Little Chatterbox

Matthew is such a little talker these days. Now, we're not hearing a lot of real words, although he has managed to say more, up, mama, and dada. But last night while my sisters were babysitting, they taught him to say "Sarah"! I was so glad to see they got it on video (mostly because I was a bit of a skeptic!)

Anyway, here's the video - I know my mom has been dying to see it :)

Lessons Learned

Laundry gets done much more quickly when you have help.

Having family near is the best thing in the world.

A husband holding a sleeping baby is an attractive husband indeed :)

Take time to enjoy the view...wherever you are.

Life doesn't get much better than this.

Four Months Home and An Exciting Day!

I realized this morning that today marks 4 months that Matthew has been with us! The time seems to be flying by. Every day is so full now and we are so thankful for every moment as a family of three.

Matthew has really changed over the last month or so. He is getting more confident and seems much more happy and relaxed. He is learning new things every day which just thrill this momma to no end!

For example...today he learned to walk!

The other day he took two or three steps to Brad or I, but they were always very unsteady and mostly he was just leaning to get to us and his feet happened to move. Then all of a sudden today, this happened:

He can now take 10 or 11 steps in a row without falling! It was amazing to see him figure this out all of a sudden and I feel so blessed that we were able to see this milestone in his life. All the excitement wore him right out and he went to bed at 7pm! What a great day :)

Wondering...

I wonder...

...how much more work two children are compared to one?

...what it would be like to have another little one in our home?

...if our home is big enough for two little ones?

...how long it will be until we start another adoption (don't get excited - we have to wait until Matthew has been home at least a year!)

...where we will adopt from next?

...if the rumors I hear about South Korea closing to international adoptions in 2011 will turn out to be true?

...if I am crazy to even be thinking about this right now!

Coming Home

I feel a bit like I'm going through a mid-life crisis. Or maybe just an identity crisis!

I wrote the other day that I am getting back to life (back to some of the things I used to do before Matthew came home), but what I didn't say is how hard I am finding it. It is a strange thing. I used to know who I was, I felt pretty confident about my role in life and where I should serve or what I should do with my time. But now it feels like everything is different. I feel like I am not sure where I fit anymore. That is the thought that just continues to go through my head as I try to resume some of my previous activities. Where do I fit? All of the jobs/ministries I used to do have been taken over by other people, so even though I'm going back, I'm not really needed in the same way I used to be. Of course, I didn't think the world would stop spinning just because I had a baby and took some time off from things, and I understand that other people had to take over the things I was doing...but I just don't know where that leaves me now. I feel obsolete and I'm not sure what to do with that, other than pray for direction.

I realized the other night as I was driving up my driveway, and these thoughts were all swirling in my head, and I was having a bit of a pity party and an "ugly cry" (it was okay since it was dark and I was alone!) that I felt a sense of relief wash over me as I arrived home. Home, safety, comfort. Those are the things I feel when I get here.

When I'm home, I know who I am. I am a wife to a wonderful man who just gets me. I don't have to try to be something I'm not. He accepts it all - the good, the bad, and the ugly (cry). I never have to doubt that.

When I'm home, I'm also a mom. I feel comfortable in that now, and it is the most amazing thing I have ever done in my life. Every day I feel so blessed that I get to be at home with my little man, taking care of him, training him and loving him and teaching him. I feel like I have the best job in the whole world. And how could I not when I see this gorgeous face every day?

So I will continue to wrestle with all the changes in life...but I am so thankful that home is just the best place ever to be. It makes all the other stuff okay.

Back To It

What am I "back to"...?

Well, I am back to the gym. Sigh. It has been a very long time since I have done any physical activity other than carrying Matthew around and lifting loads of laundry :) I was excited to get a great deal on a gym membership for the next couple of months and joined with a friend. Today was the first day...yikes. Within minutes of being on the elliptical, laundry was sounding pretty good :) Thankfully I survived, and even did a 10 minute run. Pretty pathetic after my 10 mile run last summer, but still, it's a start.

I am also back to helping out at youth group. I took some time off to get adjusted to life as a mom, but lately have been feeling really ready to get back to it. I missed all the students and leaders so much!

Basically, I'm starting to feel like I am back to life outside of my house :) It's been weird in some ways to be at home so much, but so wonderful and relaxing too (if I block out of my head the 2am diaper changes and sickness and all that!). After almost a year, I am off my headache medicine and not having jaw pain. Guess it was stress after all!

Life is good. No, not just good. Great! It is more than I ever hoped for and I am so thankful that I can stay at home with my little man. I wouldn't change it for the world!

And now, here are a few random pictures of my dog, Daisie. She's been a little overshadowed lately by a certain adorable someone :) And she's kind of begging for attention these days!

I'm sure she'll be happy to know she made it on the blog!