March 2015

Just a few fun moments from the month of March.  We are enjoying the warmer weather (most days) and spending time as a family of four as we prepare to grow our family through the miraculous gift of adoption in the next year or so.

Love that grin!

Those eyes...

"Reading" in his "clubhouse"

Praying before breakfast

Checking out the free Bible for Kids app ~ it's awesome

Preschool

Jonathan continues to receive both occupational therapy and physical therapy each week.  Based on the recommendation of his OT, Miss Patti, Jonathan started preschool at Morgan Elementary yesterday.  He will go there and then Darin will take him to Miss Colleen's house.  Miss Colleen has provided Jonathan and Owen with a tremendous amount of love each day for the past two years, being sure to fill our shoes while we are at work.  She has taught Jonathan how to read and write, share, and helped him grow spiritually.  She has done so much for our boys, and we are so thankful she answered God's calling to care for and educate our boys.  Unfortunately, our boys will not be homeschooled long-term, so they also need to be put into large-group social settings.  Jonathan struggles in large group settings, and has been having nightmares about starting kindergarten.  So, we decided to start him in preschool for the last two months of the school year so that he is more prepared (socially) for kindergarten.  Knowing that he was frightened about starting school, Miss Colleen taught him this verse to help him remember that God is always with him, and to help alleviate his fears:

Have I not commanded you? 

Be strong and courageous. 

Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged,

for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. 

~ Joshua 1:9

He recited this multiple times the morning of his first day of preschool, and we prayed with him before we went into the building.  Our sweet little boy was a bit clingy at first, but eventually let go of the death grip he had on my arm and joined his classmates at the table.  His teacher said that he followed the routine well and had a great day.  He was excited to go back the next day, which is definitely a win!

Showing off his backpack ~ day one

Could he be any cuter? ~ day one

Love my silly boy ~ day two

His cubby and mailbox ~ day two 

Attendance tree ~ day two

Morning seat work ~ day two

Adoption Update

As one of the requirements for our adoption, we had to complete ten hours of online training.  Lots of coffee, reflection, laughter, 17 pages of notes, quizzes, and many prayers later...we were finished!  We actually had a great time working together to take the quizzes. 


Our home study application was submitted...and then returned for corrections (i.e. adding "n/a" to all of the boxes that were not applicable).  We have resubmitted our application, so the home study process will begin very soon.  Once that is complete, we will start compiling our dossier. 


We receive monthly updates about the orphanage from which we are adopting from in Uganda.  Sadly, this month's update shared that one of the precious babies passed away in February.  This adorable baby girl was brought to the orphanage in December and had been sick off and on, but was improving.  She got very sick one day and was taken to the doctor.  She later died en route to the hospital.  This precious baby girl was suffering from a bacterial infection, something that is easily treated in the US.  Please pray for the nannies and directors of the orphanage.