Hello....(addendum added)

I know it has been FOREVER since I have blogged. I got a new camera for Christmas and I do not like to figure new electronic things out. So, I procrastinated dowwnloading pictures because I knew it would involve reading a manual. Ugh! But, I finally read the manual and got some new pictures downloaded. It really wasn't even that hard to figure out.

Lots has happened since my last post. Our 2 year post-placement report was completed in December. Only one more report left to do! WooHoo!

Nick turned 4 in January...crazy! They get to be 4 so quickly when you adopt them at 2 years old! Nick's health is fantastic and he is finally gaining weight and eating! He has a cardiologist appointment tomorrow for a check-up. He hasn't been to the cardiologist for 6 months because he has been doing so well. I am anticipating a great check-up tomorrow too.

This 4-wheeler is one of Nick's favorite Christmas presents! He wants to ride it everyday!
Nick gave me and Chris our favorite Christmas present this year! (It still brings a tear to my eye when I think about it.) On Christmas day,after everyone had opened their gifts and were off playing, Nick and I were sitting on the couch getting one of his toys out of its packaging. (You all know what a job that can be!) As I was working with the packaging Nick turned and looked at me and said...."Mom, I'm so glad to be a part of this family."....WOW! What 4-year old says that? It was a precious moment and one I will remember and cherish for the rest of my life. It makes us wonder what he remembers. We'll never know if he remembers details of his life in the orphanage or just emotions. What made him say that? It melted my heart though.

I think this picture of Nick shows that he is looking more like a little boy and not a baby boy.

Two of the things Chris loves in life. Go figure?!
Taylor went to her Junior Cotillion dance. She really didn't enjoy Cotillion so she probably won't be doing it next year. Alex is getting into photography and is constantly shooting pictures of anyone and anything. She took this picture of herself.Lauren celebrated her 9th birthday last week. Grandma gave her this American Girl doll for her birthday. She is elated with this gift. We have contemplated getting Nick out of our bed and into his own now that he is healthy and sleeping better. However, just as soon as I start to think about doing this he says things in the night that make me think he still needs to be in our bed for security. Two of the most impressionable things Nick has said in the middle of the night in his sleep are...."Mom...are you there?" (As soon as he felt me next to him he went back to sleep.) The most recent one was just a couple of weeks ago and he asked me in his sleep...."Mommy, will you keep me safe?" That one was a gut wrencher! So, for now, he continues to sleep with me and Chris. Nick has even told me that he doesn't want to grow up and sleep in his own bed. Hopefully he will be sleeping in his own bed by Junior High :-)
It is hard for me to refuse these chocolate brown eyes!
ADDENDUM (3-11-11) Today Nick went to the cardiologist. The cardiologist said that Nick's heart "looks fantastic"! He has had a complete recovery and doesn't have to have another echocardiogram for 6 months. The Dr. thinks that Nick's heart defect will very likely resolve within the next 5 years. Hallelujah! We are so grateful!