7 Quick Takes

--- 1 ---

I am a horrible blogger lately! To say I'm busy is an understatement. We have some sort of stomach bug going around our house right now and it is not pretty. I had to reschedule Maks' evaluation with the school district for July. :(

--- 2 ---

Soooo, Happy Easter! We had a pretty good Lent. I didn't fail too miserably at my Lenten sacrifices, and I feel like the big girls are really starting to understand Lent and Easter well. We had fun at a big party on Easter Sunday after mass.

My kids are ridiculously cute.

--- 3 ---

Is anyone doing the Divine Mercy Novena? I failed. BUT, I am so excited for this upcoming Divine Mercy Sunday and the canonization of two great men, but especially Pope John Paul II. I have rosary beads that my grandma gave to me that were blessed by him, so I guess I have a relic! :) Pope John Paul II was a huge part of my conversion. Even before I was Catholic, I loved seeing him on TV and reading about him in magazines. He did so many wonderful things and the world was so lucky to have him.

Not too many people know that PJPII is one of the saints I asked for prayers from during our entire adoption process. So he really holds a special place in my heart, especially now that Maks is home safe, and I have to believe that he is still praying for our sweet Nico.

I love this photo of him:

Uncommon Photos of John Paul the Great

--- 4 ---

Prayer request #1: Our littlest girl is having an allergy scratch test on May 1st, and I'd appreciate some prayers. She's a spunky little thing and I'm afraid it will be hard on her and she will freak. And please pray that her allergies are something easy to avoid (ie: not wheat or something like that!!)

--- 5 ---

Prayer request #2: Maks' tonsillectomy is officially scheduled for June 9th. I am so scared! I know it has to be done, but that doesn't make it any easier. Please pray for his comfort and healing and for my momma's heart as I prepare. I've never had a kiddo have surgery before, and I know I'm a wuss, but I'd really appreciate it.

--- 6 ---

I need to start planning some summer activities for the kids. The big girls are going to VBS for a week, but that's all I've got... We will go absolutely crazy if we don't keep busy, but it will take some work to do that on a budget!

--- 7 ---

I am so excited about Jen Fulwiler's new book coming out next week. I'm hoping I can get out of my funk and actually finish the book so I can discuss it with people!! Her blog (the one this post links to) has been amazing for my faith journey. I just can't wait to read the book!

Happy weekend!

For more Quick Takes, visit Conversion Diary!

 

Maks is FOUR!

As I look through the pictures the orphanage gave us when we adopted you, a million thoughts come to mind.

What were we doing when you were born? Tessa was only about 6 months old. We were at Disneyland that day. It makes me cry to think about the pain your birth mom was going through, and the fact that you were in an orphanage for almost 4 years after that.

I thank God that your birth parents gave you life. I pray that their hearts are comforted on this day. That if they ever want to contact us, that they will be able to find us.

I am thankful that Reece's Rainbow and all of its wonderful advocates helped us find you and bring you home. For all the people who donated and prayed for you.  For the team in Ukraine that helped get us out of there fast and efficiently.

I'm thankful for the babyhouse that took such good care of you while you were there. That you had surgery that fixed your heart.

I'm thankful for your squishy snuggles and your adorable kisses. I'm even thankful when you cry, because I know that means you trust us. Even on the hard days, I'm proud that you are our son. Seeing you bond with your siblings has been an enormous blessing.

Watching you have your firsts. First steps, first words, first signs, first Christmas with a family, first birthday party, first wave, first kisses... soooo many firsts, brings tears to my eyes. Birthdays where you aren't cherished and celebrated are no more.

We love you so much, sweet boy. Happy fourth birthday. We are so very happy you're our son!

4 Months Home!!!

Oh wow, 4 months. I don't even know where to start. This boy is amazing! I am so thankful for the nannies at his orphanage, because it's clear he was well taken care of.

He is SO smart. He is using signs regularly, and is doing great at trying to talk. He loves to watch Frozen with the girls, and he even pretends to sing. He loves to dance. He loves loud music. He loves his family and we love him! He's getting much more stable on his feet, and is starting to crawl more often instead of butt scooting. His IEP evaluation is at the end of this month.

We started a messy art class last week at the community center, and he loved it.

Sunday we celebrated his birthday (a week early) at Organ Stop Pizza. It was a party for Lily and him, and we had a BLAST! So many people showed up to celebrate our amazing kids. We are so blessed.

A candle for each birthday he spent in the orphanage, and his #4 for this birthday!!

Let me tell you, there is not much that is more emotional than planning and throwing a party for a former orphan. Lily was SO excited to share her party with her new brother, and I almost cried about 10 times. 

You can adopt from the same place Maks is from! These sweet kids are in the same region! It is such a great place, and much cheaper than a lot of regions. You will be blessed, I know it!

http://reecesrainbow.org/75698/george-martha