Being Loved Well.

Five years ago I never would have imagined that not only would we selflessly be given a beautiful son but that we'd gain more family at the same time.  Adoption can be hard and ugly.. it comes from loss but it can also be beautiful.  And the last week of May I was privileged to watch the beauty of adoption continue to blossom as Gabe and I spent the week at his Gigi's house in New Jersey.  Gigi is Gabe's maternal great grandmother and as a surprise for her 80th birthday, Gabe's Grandma flew us out.  

The visit was magical.  And yes, I realize how cheesy that sounds but our time there was almost clandestine; a beautiful picture of all of the love that surrounds our sweet Gabriel.  Pictures do a much better job of describing all of the fun and love that were had in New Jersey. 

Gabe knew all about the fun he was going to have seeing Gigi, Grandma and Posey (Grandma's dog).  He approached the week so excited to see some of the people we love so dearly.  What he didn't know was that he'd be reuniting with his Great Uncle Glenn.  After nearly 5 years apart (seriously, is Gabe almost 5?!?!), they seemed to pick up right where they left off.  Not having seen each other since Gabriel was just a few days old, you would have thought that they may have needed a few minutes to get to know each other. That wasn't the case; the bond they forged long ago was found immediately and Gabe anxiously awaited Uncle Glenn's arrival every evening.  And it had nothing to do with the Dunkin Donut munchkins he brought along [Smile].

Words can't express how thankful we are for this family, our family who love Gabe and us so very well.  To live well and love well... they are great examples of both. 

.love.

New photos of our sweet boys made their way to our inbox last night.  I only wish I could share the sweetness without the horrible hearts covering their faces.  One day.  

Our big boy!  He knows we're coming.  This picture completely melted me.  

And this little one, he'll fit in just fine.  

Almost 11 months old and already checking out the mobile devices.  

We've had our visa's to get into Ethiopia for a couple of weeks now.  It is almost impossible to not jump on a plane and go kiss those cute little cheeks.  You can't see the cheeks but our boys, well they have the best,  most kissable looking cheeks ever!

Where Have We Been?

The easy answer is busy!

The long answer includes starting home schooling with Gabe, many (MANY)  trips to the post office, enjoying  the exactly 3 days of sunshine we've had thus far this year, therapy appointments, visiting parks, zoos and watching squirrels.  Seriously, Gabe loves squirrels and there have been many afternoons spent in our cold, wet back yard chasing them.  

Now for what we like to call a photo dump! A post mostly for my memory and Gabe's Gigi! Hi Gigi!!!!

Gabe and Jake with matching eye patches! 

Just Gabe and his Papo.  

It's Zurg and Buzz.  And Gabe! 

Gabe right before his shots... a little up close and personal with
the Buzz fan.  This was the day of our REFERRAL

Climbing at the children's museum

"smiling" in the children's museum train

Gabe's first cheeseburger.

Crawling through the aquarium viewing tunnel at the zoo

Children's Museum Fun

Learning about centripetal force! 

And how phones work!

Gravity exploration at the children's museum

Scientist at work. 

Easter Sunday.  Gabe's first Easter egg hunt!  He loved it!  Squealed like crazy when he'd find a hug.  His joy is contagious. 

Easter bubble blowing!  With Spider man! 

Back to Barnes and Noble for some lego fun!

Looking for airplanes.  And birds.  And squirrels. 

Board games are a favorite around here and the last thing we
do before bed time each night. 

Checking out the snake at the science center... learning snakes smell with their tongues! 

Future astronaut? 

Just Gabe and his Miss Danielle.  She was his therapist before
we moved to Houston and holds a special place in Gabe (and our)
hearts.  A little weight bearing before the real work begins.

Thomas and Samsel's first piece of mail.  Cue the tears.

Working hard on his new scooter from Gramma! 

Watching the bees at the science center.
Very cool display and one of Gabe's favorites! 

A super hero after bath time...

Sitting in a tree... 

And of course, chasing a squirrel. 

January, February, March and April... a little out of order but all in one place!