Lilly's First Haircut

This January has been a snowy and cold month.  In the midst of cancelled school days, shoveling, building snowmen, and trying to keep two stir crazy kids occupied, we ventured out to fulfill another 'first' for Lilly.  Lilly's hair has grown so much since we got her last May.  I have been trimming it, especially over her eyes.  However, it was time to let a professional even it out.  Liam needed a trim as well.  Liam was sweet enough to go first, so Lilly could see what was going to happen and know that it was alright.  Liam talked Emily's ear off the whole time.  Both kids behaved very well and enjoyed getting their hair cut.  Lilly felt very pretty afterwards and was especially thrilled to have a sucker.  She hasn't had many of them since they were impossible to eat with her cleft palate.

For reference - Lilly's head was shaved the day before we got her (May 27th)

before

before

Lilly woke up from her nap right before we went to the salon, so she had bed head.

Liam didn't like it spiked up.  He wanted it smoothed down like Dad's.  Emily put gel in it, which made Liam happy.  He felt like such a big boy.

Big brother Liam kept Lilly entertained

The hair dryer tickled Lilly

catching up on her reading

after

after (clinging to her sucker for dear life)

Christmas 2013

We had a wonderful time celebrating Christmas this year!  Liam was excited about every aspect of Christmas and was eager to share his excitement with his sister.  Seeing Christmas through Lilly's eyes was also fun.  She had a great first Christmas!  We were able to celebrate with our families, but also saved time for our little family of four.

Christmas #1 - Hart Christmas

The festivities began with Hart Christmas the Saturday before Christmas.  Remington was not able to come up from Florida and Verona got sick in the car on the way, so we celebrated with just my dad and his wife, Sandra.  The kids still enjoyed spending time with Papa and Nana.

Liam waiting patiently to open his present (wearing some of his new Jake gear)

Christmas #2 - Family Christmas

The day before Christmas Eve, we let the kids open one present (a tradition I had in my family on Christmas Eve).  The kids opened pajamas and we gave them each a giant stuffed animal.  We watched a Christmas movie and then settled in for the night.  On Christmas Eve we had a big breakfast, opened our stockings and gifts, and played with our new presents.  That afternoon we went to Dave's parents' house for a late lunch.  We finished the evening with the family candlelight church service.  It was wonderful!  Liam held his own candle during the service and sang along to Silent Night and Away in a Manger.  After church we loaded up the van, put on pajamas, and drove up to Livonia.

Lilly showing off her new jewelry

Daisy got bones in her stocking, so she was a happy dog!

All dressed up for church

Christmas #3 - Kusch Christmas

The kids woke up early and enjoyed looking at and playing with all the decorations.  We opened presents, the kids played with their cousins, and we enjoyed a great dinner.  We stayed in our pajamas all day.

Grandma's elves are almost as big as Lilly.

Lilly's first Christmas

Liam showed Lilly how the light up gingerbread house worked.

This year instead of putting bows on the packages, I made everyone a crochet ornament.

Liam and Verona playing nicely with her new princess castle.

Day after Christmas

Liam and Grandpa played in the snow.

The kids got to decorate and eat their own sugar cookies.

Liam and Grandma made reindeer out of candy canes.

December 27th - Letsch get-together

My cousin, Jillian, and I try to get together at least twice a year.  The half-way point is Warsaw.  My Aunt Gloria hosted our get-together.  She made us lunch, the kids played, and we got caught up.  The kids get along really well together!  

Lorelei, Lilly, Liam & Lucy

Christmas #4 - Herman Christmas

Dave's sisters, Julie and Laura, and their families came home after Christmas.  It was great to have everyone together.  Liam and Lilly had fun playing with all their cousins.

New Years Eve

Dave and I went out for an early dinner to the Huron River Country Club with Rick, Anna, Uncle David, Aunt Gloria, and my parents.  It was so nice to eat at a restaurant without kids.  The kids had fun with their sitter while we were gone.  When we came home, we put the kids to bed and then stayed up playing card games.  The kids were sweet enough to sleep in until 8:45am the next morning!  We took Liam to a matinee of Frozen with Grandma & Grandpa Kusch.  Lilly got to stay home with Great Grandma Letsch.  The weather delayed our trip home by a day, but we got home safely despite seeing 31 cars and 2 semis in the ditch/median on the way home.  

Christmas Letter 2013

December 2013

Dear Family & Friends,

Isaiah 43:1 – But now, this is what the Lord says— he who created you, he who formed you: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.”

            This Christmas we pray that you are wrapped in the assurance that God created you for a purpose and are comforted to know that He holds you in the palm of his hand.  We are thankful and humbled at the ways God continues to carry out his plan for our family.  His blessings continually surpass our expectations.

            The big news this year is that our family increased by one.  Lillian Rae (Jia Yue Gu) officially became part of our family in May.  We started her adoption process in March of 2012, received her picture and information this January, and went to China to get her in May.  God truly blessed the entire adoption.  Every part of the process went smoothly, including our LONG trip to get her and come home.  She is such a sweet girl.  It’s hard to believe that she has only been with us for six months.  In that short time, she has learned to walk, say some words, has had two corrective surgeries for her cleft palate, celebrated her second birthday, has had numerous therapy sessions for speech, occupational therapy, and physical therapy, and has adjusted to life with us.  Lilly likes to play with her babies and in the kitchen.  She is also Mom’s shadow and helps with chores around the house.  She loves to accessorize with bows, headbands, and purses.  She is such a happy girl!  We are so thankful that God kept her safe until we could bring her home.

            Liam has adjusted so well to being a big brother.  He is very helpful and loves to teach Lilly everything he knows.  Liam started three year-old preschool this year at Ascension Lutheran School.  He attends on Tuesday and Thursday mornings (the same days Tiffany teaches at Ascension).  He loves learning and impresses us with how much he knows.  Right now, he is really interested in space, space shuttles, rockets, pirates, and the ocean.  He knows his shapes and numbers and almost all his letters.  He has learned to write his name.  Liam is a very verbal child and tends to talk and sing all day long.  His active imagination entertains us often.  Each day is a new adventure for him.  We are so thankful he is our son.

            Tiffany cut back her hours teaching this year, so she could spend more time with the kids.  Instead of teaching three days at two different schools, she now teaches two days a week at Ascension as the special education teacher.  The whole family appreciates her new schedule.  Dave’s Mom, Carol, watches the kids while Tiffany teaches.  We are very thankful for Grandma Herman.

            Dave continues to work for Thrivent.  He loves being able to meet the needs of his members and views his job as a ministry.  He moved to a new office this winter, which should be a great change for his business.

            You can keep up with our family throughout the year on our blog - http://www.davetiffanyliamlillyherman.blogspot.com                       

Lots of Love,

David, Tiffany, Liam & Lilly Herman