Summer Days

It has been a long time since I've posted anything, but we are keeping busy. We went camping a couple months back and the kids had a great time even though it started to rain and storm really bad. I don't think Scott and I slept even a wink, but the kids slept through the rain, thunder, wind, and lighting. The next morning it was STILL raining and it didn't look like it was going to let up. SO, we packed the kids up and left. Scott went back later to get the tent and things.

The following weekend we went to Nana Carries and had fun at this fountain in the city then at the beach. Lola and Samuel loved the water at both places and had so much fun. Unfortunately, that night Samuel was running a 102 temp and had diarrhea. He seemed better after a couple of days.

Just this last Sunday, we celebrated Lola's birthday...it was a great time. Family came and we had hot dogs and cake. I think Lola was really blessed by our two families who came and treated her just like she was one of our own! This never ceases to amaze me because we don't know how long she will be with us, but our families treat her with same love as all the other grandkids.

Now, we are getting ready to celebrate Samuel's birthday. It looks like the party will be the beginning of August since the baby is going to be delivered either the 22 or 25. At least this is what the doc says. We will see...we have a final ultrasound in 2 weeks, which will give the doctor a better idea.

Sorry, for the boring blog update, but maybe the pics will make up for my lack of inspiration :)

Here is a picture of Samuel relaxing in his "tent" that his tati made for him. He was so excited about camping and sleeping in a tent that Scott made this one for him and Lola.

Samuel and Lola both helped Poppy and Mema bottle feed his new baby deer. Samuel thought it was pretty neat, but ultimately wanted out to see the tractors again. He loves tractors. Lola didn't care too much for the whole experience :)

I love this picture of Samuel and Great Grandpa Bill. Grandpa is showing him tractors in a magazine. Samuel loves Grandpa Bill.

Fun in the pool! Samuel is a water baby; it doesn't matter...hose, puddle, watering can, pool, bathtub, rain, or shower...he loves it. Lola loves it as long as you don't spray her with the water especially near the face. They have been to the "big" pool twice now with me and my niece Erin and have had a lot of fun.

I had to post this picture because I was absolutely amazed at how beautiful my "maci" poppies were this year. Scott planted these poppies for me because I love them and they remind me of Romania. It is interesting to see these huge paper thin petals bloom from this tiny little shell.

Here is a picture that does not do justice to how nice and well kept Scott's garden is. He and Carrie spent a lot of time weeding and then putting wood chips over it all. He has had several comments even from neighbors as to how nice it looks. We have already eaten broccoli, salad, dill, oregano, basil, onions, raspberries (actually Samuel has eaten most of those :) and garlic from it this summer. My personal favorite has been the dill; I add to everything and it's really good on hot dogs (who knew).

Here's our big boy again in the "apa"...this time in his birthday suit!

Here is a picture of Samuel in Chicago...Carrie took us to this park downtown and there was this big silver blob thing. The kids loved it...well us adults thought it was pretty "cool" also.

Here is Samuel having a blast in the "fountain." The kids loved this place...they didn't want to leave, but we wanted them to have a taste of what the beach is like.

For all of you who are curious as to how the belly is growing, here is a belly shot at the beach. Not a very good one, but you get the idea.

Scott dug a hole in the sand and Samuel and Lola had fun just standing in it and playing with the sand.

Sneak Peek!

Technology these days never ceases to amaze me. Scott and I and the kids went for my 24 week ultrasound. We were excited to see the normal ultrasound pictures on the screen. Then the technician says, "let me try something." Up pops a perfect picture of our baby's face! We were so amazed...he/she looks just like Samuel did when he was born, just not as chubby yet. The baby has the same jaw line and nose. We just couldn't believe we were looking at our baby's face. A baby that only weighs a little over a pound and still has 3 months to go before being born. God is so creative. Anyway, just thought you might want to have a sneak peek at the new baby D. :)

Mother's Day

As I was listening to the radio today on my way home from church, the announcer said that motherhood changes women in ways they may not have imagined it would. At first that may sound like an obvious statement, but in reality I do not think I was prepared as to how I would be changed by becoming a mother.

I look back and realize in many ways I'm not as adventuresome as I used to be. This is not a bad thing...I'm not lamenting on being a mother. Rather, I'm realizing how my outlook on life has changed. Also, I used to be really cut and dry about how children should be raised. Of course I thought I had all the answers. I also had a list of all the things I would not do with my child. Believe me many of those have gone out the window. Also, I used to think I was a really patient person. Well, I know that I am not. Many times I feel like such a failure when it comes to being a mom. But I know that being perfect is a false idea...I just hope my kids remember all the times when I was patient and fun, instead of when I lost my temper and ran out of interesting, new things for them to do. Most of all, I look at the world in a different way. I see children in horrible situations throughout the world and can't imagine how difficult it is for their parents to see them suffer. I think to the orphans that I know in Romania and imagine what if Samuel was in their shoes. Every child starts to take on the face of my own and it is hard to understand why some are born where they are and others not. I get scared that someday something will happen to me and Samuel will be alone and I think this is the worst fear of all. Yet, I have to remember that God is in control and He has a mighty plan. But this is motherhood, with all it's wonderful blessings of smiles, kisses, hugs, and silly laughter, tears, cries, bumps, and fears; it changes you.

Enough of my rambling. Happy Mother's Day to all the women I know and do not know...whether you have children or not...I know you have been a mother to someone in someway.

A couple weeks back, I decided spur of the moment to take the kids to this really beautiful park. It was a nice day, but it was close to nap time; we decided to go anyway. Wait a minute, maybe I'm not losing my adventuresome side :) Anyway, it couldn't have been a better day. We had a picnic lunch in the open field. The weather was warm but breezy. A wonderful spring day to explore the gardens and hike a little in the woods. Scott and I were amazed at how Lola and Samuel just kept going, climbing, running, and exploring. They hardly even wanted us to carry them, which for their short legs seems a pretty amazing thing to me. Here a few pictures from our time there.

I'm not sure what this poze is all about.

I laughed and laughed and then laughed some more when I saw Samuel's crack shining. Then Lola laughed and then Samuel turned around and laughed.

Samuel "kissing" the fish. They both had such fun climbing on these things.

What can I say? I am truly blessed...he is so beautiful!

Samuel watching some kids play "futbol" soccer. I love the hand behind his back! The next two pictures are when Samuel turned to us and said "Pa Pa" "Bye Bye" and then started walking. He just kept going until we stopped him.

Speaking of seeing your children experience bumps and bruises ...about a week ago. I took Samuel and Lola to the park to see Scott. He was having a play day with his kids there. We were having fun until Samuel busted his lip on the steps leading to the slide. Blood was going everywhere. I had to stop it with my hand. Good thing there was a kind lady there who gave me some tissues. It didn't look too bad from the outside, but on the inside there was a huge chunk of fatty like tissue sticking out. Took him to the doctor and they said no need for stitches. Well, more than a week later the rest is healing but the tissue inside is still sticking out. As a matter of fact, Samuel bit it on accident the other day and it started bleeding. Poor guy. So back to the doctor...he still thinks it will go away...but wants to see him again in two weeks. Pray that God heals it and there will be no need for any other means of removing it! Here is a picture of the inside.

Thanks!

That's all I needed to know...that someone besides myself :) was actually reading this blog. I'm glad at least a couple of people are reading otherwise I'd feel pretty silly. More Blogs to come...Thanks! And here's a pic just for you John:)

Does Anyone Read This?

I am debating on not blogging anymore. In reality I don't do it very often anyway and I'm not sure if anyone is benefiting from it. In other words...Does anyone read this? I am not writing it for myself am I? Scott and I originally thought it would be a good idea to have a blog to keep family members and far off friends semi up-to-date on our life. But I'm not sure any of those people actually read this. So, if you are reading this please let me know and I will continue. If not then I guess well...I'll stop. I mean it's not like I don't have better things to do with my time :)

Spring Has Arrived!

Spring has definitely arrived in our neck of the woods and we are sure relieved! Our kids have been getting very antsy to be out of the house. I must say I was running out of creative ideas also. Our flowers, that Scott, Lola, and Nana planted last fall, have bloomed and are so beautiful. Lola and Samuel, not to mention Scott and I, have been anxiously observing their progress since the first signs of green started to sprout. It is amazing to think that Lola has now been with us through three seasons of change. This is the longest we have had a foster child and at times I almost feel like she has been with us from the beginning. Then I need to check myself and remember this is temporary...too easy to get your feelings dashed if you let yourself forget this.
Along with the changes of the season it seems that our family is going through many changes. Samuel and Lola continue to amaze us with the new words and things they learn everyday. This year was Samuel's first Easter to get an actual Easter basket...it didn't come from the Easter bunny (although I have nothing against those who do use this tradition with their children). Scott and I just wanted the candy part of Easter to be used as a means of celebrating Jesus Christ's Resurrection from the dead. Needless to say Samuel and Lola both love smarties (mama sure enjoys them too ). We finally put the baskets in storage, thank goodness, because every morning they would see them and ask for "bomboane" candy.
Samuel and Lola both participated in the annual Easter egg hunt down at the farm with all their cousins. Samuel tallied 3 eggs and I'm sure Lola had more because she had her 17 year old cousin Gretchen helping her out.
Another welcomed change is that both Lola and Samuel have been using the "potty." Samuel is only using diapers for nap and bedtime. Lola is pretty much potty trained. In some ways I guess this is me bragging, but more than that this is me "PRAISING GOD!" because I really wanted them to be out of diapers before the baby comes. Not to mention Scott and I really hate the impact disposables have on our environment. So, forgive my bragging a little after all I'm really bragging about my kids and how great THEY are doing.

We have also added a few changes to Lola's room. I say "we" but it was mostly Scott; the kids and I watched. However, Samuel did like to help Tati when the opportunity arose. He is amazed with tools and anything that has moving parts. This new closet organizer allowed us to actually have an organized space for all the toys. We moved all of Lola's shoes to a drawer where she could play with them. Samuel also likes to play with Lola's shoes. I'm sure someday he may hate some of these pictures, but I think it's great he loves to dress up.

This last change may seem a silly one to mention, but this picture was too cute not to add in to our "theme". About 4 months ago I decided to chop my hair short, I mean boy short. For those of you who know me, it's like I had in high school. It had been a long time since I had really short hair, but when she cut it all off it was very freeing. I heard myself saying it's just hair and I really felt good when it was done. Well, Scott decided that summer was coming and with his camp job he to would cut off all of his hair and beard. This picture just shows the process...he buzzed it all off the top and shaved the rest of the beard. Samuel did not know what to think when it was all said and done :)

Well, hope you are all enjoying some beautiful Spring weather where you are experiencing changes both beautiful and challenging.

The Great Outdoors!

Today Scott and I took the kids to a beautiful wildlife area we have near our home because the weather turned out to be really nice today. Anyway, we walked along the trail that leads you through some amazing prairie grass. You could hear it rustling in the wind; it was very pretty. We came to a clearing before we continued on to the "wetlands" and made a pit stop so Samuel could pee or poop; we couldn't tell :) As I'm squatting next to Samuel and Scott is holding him, Lola comes along. She is very excited saying "Mama, Mama." I can see she is holding something in her hand and she opens it up and there laying in her palm is a perfectly round deer turd! I knock it out of her hand and almost wet myself because I was laughing so hard. I couldn't even stand up! Scott and I just thought it was hysterical. One kid peeing the other bringing us deer droppings. Oh, you have to love kids and the great outdoors!