Today Ian turned 22 months old. I can't believe that my baby is nearly 2 years old. Wow...it just doesn't seem real. The last 11 months have been a blur but they have been filled with so much excitement and love. I can't imagine life without this sweet boy. Charlie and I look at each other sometimes and try to figure out what we did before we had Ian. He is such a perfect fit for our family and he brings such joy to our lives.
He does, however, have quite the temper. He's in a hitting phase. Partly because I think he's bored at daycare. He seems to hit more when he's bored or really tired. It's a rough phase, but I know we'll get through it.
Ian and Charlie have had this yucky virus that's going around. I'm hoping and praying that they don't pass it on to momma.
I guess I need to start planning Ian's 2nd birthday party....yikes! In between we have Valentine's Day (we left for India last year on Valentine's Day) and then February 17th is our Forever Family Day (or Gotcha Day). So the next couple of months will be full of celebrations.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Friday, January 19, 2007
FINALLY....It's Official
At 2:30pm today, Ian's adoption became final!!! Woo, Hoo!!!!
Charlie and I picked Ian up from daycare around 1:15pm and headed to the courthouse. I cried the almost the entire way. I was just so emotional. Finally it was our turn. We went in the courtroom...and of course the ceiling fans were on...so Ian was fascinated by them and quite vocal about both the fans and the lights. As we were taking our oath, the tears started flowing again. So, the judge passed a box of tissue to me. I took two out, so I gave one to Ian. Then, the precious little one that he is....reached up with his tissue to dry Momma's tears. How sweet was that? Even the judge was a bit choked up with that one. Needless to say, I needed another tissue. They asked us a couple of questions and the judge said a few words to us and then....poof...adoption granted.
Donna and Ryan joined us at the hearing. It was so special having Donna there. The Haverty's and The Conner's started the adoption journey about the same time. We both attended the Dillon Adoption Workshop on the same day and then kept bumping in to one another at other Dillon functions. They received their referral of Ryan in May 2005 and brought him home from Korea in August. We received Ian's referral just one week after that. Ryan is 3 weeks older than Ian. They are a wonderful family and we're so happy to call them friends.
Of course, Brad was there as well. Brad and I have been friends for about 16 years now. We've been through a lot and he seems more like my brother than just my friend. He's such an important part of our family. Ian loves his Uncle Brad...or "Bad" as Ian says.
This evening we had some people over for a celebration. Lots of wonderful friends were here to share in our happiness. We had a wonderful time.
It was a fabulous day!!!! Ian is now officially "Ian Everett Kushal Conner"...and an AMERICAN CITIZEN. Yippee!!!
I'll post some pictures from today in a separate post.
Thanks to all of you who celebrated with us and those who also prayed for us as we went through this part of our journey.
Charlie and I picked Ian up from daycare around 1:15pm and headed to the courthouse. I cried the almost the entire way. I was just so emotional. Finally it was our turn. We went in the courtroom...and of course the ceiling fans were on...so Ian was fascinated by them and quite vocal about both the fans and the lights. As we were taking our oath, the tears started flowing again. So, the judge passed a box of tissue to me. I took two out, so I gave one to Ian. Then, the precious little one that he is....reached up with his tissue to dry Momma's tears. How sweet was that? Even the judge was a bit choked up with that one. Needless to say, I needed another tissue. They asked us a couple of questions and the judge said a few words to us and then....poof...adoption granted.
Donna and Ryan joined us at the hearing. It was so special having Donna there. The Haverty's and The Conner's started the adoption journey about the same time. We both attended the Dillon Adoption Workshop on the same day and then kept bumping in to one another at other Dillon functions. They received their referral of Ryan in May 2005 and brought him home from Korea in August. We received Ian's referral just one week after that. Ryan is 3 weeks older than Ian. They are a wonderful family and we're so happy to call them friends.
Of course, Brad was there as well. Brad and I have been friends for about 16 years now. We've been through a lot and he seems more like my brother than just my friend. He's such an important part of our family. Ian loves his Uncle Brad...or "Bad" as Ian says.
This evening we had some people over for a celebration. Lots of wonderful friends were here to share in our happiness. We had a wonderful time.
It was a fabulous day!!!! Ian is now officially "Ian Everett Kushal Conner"...and an AMERICAN CITIZEN. Yippee!!!
I'll post some pictures from today in a separate post.
Thanks to all of you who celebrated with us and those who also prayed for us as we went through this part of our journey.
Monday, January 15, 2007
Ice, Ice Baby
The frozen tundra....that's Tulsa. I've never seen so much ice. Actually, I haven't even been outside since Friday afternoon. We have about 2 inches of ice and it's supposed to get down to 8 degress tonight with a high tomorrow of 20. I've got just a wee bit of cabin fever. I'm going to work tomorrow and Charlie is staying home with Ian (his daycare is closed). Since my office was closed today, I was home with Ian and Charlie worked. I'm so thankful that we have understanding employers.
Ian is going a bit stir crazy too. This afternoon, he'd had enough. He walked to the front door and began pounding on it and crying. He really wanted to go outside, but it's way too cold. Especially since he's just getting over a cold. He's not used to being couped up in the house for 4 straight days. Maybe we can take him out sometime tomorrow. Hopefully his daycare will be open on Wednesday.
One Dillon family left today (from Ohio) to get their little boy, Micah. They are the first family to travel since last June. Isn't that crazy? Several families are now waiting on passports and about 9 families are still waiting for their guardianship papers to be signed by the crazy judge. My heart truly goes out to these families. We didn't have the problem with guardianship that these families have had. Of course, our problem was with his passport. All of the families that are still waiting on guardianship are supposed to have their cases heard this week. So, please say a quick little prayer for them. These children need to come home and be with their families.
As I posted a few days ago, Friday is our big day. That's the day we finalize Ian's adoption. Woo, hoo!!! We're very excited that this day is finally here. As vocal as Ian is, I can only imagine how the court appearance is going to go. I'll be sure to post pictures of the momentus occasion.
My boys are sleeping soundly, so I'm going to go to bed now and get some rest before I tackle the roads tomorrow morning.
Ian is going a bit stir crazy too. This afternoon, he'd had enough. He walked to the front door and began pounding on it and crying. He really wanted to go outside, but it's way too cold. Especially since he's just getting over a cold. He's not used to being couped up in the house for 4 straight days. Maybe we can take him out sometime tomorrow. Hopefully his daycare will be open on Wednesday.
One Dillon family left today (from Ohio) to get their little boy, Micah. They are the first family to travel since last June. Isn't that crazy? Several families are now waiting on passports and about 9 families are still waiting for their guardianship papers to be signed by the crazy judge. My heart truly goes out to these families. We didn't have the problem with guardianship that these families have had. Of course, our problem was with his passport. All of the families that are still waiting on guardianship are supposed to have their cases heard this week. So, please say a quick little prayer for them. These children need to come home and be with their families.
As I posted a few days ago, Friday is our big day. That's the day we finalize Ian's adoption. Woo, hoo!!! We're very excited that this day is finally here. As vocal as Ian is, I can only imagine how the court appearance is going to go. I'll be sure to post pictures of the momentus occasion.
My boys are sleeping soundly, so I'm going to go to bed now and get some rest before I tackle the roads tomorrow morning.
Sunday, January 14, 2007
Brrrrr....cold
There's no doubt about it...winter is here. We have about 2 inches of ice everywhere. We're expecting more tomorrow. The temps are in the low 20's are are expected to dip into the single digits on Monday night. Brrrrrrrrrrrr. We've been confined to the house. The roads are too bad to go out. It's been a pretty fun day of playing. Tomorrow promises to be more of the same.
Just a couple of new things in the past day or so. Ian put his first words together last night...or at least the first that we understood. He said to our dog Molly "go pee" (which is what we say to here when she goes outside to potty). We'd probably better watch what we're saying, hmmm? Charlie reminds me of that on a pretty regular basis :)
In one of the crazy, non sleeping moments last night I realized that he was attempting to climb out of his crib. He was mad and sleepy. That's the first time I've noticed it though. We'll see how much longer we can keep him in the crib.
He's still the greatest kid ever and we look at him each day and know just how truly blessed we are. Our adoption finalization is set for Friday (January 19th). Woo, hoo!!! We'll be glad when this is over. We will celebrate "Gotcha Day" (the day we actually picked him up) in just about a month (February 17th). Looking forward to celebrating that milestone. It's hard to believe that it's been almost a year. My, my time flies.
Maybe more tomorrow if I'm still confined to the house with my two wonderful boys.
Just a couple of new things in the past day or so. Ian put his first words together last night...or at least the first that we understood. He said to our dog Molly "go pee" (which is what we say to here when she goes outside to potty). We'd probably better watch what we're saying, hmmm? Charlie reminds me of that on a pretty regular basis :)
In one of the crazy, non sleeping moments last night I realized that he was attempting to climb out of his crib. He was mad and sleepy. That's the first time I've noticed it though. We'll see how much longer we can keep him in the crib.
He's still the greatest kid ever and we look at him each day and know just how truly blessed we are. Our adoption finalization is set for Friday (January 19th). Woo, hoo!!! We'll be glad when this is over. We will celebrate "Gotcha Day" (the day we actually picked him up) in just about a month (February 17th). Looking forward to celebrating that milestone. It's hard to believe that it's been almost a year. My, my time flies.
Maybe more tomorrow if I'm still confined to the house with my two wonderful boys.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Bad Day Forgotten
Today was a miserable day for me at work. Just lots of stuff going on. I was stressed and tired and in a pretty lousy mood. I talked to Charlie on the way home and prepared him for my rotten mood. When I walked into the garage, the door opened and there were my boys...Charlie and Ian. Charlie said he thought it would make me feel better. He gave me a quick kiss and then said..."now you can really feel better....go get Momma Ian." Ian promptly ran to me and held his little arms up for me to pick him up. The moment I held him, my lousy day was forgotten. Amazing. The innocence and unconditional love of a child can make all of the stuff that I stress about at work seem to disappear (maybe he just needs to come to work with me). Plus...what a sweet and thoughtful thing for Charlie to meet me at the door with a kiss and an amazingly adorable baby. My boys are awesome!!!!
Monday, January 01, 2007
Happy New Year
Happy 2007!!!
2006 was an AMAZING year for us. For those of you who have followed this blog, you know all of the details and how many ups and downs we have had. At the close of 2006, we have so much to be thankful for...but the best of all is our sweet Ian.
The year began with us waiting, not so patiently for Ian's passport to be issued in Kolkata. There was a snag, of course and we were the last ones in our group to get travel clearance. It was grueling for us. Then, finally on Valentine's Day we left for India to meet this incredible baby we had only seen in pictures and video. The trip was long and tiring. When we arrived in India it was beyond description. Kolkata was simply overwhelming. On Friday, February 17th we met the child we had prayed for...our amazing Ian. It was the most incredible day. After 10 days in India we returned to the USA. It was so good to be home.
Of course, being home brought all new challenges for us first time parents. We struggled at the beginning, but all in all...it was better than we expected it to be. Through the year we battled ear infections, colds and the like with Ian. Charlie battled two staph infections. Except for colds and such, I've been pretty healthy. Thank goodness. Ian has adjusted to day care beautifully. Ian has grown from around 18 pounds when we first got home to 25 pounds now. He's developing beautifully and his hydrocephalus is not an issue at all. Ian's buddy, Mia arrived in Oklahoma City just 15 minutes before her first birthday in May. What a wonderful experience to be a part of their homecoming. We have been able to get the two of them together a couple of times since then. We're hoping to see the Tuckers later this month.
The most frustrating thing for us this year was the inability to finalize Ian's adoption in 2006. It's a long, long story and we're extremely irritated. Hopefully we'll be able to finalize sometime soon.
As we head into a new year, we pause to give thanks for a remarkable 2006. We pray that 2007 will be filled with love, laughter, fun and health for all of us. We pray that the families that are still waiting to get guardianship and passports to pick up their children in Kolkata will hear good news this week. And, we pray for all of you...May God continue to bless you and hold you in his loving arms. Happy New Year!!!!
2006 was an AMAZING year for us. For those of you who have followed this blog, you know all of the details and how many ups and downs we have had. At the close of 2006, we have so much to be thankful for...but the best of all is our sweet Ian.
The year began with us waiting, not so patiently for Ian's passport to be issued in Kolkata. There was a snag, of course and we were the last ones in our group to get travel clearance. It was grueling for us. Then, finally on Valentine's Day we left for India to meet this incredible baby we had only seen in pictures and video. The trip was long and tiring. When we arrived in India it was beyond description. Kolkata was simply overwhelming. On Friday, February 17th we met the child we had prayed for...our amazing Ian. It was the most incredible day. After 10 days in India we returned to the USA. It was so good to be home.
Of course, being home brought all new challenges for us first time parents. We struggled at the beginning, but all in all...it was better than we expected it to be. Through the year we battled ear infections, colds and the like with Ian. Charlie battled two staph infections. Except for colds and such, I've been pretty healthy. Thank goodness. Ian has adjusted to day care beautifully. Ian has grown from around 18 pounds when we first got home to 25 pounds now. He's developing beautifully and his hydrocephalus is not an issue at all. Ian's buddy, Mia arrived in Oklahoma City just 15 minutes before her first birthday in May. What a wonderful experience to be a part of their homecoming. We have been able to get the two of them together a couple of times since then. We're hoping to see the Tuckers later this month.
The most frustrating thing for us this year was the inability to finalize Ian's adoption in 2006. It's a long, long story and we're extremely irritated. Hopefully we'll be able to finalize sometime soon.
As we head into a new year, we pause to give thanks for a remarkable 2006. We pray that 2007 will be filled with love, laughter, fun and health for all of us. We pray that the families that are still waiting to get guardianship and passports to pick up their children in Kolkata will hear good news this week. And, we pray for all of you...May God continue to bless you and hold you in his loving arms. Happy New Year!!!!
Monday, December 25, 2006
Merry, Merry Christmas
Friday, December 01, 2006
We Love The Snow...NOT!!!
Today Ian and I were home because of the 10 inches of snow in Tulsa. His daycare was closed and my office was closed. So, we were home for a day of fun...plus some playing in the snow. I was so excited. It was Ian's first experience with snow. After his nap, we donned our shoes, hats and coats and braved the elements in our back yard. He walked in the knee deep snow quite well. But....then he fell...which I thought would be fun. Boy, was I ever wrong. He didn't like it at all. I think it's because it was cold on his little hands. Maybe if his silly mommy had thought to get gloves, we would have had more fun. Anyway...our play time in the snow was short....but not before mommy snapped a few pictures of the momentus event.
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
Thankful
Tomorrow is our first Thanksgiving together as a family. We are so very, very thankful for the many blessings God has given us...but the absolute best is our son. Last year at this time, he was thousands of miles from us in a small crib in an orphanage. We were busy preparing for his arrival and so excited that we would soon be traveling to meet him. This year has brought many changes to our lives.
Tomorrow comes with an over abundance of thanks for us. But, it also is filled with just a twinge of sadness. Last week we lost a very dear friend. The strongest and most courageous man I've ever know passed away almost two weeks ago. At his memorial service, his pastor said..."I thought I knew what courage and hope was, but then I met Tim. HE was courage and hope." So, so true. Last year, he was at our house for Thanksgiving making his delicious corn casserole. He had been sick for a long time and we prayed that he'd be around long enough to meet Ian. Not only did he meet Ian, he was able to give him his first haircut. I'll treasure that memory forever.
My heart also is saddened now for some of the Dillon families that are waiting for their little ones to come home. There has been a terrible delay in the guardianship process and it's not over yet. One family that lives here in Oklahoma is waiting to bring their precious little Jadyn home. Jadyn turns one tomorrow. Happy Birthday Jadyn. I know how much her Mom and Dad wanted to have her home by her first birthday. We're praying that the guardianship goes through soon and perhaps they will have her home for Christmas.
OK...enough sadness. God has been so good to us. He is a gracious and loving God that led us to our amazing son.
This year Thanksgiving has a whole new meaning for us. May God Bless all of you and your families during this busy holiday season.
Tomorrow comes with an over abundance of thanks for us. But, it also is filled with just a twinge of sadness. Last week we lost a very dear friend. The strongest and most courageous man I've ever know passed away almost two weeks ago. At his memorial service, his pastor said..."I thought I knew what courage and hope was, but then I met Tim. HE was courage and hope." So, so true. Last year, he was at our house for Thanksgiving making his delicious corn casserole. He had been sick for a long time and we prayed that he'd be around long enough to meet Ian. Not only did he meet Ian, he was able to give him his first haircut. I'll treasure that memory forever.
My heart also is saddened now for some of the Dillon families that are waiting for their little ones to come home. There has been a terrible delay in the guardianship process and it's not over yet. One family that lives here in Oklahoma is waiting to bring their precious little Jadyn home. Jadyn turns one tomorrow. Happy Birthday Jadyn. I know how much her Mom and Dad wanted to have her home by her first birthday. We're praying that the guardianship goes through soon and perhaps they will have her home for Christmas.
OK...enough sadness. God has been so good to us. He is a gracious and loving God that led us to our amazing son.
This year Thanksgiving has a whole new meaning for us. May God Bless all of you and your families during this busy holiday season.
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Our Precious Monkey....Cuter Than Cute :)
It all started on Saturday with the Boo Ha Ha parade in Brookside. The top 3 pictures are from Saturday. Notice the one in Starbucks....he's starting early :)
Then we move on to Tuesday evening Fall Festival at First Baptist Church. The first picture is of Ian and his friend Henry. Henry and Ian are almost exactly the same age. Henry is from Guatemala and came home around the same time Ian did. They are in Sunday School class together.
We move on to the pony rides. It was Ian's first time. He seemed to like it, but it was really cold and windy in Downtown Tulsa. The final two pictures are of him walking around in the Church. He loved watching everything that was going on.
We may be a teeny, weeny bit biased, but we think he is absolutely THE CUTEST MONKEY EVER!!!
Halloween was fun....I can't wait until Christmas.
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Technical Difficulties
Hopefully I'll be able to post Halloween pictures tomorrow. Tonight, I'm experiencing technical difficulty. Stay tuned.....
Sunday, October 29, 2006
The Pumpkin Patch
Yesterday afternoon we visited the Pumpkin Patch in Bixby. Ian had a great time. The weather was beautiful and he thought he was in "ball" heaven. He ran to the pumpkins saying "ball, ball, ball". He enjoyed climbing around on the hay bales and through the pumpkins. He especially liked the animals at the petting zoo. He wanted to ride the pony, but he was too little. Maybe next time.
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