Then and Now

I already miss this. Really miss it.
I loved the "curled up in a ball, passed out on anything, anywhere" stage.

That's not to say the "falling asleep while busy sitting up playing with our blanket" stage isn't seriously cute too, but I still miss it.

There's no place like....Heaven

Top 10 Reasons the Diva has been annoyed with me this week:

1. I can't tell her exactly when we're going to Heaven.
2. I don't know if it's in two weeks or two years. (her suggested time frame).
3. I can't tell her exactly which of her friends will be there.
4. I don't know exactly what God and Jesus are doing right now.
5. I don't know what kind of music they will have there.
6. I don't know if or how often there will be pajama or dance parties there.
7. I don't know exactly how we will get there.
(When I suggested flying, she said "Great, I likes to ride on airplanes")
8. I don't know if there are princesses there.
9. I don't know what she'll eat there.
10. I forgot to wash her pink leggings before school on Friday.
(I know the last example was unrelated, but she was fairly annoyed about that....)

The above picture was taken at the mall. I now wonder if she thought that motorcycle would take her to Heaven. It was one of her suggested modes of transportation, along with walking, cars and bus rides.

Why is she obsessed with and asking so many questions about Heaven this week? I haven't the slightest clue.

Does she think of Heaven as the ultimate family vacation? Pretty sure she does.

Should I tell her that to get to Heaven, she has to leave here? Don't feel like explaining that right now. Would you please be a dear and do it for me?

FINALLY

A few pregnancies aside, I have been running since the 9th grade. I'm not as fast, thin, or energetic as I was back when I started, but I'm still chugging along. Some days I wake up excited to get out there and hit the pavement. Today was not one of those days. Wasn't feeling it, but I'm training for a race, so I got out there for a 5 miler and I must confess: The years of running have finally paid off.

That's right, I found $5.00 on the sidewalk.

Hello Starbucks.

Sleep Tight

Do you think he was climbing back into the bed or trying to get out when he finally quit fighting sleep?

Your wish is my command....

My one faithful commenter requested an updated photo (see previous post) of the kids in the same spot on the steps. Here it is - taken this afternoon before a trip to the park.

What I said: "Look at the camera and smile."
What they did: Looked at the camera and actually smiled.

What I said: "Put your hands (nicely) on your brother's shoulders."
What Isaac did: Put his hands (nicely) on his brother's shoulders.
What Emma Grace did: Saw this as a great opportunity to seek revenge on said brother.
What I did: Thought it was funny and waited until I had the shot to reprimand.

(Surprisingly, nobody was seriously injured in the taking of this picture.)

Owen and his love affair with the swing continues.
Seriously, the kid LOVES it!

All good things must come to an end.

Who are those kids?

I have told them REPEATEDLY to stop growing.

Something tells me they're not listening.

Adoption Poem

Below is a poem another mother once sent me. It's a bit on the sappy side - but the sentiment is so true. We've been talking through and dealing with so many questions and insecurities this summer. Tough emotions for a three year old to have to start working through. As his mother, it's painful to watch and I know it's only going to get harder. But in the end, my hope is that he is secure in knowing he was and is truly loved by his birth family, his forever family, and his God. That's a lot of love for one little boy. Can't be a bad thing.

Legacy of an Adopted Child:

Once there were two women, Who may not have known each other.
One you do not remember, The other you call mother.
Two different lives, Shaped to make you one.
One becomes your guiding star, The other became your sun.
The first gave you life, The second taught you to live it.
The first gave you a need for love, The second was there to give it.
One gave you a nationality, The other gave you a name.
One gave you talent, The other gave you an aim.
One gave you emotions, The other calmed your fears.
One saw your bright beautiful eyes, The other dried your tears.
One sought for you a home that she could not provide.
The other prayed for a child, her hopes were not denied.
And now you ask me through your tears,
The age old question Unanswered through the years:
Heredity or environment. Which are you a product of?
Neither my darling - You came from two families giving two kinds of love.