Water-Coloring With J Man

A few weeks ago, Olivia decided that it was time for Jaxson to experience the concept of painting.  He was beyond thrilled and incredibly excited about this new adventure.  Of course, his favorite things all involve spending time with his LaLa.

Olivia's Stress

Oli Goose is terrified that Jax is going to choke on something.  She is constantly checking his mouth as a precautionary measure.  I happened to have the camera close a few nights ago when the following happened.

"Don't worry mom.  He doesn't have anything in his mouth.  He must have been holding his tongue funny."

Andrew wanted to play with Jax while he took a bath.  Jax just wanted to love on his big brother.  

This was definitely a heart melting moment.

Love my boys!

Jaxson's Special Visit With Santa

I mentioned taking Jax to the mall to visit Santa.  Andrew and Olivia assured me that would not be necessary.  An hour or so later, I spot this imitation Santa parading through the house.  

Jaxson wasn't quite sure about sitting on Santa's lap.  When I picked him up, he glanced back and smiled at the jolly little man in red.

Show and Share

I absolutely adore the rewards system in Olivia's second grade classroom.  They can earn rewards such as a day sitting at the teacher's desk, a day sitting by a friend, a pick from the treasure chest, a day without having to wear shoes, a hat day, Pet Shop (get to snuggle a favorite stuffed animal all day), or a show and share.  

Oli earned a show and share this week.  Any guess as to what she wanted to share?  Yep.  Jaxson Man.  

This morning she shared her baby brother with the rest of her class.  Olivia didn't have much to say, but Jaxson had plenty to share!

(Seriously mom!  You are embarrassing us.)

She earned 2 picks this week.  Yeah Oli!  She will also be spending the day without shoes.

Andrew's First Fourth Grade Narrative

While at A's parent/teacher conference last week, his teacher told us that he was writing the most beautiful narrative about Jaxson's adoption.

Andrew
English
September 20
Narrative

The Best Day Ever

             I remember the day my mom and dad told me about some great news.  First, my mom and dad called Olivia and I upstairs and said they needed to tell us something.  I plopped myself down on a stool and then they said, "We are getting a baby!"  I got so excited that I got up and danced.

             After they told us, we all went to Babies R Us.  I bought him a yellow shirt with a sailboat and a sleeper with a dog on the back.

             A few weeks later, my mom and dad went to Columbia, Missouri to see Jaxson and bring him home.  My cousins babysat us while they were gone.  We played lots of games and we went to grandma and grandpa's house too.  My other grandma and grandpa came too.

             On Fun Day, grandpa told me they were coming home.  When we got home from school Olivia and I raced to the door, and I beat her.   When I opened the door and I saw him, he was so cute, and he was wearing the shirt with the sailboat that I bought him.  Then, I held him and gave him his bottle.  I also snuggled him.  Besides me, he is the best brother in the world.  Now he is even more cute than before and even more snugly.  I always knew my family was awesome but now I know a family of five is AMAZING!

This is such a treasure!

It happened.  I knew that it would.  It was only a matter of time.

Jaxson cried for his Olivia!

Who can blame him?  O Goose is funny, entertaining, and always willing to share a creative story with interesting characters.  Multiple times a day, she surrounds Jaxson with stuffed animals and has mastered the "Jaxson hung the moon" monologue.

Wednesday morning was incredibly hectic.  Daddy was out of town.  There were study guides to be reviewed, and lunches that needed to be made.  Olivia had managed to make it all morning without so much as a glance in J Man's direction.  She hurriedly walked by us, and J began to cry with great passion which isn't common for him.  Oli stopped dead in her tracks and asked, "What is wrong with him?"  He was seriously trying to climb out of my arms to get to her.  I responded, "I think that he wants you!"  She paraded right over and picked him up.  The crying ceased immediately and was replaced by a giant smile, slobbery kisses, and coos (grunts) of contentment.  Of course the high-pitched whispers of love began immediately.

She was made for this.

Don't let Jaxson's expression fool ya.  He LOVES his sister!

Greatest Adoption Fear

 Like any good concerned mother, I worried that adding a new baby to our family would drastically change the life to which Andrew and Olivia were accustomed.  When we began considering adoption to build our family, I started diligently praying for A and O.   Before completing any paperwork, we had countless conversations about what a new baby would mean to our comfortable little family.  I stressed the fact that seeing an adorable baby in the supermarket or spending a few heavenly hours with a friends's baby sister wasn't the same as having one to love and care for around the clock forever.  Even with all the "negative" conversations, Andrew and Olivia never wavered in their strong desire to have another sibling to love.

The love that they have for Jaxson was birthed in their hearts long before he was even born.  Even as the months of waiting passed and discouragement set in, Andrew and Olivia's constant bedtime prayers concerning "our" baby filled our home.  Our "talks" didn't prepare their hearts.  God did.

Early on I was convinced that their excitement over J Man would gradually fade.  Today, if anything, their excitement has grown.  I can't tell you how many complete strangers have approached us to comment on how evident it is that Andrew and Olivia are absolutely smitten with their brother.  In fact, after a 40 minute tour of Claiborne Farms, we had two separate folks approach us just to express how beautiful it was to watch A and O interact with Jaxson.

It may be beautiful to complete strangers and acquaintances, but it is even more so to this proud momma.

Watching Andrew and Olivia treasure Jaxson has without a doubt been one of my greatest blessings.

May 2013

June 2013

September 2013

I sure do love my babies.  I was created for this job.

Breakfast In Bed

While shopping garage sales last Saturday, I received a text from My Sweet Scotty that said, "Andrew wants to make Olivia breakfast in bed."

I quickly responded, "SEND PHOTO!"

Here is the photo...

I "pity the fool" who tries to steal her heart!
(Yes.  Someone in my house has been watching The A Team.)

Sweet Summer Memories

Last week, I found myself reaching for the camera in an attempt to capture a few of the real life moments of this summer that are etched in my memory.  The following photos are blurry, grainy, taken with a flash, and at odd angles.  With that said, they are 100% real life and beautiful to this momma.

 Have I mentioned that he isn't fond of tummy time (and that is putting it mildly)?

Yep...these are the moments that I treasure!

I placed Jaxson on Oli's bed one morning this week while I organized her too full dresser drawers.  Oli decided that she would rather help by keeping Jaxson company.

I have no idea how we will manage when school starts.  She is such a big help and welcome distraction.  I am confident that Jaxson and I will not be shedding tears alone.  She is really going to miss her Baby Jaxson when school starts.

How are Andrew and Olivia adjusting?

I think that the following photos speak louder than any words that I could compose.

I think that they are dealing.  :)