Rudolph Sighting

Imagine my surprise when I turned and saw Rudolph in our kitchen. Just goes to show that Santa does send his helpers out to check on the kids. I thought Santa just used elves for the "spying"; but, I guess with the economy the way it is even Rudolph is picking up any job he can.




Emerson just cracks me up! No, Darling, the dot paints do not smell!!!!

Firsts for Emerson (at least here at home)

Last week, (yep...little behind on this one) Emerson had several firsts.

He decorated and enjoyed eating Halloween cookies with Grandma and his sibs.

He actually had fun swinging. He used to freak out if we would sit him on it. Now, he can not swing high enough or long enough.

He used to be afraid of the slide too. Great progress!!!!

I was having a "blah" day.

Then, this arrived...


How can any one's spirits not brighten when looking at this beautiful arrangement?

Aren't they gorgeous?

They are just what I needed to put a little sunshine in this day!


Thank you, Ron, for this absolutely wonderful surprise. You are the best! Love you!!!!

I have proof!

You know how us moms are always saying we cannot even get a moment to go to the bathroom by ourselves? Well, I now have proof for everyone. Look at my view one day when I had to take a quick pit stop.

I know...you are asking yourself right now, "Why does Julie have a camera while in the bathroom?" I know you are! Well, I will tell you. Sydney just happened to be nearby in a different room; so, I asked her to grab the camera for me. I just thought this was hilarious that the two of them felt that they had to be right there with me. Really? It is okay to let me out of sight for a moment. I promise I will not make a break for it. :)

Free with Lego purchase

With the holiday season quickly approaching, I wanted to share with you the gift that comes with the purchase of a Lego set. I have included a picture for you.



Of course, I am not sure how many pieces you would actually get since this gift (from God) fills up the whole Lego box. :)

International Clinic

Yesterday, Emerson met with a doctor who specializes in international adoptions. He, also, had to see a nutritionist and a physical therapist. Everyone seemed very pleased with how he looks and how he is adjusting. The main concern is his language development; but, even that is coming along. He tries to pronounce words and does a great job communicating his wants and needs. For example, he let everyone in the place know that he did not want or need his blood drawn yesterday after already having been at the medical building for almost two hours.

Poor Veronica had a rough time with everything. She got bored almost immediately although we carried in 3 bags (no joke!) of food, books, and toys. She got upset whenever Emerson would start crying...which was quite a lot. Remember, he has a fear of anything that resembles a medical facility. She did enjoy the physical therapist though. They got to play with all kinds of toys while the therapist observed Emerson. It was really difficult for Veronica when we went to the lab and they pulled out the needles for the draw. Ron ended up taking Veronica out to the waiting area. Why did we not do that in the first place, you ask? Well, we had heard they would want both of us in there to help hold him so that he would not jerk during the blood draw. That probably would have worked just fine if the veins would have cooperated and allowed the process to be quick. However, even after finding the better vein, it ended up collapsing and she had to start over with the other arm. Yikes!

Ron and I had a good laugh last night though. We had started talking about the day. I mentioned how much I enjoyed watching the physical therapist at work and how that was right up my alley. I loved talking fine motor and gross motor skills. Ron on the other hand had apparently been thinking how that job would be such a nightmare. It is true...opposites do attract. Hee, hee!

Emerson will have an eye appointment in the near future and an appointment with the craniofacial team. It is difficult to think of all that is headed his way.

Oh, by the way, I knew I had been forgiven for all that we had just put him through because Emerson gave me a couple of kisses before we left the parking lot. Oh, he melts my heart!