Wow......6 months!

On Saturday we celebrated our 6 month anniversary of being a forever family!

Wow! In some ways the time has gone by so fast, but at the same time it's hard for me to remember my life before Isaac. He is this little bundle of energy that remains a contant blessing to me!

I took a few new pictures (we had a cake to celebrate), but my camera may be on it's last legs.....so not going to be able to post the pictures. (maybe i'll go ahead and post one that was from last weekend :-))

Izy and I are very excited that our good friends (and fellow VietMoms) the Russell's and O'Connors are now in Vietnam to bring home their little ones. We can't wait to get to see and play with Sam and Liam! We're very very happy and thrilled for the families including big sis Zoe and big brother Ben!

Izy doing one of his many funny face smiles. this is a newer one.


couldn't resist this one where Molly pops her head in at the last minute. :-)

Look out world....here comes Isaac!

The little guy is walking! I'd say it was official Mother's Day weekend. And he continues to get faster and less wobbly. I kinda like the wobbles though.

He is really growing and talking. Only some things are understandable. Some words/phrases......i wonder if he is speaking in Vietnamese. But i think no....couldn't be. He seems so determined when he talks....and i just can't tell what it is.

Ohhh...but then there are the infamous words that begin with 'B'. Got to be his favorite letter.

bottle, ball, balloon, book (his favorites)....but there are others too.....big, blankie, bib, etc.... It's amazing how many words begin with a 'B' that are BABY-related.....or at least Isaac-related.

We went to our first pool party this weekend. (actually Isaac's first trip to the pool). He was in a little innertube with a seat and wasn't so sure about the whole thing at first....but then decided....he liked the water! We had a good time.....it was big cousin Katelyn's 7th birthday swim party.

I will post a picture a little later.

Pictures (in general) of Isaac may deceive you. He looks so serious. But he's really not. At least not very often. Most of the time he's this funny little fella...that likes to laugh and smile and squeal and chase Molly and Blazer! And i don't think he understands why Molly anyway, runs the other direction when she 'hears' him coming! :-)


Izy is all decked out for his first Picklefest!


He's not so sure about his little pool.


But ended up really liking the big swimming pool.

Isaac gets a haircut!

Since Isaac's first birthday has come and gone, i knew it was time to finally get his hair cut. His back and sides were getting really long. Saturday was the day. He was a perfect boy and sat still all during it. He especially enjoyed seeing himself in the big mirror. Here are a few pictures of the big event. :-)

Happy Birthday Isaac!

Isaac turned 1 year old on Easter Sunday (23rd)!

We had a bunny-themed party on Saturday complete with an Easter egg hunt. There was a full house on hand to help Isaac celebrate!

A few pictures. 1st one is Saturday morning. He's letting everyone know (a little sideways) how old he is. Next......really enjoying his birthday cake....and looks like also specifying how old he is. And lastly....a little too bright and early Easter morning.

The last several weeks have been very busy for Isaac and his mommy. We started back to work/daycare the third week of February. And since then, either one or both of us has been pretty much sick just about every day. Hoping it's just a seasonal and 'new to daycare' thing. And we'll get past it. Other than that......everything has been great! Isaac has a funny smile he does on command and also just when he feels like it. It's great for laughs and we all love it. But even more than that I love his real smile and laugh.....which i seem to be seeing and hearing on a regular basis now......and that is so nice. He's growing so much (not walking yet) and i'm just amazed everyday how well he has adjusted. He's such a sweet, smart, friendly, and happy baby boy! And as I've said before and will continue to say.....I am truly blessed!

Baptism and Tornado

Feb. 3rd was a very special day. We had Isaac's Baptism in the morning during Mass at my hometown church in Atkins. Several family members and friends were present, as well as our church family. Afterwards my Aunt and Uncle hosted a special celebration brunch at their house. Then in the afternoon, church and family hosted a wonderful shower for Isaac and me. This was the first time many friends and relatives had gotten to see him. He was a little late for his own shower. His Papa had to bring him as he had fallen asleep after his big morning. :-) The picture is taken after Mass. Isaac and I are surrounded by our priest, grandparents, and godparents. It was definitely a very special day to remember.

Feb. 5th was another day to remember, but for a very different reason. My parent's house along with many of their neighbors' was badly damaged or destroyed by the tornadoes in Arkansas (Atkins). My parents are ok. They were in a neighbor's storm cellar. Tragically, the family that lost their life, was my parent's next door neighbors. It's sad beyond words and really just very hard to make any kind of sense of. My parents are moving into a rent house this weekend. They plan/hope to rebuild. I am of course most greatful that they are ok. And it's really amazing the tremendous amount of support and help they have gotten from family, friends, co-workers, community, and complete strangers. I know it's a bit overwhelming for them at times......in witnessing all the kindness. Even little Isaac was a help during the week after. Since i am still on adoption leave, (i go back to work full time on the 20th) we were able to be there quite a bit. And you could just tell when they got to see and hold him.......it helped!! So....that was a good thing.

The Big 1-0 !!!

Today is Isaac's 10-month birthday. It's hard to believe we've already been home a month. As someone else said....in some ways being in Vietnam really seems just like a dream. It went by so fast. It's hard for me to remember life before Isaac. He is adjusting so well. It's really amazing. He loves cheerios and puffs (as you can see from the picture....sometimes they don't always make it in his mouth). He can paddy-cake, wave bye-bye, give 5, and best of all.....he gives big sloppy kisses and occasionally says....Momma. He likes playing with his toys and has started watching some dvds, which is great.....because it gives me a chance to do a little here and there.....while he is being entertained. :-)

I still plan to do a semi-Vietnam-recap. But i know the longer i wait.....the less and less i will remember. Need to get on that for sure.

Thanks to everyone who has been so supportive throughout this journey!

Isaac and the water bowl

Isaac found Molly's water bowl last night and had a fun time playing in it. I think maybe he will like going swimming next summer.