New Goal

I have decided that I don't post here quite enough. So I am going to try and get some type of update 2-3 times a week. Let's hope that I can do it.
Well for those that have followed for a while, you will remember that we had decided to sell our house and find a 3 bedroom ranch instead of our 3 bedroom bi-level with 1 bedroom down. It just wasn't what we thought it would be with two little ones! Who knew 10 years ago that we were going to be blessed with two wonderful kids :) So we've had an offer on a house since March, contingent on selling our house. This offer is good only until the end of this month, then it's anyones guess. As luck would have it, we have a promising option in the works. I am hoping that by the end of the month I will be able to post better news on that front! Extra prayers of most definitely welcome.
The kids are doing great. Dreyden cut 3 molars this past weekend - YIKES - poor boy had a low fever, runny nose and drool every where! He only wanted mashed potatoes and to be held. Sleep was completely out of the norm, so we all had a very challenging weekend. But yesterday, he seemed much better. Nose is doing good, drool is down and we have our little dancer back. Have I even mentioned that this kids loves to dance with his sister. It is the most adorable thing to watch. With any luck maybe I'll get some video of that and can post it for everyone.
Ahlyana is growing up to such a little lady. (most of the time) She loves to help fold clothes, empty the dishwasher and "tattle" on her little brother. But watch out when it's bed time - the girl fights it to no end. It really started when we got back with Dreyden. Of course she had to sleep with us, since it was only fair. But now that Dreyden has transitioned to his room - she hates to go into her own. The whole drama of another book, using the bathroom or being thirsty. It's almost comical some nights - Mainly because if Todd is gone I can get her to down fairly decent. But if Todd's home, she can play him like a fiddle (and she knows it). I hope that changes soon, since at the age of 8 or 9 we could have much more intense drama.
Our summer has been spent mostly camping, maintaining the house for selling and yard work... Working full-time with two little ones and keeping the house perfect for showing is proving to be a huge time consumer. But this too will pass.
Well I think that's about as much of an update as I can give now - I really will try and post more often.

Pictures as promised

Yes, they are very late, I just don't know where the time goes. I hope you enjoy!

Ahly looking so grown-up at 4.

(cake made my Mom - Thanks Betty Crocker!)

Strawberry Shortcake was the theme!

Loving her Bangles!

Monkey see Monkey do - Ahly is pretending to be texting!

What are we in for :)

Easter Egg hunt!

Finalization (Do I see a tear in his eye)

If you missed my previous post, our Judge also adopted from ISRC 9 years ago!

Princess Ahly "lov'n her brother"

First nice day out doors - Ahly giving Dreyden "mowing" instructions.

The family at Dreydens Baptism

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!