Twins + 1 = tons of blessings!!

Auction is LIVE!

2011-09-10T11:19:00.001-04:00

Happy Bidding!!
Please go

HERE

to check out our final attempt to raise the rest of the money we need to complete the adoption of our little one from U*ganda!! Would you consider passing this along?? Repost to your blog, tweet the deets, send out an email or just share via word of mouth!
We are so blessed by those who are willing to come together for the amazing task of bringing a child home thru the miracle of adoption!

Adoption Auction Fundraiser

2011-08-28T17:50:00.004-04:00

Come Check out our newest (and hopefully last) Adoption Fundraiser! Like us on facebook to be informed as we up date and count down til the BIG DAY - 9/10/11 (when the adoption auction goes LIVE!)!!

It's coming!!!

2011-05-03T00:13:00.000-04:00

Our Yard Sale will be THIS WEEK - 5/5-5/7!!!

5/5 Thu : 8am - 2pm
5/6 Fri : 8am - 2pm
5/7 Sat : 8am - noon

You will not want to miss this sale!! Over 10 families have contributed to this yard sale - something for everyone.
Not only will you get some awesome deals, but every penny will go towards our adoption to bring our child home!!
Cash is preferred or Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover cards credit cards are also accepted.

SOME OF THE ITEMS FOR SALE
Furniture/Home Decor : dresser, huge mirror, rocking chair, glider, set of 2 chairs and a table, picture frames, fake trees, headboards and bedframe, vintage upholstered chairs, stools, fans
Kitchen Items : bread machine, pressure cooker, misc. pots & pans, George Foreman grill
Office Items : filing cabinets -4 drawer lateral and 4 drawer upright
Yard/Tools : socket set, bird bath, New in box tool set
Hiking/Camping/Fishing/Hunting Gear : rifle scope, inflatable mattress frame, golf clubs
Electronics/Computer items : keyboards, monitor, 27 inch TV, dvd player
Baby & Kids Items : toys, games, clothes, equipment
Men & Women clothing : lots of sizes, and styles, leather jacket - mens
Books, Movies, AND SO MUCH MORE......

COUPONING STOCKPILE
Personal Care items: toothpaste, lotions, body wash
Cleaning Supplies, Fabric Softner

Thoughts from a 4 y old - Part 2

2011-04-10T00:00:00.001-04:00

Calling All Number Nerds

2011-04-07T21:08:00.000-04:00

ok, you may not find this as exhilarating as my husband did... but none the less, very interesting.

Graphs, charts, and stats on domestic and international adoption :

here

Be sure to ck the "adoptions by year". 2010 was the lowest year of International adoptions since 1997.

Thoughts from a 4 yr old! Part 1

2011-04-03T13:21:00.004-04:00

Here are some thoughts on adoption from one of my sweet 4 yr olds. Do you think she's excited to have a new sister?? :) Love her sweet heart and how she genuinely wants to help others!

Whooohoooo!

2011-04-02T21:47:00.000-04:00

Yay, we got our DCFS approval today! Which means next in line is waiting for our i171-h... maybe a month or two!?! Then we send our paperwk (dossier) to U*ganda and wait to travel!
Such excitement with each completed step!

thoughts from a 2 yr old!

2011-03-27T13:01:00.000-04:00

She makes me smile :) Love hearing my kids' hearts and their thoughts..... i don't think growing up, i even knew what adoption was, let alone, what is was all about!

Stay tuned as we prepare to roll out our FIRST adoption fundraiser : ONE WEEK of giveaways - it's going to be FUN!!!

another plug :)

2011-03-25T13:02:00.002-04:00

my sweet, sweet friend Sheli and her fam are in the process of adopting two boys from U*ganda - it has been such a blessing to journey on this path of adoption with her, thus far!
Soooooo, she is having a yard sale! Wanna shop?? Here are the deets:

Adoption Fundraising Yard Sale

Friday, April 15 at 9:00am - April 16 at 3:00pm

2S665 White Oak Lane Batavia, IL 60510

We are having a yard sale to help bring our babies home from U*ganda!!! Come and visit, shop, eat some cupcakes....and shop some more~~~

These types of events are such great opportunities to support those who are following what they feel called to do! Please let me know if you have any more ?'s!!

fund raising

2011-03-22T18:23:00.005-04:00

raising funds is such a big and exciting (yes, i said exciting!) part of adoption....

can i send you here for a sec?

go check it out!

http://artinstereo.bandcamp.com/album/hymns-spiritual-songs

Ok, so Katie (Russ, the artist's wife) and I met in Guat, while we were both fostering our babies!! Her Eliot and my girls are only few wks apart in age, and she was one of the 1st people i ran into (at the McDonalds) in Antigua when i started my fostering adventure! The Mohr family is preparing to bring home their second son via domestic adoption, and unlike pregnancy haven't even had 9 months to prepare! They have been wking hard on raising funds for the expenses involved in bringing their baby home!

So, wanna new cd, and some awesome new (and not so new) worship tunes?? Consider downloading this cd and helping a great, loving and hilarious family out!!

Fellow AP's : Mel and Katie in Antigua, 2006

Swimming!

2011-03-15T14:24:00.007-05:00

ok, so this is just more about our everyday life.... but hey, figure it's better than nothin', right :)The other night our bible study was cancelled, last minute, much to everyone's dismay... our kids had especially been looking fwd to playing with all their friends all day long!

So, Matt and I had wanted to do something special as a family, but were trying to figure out what to do, without spending a lot of money - as we are majorly in "saving mode" right now!!

So, even tho it was really more than we wanted to spend we decided to go to the Adventure

Island (a small and local indoor pool with slides, etc). I called to verify admission prices and

our youngest was free, and I decided I wouldn't swim, so we'd only have to pay for the twins and Matt. When we got there (@715) the lady informed us it was closing at 8 (online had said 9), so we only had 45 mins... (truthfully that was fine, since we really didn't think we would have stayed too much later than that anyway) but she said she'd go ahead and let us in with out charging us!!!!! We were so, so thankful - it was so cool to see how God really honored and blessed our desire to do something fun, but still be good stewards and save $$!! So we got to swim for FREE for 45 mins and the girls were elated - oh to be so easily pleased! you would have thought we took them to Disney World!! On the way over, as we were driving in silence and just listening to our cd, little sister suddenly just exclaimed out loud "I am SOO excited" - she really didn't even know what we were doing (just that she was in her swimming suit :0 but anyway, it ended up being a sweet night with my family!!

In other news our Homestudy is DONE!!!! Now we just wait (1-2 wks, hopefully) for the signatures it needs and we can start on the next step!!!

Check back too, as we have a SUPER exciting WEEK of giveaways to be coming soon!!!

Tick, tock, tick, tock

2011-02-22T18:51:00.006-05:00

"So, what's going on?" you ask. "Not much" is my response (hence the lack of posts :) Adoption is so much about WAITING... which i admit i'm really not very good at. Waiting for others, waiting for government entities that say "yes" or "no", waiting for paperwork, waiting for money (haha, more like hoping, but you know what i mean), waiting for information, waiting for YOUR CHILD! Lots and lots of waiting...

In the meantime, we are working on our 1st (and biggest) fund-raiser:

YARD SALE!!!!!

We are going BIG this time and I have high expectations.... if you have anything, anything at all you are planning on donating in the near future, throwing out or wanting to just give away - SAVE it!! We'll be HAPPY to take it off your hands!! I will be posting more about this in future posts!

Here are the girls with our some of our final paperwork - now we just continue to WAIT!

check

2011-02-05T15:14:00.002-05:00

make sure all outlets have outlet covers √

install child-proof locks on any cabinets w. anything that could be dangerous/hazardousness √

make sure our water temperature is 115 degrees or lower √

make sure all smoke detectors are working √

make sure carbon monoxide alarm is working √

put up all candles/matches, so they are out of reach √

clean the house from top to bottom √

make sure our firearms are safely stored (easy if you don't have any :) √

make sure window drape cords are not hanging within reach √

prepare to explain our marriage relationship, how we parent and lots of other personal ?'s √

make sure our fire extinguisher is in working order √

baby gates in place √

prep my children to try not to say anything too embarrassing or awkward ;) √

SOOOOOO.... looks like we're ready for our HOMESTUDY this upcoming week! YAY!

U*ganda

2011-01-24T15:01:00.014-05:00

I could really go on and on and on about how the Lord has brought us on this newest journey to our child in U*ganda - and if you'd like, just ask me next time we're together... but for the sake of time and wanting to be sure people read this post, I'll try to condense the awesome way God's been leading us!

I just never felt our family was complete with our three girls, so as Matt and I ~~bickered~~ discussed ;) the size of our family we went back and forth and both just decided to keep praying about it! Always a nice way in marriage to see how hearts might or might not change :)
In October 2010 we were so blessed to be able to serve with Show Hope (Steven Curtis Chapmans organization) in helping people who attended SCC's concert to sponsor special needs orphans in China. Wow, we were truly blown away that night and both admitted to it being one of the best serving experiences we had ever had! During our Guatemalan adoption Show Hope's grant to us was almost the final amount we needed to pay for our adoption expenses, allowing me to then be able to go to Guat to foster the girls!!! So, needless to say we were beyond blessed and thankful to them! We definitely left that night changed and convinced we were not done adopting!

I remember praying literally "anything Lord, anywhere, whatever you have, just show us" and He was faithful to do so! We read Proverbs 24:12, which lead us to Psalm 82:3-4... and as followers of Christ we knew could not be ok with not doing anything.

Our 1st adoption was in so many ways about us wanting to be parents, this adoption is much more about meeting a need! I started making a list of countries open for adoption and slowly started crossing some off - we're too young (cross off Madagascar, China, Taiwan), process too long or travel requirements not do-able for our family (cross off Columbia, Haiti, Malawi)

and on and on. The list was shorter but I still had no idea where in the world we were being called.

In early December I attended the memorial service for a dear, dear family friend. After the service I found myself in conversation with a friend about her Ethiopian adoption and she encouraged me to look further into the Ethiopian program.

So I decided to use an online adoption search site to contact any and all agencies that work in Ethiopia and then waited.....

December 14 I answered the phone to hear "I'm sure since you used (previously mentioned) site to find me, you've been bombarded with phone calls and emails BUT....." and the best part; this agency was the ONLY one that I had heard from. As as the days passed any and all other agencies came with roadblocks: we weren't eligible to adopt w. this agency, they didn't have any adoption programs that met our desires, or we just plain never heard back from them and on and on. As I spoke w. this 1st agency I expressed our desires for this adoption, and what we could and couldn't do adoption wise, to which the program coordinator suggested U*GANDA! I had already crossed U*ganda off my list having seen the requirement of living in country for 3 years, but what I hadn't learned is that that is only ONE of the ways that a family can adopt from U*ganda!

There are children waiting. just waiting. for a family in U*ganda..... no referral waiting list, no long lines of people requesting such and such, just children who need moms and dads, WAITING.

U*ganda's national language is English, hello not needing to learn another language to get around! U*ganda's median age is FIFTEEN (yes, you read that right, the lowest in the world), FIFTEEN! U*ganda has 2.5 million orphans. U*ganda's dossier is simple (huge sign of relief after Guat and PGN)! If you're interested read more about U*ganda.

Our hearts were sold and still are, on U*ganda!

I'm baaaack!!!

2011-01-20T16:22:00.018-05:00

it's about time, right?!? (sigh) where has the time gone?? I'll have to be better about making this blog a priority, but I'm not thinking that will be as hard now. that. I. have.....

NEWS!!!!

ok, ok, I'll stop being mean. But before our big news (which, btw, shouldn't be too hard for you to figure out) I should really do a post on what we've been up to the past, oh, TWO years :)

Well, my girls have gotten BIGGER...and cuter, for sure (is that possible?)

We went on a family vaca to Cancun - ummm, it rocked!!!

Did some remodeling on our new home (soooo fun!)

Turned another year older (3 and 1)!

Celebrated our 5 year anniversary (left our kiddos overnight, for the 1st time!)

Learned how to walk...

Got to be flower girls in their aunt and uncle's wedding!!
Went on another family vaca to FL!

Took gymnastics (too fun!)

Went to OH for the girls' uncle's graduation!
Turned another year older (4 and 2)!
Had our first dentist visit - no cavities!

Ohhhh, and got a HUGE binder in the mail titled......
We are growing our family again through the amazingness of adoption :) The girls cannot wait to be big sisters and welcome our sweet child home in God's perfect timing!!!

So, hey not bad for two years, right!?!
More to come... promise!

Merry Christmas!!

2008-12-23T23:42:00.001-05:00

my smarty pants' :)

2008-12-10T23:53:00.004-05:00

those girls just love learning!! in the past month they've learned to sing their ABC's, count 1-10 in espanol, and recognize letters A-H (plus M, and S :). They love to help mama w/ their baby sister (giving her the sippy cup, wiping her face when she drools, etc), tell us what their sunday school story was all about, sing to strangers at the grocery store, recognize all their shapes, color in the lines on their coloring pages and draw circles. They are definitely closer to being 3 yr olds than 2 yr olds :( growing up way too fast!!

for your enjoyment :)

2008-11-11T14:22:00.002-05:00

don't you love this? my husband and the girls created this movie one night when i was out w/ a friend! What a fun surprise to come home to!!

ok, ok, ok...

2008-10-03T12:54:00.010-04:00

I fully admit to it, apologize for it, and ask you not to hate me for it! I am LONG over-due for an update! I know, i know there's no excuse! we have been super busy and blogging has become a last priority... but i will try to do better! Hopefully some of you still ck this blog!

a few things that have happened : the twins are now fully potty trained (yay!), Savannah is loving solid foods and almost rolling over, our house has had a total face-lift, the twins have started learning their letters (they are so smart!), and we celebrated our FOREVER FAMILY DAY in July!! i will have to let the pics do the rest of the showing of all we've been up to, and how BIG the girls are all getting!!!

We went downtown to the beach to celebrate the twins being home for ONE year!

Went to Rainforest Cafe for dinner afterward!

Got to board Tall Ship Windy, downtown

Go Cubs Go (and Sox :) We're a multi-fan family :)

Celebrating my Grandma's 90th B-day!!

"Talking" up a storm

Dressing up

Getting so big!

my girls

2008-07-16T23:18:00.005-04:00

ok just had to share!

this is GG & Addy in Guatemala when they were 6 mos old (wearing a 3 mos size Carters outfit)

This is "Nannah" today, just 2 days shy of being 2 months old, wearing the same outfit!

we are crazy busy here, since moving to our new home -- but are LOVING it! I'll post some before and after pics soon, as we finish painting, etc rooms!

Happy FOURTH!

2008-07-03T15:33:00.001-04:00

Hope everyone has a wonderful 4th of July celebrating the amazing country we are blessed to live in!

We closed!

2008-07-02T15:41:00.006-04:00

as of today, we are officially first-time homeowners!!! I am definitely most excited about having a YARD and a GARAGE (those things you miss out on w/ an apartment)! Lots of new house pics will be coming soon! First on our to-do list is hardwd floors in the Hearth Kitchen and Foyer!

Swinging on their new playset for the first time!!

Having fun w/ Savannah and the baby doll stroller!

We went for the twins' 2 yr doctor ckup yesterday (no shots, yay!) and the doctor said they are doing great! They weighed in at almost 22 lbs. each! So, yes that means that Savannah is already almost HALF their weight! Ha! It will only be a matter of time before I have "triplets" I'm thinking :D

Chunky Monkey!

2008-06-26T18:08:00.005-04:00

I went for Savannah's 1 mos ck-up on Tuesday and was shocked (but pleased) that our sweet "little" Miss had gained almost 3 lbs in her first month of life! She also grew 1.5 inches! So, I think it will only be a matter of time, before she catches up to the twins (can you believe she's already close to half their weight -- crazy!). All the girls are doing so well, and we're really getting into a great schedule!

Our past 2 weeks

2008-06-11T17:41:00.006-04:00

we have been keeping plenty busy with three little ones.. but also have been enjoying our sweet little blessings! here are a few pics to catch up since Savannah has come home!

After playing out in the rain with Daddy (they took the big towels and left Daddy the little one :)

So excited for their first picnic!

Lovin' their baby sister

Gabriella

Addy Grace

Our THREE girls!!!

Being as adorable as usual :D

The other day Addy made up her own "knock-knock" joke.. the best part is that she had only previously heard one before she came up with her own.. too cute!!

Savannah!

2008-05-31T23:17:00.003-04:00

wow, were we blessed with a great baby! We went to Savannah's one wk doctor's appointment on Friday and she had already passed her birth weight by 3 oz! She is already letting us get 4-5 hrs of sleep at night and has been nursing really well! Can't believe how big she's already gotten in just over a week! Her big sisters are so sweet to her and have been adjusting to a new baby at home! Please pray for me, if you would, as Matt will have to head back to work this upcoming wk (at least for part of it) and I'll be missing his help.

Our new baby!

2008-05-25T17:51:00.004-04:00

We were released from the hospital today and are home! I want to thank everyone specifically for all your comments and prayers for us and me, while we were at the hospital -- i DO NOT have ONE complaint. God was so good to me and my labor was amazing and easy (don't hate me :). Savannah is better, sweeter, cuter and more adorable than I could have imagined! The twins' are so sweet to their new little sister and we are looking forward to them getting to spend more time with her! Here are some more pics of our blessed weekend!

Our 1st pic as a family of 5

Such good big sisters!

Getting ready to go home

First nap at home

Number 3

2008-05-23T08:45:00.019-04:00

Savannah Faith
7 lbs 3 oz - 20 in.

Well after 9 months, we're here at the hospital expecting baby number 3 to be born today! We'll be updating often throughout the day so check back. Will try to make this as "family friendly" as possible without scaring away the squeamish.

May 23rd 2008:
5:00 am - Alarm went off to call the hospital to make sure a bed was available. Emily gets up, matt rolls over for 10 more minutes.
6:05 am - Arrive at hospital.
6:30 am - Registered and shown to delivery room.
7:45 am - Doctor examine - still 2cm dilated, 50% effaced, baby in -1 position (english translation, she is progressing but has a while to go)
8:10 am - Pitocin started.
8:45 am - Emily is calmly watching Baby Story on TLC of woman who is screaming and about to have baby in the car. :-/ Matt is wishing we could have had a police escort though.
10:15 am - completed first lap around the maternity wing.
10:23 am - Pitocin upped for 2nd time (hourly). Contractions showing up on the monitor, but nothing intense. "Where's the pain?"
11:21 am - Water broke! Contractions already feeling stronger.
12:22 pm - (wow, hour already went by??) Contractions are regular (~2 min apart). Baby doing great. Em is doing really well. Painful, but still bearable. Pain level is about 5 or 6.
1:15 pm - Busy hour! Pitocin was bringing on contractions too frequently so dosage was pulled back. Pain jumped up to 7-8.
1:30 pm - EPIDURAL! Going from "Don't touch me" and in obvious pain to "Oh, that was a contraction?" is a wonderful thing. Emily must have a high pain threshold since she did really well when the epidural was being given.
1:45 pm - Progressing really well in the last hour. Now 4 cm dilated and 75% effaced.
2:00 pm - Em taking a nap.
2:04 pm - Matt taking a nap.
3:15 pm - Not much going on. Just waiting for things to progress more. Baby seems quite content now. New evening shift nurses came; all have been wonderful so far.
4:25 pm - Wow, 9 cm! 10 and Em starts pushing!
4:51 pm - Getting the table set up...
5:02 pm - "ok, the head is right there, right there." (Doctor) 10 cm dilated so its almost time. She's pushing!
5:13 pm - Savannah Faith born!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Our lasts...

2008-05-18T22:47:00.005-04:00

well, we're officially on our week of "lasts" as a family of four. Saturday night was our last time at church as a family of 4, pancake breakfast on Sunday morning was our last time as a family of 4, tomorrow will be my last time grocery shopping with just the girls. It's bitter-sweet... we absolutely can't wait for Savannah to join us in all of these family activities, but it's a bit sad to realize this chapter of our lives with just Gabriella & Addy is over. The twins on the other hand CANNOT wait for their new baby sister! Today, we took a tour of the hospital I'll be delivering at, and the entire time they just kept saying "baby 'Nannah" over and over :) I have no doubts they are going to be great big sisters! Unless I go early, I have a hospital room reserved for THIS FRIDAY - May 23rd! We will get to the hospital at 6am, and hopefully (if all goes well) Savannah will arrive later in the afternoon/early evening! Here is my 39 week belly pic :

I am so, so thankful to be feeling so great! We had a great weekend, which included a fund-raiser CF walk (we only went 2 miles, instead of 4 :), a family wedding that had a moon jump and inflatable obstacle course, and the girls' first time in the 2 yr old room at Sunday school! Their teacher said they did great! Here are some pics of all the fun!!

Addy

Gabri

Lovin' the dogs!

No fear of the slide!

Time to party!

2008-05-12T23:02:00.005-04:00

We had the girls' family party over the wkend.. and they had such a good time! When I asked them what they wanted on their cake the answers changed from Elmo to Bambi to Nemo to Dora, Dora to Spot, to Little People to Barney and back again - lol! So, I went with the most consistent answer which was Nemo (and they really do love that movie)!

cking out the Nemo cupcakes

A new apron for helping Mommy cook in the kitchen

A child after my own (neat-freak) heart.. she asked for a fork to eat her cupcake!!!

Gabs on the other hand, didn't mind getting messy :)

The 2 sweetest TWO year old birthday girls!!

Addy Grace

GG

We were so overwhelmed and thankful to be home in the US this year for their b-day! It was such a blessing (and so appropriate) to celebrate these two girls and another year of life for them on Mother's Day -- I don't think there is a MORE blessed Mommy!!

Progress!

2008-05-08T12:42:00.002-04:00

I was able to visit my doctor yesterday! She told me I am 1-2 cm dilated and 50% effaced. I have felt the baby drop the past week and she confirmed that she had! So, we have some progress! At this point if Savannah doesn't come early, we will plan on inducing the wkend of my due date (which is Memorial Day wkend).. so ready or not, she IS coming!!! I've been having some contractions, none of which have been painful yet (YAY!).
We still need to officially decide on a middle name, I should probably pack my hospital bag in the near future, I need to find sheets for the bassinet (and get those washed :) and a few other things, like install the infant car seat, have the girls' 2nd birthday party (family party), attend a fund-raiser 4 mile walk, celebrate our 4 yr anniversary, attend a wedding, and hopefully close on a HOUSE!!! Ha, then I'll have to think about painting, decorating and packing too! What a month!! All that to say we are EXCITED at all the Lord is doing and can't wait for all May has for our family!!

Our Girls are TWO!

2008-05-03T11:56:00.000-04:00

No, no warm temps come back!

2008-04-28T00:13:00.004-04:00

The past week was awesome! We were able to get outside and play everyday!! My girls love the sand, the playground, the swings -- they could spend all day outside!

Could those smiles be any more fake :D

I CANNOT believe my baby girls will turn TWO years old in 6 more days!!! They are truly such a joy in my life, i just cannot imagine it without them!

k, I'm back..

2008-04-18T16:59:00.005-04:00

not like I've ever been a great and regular blogger anyway.. but now that we're all healthy again I will try to do better! My baby girls turn 2 in only 2 weeks -- ahhh, where does the time go? They are literally talking up a storm! Addy is easily putting together 5 or 6 words to make complete thoughts and learning new words everyday! I love that they can communicate what they're thinking! We went to to birthday party last wkend, and when they brought out the pinata Addy exclaimed "Bambi's daddy!" -- totally cracked me up!

I don't think they really loved the concept - but happily accepted the candy!

We've been enjoying the Spring weather and getting out everyday! Here are some pics from our windy day at the pond.

I've been feeling great, and was even spoiled by a 1 hour pregnancy massage yesterday (my first massage ever!). I've been going to the chiropractor for my back and it's made all the difference in the WORLD!! So, since our insurance covers all this, I figure I'll take advantage of it for a few more weeks, until Savannah's here! Yay for awesome insurance!

We were blessed to buy our minivan last night, which was crazy and fun! This was the first vehicle Matt and I bought together so kinda a new experience but in the end we found a great van that will be plenty big for our three carseats, not to mention all the stuff that comes with traveling with 3 under 3 :D I am definitely loving the sliding doors, and the moon/sun roof!! Almost can convince myself it's not a total mom mobile!

Our house search is going well, and I feel we're getting closer! We're really excited and just praying for wisdom! God has just blessed our family so much -- thanks for reading along!

Sick!

2008-04-12T22:56:00.002-04:00

yuck, yuck being sick is NOT fun! Having the flu virus, at 34 wks pregnant, along w/ your husband and two young children is really NOT fun! Sorry, for the lack of updates I think today is the first time I've put on mascara in almost 2 weeks. My girls just got dressed for the first time the other day, and I finally have started to get some laundry done. So, needless to say we don't have any pics to share and are feeling the time crunch as we realize only 6 more weeks 'til Savannah is due!! Hmm, maybe I should look for a mattress for her cradle :) We found a great house today, and are getting closer to the make and model of minivan that we'd like ... soooo, progress is good and as soon as i have more exciting news (like cute pics and vids of the girls) I'll be posting again :D

Less than 10 wks!

2008-03-19T19:16:00.005-04:00

We had my last (30 wk) ultrasound today and it was so awesome to see how much Savannah had grown in the past 10 wks! She weighed in at 3.4 lbs (which is exactly at the 50th percentile). So, if she continues to grow at an avg. speed, she should be about 7-7.5 lbs at delivery!! We also got to see her putting her fingers in her mouth and see her heartbeat! The girls were so excited when they heard her heart (just like when they play with their doctor's kit at home). I hadn't gained any weight since my last visit (3 wks ago)! Yay, all my exercising and eating healthy finally paid off, and even the ultrasound tech today thought I was in for my 20 wk ultrasound :)

Can't wait for our little pumpkin to get here!

A few wks ago we went and had some photos taken at a portrait studio and altho the girls wouldn't smile (at least I got them to stop crying :) I think they turned out so, so cute! I'm telling you - THOSE EYES!!! Don't know how you don't get lost looking into them!!!

So sweet!! The photographer told them to give each other a hug and this is what they did!!

One Year

2008-03-08T16:36:00.004-05:00

Can it possibly be that one year ago, i was headed to Antigua, Guatemala to never be separated from my children again?? On this day one year ago, Gabriella Maria Hope & Adelina Ramona Grace were placed in our arms FOREVER! Matt still had to make trips back and forth, but since this day one year ago, I have been with my babies every single day (except those two days I was home in Chicago for my SIL's wedding).

All my life I've wanted to be a wife and a mom, and I can't do anything but tear up and shake my head in amazement at how good GOD has been to allow those dreams of mine to come true! I wouldn't have ever guessed but being a wife and a mom is BETTER than I ever imagined! I am so grateful to have Gabri & Addy in my life and to have them as a part of our family!

Matt and I for last time without the girls :D

Driving to Antigua to start our fostering journey

Gabriella

Adelina

Sisters

Gabriella

Adelina

Counting

2008-02-25T16:13:00.004-05:00

My little girl learned last week how to count to 10!! Here she is -- not so little any more :(

She has a little trouble w. number 7, and don't you love how each time she says a number it sounds like a squeak!?! Today, at the store I was asked how old they were and when I answered "almost 22 mos" the other person's reply was "wow, you almost have two two year olds!" -- can it be? Where oh where does the time go?

This week started my third trimester and I'm getting so ready for Savannah to get here! Our house search is going well, and we are still looking for that minivan! After this week's doctor appointment I start going every 2 wks, instead of every4. Ok, and here's the latest belly pic, since you asked :D Lookin' like i have a basketball under my shirt :)

Lovin' The Wiggles!

2008-02-20T00:02:00.005-05:00

Do you love those dance moves, or what?? Next wk starts my third trimester and we finally have a name! We decided the girls' little sister will be named Savannah!! Middle name is still TBD! Can't believe in 3 short months, she'll be here and my babies will be 2 yrs old!! (in response to requests, belly pic will be posted soon!)

Bubble gum & Voting!

2008-02-08T17:42:00.000-05:00

...and no, it's NOT true that it takes you 7 yrs to digest gum (I looked it up :), but i think this will be her last piece for a while ;)

Guess who came with me to vote on Super Tuesday!?! They were so good, and quiet ("shh, like in the library" I told them). Their favorite part was definitely the stickers, which the nice man made sure they had plenty of :D

Shake that Booty!!

2008-01-23T13:13:00.000-05:00

Wisconsin Dells

2008-01-14T15:04:00.000-05:00

Last wkend, we loaded up my dad's club wagon and all of my family headed to the Wilderness Lodge & Indoor Water park. There were 10 of us all together and we had a great time! One of my brothers leaves in a week to attend school in Australia (he'll be gone for a year) and one of my other brothers lives in Mexico so it was really special that we could all be together, as it will not be able to happen again soon!

The girls had so much fun in the water and didn't mind getting soaked! We even took them on our rafts with us to the huge wave pool and they said "more" when we had finished being hit by HUGE waves :) I wasn't able to go on any of the slides, being pregnant but it wked out anyway since we needed adults to keep the kids happy! Here are some pics of our little water bugs!

Getting their wristbands, which were still too big and fell off on the tightest hole :) Next time we'll put it around their ankles!

All 10 of us!

In other news : we have our court hearing this week for re-adoption -- can't believe it's taken us so long.. but when we got home we pretty much were SICK of paperwk! Having this court date will allow us to officially re-name the girls and make sure that they have US issued birth certificates, as opposed to the Guatemalan ones we currently have. We also had our last post placement visit with our social worker this week -- i just can't believe that we're done!

I've been sorting thru the girls' clothes for baby #3, and realize that I don't have anything tiny! All the newborn clothes we got for the twins were left in Guatemala for their foster moms.. so I get to still do a little bit of shopping :) yay, for those tiny little outfits -- cannot believe that we're going to have such an itty bitty baby in our house in just a few more months!! The baby has been kicking like crazy and Matt got to feel her (more than a few times) yesterday!

Ok, we need a name for this baby girl! If you hear any names you like be sure to leave me a comment! We still have time, but I want to start calling her by name instead of "baby girl"!

Baby news!!

2008-01-02T15:32:00.000-05:00

I had my 20 wk ultrasound today!!!!!!!!! Matt and the girls were able to come with and the girls kept saying "baby" thru the entire ultrasound :) The baby is perfectly on track (doctor's words, not mine :) and looks healthy and great! The baby's favorite position was upside down, the entire ultrasound the baby was doing a headstand :D I've been feeling the baby for the past 4 days and it's so neat to know the baby is moving around in there.....

ok, ok, ok... i know you've been waiting.....
so we are EXCITED to announce....

YAY!! We are elated for our new baby girl to join us in only 20 more weeks!! After we had the ultrasound and were all in the waiting room before meeting with the doctor, the tv on the wall played thru it's commercials. At that moment a commercial for David's Bridal came up and flashed brides in white and her bridesmaids following behind her and my poor husband just said to the twins on his lap "girls, daddy's going to have to start saving for those wedding dresses!"
Now we just need to decide on a girl's name :) Our list of preparations for our third little girly continues... got to sort thru ALL those adorable girl clothes, got to find a mini van (grr, still not totally excited about that :), and got to find a larger living arrangement since we're anticipating 2 adults and 3 children not fitting too well in a two bdrm apartment :)

oh, and for the belly pic requests ---

As I weighed in today, I kinda flinched realizing I was at the maximum for how much weight a woman should gain at wk 20 of her pregnancy.. but oh well. The doctor told me I had gained 5 lbs since my last visit and as I looked at him waiting to hear his response, he simply said "the holidays" ;D So, I figure since we're not sure if we'll go thru this pregnancy experience again, I'm gonna enjoy it, even if i gain a bit more then the books say i should, right??

Hope everyone had a great new year! I am completely excited for all 2008 has to bring!!

Happy New Year!

2007-12-28T17:13:00.000-05:00

can it be that Christmas already came and went?? Hope everyone had a great Christmas and I can honestly say ours was one of the BEST ever! Seeing the holidays thru a child's eyes just makes you appreciate it so much more!! Since the girls came down with runny noses Saturday, they got to come with us to the candlelight church service. I think they enjoyed biting on the candles the best, i felt bad for the person who got our candles the next service :) We celebrated with my extended family, my immediate family, Matt's immediate family and two more Christmas's this wkend and next with our out -of-town family!!

Opening stockings Christmas morning!

Not quite getting that the bottle is for her baby doll :)

Our own Mary, Joseph & baby Jesus for the reading of the Christmas story!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from our family to yours!!

Feliz Navidad!

2007-12-22T15:31:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas!

For each of the families that are not quite complete this year, I pray that your heart will be comforted and that you might have a quiet peace, knowing God loves you and your loved ones.
Let's strive to remember the real reason we celebrate this wonderful holiday!!

To my sweet husband!!

2007-12-14T00:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday baby! Could it be that you're already halfway to 50!!! I'm so thankful I get to share everyday with you!

How can you not love snow...

2007-12-05T16:36:00.000-05:00

when you are surrounded by this much love for the white stuff :) here is a short vid of the girls' first REAL "no, no, no" (snow!)

If there is still any left we are going to hit the sledding hills this wkend -- might be one of the best wkends ever!! I just can't wait to see them in their snow pants, boots, etc!!

and ok, i saw the requests for belly pics :) keep watching, i'll post that soon!!

Express Train

2007-12-02T21:10:00.000-05:00

We went with Gramma, Grampa and Uncle Dan to ride the choo-choo this weekend, and boy did the girls have FUN! They not only rode once, but twice (spoiled, spoiled :)!

"Look, it's Santa!"

Sitting in the sleigh

Getting ready to ride the choo-choo!

"yay, that was the BEST!!"

The girls also got to experience SNOW for the first time!! Well, ok it was more like freezing rain, sleet and ice but it didn't bother them! They loved it, and I (for once) am so excited for our first real snow fall!

B-Day

2007-11-28T16:14:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday Emily/Mom!!!

Love, Daddy & the girls

long Thanksgiving wkend!

2007-11-25T21:22:00.000-05:00

Yay, for 4 and a half day weekends! Our Thanksgiving was wonderful and we were blessed to be able to spend it with almost ALL of our immediate family. I don't think the girls went without attention for longer than 2 seconds, and of course they loved it!

We set up all of our Christmas decorations the girls went crazy! They love the tree (and of course the Dora and Mickey ornaments are their favorites :), the lights, the snowmen ("man"), and the baby Jesus ("Je je sus") in the nativity! We went to go see the lighting of the big Christmas tree, met Santa (twice), went for a horse drawn carriage ride (brought back really good memories from our days in Guat), saw some ice sculpting, and got to squeeze in a Starbucks run :) I'll let the pics show how much fun we had!

Wearing their mittens for the first time :)

We were so, so thankful this year to have our girls home with us forever! It would be impossible to count all our blessings as there are far too many!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2007-11-21T17:11:00.000-05:00

Hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving!

"Dada, wooo"

2007-11-14T16:40:00.000-05:00

Every morning i go into the girls room to see those sweet faces wide awake and ready to go (half the time they are jumping on their beds :), and almost every morning the first question i get is "dada?", so after telling them time and time again dada was at work, they finally started telling me "dada, woo (work)". They also know that dada takes the choo-choo train to get to work and so finally last night we got to pick him up from the train and they got to see what "riding the choo-choo to work" actually means!

If you look closely you can see the RR crossing sign, lights and gates

"Where's Dada?"

I can't believe the girls have already passed 1.5 yrs old! They are both talking up a storm, saying new words almost every day! They are so smart and have actually been successful for the last week in potty training!! yay for mom not having to change as many dirty diapers, especially anticipating having 3 babies to change in 6 mos!! At their last doctors appointment Addy (little sis) passed up Gabriella in weight, for the first time in her life!! Addy weighed in at 18lbs and Gabri was a bit over 17.5 lbs! I found it funny that the doctor told us this time they actually made it ON the American growth charts. I think they were in the 3rd percentile, which totally makes me lol!

Next week I make it to that 2nd trimester, and we did find out I have my 20 wk ultrasound (when we find out if our new baby is a boy or girl) the first week of January! So, that will be a fun way to start off 2008! Yesterday at my 12 wk appointment I got to hear the baby's heartbeat (again) and it truly was amazing. I still don't think it has truly hit us yet, that another little life will be joining our family in less than half a year!

Oh, and who thinks it's ok to start Christmas stuff? ok, ok, i know it's still early and Thanksgiving isn't even over yet, but truly I want to stretch and enjoy Christmas this year like never before. Last year our Christmas was hard and pretty sad. I didn't even put up any lights, trees or decor last year.

This was my husband's attempt at a tree on Christmas morning! We had been praying since May that our little girls would be home for the holidays last year and it was sad to know they were thousands of miles away.

This year I've already been playing the Christmas music, and have the decor down and ready to unpack! Christmas cards are done and ready to be dropped in the mail, I've already been thinking thru where we can put our trees to keep them out of the way of little hands, and shopping is coming along. Matt and I are wanting to start new family traditions this year and want to incorporate baby Jesus' birthday for our little girls to try and understand! So, am I in trouble? Is it ok to just stretch Christmas a bit longer this year? :D

Matt and I last Christmas (missing our sweet girls).

Trick or Treat

2007-11-04T22:11:00.000-05:00

Sorry, I'm late.. where in the world did October go? Here are our two little trick or treaters this year. Both costumes reminded me of Guatemala, so I decided I'd go for it. They really didn't go trick or treating besides to Nana & Papa's and Grandma's & Grandpa's.. but those costumes might just be big enough to fit them in next year too :)

Side note : the best part was probably when they wanted that candy soooo bad they chewed a hole thru the wrapper and tried to suck that chocolate out :)

More pumpkins!

2007-10-22T16:22:00.001-04:00

This past wkend we went to the BIG pumpkin farm and wow, did those girlys have FUN!!! The weather was beautiful and some of our family got to join us too!

As soon as they saw the big pumpkins, they just wanted to hug them :)

(Literally) Running as fast as those little legs will go to DORA!!

They were both hugging and kissing those wooden cutouts (they're just so sweet :)

"oh no" she does this for everything!! i can drop a paper clip and she'll say "oh no" and cover her mouth for the following 3 minutes (too cute!!)

Riding on Daddy's shoulders

Another attempt at a family shot (sigh)

Trying to pick up the big pumpkin :)

Look at that face!

They loved to use the gourds as phones

Ok, so here is a Gabri and Addy update! They both go to see the doctor for a ckup this week (a little early for their 18 mos appointment). We are both guessing they are close to 18-19 lbs. I would LOVE for them to have hit that 20 lb mark, but they are just so petite and short, I don't think we're quite there yet (oh well :) I still can't get over just how much they grow and change every single day! They are both so, so smart. They love puzzles (addy can do a few on her own), dancing (finally got the booty shakin' thing down :), books and talking! Gabriella's new thing is the jack-in-the-box, she could sit there all day and wind that thing! They are both talking a ton, and i'd say are speaking around 20 words each. Cracker and wook (work, for "where is daddy at?") are the new ones this week :) They both take one LONG afternoon nap (usually 3-3.5 hrs) and they love, love, love food. Naaak, (for snack) is one of their favorite words. They also love "ah wa wa" (cross between agua and water :). They are running everywhere and when we tell them about Mommy's baby in her belly, they both put their finger to their mouth to say "shhh", I guess they're assuming the baby is sleeping! I cannot go to the grocery store without someone coming up to me and complimenting the girls -- just today a lady at Aldi told me they look like they belong in a movie (lol). I can't help going on and on, but for the sake of the blog I'll stop :) These girls are truly blessings straight from GOD, and not one day goes by that I cannot shake my head... how awesome that I get to be their mommy!!

How cool!

2007-10-18T16:25:00.001-04:00

We got to hear our baby's heartbeat yesterday!! My official due date is May 25 and (promise) there is only ONE baby growing in my womb :) Sorry, to all those who were rooting for another set of twins :)

Pumpkins, blessings, goldfish

2007-10-15T14:47:00.000-04:00

I apologize for taking so long to finally blog! We, of course, have been busy and honestly there's just been so much to say and not enough time to type it.

First, be sure to keep praying for Guatemalan adoptions.

Things are very uncertain right now, and my heart just aches for those families that are caught up with so many questions and have no answers. There are still so many Guatemalan children that need, want and deserve families.

We had lots of fall fun this wkend. On Saturday we took the girls to a small pumpkin farm right down the road from us, and i seriously think the best part was them wearing winter hats!! Yes, it was actually that chilly, plus we're all still getting over our third (yes, third) round of colds around here, so we made sure to bundle those girls up! They had tons of fun!

Trying to get thru the hay maze

Are you lovin' the hats?!?

Petting the pony

Two little pumpkins

Feeding the bunny hay

Sunday was such a special, special day for us. We had our Child Dedication service at church, and the girls were able to be a part of that ceremony. As we waited back stage, ready to commit our children publicly and officially to the LORD before our church family, I couldn't stop the tears from flowing (ok, I'm sure the pregnancy hormones weren't helping either :), but I thought about how Matt and I had sat in church thru the past year and watched family after family after family dedicate their child to the LORD. I remember longing more than anything for our girls to be home so that someday we could be a part of this ceremony and yesterday we were! True, our girls were probably some of the older kids being dedicated and i felt a tinge of sorrow that we weren't able to spend those early months of their lives together as a family, but above all my heart just overflowed with feeling so, so blessed! These girls are such a gift and GOD without a doubt knew how perfectly they would fit in to our family!

Up on stage

We were so excited that our family joined us to be a part of this special day

Trying for a family photo

Two little sweet peas

and had to include one of the ruffle butts :)

And lastly, thanks for all the CONGRATS comments! We are beyond excited about another new life! I am so excited for the girls to be big sisters and am totally looking forward to all the infant stuff (yes, even midnight feedings, etc)! I have my first doctor's appointment tomorrow and they should be able to confirm my due date, which is at the end of May. The girls turn 2 yrs old May 3, and our wedding anniversary is May 15. Soooo, May is turning into a busy month for us :) I have been feeling ok, but not great. Goldfish crackers, raisin bran and chicken noodle soup are about the only foods I can think about without feeling a need to run towards the bathroom. But, really I can't complain I know many, many woman have it much worse. I've not gotten as much done around the house, but that's probably because I've been napping everyday when the girls go down, hence not much is getting done, but i couldn't type enough about how awesome Matt has been -- helping so much and reassuring me I should not feel the slightest bit guilty. All in all, I am loving pregnancy and cannot wait to be a mom for the third time around! oh, and btw, yes minivans are currently on my list of things to be looking into :)

Pure Elation (ok, and a bit of shock :)

2007-09-27T14:54:00.001-04:00

Seriously...

2007-09-20T22:47:00.000-04:00

how is it, we go 4.5 mos in Guat with NO sickness and then in less than 2 mos of being home, everyone (but me thankfully) gets sick, not just once but twice?? (sigh) oh well, hopefully they'll all be feeling better soon, and in the meantime at least mommy is healthy enough to take care of everyone!

i'll let the pics show some of what we've been up to!

Mommy and one of her girls

Daddy and one of his girls

Meeting Dora at the Hispanic Festival

The petting zoo

Mommy thought the best part was when the lamb sneezed on daddy's hand :)

Their 1st lollipops!

They were literally drolling all over their shirts (way too cute)

Finally meeting Uncle Jeff...

and Aunt Jen for the FIRST time (last immediate family to meet the girls!)

Reuniting with Bela (another Guat girl) this was the 1st time we hung out in the U.S.!

All 10 of us together for the first time!

Gotta take a goofy shot too :)

The twins (girls) with their twin uncles!

6 Months Together

2007-09-08T08:00:00.000-04:00

6 mos ago today, Matt and I sat in the foyer of La Casa Grande Hotel, Guatemala City, Guatemala. I remember waking early, being way too excited to sleep! Although March 8th was one of the best days of my life, it was also filled with immense sadness, nervousness and uncertainty. We had seen the girls last only 1 month earlier, but the visit had been terribly hard and sad. The girls were old enough in February to recognize us as strangers and we could tell they were mourning and missing their foster mom. Addy, especially was greiving and it was heart breaking for Matt and I to watch. That visit and an incredible grant from Shaohannah's Hope starting the wheels turning about the idea of fostering. So, as the Lord continued to work out the details, I found myself cking out the foyer window every couple of minutes as our decision to foster was beginning!

6 months ago today, matt and I never had to say "good-bye" to our sweet children again! The girls came to us as tiny, uncertain babies. They were loved a ton by their foster moms and I know they did the best job they could. As our fostering journey began I remember being scared out of my mind about the "unknown". I am a typical type "A" firstborn, and planning (ahead (A LOT)) is part of my nature. To move to a third world country, knowing that in weeks I'd be alone with two 10 mos old children without my husband, was needless to say, a very stretching step for me to take. I knew I had GOD behind me and that alone is the only reason I was able to make that step! I couldn't write enough about how GLAD and thankful I am that I did take that step!

After being the girls caregiver for 6 months, I have been blessed to see them grow, mature and absolutely thrive! I couldn't imagine being a mom as any more amazingly awesome! I am completely blessed by two little girls who call me "Mama". What a great 6 months it has been!

My sweet tiny little girls 6 mos ago

My sweet adorable toddlers today!

Gabriella 6 mos ago

Gabri today

Adelina 6 mos ago

Addy today!

Labor Day

2007-09-07T13:00:00.000-04:00

wow, where has the week gone? we decided to take the girls to the beach (with the rest of Chicago) on Labor Day. They (of course) have never been to Lake Michigan before and this was also their first time at a beach! They LOVED it! Loved the sand, the waves, the water, loved it all! They couldn't get enough of it! I think we've started a new Labor Day tradition!!!

Elmo's World

2007-09-03T20:43:00.000-04:00

I caught the girls dancin' to their Elmo dvd.. and couldn't resist posting the video! I know I'm biased but I think they are the cutest!!!

haircuts and walking!

2007-08-25T14:18:00.000-04:00

ok, i know, i know... technically the girls had already gotten a hack job... err.. haircut in guatemala, but since i wasn't there and I didn't want it, i am declaring that it didn't count! So, the girls got their FIRST haircuts yesterday and were too cute. It made me laugh to see their little heads popping out from under the smock. It was really just a little trim to even it out, but it was still so fun!!

Ironically, as I was talking the phone to my SIL the other day she asked me if the girls were walking yet. I gave my typical answer of "no more than 10-20 steps independently, I think crawling is still faster, therefore they don't want to walk yet." well, i should have known... that same day Addy started walking MORE than she was crawling. I figured I'd see how the next day or two went, maybe just a one-day thing?? It's official my baby doll is WALKING and many times it's more like running! She is too cute, but it makes me sad that she's getting sooo big! Maybe Gabs will wait a bit before she takes off?? I think that may be wishful thinking.

.. and yes, i know it's dangerous to let her walk with her sippy in her mouth :) I didn't have the heart to stop her, as she was so determined. This video was taken the first day she started officially walking, she's only gotten better and faster at it :)

oh, and one last picture... is this not the cutest in the world?!?

4 weeks & PetSmart

2007-08-21T16:29:00.000-04:00

I am still in awe of the fact that we've been home for 4 wks! Part of me is still in Guatemala and the other part is here in IL. I can't help but think about all the friends still there wanting to be home, or the children still there desiring a family to call their own. Matt and I are so incredibly blessed by our girls, I really couldn't begin to try and type it. I am humbled at the privilege I have to parent Gabri & Addy! I LOVE being a SAHM, and am soooo thankful that my husband lets me be home with my girls all day, everyday!!! I am still amazed at how quickly the weeks zoom by. There are still so many things I want to do with the girls, and i have to remind myself that we have time :) Today, we made a trip to PetSmart! WOW, talk about free fun -- this was my kind of outing :)

I'll let the pictures show how much fun we had!

Lovin' the fish

... and the birds

... and the gerbils

... AND watching the big, huge Saint Bernard get groomed!!!

They even got to pet (and kiss :) one of the dogs leaving "Obedience School", out in the parking lot

"Mom, PetSmart was the best!! Can we come back again, soon!?!"

breaking out the burley

2007-08-17T22:28:00.000-04:00

I can't believe that August is already half-way over. This Tuesday we'll have been in the US for 4 weeks. My, how the time flies... more than anything I want to cherish every second.
We decided to take the girls out for a bike ride in the burley today!! Tons of FUN -- and I think the girls had a good time too :)

Per request...

2007-08-14T17:10:00.000-04:00

pictures of the girls' wagon ride at Grandpa & Grandma K's!

1st time in their little red wagon!

Faster Grandpa, faster!

Comon' Grandma, let's go!!

Still sick -- poor girls

"Sissy, what is that you have up there?"

Looking at the goat!

GRRR...

2007-08-12T23:54:00.000-04:00

we went 5 mos in Guatemala with NO sickness (besides chicken pox).. but there were no coughs, no runny noses or watery eyes. We've been home for almost 3 weeks now, and both girls are down with colds :( I am thinking it could definitely be related to the A/C? Considering they've never even been in an air-conditioned environment for their whole life, maybe it was just a bit too much. Poor girls! But it hasn't stopped us from keeping busy! Still play-dates to schedule, people to meet, stores to run to and things to organize around the house!

The girls met our pediatrician last week, and had to get some shots too -- but they really did great! Both continue to develop and grow so well, and each had already gained .5lb since we got home -- we have never had so much food :) Addy (who is younger) has always been on avg. 3-6 oz. lighter than her big sister. On Monday they weighed in 16.9 lbs and 16.8 lbs! They also both grew over an inch (in less than 2 mos)... I can literally say these girls are growing like weeds, and of course we couldn't be happier!!

Here are some pics from the past week or so:

Trains at Great Grandpa and Grandma's house!

Swinging at the park (they love to go so high!)

Poor sick babies

Playing with their new bitty babies!!

Adoption Announcement

2007-08-07T23:56:00.000-04:00

Water and sand

2007-08-03T16:51:00.000-04:00

We got to go with friends to the pool, here in IL for the first time yesterday! TONS of fun! We played for 4 hrs straight! Those girlys slept so well last night :) I have never seen babies "swim" like the babies do! They will fully put their faces in the water, without choking and can even blow bubbles with their mouths! They are such water bugs!!

AND.. for the FIRST time the girls got to experience SAND!! They were sooo cute, and not quite sure what to think of it. They kept trying to brush it off of their hands :)

Feeding the fish and ducks

2007-08-02T19:22:00.000-04:00

We all know that my girls are animal lovers, which is too funny since Daddy and I are not! i think we're going to have to come up with some creative "pet ideas" for the future when the subject is bound to come up. This past week, the girls got to feed the fish and the ducks, and of course they enjoyed themselves throughly!

Swinging and feeding the ducks

The Cougars!

2007-08-01T16:18:00.000-04:00

Last weekend we went with a group of friends to the Kane County Cougars game! The girls had so much fun and the best part was the firewks show at the end of the game. We heard fireworks ALL the time in Guatemala, but not once did we ever get to see them. So, finally the girls got to see what all the noise was about and of course, they LOVED them! We had two very still and focused babies thru the whole show! They were so cute just staring up into the sky, not knowing what to think :) We had such a great time and it was so wonderful to finally introduce the princesitas to all of our friends who have been so supportive and prayed so much for our family. Besides the firewks I think the girls favorite part was the team mascot: Ozzie the Cougar, who (of course) they were convinced was a big dog -- so they just "woof, woofed" at him the entire time :)

Hanging out with the "big girls!"

Hot stuff with the sunglasses :)

The fireworks show is starting

"Wow, mom look at that one!"

Visits and visitors

2007-07-31T00:23:00.000-04:00

I cannot believe it's already been ONE WEEK since we got home! in so many ways, it can't be true because i feel like it was just yesterday, and in so many other ways i feel like it can't be true because it feels like we've been home forever! The girls are doing so, so well! I am so proud of them and so happy to be their mama! We've been keeping plenty busy with meeting family and friends.

Our 1st visit was to go see Uncle Dan

Meeting Great Grandpa J

A Saturday morning visit with Great Aunt MK

Hanging out with Uncle Benny

Making sure we got to meet Uncle Mike before he leaves for school

We've been so busy! Playing at the park, feeding the ducks and fish (pics to follow), swimming and many trips to target! I have been pleasantly surprised at how much everyone loves seeing the girls, it makes me laugh to realize that the most common question i get from strangers is "are they twins?". So, far not ONE ignorant comment either!!! Today a lady at Target told me that they look like dolls -- i'd have to agree. I love those sweet little muñecas!!

Playing the piano like their daddy!

OVERLOAD!

2007-07-27T17:01:00.000-04:00

I could type a short book, and add tons of pics to go with it but instead i'll give you a short and condensed version of the past few days!

we only had a couple suitcases :)

"mom, is this my passport?"

the girls did wonderful on both flights home, and we literally caught our flight to Chicago with about 1 minute to spare, but we thankfully made it! i had to keep pinching myself and blinking to realize that we were truly ALL going home. As our plane flew over the Chicago skyline, both girls pressed their little noses up against the window and just stared at all the cars and buildings. We were welcomed at the airport by the girls' grandparents and tios (uncles) and tias (aunts). It was a joyous reunion, with lots of tears!

The grandparents anxiously awaiting!

Daddy & "Smiles"

Mommy & "Squeaks"

Going to get our luggage

these past few days at home have been a whirlwind! Unpacking, laundry, grocery shopping, pink eye, visitors, and so many firsts for the girls! We have experienced our first time in car seats, first bath in a real tub (with both girls together!), first trip to the park, first trip to the grocery store, sleeping in “big girl beds” for the first time, first time watching TV (no we didn’t have one in Guatemala), eating in their booster seats for the first time and so much more!

First time in car seats

The girls have done so great, I couldn’t have hoped for their transition to have gone any better! They are eating well, napping great and still sleeping 7p-7a!! They are loving meeting new family and friends, and of course wave “hola” to all the people who stop to comment on how cute they are! Surprisingly, the most common question I’ve received so far is “are they twins?” which makes me laugh.

WE ARE HOME!!!

2007-07-24T23:32:00.000-04:00

I promise, promise to post more later. but i had to let you all know that we made it safely home to Chicago! as i type my girls are fast asleep in their new room, in their new big girl beds!!

here are just a few pics to hold you over, 'til my next post, promise it will be asap!

"flying is lots of fun!"

"Look at me, I'm on an airplane!"

"ok, mom where are all these people who you say want to meet us?"

WE HAVE VISAS!!!

2007-07-23T18:19:00.000-04:00

WE HAVE VISAS!!!

Guatemala City, here we come!!

2007-07-22T00:53:00.001-04:00

Today was our LAST DAY in La Antigua, Guatemala. I actually expected to be less sad, but it's hard for me when i'm leaving behind friends, who just as badly as I want to be home with their families. I just cannot stop thanking the LORD for allowing us to go home! We are so excited to see family and friends, and to introduce the girlys!!

Tomorrow we will be staying at a hotel in Guatemala City, so we can be close the airport for our early morning Tuesday flight! Hoping the weather is nice so we can utilize the pool, and we'll also meet up with our girls' foster mom to say "good-bye" before we leave.

Please pray for us tomorrow at 3:30. We will be picking up the girls' Visas if all goes well.

Here are the princesitas, with their crowns :)

eating their papas fritas!

oh, and some how I came down with pink eye today, so let's hope i can keep that to myself and not share with anyone else!

Please raise your right hand!

2007-07-20T17:17:00.000-04:00

As the man behind window #8 today, said those words i couldn't help but tear up. We have waited so long, and hit so many bumps and altho they are still there and will never disappear, today the pain faded a little bit! The girls have always been worth it, and we've never once regretted our decision, but today as we sat in the US Embassy waiting room filled with adopting parents and Guatemalan children, something new, big and different filled my heart! I was just overwhelmed with excitement, gratitude, and a feeling that only causes me to just shake my head over and over and over again -- is that amazement?? GOD has been my rock thru this, He has increased my faith and taught me more than I could even try to begin to list. HE has truly amazed us. HE has chosen these precious, sweet babies to be our daughters and to join our family! HE has given me the passion, energy and strength to care for them by myself, in a 3rd world country for over 4 months! HE has bonded these children to Daddy and I as tho we've been with them everyday since birth and HE has helped us finish well (not to mention in the NICK OF TIME)!!!

Adoption is an AMAZING journey, and I can't advocate enough for the children all over the world who just want and need a family. We did not consider adoption until we learned more about GOD's heart for orphans. I could list off statistics and post pictures, but ultimately I think it's a decision that you have to have a desire for. I just hope that my blog might have convinced even one family to make a difference in a child's life, maybe just one person who grew the desire to adopt! Ok, stepped down from my soapbox :)

Here is our Embassy Day family picture.

Embassy Day

2007-07-19T23:22:00.000-04:00

We have another early morning tomorrow. Our taxi will pick us up at 5am, and off to the doctor we go!! Our Visa appointment at the US Embassy is at 8am, and afterwards we will head back to Antigua, for our LAST weekend here! We will stay at a hotel in Guatemala City Monday so that we'll be ready bright and early for our Tuesday flight!! It started to "hit" me more today. I was thinking about how incredibly grateful I am that i've been able to spend the past 4.5 mos getting to know my girls, I am also so grateful that the girls have had almost 1 mos straight with their daddy. I think these things will only help the transition to IL!!

There are so many things here in my babies' birth country that I am going to miss.

Pretty in PINK!!!

2007-07-17T21:53:00.000-04:00

the girls are PINK!!! for those of you who aren't quite used to the adoption lingo ; basically our Visa Appointment with the US Embassy was issued today. The girls and i went to the USE ourselves to pick it up!

Our Visa Interview is scheduled on July 20, 2007, 8:00 am!!!
If the girls' Immigrant Visa is approved, they will be ready for pick-up on July 23, 2007, 3;30 pm. Our flight to O'hare leaves the next morning at 6:50 am, and will arrive in Chicago later that afternoon!!! We are well on our way! Praise GOD!!! I've finally allowed myself to start thinking about what it's going to be like to have our children home. My heart is just overwhelmed! AHHHHHH, we're really going home!!

This is IT!

2007-07-16T22:20:00.000-04:00

This is the post that I've been wanting to type since we started this blog -----

WE HAVE A DATE!!!!!

After a crazy, long, hard, exhausting, exciting, and stressful day, it is finally done! We got the girls' passports this morning, we submitted for PINK after that. Our PINK slip will be issued tomorrow, and our appointment will be for this FRIDAY! Then we will pick up the girls' Visas on Monday afternoon, and travel HOME Tuesday!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Look out Chicago here we come! I think we are still in shock that we really have a date and that we are really ALL going home in a week!

Waiting in the car at the passport office this morning. daddy waited in line for almost 2 hrs.

God was so kind and good to give us our miracle! We're coming home, we're really, really coming home TOGETHER, as a family of 4 on July 24!!!! Our tickets are already booked -- yay!!!!

Tommorow's the day...

2007-07-15T16:34:00.000-04:00

our taxi is picking us up at 5AM (yes, the babies will be waking early too). By the time we get back to Antigua, we should know when we'll be traveling home to Chicago. Keep cking back, i'll be sure to blog as soon as I'm able. Please keep praying that all goes smoothly!

A Guatemalan haircut..

2007-07-14T17:04:00.000-04:00

and for $3 at that! Daddy was looking a bit scruffy, so i convinced him to go to the little barber shop nearby! I'll be honest : the biggest reason that i really wanted him to go, was this :
I have walked by that barber shop every day for the past 4+ months. The smell of aftershave is too strong not to notice as you walk past. The sounds of snip, snip, snip always fill my ears, and my favorite part is looking at the floor at all the hair -- it's ALL black. Yes, we are in Guatemala and yes, I'm pretty sure most guatemalan's have black hair, so i shouldn't be surprised, but it always make me smile. So, i always imagined Matt going to get his dark blond hair cut at the barber, and me taking a picture of his light hair on the floor, amongst all the black hair!

Here we are!

"What is Daddy doing in there?"

Here's the shot...

And what a good lookin' daddy!!

We've grown to 4!!!

2007-07-14T00:14:00.000-04:00

They've been our babies from the start, but as of today our girls officially received our last name!!! Our family of 2 K's is now a family of 4 K's!!!! The girls' new BC's were issued today, but unfortunately not in enough time for us to also get them their passports :( So, plan "B" (or is this plan "G"??) is to be the first in line at the passport office early Monday morning. After that we will rush straight over to the US Embassy to submit our paperwk for PINK. So, Lord willing we are planning on this being our last wkend here in Antigua. Weird to think that after being here for 4 mos, my time is winding down. I still won't let myself fully rejoice, or even dream about a homecoming in Chicago quite yet. thanks for all the prayers!!

Love,

Daddy, Mommy, Smiles and Squeaks K.

wanna see?

2007-07-12T22:04:00.000-04:00

here are the visa pics! when i showed them to daddy he said "i can't stand it. i feel like they are their 8th grade pics or something!" Don't they look so grown up?

and be sure not to miss the best part. Each baby only has her right earring in - classic! if i knew enough Spanish i would have asked about it, but then again maybe what the photographer was trying to tell me yesterday was not that they could just computer edit the earring off :) oh well, what a fun memory!

Keep praying, if all goes as planned by my blog entry tomorrow evening my children should have our last name, as well as a Guatemalan passport!!

Mission Accomplished...

2007-07-11T23:12:00.000-04:00

well, at least for today :) so, the VID's made it to Guatemala City and we were re-submitted for our girls' new BC's. Civil Registry said they will be ready on friday at 3pm. So, one step down and a few more to go! Praise God, this is good news!

i also took the girls to get their Visa photos taken today -- crazy! So, we get the first baby on the stool in front of the white backdrop and I'm jumping up and down behind the photographer who just keeps saying "hola, hola, hola" over and over again to try and get her to smile. He had taken two shots when he told me that they are not allowed to have anything in their hair (ie: her hairband). Ok... so i take it out, and not kidding her hair is not standing straight up. The photographer points to a little sink where I can get water. So, i'm using the water to try and slick her hair back and I feel like she's looking like a drowned rat, but oh well. He snaps away and we're on to baby #2. I do the same with her hair. Now, this child has no problem smiling, but he motions to me that she's smiling too big (go figure). So, after a few shots, i remember that a few of my fellow fostering moms have told me that girls are not allowed to have earrings in for the Visa pics. So, i motion to him the earrings and he affirms that they have to come out -- grrr. I have only done this once since they got them pierced, but I try. i can only get one of "Squeaks" earrings out, and "Smiles" only has one earring in (long story). So, then he proceeds to tell me (mind you this entire story is in Spanish, of course :) that it's fine to leave the earrings in, he'll just get rid of them on the computer. So, both of my girls will have wet, slicked hair and one earing in. The best part is that on a website i cked tonight, it said that digitally altered photos would not be accepted! Makes me laugh out loud :)

Oh my, this was really so much easier when I watched my friend have her little boy's photo taken :) they will be ready tomorrow at noon, so I'll try to post them on my next blog!

oh and just because i had to share...

2007-07-11T01:29:00.000-04:00

are they not the cutest??

the bus was delayed, tuk tuks and spiders

2007-07-11T00:49:00.000-04:00

What a day! The latest is that the bus that was supposed to deliver our VID (very important documents :) today, was delayed. Soooo, we need to pray that the bus makes it to Guatemala City tomorrow morning at 8, when it's due. That will still give our facilitator enough time to re-submit our new (and improved) docs to Civil Registry, before noon which is when CR closes for submission of docs. Then we need to wait for the new BC's to be issued. So, we shall see.

Today was our first tuk tuk ride! I can't believe i've been in Antigua for over 4 months and today was my first time. Do you know what a tuk tuk is??

Antigua is invaded by the three-wheeled motorbike taxis. They remind me of golf carts, that have diesel fumes blowing in your face as you drive. Taxi drivers hate them, claiming that the Tuk-tuks steal their passengers. The locals love them because they are cheaper than ordinary taxis. Oh and have i mentioned the streets here are cobblestone -- makes for a very bumpy ride :) Most of the drivers have no concept of precious cargo... meaning altho we had to two girls on our laps in the back of our tuk tuk today, don't you worry that didn't slow our driver down :)

This is the parade we got stuck behind on our ride. It probably would have ended up being just as quick to walk, but oh well :)

Tonight my husband cracked me up (and renewed my gratefulness of him being here) when he came out of the bathroom, asking for "something to kill a spider". Now, I'm from Chicago and i will admit we really don't have very big spiders back home. So, maybe this seems like no biggie to you, but to us Chicagoans -- yuck. I'll spare you details, because thankfully Matt spared me so therefore, I don't have any to share.. but this is what I saw on the camera when he finally emerged from the bathroom!

Miracles

2007-07-09T21:38:00.001-04:00

"He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted." Job 5:9

These verses about sum it up! So, does anyone want to pray with us for a MIRACLE -- if anyone can do it, it's OUR GOD! here's the latest with our adoption case.

Our Guatemalan facilitator should have all the fixed/new documents needed to re-submit for our girls' new Birth Certificates on Wednesday. After we get the new BC's we need to get passports for the babies. In order to beat our fingerprints expiring on July 22, we MUST be submitted to the US Embassy for our Visa Appointment on MONDAY, July 16. It currently takes 72 hrs for the US Embassy to issue a Visa Appointment, and they are typically scheduled for 10 days - 2 wks out. I have a contact at the Embassy who said he would be willing to do what he could to get us our appointment by Friday, July 19. If one step is delayed, or any more problems are encountered...

well, we won't make it home in time.

Therefore, Daddy will come home by himself and the girls and I will have to wait here in Guatemala for our new fingerprints to be processed. The estimated processing time is currently 2 mos.

SOOO.. who wants to pray these baby girls home (by NEXT Friday :D

Our adoption has been filled with miracles... how about ONE more??

"You are the God who preforms miracles; you display your power among the peoples." Ps. 77:14 (NIV)

yay, for Saturdays

2007-07-07T18:00:00.000-04:00

Even tho, there is no progress being made on our adoption on Saturdays, there is now a reason to not wish them over quickly! Daddy is here, and of course he gets to hang out all day with us, on the weekends!! We had tons of fun today...

We met this clown on the streets....

and each of the girls got a balloon animal from him!

Then we went out to eat lunch with some of our friends, one of whom gets to go home on Monday (finally!) after being in Antigua for over 7 mos.

We got to play on the playground in back for a while.

And to finish off our fun Saturday Daddy took us on a horse-drawn carriage ride! The babies LOVE the horses and it was too much fun to see their faces!

YAY for Saturdays!