June Update When dreams come true, there is life and joy. --Proverbs 13:12 Now, isn't that the truth! June and the beginning of July has brought us so many joys--Hannah's first birthday, our first trip to the beach as a family of four, our first Father's Day with Hannah, surprise parties, kid's parties, Vacation Bible School, etc. Hannah is a joy--she is seeming more and more comfortable as time marches onward. She's still very tentative with new people and situations, but we assure her there are no worries, and we hang on to her. We want her to know unequivocally, it is okay, we are right there for her. It has been three whole months--in some ways it feels much shorter--in other ways, I honestly cannot recall life before she joined our family. I have memorized every single feature that makes her who she is. Sometimes, we just stare at her, Emily included. For Emily, it has been a big transition, but one we all anticipated, and I think she was very ready for the changes it brings, both positive and negative. She has proven to be a help in every way, and aside from the occasional territorialness that comes from having siblings, these are two kids who really get a kick out of each other. Hannah is saying more and more words, and Emily gets really excited to hear new words and see new gains her little sister makes. Hannah may require a crash helmet, as she is walking fearlessly now, but I must admit, she resembles a very drunken sailor at this stage of the game, and we are forever jumping and grabbing to avoid the big falls! She thinks she can leap small buildings, okay, well really she just thinks she can navigate the steps, and she doesn't want the crawling action for the steps, she wants to take them standing up! Yes, we had to make the dreaded decision to re-apply gates to our home--we hate them, but for safety's sake, they are a necessary evil. Hannah loves music--she has learned to ask for me to sing to her (now, anyone who has heard me sing...well, let's just say, it's not so pretty!) She turns on the cd player herself and then boogies. It's rather funny. She is in love with electronics and seeks them out every chance she gets--I love to watch her study things and learn how they work. A couple of my close girlfriends and their children (all are in the same age range, works out perfectly) were together the other day, and they asked how I feel Hannah is doing. We all agreed she is doing just great, but we marvelled at how truly, in a parenting framework, Hannah is only a three month old to us--most gradually work up to this stage, but we have been flung head first into the mobile, active life of a one-year old, while learning her signals and ensuring her needs are met, so that she will trust us. It is so amazing, yet a bit surreal at times. We had several opportunities to be with many of our former church family this month, which was awesome. A surprise party for a dear friend and the wedding of two wonderful friends gave us the backdrop to reflect on the past several years. With the summer months and the festivities, I have been blessed with seeing or speaking with many of the "kids" from youth group and their families. I am continuously amazed by these families and feel so grateful for the examples they have been to our family as we just begin the process of raising kids. Emily begins kindergarten in the fall, so hard to believe. I know she is ready, but are we? She loves the arts--she likes to watch her cousins play instruments and she loves shows and music--her favorite part of the kindergarten interview was when she got to visit the music room; she can't wait. Nan took Aunt Carol, Amanda, Emily, and me to a production of Charlotte's Web this weekend--it was very cute. Emily takes it all in; she definitely has an affinity for stories and plays. Her other love is animals...babydolls certainly take the backseat with this little girl--she assures us she will be a veterinarian or work at Petco (because she loooooooves pets). We have already been to a local game preserve twice because that is her favorite zoo. When were there the other day, she jabbered a mile a minute to Hannah and promised she'd show her everything. We had life and joy when Emily was born...she is delighful. And now, Hannah has added an extra portion, what a blessing that is every single day! We wish you life and joy in whatever dreams you pray will be fulfilled. It has been such fun to share this ride with you. For those who ceaselessly supported and encouraged us, thank you...it was long, but well worth the wait!! Love, Heather, Rob, Emily and Hannah Why, yes, deer can cook!     I want to ride my bicycle...   Giggles     Pretty Girl     La Laa La   Where is my agent?     Baby Zebra     Hellooo, prairie dog.   Em at the Wolf Exhibit     Heighho, Silver, away!     Just Clowning Around   Goin' Shoppin     Meet my Hippo     Making New Faces   I like the sunshine...     ...and grass between my toes.     Sweetheart   On your mark...     Mama and Me     Roller Derby Queen   I love a parade!             This page hosted by