Christmas Letter 2011

December 2011

Dear Family and Friends,

And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power... to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. 

Ephesians 3:17-19

           We pray that you are enjoying this Christmas season, resting in the comfort of God's grace, and celebrating the gifts that only God can give.

            This year has been filled with many new adventures, as only life with an active little boy can.  We began the year with a baby and now have a very creative, smart, and active little boy.  Liam has indeed become the center of activity in our home, and we are so blessed that he is our son.  Almost every day, Liam adds a new word to his vocabulary, which means we must be selective with what we say.  Liam loves to help mommy with all her chores and especially loves to cook in the kitchen.  Bath-time continues to be one of his favorite activities.  He would stay in the water all day if we let him.  He has become quite good at rearranging things around the house and hiding things.  He loves to play with daddy and runs to the door to greet him when he comes home from work.  He is sweet and gentle with Daisy and tolerates her kisses.  We are so proud of all his accomplishments.  His cheerful disposition is contagious and he leaves an imprint on the lives of everyone he meets.  God has great plans for Liam and we are excited to see what those are.

            Dave continues to work with Thrivent Financial and enjoys what he does.  He started the year by settling into a new office, which has been a great blessing.  He touches so many lives, not just by helping people plan for the future, but by genuinely caring for all his clients and viewing his profession as a ministry.  Tiffany started the year by helping with choreography for Concordia High School’s production of “West Side Story.”  She also substitute taught in first and third grade classes for teachers who went on maternity leave.  It was good to teach again, but made her realize she is not meant to work full-time right now.  She is blessed with a part-time job this school year as a Special Education teacher at two Lutheran Schools.  She is hired through Lutheran Special Education Ministries and teaches two mornings at Suburban Bethlehem and two afternoons as Ascension Lutheran.  Tiffany loves being able to stay home with Liam the majority of the week and still teach.  She is also finishing up her Masters in Special Education and is set to graduate in June 2012.  She is in the middle of writing her thesis/special project.  The whole family will be grateful when she is done with classes!

            We made many family memories this year.  When Dave turned 30 in March we celebrated with an 80’s themed surprise party.  We also spent a weekend in Chicago, and left Liam overnight for the first time.  Liam was in good hands with his Uncle Rick and Aunt Anna.  In addition to numerous trips to the park and zoo, we took a family vacation with Tiffany’s family to Branson, Missouri in June.  Liam was great on our road trip.  Some of the highlights were “Noah’s Ark” the musical, a dinner cruise, a couple’s massage, plenty of time in the pool, and the children’s museum in Saint Louis.  In November, Tiffany joined the 30 club and we celebrated with a weekend away to a spa in Detroit.  Liam stayed with Grandma and Grandpa Kusch and was spoiled, of course.  Even the ordinary, daily routines are an adventure for us.  Liam adds such enthusiasm and joy to everything we do.

            We look forward to all the ways that God will use our family in 2012 and anticipate the new adventures He sends our way.  We are currently on a waiting list to adopt again.  We trust that God’s timing and plan are perfect and He will bless us with another child when the time is right.

            We wish you a very merry Christmas and happy New Year. 

With Love,

David, Tiffany & Liam Herman

Christmas Photo Shoot Outtakes

Over Thanksgiving my sister-in-law took our annual family picture for our Christmas cards.  Here are the outtakes.  They are a great demonstration of what life is like right now with a busy boy.

Craft Time

Now that Liam is coloring more often, we have more crayon bits lying around.  I decided that it was time to recycle those crayons and use them again.  Liam and I started by taking all the wrappers off the crayons.  Then, we sorted all the crayons by color and put them in my chocolate form (farm animals).  We put them in the oven at 250* for about 20 minutes and voila - we had animal shaped crayons.  Once they cooled and hardened we plopped them out and began to use them.  This was a fun project and was a great activity for Liam to practice sorting and working on color names.

Liam's First Haircut

Today Liam got his first "official" big boy hair cut.  He sat on Dave's lap and sat pretty still, considering he is a very active little boy.  This milestone is bitter-sweet (as most moms know).  It is a rite of passage from baby to big boy and one that I was excited and sad about all at once. My little man is growing up so fast.

The finished product.  What a handsome little man!

Liam's Heart

At Liam's 18 month check-up Dr. Bollier, Liam's pediatrician, found that Liam has a heart murmur.  This murmur hadn't been detected before.  Dr. Bollier asked that we take Liam to the hospital to get an echocardiogram.  The echocardiogram showed that Liam has three areas of concern in his heart.

The first area is a hole between the two upper chambers of his heart.  Every baby is born with this hole and it usually closes by the time babies turn 1.  In Liam's case, it hasn't closed yet.  If it hasn't closed by the time he is 4 years old, then there will be cause for concern.  However, it should fix itself in the next two years.  

The second area of concern is his left ventricle valve.  The valve should have three parts.  Liam has two parts that are fused together, which is creating some leakage.  Right now, it is flowing pretty well and isn't causing too much strain on his heart.

The third area of concern is in his main artery that leads to the top of the heart.  His aorta is narrowed, which is decreasing blood flow.  This is called coarctation of aorta.

Today, we visited a pediatric cardiologist.  After another echocardiogram and EKG, the cardiologist explained Liam's results and what needs to be done from here.  The good news is that there was no change between echocardiograms, which leads the cardiologist to believe that Liam's condition is not getting worse.  It also does not appear that there is a great deal of strain on Liam's heart.  He does not show signs of having heart problems.  However, this condition (coarctation of aorta) is not something that will go away on its own.  The doctor said we should have a decade or two before surgery may be necessary.  We will go back in two months to make sure that things are staying stable.  As long as things stay stable, Liam should be able to remain active and "normal."  The worst case scenario is that Liam will have to have surgery to open the artery and replace the valve.  We will probably visit the cardiologist every 6 months through Liam's childhood.  It is suggested that Liam not play high impact sports, such as football or hockey, but other sports should be just fine.  We have signs to look for while he plays, but have been encouraged that as long as things remain stable, Liam should continue to be the busy boy he is.

Liam has been a trouper through all of this.  He has charmed his way into the hearts of every nurse and receptionist he has met.  Liam's cardiologist was especially smitten with Liam.  When he asked for Liam's medical history, we explained that he was adopted.  He paused and said, "Thank you, and God bless you.  It is obvious to me that God gave you this child because you are exactly the right parents for this boy and he is the right boy for you.  It is evident that God will use you to bless him and he will bless so many people."  We of course have always known that Liam is meant for greatness.  He has an undeniable spark (which we believe is the Holy Spirit within him).  This journey in his life is building him into the man of God that he will become.  We may never know how many people are impacted through this.  I have learned that once again, I have no control.  I need to trust that God is God and that this boy has been entrusted to me, but he belongs to the Lord.  I was so touched at the witness Liam gave today, just by being himself.  He truly is my miracle and I am thankful for him every minute of every day.

Our NIECE is on her way!

My brother Rick and his wife AnnaMaria are expecting their first child in March and today we got the news that it is a girl.  I can't wait to meet Baby Hart!

Family Day Trip

With the business of work and the stress of classes, I needed a relaxing weekend.  Dave suggested that we take Liam to Chain O Lakes for a much needed family day.  Dave and I had spent a day at this state park when we were still dating, and it is one of our fondest memories of our courtship.  We knew Liam would love to romp around in nature.  The weather was warm, and the scenery was so colorful.  This trip was just what we needed.

Dave and Liam walking to the playground

With all the things Liam could play on in the playground, he preferred the dirt - such a boy!

The beach was closed to swimming, but Liam enjoyed splashing anyway.

We took a hike through the woods with Daisy.

Hiking took us a while, since Liam found so many things to explore.  He loved tugging on this vine.  He also loved raking leaves with sticks.

Our big, beautiful boy!

Liam broke out into singing - just like a moment out of a musical.

Everyone had a great time!  We had a great picnic lunch and napped really well afterwards.  We may have to make this an annual trip.

Respect Life

This Sunday is Respect Life Sunday.  This story is a great example of why life is so important from the very beginning.  This was shared by my friend Melissa and I just had to pass it on.

A picture began circulating in November. It should be "The Picture of the Year," or perhaps, "Picture of the Decade." It won't be. In fact, unless you obtained a copy of the U.S. paper which published it, you probably would never have seen it.

The picture is that of a 21-week-old unborn baby named Samuel Alexander Armas, who is being operated on by surgeon named Joseph Bruner. The baby was diagnosed with spina bifida and would not survive if removed from his mother's womb. Little Samuel's mother, Julie Armas, is an obstetrics nurse in Atlanta. She knew of Dr. Bruner's remarkable surgical procedure. Practicing at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, he performs these special operations while the baby is still in the womb.

During the procedure, the doctor removes the uterus via C-section and makes a small incision to operate on the baby. As Dr. Bruner completed the surgery on Samuel, the little guy reached his tiny, but fully developed hand through the incision and firmly grasped the surgeon's finger. Dr. Bruner was reported as saying that when his finger was grasped, it was the most emotional moment of his life, and that for an instant during the procedure he was just frozen, totally immobile.

The photograph captures this amazing event with perfect clarity. The editors titled the picture, "Hand of Hope." The text explaining the picture begins, "The tiny hand of 21-week-old fetus Samuel Alexander Armas emerges from the mother's uterus to grasp the finger of Dr. Joseph Bruner as if thanking the doctor for the gift of life."
Little Samuel's mother said they "wept for days" when they saw the picture. She said, "The photo reminds us pregnancy isn't about disability or an illness, it's about a little person" Samuel was born in perfect health, the operation 100 percent successful. Now see the actual picture, and it is awesome...incredible....and hey, pass it on! The world needs to see this!

‎"By adopting a child and helping them reach their potential, they help us reach ours. An adopted child is not an unwanted child; to the contrary. They are a child who was searched for, prayed for, cried for, begged for; received by arms that ached, making empty hearts full. Love is meant to be shared." Author unknown

Looking Back

It is interesting for me to look back over our journey.  It has been filled with so many ups and downs, but I can see God's hand guiding us through all of it and preparing us for the people He wants us to be.  This post was written to a friend on April 23rd, 2009 - almost exactly one year before we got Liam.

Well, I went in Wednesday for my pregnancy test. The test was negative. I sobbed all day yesterday and actually got sick. It is so hard to stop hormones all of a sudden and be emotional at the same time. 

Dave and I woke up this morning with such a peace. I can't even explain it to you. We went to lunch today and talked about our options. We are actually really excited about adopting. You know, when we first talked about adopting we thought we would be saving the life of a child (which is true), but this baby will save our lives. Our hearts have been broken for so long and just working on the paperwork is opening our hearts again. I know that God has a baby in mind for us already. This morning I wrote that baby a letter and I wrote a prayer to God for that baby and its biological mother. I have put it in a scrapbook - of course it's green and yellow. I want to document this whole journey, because I want this baby to know that God chose this child for us and that we were just open to His will. I want it to see how God worked in us to make this possible. I don''t know if I can even explain in words how we feel. But, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt that this is what God wants us to do. And, we can appreciate God's love for us even more now when we consider how He can use us in this way. I had this vision of what my family would look like and be like and when it would happen. Obviously, nothing has worked according to my plan and I may not understand that until I get to heaven. However, I know that God has something amazing planned and I am anxious to find out what that is.
Dave and I have been working on our homework, which I think every parent should have to fill out. Hopefully, we will mail it in soon.

New Beginnings

This week I begin training for my new job.  I am the special education teacher/consultant for two Lutheran schools in town.  I will teach two days a week, which is the maximum amount of time I want to work.  I am happy that I will be spending the majority of my time home with Liam.  I will spend Wednesday and Thursday mornings at Suburban Bethlehem and afternoons on Wednesday and Thursday at Ascension Lutheran.  I will spend the majority of my time working with students one-on-one or in small groups on literacy development.  There are only a few students that have IEPs (Individual Education Plans), so most of my students will be those that struggle with class work, but are not diagnosed with a LD (learning disability).  I will also help teachers think of ways to help individual students within their own classroom.  This is also my last year of taking classes towards my Masters in Special Education.  I am thrilled that this job counts for my student teaching.  I don't know how we would have managed eight weeks of full-time teaching with no pay.  So, I am very thankful I can make enough money to pay for a sitter so I can fulfill my hours in a special education classroom.  I am nervous and excited.  Neither school has had a special education program before.  I have a lot of work to do at the beginning to gain trust from the teachers and set-up my program.  However, I am glad for this opportunity.

And now, we wait...

In April, Dave and I decided to put our names back on the adoption waiting list for a baby.  After receiving news that South Korea was not opening intake for new adoptive parents, we decided to try another domestic adoption.  We know that we want to adopt again and that Liam needs a sibling.  We also desire for him to have an adopted sibling.  We put our names on the list as a leap of faith trusting that God would provide the baby when the timing is right.  He knows who our baby is and when we will bring it home.  Since putting our names on the list we have gone on with life and have enjoyed our energetic toddler.  Life has gone on as usual and we have made plans for our family of three.  
Then, last night it occurred to me that we could get a baby at any time.  In the back of my head I have told myself to be ready for anything, but it never really sunk in that we could have another baby soon.  I have been thinking non-stop about all the scenarios.  I wonder who our baby is, when it will arrive, if Liam will be ready, and if I will be able to be a mother of two in the midst of our busy lives.  I can't help but think that this is on my mind and in my heart for a reason.  Then, I have to stop myself and remind myself that God knows what He is doing and He knows what I can handle.  He will not bless us with another baby if He doesn't think we will be able to provide this baby with a loving home.  I also think about how much Liam has changed my life and how much I love him.  God blessed me beyond belief with Liam.  I know from experience that God does miracles everyday.
Last night as all these thoughts swirled around in my head, I told Dave all my concerns and thoughts.  He said calmly, "Well, I think we should just pray about it."  He is right.  Instead of worrying about my abilities to either wait or jump into another adventure, I should just lay it in God's hands.  I continue to pray for our next baby and it's birthmother.  I also pray that God will prepare our family for whatever lies next.  It is so exciting and scary all at the same time, but God is big enough to carry all these emotions.  So for now, we wait, and trust.

Liam's 1 year pictures

Sweet Moments

I am still in awe that God gave me such an amazing son.  I have to admit that he is a bundle of energy and most days he exhausts me (in a good way).  I also really love the sweet, tender moments that we share.  I enjoy hearing him talk and sing through the monitor in the morning.  I love getting him out of his crib and seeing his big grin and his arms outstretched to me.  I love sitting down to eat lunch with him and hearing him talk on and on about whatever is on his mind.  It is so sweet when he grabs a book and plops down on my lap.  I enjoy seeing him fold his hands to pray.   He amazes me as he discovers and learns.  I love rocking with him before bed.  I am so blessed to be his mom and I am so thankful for this time that we have together.

Summer 2011

Scrapbook customized with Smilebox

Family Vacation

This year we took our annual family vacation to Branson, MO.  I have to admit that I wasn't so sure about traveling 10 hours in a car with a one year old.  However, we had a great trip and Liam was such a good traveler.  We made some great memories.  We took Liam to see Noah's Ark the musical.  He sat still the entire show and even sang along (with his own words and melody, of course).  We also took a trip on the Branson Belle steamboat, ate a great meal, and saw a fantastic show.  We took several trips to the pool.  Liam especially loved the kiddie pool.  We ate fabulous meals every night.  Liam's favorite was KRAFT mac & cheese, which he had never had before.  Dave got his first professional massage.  He is now a big fan and thinks we should get them every vacation.
On the way to Branson we stopped at the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod museum.  They do a great job explaining Martin Luther's life and work, the birth of the Lutheran church, and how the Lutheran church began in America.  They have a replica of Luther's death mask and hands.  It was neat to see what Martin actually looked like.  They also have replicas of Martin and Katie's wedding rings.  They are so beautiful and carry such deep significance.  
On our way home we stopped at the children's museum in Saint Louis.  Liam loved all the interactive activities.  It was also good for him to get out, stretch, and let out some energy.
Here are some of the highlights...

Road Trip Day #1

Road Trip Day #2

Liam loved jumping on the bed.

pool time

On our way to the kiddie pool

The kiddie pool was perfect for Liam.  He loved splashing around.

Our room was on the third floor all the way to the left.

Liam discovered he likes lemons and limes.

I forgot Liam's bib and I didn't want him to get his polo shirt dirty, so he ate supper in his undershirt.  

Oh, so full!

Grandma Kusch took Liam to see the horses.

Happy Family!

Liam had fun playing on the dock near the Showboat Belle.

Liam had tea in the Alice Wonderland Exhibit at the children's museum.

He even got to drink tea with the Mad Hatter.

Liam really loved the water table.

A chef in the making

So easily entertained

What a great little bellboy!

Daddy gave Liam chocolate cake - oh boy!