Tonight at church Gabriel sat on my lap for part of the service. There was a baptism and because he wanted to see ,he asked if he could sit on my lap. Although he is getting a little big to sit on my lap, I obliged and he watched attentively.
After they baptised the baby, we sang a song and halfway through it, Gabriel turned around to me and said, "Mom, you have a different voice when you sing." Because I was trying to sing and didn't want to get into a lengthily conversation right then and there, I nodded and continued with the song.
Then just a few seconds later he said, "Mom, you are lucky because you have a different voice." I smiled, nodded again and looked back up to pay attention to the sermon.
After church tonight, as we were eating dinner I asked Gabriel about what he was talking about during church with my voice. He said, "Mom, when you were singing you have a different voice."
Not sure exactly what to respond with I said, "Gabriel, is that a good thing?" To which Gabriel replied...
"Mom, your voice when you are singing it is like when your tummy is sick."
I guess he made it pretty clear, he doesn't think I have the best singing voice.
Until next time,
Angie
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Friday, April 29, 2011
A year ago today
A year ago today, Jarrett and I received the phone call we had waited a very long time for.
April 29, 2010
It had been less than a week earlier when our adoption specialist had called us to say our file was being considered for two little boys. It was a call we had received a few times before, and each time it ended with us grieving the loss of children we had never met but wished more than anything we had. I remember this time though, when we got her call, in some strange reason, it felt different. I think back now and although it seems really strange to say, the usual anxiety and stress that came with her call to say we were being considered for a possible adoption, seemed instead to be calming. I remember walking Jack one night before the actual red file and I looked up into the clouds and said to myself, "God, I'm just putting this in your hands and what ever is meant to be, I'm sure will be."
I guess it was meant to be.
When our adoption specialist called us this time, I, unlike all of the times before, missed her call, so she left a message. It goes something like this. "Hi Angie, it is Diana, and when you get this call, please call me back as I'd like to talk to you about a red file you and Jarrett have been invited to for two little boys, ages 3 and 4. I don't have very much information but I understand they are developmentally on track, healthy and very happy boys. I'll try calling Jarrett too but please give me a call back when you can. Thanks!" I guess I have the message memorized because I saved it and have listened to it at least once a month since then. I remember how excited I was and I could only laugh at the timing as I had just started a new job less than 2 weeks earlier.
Jarrett and I talked about what it would be like to become their parents, but tried not to get our hopes up, yet again, as we knew very well, how hard it was to get Diana's calls after every red file before, only to find out, we had not been chosen. This time, again, unlike all the previous other red files, I asked Diana to call Jarrett with the news. I guess it was my way of protecting my heart from another possible heartache.
As the days leading up to April 29, 2010 came, Jarrett and I dreamed of what our possible 3 and 4 year old Gabriel and Michael would look like. We put together a special note to give to the boy's case workers, their foster family and a letter to their birth mother (even though we knew she wouldn't be present). In each letter we explained how desperately we wanted to be parents and how we, with the little information we had, believed we would be the best fit for these two little boys. I remember pouring my heart out and crying while writing each letter.
Then the day came. I tried to keep myself busy and my mind occupied but no matter it constantly drifted back to the red file staffing that was being held right around lunch time. A red file staffing, is a meeting with all of the parties involved in the case of the adoptive children. Often times it is the foster family, the children's case workers, the childrens' casa, their lawyer as well as the potential adoptive families case workers. The actual families being considered are not present. Usually there are between 3-5 families being considered for most children, so we knew each time our file was presented, the odds were stacked against us.
That morning passed by very slowly and finally lunch came. I called Jarrett and we talked for a couple minutes about what we were feeling and how nervous we were to get the results. I told Jarrett I had to go to a meeting but to call my cell and no matter what I would take his call. Off to the meeting I went. As I tried to pay attention as to what was being discussed at the meeting, I fidgeted in my chair and constantly looked down at my phone to make sure I hadn't missed his call. Then at about 12:50 p.m., my phone vibrated and when I saw it was Jarrett calling, I quickly slipped out of the room and answered,
"hello!"
Hi Mommy!
not realizing what he had said, I said, "So?"
We were picked! Diana just called to tell me. She said they picked us right away and she is so excited for us. Can you believe it? We are finally going to be parents!"
With a wave of emotion coming over me and standing in state of complete shock, I immediately started bawling and kept asking "really?, really? did they really pick us?"
"Yes, yes they did; you are going to be a mom."
Again more tears and all I could say was "I'm so happy! Oh my God, thank you! I'm so Happy! Congratulations Daddy! I'm so happy! Can you believe it? I'm so happy" followed by more tears.
Jarrett and I talked for a few more minutes and he told me to call Diana as she was excited to congratulate me as well. We talked about what our next steps were and who was going to call what family members to share the good news.
I honestly don't remember the rest of the afternoon as we talked to family members, talked to Diana, talked to each other, and then talked to family members, and Diana again.
That night we celebrated with opening a special bottle of wine we had been saving for a special event. I guess we didn't know what special event we were saving it for, but we both decided, getting the call to say we were going to be parents, was just the special event we wanted.
It is hard to believe, it has been a year since we got the call that changed our lives for the better and blessed us in so many ways. I remember each time I listen to that message from Diana, about just how blessed we are.
For years, I had been waiting to be a mom and it seemed no matter how many details I planned out, it just wasn't happening. I've learned my timing is not God's timing and I firmly believe God had put Jarrett and I in the place where he wanted us to be, so that on April 29, 2010, we were just where we needed to be, to welcome the biggest blessing we've ever wanted.
Until next time,
angie
April 29, 2010
It had been less than a week earlier when our adoption specialist had called us to say our file was being considered for two little boys. It was a call we had received a few times before, and each time it ended with us grieving the loss of children we had never met but wished more than anything we had. I remember this time though, when we got her call, in some strange reason, it felt different. I think back now and although it seems really strange to say, the usual anxiety and stress that came with her call to say we were being considered for a possible adoption, seemed instead to be calming. I remember walking Jack one night before the actual red file and I looked up into the clouds and said to myself, "God, I'm just putting this in your hands and what ever is meant to be, I'm sure will be."
I guess it was meant to be.
When our adoption specialist called us this time, I, unlike all of the times before, missed her call, so she left a message. It goes something like this. "Hi Angie, it is Diana, and when you get this call, please call me back as I'd like to talk to you about a red file you and Jarrett have been invited to for two little boys, ages 3 and 4. I don't have very much information but I understand they are developmentally on track, healthy and very happy boys. I'll try calling Jarrett too but please give me a call back when you can. Thanks!" I guess I have the message memorized because I saved it and have listened to it at least once a month since then. I remember how excited I was and I could only laugh at the timing as I had just started a new job less than 2 weeks earlier.
Jarrett and I talked about what it would be like to become their parents, but tried not to get our hopes up, yet again, as we knew very well, how hard it was to get Diana's calls after every red file before, only to find out, we had not been chosen. This time, again, unlike all the previous other red files, I asked Diana to call Jarrett with the news. I guess it was my way of protecting my heart from another possible heartache.
As the days leading up to April 29, 2010 came, Jarrett and I dreamed of what our possible 3 and 4 year old Gabriel and Michael would look like. We put together a special note to give to the boy's case workers, their foster family and a letter to their birth mother (even though we knew she wouldn't be present). In each letter we explained how desperately we wanted to be parents and how we, with the little information we had, believed we would be the best fit for these two little boys. I remember pouring my heart out and crying while writing each letter.
Then the day came. I tried to keep myself busy and my mind occupied but no matter it constantly drifted back to the red file staffing that was being held right around lunch time. A red file staffing, is a meeting with all of the parties involved in the case of the adoptive children. Often times it is the foster family, the children's case workers, the childrens' casa, their lawyer as well as the potential adoptive families case workers. The actual families being considered are not present. Usually there are between 3-5 families being considered for most children, so we knew each time our file was presented, the odds were stacked against us.
That morning passed by very slowly and finally lunch came. I called Jarrett and we talked for a couple minutes about what we were feeling and how nervous we were to get the results. I told Jarrett I had to go to a meeting but to call my cell and no matter what I would take his call. Off to the meeting I went. As I tried to pay attention as to what was being discussed at the meeting, I fidgeted in my chair and constantly looked down at my phone to make sure I hadn't missed his call. Then at about 12:50 p.m., my phone vibrated and when I saw it was Jarrett calling, I quickly slipped out of the room and answered,
"hello!"
Hi Mommy!
not realizing what he had said, I said, "So?"
We were picked! Diana just called to tell me. She said they picked us right away and she is so excited for us. Can you believe it? We are finally going to be parents!"
With a wave of emotion coming over me and standing in state of complete shock, I immediately started bawling and kept asking "really?, really? did they really pick us?"
"Yes, yes they did; you are going to be a mom."
Again more tears and all I could say was "I'm so happy! Oh my God, thank you! I'm so Happy! Congratulations Daddy! I'm so happy! Can you believe it? I'm so happy" followed by more tears.
Jarrett and I talked for a few more minutes and he told me to call Diana as she was excited to congratulate me as well. We talked about what our next steps were and who was going to call what family members to share the good news.
I honestly don't remember the rest of the afternoon as we talked to family members, talked to Diana, talked to each other, and then talked to family members, and Diana again.
That night we celebrated with opening a special bottle of wine we had been saving for a special event. I guess we didn't know what special event we were saving it for, but we both decided, getting the call to say we were going to be parents, was just the special event we wanted.
It is hard to believe, it has been a year since we got the call that changed our lives for the better and blessed us in so many ways. I remember each time I listen to that message from Diana, about just how blessed we are.
For years, I had been waiting to be a mom and it seemed no matter how many details I planned out, it just wasn't happening. I've learned my timing is not God's timing and I firmly believe God had put Jarrett and I in the place where he wanted us to be, so that on April 29, 2010, we were just where we needed to be, to welcome the biggest blessing we've ever wanted.
Until next time,
angie
Monday, April 18, 2011
Spider Webs
Gabriel has caught a cold. The last few days he's been walking around the house saying he's sick. He coughs, then blows his nose and then says "Mom, I'm sick." I think he's gone through several boxes of Kleenex as his nose is always running or congested. Although he does have a cold, you'd think by talking to him he's caught something way worse.
Yesterday as I was going to grab a load of laundry, I passed by the boys who were sitting on the couch watching Max and Ruby. As I walked by I heard Michael say to Gabriel, "Gabriel did you know you have cobwebs in your nose? It is gross Gabriel."
Until next time,
angie
Yesterday as I was going to grab a load of laundry, I passed by the boys who were sitting on the couch watching Max and Ruby. As I walked by I heard Michael say to Gabriel, "Gabriel did you know you have cobwebs in your nose? It is gross Gabriel."
Until next time,
angie
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Why do we celebrate Easter?
Throughout this weekend, there were several conversations about Easter. We discussed the Easter Bunny, we dyed Easter eggs, we watched the Veggie Tales Easter movie and we asked the boys about why we celebrate Easter.
Here's the responses...
Here's the responses...
I guess we have some work to do to teach them that Easter isn't just about the Easter Bunny.
Until next time,
Angie
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Put me in dad (oops, I mean coach)... I'm ready to play!
Last month Gabriel started playing coach pitch baseball. This is his first experience in baseball and he was really excited to begin playing. Dad and Gabriel attended the first players meeting and came home to share that Daddy was going to be their head coach.
Although it is one more thing on Jarrett's already very full plate, I could tell in his expression that he was just as excited about it as Gabriel. Right away he went out and started purchasing equipment and talked to some of his friends, (also dads who are coaches) to get pointers. He organized drills at practice and played out scenarios with me about what to do in certain situations. Me, having little knowledge of baseball, am little to no help, but I try to provide support and assist with drills at practice when I can.
We have know had 2 weeks of games, well actually only one week, because this weekend's game was rained out. (To all those who follow this and live in the mid-west, yes I did say that correctly, it was rained out... it does rain here!) However, the first game, that was two weeks ago, was great.
I'm kind of embarrassed to admit this but in watching our team at practice I was convinced they would be the team all others would want to play. Well think of the The Little Rascals and then think of them playing baseball, that is a good picture of our team. After though, watching them at their first game, like I said, I'm embarrassed to have thought that, because they did such an excellent job.
In fact, the other team they played, was totally shocked at how good our team did. One of my co-workers, who has a son who is 6 told me not to expect more than 5 actual plays (for example, someone hits the ball, the ball is fielded and thrown to first to get the batter out.= 1 play) all season. So my expectations were low. In their first game the Dragons (or the team Gabriel is on) had more than 5 plays. They did great!
We were proud of all the boys but especially our Gabriel. He hit the ball every time he was up to bat and on the second time he was up to bat he hit a double. Here's a few photos and a quick video of him up to bat...
We are proud of you Gabriel and Daddy and can't wait to cheer you on next week!
Until next time,
Angie
Although it is one more thing on Jarrett's already very full plate, I could tell in his expression that he was just as excited about it as Gabriel. Right away he went out and started purchasing equipment and talked to some of his friends, (also dads who are coaches) to get pointers. He organized drills at practice and played out scenarios with me about what to do in certain situations. Me, having little knowledge of baseball, am little to no help, but I try to provide support and assist with drills at practice when I can.
We have know had 2 weeks of games, well actually only one week, because this weekend's game was rained out. (To all those who follow this and live in the mid-west, yes I did say that correctly, it was rained out... it does rain here!) However, the first game, that was two weeks ago, was great.
I'm kind of embarrassed to admit this but in watching our team at practice I was convinced they would be the team all others would want to play. Well think of the The Little Rascals and then think of them playing baseball, that is a good picture of our team. After though, watching them at their first game, like I said, I'm embarrassed to have thought that, because they did such an excellent job.
In fact, the other team they played, was totally shocked at how good our team did. One of my co-workers, who has a son who is 6 told me not to expect more than 5 actual plays (for example, someone hits the ball, the ball is fielded and thrown to first to get the batter out.= 1 play) all season. So my expectations were low. In their first game the Dragons (or the team Gabriel is on) had more than 5 plays. They did great!
We were proud of all the boys but especially our Gabriel. He hit the ball every time he was up to bat and on the second time he was up to bat he hit a double. Here's a few photos and a quick video of him up to bat...
Until next time,
Angie
Rustler's Rooste
If you are looking for a great place to get a view of the city while enjoying an entertaining dinner, a great place to go is Rulster's Rooste. When Mom and Dad had their friends, Bruce and Audrey, from Green Bay Wisconsin come to visit, we decided to take them to the Rooste for an evening of fun.
Until next time,
angie
Gabriel and Daddy weren't able to make it so Michael and I made the most of it for them.
In addition to the slide that Michael was able to slide down in order to get to our table, he loved the biscuits, the balloon animal and the cotton candy dessert! Oh and the music, how could I forget the music. As we were leaving, the band started playing "Brown Eyed Girl" and I guess that song isn't just one of mom's favorites, Michael seemed to enjoy it too...
 |
| This is how you will feel when you leave the restaurant... the food is so yummy and you will leave stuffed (and ready for bed). |
angie
 |
| This is the big bull that greets you outside the restaurant... with those horns I don't think anyone would want to mess with him. |
Hiking
While Mom and Dad were here we took both of the boys hiking to South Mountain. It was a really nice day and the boys did a great job.
In fact we were able to hike all the way to the top of the mountain and look out over the city. Here are a few shots of our hike...
Until next time,
angie
In fact we were able to hike all the way to the top of the mountain and look out over the city. Here are a few shots of our hike...
angie
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Sympathy...
The other day on the way to school, we some how started talking about feelings. Gabriel said he saw a bug smashed on the ground and that he felt sorry for the bug. I told him that he was feeling sympathy for the bug and that was nice. I should have known this would open up a whole can of questions, but sometimes, just like them, I speak before I think.
Gabriel asked, "Mom, what does sympathy mean?" and I quickly tried tocome up with a simple, yet honest response and replied, "Sympathy is when something bad happens to someone else and they feel sad. If you have sympathy, you will feel sad too because they are sad."
I tell you, that was the best I could come up with. It is really hard to describe sympathy in terms a 4 and 5 year-old get. So my next attempt was to give them some examples. "Boys, how do you feel when your friend at school falls down and gets an ouwie on their leg?" They responded together, "Sad". Exactly!!!, I said, "that is sympathy."
Then Gabriel attempted to give me an example, "Mom is sympathy when you feel sad because your friend loses their car and their house?" Thinking to myself, "I don't know why he went for such a big loss", instead I said, "Yes Gabriel that would be feeling sympathetic for someone else and how sad they must be."
And then it was Michael's turn... "Mommy, is sympathy when you feel sad because your friend lost all their skin?"
pause.... "Ummmmm, yes Michael, I guess that could be showing sympathy too."
Until next time,
Angie
Gabriel asked, "Mom, what does sympathy mean?" and I quickly tried tocome up with a simple, yet honest response and replied, "Sympathy is when something bad happens to someone else and they feel sad. If you have sympathy, you will feel sad too because they are sad."
I tell you, that was the best I could come up with. It is really hard to describe sympathy in terms a 4 and 5 year-old get. So my next attempt was to give them some examples. "Boys, how do you feel when your friend at school falls down and gets an ouwie on their leg?" They responded together, "Sad". Exactly!!!, I said, "that is sympathy."
Then Gabriel attempted to give me an example, "Mom is sympathy when you feel sad because your friend loses their car and their house?" Thinking to myself, "I don't know why he went for such a big loss", instead I said, "Yes Gabriel that would be feeling sympathetic for someone else and how sad they must be."
And then it was Michael's turn... "Mommy, is sympathy when you feel sad because your friend lost all their skin?"
pause.... "Ummmmm, yes Michael, I guess that could be showing sympathy too."
Until next time,
Angie
Twenty March Third...
It has been a really busy last week and a half so I have a lot of catching up to do.
On Wednesday, March 23rd we celebrated Michael's fourth birthday. It is hard to believe our littliest boy is growing up and becoming an independant, confident and active (well it seems even more active than before) young boy.
In the weeks leading up to his birthday it seems he had been growing leaps and bounds. Every morning I'd reach into his closet and grab a t-shirt that fit the week before, only to find that this time, the shirt resembled more of an 80's mid-drift on his little tummy. One morning as I tucked away another shirt into the "pass along" pile, I verbalized the thought going through my mind. I said, "Man, I'm sad to see you grow so fast." Not realize how that statement would sound to a then, three-year-old, Michael said, "Mommy, why are you sad I'm growing?"
I then had to spend the next few minutes explaining that I am happy that he is growing, while I made a mental note not to express my sad emotions about him growing up so quickly and not needing my help as much.
So getting back to Michael's special day, I think if you were to ask him it was a perfect birthday! He was able to take treats to school and absorb all of the attention of being the special birthday boy, and then he was surprised to come home to a house all decorated with balloons, streamers, and toys, thanks to Grandma and Grandpa who had come from Iowa to visit, as well as his Nana, Papa, and the Petersen family. We celebrated with pizza, fruit and cake. It was a really nice day.
Then to to top it off he was able to have his dream Batman birthday party. I found a Batman pinata and a Batman ice cream cake that we celebrated with family and some friends at Desert Breeze park. As people wished Michael, Happy Birthday his response was always the same. Instead of saying thank you, he would respond, "Happy Birthday to you". He cracks me up. Michael had a wonderful time and soaked up every possible minute of his 4th birthday.
He's already asking me when his next birthday is, as if he can't get enough. I don't mean this to sound bad, but if I could, I'd stop time and keep him 4 and is brother 5 for a least a few more years.
We are coming up on our first anniversary of being a family and it is hard to believe all that this past year has brought us. I remember walking through the door of their foster family home and seeing this tiny little boy being the perfect shadow to his big and very talkative brother. Michael didn't say as much but I could tell his mind was remembering everything that was happening.
In the last 11 months we've watched Michael grow in so many ways. He's smart, caring, playful, silly and always funny. He makes me laugh even when he's not trying. I couldn't begin to count the ways I love him. There just wouldn't be enough space on this blog and every night when I close my eyes, I know tomorrow will give me many more reasons to add to the list.
Michael, your mom is excited to see you grow and become all that you dream about, talk about and want to be. I look forward to watching you create new dreams, strive for your goals, and while working hard and having fun along the way. Know I will be there in your corner cheering you on, celebrating your victories, reassuring you in your defeats and always, always loving you.
Happy 4th birthday, my baby (oops, I mean big boy).
Your mom,
Angie
PS: And if you'r wondering about the title of this blog. This is the Michael's answer to the question, "Michael, when is your birthday?"
On Wednesday, March 23rd we celebrated Michael's fourth birthday. It is hard to believe our littliest boy is growing up and becoming an independant, confident and active (well it seems even more active than before) young boy.
In the weeks leading up to his birthday it seems he had been growing leaps and bounds. Every morning I'd reach into his closet and grab a t-shirt that fit the week before, only to find that this time, the shirt resembled more of an 80's mid-drift on his little tummy. One morning as I tucked away another shirt into the "pass along" pile, I verbalized the thought going through my mind. I said, "Man, I'm sad to see you grow so fast." Not realize how that statement would sound to a then, three-year-old, Michael said, "Mommy, why are you sad I'm growing?"
I then had to spend the next few minutes explaining that I am happy that he is growing, while I made a mental note not to express my sad emotions about him growing up so quickly and not needing my help as much.
So getting back to Michael's special day, I think if you were to ask him it was a perfect birthday! He was able to take treats to school and absorb all of the attention of being the special birthday boy, and then he was surprised to come home to a house all decorated with balloons, streamers, and toys, thanks to Grandma and Grandpa who had come from Iowa to visit, as well as his Nana, Papa, and the Petersen family. We celebrated with pizza, fruit and cake. It was a really nice day.
Then to to top it off he was able to have his dream Batman birthday party. I found a Batman pinata and a Batman ice cream cake that we celebrated with family and some friends at Desert Breeze park. As people wished Michael, Happy Birthday his response was always the same. Instead of saying thank you, he would respond, "Happy Birthday to you". He cracks me up. Michael had a wonderful time and soaked up every possible minute of his 4th birthday.
He's already asking me when his next birthday is, as if he can't get enough. I don't mean this to sound bad, but if I could, I'd stop time and keep him 4 and is brother 5 for a least a few more years.
We are coming up on our first anniversary of being a family and it is hard to believe all that this past year has brought us. I remember walking through the door of their foster family home and seeing this tiny little boy being the perfect shadow to his big and very talkative brother. Michael didn't say as much but I could tell his mind was remembering everything that was happening.
 |
| Our little boy, the first time we met. |
Michael, your mom is excited to see you grow and become all that you dream about, talk about and want to be. I look forward to watching you create new dreams, strive for your goals, and while working hard and having fun along the way. Know I will be there in your corner cheering you on, celebrating your victories, reassuring you in your defeats and always, always loving you.
Happy 4th birthday, my baby (oops, I mean big boy).
Angie
PS: And if you'r wondering about the title of this blog. This is the Michael's answer to the question, "Michael, when is your birthday?"
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)