Happy 2nd Family Day: Will

 

(Family Day: September 11, 2010)

Sweet Will was one of our great surprises for our 2nd adoption, because our 2nd adoption became our 2nd and 3rd adoptions. Will was born on Abbey's 30th birthday. He has always been a charmer and has always been adventurous. He fell out of his baby bed at 8 months old!

 (1st Family Day: September 11, 2011)

Will has stolen the heart of nearly every person he has every met. He has an infectious smile and a huge personality. He is definitely our strongest-WILLed child, although none of our children seem to struggle in that area of their lives. He knows what he wants and he knows how he wants it. He loves his "mama" and he says her name about 400 times everyday. 

(2nd Family Day: September 11, 2012)

Will, you are so much fun to parent. You keep me on my toes and you make me laugh. I love your cuddles and I love your ability to turn a stressful situation into a funny one. You have a bright beautiful smile and I hope that you always keep it.

You love your brothers. You want to be as big as Reed and you want to take care of Tuck. You love to do things by yourself and let us know by saying "I do!" whenever there is a task that you want to accomplish on your own.

I'm so thankful that God chose me to be your Daddy. I love coming home because you are so excited to see me. I hope you never lose your loving personality. I love you.

Happy 2nd Family Day: Nash

 

(Family Day: September 11, 2010)

 

I can hardly believe that two years ago today we were hugging our son Nash for the first time. He came to us as a complete surprise. We were sort of waiting on a baby girl, and all of a sudden we were getting two more sweet boys. Thank goodness that God's plan is better than ours. I wouldn't change a thing. Looking back, it is hard for us to remember that we didn't have Nash from the time he was a baby. He fits into our lives so perfectly. He was so timid and scared that first day that we met him.

(1st Family Day: September 11, 2011)

 

One year later, Nash was perfectly assimilated into our family. He knew who we were and we knew him. He was our son and we were his family. Nash is a brilliant child. He picked up the language quick, potty trained himself, and constantly amazed us with his ability to try new things. He has one of the most beautiful smiles ever.

(2nd Family Day: September 11, 2012)

My loving Nash. I cannot help but think about how our lives would be different if roadblocks had not come into our adoption. At one point we thought that we would not be able to adopt from Taiwan again and then God opened such great doors that led us to you. You are one special boy. You are my son.

You are so silly. I love how you always want to make people laugh. There is a joy in your heart that is contagious. Your dimples light up the room.

Nash, every day I pray that God will use your life as a testimony of His greatness. I pray that you will always have the loving and caring spirit that you have shown us for the past two years. I am so thankful that you are my little boy.

Our Fifth Family Day with Reed

(Family Day: September 10, 2007)

 I'll never forget the day. We had waited so long to become parents. We arrived in Taipei earlier in the week and did some sightseeing all the while thinking that we were finally in the same country as our son. Abbey and I walked up the small alleyway with my in-laws close behind. We came to a door where there was a lady waiting, we walked through the door and in the stroller before us was the most amazing, wonderful, beautiful, breath-taking sight we had ever seen. Our son, Reed. We were already in love with his photos, but the ability to finally hold this treasure in which God had entrusted us, was completely amazing.

(1st Family Day: September 10, 2008)

The first year of parenthood was completely amazing. We absolutely loved taking Reed everywhere and showing him to anyone that would look. He was truly the most amazing little boy we had ever known. Our hearts were totally full of love for him.

(2nd Family Day: September 10, 2009)

As Reed grew, so did his personality. He was a little shy in the early years, but when he loved somebody you knew it. He and his best friend Britton were always together and still top each other's lists today. Reed's smile and round cheeks were breathtaking. 

(3rd Family Day: September 10, 2010)

We spent Reed's third family day in the airport and finished it in Taiwan. We were traveling to get our two newest loves, Nash and Will. Reed was a trooper on the airplane, but had some crazy jet-lag. By this year, Reed's chubby baby cheeks had given way to big boy face. Reed grew taller and we fell more in love with him.

(4th Family Day: September 10, 2011)

Reed's fourth family day was spent at Manya's wedding. By now, Reed was certainly a big boy and had the looks to prove it. Reed proved to be athletic, musical, and quite the comedian.

(5th Family Day: September 10, 2012)

Reed is in Kindergarten. How did time fly by so quickly? He is loving, stubborn, sweet, funny, inquisitive, and genuine. He makes sure that he takes care of his three little brothers and knows exactly when to tell us he loves us.

My Amazing Reed, words escape me as I try to type what you mean to us. You are kind, you are smart, you are loving. You have brought so much love into our home. You have filled out hearts with joy. 

You are a special boy, who was chosen specifically by God to be our son. I thank God for EVERY trial, every painful diagnosis, every moment of time wondering would we ever become parents. For if we had not had tht struggle, we would not have you. You are completely worth every tear.

As you travel through life, I hope you always remember that nothing you can ever do will take away our love for you.We love you. You are our son. Thank you for being you.

Demolition Derby

We have lived in Tennessee for almost 8 full years and we have yet to go to our local County Fair. We are not really big fair people, but we decided that it was time to take the boys this year.





Uncle Bill and Ms. Candace decided that they wanted to join us in the fun. On the way to the gate Reed recognized a little girl from his class. That turned out to be a great encounter because they gave us to free passes to get in the fair. Who knew that the cost for admission was $10? That's crazy.





To get the full experience, we decided to go for some fair food. The boys had corn dogs. Abbey, Candace, and Bill had barbeque. And I had the worst chicken on a stick ever. We split a side of fried pickles. Then we went for funnel cakes and fried cookie dough.




Will was overwhelmed by all of the greasy goodness.




People ask us all the time who is our most curious child. I would definitely say that would be Will. He is into everything, but he is always so cute while doing it.





Our biggest motivation for going to the fair was to fulfill something that I've always dreamed of attending. A demolition derby. I knew the boys would love it and I've seen them on TV thinking they would be so cool.




The boys patiently waited for the derby to begin.




We saw lots of people that we knew. It was a good reminder that we live in a great community.




The derby was lots of fun. The boys really liked it and talked a ton about it.



We got lots of mud slung at us, but we definitely made a memory. We will definitely be back.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Reed's First Day of Kindergarten

We can hardly believe that we have transitioned from a life of four preschoolers to a house with three preschoolers and a Kindergartner.

Abbey got everything ready so that she would be very prepared for Reed's first day of school. We didn't want to be late.


Reed made Abbey promise that she would not forget to wake Reed up for his first day of school.

Will was not ready for the mamarazzi this morning.

Reed was excited but a little sleepy.

Nash took his usual position on the couch. The boys needed some "Scooby Doo" to get the day started.

Tuck has a double ear infection and is getting new teeth. It is really affecting his sleep ... And ours.

Abbey made confetti pancakes for Reed's first day of Kindergarten.

Reed was so impressed ...

After a few bites, he perked up.



Tuck loved the pancakes. Will loved the whipped cream. Nash was not really into either one, but he did end up eating some sausage.

Reed was so excited to be going to school. Last night I was telling him about his teacher and he said "I love Mrs. Sarah." An interesting fact about Mrs. Sarah is that her husband, Mr. Robert was once of Reed's first Sunday School teachers in the nursery at church. Tonight she texted Abbey a picture of when Reed was in Mr. Robert's class.


I was doing really well until Britton came over to tell Reed to have a good day. They have been together all their lives. Flat Reed even went to visit Britton in the hospital on the day he was born. This will be the first time they have attended separate schools.

We are so proud of Reed. It seems like just yesterday we were in Taiwan holding him for the first time and look at him now, going to Kindergarten.

Reed stood in line with his classmates and waited on Mrs. Sarah to tell him to go. I think the little boy in the striped red shirt in front of him became his friends yesterday.

We couldn't be happier that Reed has Mrs. Sarah for his first experience in big boy school. She is going to be awesome.
We left Reed in good hands, but it was hard to walk out the door. I still can't believe he is in Kindergarten.

Abbey made cookies for his first after school snack. He was really excited.

I was so happy to see Reed when he came home from school. He told me that he made a new friend and had a girl friend. I asked him what he learned and he told me that I would have to call Mrs. Sarah and ask her.

Dear Reed

Your lunch is packed, your backpack and clothes are sitting on the table waiting on you. Breakfast has been prepped, and you are sleeping soundly in your bed.

I can hardly believe the time has come for you to enter kindergarten. I can vividly remember the first time I saw you look up at me from the stroller in Taiwan. You knew I was your mama, and I knew you were my son. You gave me the best job in the world, being a mom.

We've spent countless hours together, learning new things as we navigated life as a family. Your first steps, words, and thoughts expressed have all been with me. We've had many play dates, trips to the zoo, lunches with daddy, fun at the park, and time spent hanging out at home cooking, playing, and creating so many memories together.

Now it's time for you to begin a new chapter in life. I know you are ready, but I'm not! You are gaining some independence as you begin kindergarten tomorrow. You are so excited, and you were concerned I wouldn't wake you up in time for school. You are going to learn so much, and I won't be there to experience it this time. You will make new friends and have to make choices without me there to comfort you at times when I wish I could. 

I know you have questions and some unknowns in your head. This became clear when you asked me if you would still live at home when you started kindergarten. You are always thinking and processing.

Your Daddy and I are so proud of who you are. You are an excellent big brother who continues to show more and more care and concern for your little brothers. You are sensitives, caring, and inquisitive. I hope Mrs. Sarah is ready for all the questions you ask! I can't wait to hear all about what you learn in school.

You've taught me and your daddy so much as we've loved being your parents. We love you and are praying for you as you begin this journey. I promise to hold back my tears as you walk into that classroom, and just liked when we met you the first time, I'll even whisper to Daddy, "Get it together, you are scaring our son," if he tries to do the ugly cry.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift, privilege, and the honor of being chosen as parents for Reed. Thank you for his desire to learn and understand more about you and life in general. Be with him as he begins kindergarten. Help him to be an example of Christlike behavior for others. Give him confidence in his choices and his abilities. Allow him to be a good friend and encourager to others. Help him to get along well with all students and help him make friends. Help him to honor and glorify you in all he does. Help him to shine for You and point others to You through the way he lives his life during these school years. Help Jeff and me to be Godly parents who make good 
decisions for our children and honor You in what we do. May he and our family as a whole bring glory to You in all we do. Amen (or Ahmen as Reedy likes to say)
we do.  Amen.