Drew's Favorites

I had a fun conversation with Drew tonight while I was trying to distract him as I was clipping his nails.

Me: How old are you?

Drew: 2!

Me: What did you have for lunch?

Drew: A ham-a-burger (hamburger)

Me: Where's your favorite place to go?

Drew: Outside

Me: What's your favorite food?

Drew: Um, ham-a-burgers, cheese, cold noodles, and ham-a-burgers.

Me: What's your favorite show?

Drew: George! (Curious George)

I think there was more to this conversation, but I can't remember it all. Oh how I love this boy of mine!

2 Year Anniversary

On this day, two years ago, we were sealed with our sweet little boy. I can't believe how fast time has flown by!

I still remember every detail so vividly. It was such a happy, special day for our little family. I'm so grateful we were chosen to be so blessed to have Drew in our lives. He has been our greatest blessing and we love him more and more every day.

I can't wait until he's old enough to understand the special story of his special day! One that we will forever celebrate!

Happy Birthday, Drew!

I can't believe my baby is 2! I know it's so cliche, but the time has gone by way too fast! Since we celebrated Drew's half birthday in June, yesterday we just did cake and ice cream. Drew's favorite things in the world are balls, specifically basketballs. I made him a basketball cupcake cake. It kind of looks like a flower, but he's 2 so he didn't mind. :)

We're so grateful for Drew's amazing birthparents! Without them, we wouldn't be so blessed to have our sweet Drew. We love them so much!

Happy Birthday, Drew! We love you!!

Day of Service

Our stake did a day of service a week and a half ago. Our ward split up and went to three different parks to do some sprucing up. We were assigned to clean up and paint the outside of some restrooms. Drew was totally into it. He really wanted to help! The first thing we did was clean off the outside walls. Once the painting started, we took turns playing with him on the playground, far away from the painting going on. :)

It was really a neat experience and a lot of fun! Ever since that day, whenever Drew finds the brush and dustpan, he "cleans" off our walls, just like that day at the park. What a helpful boy!

Hoop Dreams and Ice Cream

Since Drew's birthday is the day after Christmas, we decided that this year, we'd halfway celebrate his half birthday. We gave him presents at the end of June and on his actual birthday, we'll have cake.

I really like how it turned out.

Drew loves balls. I mean, L-O-V-E-S them. Particularly basketballs and baseballs. He's an easy-going kid. Not a whole lot bothers him. But if you try to take his ball, he'll clutch it and run.

So for his half birthday, we got him a basketball hoop, a couple of basketballs, a t-ball set, and a couple other toys he plays with occasionally. :)

He's been in heaven ever since. He didn't even hesitate when he saw his gifts. He ran right over and played. (By the way, we were so lucky to have my sister, Jodi, and her kids visiting so we got to have a mini party for his half birthday! It was SO fun!)

He's dreamin' a little bit bigger these days. One day he'll get there.

Drew's two other favorite things are Amelia, his very best friend, and ice cream. Last night, he was able to have both and, boy, was he happy!

New Family Photos

I know, I know. I'm a terrible blogger. I'll work on it. I promise.

We've been busy lately. We moved into a house, we've had lots of fun family visit us, we're spending lots of time outside enjoying the mild summer weather, and Drew is growing up right before our eyes.

He's 18 months old. He's running, talking (a little), babbling (a lot), playing, shooting baskets, hitting baseballs, playing in the dirt, and learning about his independance.

We're having oh so much fun!

We had Brenley take Drew's 18 month photos (as well as a few family photos) last week. They turned out wonderful again. She's brilliant.

Here are a few of my favorites.

Thanks, Brenley!! You're the best!!

Drew's Day

Today has been a very special day for our family.

One year ago today, we were blessed to take Drew to the temple and be sealed to him.

I still remember that day so vividly - I hope I never forget any part of it.

I wrote about that day here.

We have been so blessed to have him in our family - he has taught us so much.

I love adoption. I love having these fun anniversaries to celebrate.

I love my forever family!

Drew's One Year Photos

We are so lucky to have such a great friend that happens to be an amazing photographer. We've had Brenley take all of Drew's pictures and she was so kind as to take his 1 year pictures this last weekend. I know I posted a lot, but I just couldn't narrow it down more than this. They're all amazing!

Thank you, Brenley!

One Year!

My baby turned 1 today! Actually, in about an hour, he'll officially turn 1. One year ago, I witnessed the miracle of my baby coming into this world. It's something I'll never forget. Thank you so much, Johnny and Kaitlyn! Our year has been full of fun, learning, adventures and excitement. We couldn't be happier to have Drew in our famliy. We love you, Drew! Happy Birthday!

Merry Christmas!

Dan and I have been looking forward to today for a long time. I love that Drew is old enough (he turns 1 tomorrow!) to open presents and play with them for his first Christmas! I was giddy last night just thinking about him coming out of his room in the morning to his presents. And he didn't disappoint! He loves play kitchens, so we decided to get him a manly BBQ grill (I was the most excited for this gift), which he loves. He had a busy, busy day playing with new toys, running around, and hanging out with my brother and his family, who is out here visiting. I love that we get to have some family around for Christmas!!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas!

Am I Ready For This?

Bring it.

Story Time

Drew has recently developed a love for this book. We've read it about ten times today, which is fine with me because I love it too! (Don't mind my voice...I sound kinda dumb.)

One Year Ago

One year ago, I had some family out to visit for a football game.

One year ago today, my mom and I went shopping.

One year ago today, while in TJMaxx, Dan and I got a call from Brent, our caseworker with LDSFS.

One year ago today, I had tears streaming down my face in the middle of the store as Brent told us that there was a couple that was considering us to adopt their baby.

One year ago today, Dan and I learned about Johnny and Kaitlyn.

One year ago today, our lives changed forever.

I saw the number on my cell phone and knew it was Brent.

I was in the middle of showing my mom a coat I wanted.

Brent said Dan was on the line too and I knew instantly that it was good news.

I remember everything so precisely.

I remember Brent's voice so clearly.

He told us about Johnny and Kaitlyn - about how there was a baby on the way, due December 24, 2009.

I remember wishing December was the next day.

I remember going into the changing room with my mom and crying as I told her.

I remember her saying "this is it."

My mom grabbed a pack of onesies to celebrate - yellow and green because we didn't know if it was a boy or girl.

I remember rushing out of TJMaxx so Dan and I could email Johnny and Kaitlyn.

And so started the whirlwind.

A whirlwind I relive in my mind all. the. time.

A whirlwind that I LOVED every second of.

This year has FLOWN by.

I love adoption.

I love Johnny and Kaitlyn.

I love that I can't even think about all of this without crying happy tears.

I can't believe Dan and I are so lucky to have Drew.

He is spunky,

he is happy,

he is smart,

he is our forever family.

Busy Day

Drew had a busy, busy day today.

He worked on his look.

He rearranged the bar stools.

He feng shuied the diapers.

He recycled an old magazine.

He read some books.
He pulled himself all the way up to his feet for the first time.

And he still managed to have fun with Daddy at the end of the day...

Isn't he the sweetest boy?

Male Bonding

Today was Fan Day at the Oregon Ducks' indoor training facility and I decided to take The Little Man with me for some good ol' male bonding. I didn't think it would be too crowded, but it felt like the whole town showed up. There were long lines for everything both inside and outside the building. That's okay, we love our Ducks!

Meeting The Duck. The Little Man was fascinated with him.

They gave The Little Man a duck of his own. He loves this thing!

We also got to meet head football coach Chip Kelly. He was kind enough to pose in a picture with us, but I had some stranger take it and it didn't turn out that good. Oh well. Then, The Little Man got the attention of some girls...

The ONLY reason he looks upset is because he thought there would be more cheerleaders to pose with him.

In summary: Drew high-fived the head coach and flirted with cheerleaders. It was a proud day for me.

He's Mobile!

Drew's mobile! He's been rolling over for a few months now, but he's finally figured out how to get places by rolling over and over. He's fast too! As soon as we lay him down, he'll flip over and get goin'. Guess it's time to baby proof!

He loves the XBox. I'm not surprised. Knowing his Daddy and birthfather, that one's a given. :) He rolls up to the entertainment center and plays with it. Luckily he hasn't figured out how to push the buttons.


But he has figured out how to do this:


Which means it's time to get locks for the doors. We don't want any smashed fingers! (Sorry, Amelia!!) But him being mobile also means this:

Poor boy! This picture makes me so sad. I'm sure there will be more of this when he starts crawling, pulling himself up and trying to walk in the months to come. Sigh.

Trip to Florence...Oregon

'Sup my bloggas? It's been a while. Glad to be back. ...Okay, now on to the fun stuff.
Since we've been having some hot weather lately, the Mrs., the little man and I decided to head to the coast and cool off. Yep, Drew had a say in the decision making process. Here's the equation he came up with:

95 degree weather + no air conditioning = trip to the coast

I'm telling you, he's a freakin' genius. I think the Baby Einstein videos are rubbing off on him.
We headed straight west to Florence and went to the beach at the awesome Heceta Head Lighthouse. It was 60 degrees and cloudy on the beach and we had to wear our light jackets. How many places can you get weather like that in the summer? We loved it!
Afterward, we walked around old town and got ice cream at BJ's. If you remember the movie "Big" with Tom Hanks, you'll remember the teenage version of his character makes the life-changing wish at a Zoltar machine. I'm happy to say that BJ's has such a fortune telling machine. Did I make a wish at it? No way. I saw what it did to Josh Baskin.
Here are some pics from our fun trip:

Our family.

Nothin' but love for the little man.

This picture has a deeper meaning, I'm sure.

Playing in the sand for the first time. He loved it!

At old town in Florence.

KJ at the Zoltar machine. Be careful what you wish for.

Drew has a way with the ladies.

Owen has a way with the sand.

This will make a good blackmail picture when he's older.