Zach Pics

Zach is 1 1/2 weeks here...I am just getting around to blogging them! Thanks, Rafa, for the great shots!

Halloween

We had so much fun on Halloween due to the Banz's lending us their costumes. Our neighborhood was hilarious with bond fires and the streets were filled with neighbors. We didn't get to too many houses because we just hung out with neighbors! Thank you, Julia, for the great outfits! Grandma even got dressed up in a pumpkin outfit, but Elli started screaming that her G-ma had a stick for a face!

Zachary Jonathan

I am teary-eyed writing this blog as I think of what a big little blessing God added to our lives this week. He is a treasure. Tuesday I went in for a planned C-section due to complications with Elli that we didn't want repeated and it sure wasn't! How fun, to joke with the nurses and doctors while they prep and deliver:) I had a fabulous OB who prayed for us before we went into the OR and was just so tentive to making sure things went smoothly. The delivery went pretty well except it took 7 tries to get an IV and then it infiltrated during surgery so I did get into a bit of hypovolemic shock (low blood pressure) and started vomiting and started fading. But the docs were quick to get me feeling better quick and no other problems. I was pretty drowsy the rest of the day due to those meds, but got to enjoy Zach throughout the day.
But due to Zach having a different blood type than what I have, he has a very high risk to severe jaundice. By day 2, his billi was really high and he had to stay in a photo bed the rest of the hospital stay. The only time I could hold him was 1/2 hour every couple of hours to quickly get enough food in him. It was so stressful because when he was out of his "billi bed" he just wanted to snuggle and sleep because he cried a lot in the bed. I was supposed to get my milk in fast via pumping or giving supplement and then try and make him eat during those allotted times. Needless to say I was in tears quite a bit. By Friday, his billi went down enough for us to take him home (and out of that bed) and it's hard to put him down now! He just loves being talked to and eats like a champ! I can't get enough of that guy!
His name...we went to the hospital without a clear choice of his name! We put so much into a name and nothing was working for both of us. In fact his name was Josiah for a lot of the hospital stay. But as Paul researched Biblical characters and meanings, etc., Zachary was chosen because of Zechariah in the Bible (the prophet and John's father) as well as his name means "God has not forgotten". When we were going through those years of infertility, some of our friends really felt that God laid it on their heart that we would have a birth son. We did, too. We feel like Zach is another example of how God remembers and keeps his promises. Jonathan was actually easy to pick because of Dawson meaning "David" and how David and Jonathan were best friends in the Bible. We hope that is the scenerio at our house as well. Jonathan means "Gift from God" and that is exactly who is he is. A very sweet gift from God. Not one we had "planned", but an amazing gift. Plus he has to have a "j" middle name!
That is the story of our sweet blessing and speaking of Zach...he is hungry!

Zach's First Day Home...SNOW!

We woke up to inches of snow on Saturday! Dawson has never seen snow, but absolutely loved it! With the help of Grandpa and Daddy, our first snowman of the year was built. We had to take Zach to the hospital to get some labs drawn, so he was stylin' it with fleece.

Finally...an Update

Ok, so we finally found a home and our stuff is "moved in", not that it's organized as organizing with 3 toddlers and in the last month of pregnancy is not recommended. Dad and Mom came out for a week to help with the move which was a HUGE help! We fell in love with this house due to neighborhood (close to home school cottage program, walk to restaurants and parks), friends of ours live a few doors down, the views of the mountains and the backyard is a forest...literally. At first we were not sure about it because the city said we cannot cut down any trees in our backyard, but the kids love "going on a nature walk" in the back yard.

I have to admit, it's been a rough road, though God has paved his way through it all. He has provided much grace when I am so exhausted and Paul has been an amazing husband and father. In 2 weeks, we get to meet our sweet baby boy (via planned c-section) and though this pregnancy is pretty rough, I hope baby waits the 2 weeks until we meet because of all the projects and time I want to spend with the kids. We are loving the weather and the community of Colorado Springs, though we miss our dear friends/family in Texas as well as wish we had family closer by. Elli misses her grandparents and cousins. Our next post will probably include a sweet little guy...

Family PIcs

The other day we went to the park with Rafa and he took some fun pics. And yes, here is one of my ever growing belly! Have I mentioned lately how HARD it is to get 3 toddlers to cooperate with pics?

Proud of our Colonel and Thanks!

Well, Sunday was Paul's last day as an active duty Air Force officer...I made him get dressed up in his uniform one last time...sniff sniff sniff. He has been in the Military his whole adult life and God has protected him as well as blessed him tremendously. I am so proud of him in his integrity and hard work. He now is in a new season of life and has been one incredible husband and dad as we have walked out the busiest and most chaotic time in our lives. As we look back and remember how we didn't know if Paul should retire this year or not (not having any idea that we would gain three more children in our lives) we felt like this was time though it didn't make sense. Now we understand why we felt led that this was the right timing last year when we decided and how God's perfect timing was happening in our lives though this doesn't always feel ideal:)


As I wrote before, we were in Kansas for almost 2 months. During that time Dad and Mom were amazing Grandparents! They served the kids and when I was sick they took over. I don't know how we could have walked all of this out without them. In July we decided to make the move to Colorado and start figuring out where we are to live, etc. Again, Dad and Mom came out and helped us babysit while we looked for homes and because the kids were so attached to them, it made for a smoother transition. We are renting a house and using what fit into our van/car as the military only moves us once. We put a contract on a house in Colorado Springs and move end of August. Whoohooo! We may have a home before baby boy is born!

I could go on and on about how we so appreciated the love and support from family and friends during this time. Oh how we need each other to lift one another up in prayer and be there for each other! It's been so evident these months! We have seen prayers answered day in and day out and know it's only because of others lifting us up. Thank you!!

I wish I had more pics of Grandpa and Grandma with the kids as these last months have been so pivotal in our kids' lives. I will have write more (when kids allow) details of life, fun in the mountains with family and our new home/community!

Father's Day...Without Daddy

We celebrated Father's Day in Kansas without Daddy, but with MY Dad and Brother. The kids had a blast. We ate amazing food under the tree by the flower garden then borrowed Uncle Loren's water slide...needless to say, Elli did not see a need for a nap today! Oh and on the last blog, Karis is sporting her latest head accessory (too much crib time in China has given us this opportunity for reshaping). She is doing great with it, surprisingly. We missed Paul so much today, but look forward to seeing him later this week!

Happy Father's Day!

We miss you, Paul, and wish we could share Father's Day with you! This is the best pic of the day...it's hard to get a good pic of 3 toddlers! You are an amazing father and Elli tells us daily of how she, Karis, Dawson and Mommy miss Daddy! See you soon!

Thank You Jesus!

When Paul skypes with us (he is in TX while we are in KS), him and Elli do the Thank You Jesus dance together for many reasons:

1. The ultrasound says we are having a HEALTHY BABY BOY!!
2. Our San Antonio home is under contract (though that's sad, too)
3. I am starting to feel a little better after the nastiest 2 week sinus infection of my life!
4. Grandpa and Grandma are an amazing help with this crazy bunch!
5. We will probably have birth certificates for Dawson and Karis by the end of the week

I have to admit that it's been a rough 2 weeks! All of the adults and kids in this house have been sick and it never ends! Karis had a fever for 4 days...but the kids are definitely feeling better. The adults are somewhat on the mend. We have been taken back in how outgoing and quick to learn Dawson has been. His new world is so different than before and it's been difficult helping to learn to not throw or hit everything and sleep through the night, especially when all of us are sick. But he he is so sharp and so motivated to learn everything about his new world and family and picks up on everything!! Tonight he learned the sign for "more" after 3 tries and smiled so big and proud of himself. He has a contagious laughter and loves to be rough housed and tickled. Today we started putting water into a kid pool and he jumped right in with clothes on and laughed and splashed. Having 3 toddlers has made me depend on God moment by moment like never before! I know He has provision for every circumstance and amazed at how He shows me new parts of His character even when I feel crazy busy! OH and yes, I cut 9 inches off of my hair last week:)

Happy Birthday Karis!

We celebrated Karis' birthday with her cousins (wish Landon was here)! Chocolate was a hit by both Karis and Dawson:)

Karis, I love how delicate and sweet your personality is (except when you are hungry). I love the special bond you and I share and you could sit on my hip all day long with a smile. You have amazed us with your progress and we look forward to fun days ahead with you! Happy First Birthday

Congrats Mom!

Mom/Grandma retired!! We are all so excited and the grandkids are extremely blessed

He's Home!

Friday Paul and Dawson got home and it's been wild, hilarious, trying and yet so fun! We can't believe how adaptable Dawson has been! We walked in to the house after arriving from the airport and after clinging on for a few minutes, he was off chasing Elli and they broke out in dancing! He loves to laugh and play and though Paul is still his favorite, Grandma and I are OK and can soothe him. He is still having issues with jet lag...any suggestions out there? I think Elli can get the most laughs out of him and he would love to play with her all day long, but he is a tornado coming through, throwing and crashing things while Elli loves all of her teacups and dolls in order so.....I see a lot of potential issues:) Dawson is not one bit shy, so we are loving his love for life and bright eyes! Just don't invite us over for dinner because meal time is insane! But all of your prayers and support have been amazing. Seriously, this has gone shockingly better than we ever expected and Paul repeats how much he felt your prayers as their time in India went so well! Thank you Jesus, we are all in the same continent

He's Coming Home!!

Dawson is in good hands...Gotcha Day was Friday and it went amazingly, shockingly well considering the day! Paul and John got to hang out at the orphanage for a while and then headed to airport to catch a flight to Dehli because Dawson's medical appointment was Saturday morning. Before they left for the med appointment they skyped and it was hilarious to watch sweet Dawson. He would look from Paul to John to Paul to John with the biggest eyes. Poor guy, trying to figure out his new situation. The last few days Dawson has been super laid back and just hangs out. But this morning we skyped and he's a new boy!! He was laughing and throwing a ball and trying to take his shirt off and enjoying life! Now it was a new hilarious to watch him be so active and verbal... I am realizing how lively our household will be! Another praise...Paul has his Visa envelope and they are free to come home. They still have 2 more days, but the Taj is on the list and maybe a little shopping. So far, I cannot believe how well this is going! Thank you Jesus! Thank you John for helping Paul through Dehli belly and burning his hand and being a fun uncle to Dawson!

Off to India!!

The journey continues...Paul just joined his brother, John, and they left for India today! For some reason I have really grieved not being able to go on this trip. I guess I have thought about this trip for a year and really looked forward to it. A special time with Paul as well as seeing where Dawson has been living, meeting his wonderful Ayahs and just take in the culture. But, I am still in no shape to do such a thing and so thankful to John who is helping Paul! Friday is the big match day!!

Dawson, your daddy cannot wait to meet his son!

Happy Easter!

Sharing some pics from this weekend. We had a great time at the Evans for a Easter hunt on Saturday and today enjoyed a wonderful Easter service and lunch. Elli had Bethany/Abby's Easter dress/jacket/hat and felt very special today. She would not take off her jacket despite the hot Texas weather and had to tell every stranger that she had a hat on...had to bribe her to take off the outfit! I have to note, too, that getting good pics of Elli these days is a little difficult.