Thankful

Piles of laundry, half unpacked suitcases, a boy home sick from school with the stomach bug that won't quit, dirty dishes, Christmas tree lights twinkling right next to fall decor that still needs to be put away....the aftermath of a wonderful weekend of celebrating Thanksgiving with our family.

Since meeting Cooper on November 28, 2009, my heart swells with thanksgiving in a way I never thought possible. This orphan no more has stolen our hearts.

Watching a solemn baby boy with no one and nothing to call his own morph into a happy, boisterous three year old has been one of the greatest joys of our lives. When God put Cooper in our family, He blessed us far more than we could ever bless this little boy. It has been humbling to be a part of God's plan for Coop's life.

Maybe looking forward to the next couple months has made thinking back on this Metcha Day a little sweeter. Because, Lord willing, these two sweeties will be a part of the Spore family in the very near future!

The First Time Ever

Two years ago today was the first time we laid eyes on this boy. The pink jumpsuit bamboozled the eye as we gazed at his picture over and over again. "The letter did say 'boy', right?" Chad asked me. "Yes, I'm just sure he's a boy," we both said over and over again. We memorized each feature, printed 25 copies to share with friends and family, and showed random strangers who displayed even the slightest interest in our adoption.

And two years later (how can it possibly have been two years already?), we absolutely can. not. imagine our lives without him. Coop, you are smart and handsome, curious and funny. We love you with all our hearts. As we welcome a new little brother and sister into this mix called the Spore family, we want you to know that you will always belong with us and to us. And we are so grateful we get to be yours.

Halloween 2011

This year was the first year we had a kiddo declare herself too old to trick-or-treat. She had her two bffs over to watch Tim Hawkins DVDs, put on make up, and hand out candy. I think a good time was had by all.

As for Chad the Builder, Larry Boy (who seems so sad in this picture but later came out of his funk), Boba Fett, the Dragon, and the Leopard, they made quite a haul of candy. We all had a fun evening with friends.