I really enjoy being home with Olivia. We had the most delightful day together today! We went to the park and then had to run many errands. I took her to lunch and we had such a great time. Olivia heard music playing in the restaurant and she started dancing. My girl loves to dance. It's hilarious. I think she has better dance moves than I do!
It's one of those days that I just tear up looking at my girl because I know that God has greatly blessed me. I know that Olivia isn't perfect, but she is perfect for me. As I drove home today, I was thinking about my number one responsibility as a mom. My first responsibility is to help her know God and the great love He has for her. Of course I want Olivia to be a great person. Of course I want to teach her to be respectful and care about other people. Of course I want to teach her the importance of contributing to her community and serving others. However, the most important thing for me is to teach her about Jesus and hope that she accepts Him into her heart. It's crazy for me to think that I love Olivia so much, but God loves her more than I do. I'm thankful that I go to Quest and the people will help me teach Olivia about Jesus and the love He has for her. But..at the end of the day, it's my job to teach her about accepting Christ in her life. This feels like such a big responsibility, so I know that I need to start teaching her about His love now.
Olivia was the flower girl in my cousin Jake's wedding. Jeremiah and I were a little nervous about how she would act because well..she's 2! She did a great job at the rehearsal (maybe it was because I told her I would give her ice cream if she went down the aisle-ha!). There was a mix-up with what time Olivia needed to be at the church for pictures so she ended up not getting a nap on the actual wedding day. Since she didn't take a nap, she was very crabby for the wedding pictures. Olivia would not take pictures with the bridal party. I was embarrassed, but then I realized that I can't expect perfection from a 2 year old.:) I tried to think of everything I could to get Olivia to take a picture with the bride. So, I had to bribe her again..this time with a cookie. If you know me, you know that I am usually very consistent and I don't give in to her. However, I really wanted her to take a picture with the bride. Finally, she took two pictures with the bride and then shouted, "Cookie!!!!!" Oh gosh..I felt like such a bad mom.:) The wedding took place a few hours later and Olivia did a fabulous job. She literally ran down the aisle to my dad and me. We only have video of her running to us, but my parents took some pictures. I'll have to post them later. It was wonderful getting together with my cousins and extended family members. We don't get together enough! Olivia was a doll at the wedding and she even stayed up until we got home at 11:00 (again..I felt like a bad mom for letting her stay up late!). Overall, the day was great. I'm thankful for the time we got to spend with family.
Snuggling with Daddy at the hotel
My family
I need to add a few things about Olivia: She is such a delight to be around and she's started saying hilarious things. My dad said, "Oh my gosh" the other day and now she says it too. The other day Jeremiah brought out a toy baby bottle that she hadn't seen in a few months and she said, "Oh my..gosh Daddy!" Today we were at the store and I asked Olivia if she wanted oranges and she said, "Oh my gosh....oh my gosh...yes, mommy!" It's adorable how she responds with "Oh my gosh" when she's excited. I just love being home with her and hearing her talk all the time. She has grown up so much in just the last week. Here are a few other phrases I've heard her say this week-"Mommy, follow me. I'm going home to see my Daddy at home," "Mommy, my baby is so hot(she was in the sun)," "I dialing for pizza," "Ba-Pa go work to see peoples," and "Mommy, let's run really fast." She runs through the house saying things like, "Mommy..what you doing?" and "Mommy..what is that?" The other day she asked me, "Why is that blue?" She has said many other adorable things, but these are just a few of the phrases I want to write down for myself. I know you probably aren't interested in what she is saying, but I plan to print this out for her someday and I want her to read about what she was doing at this age.
Snuggling with Daddy at the hotel
My family
I need to add a few things about Olivia: She is such a delight to be around and she's started saying hilarious things. My dad said, "Oh my gosh" the other day and now she says it too. The other day Jeremiah brought out a toy baby bottle that she hadn't seen in a few months and she said, "Oh my..gosh Daddy!" Today we were at the store and I asked Olivia if she wanted oranges and she said, "Oh my gosh....oh my gosh...yes, mommy!" It's adorable how she responds with "Oh my gosh" when she's excited. I just love being home with her and hearing her talk all the time. She has grown up so much in just the last week. Here are a few other phrases I've heard her say this week-"Mommy, follow me. I'm going home to see my Daddy at home," "Mommy, my baby is so hot(she was in the sun)," "I dialing for pizza," "Ba-Pa go work to see peoples," and "Mommy, let's run really fast." She runs through the house saying things like, "Mommy..what you doing?" and "Mommy..what is that?" The other day she asked me, "Why is that blue?" She has said many other adorable things, but these are just a few of the phrases I want to write down for myself. I know you probably aren't interested in what she is saying, but I plan to print this out for her someday and I want her to read about what she was doing at this age.
Today was my last day of school. I was jumping around our house this morning before I left. Olivia was looking at me like I was crazy (I can't imagine why..ha!). I was shouting, "Last day of school! Last day of school!" Then I started telling Olivia that we were going to be together all summer. I know she has no idea what it means but she got a huge smile on her face. She knows that we are going to be together and that's all that matters to me! That past few weeks have been stressful for me. I've been getting to work early and working until late at night on school stuff. I'm so glad it's summer! Summer means time to spend with my hubby and Livi. I'm so thankful that I am a teacher and I get the summer off.
Even though I'm happy that it's summer, I'm sad that my students won't be "my students" anymore. I developed strong relationships with this class and I am so sad to promote them to 4th grade. They were an awesome group of kids. Sure, I had some challenging kids, but I loved them. Isn't it funny that the kids who cause us the most stress, energy, and time end up being some of our favorite students? I am really going to miss these kids. I had amazing parent support this year too. Over the past few weeks I've had multiple parents e-mail me or send me cards of encouragement. Today I had a parent crying when she was saying goodbye to me. She was crying because I've had two of her daughters and she appreciated me as a teacher. I don't tell you that to brag, but just to show you how wonderful the parents have been this year. These parents have just reassured me that God wants me to be a teacher. Even though it's hard leaving Olivia, I'm making a difference in the lives of children. What a way to end the year!
*Olivia was the flower girl in my cousin's wedding this weekend. I'll have to post pictures soon. She was hilarious as she RAN down to my dad and then dumped her flower petals out on the floor. Priceless-I love her so much!:)
Even though I'm happy that it's summer, I'm sad that my students won't be "my students" anymore. I developed strong relationships with this class and I am so sad to promote them to 4th grade. They were an awesome group of kids. Sure, I had some challenging kids, but I loved them. Isn't it funny that the kids who cause us the most stress, energy, and time end up being some of our favorite students? I am really going to miss these kids. I had amazing parent support this year too. Over the past few weeks I've had multiple parents e-mail me or send me cards of encouragement. Today I had a parent crying when she was saying goodbye to me. She was crying because I've had two of her daughters and she appreciated me as a teacher. I don't tell you that to brag, but just to show you how wonderful the parents have been this year. These parents have just reassured me that God wants me to be a teacher. Even though it's hard leaving Olivia, I'm making a difference in the lives of children. What a way to end the year!
*Olivia was the flower girl in my cousin's wedding this weekend. I'll have to post pictures soon. She was hilarious as she RAN down to my dad and then dumped her flower petals out on the floor. Priceless-I love her so much!:)
May 23, 2011
As most of you know, Jeremiah and I are in the process of adopting a child from Ethiopia. We are absolutely thrilled about this and can’t wait to bring our child home. I thought I would write a quick update about our adoption journey thus far. We’ve just started the process, so I don’t have much to blog about. However, I want to document (for myself) each step in our process.
Jeremiah and I met with our home study caseworker last Monday. We feel like she’s on top of things and will be extremely helpful throughout our adoption journey. She gave us at least 6 folders full of information to fill out. In addition, she gave us a gigantic packet of articles to read. I think we’ll be doing a lot of reading this summer! We spent at least 10 hours individually filling out our marital assessment and autobiographies this past week. We also completed the application for the Babyfold. I’m glad we spent so many hours completing the paperwork last week. We were able to turn in our application and get the process started! Our caseworker said our local home study should take between 2-3 months. After that, our home study is sent to a few different places. This could take another 2-4 months.
Today, Jeremiah and I attended an all day adoption training class. It was insightful and gave us a better understanding of the adoption process. We were given multiple packets about Ethiopia and international adoptions. In addition, our caseworker talked with us about various things including what needs to be done before we go over to Ethiopia (for us and our child), what medical/emotional/social needs our child could face, how to develop proper attachment with our child, and what needs to be done after we come back with our child (birth certificate and finalization of citizenship). We met 4 other couples that are starting the international adoption process. One couple is adopting from Ethiopia. I really enjoyed getting to know them and learning about why they were adopting. I love learning about people and hearing their stories. We left with numerous “homework assignments” and we felt pretty overwhelmed. However, I think every couple felt this way. We are taking a break from the paperwork tonight, but will start filling out our international adoption agency’s application tomorrow. I’m so thankful that school is almost over. I will be able to devote more time to the paperwork and read more of the articles our caseworker gave us. Our next home study visit is on June 6. I believe our caseworker is going to start interviewing each of us separately. I think she will also take a tour of our house to make sure it’s safe for our children.
I’m so excited that we’ve started the paperwork, completed the required training, and already have our 2nd home study date set. It’s a long process, but I know it’ll be worth it. I just can’t wait to get our referral and actually see our child’s sweet little face. Obviously, I can’t wait to hug my child and tell him/her “Mommy loves you!” However, I know it will be awhile before I’ll be able to do that. J I feel so blessed that God has placed adoption on our hearts. Believe me when I say that I know this journey will not go perfectly or smoothly. I know there will be bumps in the road and at times we will become frustrated. In spite of these things, I am just so thankful that God is picking me to be this child’s mommy. I can’t wait to add another little one to our family. J
*While we were sitting in our training today, I was thinking about all the little kids overseas (and in the U.S.) who don’t have a parent to love on them. Many kids only have contact with a caregiver for an hour a day and that is not enough. These poor kids need a mommy and a daddy to love on them. Ugh..it just makes me so sad. When we got home tonight, I snuggled with Olivia on the couch. I put her to bed at her normal time, but I could hear her talking in her crib about 45 minutes later. I sat outside her door smiling at the sound of my little girl talking to herself in her crib. Then, I went into Olivia’s room and picked her up. I hugged her tightly and rocked her while thanking God for my precious little girl. I am so thankful for moments like this when I can love on my girl. I can’t wait to love on my future child and let him know how much I care about him too. I don’t normally go into Olivia’s room after I’ve put her to bed. But..today I just craved spending time with my daughter. I wanted to be close to her and just thank God for what he has given me.
A few people have asked me to post pictures of Olivia's birthday and birthday party. This week is very busy with report cards, conferences, and I'm getting my wisdom teeth out on Friday (yuck). So here are a few pictures to hold you over until I can do a post about her birthday party. It was supposed to be just a family birthday party, but then we decided to invite our Life groups and a few families who had little girls around the same time Olivia was born.
March 29, 2011-
Olivia saw her birthday present and she loved it. She played in the tent the entire day!
April 2, 2011-Olivia's birthday party
She made this precious face when someone new came in the door.
She really wanted cake at this point and did not want her picture taken.:)
I love how Olivia is looking up at Grace. She was thrilled to see Grace at the party.
I don't have time to post any other pictures. Hopefully, I'll post more next week! Enjoy!
March 29, 2011-
Olivia saw her birthday present and she loved it. She played in the tent the entire day!
April 2, 2011-Olivia's birthday party
She made this precious face when someone new came in the door.
She really wanted cake at this point and did not want her picture taken.:)
I love how Olivia is looking up at Grace. She was thrilled to see Grace at the party.
I don't have time to post any other pictures. Hopefully, I'll post more next week! Enjoy!
Olivia loves Elmo. She also loves Elmo's goldfish, Dorothy. When I got home from school today I saw this on the counter...
Jeremiah bought Olivia her very own Dorothy! I thought it was adorable that Jeremiah took Olivia to the pet store and bought her a "Dorothy." He even put the number 2 inside of the bowl because there is always some sort of object in the real Dorothy's bowl. How cute is my husband!?:)
After Olivia showed me "Dorty" she kept saying, "Livi hold you Dorty" over and over again. Before she went to bed tonight she said, "Nigh night Dorty" and blew her multiple kisses.
Since Olivia is turning two tomorrow, I thought it would be fun to kick off her birthday week with painting her toe nails for the first time.
As I painted her toes yesterday she just kept yelling, "Mommy...this toe too!" She was grinning from ear to ear as I painted her toenails. Jeremiah said that today she pointed to her toenails and said, "Daddy..pink toe toes." When I called them this afternoon she tried showing me her pink toenails through the phone. I heard her saying, "Mommy...Livi pink toes toes!" I put her on the counter next to "Dorothy" when we got home from the store tonight. She turned to the fish and said, "Dorty...Livi pink toe toes" and she squealed with delight.
Oh, I love how the simple things make my daughter so happy. How am I lucky enough to be this little girl's mommy!?
Tomorrow my baby will be 2. I took the day off and we are going to celebrate all day long!:)
Jeremiah bought Olivia her very own Dorothy! I thought it was adorable that Jeremiah took Olivia to the pet store and bought her a "Dorothy." He even put the number 2 inside of the bowl because there is always some sort of object in the real Dorothy's bowl. How cute is my husband!?:)
After Olivia showed me "Dorty" she kept saying, "Livi hold you Dorty" over and over again. Before she went to bed tonight she said, "Nigh night Dorty" and blew her multiple kisses.
Since Olivia is turning two tomorrow, I thought it would be fun to kick off her birthday week with painting her toe nails for the first time.
As I painted her toes yesterday she just kept yelling, "Mommy...this toe too!" She was grinning from ear to ear as I painted her toenails. Jeremiah said that today she pointed to her toenails and said, "Daddy..pink toe toes." When I called them this afternoon she tried showing me her pink toenails through the phone. I heard her saying, "Mommy...Livi pink toes toes!" I put her on the counter next to "Dorothy" when we got home from the store tonight. She turned to the fish and said, "Dorty...Livi pink toe toes" and she squealed with delight.
Oh, I love how the simple things make my daughter so happy. How am I lucky enough to be this little girl's mommy!?
Tomorrow my baby will be 2. I took the day off and we are going to celebrate all day long!:)
Olivia is going to be two years old at the end of this month. What a blessing she is to us! At church last week I was talking to a few women who have older kids. We were talking about how much fun two year old kids are and one lady said, "This age is perfect. They can talk with you but they don't give you much attitude." I laughed and said, "I agree. This is such a wonderful age, but I hear the phrase 'No No!' multiple times a day." Then I said, "But..I'm just so grateful to hear those words." We feel so blessed to have our daughter even on the days when she is screaming and throwing a big temper tantrum in public. Before she was born (and for numerous years before we even thought about trying to have a baby) we prayed that God would bless us with a healthy child and he did. Over the past two years, we've had some tough days. I wouldn't trade a single day because Olivia is the perfect child for us. That's why, I try really hard not to complain (sometimes I do..because I just need to vent:)) about Olivia. I know that I am more than blessed to have a healthy child who is testing her limits. You have no idea how many times I stop and thank God every day for this blessing he has given to us. Sometimes in the middle of her crying I stop and just smile. Right then and there I praise my God for giving me this little girl. I am just so thankful that I have a daughter who is healthy, happy, spunky, and full of energy. And...I can't believe that God trusted me enough to be be her mommy. I can't wait to celebrate her and the miracle that God created.
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