Monday, December 29, 2008

Brace yourself.....

I can't believe (actually, I can) it has been almost two weeks since I have blogged last!! Time flies, I guess. Alot has happened: a visit from DH's parents the weekend before Christmas, finalization of our son's adoption on the 23rd (what an awesome Christmas Gift!), Christmas, and a visit to my family this past weekend. It is just easier for me to post a million pictures and explain the pictures...enjoy! (you might want to get a warm blankie, a cup of coffee, and a snack...you will be here awhile!!

DH's Aunt Suzanne took this picture of me and my two babies...I love it. Thanks Aunt Suzanne!
A family picture
This is DH's parents, brother and sister-in-law (Matt and Kim). Matt and Kim surprised us all this Christmas with news that Kim is expecting a baby due August 5th! We are so excited for them, and can't wait for another cousin!
My two snickerdoodles
My two watching Charlie Brown's Christmas
This is a gift from Aunt Suzanne--a monkey neck pillow. Aunt Suzanne made it. Bug loves it--it matches her monkey blanket that Mommy made her!
Daddy and LM opening a present
LM loves this toy...thanks Aunt Kim and Uncle Matt!
Grandpa and Bug
Two of Bug's favorite toys--a purse from Aunt Kim and Uncle Matt, and a water bottle from Aunt Tracy and Uncle Michael
Grandpa and LM
Aunt Suzanne and LM
The kids showing off their new bath towels
Bug with her new sweater--she loves this sweater!
Our day in court--it only lasted about 15 minutes. The judge asked some questions, then declared LM our son. I was bummed that we couldn't get any video, but we got this picture. The judge congratulated us, and gave us some paperwork, and sent us on our way. Afterwards, we went home, changed our clothes, and headed out for a celebratory lunch.
At lunch--they have a huge play area for little ones, and a game area for the big kids...er, I mean adults...
LM enjoying his celebratory dinner....
Having fun riding in the car...
Sleepy LM keeping watch over tickets that Mommy and Daddy won competing against each other in a trivia game...
Nice action shot, eh?
Our living room after Santa delivered some gifts, and before the kids were up....
Our LM before opening the gifts that Santa left for him...
The Before picture...
Playing with a toy that Santa brought for LM
Opening gifts...
Bug got an authentic Twins jersey and Daddy got a Rollie Fingers autographed baseball from Santa...
...and LM got a Brewers hat autographed by Marshall Edwards--an outfielder during the 82' season, when the Brewers went to he world series.

Two precious gifts....
My new oven mitts...
A super dad...
It was a long morning for LM...he fell asleep sitting up.
Ok, here we are visiting my parents this past weekend. This is my brother, Dan, and LM. Look at at the curls on both of them!!
Opening gifts...
Grandma Kris and Bug, with Grandpa Hoho and Max the dog in the background
I love this picture of my "baby" brother, Dan and Bug
Self-portrait
A cute picture of Bug and Grandpa Hoho
Uncle Mike helping Bug try out her cousin Killian's bicycle that he got from Santa
Killian trying out Bug's new baby doll...
Here were our opponents during a game of "Battle of the Sexes" From left--Uncle Shane, DH, Derek (Shane's brother), and Grandpa Hoho
Grandpa Hoho being silly (or not..) --reading a card with his magnifying glass....time for new glasses, Dad!
Here are the girls...From left: Cathy (Shane and Derek's mom), Mom, me, and my sister Erin. Grrr, we lost against the boys.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Jesus Water and Swimsuits

Well, here is a picture of the two kiddos with Aunt Suzanne (DH's aunt). She came for a day on the way to visit DH's family, and she will be here a day this week on the way home (to PA). She left on Friday afternoon, and later that evening we all went out to eat dinner. I can't remember the last time we all went out to eat...it is so much easier (and cheaper!) to stay home.
Saturday brought us going to see Santa (he was visiting my old employer). Daddy has been working crazy hours, so he had to work Saturday morning, but met us at the Santa visit. That was fun, as always, and both kids sat so nicely--and with NO TEARS!! Each of them got a goody bag, and a stuffed teddy bear for sitting on Santa's lap. Bug ate LM's goody bag. Another plus for being a big sister!

Home we went to get lunch, naps, and head to LM's birthfamily's house for a early Christmas/birthday celebration. "H's" birthday was this week, so we brought some birthday gifts, and Christmas gifts, and everyone had a ball. It was so much fun to see everyone again, and to get into the Christmas spirit. We had so much fun.

Sunday, we all went to church. Every year at church there is a Christmas concert (instead of a normal service). We have the bell choir, angel choir, adult choir, instrumental music, and more, and they put on this amazing concert. At the end, like in a normal church service, there is Communion. Well, this concert went on for about 1 1/2 hours, so, understandably, Bug was getting antsy. I told her that after we "go up front" (for Communion), then church was over, and we could have a cookie (cookies and coffee in the vestibule after every service). Her reply was..."Momma, I wanna dink (drink) of water". I told her that after we "go up front" and church was over, we could get her a drink of water. She said..."NO Momma, Jesus Water!" I couldn't help but crack up laughing, but at the same time--WOW, this little girl made the connection that Communion = "Jesus Water". She still thinks our pastors are Jesus, and I am assuming she thinks that when you take the wine, Jesus is giving out water. These type of moments are the ones that make me tear up in joy of what God has given to us in these precious two little ones....

Bug and I made cookies on Sunday afternoon (after a nap of course--for her not me--I was out shopping while she was napping)--am I insane? We had a good time, but I was at it for about 5 hours. For those of you who will be eating our cut out cookies--don't worry, the dough I gave Bug to play with isn't the same dough I made the cookies with! There was dough and flour everywhere. I was actually sliding on the floor in my shoes, there was so much flour on the floor. O-well--these are the memories we will look back on. So, after cleaning up a kitchen of flour, green and red sprinkles and dirty pans, we put the kids to bed, and I started the 7 loads of laundry, that I am STILL working on today! I just have to keep reminding myself that the insanity doesn't get easier with a third child....

Here are pictures from the last few days: This is a favorite picture of mine--unfortunately, DH is at work in this picture, taken by Aunt Suzanne. LM is enjoying pulling Bug's ear... She loves him so much.... Visiting with Santa "Who the heck is this crazy lookin' guy??" Here is "H" with our Christmas gift to her--a cast hand print of LM. I also made her a movie using "windows movie maker" that turned out awesome. I made it to sound like it was a "Thank You" from LM to her. We watched it a couple of times, and there were alot of tears. LM and his birthmom A sleepy boy... Ok, these two cute little boys are "H's" cousins Making cookies--she looks so happy to be playing with chocolate! Ummmm, I think that is enough sugar And this is a cute picture of the kiddos trying out their swimsuits for Florida. I know it will be too cold for the beach or the hotel swimming pool, but probably not for Grandpa and Grandma's swimming pool! I am so excited and can't wait to get away. I know I am an organizing freak, but I wanted to make sure they both fit, so it is one less thing to worry about before the trip (a little over a month away!). How cute are they?!?!