"I just want to see my cousins"

I know I've been MIA with the blog lately but I've not been feeling the love. Plus I've been a little preoccupied with the kiddo's. We just got back from a trip to Texas to see my sister and her family. She has five kids. Between the two of us there were five kids under 4 years old. It was entertaining to say the least! Here is a group photo of the five of them. Anyway, I've finally updated ComfyPacks if anyone was wondering. thanks!

Drumroll Please....

With a little inspiration I have finally got the ball rolling and I am ready to announce my latest plan. I introduce to you "ComfyPack". ComfyPack is a new backpack with supplies for foster children after they have been removed from their very unfortunate living conditions and then placed into foster care. These children are taken from their homes and often times leave with only the clothes on their backs. Sometimes the living conditions are so horrible (poverty, drug abuse, etc) that there is nothing to take with them. Some are able to throw together a plastic bag of items but this is not always the case. Under these circumstances these children all deserve something that says "Hang in there. We are thinking of ya! You deserve this and so much more." A source of comfort and security in a time of great sorrow and devastation. The social worker said the children's faces light up when they see these backpacks because most of them have never received anything new. That's where we all come in...

I had been brainstorming this idea for a few days when all of this sudden I was given the motivation I needed. While out running errands one night I stumbled across the backpack display with a big sign reading 75% off. And it hit me, I had to follow through with this idea. So I loaded up the shopping cart and realized there wasn't enough room. I got a hold of a couple helpers and we filled a couple flat carts. Then I realized I better call hubby (who was home with a crying baby) and quickly explained "non-profit, bags on clearance, should buy them now, okay?". He gave the thumbs up and an hour later, and 90 bags stuffed into the minivan I headed home to map out the plans. And this is how it all started.

I am still hoping to hit the local stores for more backpacks but this is a start. Now for the good stuff. I want to definitely put a fleece blanket in each of the bags because I personally LOVE having a blanket to curl up with. I am hoping for it to be somewhat of a security blanket for so many of these children. Those can be made at home with fleece you can find on sale (I prefer the smaller ones that roll up tight and will fit in the backpack or we can attach them to the outside). Along with that I want to put maybe a small doll, toiletries (deodorant, lip gloss, toothbrush, toothpaste, etc), crayons and coloring book and any other ideas we think of. We will separate the bags for the appropriate age groups. I am going to visit the local dentist for the toothbrush and toothpaste. And as things progress I have bigger and better plans for ComfyPacks!!

So please, check out my newest blog and email or comment if you have any questions. You can send donations through paypal or you can contact me privately if you'd like to meet up or mail donations. Thank YOU!!

Chandra

Good stuff....

I have a big announcement I will soon share with all of you! No I'm not pregnant or adopting. I have one last detail to iron out and hopefully I can blog about it tonight! Stay tuned....

At the end of the day...

there is so much that makes it all worth it. I went to check on Conner tonight while he was sleeping. He was snoring when I walked in the room and as I was covering him he said "thanks. i love you." Ahhh... just one more thing to make it the perfect day! Thanks little man!

Lovin Laughter

treasured

Walkin on sunshine!

Biruk decided this morning he was going to start walking. It started with a couple steps and by the middle of the day he was taking 6 and 7 steps at a time. He's such a determined boy. Please excuse my proud mama squeal in the video. Way to go Biruk!

I'm still here...

Just too busy chasing little boys, squeezing their chubby cheeks and smothering them with kisses and then CRASHING by the time bedtime comes around. We went back home over the holiday and visited family. It was a wonderful time and I only wish we lived closer. Now playing catch up after being gone for over a week. Cleaning house, paying bills, changing diapers, running errands and thinking about painting some rooms. The days fly by and my boys are growing faster than weeds. I sat and stared at Landon while he slept thinking I never want it to be my last time to watch a baby grow up. Life is just too precious. And how blessed are we to have 3 healthy, beautiful, blessings. And how blessed am I to have such a darlin' hubby to enjoy all of this with.

Such a blessing....

It's been five months since Biruk came into our care full time. A lot has happened in that time. When he first arrived home I was six months pregnant, exhausted and felt like I was never going to get a handle on things. Biruk was waking up 5-8 times a night and was inconsolable at times. Within a month he felt more comfortable and was waking maybe 3-4 times a night and we were able to calm him down better. And he finally start sleeping through the night just a couple weeks ago (of course he did have a bottle last night). Anyway, we've come a long way.

We've also come a long way in terms of attachment. I felt like I was struggling at the beginning for an instant bond with him. I loved him, don't get my wrong, it was just different. But with time, I quit thinking about it. And now, it feels so natural. I'm no longer wondering when we'll be "there". Somewhere along the way it happened and my love for him is unquestionable. And I think it's the same for him. He was alway there to smile and give us a big grin but he was surely confused. I notice how infrequently he sucks his fingers now where initially they were a constant source of comfort for him.

Biruk was 12 lbs at 6 months old and wearing 0-3 month clothing. He could hardly put weight on his legs when we were in Ethiopia although he was great on his belly and could hold his head up and look around. He is now walking around all the furniture, standing alone for a few seconds and soon we'll be chasing him around the house. He was cup feeding formula and eating rice cereal where now he is eating baby food and bites of our dinner most evenings. He is over 20 lbs and wearing mostly 9-12 month clothing.

The one sound he made in Ethiopia was da-da-da-da-da and he still loves da-da today. And when he says those words he can crinkle up his tiny nose and make the most adorable face ever. His eyes are amazing. They light up a room when he smiles. The kid is so stinking adorable. He's very onery and LOVES getting into everything. You shout "no" and he turns to you with a big grin and knows there is no way he'll get into trouble with such a cute face. He's brought us many of laughs and him and Conner are having a blast together. Happy 5 months; we love you Biruk!!

To my hubby...

I know this isn't where you probably imagined yourself 4 years ago when you said "I do". But you've held my hand, stood by my side and together we have moved forward. It's not always the best of the best but we have each other. And for that I'm extremely grateful. There is no one else I could have done this with. Thank you for all the laughter, love and light in my life. I love you more and more everyday. There are still many nights I find myself smiling as I'm falling asleep, knowing how happy I am, to have you lying next to me. I love you.

Sweet Success...

3 kids under 3. One mom. $122 worth of groceries. No outburst. I couldn't of hoped for a better first trip to the grocery. The kids were great!

Proud Mama (watch out)

I feel like a different person these days. When I was pregnant I felt so irritable, cranky, uncomfortable, impatient with my children and husband and all around funky! I was a mess some days and I was absolutely certain I would not be able to handle three kiddos. I was wrong. Our support system has left and the past two weeks it's been me and the boys during the day and it's been a blast. I've been so enamored with them.

Since Landon has been born Biruk has become very independent. It started with an army crawl, then he would randomly assume the crawl position and take a couple scoots. And now he walks all around the furniture and can crawl at speeds I've never seen (Conner never really crawled). It's hilarious to watch him. He is very ornery. We didn't have that with Conner so this is new territory for me. He loves anything that could result in harm or a mess. But whenever you yell "no" he just looks up at you with his big grin and expressive eyes which in turn makes you want to plant a big kiss on his beautiful, brown, silky skin. His sounds are increasing. It was da-da forever and it's now expanding to ba-ba, ga-ga, me-me and what sounds like baby. Still no regular ma-ma sounds. On a couple occasions he's let it slip but nothing pronounced. I look forward to listening to him talk and for him and Conner to start conversing. Biruk is very sensitive. There at times he gets himself so upset I get worried. Like tonight, (this is the third occasion) he started bawling when he saw me with my hair wrapped in a towel. He absolutely lost it and was reaching out for Nathan. He wanted nothing to do with me. When strangers make eye contact with him and start to talk he stares back at Nathan and I and his little lips start to quiver. He does not like to be startled. If you walk into his room and he wasn't expecting you his eyes fill with tears and his sweet cry fills the room. He still sucks his fingers (mostly his pointer) but I feel like it's a lot less frequent then when we first brought him home from Ethiopia. He's been with us for almost 5 months and I feel like we are both attaching well. It's become so natural to be his mom and you forget he hasn't been with us forever. His beauty still amazes me and I find myself staring at him with amazement. He's such an absolute joy!

And Conner. He sure knows how to make a mama proud. The kid has been amazing. When I think of the last 18 months of his life (a home remodel, five weeks in a hotel, moving, adopting Biruk, moving again and another brother) and how well he's handled all the changes I'm shocked. If I lose my patience with him and then say sorry he tells me "it's okay mom, you didn't mean to". And when he catches Biruk putting something in his mouth I hear him say "oh Biruk, NO" and then he tries to do the finger sweep. He is very protective of Biruk and LOVES to entertain him (saying "did you like that?") in a hilarious tone every time he tries to make Biruk laugh. He goes to bed with no problems and is so good at following direction. Landon and Biruk have been blessed with a very good big brother. He is snuggly, sensitive, caring and funny. He still is passionate about his books. The sooner I have him reading the better. He's starting to sound out his letters and can identify all of them. He has that desire to learn and since birth has always been very aware of his surroundings and studies everything around him. He watches closely and seems to be a quick learner. His beautiful blue eyes and long eyelashes are to die for. I love how expressive his face when he's trying to describe something or when he's telling a story. Currently he's obsessed with the time and helping me bake and cook. He's a great helper and such a delight!














Landon, Landon the littlest of all. He's been the perfect addition to the family. He is such a sweet little guy and tolerant of his big brother (Biruk) pawing and smacking at his face. It won't be long though and the two of them will be the same size. He has a sweet little cry at times but when he's too tired he can really belt it out. He fights sleep as long as he can and only eats when he's hungry (unlike his big brothers). He's starting to return smiles and is cooing lots! Hearing his sweet voice is music to my ears. It's so fun at this age watching them change from day to day. He has the sweetest little lips, beautiful eyes, and darling chunky legs. He loves to be held and most of the time he'll fuss when you put him down (when he's awake). Once he falls into a deep sleep, he does great. Otherwise he wakes up over and over again and is quite the little shit. These days he's only averaging about 12 hours of sleep/day. Biruk is doing more than that. It's like he has so much to see and learn that he doesn't have time to sleep. He's very alert and you can tell he is studying his surroundings and likes to watch his big brothers.




















I can't wait to watch the three of them grow together and interact. Watching Biruk and Conner play together is so much fun. Biruk is starting to tackle Conner (which Conner of course LOVES) and you can tell there is that sibling bond that is undeniable. I can't wait to see Landon yucking it up with them. They are definitely going to bring us lots of laughter and love but surely some moments of wanting to pull my hair out and wondering what I've gotten myself into.






Then there is my hubby. He has been such a sport through all of this and a wonderful father to the boys. I know this isn't where he saw himself four years ago when he married me but he's moving forward with open arms and a big heart! Thank you for everything Nater!!

Big, bigger and biggest...

I had just finished changing Biruk's diaper so I came out to the kitchen to get his bottle. I hear Conner run back to Biruk and then Biruk let out a wimper (who knows....).

Conner came out and said "I said sorry mom".
Me: Conner, you have to be careful. He's little.
Conner: He's not little mom.
Me: Conner, he's a little baby.
Conner: Mom, he's not little. He's kinda big.
Me: You're right. He is kinda big, but he's still a baby.

Of course it was much sweeter in a 2 year old's voice. Here's a few pics of my "not so little" boys.

Through the eyes of a 2 year old

Conner was introduced to photography when G'ma Jeanne let him borrow her camera. So today he used my camera and took some pictures. Here is some of his work. Keep in mind I deleted nearly 100 crazy shots but these are a few of my favorites.

A wild and crazy Friday night...

My sister Kirstyn and I met in St.Louis so I could deliver my youngest brother to her and then she'll take him home tomorrow. Trent, the youngest of the eleven, stayed with me the past 2 weeks to help. My help has officially come to an end; thank you ALL for everything you've done!

Now, back to this crazy night. Here we are in a big city, with lots of exciting opportunities and we are in our hotel room doing what we do best; eating candy and playing board games. We are lovin it!! I know you all must be super jealous so I'll post a couple pics so you can feel like you are part of the fun. Landon is snoozing next to me on the bed. Thank you to my darling hubby for staying behind and watching the two older boys. I know how badly it's killing him not being a part of the excitement :)

J-E-L-L-O

Spells what my legs felt like after a bike ride tonight. I am SO out of shape. Tonight was my first workout and the start of hopefully many more. Wish me luck!

I introduce to you...

the baby garbage disposal. He'll put anything in his mouth he can get his hands on. And if he can't get his hands on it, then he simply bends down to the floor and attacks it with his mouth.

Chew on big boy, chew on...

Thank you, thank you for the suggestions with Landon. Last night he started getting fussy we googled "Gripe Water" and found a brand that is carried at the local drugstore. Hubby ran out to get it and no joke he was soundly asleep within 10 minutes. He laid down in our bed and slept soundly. It was so wonderful, yet scarey. There must be a secret ingredient in it.

But seriously, how could a cute guy like this be any trouble?

We have a roller!!

That's right. 3 o'clock in the morning and Landon (5 wks old) rolled from his belly to his back right before our eyes. Nathan was standing over us and we were trying to figure out what to do as I was patting his butt. I took a break as he was squirming (gas pains) and layed over on my back and next thing I know he was lying next to me on his back. WHAT?? Already!? We couldn't believe it; still can't! Anyway, between gas and congestion we are up listening to music. He's yet to get a good night sleep since he's been born.

In other exciting news Biruk has a bottom tooth that has finally broke through the gum!! Lots going on with our little babies.

Sound of Silence

What is it about staying up way past your bedtime just to enjoy the silence? I know, I know, I should just sleep. But the days are just so busy that when quiet finally arrives I want to soak it up. Landon didn't fall asleep until nearly 10:30 for the night. Before that was a mix of crying, whimpering and cat naps (all in your arms). Nater would say colic but I am trying to remain positive that it isn't colic. He is easier to calm than Conner but he is definitely a fussy baby.

How is it that are little guy HATES his carseat? Tonight at the store there was a couple with their baby in her carseat looking around happily. Meanwhile I'm carrying a crying baby in one arm and a carseat in the other. I asked them "does she like the carseat" and they responded "she sleeps in it all the time". I wanted to punch the guy in the face.

My help will soon be leaving. God help us all...