In the Yard

We love playing in the yard.

When we are bored, or there's nothing to do or nowhere to go...

have no fear, we can play in the yard!

There are so many fun things in the yard,

like the sandbox, and the swing,

and other fun things like rocks...

(he found one and was saying "ooooooohhhhhh")

Yep, being in the yard makes us super happy!

You know what makes this mama happy?

Looking outside after dinner

and watching her darling hubby

playing with her sweet boy

in the sandbox

...so that she can lay in silence on the couch in the sunroom :)

Very Much "My Own"

There is a phrase that I hear fairly often when talking with people about adoption, or about general life things (such as how I feel about having a second child). I have heard it time and time again:

"Oh, it's the same when you have your own..."

Now, I'm really not one to stress over correct terminology, especially when it comes to adoption language. I think sometimes adoptive parents get upset about too many things and expect people to know the right things to say. I am certain that if I hadn't adopted, I wouldn't use terms like "birthmom" instead of "mom" or "real mom". So I don't get too bent out of shape when other people don't use the terms commonly used in the adoption world. (If you've said this phrase to me or are worried that you have said it...please don't worry about it!)

But this one, "your own", is one that kind of bugs me. I know exactly what people mean when they say it - they are referring to biological children. I know that, so I'm not mad at them when they say it. I know they don't mean anything by it, but somehow it still frustrates me, because it implies that a child is somehow more yours if you give birth to them. And truly, that could not be further from the truth.

Matthew is my child. Completely, totally, legally, forever all mine! I am convinced that I could not (and would not) love him more if I had given birth to him.

Last week at the bank, the teller was asking me about our adoption (which I love to talk about!) and she said, "So, do you really start to love him like he's your own?"

I truly almost started laughing because now the answer is so obvious to me that the question is almost ridiculous! But I didn't laugh, because I remember a time when I wondered the very same thing. Would I love him as my own? Would I feel differently about him than I would a biological child? I have never had a biological child, but somehow I know the answer anyway.

I just looked at Matthew, smiled, and said, "Yes. Yes, I love him as my very own."

Add Swimming to the List!

Today was so much fun! Some of my friends and their kids were heading to a swimming pool not far from our house so Matthew and I packed up our stuff and headed to the pool for a couple of hours. To say he loved it would be a complete understatement!

As I expected, he was kind of nervous about it at first. He wouldn't let go of my hand and did not want to sit down in the water. The pool we went to is so great for little kids as there is a really shallow part with a gradual slope and no steps. It was the perfect way to ease him in!

Soon he decided maybe sitting would be okay...

And it wasn't long until he was loving the fountains that were shooting out in all different directions.

I thought he might be upset when he got sprayed in his face, but to my surprise he started laughing and stuck his hands into the stream of water again so that it would spray him again!

Of course he had to find a step to go up and down, up and down...

I was scared I wouldn't get any pictures of him smiling, which would have been so sad because seriously he smiled and laughed so much. Then at the very end of the day, I got this photo:

After a couple of hours of playing, Matthew was so worn out. We headed home (literally a 4 minute drive) and as I pulled into the driveway I looked in the mirror and saw that he had fallen asleep! Now I know a good way to wear him out...

We will be heading to the pool again soon!

In the Waiting...Again!

Yesterday the motorcycle sold! *Sigh* Don't get me wrong - I am so thankful and excited that we were able to sell it. But I've got to tell you, there were a couple of emotional people watching it be driven away yesterday...and one of them was me! I knew Brad would be sad to see his baby go. I didn't expect to also feel really sad. I know it's just a thing, but Brad and I have had so many good memories on this bike. Our second date was on this bike (which I would not recommend - totally awkward riding a motorcycle with someone you hardly know!). Brad will have another bike someday, but for now he decided it wasn't all that practical and we could use the money for something pretty exciting...

Like starting our next adoption!!!!

Today we filled out the preliminary application to adopt again from South Korea! We decided it would be wonderful for Matthew to have a sibling from Korea, and also we are very excited to travel there with Matthew to meet our next child (our agency has changed their policy and escorting is no longer an option). With rumors floating around about Korea closing to international adoptions in 2012, we knew we wanted to start the process again as soon as we were able to.

Which would be today :)

Oh happy day! So excited to be back in the waiting!

We Accidentally Named Him "Stinky"

It was just one of those things. We never meant for it to happen. Somehow, somewhere along the line, my sweet baby boy's very special blanket/bear was given the name "Stinky".

Please, don't judge.

You see, this blanket really is stinky most of the time! I wash it (frequently!) and yet within hours of being loved by the little man (i.e. chewed on, slobbered on, kissed etc.) it is truly a stinky little blanket again!

I believe one day as I picked him and blankie up out of the crib I made a comment about "Wow, that's stinky!" which then turned into, "Let's go get your stinky blanket!" which turned into, "Where's Stinky?" (a question which, by the way, illicits a huge smile from Matthew and a frantic searching until he finds him.)

Here's the thing: "Stinky" is not a nice name for a little boy's special blanket. I know that! We just need a better, cuter name for him (notice the blanket is blue so of course it is a boy). The other day at the grocery store as I was getting Matthew out of the car, I informed him that "Stinky needs to stay in the car" and then realized how ridiculous I sounded!

So, it is time to rename poor Stinky.

I need your help, bloggy friends. What in the world can we call this sweet blanket/bear thing that Matthew so dearly loves? I have heard people call it a lovey, which is super adorable, but I'm pretty sure Brad will never say it. So I'm wondering...any other suggestions?

Highs and Lows from the Weekend

High: Spending Friday night at home with my boys looking forward to a weekend together.

Low: Storm Friday night which caused Brad to be called into work at 6am on Saturday morning (he works at a power company and lots of power was out in the area where he works).

High: Spending the afternoon with Brad's family for a potluck dinner.

Low: Brad missing his first ever Father's Day celebration.

High: Having my high-school friend Dana and her husband Michael come and stay for the night, getting to catch up and realize that no matter how long we've been apart we can always pick up right where we left off.

Low: Brad having to work until 11pm Saturday night.

High: Getting to go to church together as a family on Sunday.

Low: Brad getting called back into work again Sunday afternoon.

High: Brad coming home at 6pm and getting to watch a movie together with our little man.

Low: Matthew waking up at 10pm last night because he was so very itchy.

High: Finding out that shadow puppets on the bedroom wall make Matthew laugh hysterically! Having a special time just the three of us cuddled on our bed and knowing it is a memory I will hold onto forever.

High: (Look I'm out of lows!) Brad taking today off so that he could go to Matthew's dermatologist appointment with me. Getting new medication for Matthew so that hopefully we can help him feel better. Spending time with my boys and feeling so grateful. Not having Brad around has reminded me just what a great husband and father he really is. Our home is not the same when he is not here!