Finalized!

Monday was our court date to finalize Dreydens adoption. As we expected the Judge came through and issued his Adoption Record. Looks just like a birth certificate. His name is finally, officially changed to Dreyden George !
For those who are with Dillon you will appreciate this! The Judge we had, adopted a little girl from ISRC, thru Dillon almost 9 years ago. What a small world! It almost seemed as if he had a tear in his eye during the proceedings. I'll post pictures later so you can see for yourself.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Michele

Finalization

Well before I even had time post pictures, I have found out that we are able to finalize Dreydens adoption on the 27th of this month! Yippee...... For some some reason I didn't think we could finalize until after 6 months and 3 home visits. But the 6 month/3home visits is a requirement by our Agency and his birth country. I guess we could have finalized at any time, as long as our SW was in agreement. I don't believe that this necessarily applies to everyone, but is more driven by your States laws. So we now have another celebration this month!! What a God filled month it is. We of course have Easter, then Dreyden's baptism is the 19th and finally his Finalization on the 27th. Things really do come in 3's. (let's hope that God wants to add in the selling of our house for a 4th blessing!!!!)

There are also many families that are either currently traveling or soon to be traveling. We wish them all a very safe journey - - - and hope that more referrals are coming for the families still waiting for their little boy or girl.

Michele

Happy Birthday Ahlyana!

Yesterday was a big day! My first baby turned 4 years old. Where has the time gone?? I am so proud of this little girl, she is so mature for her age, most days, then there are the does where she is very trying........But that is with any preschooler! I am absolutely treasuring these days. Just the thought of this being her year to start 4-k is amazing to me. She has grown so much in the 8 hours a week at preschool that I'm sure she is going to blossom even more in the next year. Her new thing now is doing math. Or sort of. She loves to count people/things. Then when the amount changes she's really quick to say something like "now there's only 5 Mama". Amazingly she's right most of the time. When I get excited and congratulate her, saying she just did subtraction - she give me a look like OK - soooo. She is doing great with her little brother too, but getting to the point of needing her own space. Hence our decision to look for a new house. Actually we've found one, but now we have to sell ours - and this is where the fun begins- wish us luck - It would be great if it could be done by early June!
At any rate, I'll post birthday pictures soon!

Everyones favorite - pictures!

First, this is one of my favorites of the Ayahs and the babies. You can really feel the love!


This is our return flight into Detroit, where Dreyden met my Sister and her family.
Here Todd, Dreyden and myself are with my Sister and her son Hann. (Who by the way just added to their family today - another little boy - who just doesn't have a name quite yet) Congratulations Balbach family!!!!


The family at Dreydens first birthday!


Dreyden not sure what to do with the cake!



OK, now I got it! This is delicious!

Ahly and Dreyden - inseparable!

OK, so we're in WI, we have to ice fish :)

And finally, Ahlyana and Dreydens first photo opt! Both these outfits were bought in Calcutta at the AC market (for those traveling and staying at the Kenilworth - it's right around the corner)

so sorry.....

That these updates have been far and few between. With me being back at work time has been very precious. I thought I could do these over my lunch hour and then blogger was blocked! So I will get here as much as I can. Dreyden is doing great. Big sister is absolutely loving him :) We are currently running into our first ear infection, with him, which really isn't surprising since we went from 45 degree weather back to the minus zeroes! He is a real trooper though. Tired, but hardly ever cranky. He has gained 2.2 lbs in 6 weeks! I love to see it. Amazingly he is just 7 lbs lighter than Ahlyana, 3 years difference and only 7 lbs. hmmmmm She is a muscle woman though! She loves to pick him up and carry him (under the arm pits) to where ever she wants to play, if he's not cooperating. At times a little to smothering, but it's all out of love :)

His Birthday was great! The cake was hilareous He has also started walking which we love to see. Still prefers to crawl since he's like lightening!

Here is a new family picture. I promise to post more pictures of his birthday and other items soon.