Together at the zoo

Julia is 3!

Hi Everyone-if you're still following!
Can you believe it, the kids are turning 3 years old! I have been thinking about this blog a lot lately and have lots to say but right now I don't have much time so here are a few pictures of our "babies"

My name is Jameson and I am all boy...

Conversation 1 minute after getting up this morning-
Jameson "Mommy, can I touch the tree?"
Me-"Yes Jameson, but be gentle"
Jameson- "Can I knock it over?"

This is our small and artificial tree put up just yesterday for this reason! We have slowly been deocrating for a few weeks and the amount of times I say "Jameson!" or "don't touch" in a day is astounding. Not because any of it is so fragile he'll break it but because he wants to break it or see what will happen when he tosses it around. I think he badly wants to grab the tree, give it a good shake and knock it over. I really want to get back to a real tree!

Happy Holidays!

Hi Everyone!
I had hoped to get this done sooner (and a little better) but you know how fast the time goes. We didn't send out "traditional" picture cards this year but so many of you ask about the blog and like to see pictures I will do my best to give you some good ones and try to keep up with it in 2009. During the year I often think "that should go on the blog" and then I don't get to it.
It's been a great year for us and before you know it the kids will be 3! They are learning something new everyday and have more energy than they know what to do with. They are loads of fun and talking constantly. I can't wait for Christmas morning!

Enjoy the pictures and have a wonderful Christmas!

May you all have a happy new year full of love, peace and happiness.
Love,
Ann, Dave, Julia & Jameson

One year ago

I have tears in my eyes as I type this. I looked back at the posts from last February and it brought it all back. How emotional that time was. How exciting. How memorable. So many emotions and to think it's been one year since we met Julia and Jameson! A year ago today we said good bye to them, not knowing when we would be back, not even knowing for sure if the adoptions would be completed at all. We were exhausted, happy, sad and trying to imagine the wait, and our future as a family of four. When would it begin? What was in store for us?

Well, it's been almost a year since Julia and Jameson have been home and it has been incredible! We could never have imagined how they would grow in so many ways, so fast. They are the light of our lives and we could not imagine life without them. They are both loving, fun, energetic, full of life, explorers and funny. Julia looks like a different girl, barely recognizable. She is a beautiful toddler with a ready smile and a strut that only she can pull off. She is just as curious as she was when we met her and doesn't miss a thing. Jameson is a flash of lightning with a smile that lights up a room and energy for two. He doesn't look too different from a year ago, except for the extra 10 lbs. He's not interested in strangers, strange places or strange food. You couldn't find a more cautious child...except when he's playing! He's a madman with no fear. A typical boy with a love of jumping and bumps on his head. He is a lean machine, and my "handsome devil".

You have all shared in this journey with us and we are so happy you did. It's been quite a year-so full of firsts, fun, anxiety and sleeplessness! We have had the opportunity to talk to many pre and post adoptive parents in the past few months. It's great sharing our journey and hearing about others. Everyone's experience is unique, just like every family. No two kids are alike and we are glad ours are no different! It is funny when people tell me how "different" they are. Of course they are!

It's hard to believe they will be 2 soon. It's really hard to accept when they have only been with us for 1 of those 2. We have seen so much and we have missed so much. But now we look forward to a new year of firsts, fun and sleeplessness! I am excited to celebrate their 2nd birthdays with them and look forward to the warmer weather. Can you believe this is them?

Merry Christmas!

Well, it's just about here! As you know this will be our first Christmas together and we are very excited. We've had many firsts this year-from meeting our children to bringing them home and watching them learn and grow. Seeing all of their firsts has been an amazing experience. We have certainly been blessed.

We hope you all have a wonderful Christmas.

Dave, Ann, Julia & Jameson

Season's Greetings!!

My first "Ears"

Hi Everyone,

All is well and Jameson loves his new hat from Disney along with the talking Eeyore who flaps his ears to the beat. Thanks Jill! We hope you all had a nice Thanksgiving and are getting ready for winter and the Christmas season. We are so excited to have our first Christmas together! Concerned about the tree, but excited!

I want to congratulate my friends Brenda and Tim on the recent adoption of their beautiful daughter Kristen. They all arrived home from Russia just in time for Thanksgiving-how appropriate. We are very happy for you all!

"In my heart I always knew, A part of me was meant for you.
I think how happy we will be, Once I adopt you, and you adopt me."
--(c) 1997 Terri Harrison

Our first Halloween!!

For Aunt Melissa

Julia struts her stuff...

I took this picture especially for you...Julia is wearing her first pair of Calvins. I couldn't wait until she was 12 could I??