Happy 2nd Homecoming!

We came home two years ago today with our special delivery. 

Once again we were busy video taping this momentous occassion so I had to take a picture from that.

Since then, the crib has been occupied...

...the house is filled with the pitter patter of little feet...

...and squeals of laughter fill the air.

We couldn't be happier!

Happy 2nd Gotcha Day!

It's hard to believe that we've had our Guapo (handsome) Kenan for two years! He has changed so much. Here is a reminder of his first year we spent waiting for him, watching him grow up without us. Getting these every six weeks helped us make it through, and only increased the ache to hold him even more.

Then that long anticipated moment arrived. Rex was busy video taping and didn't get a photo of me so I had to take a picture from the video.

It was almost the exact opposite of what I had dreamed that time to be. I thought his foster mom would walk into the room and place him into my arms, but she was there before us sitting on a couch with him sitting in her lap. Madeline was actually the first person to touch him, then Rex held him, and finally I got my turn. I think they felt more comfortable. I, on the other hand, was very nervous around his foster mom, almost as if I was invading her territory. She had a strong attatchment to him and it was obvious he felt the same towards her. I'm so thankful she loved him though and took such good care of him.

This was my moment.

We had set the camera down shortly after we walked in and were picking it up so that's why it's so shakey. And in case you didn't catch that, Madeline says, "Oh gosh, Mom's gonna cry." I started to.

If you've found your way here from Jeanette's, welcome! Would you like to see our first few seconds of seeing him in person for the first time? click here. Thanks so much for stopping by! Leave a comment and let me know you were here. I hope you'll come back.

If you're already a follower and would like to read a summary about our journey to Kenan, please visit her blog where I've written our story to participate in Project Chosen.

I started out by saying how much he's changed in the two short years we've been a forever family. He was off formula and on whole milk within a month of coming home. He was used to getting a bottle every 2 hours, even throughout the night, and co-sleeping with his foster mom. He only needed that bottle for the first couple of weeks and never complained about being in a crib, soon to be toddler bed. It didn't take him long to learn how to use a sippy cup or climb stairs. He was mostly crawling when he came home but that quickly turned to walking and now he's running non-stop everywhere. His speech was delayed but this past May things started to click and he's making up for lost time. He speaks in complete sentences and believe it or not, is very articulate. He's learning to use the potty, dress himself - from 9-12 months to size 2T, feed himself with a fork, and use the computer and play the W*ii.

He's also been introduced this past year with the fact that he's adopted from Guatemala. I understand he doesn't fully grasp what that means but we want him to know how God brought him to our family; that he was chosen, wanted, and will be loved foever. I'm so thankful for the blessing of Kenan Marco Wesley and how it has changed me.

Happy 2nd Gotcha Day! Te Amo Hijo Mio. I love you my son. You're a miraculous answer to prayer.

Where it all began

The seed of adoption was first planted on a mission trip to

Bra*zil in June 1999 when I held her...

It took years to grow, watered by many tears and prayers,

but I knew that one day I'd have my own Lat*ino cutie pie.

I think there's another seed growing...

He's Officially Employed... & Valentine's Recap

Being sick is not fun.  I used to think it was fun when I'd get to miss school but mommies don't get sick days, so I repeat, being sick is not fun.

Rex, started back to a real, full time job on Feb. 8th.  Yes, I've been meaning to mention that for a few weeks now but as you've already figured out, I've been sick.  His last weekday home I woke up and before I had even gotten out of bed I knew something was not right.  Turns out I had a bladder infection, oh joy.  Then the next morning, Sat., I woke up with the flu.  I don't remember now what we had to do that day but I know I was not able to rest.  By Sat. night I knew I wouldn't be going to church in the morning so I slept as much as possible on Sun. because reality would set in on Mon. morning when Rex went to work.  Have I mentioned he was starting his new job?  WooHoo!

That first day, he tells me, was just orientation but since day two, he's been busy.  Here at home I'm readjusting to being home alone with a very active 2 year old and that first week was jam packed with things that had deadlines by the end of the week and couldn't wait.  Oh, and I was sick. 

It was Madeline's birthday so I was getting the house cleaned for company and never did get it all done.  I had to finish getting things ready for her party at school and then her "big" party at the Leg* store the next day.  I needed to make the Valentine treats for both kid's teachers and help with the Valentine party at school.  Needless to say, mommy did not have time to recuperate from her flu so the next week I still wasn't feeling much better and it took nearly the whole week to get my energy back. 

I'm feeling much better now, just in time for Rex to go out of town on a business trip.  The party never stops I tell ya.  And for the record, I believe moms should totally get sick days!

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Here is the yummy goodness we gave as Valentine teacher gifts this year. 

Orea Truffles, mint and regular...

...all tied up in a pretty package.

Oreo Truffles

1 package Oreos finely ground

1 8 oz. package of softened cream cheese

Combine together, roll into balls, and dip in chocolate.  Decorate with tinted white chocolate.

Easy and so delicious!

Happy Birthday Madeline!

9 years ago today I experienced one of the greatest, most memorable events of my life.  The birth of my miracle child, Madeline Jireh.  After waiting and longing for three years, the Lord answered our prayer and gave us a healthy baby girl.  She made her entrance eleven days early at 5:58 in the morning on a Sunday and I haven't been the same since.  I'm honored to have been chosen to be her mama.  She brings a smile to my face and joy to my heart.  Happy 9th Birthday Madeline!  You are loved more than words can say.

Project Chosen

My precious friend Jeanette is featuring a different family every day this month whose lives have been blessed through the miracle of adoption.  This is a fabulous idea that hopefully will spread the word and show the need of the over 143 million orphans who are waiting around the world for a forever family.  That is a staggering amount and I pray that heart strings are tugged and people will answer an overwhelming call to open their homes to a child who desperately needs them.  

Please visit Project Chosen and see how these families lives have been changed.  We are honored to be part of this and our story will be shared on February 26th.  If you would like to share your adoption story there is still room, just leave her your email.