What We've Been Up To.

It's been over two months since I've last blogged! It's no wonder really, with all the activities our family has had going on lately. We have been some VERY busy bees. The good news, however, is that most of our unpleasant extracurricular activities should be slowing down considerably in the very near future. And that is something which we are all thankful for. Here's what we've been up to...

Cati:
Has made great progress despite the many life changes she's experienced over the past 12 months. She truly has become part of our family. Sometimes it's as though she's been here since her beginning. She just fits, which makes the transition easier. She is very willing to help around the house, sometimes too much so. She loves caring for and playing with Rylie and Reese and plays the role of big sister very well. That's not to say that adding Cati to the family has been within trials, but overall having her around has been a joy!

Loves to read. If there is anything Cati loves to do more than all else, it's reading. She can't be caught without a book in her hand, and I can't buy them fast enough. I remember another little girl who loved to read as a child. It's funny how much you can have in common with a child that it's biologically yours.

Is the bravest nine-year-old I know. Just under a month ago Cati had to face a very difficult situation and did so with an amazing amount of bravery. Cati is honestly one of the strongest people I've ever met in my life. She has been through so much at such a young age and wakes up every morning with a smile on her face ready to tackle the day. Most adults I know that haven't been through near the amount of grief she's seen can't do that, myself included. I'm so proud of her for not taking her bad circumstances and allowing them to dictate her life in a negative manner. Bravo Cati for being a warrior of the best kind!

Braden:
Is a soccer star. We would have never guessed it, but he is a surprisingly great soccer player. Braden's never had the opportunity to play sports before, so he was more than ready to get started as soon as we'd allow him to do so. He's been playing for a little over a month now, and is gaining skill and knowledge of the game all while being a great leader on his team. And all that running around calms him down a bit once we get home, which is a definite plus for me!

Is very hard-headed. Braden and I butt heads all the time. He is very strong-willed and rarely backs down from something that he wants to do, regardless of the boundaries we've set. Consequently, he spends a lot of time being grounded from various activities, which has yet to teach him much of anything. I'm sure he'll come around at some point, but for now we are in a struggle more often than not. It makes me nervous for Rylie and Reese to turn seven. All that being said, Braden is a good kid. He's an excellent student and he is very good to Rylie, most of the time. We'll get there with him, it might just take a while.

Rylie:
Is NOT a soccer star. For months and months all the kid talked about was soccer. "When can I play soccer?" "When is it going to be spring?" "What color is my soccer shirt going to be?" And then the time comes, we get him all dressed in his soccer duds, go to practice and he freaks out. Crying, screaming, throwing a fit. That's all he would do. I've heard it all...it's because you stay at home with him, it's because you have never sent him to Mother's Day Out, it's because you're a bad mom. Well, technically no one said that last comment, but they might as well of. Rylie is a great kid, but he is not good around unfamiliar situations or people. It's a hard thing to deal with, but there is no choice...we have to deal with it. We are working with him and his coaches are somewhat understanding, but not consistently. We are going to finish out the season and then take a break from these kinds of activities for awhile. We are also looking into Pre-K options for him for the coming fall to hopefully help break open that shell a bit more.

Says the funniest things. All kids do, I know, but isn't it a bit funnier when they are your kids? Of course the reason why it's always cuter when your own kids say funny things is because you can almost hear yourself talking back to you. Here's one of my recent faves: "What movie are you guys watching?" I asked as I was returning to my mom's house after running an errand. Rylie responded "Don't worry Mom, it's appropriate." Oh, my son, you are my child and I love that you listen to me as well as you do.

Reese:
Will be three in just over a month. When did that happen? This kid is in love with his Mommy and Daddy. He has a great personality and loves to hug, kiss and say "Me Wuv Oooh." He's a tiny kiddo with a big voice. He doesn't much like to be influenced by others and definitely has a mind of his own. He is very active and is quite possibly our best hope for an all star sports player. His coordination and determination will take him far in that area, if he chooses to follow the path.

Loves to sing. And we love to hear him sing. He is stuck on the happy birthday song right now, which is appropriate seeing how his birthday is just around the corner. He's a performer and loves an audience. What a sweet little man he's becoming.

Mom & Dad:
Are worn out! Really, we are...all the time. Our lives have been crazy hectic for going on 13 months now, but we are getting ready to bring all that to a close. Just last week we were given the green light for legal adoption of Cati and Braden by CPS, CASA, Cati and Braden's attorney and even their father. He actually showed up to the court hearing and told the judge he would support us adopting his children because he was not able to care for them as they needed. It was a huge victory moment for us and the end of a long hard battle. There is still a chance for delay for various reasons, but if all goes as planned we will be wrapping up the adoption on National Adoption Day in late November. At that point we will be happy to send CPS, CASA and all those other family-invading types on their way. (I know I sound so loving...don't judge until you live it...it has been absolutely HORRIBLE). Brandon and I are both beyond ready to have our family back, without all the extra input and unwarranted judgment.

Are expecting!! I know this isn't news to most of you, but we are excited all the same. We decided almost one year ago that we wanted to start trying for our third child. Two weeks later we found out Cati and Braden were coming to live with us and our baby was put on hold. Some think we are crazy, some think worse, but we are happy that our lives are finally continuing where they left off. Our philosophy...just because God has ask that we care for Cati and Braden, our original family plan should not have to change. We wanted three of our own, and we are very pleased to say that's exactly what we'll have come late October. We, of course, are hoping for a baby girl, but healthy is the first priority. We should know in about ten weeks or so if we need to stock up on all things girl. Fingers crossed! We are so excited and can't wait to hear the news!!

These updates take a bit longer than they used to, but with the new additions I suppose that's expected. I just wanted to say thanks again to all those that are out there praying us through this wild and unexpected change in our lives. It's been tough, but throughout the process God has reviled to us over and over the He is calling the shots. This is His plan, and there is no doubt in our minds! So, thank you, thank you, thank you for all the love, guidance, prayer and support you've given along the way. We can't wait to see how it all turns out. God is so much bigger than us, and if we allow Him control over our lives great things will be done. Living for God is not always easy, but it is always right and usually well worth it. And after all, it's such a small thing considering all He's done for us.

Love to you all. It's good to be back in the blogging world.