Thanksgiving

11 adults
5 children
2 dogs
2 cats
2 turkeys
and 6 pies
=
1 yummy, fun, happy, rambunctious,
weight-gaining, dish washing, game playing, kids yelling,
dogs barking, beach walking, exciting Thanksgiving.

PS - We didn't make Owen wash all those dishes while he was taking a bath.
He only washed half of them...

Mowing Along

Saturday afternoon was quiet inside. The baby was sleeping, Todd was working in the yard, and the kids were outside playing with the neighbors.
Or so I thought....

How many years until we replace the plastic one with the real deal?

A Colorful Day

Remember when the kids were supposed to be cleaning their room while I gave Owen a bottle and instead they were "decorating" each other with markers?

Remember when I wanted to laugh, but had to punish them instead?

Remember when I wanted to take their picture but thought if I did, they would realize I found their actions somewhat humorous and decorate each other again?

Remember when Todd got home and had to feign disappointment as well, when I'm pretty sure he was tickled too?

Remember when Isaac freaked out at dinner because he got chicken on his shirt? The same shirt that was already COVERED in marker....

Yeah, I remember that. Today. That was a fun day.

Travel Companions

We've been busy.
Last weekend, we went to the OBX to hang with friends, run races, and visit grandparents. It was great fun and Owen got to meet his Great Nana for the first time.

As if that trip wasn't exciting enough, Todd took the older two camping this weekend. Now I know you're thinking, "lucky Rachel; she got to stay home and sleep in her own bed and play with the baby." And this was almost true. I did get to "sleep" in my own bed in between all the times I was up out of my own bed taking care of Owen who was sick with pink eye(s), a bad cold, and a double ear infection. Poor kid. There was not much playing to be done. Lots of crying though.We're headed back to the pediatrician tomorrow if the meds don't kick in soon.

Todd forgot the camera on the camping trip, so the picture below was taken after their return. The kids were filthy and needed a bath. This is what happened while they were waiting for said bath.

Tired?

Now, it's back to the same old, same old. Well, until Thanksgiving when we get to stuff ourselves silly with lots of family.

I just realized how that sounded. We'll be stuffing ourselves silly with food, while sitting at the table with family. I'll try not to eat any family.

To Ethiopia, and Beyond...

Most days I think Isaac is really starting to "get it." He is at the stage now where he can explain to others where he was born. This is wonderful, because now we give him the option in public of whether or not he wants to share his personal story with the curious public. (I know this may sound strange to non-adoptive families as it once did to me, but after much research and discussion with other adoptive families, we really feel this is in Isaac's best interest.) We never want him to resent us for sharing his private life with strangers.

As a side note: there are two types of curious public.
Type 1. ) Those who are asking because they themselves are clearly interested in adoption. At this age, Isaac still gets to choose whether he wants to share where he is from, but I will delicately answer any other questions they may have about the adoption process, etc.
Type 2.) Those who are asking because they are merely curious as to why our family looks different. This situation is completely up to Isaac. I take my cues from him. Usually he just tells them where he was born, I don't add any information and we move on. There has only been one instance where he was too busy playing and didn't want to share. It was very hard, but I just smiled politely and we kept on doing what we were doing.

So far, he does not mind sharing and seems proud of his heritage. I pray that this continues, but also understand that the older he gets, the more annoyed he may get by the questions. That being said, we've also noticed the older he gets, the less attention we get in public. Interracial families are becoming more and more common. :) I also understand that once he enters school, he will be left to field many more questions/insecurities from his peers on his own. You have no idea how many times I've hit my knees praying for those future situations.

I love a good laugh, so next time we're approached in public, I really hope Isaac shares the information he relayed to me this morning while reading a book about a baby. He turned to me and said: "Mommy, remember when I was born in Opapia and you and Daddy brought your space ship to come pick me up?"

PS - He's obsessed with everything Buzz Lightyear right now.

Halloween.....

1 Happy Pumpkin +

1 Cute Witch +

1 SCARY Skeleton =

A fun, fun night resulting in lots of sweets.
PS - Owen wasn't such a huge fan, especially by the end....