Fall Is Here

This past week at Maggie's school, the fourth grade put on their annual performance. This year the theme was "Fall Is Here!" Maggie was so excited about the show and talked about it for weeks.
Groovin' to the music!


Maggie is always looking to make sure Momma is watching.

Maggie and friends.

Jack Henry loved the show!

Life

Does it get any better than this?



Actually, it does!

Isabella's dance studio had a Showcase this week. All of the dancers performed routines that they have been working on. Isabella is loving her dance classes.

Ice Cream!

Peanut Butter Tempations

This little girl loves to bake and cook.

Isabella is our little chef.

The PB Temptations were delicious!

Goal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Another soccer season comes to an end. Even though the Dragons went 0-10, I saw huge improvement in the team's skills. The losses were hard for my two little Dragons, especially Isabella who loves to score those goals.

Creatures of the Night

Well, actually, more like "Cuties of the Night."

A Pink Lady, Annie Oakley, Rachel Zoe, and Chicken Little.

Happy Birthday, Baby!

My baby girl is 9 years old now.

Turning A Corner

I really feel like we've turned a corner with Jack Henry. In the last month or so, Jack Henry is beginning to love us. He is so excited to see us when we pick him up from daycare or when we walk through the front door. He yells "Momma" or "Daddy" and runs to hug our legs. He wants us to pick him up immediately. When a family members hurts him/herself, he wants to kiss them. The hugs and kisses come more frequently without having to ask for them. Furthermore, he is much more comfortable with us and his surroundings. There is a swagger in his walk. He knows he belongs with us. In return, we love this little boy completely.

He is a member of our family. Blake, the girls, and I were all patient (for the most part) about the bonding process. I did have trouble with friends and family understanding the process. I explained it to them. I asked them not to hold him or pick him up, to give Blake and I the space and time to be able to bond. Some people did not listen or respect our wishes. This was difficult. I do believe that only parents holding the child (or limiting time with other adults) does help immensely with the bonding process.

When we adopted Maggie, the bonding process was difficult-for her and for me. I was impatient. I was frustrated. I was scared. This time around I knew it would come. I was more patient, less frustrated, less scared. This comes from having more wisdom the second time around. I learned a thing or two from our first adoption. I wish I would have limited somewhat or altogether the holding time by other adults.

Is bonding complete with Jack Henry? Absolutely not. I believe we are still working on it, but I am happy with the progress made so far. I see more and more everyday that Jack Henry trusts us. Everyday, he reveals just little more of his wonderful, adorable personality.

I love my kids!

I am blessed!

Fall Fun

Saturday evening, the family ordered calzones from our favorite Italian restaurant and spent the evening carving pumpkins.
Ok. Fall can officially begin.
Pumpkin Carving Time!
Never seen the inside of a pumpkin before. Fascinating!
Wine corkscrew? Ancient Chinese secret to carving pumpkins.
Maggie and Isabella
Maggie's pumpkin design (a flying owl) took a lot of patience.
Isabella's skeleton pumpkin.
Jack Henry thinks pumpkins are hilarious!
Isabella
Katie Beth
Maggie