Christmas in Cortez

Lexen spent his first Christmas in Cortez. Many of Shan’s cousins (on his dad’s side) met at grandma’s house to spend the holidays together. It was so nice to see everyone and get to know each one better. We got to play some games and enjoy lots of good food. We had a great week!

Then, 2 days before we were to fly out Cortez got hit with almost 2 ft of snow. It was COLD! Winter decided to show up with a bang!

Here’s hoping we can all get together again very soon!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

7 Months!

I know I can’t believe it either!

Lexen surprises us daily with the new things he does and understands. He’s still working on crawling; we think he’ll have it down by the first of the year. He also signs milk regularly; however he understands about 20 signs. It’ll be great when he has the motor skills to use what he knows to help us help him.


We’re cherishing every minute of every stage, because they sure don’t stay there long.

16 Pounds (1%) &
28 Inches (90th %)


HAPPY 7 MONTH BIRTHDAY LEXEN!

We love you!

Engel White Elephant

Aunt Nancy was brave enough to have all of the family over for our annual Christmas celebration. It was nice that everyone was able to make it and chat a bit. All of the kids are getting so BIG so fast – it’s amazing. We played our White Elephant bingo and enjoyed seeing what treasures were waiting for us under all of that green and red wrapping paper. They are like a box of chocolates… you never know what you’ll get!

Christmas Tree

Our Christmas tree this year!

On the move…

Lexen has already gotten the concept of working smarter not harder… when he’s on the floor if he sees a toy or book that he wants instead of rolling or crawling over to it he’ll just grab onto the blanket and pull it towards himself moving the item he wants within arm’s reach. Because of this we never thought he’d want to crawl, but that’s not the case. He gets on his knees and starts rocking; once he’s got good motion he jolts himself forward - most of the time landing on his face. It’s funny to watch, but he’s getting closer each day. I’m cherishing the days I have left that he stays in the general area I put him in. :)

First Night Out

Lexen stayed with Grandma Natalie and Grandpa Clay while Shan and I went to a wedding. It was the first time we have ever, yes, ever left him. I have to admit it wasn’t as bad as I thought it was going to be. In fact we’ve decided that it’s time to start having monthly date nights. Lexen had a great time and I know Grandma and Grandpa enjoyed having one-on-one Lexen time too.

Thanksgiving #2

Now this is our kind of Thanksgiving – 2 families, 2 turkey dinners on 2 different days!!! We enjoyed our time with Grandma, Grandpa, Jacoby, Auntie Danielle and Shawn (Dani’s boyfriend). Mom cooked up a great meal as always! Love you guys!

Thanksgiving #1

We had a very nice Thanksgiving. We spent the afternoon with Grandpa Jimbo, Abuela, Aunt Andrea, and soon-to-be Uncle Gregory.

Lexen was being a bit of a pill as he refused to nap all day. Abuela and Aunt Andrea even tried playing the guitar and singing him to sleep – he didn’t go to sleep, but he did LOVE the music and singing!

Shan learned 7 cords and a song on the guitar – he got his passion back to learn to play.

We pray everyone had a blessed day thinking about all of the wonderful things we have to be thankful for!

Mommy and Baby

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!

2 Corinthians 9:15

Another Trip

We flew into the Portland airport on Tuesday afternoon. We had a great flight and no problems with security – Praise God! Lexen did awesome as always on the flight. We got a car and headed for Chehalis and later Gig Harbor, WA to do a video shoot for the office. Maybe someday we’ll all be famous???

After that we headed for Seattle where Shan actually got to attend a seminar. It’s been awhile since he’s been on that side of the stage. With it being so cold outside Lexen and I hung out in the hotel. We even celebrated his ½ birthday! 6 months old already – WoW!

The night before we were to leave we had heard about the problems happening at the airports with the new scanners and pat downs – we decided that we wouldn’t do either. We would just have to wait and see what they offer up as option C. When they come back in 7-10 years saying that the drastic increase of Cancer and bone problems are because of the scanners we’re not going to be involved. God is bigger than TSA so we prayed that He would allow us to quickly and painlessly get through security without any problems.

When we got to the security line we noticed that they only had 2 scanners running, so we thought we’d just get in a line that didn’t have one going. Of course the TSA agent called us down to the other side. Once our ID’s and tickets were stamped we conveniently headed the other direction and got in a different line. We made it through with no problems – God is so gracious at answering even the “smallest” of prayers. By the time we had gotten our shoes and everything packed up all the scanners were up and running. So awesome!

We pulled up to the house about 10pm; as we went to unlock the door our key broke off in the lock. So besides the fact that it was cold outside, the heater in our Jeep wasn’t working, Lexen was tired and crying, we hadn’t had dinner and we were tired from a day of traveling… this happened. But God never stops amazing us. The Tuesday we were leaving it was put on my heart to leave out an extra key (we have never done this – EVER). So once Shan got the broken key out of the lock we were able to just go in.

None the less it’s always nice to get home.

New Pics

Daddy and I are always playing & laughing!

It’s actually very comfy…
okay really I just want to be close to mommy.

Peace!

Mommy and I are just hangng out.

Da-da!

Yes, it's true my little man says da-da! We thought at first he was just babbling, but one afternoon while I was changing his diaper Shan walked up... Lexen looked up and said da-da. So sweet! Now if we can try and squeeze ma-ma in the mix that would be great!

Grandpa Jimbo...

Happy Sunday!

Just here hanging out with my friend Bella. Isn't she cute!?!

Downtown Aquarium

We visited the Downtown Aquarium in Denver today. I haven't been there in years, they've changed a lot. We even got to see live mermaids - bet you wish you had been there! ;o)

Lexen loved watching all of the fish and of course so did Jacoby. Jacoby jumped and laughed at each exibit like it was the most amazing thing he had ever seen - super cute. The boys had a great time - they have the most special relationship!

****Lexen - 5 Months **** Jacoby - 14 Months****

Our next adventure!

Shan and I have started the process of adopting from Ethiopia. With this we have also set up a new blog that will follow the process and events associated with only the adoption. Please check it out! We have placed the link on the top right side of the blog.

HagerAdoption.blogspot.com

Below is a great message I heard today while on my walk with Lexen and Bella! As we go forward with our plans of adoption I pray that Shan and I are able to keep these truths close to our hearts! If you can spare about 20 min it's worth every minute.

The Desires of Your Heart - Part 2
Today on Radio

Thank you in advance for your prayers and support.

Happy Halloween!

Lexen had a great 1st Halloween. Saturday, we did a parade in Longmont with Grandma Natalie, Auntie Danielle and Jacoby. Then, Sunday we went to Boulder with Kelly, Richard and Maddie to the Munchkin March on Pearl Street. It was so fun to see all of the kids and families dressed up.

Beautiful Sunday!

We enjoyed a family day on Sunday! We went to church, visited Grandma Natalie & Grandpa Clay’s house, went to the grocery store, and visited Grandpa Jimbo & Abuela’s house. It was nice to spend the day with some of the people we love.

Jeremiah's Baseball Team!

Panther's GAA All-Stars, 2010
(He's in the back row in the center)

I hear you're doing awesome - keep up the good work!!!