you would get into for the Fall. It is an incredible opportunity and is truly going to be a place where you will be able to reach your fullest potential!

-We went to the "Open House" at your current school and you were so excited to give us a tour of your classroom and show us all the projects you have done during the school year.

-We had our one year post-placement visit with our social worker. She is in AWE of how well you are doing and how well you have adjusted. She even said our family should be a model for adoption! 

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M****n***m:

We love you sweet son! Here are some highlights of your 12th month:

-Since you have been home with us, you have grown 4-1/2 inches...You are in perfect health! Thank God!!!

-We planted a garden together and you enjoyed the "digging part" the most. You seem to be happy with any kind of tool in your hand!

-You had a great time participating in an egg hunt at your school. When it was finished, you asked several times to do it again. 

-During our one year post-placement visit, you made our social worker crack up with how out-going you are. You wanted to show her everything in or house! She said you are an adorable boy and is so happy with how well you  are doing!!!

It has been a truly blessed year kiddos! A dream come true for sure!!! This process has been a fairytale as far as international adoption goes. We love you both so much and are so thankful for each of you! We will cherish you forever! May God continue to guide our family and bless us as we seek Him and grow together!