My Life in Toddlertown

12.22.2013

Thoughts on Maggie's birthday

I had a hard time with Maggie's birthday this year. Of course I was so happy that she was turning another year older (2!) and that she was here with us. But my mind could not stop thinking about her birth mother. I actually shed a tear or two thinking about her and what she could be feeling on that day. For us moms, a child's birthday is always so special - remembering all the details of your child's birth - where you were, how it all happened, how happy you were, etc.

So what in the world does Maggie's birth mother think and feel on her birthday? She can't help but think about that day. I wonder what she was feeling. I am so thankful for her courage to give up Maggie for adoption. I pray that she somehow knows that Maggie is okay - that she is more than okay. That she is in a family who loves her dearly. That she is thriving. That she is laughing every day. And that she brings that laughter into our house and our hearts.

Somewhere in Russia (I assume), her birthmother most likely wonders what happened to her little daughter with the brown hair and big brown eyes. May God touch her heart and let her know that she is loved. And will be forever.

December birthdays

So I have now gotten through the Holt December birthday circuit. Ward turned nine December 13th and Maggie turned 2 December 19th.

Ward had a gingerbread house making party and they all had a blast. I have never seen such a sugar high by the time it was all over. We did it at the club (no set up or clean up for me!) and the Chef came and showed them all how to do it. Ward loved every minute of it and everyone took home their creations are their goody.

Before the decorating al began

Ward and Chef Tim

I still can't believe that I have a 9 year old!!!

Ward was showing me his plan for the house

Me and Ward

the boys got serious about their decorating!

Ward and Grandmom

three of my boys!

sugar-high dancing with Papa

Ted and his mom

me and mom

The aftermath! So nice to not have to clean it up!!

A few days after the fun of Ward's birthday party, we had a small, family party for Maggie. She loved the icing on the cookie cake and was the most excited about her scooter - which she can ride all on her own. I put the seat on it thinking that she would not be able to push with one foot, but she quickly proved me completely wrong. She is one coordinated little girl!

Playing with Papa

Kisses!

Riding the scooter

Opening presents - books from Grandmom!!

Teapot fro her Godparents!

Blowing out the candles with Daddy and Sam

eating cookie cake!

12.10.2013

Santa

We went to Santa at the club on Sunday night. Ann Park has never even gotten close to Santa but promised that she wanted to talk to him this time around . . . I mean you wait in line for close to an hour and the girl runs away - it is just not worth it. The kids ran around with their friends, did crafts, and consumed as much sugar as possible while I drank wine and waited in the Santa line. It was a great plan and the results speak for themselves!

Sam was SUPER EXCITED about the night because Ted bought him his first blazer on Saturday. He had gone to buy one for Ward but they were 60% off and Sam really really really wanted one. He wore it most of the weekend and would have worn it to school the past two days if I had let him. HE is pretty cute in it, even I have to say that for myself!!

Maggie loved hanging out with Grandmom and she was such a help while we were waiting in line. With 4 kids it truly takes a village and she is always so wonderful to help out. The kids love having her there for these big nights as well. Great memories for all!

Thanksgiving with cousins

My parents did it again - they survived another Thanksgiving. And this one added one additional grandchild, Maggie. That makes 10 in all. 10 grandkids ages 8 and under. Ward and Ann Park are the oldest. Then they all start to get mixed up. It only gets better and better as the kids get older. I love seeing the personalities pair off and them forming bonds that will last a lifetime.

The pictures tell it all . . .