Sometime Friday morning we decided it would be a good idea to make a quick run down to GA to see the family and to do some work at my father-in-law’s company (needed some computer work). We had a great time, got a lot done, and the kids had a great time. I snapped the following on the way back… I suppose a if a picture is worth a thousand words…
Interestingly enough, yes… Erika *is* sleeping in that picture… I’m unsure how she decided that was a comfortable position and/or why she decided to stay like that for an hour.
Those who know me well know that I'm not a very sentimental kind of guy... but this last week has been a bit different... I've run into some old friends on FaceBook with whom it has been great to catch up (although I'm feeling very old about it all), and I have to admit it has caused me to be a bit reminiscent.
Today is even more so... Two years ago today Julie and I received Erika into our arms forever. We knew we would not have to give her back, she was forever part of our family. It is, in many ways, hard to believe that it's been two years - time sure flies.
Last night we had a very small party with some friends here in Knoxville, and tomorrow we are heading to Missouri to spend the week with my family and I'm sure we'll celebrate a bit with them - we are certainly looking forward to seeing them again.
During the entire adoption process, we spent so much time praying (and asking many of you to pray) that God would answer prayers and work through the various roadblocks that came our way, I'd like to again turn and thank God for those answers to prayer, and the blessings that He so graciously bestowed on us both in our daughter as well as in the process of adoption.
Today is Erika's 2nd Gotcha Day! It's hard to believe that she's been with us for two years. She is such a joy, and such a wonderful daughter for us.
Here are a couple of pictures I took today - enjoy!
Well, sorry for not getting a few posted earlier. Here are a few pictures from our vacation with Julie's family (Gran & Grandpa). Grandpa rented a cabin in Sevierville (near Pigeon Forge) on Douglas Lake, and the whole clan was there! We enjoyed it thoroughly!
Here are a couple of pics of Matt walking - it's hard to get to get those "in-motion" ones sometimes, but these came out ok.
Here are a couple of pics of some of Matt's "firsts" since he's been home - first time at the park, first popsicle. Erika seems to enjoy introducing him to all of these fun things :)
And for those of you who are curious, Matt is officially walking! He took off about 2 weeks ago. He is also very proficient at going up and down the stairs by himself now - the up part he figured out the second day he was home, and the down part he figured out last week!
We went to Firehouse subs for lunch on Friday with Daddy, and the kids got firehats! Which is very fitting, as one of their favorite books is currently "Firefighters to the Rescue!" Here are a couple of pics of them wearing their hats.
Many people have asked us how our first week has gone so I thought I'd throw together a quick post explaining how things went. I've never been in the armed forces, but this week has been a little like what I'd imagine things are like for special forces teams... we sit and plan for an event... then we run out and execute on that plan, and then we hurry back home and look around to see who all made it and asses how it went before planning for the next. :) Actually, it's gone pretty well... Sunday we made it to morning services but failed to make it to evening services as we are trying to work out nap schedules for the two troublemakers.
Monday we had our first of 3 post-placement visits by Bethany and then we ventured out to Target and Kroger that evening. With the exception of the fact that both of our children were incredibly hyper simply because someone new was in the house, Monday would be considered a success.
Tuesday we made it our for our "first haircut" (pictured below). Erika cried, Matt was fine... sorta what we expected. We are thrilled with what they did with Matt's hair... I think he is a full three pounds lighter and looks much less like an old lady from the '80s with big hair :). After haircuts, we spent some time playing at a park and then introduced Matt to Erika's favorite "chicken nut" (Chick-fil-A)
Wednesday we stayed in for most of the day and then headed to church in the evening. Once again, Erika cried in the nursery and Matt was happy as can be (starting to see a trend?). We aren't exactly certain what set her off, but she went ballistic for about 20 minutes and finally calmed down once I took her outside for awhile... kids are funny.
Thursday was picture day. Things went very well... Matt smiled, Erika didn't :) We are pleased with the pictures and the day went well. We ran a few errands Thursday evening and ended it by introducing Matt to Starbucks for his first trip (he's fond of mom's Strawberry and Cream frap).
Today is cleaning day... here a bit after lunch, the house looks like a house again and no one died in the process.
Thanks everyone for your comments and prayers... Monday we head back to work and then the "real" reality kicks in...
OK, so I love Portrait Innovations - they make studio photos easy and quick. Not much to say here other than I just posted a boatload of pictures for those interested (i.e. family members and others bored and flipping through our website :) ).
View the entire album here.
Well... we are at home and getting settled in. I've posted a random mix of shots from the last few days with Gran and Grandpa... You can view the slide show by clicking here.
Unlike the day we waited for Erika's visa, today was very easy and uneventful. The runner showed up right on time and we are happily resting in our room and getting ready to head out for dinner. Tomorrow will be a busy/long day as we fly home and arrive in Knoxville around 11:30.
Today we got up early, grabbed a quick bite, and Julie, Matt and I met our case worker at 7:45 for a quick run over to the US Embassy (only about 4 or 5 blocks from the hotel). Once through security, we sat in line while our case worker stood in line on our behalf and filed some papers and made the visa payment. Then we sat for about an hour or so waiting to be called for our interview with the department of homeland security (USCIS - used to be INS). They reviewed our paperwork in what was an amazingly trivial "interview" and we we were back to "waiting". We waited a bit longer and were then called to "window number 8" for our interview with the actual embassy staff. This was also pretty straight forward, and before we knew it, we were back on our way to the hotel. The case worker was thrilled as we were in and out in 2 hours - quite an improvement from the average. We were thrilled because it all went so smoothly. Our visa was approved and we should have it delivered to us tomorrow around 4:30 (Mountain Time).
The following is a slide show of some general pictures we took over the last day... playing at the pool... hanging out in the hotel room, etc.
View the slide show directly
Yesterday and today have been slow, lazy days... hanging out by the pool, enjoying breakfast and dinner buffets, adapting to nap schedules, etc. Matt has been doing great, and is not showing any real signs of grieving. Erika is doing ok right now, but had a rough time yesterday afternoon/evening when it became more obvious that this "boy" wasn't leaving anytime soon :). Anyway, here are some pics for those interested. Tomorrow morning is our embassy appointment and things start to move again.
View the Gallery Directly
Now that the day is winding down, I've got a minute or two to post a few pictures and update the blog. Big thanks go out to Papa for documenting the day. Erika and Matt have a long way to go, but things started to get a bit better at the end of the day and Erika actually introduced Matt to "puppy" (her stuffed animal) which was fine, of course, until he decided to grab it :).
We're looking forward to a relaxed couple of days while we wait for Monday and our embassy appointment to come. I'll post more pics/videos as we have them.
Click to view the full album