Doctor, Doctor

Yesterday I had the very cool experience of going to the doc with Beautiful J. I know it might sound weird that I was excited about going to the doctor, but any of you adoptive parents out there know what I mean. It's not that I love going to the doctor, that's for sure! It's that I am so grateful that I get to share these kinds of experiences with my future child and his amazing birth mother. Even though I don't get to feel him moving around in my tummy, even though I don't get to nurture him until he's ready to make his big entrance into this world, I got to hear his heart beat. His perfect, strong heart beat. I got to be there to ask the doctor questions. I got to be there to support J whom I love and admire with all my heart. My favorite part of the whole thing was just hanging out with her. She is one incredible woman!



 

Blessing Katrina

Every day when we say family prayers we thank our Heavenly Father for Katrina and ask Him to watch over her while she serves her mission. Recently Cohen has started doing this at every prayer--even when we're blessing the food. If Sam or I ever forget, he kindly reminds us right away. 

Exciting News!

We have a very exciting announcement to make! It looks like our family of three will become a family of four this summer!!! We met Beautiful J via our online profile a few weeks ago, met her in person last week, and this week she gave us the good news. We are ecstatic, grateful and humbled. Even though I've known about this for several days, I haven't written anything because, honestly, I feel at a loss for words. You'd probably think or expect that I'd be shouting it from the rooftops, announcing the news on Facebook, and posting all about it here. But, as I discussed with J and her mom, there really aren't adequate words in the English language to express my feelings. It's also sacred to me in a way that makes me feel very private and protective of everyone involved.

This news also means that our adoption profile is on a hard hold. Basically, this means that it's not online anymore because we have a pending placement/adoption. I can't believe I just typed those words. It still seems like a dream!

Stay tuned ...

p.s. We love you, J =)

Happy New Year!

As usual, December was a very busy and fun month. Here's what we've been up to:

Sam helped the scouts make snow shoes. Now all they need is snow! We've had a few flurries here and there, but no real snow all winter. How boring!

Cohen in an elf hat he made at a local book store's story time.

Sam experimented making what he called "Grinch Candy Canes".

"I'm not sure what to think about this guy, but I sure do like his candy!"

We've been able to spend some much anticipated time with Katrina's family. One night they all came over for dinner and then we went to Temple Square. Another night they all watched Cohen while Sam and I went to a movie--the babysitter to kid ratio was 8:1. Just one more perk of our open adoption. 

Temple Square w/ Katrina's family

One Christmas Eve we had brunch with and spent most of the day with Megan's family.

The two beautiful Great Grannies who started it all.

Cohen discovering the joys of Flarp.

Megan's Dad, a.k.a. The Pancake Master

Cohen playing Wii "bats" (baseball) with his Uncle Dan and cousin Jackson.

Cohen got at least 10 cars, plus a motorcycle and a helicopter for Christmas. He loves each and every one (especially the latter two).

 Cohen gave Sam and me a much appreciated present on Christmas morning ... he slept in until about 9:30! He got up just in time for a present that surprised us all--we got to Skype Katrina! She looked and sounded so happy. While we miss her a ton, we're so grateful she's where she is. She also received a much needed Christmas gift--an investigator attended church.

After chatting with Katrina we opened presents, went to church and then had family over for dinner.

Cohen thinks his Missionary in Training tag is pretty cool. Too bad he hadn't opened it before our Skype session with Katrina. We'll be sending her a photo.

Cohen got a toy grill--I think he likes it!

Cohen making Sam a delicious plastic hamburger. Yum!

For New Year's Eve we went out for pizza and and then went bowling with some family and friends. Cohen liked bowling, but his favorite part was dancing to the music with his cousins.

Cohen's first time bowling.

This past year has brought us so much to be grateful for: a new job for Sam that he LOVES, lots of time with family and friends, Cohen learned to talk, and we were approved to adopt again. Hopefully the coming year will bring a new addition to our family!

Serendipity

Sam's parents and sister have been in town for a couple of days, and last night we went to Temple Square to see the Christmas lights. While we were listening to the narration of and looking at the main nativity ...  

someone from behind called my name ...

Katrina's brother Chris and his beautiful (and preggers!) wife!! 

Serendipity at its finest!

Among the zillions of people there, Chris noticed Cohen's darling wolf hat (given to him by Katrina) and then the cute little face peaking out. We are actually planning to go the Temple Square with Katrina's family in a few days (Chris hadn't heard yet) , but I'm so glad we bumped into them.

Luckily Sam's sister, Emily, had her camera handy. Sam's parents and Emily went with us last year to see the lights, so I didn't bring my camera this time. Besides, she recently took some amazing photos of Paris at night, so I know she'd take better pictures than me anyway. I was right.

Cohen talks a LOT about wanting to go inside the temple. I'm so excited to take him there again. The first time was sincerely beyond words--an experience I gladly share in person when prompted, but am hesitant to share through this medium. I'll just say that even though he was only six months old, he understood what was going on--probably better than anyone else in the room. The privilege of taking your child to the temple is truly a tender mercy from our Father in Heaven to us couples who cannot create children together. 

Anyway, Cohen knows that he will get to go inside the temple again when he gets a sister or brother. So he (and we) pray for that every day. 

November Roundup

our back yard cherry tree

Wow! This month has flown by. I just realized I have only published one post this month and December begins in a couple of hours. Here's a quick rundown of what we've been up to this month: 

Sam went to work peeling and sanding the logs he harvested for his parents banister. 

Cohen started using the toilet - very infrequently, but it's still a major celebration at your house!

Sam taught Cohen the art of tortilla making and Cohen became a master of glue while making our first displayed Christmas decoration (it's on the fridge behind him)

For the 3rd year in a row, we participated in the annual Adoption Walk With Me 5K to raise awareness of the positive outcomes of adoption in our community. BTW, Katrina is doing great on her mission. She's in a new area that she loves. We miss her TONS and can't wait to spend some time with her family who will be in town next month. 

Sam tried to use the shop-vac as a leaf blower. It didn't work very well, but Cohen had a blast playing with it. 

We discovered the joy of indoor camping. Cohen calls marshmallows "farfallows".

The newest member of our extended family was born last month. He was born 8 minutes after Megan's sister arrived at the hospital! Cohen calls him Baby Will and we can't get enough of him. 

Grandma (Megan's mom), Cohen and William on Thanksgiving.

We decorated for Christmas the day after Thanksgiving. Cohen's tree ended up looking very similar to the way he decorated it last year. At least this year he hasn't tried eating any of the ornaments.

One night when Cohen was supposed to be in bed he got into the gift wrapping box and had a lot of fun with the ribbon.

And last of all, some stuff I've been thinking about A LOT lately, but I'm not quite sure what to say about it ...

We've only been approved to adopt again for a few months. Why does it feel like SO MUCH longer?! I obviously have yet to master the art of patience!

This month we've had contact with a couple of different women trying to find families for their children. This time is such a roller coster of emotions. Trying to be realistic while staying hopeful, faithful and grateful can be a struggle at times. Discouragement and doubt keep trying to rear their ugly heads. And trying to make sure we're doing all we can to help our next child find his/her way to our family vs. having faith that the Lord will bring us together can be a tough balancing act. 

However, as frustrated and powerless as I sometimes feel, I always think of those planning to  place their child for adoption and the task they have of trying to find the right family. Now THEY have the hard part in all of this. I cannot imagine the pressure that must accompany making such an important decision. I'm glad we can be a part of a few of their journeys. I truly feel blessed for the opportunity to do whatever we can to help them with their decision. We clearly experienced through Cohen's adoption that Heavenly Father has a way of working things out. I just have to be patient. 

APPROVED!

We're finally approved to adopt again. Even after going through this once before, I still can't believe how much the approval process involves. Background checks, doctor visits, interviews with a social worker, home inspection, essay questions, references, financial review ... the list goes on. Then of course there's all the stuff that needs to be done for the online profile. It's totally consumed me for the last several weeks.

Now I get to relax.

Okay, "relax" is a huge understatement. I'm definitely not as anxious as I was the first time we did this, but it's like waiting for Christmas morning to come, but you have no idea when it will be. Maybe next week, maybe next year ...

Luckily I have a lot more faith in the adoption process then I did last time. I tried my best to believe it would all work out, but I had a lot of doubts. After what we experienced with Cohen I came to see Heavenly Father's hand in everything. When the time was right, He made sure everything came together. He helped Katrina find us and let her know we were the right family for Cohen. And He help prepare Sam and me to be worthy of His and Katrina's incredible gift to us. In the end, it was worth every second of waiting.

TWO!

Time flies when you're having fun!  Most who don't know Cohen think he's at least three because he's so tall. But I can't believe he's already two! By the time you're my age, not much changes between birthdays. But Cohen has learned a lot since last year: he can walk (and run!), count to 10+, pedal his tricycle, shoot a basket, name ALL of his cousins, aunts, uncles grandparents and friends, dance, sing, and he can finish the sentences and lines to his favorite books and songs.

To celebrate we had a casual dinner party at our house yesterday. I debated whether or not to have a family party AND a friend party, but opted for "just" a family party. Most of his closest friends are cousins anyway, so we'll save the friend thing for later. We had a houseful and yardful with just family anyway.

Dinner included Cohen's favorite foods: hot dogs & sausages, french fries, veggies & ranch dip, and ice cream. Of course we had cake, too. Last year's cake was an aesthetic disaster, but all the kids loved it. So this year I used the same idea with a few changes and it turned out much prettier.

Cohen was ecstatic about the "balls" on his cake.

I wonder what he wished for??

Only the birthday boy could get away with this.

Great grandmas, grandparents, great uncle, aunts, uncles, cousins and Katrina's family. A pretty big crowd for a two year old! The more the merrier, I say!!

When buying Cohen b-day presents, Sam and I need to remember other people will get him gifts, too. He got a lot of stuff: stuffed animals, books, cars, clothes, puzzles, chocolate milk, candy, balls, a power drill, and his favorite, a lawnmower that blows bubbles. I think it's time get rid of some of his "old" toys. They are starting to take over the house! 

Happy Birthday Bub-o. We love you!

She Will Be Missed!

The time has come to say good-bye to Katrina for 18 months. We are so happy and excited for her. We know she will be an excellent missionary. We sure are going to miss her, though. We are so grateful we can share in this experience with her.

Hanging out with Katrina after her farewell. Cohen totally made a scene after Katrina gave her talk--he kept pointing at her, yelling her name, and trying to run up to the stand to sit with her. The little guy sure loves his Tummy Mummy!

A bittersweet moment at the airport. Katrina is so beautiful, happy and excited! Megan's on the verge of tears, and Cohen's wondering what the heck is going on. 

WE LOVE OUR SISTER MISSIONARY!!!!

Zoo

Yesterday we went to the zoo with Katrina and her family. It was a billion degrees but worth every drop of sweat. Cohen had a blast and it was nice to spend some time with Katrina before she leaves. 

Katrina's bro & Cohen. It's pretty obvious where Cohen gets his good looks!

In awe at the elephants.

Cohen with Grandpa and Grandma (Katrina's parents)

Mr GQ

Last week Sam and I went to a local high school to do adoption education presentations in the health classes. We've done this before, but this time was extra cool because Katrina was able to come with us. We didn't bring Cohen, of course (what toddler would enjoy sitting through seven hours of high school classes?), but since he's the main man of our story, and because he's so darn cute, I wanted to show him off.  So the day before our presentation I lifted Cohen up into our backyard cherry tree and snapped some pics. He loved sitting in the tree and cooperated like a champ.

Here are some of my favs.

After the photo shoot he gave our seedlings a "dwink." I really need to get these things in the ground.

This shot was the winner. Holy shmoley he's cute!