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.

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?!?!

Ice always makes it better, right??

Here is my DH feeding our DS at the end of the reception after my Uncle Denny's wedding. Little Man was such a trooper, and stuck it out till 10:30 that night!! He is so nosey, and won't go to sleep till there isn't anything going on.

The wedding was fun. We are so happy for Uncle Denny and Aunt Donna. The wedding was in a historical Victorian house (it is the original home of one of the founders of the city), and was decorated so beautifully for Christmas. Bug was the flower girl, and dropped burgundy rose petals. The ceremony itself took only about 20 minutes, and by the end of the ceremony, Bug was laying on her stomach on the floor playing with her cousin Killian (the ring bearer) and the rose petals. I had to keep reminding myself, that by the time the ceremony was over, it was about the same time she goes to bed. I couldn't blame her for laying down on the floor!

After the ceremony, we had lots of food, wine, punch, and cake. Mrs. Claus even showed up! How nice of her to make the trip! After the punch and cake, Bug and her cousins were running around like crazies! Either a second wind, or a sugar high...not sure which one--probably a little of both. By that time though, we (our whole family-numbering about 15) were about the only ones there, so I just let her run it off. We also had the photographer take some family pictures, that I won't have till after Christmas, so when I get those, I will post them. I took pictures, but didn't get too many. I just figured the photographer would get better ones, so I would let her do the work!

I have to say, though, this was the first time I have ever had so many looks, carrying around our son. Most of the people there were alot older, and from a different "time". There was actually a table of four that were just staring like crazy--finally, I just stared back at them. I think they realized how dumb they looked, when I did it back to them. I had another family friend ask my mom..."No offense, but is he black?" My mom replied, that yes, both his birthmother and birthfather are bi-racial. I know this family friend meant nothing by asking this questions, she was just curious (she is a very sweet lady, and has known me since birth). I am pretty sure she didn't want to say anything to me, though, for fear of offending me. It is certainly not offensive to us when people ask us if our son is black--he is, just as he is white, and Mexican too. That is part of who he is, and we love him with all that we have--just as he is.

This morning was fun. We had a playdate scheduled, and of course, Little Man always has to poop his pants as we are walking out the door. So I change him, and rush down the hall to head out the door (still carrying LM!), and BAM! Some sweet little girl, who will remain nameless, left her toy PT Cruiser car in the hallway. I stepped on it (doesn't this sound like Home Alone, when Mackulay Culkin puts matchbox cars on the stairs to trip up the burglars??) slid a bit, tried to catch myself, rolled my ankle, and down I went. I was crying--I thought for sure, I had ripped a tendon or something, it hurt so bad--LM was fussing because he bumped his head on the door on the way down, and I hear my dear daughter say..."Mommy, whas wong (what's wrong), Mommy??" She is so maternal. She always gets so concerned when she sees someone crying. After sitting in the hallway for about 5 minutes trying out my ankle, and having LM staring at me like I am crazy, I got up and went on my way. Currently, it is still swollen but ice should help, right??

Well, I am working on a project for LM's birthmom for Christmas. We are meeting them this weekend, and bringing her birthday and Christmas gifts. I will take a picture when I am done, and post it later next week. It turned out pretty cool--I hope she likes it! DH's aunt is flying in tomorrow to visit for a few days. I think we are going to take her to see the local Christmas lights display and the "Town of Bethlehem" tomorrow night. That oughta' be fun.

Ok--I think that is about all. Here are some pictures from the last week. ENJOY!

Here is Bug, LM, and Grandpa HoHo. I don't know if you can see in the picture or not, but LM is chewing on his sock. I almost have to put him down for naps without his socks, for fear he will choke on them. Literally, he will yank off his left sock seconds after you put it back on. Little Stinker! Here is DH holding my best friend's (and LM's godmother) son Samuel. Samuel's father (LM's Godfather) is holding LM. This is the first time they have been together since Samuel was born (in September). LM would get so excited--grunting, and waving his hands, and smiling at Samuel. It was the cutest thing. LM is 5 months old and weighs about 21lbs, and Samuel is 10wks old and weighs 8lbs. One baby is huge for his age, and the other baby is small for his age. Here is Bug holding Samuel. Aunt Erin and LM Aunt Erin keeping LM busy with one of Aunt Donna's crystal Christmas tree ornaments (ssshhhhhh, don't tell!!) Bug getting her hair done before the wedding. If you look in all the wedding pictures, she has this same look on her face....the girl never cracked a smile the whole night!!--oh wait...she did, but only after she was sugared up with cake and punch at 9:30pm! Her hair did turn our pretty nice. I was picking bobby pins out of her hair for 15 minutes after we got home that night, though. I counted them--20 bobby pins.Practicing throwing the rose petals. This was funny--the first time I taught her what to do (walk at the same time as throwing them on the ground), she looked at me like I had a third eye! I know she was thinking..."Why is Mommy telling me to MAKE a mess??" What did I say about that look? She looks scared here...!? My Uncle John holding LM. I couldn't get LM to look at me. He is probably thinking--"what is is with all the bald guys in my family??" Again, with the look. This is right before she layed down on the floor. Unfortunately, I didn't get a picture of that--but I am sure someone else in my family did! Aunt Donna is in the lavender dress, and Uncle Denny is the bald guy. LM and his cousin Killian. Killian is 21 months old...LM is catching up to him! This was the last time Killian wore the outfit his is in here--my sister gave it to me for LM. It is a size 18 months size--I am guessing LM will be able to wear that for Easter. Bug discussing with Mrs. Claus what to tell Santa to bring her for Christmas. She sat here and talked to Mrs. Claus for about 10 minutes. Pastor Bob with Mrs. Claus Cousin Killian claiming the rose petals Aunt Erin, Bug and Killian. Killian is very possessive when anyone else "has" his mommy. Boy, will he have a culture shock in about 8 months when his new brother or sister comes along! My sister and Grandpa HoHo (my dad) And here is our LM, being a big boy and sitting in the bathtub last night. No more baby bathtub!

Nastiest soda ever....

Have you ever tried Honduran soda?? A friend of mine (also the leader of my bible study)--I will call her...ummm, how about "Chris"--anyway, she went on a mission trip to Honduras with our church group (that goes every year). She, bless her heart, brought back coffee (soda for me, because I am not much of a coffee drinker--she is so thoughtful!), and some Honduran cookies for everyone in our bible study group. She is so sweet--always thinking of us.

So, what does a soda from Honduras taste like?? Ummmm, how do I put this--it tastes like banana flavored, bitter, cough syrup with some carbonation. I took the tiniest sip I could (fearing Montezuma's revenge!) without gagging from the smell. Do you know how hard that was??? The banana flavoring was so overpowering--how do the folks in Honduras drink this?? I suppose if it is all you know....

Luckily, the HFMD is gone from our house, and Little Man got lucky and didn't get it (this time, anyway). Bug is healthy and back to her normal, crazy, temper-tantrum throwing, two-year old self. Thank goodness for that! That was not a fun time--at all. I am so relieved that is OVER!

Not much more to blog about--we are heading to visit my family and for my uncle's wedding on Saturday. Bug is going to be the flower girl, which will be interesting. She also has a nice size bruise, and red mark on her neck from taking a fall---because for some reason, she thought it would be smart to stand on top of a plastic bin and jump off. The problem was that she slipped, and came down and hit her neck on the bin--so now she has a big red patch and bruise from collarbone to collarbone. That oughta' look nice in the pictures. :-)

Anyway, here are a few pictures from the last few days:

Awww, the kids playing so nicely together

Today, we got the princess ball pit out. Poor LM--he will have alot of pink, princess, girly things to play with.

Peek-a-boo!!!

LM enjoying the ball pit

Playing with Mr. Potato Head