Giving Thanks

We have a lot to be thankful for this year. We are most thankful for Isaac and how he has blessed our lives. It is hard to imagine life without him, he has just fit so perfectly into our family. We are thankful for our extended family and the love and acceptance they have shown for Isaac. We are thankful that he is healthy and growing. And we are thankful for all of the love that he has brought to our lives.

Isaac's story was told on the local news today. For those of you who missed it (like we did!) here is a link to the story. They did an excellent job!

http://www.kspr.com/news/local/35197209.html

I will post pictures of Isaac's first Thanksgiving once we get them uploaded.

Reunited...(and it feels so good!)

In Ethiopia it is common for several babies to share one bed. This picture is one of the first taken of Isaac (in the manly pink blanket). Next to Isaac is Diesel, a little boy that now lives just a few miles away from us! Last weekend Isaac and Diesel were reunited at a welcome home party hosted by our agency. It was so cute to see them together again. I know they will be best buddies for life!

Here are the two little guys meeting again for the first time in two months. As you can see they both look like they haven't missed a meal since coming home! It will be so much fun to watch them grow up together. I am glad that Isaac will have a friend that shares such an important part of his history.

We are looking forward to our first Thanksgiving together as a family of three. Isaac will get to meet some of his relatives over the weekend that haven't been able to come for a visit since we have been home. If you are staying in town for the holiday, you may want to tune into KSPR 33 evening news on Thanksgiving Day. Isaac's story will be told during that newscast. It is kind of funny that we have gotten so much attention since Isaac has been home. Jason and I are both shy by nature, but we love talking about Isaac and our adoption so these interviews haven't been too painful.

Roly Poly

He finally did it!! Isaac rolled over yesterday...three times in a row! He is getting to be such a big boy. He is 6 months old today (tomorrow we will have been home exactly 2 months) and growing like a weed. He is over 10 lbs. now! (Notice in the picture how meaty his arms and fingers are!) It is hard to believe just how much he has changed in the last 2 months. He smiles all the time, coos almost nonstop, rolls over, grasps for his toys, and has such a strong grip and head control. Our miracle baby! He also appears to be cutting his bottom teeth. Whew, it is painful for all of us!

Isaac and Meemaw

We have been busy this week. We went to speak at a meeting for people thinking about adopting, just to give a first hand account of our experience. Isaac was a hit, even though he slept through most of it. It is crazy to think that just last year, we were at the same meeting. It has been one year exactly since we made the decision to adopt from Ethiopia. Today we got a visit from a local TV station, KSPR. They interviewed us about our adoption and plan to air it on Thanksgiving day. I will keep you posted on times so you can all make sure to tune in!

Isaac (making a funny face) and Mommy

Isaac went to see Santa Claus last week at Silver Dollar City. We forgot our camera..ugh. We did buy the picture they took there, but it isn't one I can post here. Just trust me it is cute. I think he asked Santa for a johnny jump up! (I hope so because that is what Santa is planning on getting him!)

Isaac's First Halloween

Isaac enjoyed his first Halloween. I think the pictures will say it all! He is just so darn cute :)

Life at our house is busy, but we are enjoying every minute of it. I am not sure what we ever did before we had Isaac in our lives! We are still waiting on a court date for Tenaye. Things have gotten backed up in the courts in Ethiopia. They are requiring some extra paperwork which in the long run will make sure that all adoptions are ethical and in the best interest of the child. While we understand that these changes are necessary the waiting game is difficult. Hopefully we will hear of a court date soon. Once the date is set it will be about six weeks from that date that we travel (assuming that everything goes well and we get approved). So keep her in your prayers along with all of the other little ones who are waiting to find their forever families.