Our Dream Come True

Pumpkin Patch with friends...

2008-10-18T17:51:00.001-07:00

Tonight we started a new tradition. We went to the Pumpkin Patch with Kris, Mindy, Alec, and Mikayla. They have been going this particular Pumpkin Patch for years. It was so nice and Mindy and I decided we are going to meet every year. All of the kids had fun and so did the adults. It was so much fun watching them walk through the field of pumpkins. I love this time of year...

They're off...

Alec having fun in the hay maze...

Christian did not like it and climbed out immediately...

Alec and I...

Joe and Kris showing the little ones the animals...

It is really hard picking...

I like this one...

And I'll take this one...

Joe, Christian and I...

Kris, Mikayla, Alec, and Mindy...

Having fun playing in the field...

Look at him laughing...

I like this one also...

How about a kiss...

Mikayla says "That's it I'm done no more kissing... Look at Mikayla laughing...She liked that rock...

Alec pushing the cart full of pumpkins...

So proud of themselves...

Mindy's Update for Gina

2008-08-25T14:52:00.000-07:00

I told Gina I was getting on here and giving her blog an update:-) These are the pictures I have taken over the course of the summer of Christian, Joe, Gina, Mikayla, and me. Just something to hold you over until she decides to update this! Hopefully with pictures of Florida!

These were taken at Alec's Bday Party last weekend

Taken at a visit to Gina's
Christian and Kayla fighting over the wagon
Mikayla decided to get in and let Christian take her for a ride around....at least for a minute
Watching Something. Wonder Pets I think?
Same with this one
Oh isn't this the CUTEST!?

These were taken at the Guatemalan Adoptive Families Picnic
Gina and Mindy:-)

Look how cute they are

Christian was hanging out in the tube and Mikayla needed to check on him
Here he is taking a rest
I think she took this last week? Look at those beautiful eyes!!!

Happy Birthday Mikayla....

2008-06-23T06:47:00.000-07:00

Saturday we attended Mikaylas 2nd Birthday party. Poor baby girl was sick with a double ear infection, but you never would have known. She knew it was her day and she was going to enjoy it. After the party we stopped at the picnic for our Adoption Agency so we could see our Attorney who flew in from Guatemala. I was excited to see her, and she was thrilled to see Christian. When we got home my Sister and BIL brought Bailey to see us. What a happy little girl she is. I could just sit and hold her for hours. Christian did so much better than I thought he would. He usually gets jealous when I hold other kids, but he was so gentle with her...

Christian dancing because he knows we are going to Mikaylas party...
I asked Mikayla to give him a kiss...Which she did...

He then sat on the floor and cried...LOL..it was SO funny...

Isabella having a blast...

Isabelle showing me outside...

Little Miss Devon...

Mikayla really like the Trike we got her...

Joe and Mikayla clapping for Christian for using his fork...

I couldn't believe it she actually blew out the candles...

Our attorney...

Christian stood at the door and signed more when we got home..I think he wanted to go back and party some more...

Our perfect new niece...

Joe and Bailey...Christian liked touching her feet...
Baby girl Aunt Gina loves you to pieces...

Bailey likes to eat...as soon as she is done she crashes...

Happy 2nd Birthday Christian....Welcome Bailey Rose...

2008-06-07T18:10:00.001-07:00

CONGRATULATIONS to my sister Lisa and my BIL John on having my niece Bailey Rose yesterday. I was able to be there for the delivery. I was very very very honored. When my sister found out she was pregnant I asked if I could be there since it was probably going to be my only opportunity of seeing a live birth. It was truly the most amazing thing I have witnessed in my life. I am so very proud of my sister it was a very long night and she was amazing...

This past weekend we had Christians birthday party. It was alot of fun, all of the kids had a blast. It was really HOT, but did not rain. Joe and I bought Christian a Bounce House for his Birthday and the kids love playing in it. Thank you to everyone who came it was an amazing day for me to be able to finally throw a birthday party for a child that is my own..It is something that I have wanted to do for ever...

Please look below at the video that Mindy made for us for Christians Birthday. Thank you so much Mindy, you know how much we love it... Miss Bailey Rose...

I was so happy to hear this little cry...

Getting her footprints...
What a beautiful face...

One proud big Sister... Very Very Proud Daddy...

I don't need a spoon...

I will just drink my oatmeal...

Enjoying his Bounce House...

Loving us singing Happy Birthday...
Look at that smile...

Lisa and Grace who came from Boston...

Lisa and I at AppleBees

Christian and Uncle T at his party...

The Cake...

Christian pushing Logan in his new car from Mindy and Kris...
Happy with everyone singing Happy Birthday to him...

Alex and Hailey racing to the Bounce House...

Christian and Kirstin...

Yes it my new sandbox from Uncle Kevin and Aunt Aimee and all I want to do is throw the sand...
Christian and Mommy...
Kissing his girlfriend Mikayla...

Only a week late...

2008-03-29T18:22:00.000-07:00

I am actually proud of myself that my Easter pictures are only a week behind. HAHAHA...
I figured I should update this since Mindy called me out twice on her blog for being so behind. We had a wonderful Easter. Last Easter we knew we were leaving for Guatemala in 3 weeks. So we were over joyed this year to have him home with us. We had a wonderful day of visiting family.

Mindy, Kris, Alec, and Mikayla came for a visit tonight. The kids had lots of fun playing. Thanks for coming guys we had fun...

Happy Easter...
Alex and Hailey...Aren't they just adorable...

Family photo...Hailey was jumping up and down to make him smile...

What a face...

Christian and Aunt Aimee...

Christian pulling Alex and Hailey into the hallway...

They had so much fun playing in the hall...

These are random photos from the past few weeks...

Mom you lied, you told me if I shake my foot the cat will come and rub my toes...

Please Callie if I yell really loud will you come...

Maybe if I take my foot out she will come out...

Playing in the snow again...

Our front yard after our big snow a few weeks ago...

Wearing Uncle Terrys' hat..Aunt Missy had to hold his hand he hates wearing hats...

Daddy do you really have to go to work? I would love if you could stay home today...

Pointing to his eyes...

Christian if I smile at you will you please share that big red ball with me???

No Mikayla I don't think I want to share it...

What about if I give you something else to play with...

Alec will stop and give you one good smile if you ask nicely...

Christian and Libby looking out the window...

Mindy and Christian...

Oh Libby I know you love me but enough kisses...

I love this face...

Kris helping Christian tickle Alec...

Nothing but pictures...

2007-12-15T13:11:00.000-08:00

I know...I know...I know....It has been FOREVER since I posted last. Here are pictures since I last posted. I promise I will try harder...

I love this face...
Relaxing on Snoopy...

New Years Eve... Kris, Mindy, Alec, and Mikayla...

George, Julie, and Amanda...

I know the cat is in here somewhere...

Christian and Pap...Look at those dimples...

His favorite Christmas gift...

Up to no good with the tissue paper...

Christian and NeeNee playing with pine cones...

Papa do you like my shoes???

Sydney and Christian...

Grandma and Pap do you like the pictures I had taken for you???

Loving the sofa he got for Christmas...

Showing off all of his toys to Alec and Mikayla...

Christian and Mikayla emptying ever toy out of the basket...

NO Kris you CANNOT have Mr. Snuggly...

Mom I think I am ready for this snow thing you keep telling me about...

I think he likes it...

Having fun at the Christmas party with all of his friends from Guatemala...

Tara and Devon...

Mindy and Mikayla...

Izzy and Joseph...

Cute little Gage...

Having a nice conversation with Izzy...

Isabelle...

I love this picture...

I never expected this reaction...He really thought Santa was cool...

This is the best feeling in the world....

MR. SNUGGLY

2007-12-03T19:50:00.000-08:00

Last Christmas Christian was in Guatemala, but he still received lots of gifts. One of those gifts was from Uncle Kevin & Aunt Aimee. It was a snuggly that came with PJ's. When he came home it was in his crib waiting. Well he fell in love with it. At first he just slept with it. Now it goes with him everywhere around the house. It has been washed I can't tell you how many times already. I sure hope it holds up because I am never going to find another one like it. He has others, but none are as good as Mr. Snuggly..

Mom..I just love him SO much...
He tastes really good...

UH..OH...I lost him, I sure hope he's not out in the snow...

Do you think he is up here on the table??? NOPE...

Maybe I put him under the pillow??? NOPE...

He's not in my grocery cart either...

AAHHH..Here he is, he was hiding with all of my other toys that I throw all over Mommys floor...

Come on Mr. Snuggly,Mom says it's time for bed...

But please Mom we aren't ready..Can we stay up just a little longer...

Pizza Pie !!!

2007-12-02T15:44:00.000-08:00

Today Joe and I made Pizza. We have tried in the past few years to learn how to make our favorite foods that his Grandmas made while he was growing up. Before our wedding I learned how to make the homemade sauce my MIL made for Joe when he was at home. I married an Italian and he does not like sauce from a jar. Yesterday Joe decided he wanted his Grandmas Pizza. It is basically dough..YUM..my favorite..Christian enjoyed watching Daddy knead the dough. Joe then started our decorations outside. Christian woke up from his nap and stood at the window calling Daddy and clapping. I guess he is just as excited about the Holidays as we are..

Ok Daddy I am paying attention..First you put the stuff in the bowl, and then mix...
That looks like fun...Can I try???

This feels kind of funny...

But I like it...

Check out my jammies...Our little ball player in training...

YEAH...Pizze is done, I think I can get my mouth around it...

YUMMY !!!

I think I need a break from all of that Pizza...How about you read me this book Mom?

Well if you are going to just take pictures I will read it myself...

What I'm Thankful for...

2007-11-29T19:12:00.000-08:00

I know it is a week past Thanksgiving but the following pictures are what I am Thankful for...

Having Christian home for our first Thanksgiving together..

Being able to watch him fall asleep in his high chair

Watching the pure enjoyment in his eyes when he points to the Pizza when I ask him to..

Knowing he will be here this Christmas..

I love watching Joe look at him..

Watching him dance..

Finding him undressing himself..The day before he had the diaper off also..

Readoption Day !!!

2007-10-31T09:57:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was our Readoption day for Christian. He is now officially Christian Joseph. YEAH !! The day could not have been more perfect. Christian woke up in the most pleasant mood, I swear he knew that it was an important day. My mom and dad and sister Missy came, Joes' mom, dad and Grammie drove up also. Mindy, Alec and Mikayla made the drive, and my friend Julie meet us at the courthouse. Our attorney was talking to us beforehand and told us what to expect, while she was talking I felt like I was going to break down and cry. I was SO happy, Christian was sitting on my lap being such a good little boy I think I was in shock that it was truly happening. When we all walked into the courtroom I think it took maybe 3 minutes. The judge was out sick so the magistrate held the proceedings. Christian smiled the whole time. We all then came back to our house and had brunch. Christian received lots of beautiful gifts. Thank you to everyone !!!!

WE LOVE YOU CHRISTIAN JOSEPH !!!!

My favorite picture of the day...
I just love this little boy so much...

Family photo...

The magistrate was nice enough to pose for a picture...

He is just watching Mikayla go back and forth...

Alec having some chocolate milk...

Mikayla on the go...

Christian showing Grandma his photo album of our pickup trip...

Grammie and Christian...

Reading his book last night after everyone left...

Daddy this whole readoption thing has made me tired. Can I please just sleep right here???

HOME 6 MONTHS !!!!

2007-10-27T18:39:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe it. Six months ago right around this time I was sitting in Christians' room in front of his crib while he slept crying pure tears of JOY!! I could not believe it, we finally had our son home, sleeping in his crib that I had looked at empty for months. I still cannot believe I can actually say we have a son. My heart is so full of LOVE for this little boy who has made our lives complete....

I am posting lots of pictures. We went to Boo at the Zoo with our group of friends who adopted from Guatemala also. It is so nice to get together with everyone. Thanks Mindy for always getting these meeting together. Wednesday I went to Mindys' to watch Alec and Mikayla. I had alot of fun playing with the kids. We also went to the pumpkin patch this week. Christian was amazed by the pumpkins, he little eyes lit up when we got out of the car. It was so adorable. Tomorrow we are going Trick or Treating. YEAH !! The holidays this year are going to be the best of my life. I think for the past 8 years I never thought I would have a child of my own to enjoy the holidays with, but I do, he is sleeping right now in the room next to me. Someone pinch me because I still can't believe it.....

I love this picture...
Daddy and Mommy with two Tiggers...

Daddy really knows how to make him laugh...

All ready for the game to start...

We are trying to teach him the football is not to eat...

OK...much better...

I think he is trying to mute me with the remote. I kept telling him no he could not play with it...

Little Miss Mikayla...

They are so cute together...

Alec letting Christian and Mikayla play with one of his big boy toys...

Hey Alec pay attention to me when I'm talking to you...

HHMM??? what should I do with this dog bone???

Here Libby try it...

Can I please have it back now???

Riding a bike at the pumpkin patch...

I think I like this one...

Or maybe this one...

OK..this one is much more my size...Thanks Mom...

I loved it here...Come on Daddy let's go home...

Vacation and other news....

2007-09-26T09:52:00.000-07:00

Joe, Christian and I went to Daytona Beach with his Mom and Dad. We had a really good time. The weather did not cooperate as well as I would have liked, it rained from Monday on. We actually packed up and tried to head up the coast, we wanted to try Hilton Head, the beach was beautiful as we looked at it Wednesday night looking forward to a few days there. Well that was not to happen the rain followed us, so we packed up once again and came home. We have decided that Hilton Head is beautiful and we will go back...

In other news...my Dad is on his fifth week of having a sling on his arm and sleeping in a recliner with my Mom sleeping on their sofa. For those of you that don't know 3 years ago my Dad had surgery for Prostate Cancer and during the surgery he had a massive stroke. He is basically paralyzed on the left side. He has some movement in his left leg, but is very unsteady. My Mom takes care of him. Well 5 weeks ago she takes him to the hospital for a cat scan and during the scan his left arm slipped off of the table and was fractured by the machine..CRAZY...I know, his arm was not strapped down...So he cannot sleep flat on his back in bed and has to sleep in his recliner. My mom can't leave him during the night so she is on the sofa. Please keep your fingers crossed he can take the sling off within the next week or so, they need to be in their own bed....

Here are just a few of our vacation pictures. I could not get the other to post..I will try again later today..

Christian and Mommy at Downtown Disney..
Daddy and Christian walking on the beach..
Dinner at the Rainforest Cafe..YUM...
Our little man with such a happy smile..
Playing in the Lego's at Downtown Disney..

Catch up....

2007-07-29T11:35:00.000-07:00

I am horrible at blogging, or atleast keeping up on it. We have had a busy week, last weekend we attended George and Julies wedding party. They were married in January in Vegas and had their party this summer. It was a beautiful day for an outdoor party. Congratulations !!!!!

This past week Christian and I went and picked up my nephew Alex and he came and stayed with us for 2 nights. We had alot of fun, we went to the Zoo and Alex golfed with Uncle Joe in the backyard. I don't know who had more fun him or Joe, they also fed the wild Turkeys we have. I do not have my pictures from Alex staying on my computer yet , but when I do I will post them. On Saturday we all went to a picinc with 16 or so other families who have adopted from Guatemala. Back in December I went to the first lunch with these women and there were only 2 babies home. Amazing how many are home now. We had so much fun....

The happy couple...
Aunt Julie your party is so much fun...
Here are our wild turkeys...
This is Joes' favorite picture...
Once again I uploaded pictures wrong..but this is after the adoption party...
This was on the way to the party..He is saying "Please not in the carseat again Mom and Dad"...
Christian and Mommy...
Mikayla and Joe...
Look at all these little ones...
Daddy helping Christian hit the pinata...

2007-07-07T19:44:00.000-07:00

This evening Aunt Lisa and Uncle John came to visit. We went out to eat at the Cracker Barrell. What fun we had watching Christian suck on a lemon. Daddy did not think it was funny, Mommy and Aunt Lisa did....Sorry some of these pictures are out of order. One of these days I will get it right...

hhhmmm...let me see if I like this yellow thing...
I'm not sure if I like it yet, but everyone is laughing...
ok...I think I have had enough...
I know I'm making this goofy face, but I really do like it...
Taking a rest in the rocking chair at the Cracker Barrell..my mommy wants one of these...

Family photo opportunity with Aunt Lisa..she is camera happy...
I think you should take me for a swing...
This always makes me happy...

Oh mommy that feels sooooo good...
Enough of the camera Aunt Lisa...I'm naked under here you know...
Kissess for Mommy...
You don't have to tell me I know I'm cute...My parents tell me every day...
Uncle John I love being up here I feel like a King...

Fun day at the Zoo...

2007-07-03T19:17:00.000-07:00

Today Christian and I met Mindy, Alec, Mikayla, NiCole, and Izzy at the Zoo. It was a beautiful day and we had a really good time. It is so amazing to see these children together. Christian was the little ladies man today with two little girlfriends. Thank you NiCole for the tub toys that you brought for Christian for his Birthday, that was really nice of you. Thanks for the fun day girls !!!!!

Can I please get out of here to see some animals...
Mikayla agrees...she wants out too...
Izzy counting the goats...

My little ladies man...look how shy both girls are...
Alec, Christian and I playing in the water...
Mindy and Mikayla...
NiCole and Izzy...
Mommy this is so much fun...

Two parties and a baseball game....

2007-07-02T17:36:00.000-07:00

OK...I have to say I am sorry for taking so long to post. I knew how easy I would fall behind on doing this. I will try harder I promise. We went to our niece Kaylas graduation party last weekend. She graduated from High School with Honors this year and is off to College in August. I am very excited that she will only be 15 minutes from us when she goes to School. We have lived away from our families most of our marriage so it will be really nice to have Kayla so close. We had a really good time at her party. I still can't believe she is 18 and off to College it feels like just yesterday she was a baby. It makes me realize that we have to treasure every moment we have with Christian, because they grow up to quickly.

We went to Mikaylas' 1st birthday party the next day she looked so adorable in her little tiara and princess dress. We saw our friends NiCole, Chris,and their daughter Izzy, they were in Guatemala with us and we toured Antigua with them. It was really nice to see Izzy, we are actually meeting NiCole and Izzy at the Zoo tomorrow along with Mindy and Mikayla. That should be fun. For some reason all of my pics from the party did not upload so I will post more tomorrow along with pictures from the Zoo.

The other pictures are of the baseball game on Sunday. We went with Kris, Mindy, Alec, and Mikayla. The kids did really well, we actually made it in our seats for 3 innings. Christian enjoyed watching the big score board.

Kayla and Christian... Kirstin and Christian...
Papa and Christian...

Cousins...

Daddy again with the sunglasses??? This was taken at Mikaylas' party..The park was beautiful..

Birthday girl and Mindy...

Daddy, Mommy and Christian...he just wants down to play with
Alec...
Picture from our seats...it was really nice...

Mindy, Mikayla, Christian, Mommy... Mikayla...
One tired little boy....

Fun weekend...

2007-06-18T12:14:00.000-07:00

Christian had a fun weekend...Friday Aunt Missy and Kirstin came to visit. Christian had fun with Kirstin. Aunt Missy brought up a kids bench for Christian. Daddy put it together on Sunday. We did not get any pictures yet but we promise Aunt Missy we will post some when we get them...Friday evening we went to Aunt Julie,Uncle Georges, and Amandas. Technically they are not Christians Aunt and Uncle but that is what Christian is going to call them. We had a cookout, and then at Amandas suggestion we went and had some ice cream..YUMMY !!!! Good idea Amanda. Saturday evening we went to visit Mindy, Kris, Alec, and Mikayla. Mikayla was adopted from Guatemala also. Her and Christian were in the same baby home. Her first birthday was on Sunday. HAPPY BIRTHDAY MIKAYLA !!! We had fun. Joe and Kris went golfing. Mindy and I just sat and chatted....Sunday we stayed home and spent Fathers day with just the three of us...

Aunt Missy, Christian and Kirstin...

Hey Kirstin those are my sunglasses...

What a beautiful young lady she is turning into...

I LOVE this picture !!!

Amanda and Christian...

Daddy why do you insist on putting these sunglasses on me ???

Amanda, Christian, Aunt Julie and Uncle George after enjoying ice cream...

Mom I really like this, why don't I have one ???
Joe playing the Birthday Elmo for Mikayla...
Here Christian you can have one of my cups...
Forget it...I want it back...
How adorable is she...

Lots of pictures....

2007-06-13T18:29:00.000-07:00

Christian has had alot of excitment the past few days. Sunday Joes cousin Natalie, hubby Will and their two boys William and Joshua came to visit. We had a really nice time sitting in the back yard playing with the kids. On Tuesday while Joe was at work Christian and I went to visit his Grandparents. He does really well in the carseat for the hour and a half drive. I was very proud of him. We had fun visiting, I did not get any pictures but Aunt Aimee, Alex and Hailey came to visit while we were at Grandma and Paps. He loves playing with his cousins..I did the pictures backwards..Still trying to get used to this blogging thing..

Papa feeding Christian...
NeeNee I am so tired, but I refuse to sleep...
Having fun with Papas wheelchair...
Swinging with Grandma and Pap...
Grandma your so funny, Mommy loves pictures of my dimples...

Christian and Josh going for a ride...
Daddy put some water in here so I can swim...
Well ok it's just as fun without water...
Natalie and Christian...
Josh loving all over Libby...
William teaching Christian how to use his playset...

Lazy Friday...

2007-06-08T18:26:00.000-07:00

We had a busy week so Christian and I just hung out around the house today. Joe got home late from work so I kept him awake until Daddy got home. It was wonderful to watch his face light up when Daddy walked in the door...

I'm so glad your home Daddy !!!!
Mommy I love when you tickle me..
Can I please get in here...Pretty please
I know I put that toy in here somewhere...
This is the I am up to NO GOOD face.....
Libby pay attention when I am talking to you...

One year check up...

2007-06-06T17:27:00.000-07:00

Today we went to the Doctor for Christians one year check up. He is doing wonderfully...He weighs 23.4#..and is 29" long. He had 2 shots and was a trooper about it, the tears dried up instantly as soon as I picked him up. We head to Akron tomorrow to see the International Adoption Doctor for his developmental testing. Joe and I think he is doing great, we give it a few more weeks and he will be walking. I did not take any pictures today so I am going to post a few more of his Birthday pictures..

Aunt Aimee I love playing with balloons...
Christian and his Great Grammie..
Uncle Kevin...
Nee-Nee and Papa...and Elmo...
Alex and Hailey I love the Weeble castle..Thanks..

First Post.....First Birthday.....

2007-06-05T17:56:00.000-07:00

Ok...So this is my first time posting...I am so excited to have a blog. Thanks to a great friend Mindy I am able to do this. THANKS MINDY !!! Sunday was Christians first birthday. We were so happy that we have him home and were able to celebrate it with him. We had a little party and Christian had a blast. I was not really sure how he would react with the cake, but he really liked it. He had fun playing with his cousins Alex and Hailey....

This was the cake before he dug in....

I think I really like it...YUMMY !!!

OH Mom you have it on wrong....