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.

Pictures at home

HOME - Christmas Eve!!!

We made it to Little Rock this morning at 8:00. And were greeted at the airport by so many friends and family! What a very very special homecoming!

During out LONG journey home, we decided maybe Isaac isn't quite the jet-setter....maybe he doesn't like to travel that much. :-) Actually all things considered, he did ok on the trip......was just a very long, exhausting couple of days.

We said an emotional goodbye Sunday night to Izzy and Aunt Ruth and Aunt Debbie at LAX as we parted ways to return home. We know we'll be in touch though.....and hopefully will get together for reunions.

I think Isaac likes his new home. He seems really comfy in his blue and brown bedroom/crib with his new pillow and sock monkey quilt (thanks Aunt Marty)! He has so many new toys.....maybe just a bit overwhelming trying to figure out what to play with first. Oh.....and Isaac had a very cool baby annoucement sign / balloons waiting on him in our yard when we got home.....from the Gadberrys! :-)

Hard to believe it's Christmas already. For obvious reasons this holiday season has been anything but normal for our family. Our normal activities for Christmas Eve, include getting together with family and going to Midnight Mass. We had comtemplated still doing this.......as we felt pretty good the early part of the day. But sometime mid-afternoon i think it finally hit......and hit hard. We were so sorry not to be able to see family tonight. Tomorrow will be low-key as well.....just trying to get used to being home again......and trying to get Isaac settled in and into a routine. (mommy may have to start writing things down....so she can figure out how to get in a routine as well....remember this is ALL NEW!!)

Thanks to everyone for all their thoughts and prayers while we were in Vietnam....bringing baby Isaac home! It is appreciated more than you know.

What a truly blessed year! Ending in the best Christmas present ever......sweet precious Isaac. And along the way, we were reminded how fortunate we are for all of God's blessings.... especially our friends and family.....also including the many new lasting friendships made on this journey.

Love to everyone!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

Saturday evening update

This may be my last post from Vietnam. We leave tomorrow for home!! Izzy & family have the same flight schedule to LAX as us. And Teo & family fly out a little later in the evening. And Emaline & family i belive head out the following day.

We have definitely enjoyed out Vietnamese adventure.......but are ready to get home!

We didn't go on the Halong Bay outing today with the other families. Isaac still isn't feeling very well. We just hung out at the room, then late afternoon decided to get out for a walk,little shopping,and dinner. He really likes riding in his carrier. Even though he doesn't feel good......he just takes it all in......when hanging out in it.

We miss everyone and can't wait to see you.