Hard to believe it has been almost 3 months since we last blogged. Where does the time go? I had every intention of making an entry at Thanksgiving and one at Christmas and well, good intentions weren't enough.
So much has happened in such a short period of time so I'll take this one at a time. First, Christyana is doing remarkably well. She is such a joy to have as part of our family. I got caught up tonight looking at photos. Lauren and the boys were at a birthday party for a friend of ours tonight so baby girl and I got some "Daddy/Daughter" time. I think this is the first opportunity I have had to do that. She and I have a special relationship. I don't get to see her all day so when I get home, whether it be for lunch or after work, I scoop her up and say, "Hello Gorgeous!!" to which I am greeted with a beautiful toothless grin. Then I just about take her face off with kisses. It is so much fun to watch her develop. While she is chronologically 8 months old yesterday, her adjusted age is just about 4 and a half months. Looking back at some of the pictures when we first brought her home, reminded me of how much she has grown. While we still have to wait until the end of March to finalize, I am totally in awe of what God has given us!!! Granted we were devastated when our first adoption fell through, I am overwhelmed by His grace in giving us this little girl. As I have done with all of our children, I found her tickle spot!!! OK, for those who don't have children, they think I am being ridiculous. Now those who have children can take a moment and think back to when you found your son or daughter's tickle spot. Christyana's is under her chin. I pretend to eat her neck...she just laughs!! That is such an unmatched and special sound to hear your child's laughter. No matter what kind of day you have had, that seems to melt the troubles away.
On to the boys...Colin is growing and developing into a wonderful young man. Mind you it is through no efforts of my own. He has such a kindness and sensitivity about him. He thinks of brother and sister before himself often. He's far from perfect (aren't we all!!) but he is maturing. He is really excelling in school. His reading has greatly improved and his math skills are quite sharp. I am enjoying watching him step up to the plate as our eldest and take the responsibility of helping out with his sister. They are 6 years apart but he is such a blessing. He really loves to feed her and hold her.
Now, Corban, ah what to say about that little bundle of total mischief. :o) He is no longer our baby boy. Lauren finally broke down and let him get a more mature haircut instead of the bowl cut. I thought she was going to cry, but I reminded her that he isn's our baby any longer. They grow up far too fast!!!! You blink and 4 years have passed. This reminds me to cherish every moment. Yes, even the moments when my dear little 4 year old flushes his toy train down the toilet resulting in the removal of the toilet and use of force to extract the 3 inch little train. Or when my curious little 6 year old gets into my shaving cream and decides to redecorate the bathroom.
Colin was quite cute yesterday. He spent all day in the garage working on a "surprise". Lauren emailed me at work and asked if she should be worried...to which I replied..."ABSOLUTELY." When I came home last night, he proudly showed me part of his "project" which is going to be a boat. He had used his hand saw and cut a piece of wood "All by himself." He beamed with such pride...how could I not praise him for his efforts? He stood quite tall yesterday with a feeling of accomplishment. Granted I don't know that the scrap wood will ever materialize into a boat but he felt like a man working with his own tools. I think what touches me most about him is his heart. He has such a thoughtful heart! I pray he doesn't lose that. Corban is a treasure as well. He is our comic relief (like every good 2nd born should be...coming from a 2nd born here). His laugh is contagious and his spirit is completely wild. Our family wouldn't be complete without him, though.
I never knew what to imagine at this stage of my life. 34, married for almost 10 years to a wonderful help meet with three beautiful children. I feel blessed!! Blessed beyond what I deserve.
