Winter Break

Samuel and I have been down at SeaBrook Island this weekend for my winter break. The weather has been beautiful down here. We went to the beach the last two days and he has enjoyed digging in the sand. I will try to post some pics when I get home. At first, he fell right into the ocean trying to follow me to get water for the hole we had dug. Quick wardrobe change. The next day we were able to see the horses on the way to get coffee with a friend. It has been a big weekend to say the least.

I am constantly reminded of how I would sit at this computer and update my blog while at SeaBrook. I would find this place as a constant peaceful get-away during the adoption process. I would sit and journal on the deck about having to wait and be reminded of God's goodness in my life. Now I sit at the computer watching my son run around the house chasing my dog, rearranging the pillows on the yellow couch and screaming with the Elmo book. Life is finally as it should be. :0)

I knew things would be different, but I wasn't quite aware of just how different it really would be. I view life now through the eyes of a 22 month old (in two days). Everything is much more exciting. Looking at lights is a huge deal when we enter a new place. Yesterday he saw deer while we were eating dinner on the deck. His eyes were so wide opened and he was completely still. Where are those deer now?

So life has a new spark to it now. I think as we get older we take for granted all that is around us. There is alot of beauty surrounding us and we often don't appreciate it. Well, at least I don't. I pray that God continues to open my heart to the little things in life that can bring child-like pleasure.

Have a wonderful Sunday!

First visit

Well Samuel and I have arrived back from our first visit with Desta and Faith Thompson. We met up halfway in Anderson, SC for the weekend. It was great having the kids back together for the short amount of time that they spent together. We were able to take them to a park and play and then feed some ducks.

I can't believe how much they love each other. It had been a little over a month since they had seen one another. They were still happy to see each other. It was a great weekend.

I am not sure, but Yoseph is now being called Samuel. He has learned sign language at my baby sitter's place. He knows how to say please, more, all done and thank you with signs. He is such a smart boy. He is also pretty active. Looking forward to seeing what God is going to do with his life.

I booked a ticket to fly home to see my family on March 12-19 next month. Really looking forward to my family seeing him and getting to know his sweet little personality.

Tomorrow marks a big day in society that shows one just how much we love them. For me it also holds a serious marking in my life. Eight years ago on the 14th I learned that I was cancer-free. This was the best Valentine's Day yet in 2003. I am forever grateful to God for healing my body and allowing me this opportunity to raise a young man.

Many things to be grateful for. Love what you do and do what you love! God is perfect!

Change of plans

Had another baby shower yesterday thrown by my friends in my neighborhood. We had such a good time, but I think it was just a little too much for Samuel. This morning he woke up with a very warm body. By the time I got his temp taken, it was higher than what I thought it should be, so change in plans.

Yep, today was going to be our first time to attend the "Warehouse" as my friend calls it. Those of us who are old school would call it Children's church. I will forever be old school when it comes to this. :0) So instead we took some meds and have been following the dog around all morning. Raps will sleep well tonight!

No matter how bad Samuel feels, he always has time to jump. This kid loves to jump up and down. He has alot of rhythm in his body. We went to get pics taken yesterday at the mall and I get to go check them out today at 2:00. Looking forward to seeing just what they captured. I feel like I should have been paid though. I did more jump around then the lady did. By the end of the time he was in tears, because she had taken a ball away from him. Oh the drama... I was ready to leave, needless to say. :)

Look forward to some updated pics. By the way, if we are friends on facebook, I just upload some pics from my trip to go pick him up. God is perfect!

Back into the swing of things

Sorry about my lack of posting. Things have been a little hectic since I last wrote. But it has been a good hectic if that is possible. Yoseph and I have been settling into a schedule and have bonded well. He is such a sweet boy. I feel very fortunate to have him in my life.

We went to visit our babysitter once again today and their dog grabbed his coat sleeve and began to pull. It was so funny! Yoseph just stood their and watched it happen. Much better response than when we met my dog Raps. He now leans over and tries to kiss Raps on the nose. It is pretty cute.

We went in for his first official dr appointment on Wednesday and got the reports back that he is in good health. They have him on meds for the diarrhea right now. Not sure how long that will take to kick in. He also has a cold of which I have contracted. We are both sniffling around the house. I am tempted to take that nose plunger to myself. ;). I won't, though tempted. Yosi weighs 23.2 lbs in the nude. He is in the 85th percentile for his height.

I start back to work next Tuesday and I am wondering how I will feel about leaving him most of the day. I do miss working, so let's hope it all goes well. I will try to get some pics up and do better at updating this blog. Happy New Year everyone!

Back home in MO to visit my family for the holiday. I fly out on Dec 25th to go back to Ethiopia for my embassy. This came to me as a huge surprise. Court was Nov. 30th and now embassy Is Dec 30th. God has it all in His hands. This will be my best Christmas yet. I get to receive my son.

This brings me to the thought of God sending His son to earth and the true love He has for us. I am feeling so overwhelmed with gratitude to so many, but to my heavenly Father the most. It is hard to put in words how I feel about all of this process. All I know is that I have grown in so many ways. I am thankful for the friends I have made and will make in the future because of Yoseph and his friends.

May all of you experience the significance of Christmas this year. Mine is being brought to me in the form of a 20 month old boy. Thank you God for the gift of Your son and mine. Merry Christmas friends!

Sitting in Dulles airport waiting to fly....

So here we are, sitting in DC waiting to board the flight I have been waiting on for 17 months. Yoseph just turned 19 months Sunday and I can hardly wait to see him. I know he won't have the same reaction as I when we meet, and I am trying to prepare myself for that. What will his little personality be like?

Have you ever had to wait for a really long time for something to happen in your life? I would love to know what it is and how you felt when it finally happened. I am so thankful for many things this Thanksgiving season. I guess it all comes down to His Timing in my life. I thankful that God did not give me my way these past two years. If He would have, then I would not have the perfect childcare set up and I wouldn't be traveling over a holiday. It is all working out for my good. I hope and pray the same is true for Yoseph.

I will try to update on the trip, but it might be through facebook. Thank you all for your prayers. I am on my way Lil' Yo!

11 days