I Love You To The Moon And Back

Celebrating Bellie

2012-02-22T14:48:00.000-05:00

Oh yes, I think BELLE is a HUGE FAN of a Birthday CELEBRATION!!! We celebrated all day!!!

The Princess woke up and snuggled with her big brother on the couch!! This is one of her most FAVORITE things to do!!!

Then it was time to put on the tiara!!!

And then time for some pictures capturing the insane amount of SWEETNESS this girl pours out!!!

The weather was perfect for a beautiful walk with her siblings.

Her Daddy came home at lunch to Love her up on her big day!!!

Belle was all to happy to get some hugs from her little sister on her special day!!!

Belle Loves to DANCE!!! So that's just what her Big Brother gave her for her Birthday - A beautiful Dance!!!

Oh My - Can you see the LOVE????

They ended the dance with a very beautiful dip. Belle use to be scared to death if someone would do this to her - now she just can't get enough!!!

Okay now this is HUGE!!! Belle for the first time EVER - on her 4th BIRTHDAY - Played with a toy!!! I mean Played Played. Thank you LOCOCO Family for this Amazing toy. Belle played for about 30 minutes, she would toss this sound maker and when it hit the floor she would just laugh. Then - she would go GET IT AND DO IT AGAIN!!!! OH MY!!!!!! I took a video too - it was that EXCITING!!!!! HUGE!!!!

Guess what Conor gave Belle for her Birthday??? Yep, her Most Favorite Thing - A DANCE!!!!!

And Lots & Lots of KISSES!!!!!!

SO MUCH LOVE!!!!!

Even Owen pampered Bellie all Day!!!! He kept saying "Happy Birthday Princess"!! She just soaked it all up!!!

Grandma Karen stopped by to wish Belle a Happy Birthday too!!! Gavin loves to be the center of attention too so he made sure to capture Grandma's attention constantly. He is something!!! Look at his SMILE!!

Um, did Belle enjoy her Birthday cake??? I am just not sure.

Did Gavin enjoy Belle's cake??? Not sure about that one either.

Birthday Kisses from Big Sister Tay!!

More B-day lovin from Daddy after cake!!!

I can't think of a better present than a Dad looking at his Daughter with that much LOVE!!!! My oh My Bellie - you sure are adored!!!!

This girl can NOT get enough KISSES!!!!!

Belle was so Happy that Gretchen and Tyler came to visit her on her super FUN day!!!!!

She LOVES feeling the vibration of everyone talking or humming.

After such an Amazing day it was time for bed. Belle tried to play with her piano present before she went night-night but Owen & Sara made it kind of difficult.

So that's That!!! I don't think Belle would of wanted to celebrate her day any other way. She was Loved, Kissed, Snugged and she DANCED!!!!!

4 Years Ago

2012-02-20T23:34:00.000-05:00

Four years ago a Mother delivered a little blue eyed baby girl in Simferopol Ukraine. I have no idea how that day played out. I picture a beautiful woman telling her husband, "IT'S TIME". I am guessing that the husband was nervous and so excited to finally meet the little one that had been growing in his wife's tummy. I imagine them racing to the maternity ward to deliver the sweet child they had created.

I have no idea at what point of that day they were told that their daughter had Down syndrome. Maybe they realized when they saw her? Maybe the Doctor told them? I can only imagine that this information was a shock. I also believe that they felt helpless in a country that just isn't accepting YET of Down syndrome.

I PRAY with all my heart and soul that they held her, kissed her and told her how much they loved her.

I can't even imagine how difficult it was to leave their precious daughter behind.

I do know that I am forever grateful to this couple for creating this masterpiece that I am blessed to call my daughter. I want desperately to meet them, hug them and tell them how the little girl that they brought in to the world has BLESSED US ENDLESSLY!!!

Thank you GOD for the Birth Parents of our Amazing Daughter Isabelle!!!!

Dearest Bellie,

Happy Birthday Princess!!!! You have brought us never ending JOY and a LOVE that we could of never even dreamed of.

WE LOVE YOU BABY GIRL!!!!!

Both Sides!!

2012-02-16T10:23:00.000-05:00

Wow - I just read the Most Amazing Post!! I have to share with all of you!!!! Please take a few minutes to visit this BLOG and read this incredible GOD directing story!!!!

We can not judge - EVER!!! It is not our JOB!!!! This post is the most PERFECT reminder of this!!!!!!!!

WOW!!!!!!

http://pudgeandzippy.blogspot.com/2012/02/keeping-open-heart.html

Love: Owen, Belle, Gavin & Sara

2012-02-14T14:22:00.000-05:00

Dear Friends,

Happy Valentines Day!!!

Last night we filled our Valentine treat bags for our friends.

Walmart makes Valentine cards with our pictures on them. Isn't that Awesome?

Before we left for school Mom had to take some pictures in our Valentine Shirts.

She took a Gazillion pictures.

Owen & Sara had parties at school and they had so much fun and got tons of treats!!

Before lunch we went to a nursing home to hand out Valentines to all the Grandma's and Grandpa's that live there. We gave lots of hugs and kisses too. The Grandma's & Grandpa's were so nice to us and we want to go back and visit them again real soon.

We have to go take a nap now because we are very tired after passing out 100 valentines.

We hope you are having a wonderful Valentines Day!! We sure are!!!

Love,
Owen, Belle, Gavin & Sara

Our Daddy Plays Hockey

2012-02-13T14:41:00.000-05:00

The boys!!! Not sure where Nick was for this picture??? He was there though!

The little girls!

The kids LOVE watching Daddy (#8) Play HOCKEY!!!

Daddy came to see his fans after his first game. Belle was pretty busy listening to her MP3 player!

Gav was so surprised that his Daddy was under that helmet. So so so SWEET!!!!!!! I am pretty confident that Gavin will be on that ice with his Dad very very soon!!!

Look What Belle Can Do!!!!!!

2012-02-10T23:16:00.000-05:00

I didn't think we could

2012-02-08T13:54:00.002-05:00

I truly didn't believe we would be able to adopt internationally when I first contacted Andrea from Reece's Rainbow. As a matter of fact the ADOPTION PROCESS page on the Reece's Rainbow site clearly states this:

"It takes more than a heart of gold and the desire to give a child a family to adopt internationally"

I had the heart and the desire BUT I didn't think we could pull it off financially, nor did I think we could leave our children to go to Ukraine for 2 trips. I was sure it was impossible. So I left it alone. Until that day I saw this beautiful breathtaking beauty:

(Read this POST for more info about Lily)

Well, then something just went crazy inside me. I was obsessed with finding a way to bring her home forever. I knew with every bit of my heart and soul that we could do it - we could do it for her!!! Something that was absolutely impossible quickly changed to WE WILL FIGURE IT OUT!!!!

Oh my - the journey is not easy that is for sure. It is a bumpy sometimes NASTY ride but it is so very POSSIBLE!!!! So maybe just 1 person reading this blog has that heart of gold and has the desire to adopt a child internationally but just doesn't think it is possible.

Well, neither did I

and now I have

These Two Scrumptious Scoops of LOVE!!!!

I would do it a million times over for the same

Amazing Results!!!!!!

So if you WANT desperately to adopt but just don't think it is possible please e/m me. I would love to chat with you and see if together we can figure out a way to bring your child Home!!!

summer@stny.rr.com

Nothing is impossible; the word itself says

'I'm possible'!"

--- Audrey Hepburn

Just a Dad and His Beautiful Girls

2012-02-07T15:43:00.000-05:00

See Gavin in the background? He is trying to put on a hat in hopes someone will take him outside.

The one above is my favorite!!! Belle's long legs get crazy with tickles!!!! So Fun!!!!

I know two girls that are so BLESSED to have such an

Amazing Daddy!!!!

SAHM Card - do you have one?

2012-02-06T14:04:00.000-05:00

I learned two very valuable lessons in the last 24 hours. Let me explain:

Nick called me at 9pm last night from a super bowl party. He said

"Mom, can you pick me up?"

In my little angry voice I said

"Nick, You said you had a ride"

Then Nick mumbled and I couldn't understand what he was saying but I did pick up on the fact that he was crying. Nick must of handed the phone to his friend who tells me

"someone threw a can of Axe body spray and it hit Nick above the eye. It is bleeding and deep. He probably needs stitches"

So I said in my sorry I was a jerk voice

"I will be right there"

I get to Nick's friends house and all his friends walk him out the door. Like 10 - 12 of them. (So sweet) Nick gets in the car and he is pretty calm and I take a look at the laceration (big word - I know). Even though it is dark I can definitely tell he will need some stitches. So we head home to grab a few things and head to the emergency room.

We arrive about 9:30 PM. After waiting 2 1/2 hours and not seeing anyone go back I am getting a little grumpy. I contemplate bringing Nick home and then to the pediatrician in the morning for stitches. I over hear a guy that is in front of us ask how long the wait will be. She says:

"Well you are number 7 in line to go back - Sorry"

WHAT?????? So we are 8??????? Oh My!!!!

Well, somehow the nurse calls the name

"NICK"

Oh Thank GOD!!!!!

We go back and wait, wait, wait, wait - you get the picture. Three hours later ( 5 1/2 all together) the Doctor comes in the room and says

"I have to stitch that"

REALLY???????? Oh - I thought all it needed was a band aid but wanted your professional opinion since it is 4 AM and I might not be thinking clearly!!!

CALM DOWN MAMA BEAR - CALM DOWN!!!!

Well he needed a nurse to set the room up for him. OF COURSE!!! Thirty minutes later he is ready to stitch. The nurse says to me and Nick's Dad:

"Are you guys going to be okay because some parents get a little light headed"

What????? Do I not look like a veteran MOM!!! Do I need to pull out my Stay at home mom (SAHM) card??? Do I need to show her that I am the mother of 7 children? Can she not see that I have been down this road and roads much worse many times???

(Of course today I realize she was just being nice and very considerate)

So I throw my shoulders back and walk with pure confidence to Nick's bedside to hold his hand. Michael (Nick's Dad) stood closest to his head. Not that I didn't want that spot - he just got there first. So I am rubbing Nick's hand telling him how proud I am of him and how tough he is. Well, with a mother like his - obviously he would be tough, right?

The Doctor cleans the wound. I decided not to watch - not sure why just didn't feel like it I guess. Then it was time for the lidocaine injections.

UH OH!!!

My mouth starts to water. My head starts to spin. My dinner is headed up my throat. My knees are shaking. I was telling my self to shake it off but NOPE.

I realize I need to get out of that room and quick. I gracefully as possible let go of Nick's hand and exit the room. I see the bathroom but will I make it - Oh I am praying so hard. I get to the bathroom, sit on the toilette and put my head between my knees. I don't even know if this is what you are suppose to do but that's what came to mind first.

I start to feel some relief. I stand up, put some water on my face and look in the mirror. WHOA - who is the ghost???? Oh, that's me!!! I laugh at that ghost in the mirror. I ask that ghost "where's your stay at home mom card now??????" "Wheres the pictures of all your kids superstar?"

Oh ya, it was a very PROUD moment for me!!!

Then I remember that my son is in the other room having his head stitched while I am laughing at the jerk in the mirror. Head back down the hall. I enter the room knowing I am just fine now. I grab Nick's hand and just catch a little glimpse of the needle and thread about to enter Nick's skin.

UH OH!!!!

I squat down, still holding his hand mind you because I am a veteran MOM. I start spinning again, mouth watering again, yep the whole works. I try and focus on anything I can. Nope, I had to stay down there until the Doctor was done. PATHETIC!!!!!

So lesson number 1 : Take a step down and realize I am not ALWAYS IN CONTROL!!!

Lesson 2 is easy. When you are a SAHM, you can't call in. Even with 2 hours of sleep, NOPE - if you want to hold the SAHM card it is 24/7 baby. So when those sweet little toddler faces are at your bedside it doesn't matter how many hours of sleep you get - the DAY HAS BEGUN!!!!!

Poor Nick :(

The good news is he went to the ER with TWO eyebrows over his right eye and now he only has ONE!!!
YAY!!!!!

Gavin & Mother Nature Must Be Good Friends

2012-02-05T16:00:00.000-05:00

Gavin LOVES to go outside. He will try and go with anyone leaving the house just so he can get outside. He is often found trying to get his coat, hat and boots on. He is something!!! We have been so lucky to be able to bring him out each day that he has been home. I honestly think he has some kind of deal with Mother Nature because we live in Western NY and this is not normally the time of year to play outside. Today it was so nice that we even got the bikes out. Unfortunately Belle believes if she has to wear a coat then it is too cold to be outside.

I can't even stand how cute this guys is!!!!!!

Playing restaurant, I ordered a cheeseburger and french fries and this is the Amazing Smile I get with it!!!

Sara thinks she is pretty sneaky riding Owen's bike!!!

Belle just wants to be held and I am so HAPPY to volunteer!!!!!

Gav went up and down the driveway about a million times!! He LOVES LOVES being outside!!!

Thought maybe Belle would think this would be fun - NOPE!!!

Oh My Gosh!!! I JUST WANT TO EAT HIM RIGHT UP!!!!!!

Look - a 1/2 of a SMILE!!! Yay - Bellie!!!!
Owen was whining about something and Gavin is looking at him like "Hello???? you should be happy that we are outside playing" YOU TELL HIM GAV!!!!

Sara is with Gavin - she LOVES being outside!!!!!!

They are on some kind of mission.

Gavin had no trouble riding any of the bikes - so AMAZING!!!!

Then little hands started to get very cold so it was time for Mom to make the call. The go inside call!! This is what Sara Grace thinks about my call!!!!

Belle was very happy that it was time to go inside. So she went to her favorite place to get comfy.

Hard Playing boys need rest so Gav went right to sleep at nap time. I sure do LOVE THIS BOY!!!!!

Night Night Beautiful Boy!!!!

Thank you & Blanket Tent Friday

2012-02-04T10:03:00.000-05:00

THANK YOU!!!!!

Thank you so much for all the supportive comments to my last post. I am so grateful that I have so many FRIENDS that not only take the time to read our blog but stop to leave support when I am down. My beautiful friend Laura who has two sweet girls rocking extra chromosomes (one treasure in Heaven and the other treasure probably in her arms right now) said this:

"If all she ever does is laugh, well that's ok... "

YES!!!!! I absolutely agree!!!!!!! And I cry every time I read that!!!! Love it!!!!

To those of you that shared your struggles with me - I am honored and I thank you for letting me know that these feelings are normal and I am not ALONE!!!!

BLANKET TENT FRIDAY

Dave went to a Hockey game and the big kids were all out. So the Quads and I decided we would build a blanket tent because that is so much FUN!!!!

Gav is a fan of Blanket Tent Friday

These three have so much fun playing together!!! (Look at Sara's hair - can you believe the static?)

FUN - FUN - FUN

Sweet Belle didn't like being in the tent but she sure did enjoy watching her siblings in it!!!

Sara was having a blast!!!

Look what Gavin stole from Sara!! Gav knows Sara shouldn't have a pacifier anymore!!!!

Beautiful Belle!!!

Look how teeny tiny Gav is!! Or look how big Sara is!!! CRAZY!!!!

So the plan was to watch the movie in the tent - as you can see it didn't work out that way!!

Belle decided climbing on her new brother would be a good time!!!

I am sure she is saying "Don't worry about me Mom, I can so take care of my self"!!!

Um Yes, that would be a bit of a kick. Belle is truly trying to position herself and Gav was in the way - OR WAS SHE REALLY TRYING TO GET HIM BACK???? Hmmmm!!!

FOUR of my SEVEN Beautiful Blessings!!!!!

My Beautiful Belle

2012-02-01T14:14:00.001-05:00

Now that Gavin is home I realize how delayed my beautiful Belle is. I just didn't see it before. I can NOT even tell you why. Friends have mentioned such things to me and I always thought "what are they talking about?". Or I thought, "well, they don't know her". HA!!! The truth is, Belle is significantly delayed. Well, now that I have realized it I am so sad for her. I have heard many bio mom's of children with DS mourn the things their sweet child(ren) probably wont be able to do. I didn't get it.

I GET IT NOW!!!!

Gavin is learning so much, so quick. He learned how to climb the stairs after watching Sara & Owen do it once. It has taken Belle a YEAR!!!! Gavin is feeding himself with a spoon after 1 week, Belle still struggles with this a year later. Gavin can wash his own face and brush his own teeth after he was shown once, Belle not yet. Gavin also bullies Belle and this just kills me. He has pinched her, pushed her, he has taken her food or her drink - he just knows he can. How did he know this after just being home 1 day and it took me a year????? UGH!!!!

I want to be clear before anyone might jump to the very wrong conclusion. This does NOT in any way change the way I feel about BELLE!!! I LOVE HER SO MUCH!!!!! I am just so sad at the reality of her intellectual disability. I am just sick that she can't now and might never be able to protect herself. If Gavin can pinch her and she doesn't even cry or make a peep how can I always protect her? It is only because I saw him do this that I know it happened.

It kills me!!!

Of course this is not Gavin's fault. He has learned living in an orphanage that it is survival of the fittest. I don't believe he wants to hurt Belle and I have scolded him when he does "not nice" things to his sister and he does stop. He is such a good listener Thank GOD!!!! I am pretty confident if he tries any of these "not nice" things with his sister Sara he will LEARN REAL QUICK not to do it again.

I just keep trying to focus on how happy Bellie is. I mean she laughs when I zip up her jammies. She laughs when I get her out of her crib in the morning and at nap time. Today she was cracking up when I was holding her and Gav at the same time. I almost couldn't hold on to her because she was wiggling around laughing so much. She laughs if I sneeze. She laughs when she sits on her Dad's lap. She laughs when someone sings a song. She laughs if someone dances with her. THE GIRL LAUGHS!!!!!! So why am I so sad for her???? She LOVES every little thing!!!

So I ask all of you, why can't I just accept she is happy and that be enough???? It worked for a year for me and now I am a moosh mess. What the heck??????

The 411

2012-01-30T22:12:00.000-05:00

Here is the 411 on my treasures!!!!

Taylor, will be 18 next month. Tay was not willing to let me take her picture with out make-up on. So this is the result.

Conor is 16 years old, his birthday is in March. He was at ski club when I took these pictures so I used one from yesterday.

Nick is 13 years old, his birthday is in April.

Owen is 4 years old, his birthday is in August. Owie wears a 5T.

Isabelle will be 4 next month. Bellie wears 3T.

Gavin is 3 years old, his birthday is in May. Gav wears 18 month pants and 24 month shirts. (he is our littlest)

Then our youngest is Sara and she is 3 years old, her birthday is in July. SG wears a 4T/5T.

From July 22nd to August 9th of each year the quads will all be the same age.

After putting together this post I realize why I am EXHAUSTED!!!!!! That's a lot of little ones - WOW!!!! Just Kidding - we definitely knew what we were doing when we chose to adopt 4 children all around the same age. We believed and still do believe that Gavin & Belle will thrive with "typical" siblings the same age. Gavin is already trying to do everything Owen & Sara do - it's Amazing. Sweet Belle is climbing up the stairs like a champ because she wants to follow her siblings. Owen & Sara are so protective of Belle and they are stepping right up with the same protection for Gav. I am certain many people might think we are CRAZY and they are probably right but I tell you what, I will carry that title all day long to live this incredible life!!!

A Few "Firsts" for Gavin

2012-01-30T12:35:00.000-05:00

First time in his stroller with his big sister.

First time going for a walk with his siblings.

First time hanging out at the gate with Belle!!! Look at the size difference. Belle is a GIANT compared to Gav!!!

Look how Owen towers both these guys!!!

First time hanging out in the kitchen while Dad makes dinner.

First time for all these guys to decorate eggs Ukranian style!!!

We had so much fun!!

These guys do good work, don't you think?

First bath in HIS tub!!!

First bath with his big sister Belle and his little sister Sara!!!

So far so Good!! Bring on day 2!!!!!!

Home - Home - Home - Home!!!!!!

2012-01-29T16:01:00.000-05:00

Gavin did AMAZINGLY well on the 24 hour journey HOME!!! He is just the BEST little guy EVER!!!! We arrived home pretty late. He was very tired. He pretty much slept through his introductions to his new family members.

Sara wants to hold her Big Brother!!!!! I realize now that I am home how very little Gav is!!!

The Quads together for the First Time!!!!

Taylor Holding Gav for the first time!!!! LOVE!!!!

Gav started to wake up a little bit!!!

Gavin meeting Grandma Mary for the first time!!! Such a very lucky boy!!!!

After a good night sleep, the toddlers are all SMILES!!!!

Okay, I keep looking at this picture and I just CRY!!!! I am just AMAZED that GOD Chose us to be the parents of this group. I can NOT even believe how BLESSED I am!!!!! ADOPTION ROCKS!!!!!!

I am their MOM!!!! SO WOW!!!!!!!

Thank You REECE'S RAINBOW for my pot of GOLD at the end of the RAINBOW!!!!!!

Oh My Gosh!!! LOOK AT THEM!!!!!!

Be Aware!!!!

DOWN SYNDROME IS A BLESSING!!!!!!

and

ADOPTION ROCKS

Visa

2012-01-27T16:50:00.000-05:00

Okay Mom, I am ready to go out and Explore this big beautiful city!!!

What do you mean we have to go to the Embassy again???

C'mon Mom - can't we go get this Visa thing later?????

Oh, I need it to go home??? Well, let's go get this Visa Thing!!!!

GOT IT!!!!!

Eggs

2012-01-27T04:47:00.000-05:00

Gavin had his medical exam yesterday. The Doctor was so nice, he explained to Gavin everything he was going to do so sweetly. He showed me Gavin's private parts and said "you will have to get this looked at in America". I knew that he was referring to an undescended testicle. After the exam the Doctor explained everything he found to our translator. Then our translator said to me very seriously that

"he has a problem with his eggs"

(This was for you Sarah Basile)

He was so so serious and I just couldn't laugh - I had to keep it in. So I nodded my head that I understood.

So many good times here in Ukraine - Really, if you can't see humor in this process some days it can eat you alive - or that's how I look at it at least!!!

Back to the Medical!! The Doctor was concerned about Gav's cough. I was sure he was going to order a chest xray. I was so nervous that this could delay his visa process and we wouldn't be able to go home Saturday. I told the Doctor that I am sure his cough is just reflux. That he only sounds "junky" after he eats and then he is able to clear it out.

Praise GOD - The Doctor didn't order the xray!!!!

So that's that! We will pick up Gavin's visa today at the Embassy and then we are DONE!!! We will get on a plane tomorrow at 6:30 am and head home FOREVER!!!!! Oh boy does that sound so good!!!!

Gavin is so ready to go Home

and

Meet the Rest of his Forever FAMILY!!!!!!

Yucky Yucky Yesterday

2012-01-26T08:08:00.000-05:00

Yesterday was our NOT FUN DAY!!

Our driver picked me up at 10:00 am to get Gav's passport and then head to Poltava to have his passport stamped. Poltava is about an hour and half drive. The plan was to leave the three boys behind so Gavin didn't have to be in the car too long because we would head to Kiev later in the day and that is a 4 hour drive.

Gavin has generously shared with me the nasty bug that caused him to have that awful stinky blow out diaper the other day. So I was pretty nervous getting in the car since I had been visiting the bathroom very frequently the 24 hours before. Everything went fine - no issues at all - THANK GOD!!!

I get back to the apartment and we start packing the car to head to Kiev. Four hours of the Five hour drive (Thanks to traffic) in to our trip, Gav let it all out AGAIN in his diaper. Oh Friends - I can NOT even come close to describe the SMELL!! Our poor DRIVER!!! He doesn't speak any English but he so understood how sorry I was for the smell. He was so sweet and shrugged his shoulders as to let me know

"Poop Happens"

Now, I haven't had anything to eat in over 24 hours and I am getting pretty grumpy. We get to our new apartment and we head up five flights of stairs. I am almost DEAD at this point. I made it and felt like I accomplished climbing some huge mountain while carrying my stinky little monster.

The boys head back down the stairs to get all our bags. I am trying to get the key out of the door because it is stuck and all of a sudden I hear Nick, five flights down screaming. So, Stink boy is in the apartment, key stuck in the door and my 13 year old screaming for his life. I could only imagine he saw something absolutely horrific or he fell down the elevator shaft.

I panic!! I grab Gav to RUN down the stairs.

The elevator door opens and I hear Conor laughing - OH THANK GOD!!! Then I see poor Nick and his eyes are so wide that I was pretty sure they will be stuck like that forever!! I asked what happened. Well, this was Nick's first time in an ity bitty elevator and they were having a hard time fitting in it with the bags and the door shut on him so he SCREAMED!!!! See the doors don't just stop and reopen if something gets in the way they just keep trying to close. My poor Nick was terrified!!! Obviously his big brother Conor thought seeing his brother scared for his life was the funniest thing he had ever seen.

This of course is all so super funny now but I promise you I was not thinking anything was funny yesterday. So I was so mad at Nick for screaming like he was being killed and I was furious at Conor for laughing. Oh boy - I was Hot Mama of Grump City for sure!!!

Finally I start to clean up poor Gavin who has now been in a brutal diaper for far too long. I put the new diaper under him and he starts to go some more and more and more and more. He points to his little bum as if to say "what the heck is going on down there Mom!!" THREE DIAPERS WORTH!!!! Forget the stairs being a huge accomplishment, standing while this is going on is where I earned some heroic kind of Medal - I am sure of it!!!!

Then we all got cleaned up and headed to TGIF's for dinner. Gavin was so AWESOME!!! It was past his bedtime, he had lost most of his bodily fluids and he was the best behaved little toddler ever. He is so AMAZING!!!

I needed food for sure because I felt so much better and stepped down in my grump status. The boys were very relieved I am sure. They have made fun of me all day for how grumpy I was - I guess I had it coming.

We all slept great and we woke up to a donation - THANK YOU TERI!!!!!!

Guess what??? We head home Saturday!!!!! Oh I am so so so so HAPPY!!! I can NOT wait for us all to be together!!!!! WOO HOO!!!!! Also, I think Gav and I are in need of some heavy duty medication.

That beautiful boy is soon to be HOME FOREVER!!!!!!

Poor Poor Taxi Driver

2012-01-24T02:59:00.000-05:00

This Beautiful Little Boy:

Who Likes To Dress Himself

Put On His Brother's Hat

and Flirt Endlessly with Anya

Decided a nice fancy restaurant was the PERFECT place to have the stinkiest Blow Out Diaper EVER!!! Oh Yes, he did!!! So I took him to the bathroom and realized I was in some serious trouble. Blow out like no other - it went through his onesie, his tights and his jeans!! So I stop and try and think what to do. I quickly realize the only option is to call a cab and bring him to the apartment for a power wash. Anya and her brother Egor were with us and they were so understanding and helpful. Anya asks for the check and I stayed in the hallway with Gav. I sure didn't want to bring him back in the dining room - YUCK!! The boys decide they will stay and go bowling with Egor and Anya will return to the apartment with me. We get in the cab and guess what???? I FORGOT THE KEY AGAIN. Oh My - so I am in this 130 degree taxi with the stinkiest of stinky boys and poor Anya runs back in to get the key from Conor. Oh this poor poor taxi driver. He was coughing, he was wiping his nose and I am pretty sure he was on the verge of getting out of the car to let me drive home myself. I was so embarrassed!!! This poor man was dying from the stench and I felt so bad. Anya returns with the key and the driver takes off like he is in the super Mario race car game. It is snowing and slick and we are fish tailing at every turn. I honestly didn't blame him as I too wanted to get to the apartment as quick as possible. He was still coughing with an added gag here and there. Then he drove down a one way street just to get us out of the car that much quicker. Did I mention that this taxi was a Mercedes Benz?? Oh yes, we drive in STINK but in style!!!

I run in to the apartment and shower off my stink monster. Rinse out his clothes. Dress him. Sit for a moment because I am sweating to death. I then get his coat on because I have to go back out - I didn't have dessert. Anya was so awesome about all this. The poor girl opened the window while I was showering Gavin - she had to do it - really, it was that BAD!!!!!

We met the boys at this great coffee house. I ordered German Chocolate Cake with a mocha chino and banana pancakes for Gavin. Conor & Nick ordered specialty tea and Egor ordered the same chocolate cake I did. OH MY EVERYTHING WAS SO GOOD!!!

Gavin was starting to get pretty tired and so was I since it was 10:00 PM.

We called a cab and GUESS WHO THE DRIVER WAS???? Yes, poor same guy. Oh his face was priceless when he saw who he was picking up. When I got in the car I was greeted with an overwhelming lemon freshness. He obviously had to deodorize the car after the EPISODE earlier. Poor Poor Taxi Driver!!!

We hope to be able to get Gavin's passport today. If we do then we will head to Kiev tonight and we should be able to fly home on FRIDAY!!!!!!!! WOO HOO!!!!!!!! So Praying that we don't have a Gavin Diaper Bomb on the plane - that sure would be something!!!

So Amazing!!!

2012-01-22T05:01:00.001-05:00

Our good friend Kostya came to visit us on Friday!! Oh how I love this boy!! He brought the boys bowling and they went out for pizza. They had such a wonderful time!!

Conor had just woken up for a nap and Gavin was so ready for bed.

Saturday night we went out with our beautiful friend Anya.

We did some shopping and went out for dinner. I so LOVE the food here. I had chicken and mushroom pancakes which was so so YUMMY!!! I also had a very delicious salad. Then for desert, a chocolate filled pancake with vanilla ice cream. I know some people shed some pounds while here in Ukraine - this is so not the case for me.

Gavin is so well behaved. Honestly, his transition to living a completely different life couldn't be going any better. We take him everywhere and he just adapts beautifully. We went to a shop and a lady from behind a counter reached her arms out to hold him. Can you believe this??? This lady did not hesitate for a second - she wanted to hold my handsome love bug. Obviously I don't blame her a bit. This Kid is just spectacular. You know what else this crazy monkey is doing??? Imitating English words like a CHAMP. He can say "Hi", "Bye, Bye", "Mama" and "up". He is also walking, walking, walking! The only problem when he walks is that he seems to misjudge how close the couch or a chair is and he starts to let him self reach too soon. Sometimes he falls. Well, yesterday he fell so close to the couch that he hit his little chin. He only cried for about 30 seconds and this is the first time I have ever even heard him cry. He let me hold and snug him and he calmed right down.

Gavin is showing you his Ouchie!! Poor buddy!!!

Sometimes he gets a little bored in the apartment and we find him doing this.

As long as he is having fun, right?

Love it!!!

Brushing Nick's hair is fun too!!

Begging for a cookie!!!

So happy the begging worked!!!

Okay, now for this super amazing story!! Are you ready?? Anya came to get us this morning at 8:30 am. We were going to try and find a stroller. They do not sell umbrella strollers here in the winter as it is considered a summer item but we were going to try. So we went to a store that has lots of strollers - beautiful, beautiful strollers. I found one similar to an umbrella stroller but much nicer. It was 500 grivna so about $60 - $70. I really didn't want to spend that much. Since I was so dumb not to bring one from home - ugh!! So Anya asked if they have anything a little less expensive. The lady went to the back and came out with two strollers. The one you see above and a more simple green one. I was sure the blue one was more money so I asked about the green one. It was 300 grivna. I said perfect. She said the blue one would be a little cheaper because it was a display but she would have to ask the owner. I was very interested. So Anya explained that this is for an adoption and if we could get the blue one for less money this would be great. The lady came out and GUESS WHAT???

She said "This is a Gift for you, no charge"!!!

I of course CRIED!!! Really????? How nice was that??? I still can't believe it! This stroller is so nice and even if it wasn't - this is just so generous. So I left with the gift!! We went to the store right next door and I bought a beautiful box of chocolates and brought it back to these super sweet ladies. They didn't want to take the chocolate. I said "Please" and "Thank You so very much" with tears of course and both ladies got a little teary eyed too. They took the chocolates!! So Awesome!!!

Then, listen to this. Anya's brother met us out this morning. He was going to take the boys on the cable car and then to McDonalds and I would go back to the apartment to feed Gavin. Anya would go back to the apartment with me to help with the groceries and my super sweet stroller. I gave the boys some money and the "be good" lecture and I got in the cab. I knew immediately that this driver was different then the others we have had. He was talkative and smiled lots. We got to the apartment and I realized that Conor had the key. I was still so excited about the stroller I had forgotten the KEY. So Anya calls her brother, the boys are still waiting for the trolley car. Our driver is so sweet, he just laughs and waits for Anya to finish on the phone and brings us back to the bus stop to find the boys. Anya opens the window to get the key and we drive away but the window wont close. It is snowing. The driver pulls over and reaches over and he too tries to shut it but can't. We are all laughing. Even Gavin!! So he closes it enough so that no snow can't get in and we head back to the apartment. He parks right in front of our door, jumps out and helps me out of the car. He says he will only charge 10 grivna. Now this would of cost at least 30 grivna. SO SUPER NICE!! I have to be honest - he is very good looking too. So I say "this is the nicest driver ever". Anya translates and he gives us his "number" so we can request him. He smiles the best smile and says goodbye. He drives away and I tell Anya - "he is the man for you". So my new mission is to set these two up. So Fun!!!

So many super super nice and very generous people today!!! GOD IS GOOD!!!!!

Yes, because of her

2012-01-21T03:25:00.003-05:00

My life is the way it is right now today Thanks to one little PRINCESS!!!

This amazing little one is the reason I am beyond blessed with my life today!!!

It was those beautiful big eyes that stopped me dead in my tracks on May 17, 2010. I new immediately when I saw this little girl on the Reece's Rainbow Website that I wanted to be her Mom!! It was LOVE at first sight. We committed to her on June 8, 2010. I dreamed of the day we would bring her home!! I had it all planned out - it would be perfect!! The "Perfect" part was right!! The part that she would be home with us was not. Lyla became very ill, she was hospitalized and was unable to be adopted. Our dreams came to an end on September 29, 2010!!

A new dream began when we decided we would still adopt a little girl with Down syndrome. After looking endlessly at all the little girls that needed a family, I was unable to choose. There was just no way. So I told Dave he would have to do it. He stepped up to the plate and chose this little girl.

Really??? I of course had seen this little girl a million times on the The Reece's Rainbow site and never thought that she could be my daughter. Dave was sure, he said "that's HER"! We committed to adopting the girl in the red polo suit!!

Dave couldn't of been more right!! This girl was indeed meant in every absolute way to be our daughter. I knew when the caregiver handed her to me that I was the Mother of this precious gem.

We adopted Isabelle Maria Spitz on December 30, 2010. I Thanked Jesus and Lyla constantly for this amazing gift!!!

We had said that if Lyla survived we would so go back to Ukraine to adopt her. We had asked several times about her condition and it was assumed that she would not survive. It was horrific to know that she would leave this earth not ever knowing LOVE. So many people were praying for her - so many people LOVED her. It was not easy.

We decided that we would go ahead and adopt another child and finally say goodbye to sweet Lyla. I was sure we would adopt a little girl. I was wrong!! Dave chose a very handsome little boy!!

Really?? I had seen this boy a million times too and never thought he would be my son. But since Dave did so amazingly well with choosing Belle I wasn't about to question him. After we committed to adopting this cute guy I told Dave that he was in the same orphanage that Lyla was in. I thought his eyes were going to pop out of his head. What are the chances really???

A few weeks after committing to Gavin, Andrea from Reece's Rainbow called me on the phone. She wanted to let me know that Lyla had survived and was now cleared to be adopted. WHAT???????????? I couldn't even believe it. How could this be??? This was something I prayed about endlessly - this was something so many people prayed for!! Now it was true!!! This tough little girl survived. Indeed this was a MIRACLE!!! But now what??? I knew we couldn't adopt two children - I just knew it! So do we just forget about Gavin??? It was AWFUL!!!! Oh my - I can't even explain it!! I prayed!!! Then it came to me - REBECCA!!!!! Rebecca was this beautiful mom of 3 boys in Colorado that had loved Lyla since she was first listed. I e/m'd her immediately. She was over the moon GRATEFUL that Lyla had survived. Rebecca and her husband wanted to adopt Lyla badly but the time just wasn't right. We continued our journey to Gavin Praying that a family for Lyla would be found soon.

We met this beautiful hunk of love on December 9, 2011. Lyla did it again, she led us to another child!!

Knowing I was in the same building as Lyla was tearing up my heart. I couldn't ask to see her - I just couldn't. I couldn't face the girl that had done so much for me and I hadn't done a thing for her. So I never asked to see her.

We were Blessed to adopt Gavin on December 22, 2011. Again, I was thanking God and Lyla!! We headed home for the 10 day wait.

While home I received an e/m from Rebecca - the best e/m EVER!!!! They were ready to commit to their daughter, LILY (Lyla)!!!!!! Finally, it was all coming together. I was so so so so GRATEFUL that HIS plan was being revealed.

So when I returned to Ukraine to bring our son home forever I felt I could face Lily since she now had a Mommy & Daddy coming to bring her home forever. I sure wasn't expecting the almost melt down I would have when meeting the most precious little ANGEL I had ever seen!!!

I was so overwhelmed with emotion that I wasn't even able to see the true gift I was given. Thanks to the comments left on my blog (Julia & Sarah) I started to open my eyes. Meeting her was such a gift from GOD!!! Oh MY!!!! I held and loved the girl that DROVE us to the most Amazing Life I am living RIGHT NOW!!!! It is because of her that I am the Mom of these two crazy AMAZING kids!!

In addition I have the most Amazing Best friend that Lily led me to, Christina!

I am the MOST GRATEFUL because Lily SAVED ME!!! This post explains how : SAVED

It's just that simple!! I was not meant to be Lily's mother, REBECCA IS and was always meant to be!! Lily was sent to do miraculous things!! God Sent A Child!!! HE SENT LILY!!!!

Dear Lily,

I Love You and I am FOREVER GRATEFUL for all you have done for me!! As you know, I left a rather large piece of my heart with you on January 19th!! This is for you to know how absolutely adored and loved you are until your Mommy & Daddy arrive to bring you home forever!!! Now, you need to stay safe & healthy sweet girl!!! Keep up that amazing smile that can light up the darkest of hearts!!! You are so very SPECIAL!!!

Love you Always and Forever,

Summer

How is Gavin doing?

2012-01-20T05:29:00.000-05:00

FANTASTIC

This little guy of ours is so AWESOME!!!! I am just Amazed at how well he is adjusting to this new way of life so quickly.

Gavin is walking so much more here than he was in the orphanage.

He discovered playing with a big water bottle is sooooooo much FUN!!!

Now that's a MILLION DOLLAR SMILE!!!

I explained to Gav that with 7 kids in our family it is very important he learns how to do his own laundry.

Drinking out of his new sippy cup like a CHAMP!!! He is also eating so well!! YAY!!!

Loved his first tub bath. I did make a note to wear full rain gear in the future!!!

Happy, Happy Boy!!!

After his tub he got right to work. Climbing!!

He made a quick call to his Daddy!!

He reorganized my backpack.

He was going to reorganize my suitcase but decided he just wasn't ready for that kind of commitment.

But he was willing to investigate the hair product bag.

After so much hard work it was time to sit with his big brother Nick for some serious snug time! He pretty much fell right to sleep. He fell asleep a little after 10 pm and woke up at 5 am. He slept GREAT and woke up with a huge beautiful smile!! I so thought about trying to get him to sleep a little bit more but that SMILE just won me over. So up it was!!

After breakfast we got all bundled up and went to the store with Conor. I am pretty confident Gav has never been in a store before and he did FABULOUS!! He looked around at everything and quickly found the cookies and pointed to all of them. We bought 2 packs :)
Then we got home and played with all the plastic bags because that is sooo much FUN!!!

So much fun that results in incredible heart warming smiles like this!!!

So much fun is very tiring for one little guy so nap time came in a hurry. He is resting so peacefully that I will be joining him in about 5 minutes.

Hope you all have a wonderful day!!! Thank you for all the PRAYERS for Gavin - obviously you can see that they are being heard and granted!!! So Incredible!!!!

Gavin & Lyla

2012-01-19T09:46:00.000-05:00

Well today was the day!!! I was so BLESSED to carry this beautiful boy out of those orphanage doors to begin a NEW life!!! SO AMAZING!!!!

Today was a whirlwind of emotions - I am still spinning. We met with the Director so I could sign some papers and Thank her for taking such good care of Gavin. She is so sweet and she made me promise to send her pictures of Gavin often. Then I asked for a favor. I asked if I could please see Lyla (soon to be Lily) as I had a gift for her that Christina had made. I am not going to lie - I was so nervous I thought I would pass right out when she said "of course". As I followed her - I couldn't hold it in - I was a MESS!!! Then we entered this very little room that led to another little room. AND THERE SHE WAS!! Oh My!!!! My heart HURT!!! I asked her caregiver if I could hold her, she was hesitant but the director said "YES, YES". I held that baby and I couldn't control any of my emotions. Tears were flowing and I couldn't even believe I was holding her. She is so BEAUTIFUL!!! She touched my face so softly!!! I was overwhelmed with GUILT!! How could I have not kept the promises I made to her??? How could I walk away from her???? She is so pale and so weak. She is in a "sick" room. I could only stay for a few minutes. The boys were not allowed in either. This room was so small. They told me to say "good bye"! I kissed her precious little head and told her how MUCH I LOVE HER. I told her that her Mommy & Daddy are coming for her and that they LOVE HER SO MUCH TOO. I told her that Christina LOVES HER and made her this very special bunny. She just looked at me the whole time and smiled. I honestly felt like she understood everything I told her. I told her I was so sorry and then I handed her to the caregiver. I pretty much ran out of that room.

It was then time to pull my self together because we were going to get Gavin. To bring him in to our family forever. So Awesome!!! The boys were looking at me like they were a little concerned. So I wiped my tears and prayed silently for a little help. We were in another building so it took a little bit to get to Gavin's groupa and it is just what I needed. We opened the door to his groupa and there he WAS!! Oh my, sitting at the table just waiting for his new life to begin. He said "Ma Ma Ma Ma", well he actually screamed it. Oh Thank GOD!!!! He was so excited and couldn't get out of his little seat fast enough. The nanny scooped him up and put his coat, snow pants, gloves and the most beautiful owl hat made by Miss. Sara!!!! Oh boy did he look so handsome!!! The nanny walked him out and it was my time to scoop him up FOREVER!!! Oh My, Gavin is coming HOME!!!!! Thank You JESUS!!!!!!! Nick & Conor took a video but it takes forever to load darn it!! Here are some pictures of yesterday and today.

Your new life buddy!!! Just one of the many benefits: napping with your big brother!!!!!

GOD IS GOOD

Gavin Met Conor & Nick

2012-01-18T13:37:00.000-05:00

What a beautiful day!! Gavin was so excited to see us at the entrance of his groupa today that he was jumping up and down, yelling!! Oh my heart!!! Of course I was emotional and I couldn't get my shoes off fast enough to get over to him. Finally after what seemed like FOREVER, I picked him up and just held him - he just held on to me - I sure felt him saying "Oh You Came Back"!!! Whoa!!! Oh My Goodness do I love that boy!!!

Conor & Nick couldn't wait to get their hands on him. Gavin was in Heaven with Conor & Nick!! He was cracking up and snuggling with both of them in no time. I have some great pictures but I am still on Alex's computer so I won't be able to post the pictures until tomorrow when we move to our new apartment. I am pretty confident that Gavin is thinking it is pretty cool to have two big brother's. Wait until he finds out he has another big brother at home waiting to meet him too.

We visited in the playroom with two other American families this morning - it was AMAZING!!! To see these 4 beautiful boys and know that they are all going HOME soon!!! Oh My!!!! GOD IS GOOD!!!!

We went back to the orphanage at 3:30 to pick up Gav so we could go to the passport office. The ladies at the office couldn't of been nicer. One lady picked Gavin right up and just held him. WOW!!! I can tell you this was not the experience I had prepared myself for since last year with Belle that passport experience was somewhat uncomfortable. (Right Jill?) Anyways, these ladies were GREAT!!! They took a few pictures and asked me which one I liked best. I of course LOVED them all!! I picked one and another super nice lady just smiled and nodded her head in agreement.

We brought Gavin back to the orphanage for his LAST NIGHT!!! Can you believe it??? His last night in the only home he knows. Please Pray for him. I can only imagine how confused he will be. My poor little buddy. Although we know that this is the first day of a wonderful life for him, he just might not see it that way. This is the only life he knows and tomorrow it will all change very drastically! So we will try and keep everything as low key as possible and allow him to let us know what he needs to be comfortable.

Oh and I would like to apologize to all of you! I had posted that tomorrow is also the day that we busted Belle out of her orphanage last year - WELL I WAS WRONG. It was not the 19th, it was the 17th. I don't know what I was thinking. Well, obviously the problem was I wasn't thinking!! Sadly, I have those days of no thinking - dangerous I know!!!

Thank you so much for the continued support!!! Having AWESOME comments each time I post is the fuel that keeps me going - that is a FACT!!!! You guys are the BEST!!!! I am thrilled that I get to share tomorrow with all of you!!! See you then!!!! YAY - oh my gosh I am so excited!!!!

Very very very GRATEFUL!!!!!

2012-01-17T13:11:00.000-05:00

Our facilitator Alex is the BEST!!!! He is taking such good care of us and I appreciate him so much!! We don't have internet in our apartment so he tried to set up his modem on our laptop but unfortunately it didn't work. So guess what he did?????? He left us his laptop so we can have internet!!! Who does that???? Oh my I am so GRATEFUL!!!!!

The boys are doing so good!! I am in awe at how well they are adjusting. No hot water, no internet, no tv, nothing to drink (well for the first night) and they haven't complained once. Again, I am so very GRATEFUL!!!!

Tomorrow we get to see Gavin - Oh Thank GOD!!! Yep, I am so GRATEFUL!!!!!

You know why else I am super crazy GRATEFUL?? We get to bust Gavin out of the baby house on Thursday. This Thursday!! So he will be with us FOREVER!!!

You know what I did last year on January 19th? I carried my beautiful daughter Belle out of an orphanage to be with us FOREVER!!! Really, what are the chances that we would be so BLESSED to do the same thing this year??

Traveling with my boys

2012-01-16T04:19:00.000-05:00

I am so so so so so Crazy Blessed to travel with my two teenage sons. They are so FUN and they are keeping me on my toes that is for sure. This is such an Amazing Experience and to share it with my boys is just the BEST EVER!!!

We flew from Buffalo to Washington and now we are in Germany. We had two great flights and are anxious to get on the third that will bring us that much closer to Gavin!!! I can't not wait to see Gavin - I can NOT wait to hold that beautiful boy. I really can't wait for him to meet his two big brothers!!! So Awesome!!!!

Next stop, Ukraine!!! Woo Hoo!!!!! Getting so Close!!!!

Tripp Received His Angel Wings

2012-01-15T13:58:00.001-05:00

Beautiful Tripp Roth received his ANGEL WINGS yesterday!!! He is now walking hand in hand with Jesus, PAIN FREE!!!

But now his poor poor AMAZING MOTHER is left with out her most very best friend. Just thinking of the pain that Courtney is enduring is horrific. Please Pray for Courtney!!! Please Pray for this whole family!!!

http://randycourtneytripproth.blogspot.com/2012/01/heavens-little-drummer-boy.html

You Beautiful Beautiful Little Boy!!!!

You are AMAZING!!!!!!

Heaven is so lucky to have YOU!!!!!

Please Pray for Tripp and His Most Amazing Family!!

2012-01-13T11:03:00.001-05:00

Sweet Beautiful Tripp!!!!

Tripp was born on May 14, 2009. He was diagnosed with a rare genetic skin disease called "EB." Any type of friction on his skin or mucous membranes causes blisters. They told us he would not live to be a year old. Every day he amazes us by his strength. He is a fighter and with all he has been through, he has never given up. He is the strongest person I know. Tripp wakes up each morning with a smile on his face. Every day spent with him is a blessing. God has a special plan for him. I'm just blessed to be able to witness that plan.

Tripp's Beautiful Mom wrote a post yesterday that took me to my knees. Please read it HERE!!!! She is by far the strongest Mom I will ever know. And just like her, Tripp is the strongest Boy I will ever know. Please Pray for this FAMILY!!! Please Pray for Peace for Tripp as Courtney requested. Please just PRAY!!!!

GOD SENT A CHILD!!!!!!

You must be leaving the country soon if......

2012-01-11T16:23:00.000-05:00

Your little ones start to get sick!! Yep, Conor, Nick and I are leaving this Sunday. So that means little ones should start getting sick, right?

Sweet Belle started this morning with just a fever. Now she just feels miserable - Poor Princess!!!! Even when she doesn't feel well she is still just absolutely precious!!! Look at those chubby little fingers and those beautiful chubby cheeks.

Belle had a follow up eye appointment this morning. She will most likely need another surgery for her left eye. Her little eye just can't seem to be content staying in the middle.

Then this afternoon, Owen said "My tummy hurts".

So he is all snugged up on the couch so he can get better ASAP!!! My poor Bud!!!

Sara was feeling left out being that she still felt well - so she struck a pose so she could be included too!!

Then she felt bad that no one was taking a picture of Mommy. So I agreed to let her take a picture. She asked that I kneel in front of her kitchen for the perfect background. She said "okay Mommy, Big cheese"!

Sara is so proud that her picture is in this blog post. When I showed her the preview she said "Oh Mommy - you must be so Proud of Me". You bet I am sweet Girl!!!! The Proudest!!!!

Keep Praying For Mila!!!!

2012-01-10T11:54:00.000-05:00

My oh my this girl has been through so much!!! So has her amazing FAMILY!!!! Sweet Mila has to have surgery this afternoon to drain the fluid around her little heart. Please, join me and PRAY like crazy for her and her family!!!

Please God

Hold Mila in Your Hands

and

Heal Her

Please Pray for Mila!!!!

2012-01-09T16:02:00.000-05:00

Sweet little Mila Basile needs all of our PRAYERS!!!! This beautiful little girl has not had it easy since being in America. She has had one struggle after another. Her Mom & Dad need our prayers too - they have been running a very fast hard race!!!! So Please Join Me in PRAYER for the BASILE FAMILY!!!!!!

Please God Hear Our Prayer!!!!!!!!

Did you hear it??? Did you feel it????

2012-01-09T12:44:00.000-05:00

Could you hear me scream with excitement all over this world - did you feel the earth move as I jumped like a crazy lunatic with pure JOY!!!!

This Beautiful Big Blue Eyed Beauty HAS A FAMILY!!!!!!!!!!!! LILIANNA (aka: Lyla) has a family of her very own working hard to bring her HOME!!!!

Oh My Goodness Gracious this indeed is a very GOOD DAY!!!!!

THANK YOU JESUS!!!!!!

Calm Down Mama Bear

2012-01-08T11:56:00.000-05:00

Generally I believe I am a pretty laid back kind of girl - well, at least I think so. Except when it comes to my little bear cubs and feeling like I have to protect them.

February 26, 1994 is the day I gave birth to Taylor and it is also the day I realized why I was put on this earth. I remember holding her immediately after she was born and KNOWING for the first time that this is what life is all about. I was meant to be a Mother. I was meant to PROTECT this child and any other that would come my way.

I want to Protect - YES!!!!

But the moment I hear something that someone might of said or did to one of my bear cubs - This happens:

I am certain this is an issue for all Mom's! But I have an extreme case. I want to KILL!! After a few moments of thinking of the awful things I would like to do to this person or people, I try so hard to calm down. I Pray. I ask GOD to please help me. I don't want to wish awful things on other people - that is so not right - I know this. But I really just lose control for a few minutes. I can't see past the RED ZONE!!! Many times this has resulted in me confronting the person and you know what happens??? The person or people usually apologize and have a million excuses why they said or did what they did. I am or was a FIRM believer that a person should always be confronted. Maybe they wont do it again???

This type of situation happened two days ago to one of my teenagers. I went to the RED ZONE and I was able to calm down. I calmed down so much that I didn't confront the person. So now I feel a little guilty. I don't want to be that laid back, you know what I mean? The big kids have asked me "why do you get so crazy?". So I do try and explain to them that something inside of me just gets out of control. Many times when they are going to tell me something they say "Mom, promise you wont do anything?". So these are obviously some red flags that have now caused me to try and CALM DOWN MAMA BEAR!!! I do want you to know that I have never been in a physical altercation - just in case you were wondering!!

So I ask you, how do you handle these situations? Do you confront? Or do you just try and forget it knowing that some people are just jerks?

Award for Best Big Brother Goes to

2012-01-05T18:37:00.000-05:00

Nicholas (aka: Nicky)

I'm telling you Nick is the BEST BIG BROTHER EVER!!!! He is 13 years old and he just scoops up his lil sis & lil bro to go outside to build a snowman. He would scoop up Belle too but she is not a fan of going outside when it's cold. Owen & Sara were so excited that Nick was going to help them build a snowman!!

I am so Proud to be the mother of this

Super Terrific Young Man

It Doesn't Matter

2012-01-04T20:08:00.000-05:00

That he wasn't there the day she was born

It only matters that he is here with her NOW!!!!

Bellie wants to share a few things with all of you!!!

2012-01-02T14:37:00.001-05:00

Hi Everyone - It's me Belle

I am pretty excited to share some things with you.

The first thing I want to share with you is that I can crawl now!! Even though my favorite method of getting around is still scooting I can crawl like a champ if I want to. I know my Mom wanted to get a video of me crawling a long distance but she gets so excited even when I just do a little bit so that's what I did. Take a look:

Oh and I can also wave BYE BYE!!! I am a little confused why my family is constantly saying "bye bye" now even when they are not leaving but I just keep waving as it makes them so happy!! Want to see?

I have been very busy lately as you can tell. Oh and guess what? My Mom, Conor and Nick are leaving in 13 days to go get my brother Gavin!!!! I can not wait for him to be home with me!!

Love,
Bellie

P.S. Thank you for always praying for me!!

Happy Adoption Day Bellie!!!

2011-12-30T23:14:00.000-05:00

Dave and I became the parents of one beautiful little girl on December 30, 2010. I will never in a million years be able to tell you how much this girl means to all of us!! I only wish everyone could have the amazing opportunity to know this precious little gem. I wish everyone was so BLESSED to have a daughter like Bellie!!

We went to Ukraine to Save a little girl.

We went in hopes to make a difference.

As it turns out - the little girl that would be "SAVED" - SAVED us in return. The difference that was made was made with in each one of us. Our hearts will never be the same! It is that little girl that made all the difference in the world to this family!!! Isn't it Amazing how things work out?

We sure do Love You Isabelle Spitz

To The Moon and Back Sweet Girl!!!!

Snow Fun

2011-12-29T12:48:00.000-05:00

Just a few more weeks and Gavin will be outside playing in the snow with his siblings!!!! YAY!!!!!!

Thank you to those amazing generous people that keep donating to our adoption - It means so much to us!! We really took a huge leap of faith financially with this adoption so every penny donated is so AWESOME!!! Thank you!!!! Thank you!!!!!! Thank you!!!!!!

Merry Christmas!!!!!!

2011-12-26T06:24:00.001-05:00

I hope you all had a Wonderful Christmas!!!!

We had an Amazing day!!!

Owen is running to see what Santa brought!!!

Bellie was definitely having a bad hair day for her first Christmas!!!

Conor wasn't ready to wake up

Taylor holding on tight to the big teddy bear from her boyfriend!!!

Nick just goes with the flow!

Sara is still sleeping I think????

Six out of the seven children God has blessed me with!!! (Sara was not happy that she had to walk away from her new kitchen for a picture)

Bellie enjoyed her first Christmas!!! So many new things to put in her mouth!!!
We sure are BLESSED to have this beautiful girl HOME right where she Belongs!!!!

Only one thing was MISSING this Christmas!!!

Sweet Gavin!!!!

Bye Bye Gavin :(

2011-12-23T03:58:00.000-05:00

We had to say Goodbye to Gavin :( That was sooooooooo NOT EASY!!!!!! Our little buddy is going to be so confused. The caregivers are calling him "Gavin" now which is so awesome and they are willing to frequently show him the photo book we left of our family. So this does help!!! I will return January 16th and he will never be left in an orphanage AGAIN!!!!!

We are in Munich, Germany right now waiting for our flight to Washington. Only 17 hours to go and we will be home. YAY!!!! We left at 9:30 pm last night to drive to Kiev so we have already been on the go for 13 hours so we are almost 1/2 way there. LOL!!!! CRAZY!!!!!!

I can not wait to see our kids at home. Oh My!!!!! The little ones have had a very hard time. Well not Belle - you know the one I was so worried that couldn't live with out me??? Um ya, she did just fine!!! Little Stinker!!! I am so having a talk with her when I get home. The big kids did great and I am so proud of them. Poor Owen & Sara though did not do so well and the stress was evident. So it will be so Amazing to hug the heck out of them!!!!!! I will consider hugging the heck out of Belle too even though she is a trader. Just kidding of course - I can NOT wait to squeeze that girl of mine!!!!!! Just 17 hours............

This is our last picture with Gavin and also our first picture with him legally our son.

So in just a few weeks the little guy above will join the crazy group below!!!! Oh Yes, I am so Blessed to be the Mom of seven of the Best Kids Around!!!!!

Thank You God!!!!!!!

Thank you all so much for the Amazing support you have showered us with in these past 6 months with this adoption and the past year with Belle's adoption. I truly hope when it is your turn to take a huge leap of faith that you have all the support you gave me!!!!!

Thank You Forever!!!!!!!

We are Gavin's Parents!!!!!!!

2011-12-22T05:05:00.000-05:00

We Passed Court!!!!! We are the very proud parents of a very handsome little 3 year old boy!! His name as of today is Gavin Nikolai Spitz!!!!!! Woo Hoo!!!!!! Thank GOD!!!!! Oh my - so crazy excited that I am beyond blessed to be the Mom of this incredible little boy!!!!

In addition to the crazy excitement of our court determination. Last year on this very day we met our beautiful daughter Isabelle!!! I would just like to say I Love December 22!!!!!!!!!!!!

GOD IS GOOD - GOD IS GOOD - GOD IS GOOD

Amazing Day!!!!!

2011-12-21T16:10:00.000-05:00

Oh my gosh today was just the most miraculous day. So many doors opened today!!! These doors are not my story to share so I will leave it up to the two families involved. But I will tell you 2 boys have definitely been found by an amazing family and 1 child is so close to having a forever family. WOW!!!! So Awesome!!!! As soon as these families are ready to announce I will post a link to their blogs. I really can't even believe we have been able to witness these most amazing miracles.

I was able to hold two precious gems in Gav's groupa today. I did not want to let go!!! Sweet Gavin got a little upset with jealousy - Oh my sweet boy!! Dave picked him up immediately and assured him that this does not change things. Poor little guy!!! These two little boys held on to me so tightly and the LOVE I felt was almost too overwhelming. I can't not ever explain what it is like to hold a child who wants nothing more than LOVE and I am not sure I ever will be able to.

We also were BLESSED to have a beautiful young lady accompany us to the orphanage today. Her name is Anya!!! Tracey, Catherine and Jenny all told us about this incredible young lady. It is solely because of Anya that we were able to get inside Gav's groupa and interact with the other children. Anya is a translator and works with many orphanages so she knows exactly the right things to say. Oh Thank you ladies for telling us about this incredible young lady!!! Anya then brought us to a Ukrainian Restaurant and the food was so very YUMMY!!! Then we went for a long walk and she told us so much about this beautiful city. We went for coffee - also so YUMMY. Then we all walked home. She even called us to make sure we got home okay. Oh My!! Love this Day!!! Can you tell????

Tomorrow is court - YAY!!!! Would you please say a prayer that everything goes smoothly? I would appreciate it so very much!!

The only stinky thing about today is we found out we will not return until January 16 to pick up Gavin. So that is not what we hoped for but we can't be picky when we had such a wonderful amazing day!!! Gavin is very loved and well taken care of by the ladies at this orphanage so although I of course want him home sooner it is okay!!!

This is the crib that Gav takes his afternoon naps.

And this is his nighttime crib - he was so nervous and didn't understand why in the world we were in there. Poor guy!!!

This is the room that the Doctor evaluates the children.
We are so lucky to be able to have these pictures!!!

So tomorrow is Court - Woo Hoo!!!! Also 1 year ago tomorrow we met our beautiful daughter Isabelle!!! Can you believe we met Belle on December 21, 2010 and we are going to court December 21, 2011 for Gavin??? Amazing!!! Tomorrow is also our very dear friend Christina's Birthday!!!!

Going to bed a very happy camper. So God willing our next post will be that we are legally the parents of a handsome 3 year old boy named Gavin!!!!

Loving this Very Blessed Journey We are On!!!!!

Tuesday Smiles

2011-12-20T05:33:00.000-05:00

Oh my do I love this picture of my boys!!!!

Love to Snug this happy beautiful boy!!!

This is probably one of my favorite pictures!!!! Such a Proud Daddy with such a content son!!!

Gavin's Smile lights up my heart!!!!

Beautiful decorations that I believe to be made by the children of this orphanage.

This really is such a nice orphanage. I honestly believe and feel that the children are very well taken care of here. The Director is so wonderful. Today she had a little boy with her - she even let him play with us in the playroom. She kept checking on him and she speaks so sweetly with him and Gavin. When it was time for us to leave the little boy stormed out of the playroom and barged right in her office and she just lit up with the biggest smile. It is very obvious she LOVES children. She has toys and cookies in her office too.

Court in two days so that we can be the parents to this handsome guy!!!!

Yep, I love Gavin to the Moon and Back!!!!

Rewind to December 19, 2010

2011-12-19T02:16:00.000-05:00

Last year on this very day, Dave and I boarded a plane to Ukraine to adopt a little girl we had planned to name Isabelle. We were flying on hopes and prayers that we were doing the "right" thing. If when boarding that plane someone would of told me "hey you know what, you will be in Ukraine next year on this date adopting again". I would of probably got right off that plane because I wouldn't want to fly with someone that CRAZY!!!! Really, it's true!! I was scared to death on that flight. Had no idea about anything. Just that we were on our way to meet a little precious girl that we wanted desperately to be our daughter. I had absolutely no idea that my life was drastically about to change.

Isabelle's Reece's Rainbow Picture

(It is this picture that her Daddy only had to see once and said

"That's Her - That's the One")

I would of never thought in a million years that the little girl in that picture would change my life forever!!! I would never be the same person that I was on that plane on December 19, 2010 - EVER AGAIN!!!! I wouldn't be the same Mother I was on that plane - EVER AGAIN!!!! I would be Forever Changed For The Better!!!!!

Thank you GOD for putting me on that plane last year.

Thank you GOD for putting me on another plane this year so I could be right where I was meant to be. Just a few days away from petitioning a court to be the very lucky and proud Mother of this little treasure!!!

CRAZY??????? No WAY!!!!!

BLESSED BEYOND WORDS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you so much for Praying for Belle!!!

2011-12-18T05:53:00.000-05:00

Thank you so much for praying for Belle!!! She did not throw up at all yesterday and was drinking great!!! Thank GOD!!!! I haven't heard yet how her night was but I am so hoping she had a peaceful night. Our sweet Sara is having a rough time - she is missing "Mommy Daddy". She is emotional every time we skype and it KILLS me. Our poor little girl :( Owen is being such a trooper, he has only had one very sad morning. My tough guy!!! Tay, Conor and Nick are doing great and I so appreciate the time they spend with the little ones. My mom, sister and Carlos are doing an AMAZING job and I am so super crazy GRATEFUL!!!

Gavin said "mama" again today!!! Oh My it was so AWESOME!!!! He says is like he has been saying it for years - it really is Amazing!!!

Our visit was great this morning. We went to the playroom and Gav just does his thing. He of course was all to happy to have his 2 cookies.

After a cookie it's always a good idea to cross your legs for a little max -n- relax time!!!! Boy oh boy do I love this little guy!!!!!

Precious Little Mila Hope Basile is scheduled for open heart surgery tomorrow. Please keep this sweet angel in your prayers as well as her beautiful family!!! Thank you so much!!!!!

God Bless You All and I hope You Have a Very Blessed Sunday!!!!!

Would you Please Pray for Belle

2011-12-17T08:57:00.000-05:00

I just talked to my Mom and Bellie has been throwing up all night. UGH!!! Owen had the stomach flu before we left and now Sara & Belle while we have been here. Poor sweet Belle dehydrates so easily. Last time she was hospitalized she was dehydrated and she hadn't even thrown up or had diarrhea so I am a NERVOUS WRECK right now!!! Please, Please Pray for our Bellie that she will be all better now!! I can't stop thinking how scared she must be. She can't tell anyone she doesn't feel well - UGH!!!! Our poor sweet girl!!!! I would do anything to be with her right now!!!!

Thank you so much for Praying for Belle - I can NOT even tell you what it means to me right now to know that I can ask this of all of you!!!!!

Please God Make Our Little Girl All Better!!!!!!

Saturday Morning With Gavin

2011-12-17T07:27:00.000-05:00

Playing with his new truck

We just realized today why Gav want's to take his shoes off. It's because we take our shoes off. Silly Mommy & Daddy of course Gavin should take his off too!!! Love this Boy!!!!

I love how serious he is

Great - So Daddy steals the car while his son was working so hard to get his shoes off. Then poor Gav is forced to play with a plastic baggie. Real nice Dad!!!

Gavin is so pleased to have his car back and the plastic baggie

Dave plans to put a long mirror in our house somewhere since all four toddlers are big fans!!!

Crawling race!! Gavin Wins!!!!

Giving Dad another chance

Oh My - He is the Sweetest Little Boy Ever!!!!

Time for a cookie

Love that face!!!!

Look at this guy keeping an eye on me at all times.

Love him to pieces that is for sure!!!!

Lots of pictures

2011-12-16T06:26:00.001-05:00

This is the front entrance to our apartment

This is where we start our walk to the bus stop

Our apartment window is lower right. The only one with steel shade covering our window.

Lots of people near the bus stop

We get off the bus and head down the street to the orphanage

Houses across the street from the orphanage

The entrance

Beautiful playground equipment

We are getting closer - I always get super excited at this point because I know we are going to see Gavin in just moments.

The entrance we use

Up one flight of stairs

another flight of stairs and the door to Gav's groupa is to the right.

Then we scoop up this super excited little guy and bring him to the playroom

Gavin and Dad have some very serious conversations mostly about cookies

I steal kisses when ever I can

I am so lucky to kiss this guy as much as I want!!

I can hug him when ever I want too!!! Life is Good!!

This picture cracks me up. While Dave is putting on one shoe Gav is taking off the other.

So proud to wear my Reece's Rainbow shirt!!!!!

Sometimes we just walk, walk and walk some more

We also seem to enjoy making funny faces

We were growling at each other

I am truly very very Blessed!!!!!

WE Have Our Court Date!!!!

2011-12-15T08:32:00.000-05:00

We have a court date scheduled for December 22, 2011 at 10 am so that we may be the parents of this amazing little guy!!! Yay - next week I will be his Mommy - God Willing of course!!!!!

We had so hoped to be home by then but we realize it's such a small price of time to pay compared the price of time Gavin has Paid waiting for a family!!!!

Daddy rigged up a broken trike last night and Gavin just loved it! I am pretty sure he would let Dave pull him all day!!!

These two have such a special bond. I am so BLESSED to witness this LOVE!!!!!

Yes, the front wheel has definitely seen better days. But it didn't matter at all to our sweet boy as he was just happy to go for a ride.

This boy can SMILE can't he???

Today we ventured out a little bit and it was so fun. Our apartment location is the BEST!! We really are so close to everything. We decided to try and find a McDonald's that we had only seen twice before. Once when coming in to town for the first time and the second when we got lost on the bus. So we got on the bus and hoped for the best. We found McDonald's and we enjoyed our Big Mac and Big Tasty sooooooo MUCH. Sick I know!! Then we got on a bus home and decided to take a walk to a walmart looking place that we pass every day on the bus to our visit. It wasn't far at all. This store was AWESOME!!! They have everything!!!

It is very easy to get a little "lost" while out of your comfort zone. I am not sure if this happens to everyone but the DARKNESS definitely found us yesterday. We were questioning everything. I am pretty sure we put a welcome sign on our apartment door for Satan and he was all to happy to run in. I am pretty sure he sat right on the couch with us with his arms around us holding us right up next to him. YUCK!!! I wish I could say we could just shake it off but we couldn't. Dave and I didn't even talk to each other for a couple hours. I'm not going to lie - it is scary. I PRAYED all night!!!! We didn't sleep much but did start to talk and realize how negative we had been. We couldn't even believe we let ourselves get so dark. This morning we both woke up and decided we were going to have a positive attitude about everything and anything. We were not going to complain. We would find the good in everything. Guess what??? IT worked!!!!!
Later Satan!!!!!

What we do during our visit

2011-12-14T07:32:00.000-05:00

Mom takes pictures of Gavin's socks!! So that Christina knows that her beautiful donation of handmade socks are being put to immediate good use!!! Thank you Christina!!!!

Gavin enjoys 2 cookies at each visit!!

Daddy helps him with every last crumb!!!

Gavin is not happy when we tell him "nyet" - no more cookies - only "dva" (two)!!!

Then we play "machina" (cars) - Gavin takes them out of the bag and puts them back in. Takes them out and puts them back in. We count them sometimes too.

He works so hard at rolling this mat up. Sometimes when it gets too heavy he uses his feet too!!

We always get to see this beautiful boy SMILE!!!!

Gavin Loves the ball pit. How lucky are we to have this playroom for each visit??? I can't even believe it! With Belle we had to visit in a hall, with just a couch. This is like Disney land. They even gave us a key to this playroom so that we may come and go as we please. The difference in orphanages is EXTREME!!!

Lots & Lots of bonding time at each visit!!!

Lots of snuggles!!!!

Gavin has quickly realized how absolutely Awesome it is to have a Daddy!!!

I have quickly realized how beyond BLESSED I will be to have this handsome hunk of love as a son!!

We usually end each visit with some tickles!! Gavin has the BEST LAUGH!!!! Oh my it warms my heart!!!!
We are so in LOVE with this boy!!! Today when we brought him back to his groupa he would not go with the nanny. This is the first time he has done this. He held right on to me! I am pretty sure you can imagine how absolutely awful it was to hand him over. I had to hurry up and get outside for some fresh air. One of these days I will post about the other children in his groupa - it's just too hard I guess right now :(

We haven't heard anything on our court date yet. Still Praying for Friday. Poor Sara Grace had the stomach flu. UGH!!! It pretty much rips my heart out to know I was not there to take care of her. I can't help but think how scared she was!!! Poor baby!!! Thank GOD my sister is so good with her and they have a wonderful relationship - so this does help this Mom's heart. Everybody else seems to be doing great at home!! When we skype with the kids, I always play power rangers with Owen. It makes me feel "almost home". I am not sure if Belle understands the whole skype thing. But, she does stop to listen when I sing to her :) Sara always gets very emotional at the end of our skyping :( Tay, Conor and Nick of course do just fine. They are helping so much and loving up on the little ones and I can not tell you how much I appreciate them doing this. Thank you Tay, Conor and Nick - I Love You Guys So Much!!!!

Today - Funny!!! Last Night - Not so Much!!!!

2011-12-13T06:00:00.000-05:00

First I want to send a big Huge "Thank You" to who ever donated to our account!!!! It is so Awesome to see that people are still donating and so close to Christmas. It means so much to us - Thank you!!!!!!

Okay now for the story of last evening. We knew we needed to start saving money because prices on everything are much higher this year and we did not plan accordingly. We were suppose to move to a house yesterday right next to the orphanage so we could walk to our visits. Well, the house was unavailable. Our team tried all day to find an apartment closer but it just wasn't in the cards. So we decided we would just take the bus from here - I mean how hard could it be, right??? So Gavin's social worker picked us up last evening to show us the bus route. She wrote down for us bus "18". We drove by where we would get on and where the bus would drop us off. I totally felt like we understood what she was telling us in Russian. She wasn't so sure though. So before we got out of the car she had us speak to one of the facilitators to make sure we were all on the same page. I confirmed with Sasha that we understood and off we went to our visit. During our visit I have to admit I was having some anxiety!! I mean it was now dark and what if we made a mistake???? Dave assured me we would be just fine. I did convince him to leave our visit a 1/2 hour early just to make sure we had enough time to get home. So we walk to the bus stop. We wait with a bunch of people. Bus #18 comes and it is full - some people still squeeze on and some people chose to wait for next bus. We also chose to wait. We let 4 or 5 buses go by and finally we get on one. We are squished like sardines and I am pretty much freaking out inside. So we start traveling along and the bus takes a right turn up this big hill - WHOA - I did not remember this hill!!!! Now, I am panicking. The bus continues on making stops and people get off. Now it is just us and a lady on the bus. REALLY????? It is pitch black and we are in a very dark alley. The bus driver lights up a cigarette, parks the bus and turns it off. He gets up, looks at us like "why are you still on the bus" and starts talking to us in Russian. I say "nyet Ruskie", which I believed to mean - "No Russian". Oh boy , now the panic is also in his eyes too. So we pull out our voice recorder and play our address for him. Well we were so nervous that we were playing the address for the orphanage. He is looking at us like we are NUTS and honestly he was so right on with that. So I call our facilitator Serge and explain the situation. I give the phone to the bus driver and they talk for awhile. He hands me the phone and Serge asked me if we had moved. I told him no, we are still in the same apartment. I play the recorder for him and he tells me that is the address for the orphanage. Things are so very clear now why the bus driver looked at us the way he did. So anyways we play the right address and Serge asks to speak to the bus driver again. They talk for awhile. I get back on the phone and Serge tells me the driver will bring us home. OH THANK GOD!!!!!!!!!! So the bus driver left for a little bit got back on the bus, started it up and off we went. He dropped us off right in front of our apartment. We were so very very GRATEFUL. I gave him a generous tip and I could see in his eyes how much he appreciated that. I am sure you can imagine all of the things that could of happened to us in that dark alley. So these very Dumb Americans were so very happy to have got on that bus with that driver!!!! Remember we let 4 or 5 buses go by but we got on that one - with that driver. OH MY GOODNESS - Thank You Jesus!!!!!!!!!

Today we used the bus successfully back and forth to the orphanage. Yay!!!!! So we feel like just little dumb Americans today!!!!

Poor Gavin wasn't feeling well this morning. Poor love bug!!! Our little guy has AWFUL REFLUX and it seemed to be way worse today!!!! I can NOT wait for him to see a Doctor at home!!! He was a little cranky today and his eyes just looked sick :( His breathing since we met him has been very very congested. Every once in awhile I am just sure he is going to choke. It is yuck!!! But today it definitely seemed to be affecting his behavior. I was able to calm him down by holding him and singing. I really felt like his Momma today!!! When we get to his room for each visit he gets so excited to see us - once he even said "Momma - Momma - Momma". Oh My!!!! I am certain I can not describe how my heart felt when he did this. I Love him so very Much!!!!! In addition to praying for a court date Friday, will you also please Pray that Gavin feels better ASAP. Thank you so Much!!!!

Trying so hard to Smile!!!

He did give us a few giggles today!!

But most of our visit was like this :(

Those poor sweet sick eyes!!!

Daddy was comforting him too!!!

Poor Buddy!!!!

He Just Loves To Be Loved

2011-12-12T05:43:00.000-05:00

Gavin just loves to be loved!! He laughs and laughs when he is hugged. He laughs and laughs when he is kissed!! This boy has waited a long time for some snuggles and he obviously is just going to eat up all we have to give.

Gavin will be 4 years old in May. He is very tiny. I think he is shorter and weighs less then Belle. Belle weighs about 26 lbs now and I am going to guess that Gavin weighs 21 or 22 lbs and he is much shorter. I brought 3T pants to today to try on him - and they are 2 times to long. I also brought a 3T sweatshirt and it is huge. I'm thinking he probably wears 18 - 24 months.

Thank you so much for all the info on the lump on his chest. I tried to take a picture but it didn't come out at all.

Gavin has started to show us a little temper. He is a man that likes to get his way. Oh boy - him and Sara are going to have some battles - I am sure of this.

We are PRAYING for court this FRIDAY although we have been told probably Monday. Still Praying for Friday!!!! Would you PRAY too for Friday? That would be great!!! We miss everyone at home soooooooo MUCH!!!!! It will not be easy at all leaving Gavin that is for sure - UGH!!! Torn again!!! That is the theme of this adoption so far I think - TORN!!!!! That's okay though - we will all be home soon - together FOREVER!!!!!

Sunday Morning Visit

2011-12-11T05:34:00.000-05:00

Sunday Morning Visit

Lots of work to do with all these soft building blocks!!
This orphanage is SO VERY different from the one Belle was living. It's just amazing!! We even noticed the smell of the food is so much better.

NOTE TO SELF - Never put your finger in Gavin's mouth when he is eating a cookie even if you think he bit off a piece too big. I got it now Gavin!!!!

No shoes today - not sure why. No pants either - just tights. So he was so proud when he could stand up with slippery socks on.

Father & Son!!!! So Amazing!!!!!

When we walked in to Gavin's room today he was sitting at the table with his head down. I said "Hello" to the nanny's. He picked his head up so quickly and smiled the biggest smile and reached for me. Oh My!!!! I was a moosh mess after that!!!! He KNOWS!!!!!! HE KNOWS WE BELONG TO HIM!!!!!!

Gavin has a hard lump in the center of his chest. I am not familiar with this - could it just be the way his chest formed??? Do you have any idea what this could be? I would love to hear from you if you have any ideas!!! Thank you!!!!

So now we hang out at the apartment until we can go see our boy again at 4pm!!! I can't Wait!!!!

Kostya and 2 visits

2011-12-10T12:01:00.000-05:00

Our beautiful friend Kostya took a 16 hour train ride from Simferopol to visit with us today. We had such a wonderful day with him.

He brought me flowers!!!! It is so nice to have fresh flowers - Thank you so much Koko (Kostya's nickname that Sara gave to him)

I was so happy to see him!!!

Gavin LOVES Kostya!!! He kept crawling over to him!!

I really don't think he could be any cuter!!!!

We tried a juice box today - it didn't go so well. He so wanted the juice but just couldn't grasp the straw concept yet. I am certain that it wont be long until he is able to use a straw as he is so very smart.

Gavin kept trying to push Kostya's face away so he could play with his zipper. It was so fun to watch.

Playing cars with Daddy!!

Thoroughly Enjoying a cookie!!!! He was all business while eating that cookie.

I just LOVE this sweet boy so very MUCH!!!!!!

Momma, Gavin and Poppa!!!

He Loved getting kisses from the lion!!!

Playing cars is a big hit with Sir Gavin

Oh and he got a haircut today between our visits. He looks so Handsome!!!!

After our second visit we brought Kostya to the train station so he could head back home. We will MISS HIM VERY MUCH.

Well, I am off to bed. I am EXHAUSTED!!!! I think everything has finally caught up to me and I am ready to CRASH!!! I know I will sleep good tonight!!!!

Thank you so much for all the wonderful comments you have left in the last few days. I appreciate each one so much. We unfortunately has a nasty person post a very mean comment about Gavin yesterday. It is not easy when someone says very hurtful things in regards to your child. But you know what absolutely helps???? That so many of you said Beautiful things. Thank you!!!!!

Hello Handsome

2011-12-09T07:20:00.001-05:00

We Met Gavin!!!!! Oh My Is He Handsome!!!!

He was definitely a little hesitant at first!! It didn't stop me from Loving him up!!!

He is looking to the orphanage Doctor like "Someone want to tell me who the heck this woman is?"

He was so nervous with Dave at first. I felt bad :(

He warmed up slowly!!!

Then it was like he just got it - like - "this is My Mommy and Daddy"

He didn't stop Smiling!!!

He didn't stop Kissing!!! I was in HEAVEN!!!!!

He didn't stop Hugging!!!!

Gavin & Daddy played with cars.

He had a little hankie in his shirt pocket for his runny nose. He would take it out - wipe his nose and put it back in his pocket. This little guy is so smart!!!!

He is so Gentle and so Happy!!!

He loved looking at the family photo book.

I am completely head over heels in love with this little man!!!

Guess what??? Gavin can walk!!!!

And Gavin can Climb!!!

And he learned to accept his mother squeezing the life out of him and kissing him constantly!!! I couldn't help my self!!!

He was having the Best Time when Daddy helped him bounce on the big ball.

He absolutely has a million dollar smile!!!!

Not sure the nannies would like him eating the laundry basket but he was having so much fun I couldn't tell him "nyet"

He wanted the camera so bad. I let him see it a few times but he kept changing the settings.

Puckering up for a kiss from Mommy!!! This boy absolutely stole my heart today!!!!

Gavin & Daddy started to get a little tired so they started a little snug fest.

Our precious sweet boy sucks his thumb
With in moments they were both out. Now Gavin was so so nervous with Dave in the beginning and then at the end he is so comfortable he falls asleep with him. Tell me God isn't Good?????

We had to wake him up because it was time for us to go :(

The nanny told Gavin to wave Goodbye and he did. I would of stayed with him all day and night if they would let me. He is such a sweet little boy. I can't even for a second believe how absolutely BLESSED we are. How does this all just work out so amazingly????? I am not sure of any of the answers except I am so grateful that this sweet boy will very soon be our son forever!!!!

I can NOT wait to see him tomorrow!!!!!!!

The night before

2011-12-08T12:31:00.000-05:00

It's the night before we will be meeting Gavin!!! Oh My!!!!! I so can NOT wait to hold that beautiful boy!!!! I forgot to post yesterday that we were able to obtain two pictures of him from our appointment.

Oh my he is the cutest little guy!!! I am going to be holding and loving up that beautiful boy in just hours. YIPPPPEEEEEEE!!!!!

We will be picked up by our facilitators at 4am and head out for the 3 1/2 hour drive to Gavin's region. Our first appointment is with social services at 8 am. Then I PRAY we will head to the orphanage to meet our new son. I really can't even believe it - it's the night before - Oh how GRATEFUL I am!!!

I just have to show you how small the elevator is here.

It is a very very small space. It cracks me up! We could never fit our whole family in this elevator.

It's funny to me that just a few short years ago I thought a family with 6 children was HUGE. Now I think 6 is so small but to soon say 7 sounds HUGE again. Why??? I don't get it!!!

Okay, so tomorrow is the BIG DAY!! The day we will meet our 7th child, our son Gavin!!!!!

Please Pray for him that tomorrow will not be too overwhelming.

That he will understand and feel our Love

and know that he will soon be part of

a Loving Family

Forever!!!

Thank you!!!!!

Appointment was Successful!!!!

2011-12-07T09:03:00.001-05:00

So we will pick up the referral tomorrow afternoon and leave for Gavin's region at 4 am Friday. So we should be able to meet him Friday morning!!!! Woo Hoo!!!! Here we come Buddy!!!!

We had a beautiful morning - it was so fun!!!! Eugene (wonderful man with a wealth of knowledge about Ukraine) picked us up and brought us to our appointment. We were a little early so we were able to shop with our favorite vendor from last year. Here is the bad news - Eugene took a picture of us with Baghdad and I ERASED IT - OUCH!!!! I am so mad because I have a picture of us with him last year :( I also erased the picture Baghdad took of us with Eugene. UGH!!!! But the good news is I do have pictures of the great place we had lunch.

Look at those chair covers - now that makes for a comfy seat!!!

Beautiful artwork of the sun!!!

Love it!!!!

Super Yummy appetizer with carrots, celery and grapes!!!!

Now that was my drink in that bowl looking thing that is actually a cup. I ordered "magic juice"! Oh My - was that a strong something or other. It had honey, milk and some very strong herbs or at least that's what I think was in it. I was hoping to feel magical after drinking it - but all I could do was quickly order a Water.

Um Ya - I so didn't order the Fried Bull's testicles - the drink was enough of an experiment for one day.

The picture two pictures up with my drink - also has these little braided breads with a message in each. This was my message. So deep and so TRUE!!!!!

This is a handmade doll. The artist that made it didn't use scissors or stitching for fear it would "hurt". So Awesome!!!

For lunch I had a mushroom and noodle soup that was OUTSTANDING and a chicken spinach pie also so super good. Dave had beef in a mustard sauce and a pumpkin with brinzen cheese salad which he said was wonderful.

We are having an amazing time and we are so fortunate to be on such an incredible journey!!!

Thank you again for all the continued support!!!!

Happiest Mom Ever In The Whole World

2011-12-06T18:46:00.000-05:00

We skyped with the kids!!! Oh My - Even Sweet Belle!!!! Bellie even smiled because she could hear us!!! Yes, I am an emotional MESS!!!!! Everyone looks so good and they are having so much FUN!!! Oh My Gosh, I am not sure how I ever got so BLESSED with so much GOOD STUFF. Being FAR AWAY is Hard but when you can see all your children from across the ocean and know you are going to meet your 7th child in just a few days - Well, Life Is So Very Good!!!!

Thank you to ALL OF YOU so very MUCH!!!! Your Prayers are FELT constantly!!!! We are so so so so BLESSED and I just want you all to know how much we appreciate your support!!!!

We slept 6 hours and it felt so good - now I am going to try for round 2!!!

Oh and I want to mention being here for the second time is just so AWESOME!!! Since we are not overwhelmed with the "unknown" we were able to take in everything while traveling in the car from the airport. This really is such a beautiful place. Different, Very much So!!! But so BEAUTIFUL!!!! I am soon to be the very PROUD Mom (God Willing) of two very precious Ukranian treasures!!!!

GOD IS GOOD!!!!

We are Here!!!!!

2011-12-06T10:10:00.000-05:00

Oh Thank GOD!!! We are in our apartment!!!! Woo Hoo!!!

Our appointment for Gavin's referral is at 11 am tomorrow. I am so excited. Since I haven't had ANY sleep in over 48 hours I am going to bed right now!!! I am Whooped!!!! Is that a word??? Not sure but it is exactly how I feel.

Please Pray that our appointment will be successful tomorrow and that we will meet Gavin by the end of the week. Oh My Gosh Am I So Crazy Excited!!!!!

The report from home is that everyone is doing very WELL!!! I am so proud of all of them and so Thankful that my sister, my mom and Carlos are keeping everything in order!!!!

So close to holding our boy!!!!!

We are in Germany!!!!!

2011-12-06T03:07:00.000-05:00

We are in Germany - I would take a picture - but trust me no one should look the way we do right now - that is a fact!!!!

Christina - I am enjoying a nice big beautiful Diet Coke - Thank you Dear Friend!!! We even got change back.

Next destination - Gavin's Country!!! YAY!!!! Here we come buddy!!!!!

Leaving on a jet plane - Thanks to all of YOU!!!!

2011-12-05T06:02:00.000-05:00

Thank you - Thank you - Thank you for all the Prayers and Amazing advice. We are ALL a little better - I can't even believe it. I promise you I did not think I would be getting on a plane today. WOW!!! I am so so so so GRATEFUL that we are all on the mend. Oh Thank You Jesus!!!!!

Want to hear something crazy? Bellie has been up all night. She fell asleep at 9pm and woke up at midnight - it's 6 am right now and she is still awake. Could she know that we are leaving? It's not abnormal for her to wake up during the night for 2 or 3 hours but never for 6 hours. Normally I would probably be a little cranky but not tonight, NOPE. I am so HAPPY to spend my last night with this silly girl. She is making sure to remind me every moment what this journey is all about. It's about a child!! A child that deserves to be Loved!!! It's that simple!!!!

Here we come Gavin.............

So not good

2011-12-04T10:42:00.000-05:00

This house is a sick mess!! It is NOT GOOD!!! The Stomach Virus has HIT and HIT BAD!!!! I honestly don't have any idea how in the world I will get on a plane tomorrow feeling like this. Not to mention leave all the kids when they are all sick. UGH!!!!!! Owen has been throwing up since Friday night, he seems to have it the worst. My poor buddy. He THANK GOD, seems better today. Bellie threw up yesterday and woke up at 3 am with MASSIVE diarrhea - poor sweet girl. I started not feeling well yesterday afternoon and didn't really leave my bed until just a few moments ago. Dave started not feeling well this morning. My sister started with it on Thursday started to feel better and then it hit her again last night. Sara is talking with "sick voice" so it's only a matter of time. Please Pray that everyone will be better soon so that we may leave tomorrow. The big kids haven't been "hit" yet and this is such a huge BLESSING!!! Praying they don't get it!!!

Well, that's whats going on in this house. Toilette's flushing like crazy, lysol being sprayed in an insane manner, bedding being washed by the hour and little ones having tubs every 2 - 3 hours. Poor sweet Owen keeps saying "I NEVER will Throw Up Again"!!!

Anyone have a secret remedy for a stomach flu speedy recovery???? If not, would you please PRAY that we will all miraculously return to decent health so we can get on the plane tomorrow? I would be so very grateful!!!! Thank you!!!!!

Jamestown Christmas Parade

2011-12-02T21:15:00.000-05:00

Our city puts on a beautiful Christmas Parade!!! I forgot my camera :( I did take some pictures with my phone which doesn't have a flash so they are a little dark but I still LOVE THEM!! While at the parade I kept thinking how next year when we are watching we will have Gavin. That just makes me one happy Momma!!!!

I found this picture on my phone of our Little Rock Star!!!

Oh My Am I Going To Miss These Guys!!!!!

Three More Nights

2011-12-02T08:08:00.000-05:00

Three more nights in this house with these beautiful kids:

and then we will be on our way to meet and bring home this beautiful little boy to be a part of our FAMILY FOREVER!!!!!

GOD is Good!!!!

Thank you so MUCH to the very generous person that donated $200 - we are so crazy with APPRECIATION to all of YOU that support us!!! We are beyond Blessed and I can NOT wait to share our new son with all of YOU!!!!

Thank you FOREVER!!!!!

FIVE

2011-11-30T16:22:00.000-05:00

Only five nights left and we will be on our way. OH MY!!!!!

Guess what??? Bellie took her pants off in her crib 2 days in a row!!!!!! This is HUGE!!!! I am so EXCITED!!! The best thing is that she had a bowel movement both days so she knew she wanted those pants and that diaper off!! I know it might sound a little silly to get excited about such a ~~little~~ BIG thing but it is such a Big Step for our Belle. THANK GOD she had a onesie on and she hasn't figured that out yet. Or my oh my we would have a big yucky mess!!!

So so so so so so VERY PROUD OF THIS GIRL!!!!!!

While I was so excited and telling Belle how super proud I was of her. Owen did something to Sara and I turned around just in time to catch this:

That would be Owen running for his Life!! The reason: Sister Sara was MAD

Since I was laughing so hard Sara couldn't help but smile through her madness

I sure am going to miss these guys and all the FUN that comes with them!!!

Only 6 more Night- Nights

2011-11-29T20:15:00.000-05:00

Oh My - only 6 more "Night - Night's" until we are on our way to Ukraine to meet our 7th child. WOW!!!

SIX NIGHTS???????

YES, SIX!!!!!!!!

It's so funny really - you wait for what seems like FOREVER to get a travel date and you get one and then your like "WHAT????". It's so crazy!!!! Crazy in a very good way!!! All of the reality of leaving just hits hard when you get a travel date. Not to mention the AMAZING reality that you are finally going to meet the little boy who has been in your dreams for several months. It is SURREAL!!!! Knowing I will be holding (if he will let me of course) that sweet boy soon is a Christmas Morning feeling - it's that AWESOME!!!

It is so nice to have my sister here prior to leaving. I am so GRATEFUL!!! Take a look how she just fits right in with the little three:

We have been pretty busy around here. So busy that our little Belle has to take her naps at dinner in her highchair.

But not too busy that Owen doesn't have time to work on his photography.

This picture of Sara's "bo bo" is pretty good, don't you think?????

I love my little photographer so MUCH!!! I will Miss him like crazy!!! But it makes me smile to know that Gavin is going to have this guy as a big brother!!!! Emi - you have mentioned a few times how awesome it will be for Gavin & Owen to have each other!! YOU ARE SO RIGHT!!!!!

One Week From Today

2011-11-28T14:13:00.000-05:00

Whoa - we leave one week from today!!! As a matter a fact next week at this time we will be on a plane on our way to Philly. OH MY GOODNESS!!!! Wow!!!!!!

So I am officially FREAKING OUT!!!!

I am not alarmed by it since the same FREAK OUT session went on last year prior to travel. The new feeling this year is that I am sick about leaving Belle.

For the record - I am head over heals in love with all my children - they are my everything - each one of them.

Belle is just different in the way that I feel she really really needs me. I hope you understand. I am so scared that she is not going to understand where we went. She is not going to understand why her Daddy isn't coming home for lunch and her Mommy isn't singing her the craziest of songs. UGH!!!!! I know as soon as I get to wrap my arms around Gavin I will be just fine!!! I can NOT wait to hold that beautiful boy. Torn??? Yes, I think so :(

We received another donation - $100 - we are so so so so grateful!!!! Thank you to all you awesome generous people that have given to our adoption. We are so BLESSED with the most amazing support!!!!

Just 7 more naps sweet girl and Mommy

is going to get your brother!!!!!

OH MY GOSH!!!!!!!!!!

2011-11-26T17:06:00.000-05:00

Someone donated $500 to our account!!!!!! I can't even begin to believe it!!!! Someone we don't even know!!!! The month of Christmas and someone sends a check to Reece's Rainbow for $500 for our adoption!!!! Grateful doesn't even come close to express what we are feeling!!!! Wow!!!!!

In addition to trying to make sure we remember everything we have to remember for our upcoming trip, I can't help but be anxious to see how Gavin will change once home and Loved by his family! Watching Belle transform almost every day is such a Blessing!!! I have to look at pictures to remind myself just how drastic the changes in her have been. I mean even her little left eye that she could barely hold open - is such a distant memory. When I look at pictures of Belle last year I remember how I didn't even think she could hear. I was almost positive she was deaf.

She definitely was NOT deaf. She had trained her self not to listen. She was so LOST. She was just a little lump that I think almost had given up. Oh my has this all changed. Belle is now so observant of her surroundings. She wants to see every little thing, she wants to hear every new sound. She wants to taste everything and anything. She wants to be held and hugged by everyone she sees. She wants to touch EVERYTHING!!! It is just so Awesome to witness!!!

And in just a few short weeks we will have another amazing opportunity to witness a child transform. A handsome little boy that will realize that his life is so much more than a life in an orphanage. He will soon be Loved, Hugged, Kissed and told how God couldn't of made him any more perfect!!!! He will soon be the SON of very proud parents and the brother to 6 siblings who are anxious to love him up!!!

Thank you GOD!!!!!!

The Amazing Reality.....

2011-11-25T21:03:00.001-05:00

Conor and I cooked all day yesterday for the best tasting Thanksgiving dinner I have ever had. Conor had planned the whole menu and he chose some amazing dishes. We really had such a FUN time in the kitchen all day!!! Bellie had a wonderful first Thanksgiving!!! It was such a BLESSING to see her at our table - it was a Blessing to see everyone at our table. I am so so so so Thankful for this FAMILY GOD HAS BLESSED ME WITH!!!!

Now - The Amazing Reality of an appointment on December 7, 2011 is that you have to purchase airline tickets to get there. So today we did just that, we bought our tickets to meet our son. YAY!!! So we are leaving Monday, December 5. That is in 9 days!!!! I can't even believe it - I really can't. So since we are leaving in 9 days - OH MY - we have lots of stuff to get done. WHOA!!!!! My sister flew in last night so that is one thing out of the way. Nick and I went out at 5 am this morning to jump in on the black friday shopping. We had so much fun and I bought an outfit for SDA/Court date. My beautiful most wonderful friend Gretchen came over for a visit while she is in town. All of our kids love Gretch - she is pretty much family really!!! She helped the little ones decorate the Christmas tree. So FUN!!!!!

This is my favorite picture!!! I am so grateful to have the Most Bestest Friend in the whole world!!!!!

Again - Conor just can't help himself!!!!!

Belle is very interested in the new addition to the living room.

Tomorrow the Plan is to write the lists - Lots & Lots of Lists!!!!

We Got Our Date!!!!! Happy Thanksgiving!!!!!!!

2011-11-24T08:16:00.001-05:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO ALL OF YOU

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT OF OUR FAMILY - IT MEANS SO MUCH

WANT TO HEAR

OUR SUPER CRAZY AWESOME THANKSGIVING NEWS?

Brigitte called us at 7:35 AM this morning with the Best of News!!!!

We have an appointment with the new adoption authority on

December 7th at 11:00

Dear Gavin,

We will see you in 2 weeks!!

Love,

Mommy & Daddy

THANK YOU GOD

Tomorrow

2011-11-23T11:57:00.000-05:00

Per our facilitator across the big ocean we will get our

TRAVEL DATE TOMORROW

Thanksgiving Day

(last year we got our travel date the day before Thanksgiving!!!)

This Momma is READY

(and it looks like we are all set with care for our children - THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL THE PRAYERS)

ALMOST THERE GAVIN

LOVE YOU BUDDY

You know you are adopting when..........

2011-11-22T09:59:00.000-05:00

Okay now we have waited for a travel date for over 8 weeks. Checking the computer like a maniac every moment I can for an update. The word (unofficial) on the streets of Ukraine TODAY is that families might be invited for an appointment on December 5. OH MY!!!!!! Now, it is hard to be jumping out of my skin with excitement because we DO NOT HAVE A PLAN FOR OUR CHILDREN AT HOME. Oh My - Oh My!!!! My Mom is out of the hospital (Thank GOD) but she is in no condition to take care of the kids. My sister just went in the hospital, so........

Please Pray that a very capable wonderful generous person will be just miraculously dropped at our house to take care of my very precious family.

So the bottom line is,

you know your adopting when

your Mom and Sister are both hospitalized prior to taking care of your family.

This and That

2011-11-20T09:57:00.000-05:00

Look what we got in the mail

We Have Our Very Own Charlotte Original!!!!!

Please go HERE!!! Read all about this girl and her AMAZING parents!!!!

I can NOT tell you how much it means to me to have her artwork on our fridge.

Thank you so much Kelly!!!!!

Our sweet Belle is so not feeling well. She is on an antibiotic and hopefully she will be feeling better ASAP. You know every time she gets sick I freak out that she will end up in the hospital. Since she has only been sick really twice and was admitted both times. Please Pray the antibiotic works - Thank you so much!!!

Poor Girl!!!!!

Forces out a smile for her Mom!!! She is such a TROOPER and I just Love her so very much!!!!!

Sarah & Mila are home!!!! YAY!!!!! We had planned to go to the airport for the BIG HOMECOMING but Belle was just too sick :( They are NOW HOME all SAFE AND SOUND and we are so GRATEFUL!!!!!! Congratulations Basile Family - We sure do Love You Guys!!!!!!

My Mom is doing better - Thank GOD!!!! She is off the oxygen and breathing just fine on her own (Thank you so much for all the prayers). Unfortunately she developed a new symptom 3 days ago - Bad Stomach Pain. She will be having a barium swallow on Monday.

Maybe we will get a travel date this week to meet our beautiful boy!!! I can NOT wait to hold him!!!!!

I Love You Gavin!!!!!!

Not official but.......

2011-11-17T08:13:00.000-05:00

Per our Facilitator in Gavin's country:

"Based on the today's unofficial information they may start accepting adoptive parents for appointments starting December"

It is looking so good that we are going to meet this guy

(Unofficially) This Year!!!!!!

Thank GOD!!!!!!

Thank you for Praying for my Mom!!!! She is still in the hospital - still fighting to breathe. She is on steroids, breathing treatments, antibiotics and oxygen - still with no relief. Please keep Praying!!!! Thank you so very Much!!!!!

The Good & The Bad

2011-11-16T10:46:00.000-05:00

The real good is that travel dates might go out this week. So Awesome!!!! So a glimpse of HOPE that Gavin might just be home this YEAR!!!!

The real bad is that my Mom is in the hospital. After calling an ambulance because she couldn't breathe she was admitted with COPD ( Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease). She is on oxygen and still she is fighting to breathe. Please send up some Prayers for my Mom - Thank you!!!

The bad is that my Mom was going to stay with the kids while we travel. So if we do get a date and we are to travel soon - we so need a back up plan.

The good is that I have absolute FAITH everything is going to work out!!!!

Oh boy I can not wait to hold this Love Bug!!!!!!

Happy Birthday Lilianna

2011-11-14T21:02:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday Sweet Girl

I have been trying to write this post all day and ..........

The bottom line is you deserve so much MORE

Two Birthdays in an orphanage is unacceptable

I am so sorry Beautiful Girl

I made you so many promises and I didn't come through

I am just so SORRY

I Love You

Marianne Fick is Lilianna's Christmas Warrior

Please visit HERE

She has a wonderful fundraiser going on for Lilianna
(It only involves change)

and/or

If you know a wonderful FAMILY looking for a beautiful little girl
Please let them know that we have found her
Her name is LILIANNA
she is 2 years old
she has Down syndrome
and she is missing her left hand
and she has MISSED having a FAMILY
For Way Too Long

Thank You

Our Happy Beautiful Butterfly

2011-11-13T20:19:00.001-05:00

Make a video - it's fun, easy and free!
www.onetruemedia.com

Basement Fun

2011-11-13T11:49:00.001-05:00

Laundry Basket - Check

Cement Floor - Check

Awesome Dad - Check

That's all you need to entertain two little girls

A Little Belle Funny

2011-11-11T16:00:00.000-05:00

I have to share this with all of you! Belle has been recently working on her "fake cry". It is really so cute. It is a pathetic crying sound and grimacing of her sweet face. Well she has used it with all of us here at home and her therapists. Well today I gave her a cookie after her lunch. Okay - now I need to tell you this girl LOVES chocolate chip cookies. So when she started using her fake cry every time she would pick up a piece I couldn't help but crack up. Apparently the mastering of a skill and the appropriateness of when to use it are not a concern of this princess. Boy oh boy do I Love her!!!!

Can any of you help me out with these red cheeks? We have tried Vaseline, aquaphor and eucerin with no relief. They are so red and dry and I would love any recommendations any of you have please!!! Thank you so much!!!!

So Very Grateful!!!!!!!

2011-11-11T12:06:00.000-05:00

To my Husband, to my Dad, to my Uncle Joe and Uncle John to both my Grandpa's and to All the Men and Women

that serve now or have served

Thank You

Good News

2011-11-10T11:52:00.003-05:00

November 15th the new adoption authority in Gavin's country will be functioning!!! YAY!!! This is WONDERFUL news!!!!

Praying hard for a travel date ASAP so we can go meet our BOY, hug our BOY, kiss our BOY, love on our BOY and then bring HOME our SON!!!!!!

WOO HOO!!!!

Oh My - Look at that beautiful boy!!!!

Soon Buddy - Soon!!!!
Just a little longer!!!

Adoption Is LOVE!!!!

2011-11-08T18:39:00.000-05:00

National Adoption Month 2011

2011-11-07T09:44:00.000-05:00

Office of the Press Secretary

For Immediate Release

November 01, 2011

Presidential Proclamation -- National Adoption Month, 2011

NATIONAL ADOPTION MONTH, 2011

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

As a Nation, one of our highest responsibilities is to ensure the health and well-being of our children. With generous hearts and open minds, we strive to make sure all children grow up knowing they have a family that shares with them the warmth, security, and unconditional love that will help them succeed. And yet, more than 100,000 children in America await this most basic support, and still more children abroad live without families. During National Adoption Month, we celebrate the acts of compassion and love that unite children with adoptive families, and we rededicate ourselves to the essential task of providing all children with the comfort and safety of a permanent home.

The decision to adopt a child has brought profound joy and meaning into the lives of Americans across our country. Parents are moved to adopt for reasons as unique and varied as the children they embrace, but they are unified by the remarkable grace of their acts. Adoptive families come in all forms. With so many children waiting for loving homes, it is important to ensure that all qualified caregivers are given the opportunity to serve as adoptive parents, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation, or marital status.

My Administration remains steadfast in our support of adoptive families and children in need of homes. Earlier this year, I signed the Child and Family Services Improvement and Innovation Act, which reauthorizes child welfare programs and makes new provisions to help reduce the amount of time young children are without permanent families. I also signed the Healthy, Hunger¬-Free Kids Act to provide balanced, nutritious meals to all children in the foster care system. Last year, during National Adoption Month, I signed the International Adoption Simplification Act, which removed unnecessary regulations and barriers to international adoption. These efforts come in addition to the Adoption Tax Credit, which was extended and expanded as part of the Affordable Care Act to make adoption more accessible to American families. Through these key pieces of legislation, my Administration is moving forward with our commitment to stand with youth in foster care and find new ways to encourage adoption.

Adoption has become a part of many Americans' lives and has contributed to the character of our Nation. As parents and as family members, it is our task to do all we can to give our children the very best. In caring for our youth and putting them before ourselves, we make a lasting investment not only in their future, but also in the prosperity and strength of our Nation in the years to come. This month and throughout the year, let us recommit to ensuring every child is given the sustaining love of family, the assurance of a permanent home, and the supportive upbringing they deserve.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim November 2011 as National Adoption Month. I encourage all Americans to observe this month by answering the call to find homes for every child in America in need of a permanent and caring family, and to support the families who care for them.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this first day of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.

BARACK OBAMA

Today is Orphan Sunday

2011-11-06T10:05:00.001-05:00

Dare to reach out your hand into the darkness,

to pull another hand into the light.

~Norman B. Rice

Blessed indeed is the man who hears

many gentle voices call him father!

~ Lydia M. Child

It really is just that simple!!

Take that leap of faith and Be Blessed

it certainly has worked for us

Of all the rights of women......

2011-11-05T17:35:00.000-04:00

Of all the rights of women, the greatest is to be a mother.

---Lin Yutang

This is why......

2011-11-04T08:37:00.000-04:00

When people ask "Are you really going back again?" - I really don't know what to say. I am stuck for a moment and remember that they haven't seen what we have seen. They don't understand. They don't get it. Anyone that has been there, or truly understands the devastation would never ever ask that question. So after my brief delay with an answer I usually say "We sure are". I don't want to explain. I don't want to take even a moment to try. I would much rather just take my heart right out of my chest and hand it over and say "Feel this"!!!! Or give them the visions that often run across my mind of all the beautiful children I saw malnourished and deteriorating. The sweet little treasures just waiting for their turn to have a forever family. The children tied to cribs with nylon. Or the many dark eyes that pleaded with me just to pick them up out of that crib. Or if I could just give them the sounds, the cries, the head banging, the screaming, or even worse - the silence of those that had just given up. Then and only then would they never ask us that again.

Anna and her husband are on the other side of the ocean right now. As a matter of fact they are probably in court this very moment petitioning to adopt a beautiful little boy. Please send up a prayer for everything to go smoothly. ANNA wrote a beautiful post yesterday and she explains everything just so well. I want to print it out and just hand it to those that ask "Why can't you just let it go".

I can't let it go and I never will.

I am BLESSED to have a constant reminder of what a little leap of FAITH can do!!!!!

THE GIFT OF LIFE

2011-11-03T13:02:00.000-04:00

Dear Bellie, Owen & Sara

THE GIFT OF LIFE

I didn't give you the gift of life,

But in my heart I know.

The love I feel is deep and real,

As if it had been so.

For us to have each other

Is like a dream come true!

No, I didn't give you

The gift of life,

Life gave me the gift of you.

--- Unknown

I Love You To The Moon and Back

Mommy