HANDSOME DUDES!

fall 2008

fall 2010

GORGEOUS GIRLIES!

fall 2008
 
fall 2010

What a difference two years make. The ninos are transforming into young men and women right before our eyes. Well, I won’t get carried away–Juan is definitely still a nino. ;)

They each continue to brighten our home and our lives. I can’t think of a single time that either of us has regretted our decision to adopt, and to adopt these four children. Life is just better than before. It is akin to when we got married. Life was just better with a committed partner. Neither of us really knew how good it could be until we found each other. Our family adoption has done the same.

Life is just better!

Danny…kind, sensitive, a joy to parent
–you love building model rockets with your dad
–you are super grossed out by your sister’s new bra
–you are very serious and diligent about your school work
* The most surprising thing about you is how easy you are to parent.

Ezzy…goofy, sassy,  hormonal
–you are developing physically way too “early” (we just got you :)
–you are becoming more like mom every single day
–you are our biggest helper and hardest worker
*The most surprising thing about you is how much you  prefer to play with your brother and his friends…our little tomboy!

Nikki…sweet, chill, cute
–you are still in the little girl sweet phase, which we are glad about since you are eight (keep playing with your dolls)
–you are an outdoor rockstar, loving all things climby
–you love babies, of course, and still insist that you will be a baby doctor one day
*The most surprising thing about you is how athletic you are considering how much you prefer your skirt and pigtails.

Juan…smart, crazy, emotional
–you are almost on grade level, enjoying every moment of school
– you make friends very easily, and you LOVE to play with anyone no matter their age
–you have matured a ton, but still overreact when things don’t go your way…working on it
*The most surprising thing about you is how quickly you have picked up your schoolwork considering your rough start

HAPPY 2nd Anniversary to Us.
5 August 2010

Well, it wasn’t the Famiversary we envisioned, due to some health and vacation issues, but at least we were all “kind of” together. My mom and sister remembered our One Year Family Anniversary, and they had hot fudge sundaes waiting for us when we arrive in Utah. We were able to video call Adam on Skype, at least. I think the kids were just happy to get ice cream. For them it was just another party. Next year, when their fluency has increased, I think it will mean more.

My Las Vegas girlfriends sent up a care package with Jaime Lynne including a cake, and bubbles for the kids. And Jes remembered, of course. Thanks for remembering, girls! What a year it has been, huh? Those who have traveled this journey with us, and have seen the kids grow by leaps and bounds every week and month, know what our yearly milestones mean to us.

One year in, the kids are reading three and four letter words, in English. Bedtime routines are smooth (most nights). And behavioral expectations are usually met. I literally shudder when I think about the place from which the kiddos came, especially when I think about all of the little ones we left behind. But my sadness is somewhat assuaged by the happy beautiful home we have created for and with our ninos. They have rescued us, and they have no idea! Hopefully, one day they will understand what their joyful spirits have done to our hearts, and our home.

I think I have a video. I will post it, if I can find it.