Wednesday, July 14, 2010

GOTCHA DAY 2010

THEN . . . .
AND NOW.

Today we celebrate our 1 year Gotcha Day with our son, Nicolas. It is hard to believe that it was a year ago today that we became Nick's parents. I remember the day so clearly because we were worried that the foster family wouldn't show up with Nick because they weren't there when they were supposed to be there. It was a scary thought being in a foreign country and not knowing the native language. Then they all showed up, speaking only Chinese, and all we could do is smile. Nick was very receptive to us and very animated and in love with his foster family. But he left with us without turning back. For a couple of weeks it was tough because he cried himself to sleep every night and that broke our heart because we couldn't console him because we didn't know what he was saying and he didn't know what we were saying. Just lots of hugs and love.


Now a year later he is completely fluent in English and adds a little zest to our family. He is smart and funny and adorable. Even with his two front teeth missing. We are very blessed to have him as part of our family.


Next year we are going to be able to celebrate this special day with our good friends the D'Aurias. They are in Taiwan right now picking up their new son Owen. And today, like us are celebrating a Gotcha Day.



Monday, July 5, 2010

JULY 4, 2010

Here are some fun pictures from the 4th of July. It was Nick's first so we wanted to do it up. We had a nice relaxing day Joe's brother's house. It rained all day, but it didn't dampen the atmosphere at all. Thanks, Ken & Jen for hosting.




FINAL HOMESTUDY

Nicolas & Lori

As we complete our final homestudy for Nicolas, our friends are preparing to go to Taiwan to experience the same adventure we did one year ago. They are leaving on 7/10 and their Gotcha Day will also be 7/14. We can't wait to celebrate it together next year. So, safe travels MaryBeth & Steve. Can't wait to see the pictures!


On June 26th, we had our final homestudy meeting with our social worker Lori. She is always fun to talk to and so easy to be around. The kids also like her because she is such a people person. The update went well and we are glad to be done. And we are looking forward to our 1st Gotcha Day with Nick. Can you believe we have had him almost a year? Things have truly changed around our house. The biggest change, which we love, is they get along so well . . . . . okay when they want to.