Zach's First U.S. Christmas

Well, as I am sure you have all guessed, we had a wonderful first Christmas. This picture is a little blurry (sorry) but you can see he has lots of toys! When we got up, I was so excited and showed him the presents under the tree. He looked at them and then spotted his balloons (from the night before) and pointed and said "BALLOONS". Once I sat him down by the presents and showed him how to start opening them, he got more excited. The funny thing is that every little piece of tape and wrapping paper had to be off the box before he would get excited about the present. It was kind of cute! Between me, my family and my friends he now has enough toys to fill his room and the living room. The garage in the picture was his favorite! Now, he goes from one to to the other and loves them all! It was definitely an awesome day. Of course, like I have said in other posts, I got my present May 19th. That's the day my life changed and I thank the good Lord every day for it!!

Our First Christmas

I already have my Christmas Present. My son being home with me is everything I have ever wanted! I can't believe we have been home for almost seven months now, but then again I can't remember a time without Zach. He lights up my life every day! I was thinking the other day about this time last year was when my Agency confirmed that Zach would definitely not be home for Christmas. I was devastated. But, I am glad he was with people who loved him (still do) very much! His foster family was great. They took such good care of him. I am so thankful for everything they have done. Maybe when Zach gets older we can go back to Guatemala so they can see him. I know it would mean a lot to them and to Zach (and me too).

I would like to wish everyone and your families Happy Holidays! I hope you are surrounded by the people you love.

God Bless You All!

Halloween & Fall Pics

I wanted to share pictures of my little Winnie the Pooh. He had so much fun trick-or-treating! I didn't think he would like the outfit especially since there was a hood on it, but he was so excited when I put it on. Even today if you ask him who Pooh is, he points to himself. When we went to my brother's house, he helped Aunt Lois hand out some candy to a few of the kids. He thought that was great! We didn't go to many houses, but they loaded him up with candy.

The other pictures are from last weekend. My family went to a park nearby to see the trees that have changed in to the beautiful fall colors. Aunt Lois took these pictures. They turned out really good. Thanks Aunt Lois!!

Trip to the Zoo

Zach got to go to the St. Louis Zoo for the first time. It was so much fun! He thought every animal said "Mooo". He seemed to really enjoy it. The day was absolutely beautiful. He also got to ride a carousel for the first time. He smiled the entire time.

Even though I missed the first year of his life, it is awesome to think about all the "firsts" he will be having with me. I know the holidays will be so much better than they have been in a long time. I haven't put a tree up in a couple of years and have not looked forward to Christmas in many years, but this year it will all be different. So much better! I'm actually excited about Christmas morning, not dreading it. He has brought so much meaning to my life. It is amazing how one little person can do that! Out of all the prayers that I have ever had answered, I am so thankful that this one was (not that I'm not thankful for the rest, but this is the one that I have had the longest)!

Good Report from Doctor

I took Zach for his 18 month check-up. She said he is doing great. He has gained 3 pounds and grew 1 1/4 inches since I brought him home. His weight is now in the 50 percentile for his age. She said that is perfect. He is right where he needs to be with talking, running, feeding himself and doing all the things he should be doing! I was just looking at him last night and wondering what I have done to deserve such a wonderful son. I am truly blessed! I hope and pray that I can give him a good life because he deserves the very best!

Here is a poem that I found for my sweet boy!

TO MY SON
As I sit here
I watch you play
Thinking back
to that special day
When I saw your face
for the very first time
Staring into those beautiful brown eyes
That soft brown hair
perfect little nose
Fingers and toes
Watched you grow
Bigger and stronger everyday
I would not have my life
any other way
You were smiling and laughing
crawling now walking
Growing so fast
soon you'll be talking
It makes me happy
just to see you smile
Or to hold you in my arms
for a little while
There will be a day when you're grown
and this baby stuff will be done
But I'll always remember the day
when you became my son

Mommy loves you sweet baby boy!

My Little Movie Star

I thought I would share an adorable picture of my little movie star. He has his own sunglasses but refuses to wear those. We were out watching a friend of ours son play football and Zach decided he needed to wear mommies sunglasses! I am having so much fun with him! The Lord has truly blessed me with the most amazing little guy. He is still doing so well. Happy all the time. I take him next week for a check up with Dr. Kathy. I will update you all on his progress!

My Niece's Wedding

I wanted to show you some pictures from my niece's wedding. She was absolutely beautiful! Everything went well and I gained a great nephew! The picture with Zach awake is with Aunt Gina. Everyone was enjoying holding him and playing with him and of course he loved every minute of it. I was hoping for a dance with him, but he crashed as you can see in the other picture. That's alright, I took him out on the dance floor anyway. He had so much fun he crashed early.

It is so exciting having Zach here so that he can be part of these special memories. We have been home 13 weeks now and it seems like forever. I can't remember a day when he was not here. He is so much fun! He wakes up every morning with a big smile. He has turned in to quite the comedian these days. He will do something to see if he can get a laugh. If it works, he will continue to do it and then do a belly laugh himself. He has adjusted so well. I think from day one he has felt comfortable. All I have to say about that is "Thank you Lord for answered prayer". I am so blessed! When I am at work, I can be having a bad day and someone will ask me how Zach is and they say I just start glowing. Being a mom is just the most wonderful part of my life! I guess now I know what God's plan was for me. So, my advice to everyone is to try and be patient. God does have plans for all of us but they happen in his time, not ours. Trust me I know the waiting is the hardest thing. I waited for over 20 years for this and let me tell you that it is definitely worth it! And the timing is excellent. God knows what is best for us, we just have to believe in him!

Today I kissed an angel.

I knew it from the start.

The first time my angel smiled at me:

I gave away my heart.

Today I kissed an angel;

This angel child of mine

Though not of my creation,

My child by God's design.

Today I kissed an angel.

My heart is dancing wild;

My family, by a miracle;

Blessed by my angel child.