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!