One Year Ago

Exactly one year ago today, we met this little boy:

It's really amazing to think back to that day. We were so tired, running on nervous energy and stepping out in faith - believing that God picked out this child for us. I will be honest, there weren't bells and rainbows and a swell of dramatic background music. It was just us, sitting in a dark office in Ukraine, meeting a total stranger. But there was also a calm certainty. God lined everything up to bring us to this day and what an awesome feeling that was!

So here we are - exactly one year later:

And we are more certain today than we were a year ago. God picked out just the right child for us. He is our boy through and through! We are so blessed and feel truly fortunate to parent this sweet child. He's been so fun. We've done more running, tickling, hiding, laughing, chutes and ladders, Phineas and Ferb, making PB&J, throwing balls, counting, spelling and hugging in the past year than I don't know when! Don't get me wrong - we have our moments. He is still getting in trouble in school. We have had more than one note from his teacher. He's being defiant, saying no to the teachers, full of attitude, putting his food on the floor in the cafeteria, and today - pinching a kid. We work through the things as they come and celebrate when he gets a smile! (which he does - it's up and down!)

The stuttering is almost completely gone (for now). It was so bad a few weeks ago, I thought we were going to need to get him some therapy and now it's gone. Huh!

We marvel at how far he's come in a year! He's learned so much and his English is great. But, he's still learning new things every day. He doesn't yet have enough English to really tell me a story. He wants to tell about something that happened at school, but he doesn't have enough words. He'll get half way through a story, and then just say, 'I don't know.' He gives up. But he can do way more today than he could even a few months ago. He can actually get on the phone and have somewhat of a conversation with you - it's pretty cute. I usually always know what he's trying to say - even if someone else doesn't. Check this out:

Thank you Lord for making us a family!

Happy Valentines Day

No new pictures, but I have to share with you these 2 cute things..........

The other night I was putting Daniel to bed. He says to me:
'Mom, do you want to sleep with me? My bed is warm and toasty!'
'No Sweetie. I am going to put on my pj's and then I go to sleep with Pop.'
'Why, mom?'
'Because I am married to Pop - so I sleep with him.'
Pause.....
'Mom'
'Yes?'
'Tomorrow - do you want to marry me?'
(how sweet is that?)

Last night, we went out to the Hopeful Hearts gala. That is the organization through our church that helped us with our adoption (link on the sidebar). They have one fundraising dinner a year. We always make it a point to attend, and that's our fancy valentine date too! So, I was getting all snazzed up - putting makeup on in the bathroom and Daniel was watching. He was watching me put on my lipstick and he goes,
'Wow Mom - you're pretty!'
'Thank you, sweetie!'
Pause....
'Mom, don't kiss me with that stuff on!'
:)

So, immediately I had to chase him around the house making kissy noises. What a crack up he is!

Snow fun

First snowman:

First snow angel:

We had a big time in the snow and then came inside for some hot chocolate, hot soup and a much needed nap. Some things I learned today:

1 - building a snowman is waaaaay harder than it looks

2 - it's only fun for about 5 minutes, especially if you're 5 years old!

3 - Celery doesn't stick to snow (we didn't have a carrot for his nose)

4 - a good use of old halloween candy is for a snowman eyes and buttons

5 - Daniel would rather throw snow than anything. Throw snow, throw the shovel, throw the bucket - it's all about throwing really. Maybe baseball is in his future?

Happy 70th Birthday Papaw!

100th Day of School

Today was the 100th day of school. It's hard to believe Daniel has been in school for 100 days. He has really enjoyed it and has learned an amazing amount in such a short time. He is starting to recognize words and read a little bit. It's just a miracle to see. For the 100th day, they had to bring in 100 things to count (we took macaroni) and wear a shirt with 100 things on it. Check out his cute shirt we made. He put it on this morning and said to me, 'Mom, this is very special.'