Created in God's Workmanship

You are looking into the eyes of a very Cheerful little girl!!!! One God has Created so special, she brings much joy to those around her and keeps us laughing!!!! Our Cutie Pie!!!!!

"C" Week

We had a small window of beautiful weather today so we chose to do some "C"limbing at the park where we found "C"lifford and our letters in Sign language. This morning we ate cereal and for a snack HVN had her "C"antelope in a "C"one before we went to the park. But, her favorite part was reading "C"inderella and finding all the "C"s in the book. All the climbing wore us both out so we came home to nap before we got out our "C"heerios to make a big "C" and try to form those fluffy things we see in the sky. The mind of a child is to be cherished...I love watching her think and helping her to make sense of this great world God created!

"B" Week

I think I forgot to mention that I joined a small group of mom's who are also doing a "Home PreSchool" and we do an outing once a week related to our theme. Last week was B week so we went to "The Bug Box"....each time I told HVN where we were going she said.."ewww...bugs". But she loved it. She wasnt afraid to touch anything, she especially like the turtles and the playroom full of bug toys. One of her favorite things at home, now anyway, is finger paint...so we made lots of B's last week with blue finger paint. We're also doing a verse each week...so for "B" it was "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ"....we do believe and trust that He is growing our little girl "Beautifully" inside and out!

Home Pre-School

On March 8th, HVN and I began pre-school at home. I am loving this, however it keeps me very busy! HVN is thriving and loves to learn...she now demands school after nap time or in the morning. Our first week was "A" week....we ate applesauce, peeled an Avacado, we collected Acorns, our shape of the week was a Square so we had a square hunt in the house....she got to watch an Alligator hatching online....we are having a blast with this....we also started potty training on this day and she's been in her big girl pants for two weeks now...wow, that really builds a new confidence in them!

Happy "Forever Family" Day

March 11th is a yearly reminder to us of God's goodness and grace. It's the day the OH judge said, "this is forever" and we gladly accepted. It just simply amazes me to think of all the children in the world, God chose HVN for us and us for HVN.

My heart quickly thinks of our birth mother and the selfless decision she made to give HVN life and to choose us as her Forever Family. We are grateful for her and thankful that she allowed God to lead her heart. I pray often that He gives her peace and glimpses of HVN's well being and the love we have for her through our blog. Our birth mother will forever be close in our hearts, I just know God will allow us to gather one day and speak of His blessings.

Then there is "K". He was the greatest support for our birth mother during her pregnancy, decision making, healing and life. We stand in amazement of his role in HVN's life and the strength he was and continues to be for his family. We are thankful for Him.

And for the many who have prayed for HVN and have had any part in encouraging all of us involved, we give thanks for you.

Lastly....there is HVN. She has been a joy since birth. Her smile is beautiful, her heart is sweet and compassionate, her energy is high and exciting. She has great abilities and loves to learn; she knows her ABC's, she counts to 14, she knows her animals and sounds, her memorized song list is vast, she continues to use her sign language and she is eager to learn. She is her father's side kick as she loves the outdoors and cant wait to shoot a pink bow, they love to play t-ball or anything that involves a ball. We just love her spirit; our HVN is full of laughter, she loves to tease, play and make us laugh. She's using her manners well and enjoys together time as all are invited to sit and play with her at anytime, she's very inviting.

Officially two years ago today God saw fit to hear our hearts cry and give us a child to lavish our love on. We love loving her and sharing her with the many other in our lives that love her. To Him we are eternally grateful, He is the giver of all good things!

Potty Training...O' How I Have Dreaded Thee

....furthermore I don't know why the thought has been so "over my head!" So, I cleared this week's calendar and decided to get this done! We talked about it last week, put up the potty chart, colored the Elmo Potty Book and put out the treats. (Need I remind myself that she began doing this and trying the potty this time last year?)

Day 1, yesterday was so against "my little creature of habit". At a very young age we realized however HVN learned something the first time is how she likes to do things or it's a bit upsetting to her. I recall changing the toys on her bouncy at 9 months old and she cried til I realized what I had done wrong and had to return the ones that were there when she was introduced to the fun. Now at two and a half, if I put away her doll house furniture the wrong way, she quickly returns it to the original place. So, potty training...was a little different the morning of Day 1. However, on Day 1 we had only one accident and she only wore a diaper to sleep in. By afternoon she was a pro. Today, Day 2 has been fun for her. She is so excited to go, even before the fifteen minute timer goes off....she poopy'd all three times today without me asking her if she had to go and before the timer reminded her to try. WE ARE SO VERY PROUD OF HER...and yes we have a "potty dance"....and she's very quick to remind me...bye bye diapers...H-E-L-L-O panties!!!! I think the fun has been in the m&m's, the potty dance, the games we play while on the potty and of course...saving it all for daddy to see when he came home mid day...when she poopy'd...she immediately said "show daddy". Daddy was so kind to celebrate with her too. Now at the end of the day....I can say she's had so many successes and one small accident this morning...for the most part she's a pro and I'm asking myself...Why didn't I do this sooner?

A Visit with Friends

My week was complete last Friday when HVN and I spent time with a dear friend of mine...whose daughter quickly became a dear friend to HVN.
Thank you AC for the sweet pictures that captured the everyday laughter, innocence and sweet reminder...that friends are a blessing from above.