Max

If you know me IRL, you probably already know that I became an aunt this week. Yep, for the very first time. Sweet little Max entered the world on Monday and he is adorable! My sister is a champ - pretty sure the birth and unplanned c-section weren't quite what she had in mind. I am just thrilled to have a nephew and thrilled that our boys have a cousin. I have fantastic memories with my cousins and still enjoy spending time with them (I have 14 cousins).

On Wednesday, I took the boys up for a short visit to meet Max - we made a stop on the way so they could each pick a little gift for him and we got a couple of balloons as well. They were SO excited to meet him and were all instantly in love with him. Titus told me repeatedly after we left that, "Max tute." (cute). He (Ty) didn't stop smiling the whole time. All three of them clamored to hold him and gave him sweet kisses when we left. Melted my heart. Max has been the topic of many conversations this week and the most viewed photos on my phone.

Welcome to the family, Max! We love you!

 (More pictures to come...blogger is SO SLOW tonight!!!)

Calvin's Birthday

I am remiss in posting about Calvin's 6th (!) birthday! Last Thursday marked the day. It was with MUCH excitement that he anticipated his big day. He decided to go to Conner Prairie and we invited a few friends to come along. It was the most beautiful day we've head in the past 10 days or so - sunny and 60. First we had presents and donuts as well as a short visit with Andrew's cousin and soon-to-be married in cousin, then our trip to Conner Prairie and finally, a movie night with hamburgers and fries, cupcakes (his choice!), and vanilla/chocolate swirl ice cream. Here are a pictures of his fabulous day:

Such good friends. Patrick was thrilled with the legos he picked for Calvin's birthday gift!

He is so sweet about all of his presents!

Enjoying a "horse" ride with one of his friends.

He still loves to take on various characters.

Holding the goat was probably a highlight - for him, not the goat. :)

Wood working - it took a lot of concentration.

My favorite boys in the whole world!

So fun having friends meet us there!

Gorgeous day and great company!

A little stoic - getting ready to blow out the 6 candles!

Dear Calvin,

What a joy and delight you are to our family! I'm amazed that the little boy that I met 4 1/2 years ago is now a big six year old!

This year you have really shown an interest in art. You are rarely without a paper and pen. You are learning to read and doing very well in school. Sometimes I think I'm not challenging you enough! You continue to work on clear speech and I'm so proud of your dedication to it. You are still a trooper when it comes to your cleft appointments and handle it all with grace.

Calvin, you ask deep questions and constantly want to learn. You tell me how much you love God and it makes my heart rejoice. You talk about how you came to be a part of our family frankly and openly and I love that you are comfortable enough to discuss adoption and your "tummy" mom. I hope you always feel that freedom.

Your favorite thing to tell me is that you love me more. And when I assure you that you couldn't possibly love me more than I love you, you respond with a litany of how much you love me. I can't help but smile and hug you close. You are also very complimentary and tell me when you like what I'm wearing or how I look. You are a sweet son. A good big brother. And an awesome person.

I'm incredibly thankful to God for bringing us together. You were born in a country far, far away and I wanted to be a Mommy so much. I still can't fathom how I was blessed enough to become your Mom. I want you to know that I loved you before I met you, before I even knew about you, you were in my heart. God knew that we needed each other.

I love you always and forever, no matter what, Calvin.

Love,
Mommy

Long Time, No Write :)

How can it be another month already?! I feel so behind!

School has been going well overall. It's been exciting to see the changes in the boys - I've especially noticed a lot of maturing in Patrick. I'm so thankful that we decided to homeschool this year. We finish our classes this week and I know the boys will be sad.

I had a chance to attend the Cincinnati Homeschool convention last weekend (thanks, Andrew!). It was incredibly encouraging and refreshing. Last year, I went to our local convention and just didn't get much out of the sessions but here, it was like drinking from a fire hydrant. As we look towards next year (yes, we are signing on for another year), I know there are things I will change and I also have some exciting new resources. Going to the exhibit hall is equally overwhelming and exciting and inspiring. Anyway, it was a wonderful weekend with some great friends - friends from our homeschool group and my friend, Ann, who was my roomie. She and I had a chance to meet up with three other Kaz moms and it was a wonderful time - I'm SO glad we went down early enough to see them all!

Balancing work, home, and school has been tough at times. Andrew is so supportive and I love that he gets to do school with the kids one morning a week! I think I'm still working on how to make everything work effectively but it's gotten better.

Spring soccer kicked off today and we had two VERY excited little boys! This month also marks the month that I will be come an aunt for the first time - I can't wait to meet my nephew! And the boys will have a cousin which they are quite thrilled about; though the whole process has brought up a number of questions since obviously babies come to families in different ways - and it's definitely a different process for our family. :)

Well, just thought I should at least write something. It's been a full first part of the year and we are looking forward to the warm weather. If any of you still stop by my little corner of the web - thank you! I have a feeling I'll be back more frequently soon - I miss blogging so much!