A little catching up..

Thought I would take a few minutes to catch up on blogging. So much has been going on lately, as usual, right, but still wanted to document everything.

First we decided instead of renovating our existing house that we would, put it on the market and look for something bigger. We have not brought a single "baby" item into our house yet and we were already feeling cramped. Plus this is a perfect time to get more for your money, larger houses are selling for less in our area. The key will be to sell our house. We have found a house that we absolutely love just about 2-3 miles from where we are so we are hopeful. Just praying that the right family walks through our house and that we have a contract before the end of June. It would be nice to move before the end of August, before school starts again, and before we the baby comes. The only bummer about selling your house is keeping it "show ready" 24/7, that is a real task but it will be worth it in the end.

On the kid front: our #1 is ready for school to be out!! He just loves being outside and can't wait to stay out until he is ready to come in, which does not happen on school nights. Our last day is June 11th so we are close but not quite there yet. Ethan has decided that he is ready for an overnight camp this summer. So he will be spending a week at Triple R Ranch, a christian camp right here in our area. Jay and I were both counselors there in the summers during college, so we are excited for him to go. He is also trying out for the Advanced U9 Soccer team for next year. I think it will be a wonderful opportunity for him.

Our #2 is totally and completely obsessed with ELMO. We must watch at least 3 different episodes of Elmo's World everyday, she just loves him. She is really starting to use lots of two and three word phrases, which is exciting to see. She has recovered so well from her last surgery, much faster than the other two. She loves the pool, so she will definitely be taking swim lessons this summer.

And our #3 is very close to having a name. Jay and I are just deciding between two names and want to make sure it is the one before we share. With Ethan, no one knew his name until he was born except for us, but I can't hold it in this time, I don't think. So we will be sharing soon. I am feeling her move lots, and it is obvious to everyone now that I am pregnant. Getting lots of those, wow you are really popping out, when are you due? comments. Of course then I answer, September 20th, so a while. Oh....it is going to be a long summer. Yes, thanks so much for the encouragement. I think we forget what it feels like to be pregnant, once the babies are here and forget about how those comments feel sometimes. But we take it all in stride.

Jay and I are hanging in there and ready for the summer. I love being home everyday and Jay loves it that he can wear polo shirts instead of ties so we are ready. Thanks for checking in on us. I hope to be back with some photos soon.

Happy Memorial Day!

Bow Giveaway!!

I know I make bows too, but I don't have the time to do it right now, and Jeanette's bows are much more creative than mine. So if you would like to be entered into a giveaway go to her site here.  You can win the bows you see pictured here or others listed on her blog.  All of the money she raises through Sara Beth Bows goes to her family's adoption fund.  So head on over when you get a chance.

Hanging in There

Today was Charlotte's best day so far. Her energy level was up and pain was controlled with just plain tylenol. She is still having a little trouble eating. She gets tired easily as it is hard to open very wide and the surgeons did do some work on her front gums as well. So jello and ice-cream are still a big favorite. Yesterday was fun, as Charlotte was still in quite a bit of pain and Ethan had a stomach virus. Poor guy was quarantined to his bedroom in an attempt to contain the germs. The last thing we need is for Charlotte to catch that too. Ethan was much better today as well and was able to go to his soccer game. He scored a goal today!!! He has been a little frustrated as he usually scores in games, but had been coming so close without the prize. Well, today was the day, he dribbled down field, faked a player out, then was tripped. He jumped up and tried again only to fall, again, roll over and still managed to kick it past the goalie. He was not going to let his opportunity pass him by! He is a bit competitive, and I have no idea where he gets it??? (As I am on many a home video, yelling, LOL!!) And our #3 little one is also doing well, have I mentioned that it is a girl!!! She is very active and loves to do somersaults, on my bladder of course. I am felling much better as of late, so praying that will continue for the next few weeks at least. So that is it for us, hope all my friends out there have a fabulous Mother's Day!!

Charlotte is Home from the Hospital

Charlotte did well in surgery. She woke up mad but let me comfort her immediately. She did not have any fistulas (holes) in her palate so we were able to come home once she drank some juice. So we arrived at 5:30am and were leaving by noon, an answer to prayer. So we are home and settling in. Thanks for your prayers, we would still appreciate them for a speedy, comfortable recovery.

Don't Let the Babies Go Hungry....

I just read a post of a fellow AWAA family waiting to travel Ethiopia and bring home their little girl. (click here to read their story.) Their daughter came to America World's Transistional Home very malnourished, and apparently lots of infants entering the home are facing the same situation. When the babies are this malnourished, their bodies cannot digest regular infant formula. Instead they need a special formula that is $30 a can. Well now Tom Davis, author of Red Letters and Fields of the Fatherless, is getting involved. His ministry Children's Hope Chest, is stepping in to raise $12,500 to buy this special formula for America World's Transistion Home. Check out Tom Davis's blog here to find out how you can help.

Secondly, will you please pray for Charlotte tomorrow as she is scheduled for surgery in the morning. She will be have a nose revision/reconstruction, ear tubes, and part of her adnoids removed. She may have further repairs to her palate as well, but won't know until the surgery begins. Pray that she remains comfortable in the hospital, and that her recovery will be quick and smooth. Thank you so much.