God has been gracious to us and has been with us through our journey of love and life. He has carried us through some of the most difficult times and has given us joy in the midst of sorrow. He has also been loving and given us abundant blessings. Most importantly, He has provided us with faith. May we share that faith with others.

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
"God's gifts put man's best dreams to shame".
Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Friday, August 16, 2013

August Update

Well, to say life is busy is an understatement.  Having two children so close in age is a wonderful adventure, but it does make taking time to blog (or even shower for that matter) a bit of a challenge.  Would I change it?  Not for the world. Life is so full of rich, precious moments right now.  I just want to soak it all in.  So, here's a little bit of what we've been up to...

Lilly
Our little lady has found her independence and courage.  She came to us so weak and behind developmentally.  However, she is a determined little thing and sets to prove to us and herself that she can do anything her older brother does.  When we came home from China her assessment showed that she was developmentally where an 11 month old would be.  She was recently assessed again and she is now in the 15-18 month range (for physical development).  We are so proud of her progress.  She can run now, climb on things, she tries to jump, and loves to dance.  She loves to sing, but doesn't sing any recognizable tunes or words.  She makes her own little joyful noise.  She makes us laugh A LOT.  She can be so goofy sometimes.  She seems so happy!  When we lay her down at nap-time or bed-time she looks up at us with this big grin.  She understands us well and follows instructions.  She has been doing well with her therapists.  She is still enrolled in speech, occupational therapy, and physical therapy.  We're hoping to increase communication with her.  She gets so frustrated that she can't speak.  She can say Mama, but no other recognizable words.  So, we are working on sign language and picture boards.  We're hoping her surgery in September will help.
What's coming up for Lilly - Her second birthday is September 5th.  Her first surgery for her cleft palate is scheduled for September 12th.

Lilly knows how to work the camera on my phone - silly girl.

What a diva!  She shops in style.

Snuggling with Mommy is on the top of her list of favorite things to do.

Her hair is getting longer!

She loves dressing up for church.

goofy girl

Liam uses this container as an astronaut helmet, so naturally Lilly thinks she should wear it too.


Lilly loves water, which is a big deal!

Lilly loves to help clean.


Liam
Liam loves to build and make things.  He spends time making and perfecting things with legos, blocks, or playdough.  As always, he has an active imagination.  He turns ordinary things into adventures.  He is very affectionate.  He loves to give hugs and kisses to Mom and Lilly.  He also holds open doors for us and holds Lilly's hand.  He is a great big brother.  Liam loves books and could sit and listen to stories all day.  He is becoming so independent.  He is always trying to increase his vocabulary, which can be funny when he doesn't quite know what a word means.  If things don't go well, he says it's 'tragic'.  He also calls all Mom's baking beautiful.  Liam is a bit dramatic sometimes too.  You never have to guess how he's feeling. 
What's coming up for Liam - Liam starts 3 year old preschool in two weeks!  It's hard to believe he's old enough.  He will go to Ascension (the school Mom teaches at) on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.

Liam is a big helper!

Liam loves to bake and helps Mom whenever she makes goodies.

The only time Liam is quiet and still is when he is asleep.

One of Liam's creations - Wall-E

Liam had his first eye doctor appointment.  He did a great job and has excellent vision.

What a big helper!  Liam loves to push the little cart at the grocery store.

Liam went to the movie theater for the first time and saw Planes.

after movie snack

Liam picks flowers for his Mom and sister.

Lilly wanted to stop and rest on our walk, so Liam sat with her and kept her company.  He kept saying, "You can do it Lilly!"

We're just trying to keep up with these two amazing children, thanking God for all our blessings, and trusting that He will provide all that we need.


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