One Year Ago

 May 20, 2011

 May 20, 2012

One Year ago Paul and John got to meet Dawson for the first time in Kolkata. The first days he didn't say or do much...but Uncle John got him laughing with a red ball and he has had a contagious smile ever since. 

Dawson, I cannot get enough of your laugh!  When something strikes you funny or you are getting tickled, our whole household is laughing because of you.  You have the most energy in our family as well as anyone would say you have the smarts, too.  You already know your colors, you are starting to count and a couple of months ago were still speaking Bengali (you may be still, but Daddy and Mommy are Bengali clueless).  Your BSF teacher is always so proud of you in language and picking up on concepts quickly.  My favorite thing is when you spontaneously plop on my lap and ask me to rock you like a baby, then you snuggle in tight.  At dinner you say, "I pray" and start thanking Jesus.  You ADORE your sister, Elli, and defend her in an instant...already a gentleman.  You love to rub on Zach's head and say "ahh, baby Zach".  .  You have learned to help Mommy with Zach by bringing toys to him or making him laugh when he is sad. The first thing you say to strangers is that you are 2.  You have the most adventurous spirit and are willing to try anything.  Honestly I cannot believe it's only been a year.  It feels like you have always been in our family.  You have come so far this last year in learning how to play with toys, speaking/comprehending English and bonding with all of us.  May 20 is a day of celebration and the little Houge that God brought to us!

Lots 'o Posts and Pics

Trying to catch up and I took a photo class so I am working hard on my skills.  Confession though, a few of these are Rafa's.  My fav Craigslist buy is the Lincoln Log Cabin pictured.  We spend hours on end in that thing.  This Mothers Day Week, I am so thankful to be a mom to these precious little ones.  Mothers Day used to be the worst day of the year, but now overwhelmed with thankfulness. 

Give Me More!

Zach LOVES eating!  The first time we fed him, he was gobbling it down.  He loves it so much that last month he went on a nursing strike (nightmare) so we had to shut him down with solids for a while.  But when he sees that cereal coming out, his hands start shaking and a huge smile overtakes him. 

Away in a Manger

I know it's not Christmas, but Karis' favorite song is "Away in A Manger"  When we have "Mommy-Karis Time" she wants to sing and do actions to that song.  She is at such an adorable stage right now.

"I want Grandpa and Grandma Houge to come back" --Elli

I was informed today that Grandpa and Grandma Houge need to come back:)  Books and outdoor fun and celebrating Grandpa's 80th birthday were quite a hit at our household!  What is not pictured is the zoo excursion.  We saw two grizzly bears fight over food as well as swim for fish, we fed giraffes and saw mountain lions up close.  What a fabulous time!

Happy One Year, Bria!

We got to celebrate Bria's "Family Day" with her and Reyna and Seth!  It's a treasure spending time with Dawson's friends from Kolkata and now Colorado!  Also, a year ago today, Paul and John left for India...makes me a little sentimental.  Thanks again, John, for experiencing Dawson's homecoming with Paul. 

Happy Birthday Jackie!

We got to spend time with Jackie on her birthday...her presence is enjoyed by all!

Easter Surprises!

Wow, the week was full of surprises...we got to spend so much time with cousins, Bethany, Abby, Cam and Christopher; Julia and her kids drove from Lawrence so we could hang out (thank you) and a huge surprise was Joni flying in from St. Louis!  We laughed and laughed just like old times...I haven't seen my dear cousin for years but we picked up right where we left off. 

All of us had such a blast as Grandma and Grandpa were incredible hosts to making Easter week always exciting.  Karis and Dawson went on their first Easter egg hunt.  When they figured it out, they didn't want to stop.  Dawson was running everywhere to find another egg...adorable.  I found Karis in a corner sneaking a few of her cousin's eggs.  We made resurrection cookies and the eggs even had the Easter story that Bethany put together. This year we started the tradition of wearing our Easter dresses for tea prior to Easter.  Going to G-ma and G-pas is always quite a treat. 

Fabulous Feldts

Elli reminds me often how she misses her friends Nora and "Gatorade" (Griffin).  Her dream came true in March to see them again.  We had a blast of a week with activities and hanging out and lots o' dirt!  Oh how we all miss them next door!