How Long We Have Been A Family!

Count Down To Nate's 4th Birthday!

Lilypie Fourth Birthday tickers

Sunday, August 31, 2008

Sleep Talker?

Ok, so question: Is it possible that babies could talk in their sleep? 2 nights this week we have woken up to sounds in the baby monitor. This is unsusual since Nathaniel has been sleeping through the night since about 2 weeks after we came home. He isn't crying or upset, we just hear happy sounds of "Ba-ba-ba-ba-ba" for about 2 minutes and then nothing until around 7 AM. So again, is it possible that babies talk in their sleep?

Whatever the answer, it's cute. :-)

Friday, August 29, 2008

Long Time, No Update

So I have mostly been doing picture updates cause it is easier and takes less time. :-)

The last couple of weeks have been getting busier. Nathaniel continues to grow and I discover more new things about him everyday. He is right on the verge of crawling! I have to tell you this is an amazing thing! Considering that when we first met him, he had no arm strength to hold himself up and SCREAMED any time you put him on his stomach! Now he quickly goes from sitting to his belly. It seems to be preferred over his back.

Last week both Nathaniel and I were sick. Runny noses, sneezing and coughing seemed to be the symptoms for both of us, but with rest (lots of extra sleep for Nathaniel) and chicken noodle soup for me, we are better.

On Monday I got the re-adoption paperwork I requested from an attorney in Portland. It is a Do-It-Yourself kind of thing. I pay her to provide the directions and documents, and I fill them out myself. Technically we are representing ourselves rather than hiring a lawyer. Trust me, the pocket book likes it this way much better (in other words the cost is significantly less). I actually enjoy the paperwork and almost (dare I say it) miss it.

The paperwork was completed and notarized on Thursday. I submitted it on Friday to the Jackson county court and mailed a copy to DHS in Salem.

Friday also was Nathaniel's eye exam. The Opthamologist did a thorough exam, he even dialated his eyes. He said that everything is perfect! His eyes are normal for a kid his age. His next appointment isn't until he is 2 or 3!

Coming soon, on September 8th is our 3 month Post Placement visit. I can't believe it has almost been 3 months since he has been in our arms. How much life has changed...all for the GOOD!

Sunday, August 24, 2008

The Best Thing In The World...This Adorable Face!


This is his REALLY excited face! I tried really hard to get a good picture, but it all happened so fast so this was the only one that turned out.

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Nathaniel's Favorite Song...sad but true!

It doesn't matter what he is doing, (drinking a bottle, falling asleep, etc.) he always turns to listen to his favorite song! Poor little guy is completely scarred by his parents obsession with Gilmore Girls.

Nathaniel's Picture of the Day!

Ta-da!

Eating Big Bird! Yummy!

Monday, August 18, 2008

Happy 31st Birthday, Daddy --- Love, Baby Nathaniel

Today my Daddy turned 31! He is getting so old!
I got to spend the morning with Daddy, but I was a little cranky. I always am after Sundays cause they are pretty crazy days for just a little boy like me.

My biggest present I gave to my Daddy was lots of yucky diaper changes. :-) Hey, it's not my fault, Mommy keeps feeding me prunes!
Mommy and lots of friends went bowling for his birthday. I wish I was big enough to bowl, but Mommy said no. She said someone might mistake me for the ball!
Then we all went to Red Robin. Mommy and Daddy ate the really good stuff, while I just was stuck with a bottle. Ahhhh, to be old enough for a burger and fries....someday...
Happy Birthday, Daddy. I love you!

Love,
Nathaniel

Happy Birthday, Grandpa -- Love, Baby Nathaniel

August 18th is the best day in the world, because it is my Daddy's birthday AND my Grandpa's birthday!!
Happy birthday, Grandpa! I can't wait to see you again REALLY soon! Mommy says we get to see you in September! I am so excited!

I love you!
Love,
Nathaniel

Sunday, August 17, 2008

Daddy's Office

What a cute little boy (if I do say so myself!) with such amazing expressions. We were just chillin' after Sunday morning service waiting for Daddy to finish what he was doing. (BTW, this is not what he normally wears to church. We had a diaper malfunctions right before church started...or was it the prunes I have been feeding him???)

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Say What???


Yeah, that is the temperature registering in my car.

Friday, August 8, 2008

Happy 7 Month Birthday, Little Boy!

My 7 Month old little boy! (Ummm...the banana's are an inside joke. He he he!)


Today is Nathaniel's 7 Month Birthday! It is amazing how much he has grown and changed just in the short time we have had him.

Nathaniel truly is an amazing kid. We love him so much. We are truly blessed beyond anything we could ever dream, imagine are even hope to deserve. Thank you Lord!

Catching Up

It has been a LONG time since I have wrote an real update on our family!

We have had a couple of busy weeks! Last week we had my mom, dad and sister come into town for Nathaniel's big Adoption shower and his Dedication (video coming soon).

We had a wonderful time with family here! The Adoption shower was incredible! I was so amazed and overwhelmed by all the people who came to show their love to little Nathaniel. He was such a trooper and even fell asleep despite all the festivities.

So, there were over 200 pictures taken at the Adoption shower, and now my memory card is showing the pictures are there, but won't let me download them. Anyone have any suggestion??? I don't want to lose them!

The Dedication service was perfect and something I will never forget. It started with a special video I put together about our journey (see this post). We dressed Nathaniel in an Ethiopia outfit, and my mom, Paul's mom and I all wore items we purchased while in Ethiopia. It is hard to explain how it felt to be holding my son, surrounded by Paul's family and my family, while our church family prayed over us. We are truly blessed!

Nathaniel & Grandma

Nathaniel all dressed up on Dedication day

Grandpa and Nathaniel on Dedication day

Auntie Heather, Grandma, Me and Nathaniel


Auntie Heather at our favorite place...Starbucks! Nathaniel is becoming very familiar with this place. :-)