Wyatt's 5th birthday

I often scoop up my son and hold him like a baby. I know deep down he hates it because he desperately wants to be a big boy, a super hero!

I do it anyways and follow with the words of " but please let me hold you, one more time, since I didn't get to when you were a baby". He giggles.

Wyatt's story is the true meaning of his name. Little warrior! He fought hard to survive in the first year or more of his life. I estimate this photo of him to be approximately 5 months old.  

Yes, I know it's hard to look at. So sick and frail. This precious child sat in a hospital for a year and a half until they corrected a hernia that was leaning on his lungs. Thankfully his parents whom I guess had left him to get the medical attention he desperately needed to live, didn't wait much longer. The surgery was a success. 

In the months and years that past I assume he still fought to catch up and recover. If it weren't for the few caring nannies that I am so thankful for he would not be where he is today. 

I know there were days and nights, weeks and months that God whispered in my heart to adopt again. Lots of doubts, fears, anxiety, financial worries and what if's!!! It is with no regret that i chose to follow Gods plan for me.

Today ( estimated, we are not sure of his exact date of birth) we celebrate the life his birth parents chose for this animated little man. He is everything I could ask for in a son. So bright, funny and ornery:) 

All boy! 

Winter blues!

In late fall when we received our first snow storm it was really exciting and fun to see the fresh fluffiness of winter roll in. Kids and I got excited, ran outside to catch some in our mouths and make snow angels.

As the holidays past we received a whammy of a storm. After three days of being in the house together quality time became a bit crazy. I noticed the lack of vitamin D has gotten my energy level at an all time low. I truly miss being outside walking and biking our country block. Zero degree weather isn't enjoyable in fact our county is on a shortage of propane and residents are encouraged to reserve usage. Scary! During the storm I prayed frequently that our power wouldn't go out. 

As our weeks are numbered in north west Ohio and we prepare to move to south Florida I am doing my best to stay positive about the situation. Volunteering to make meals for shut ins, having lunch with friends, running the kids to swim lessons and gymnastics. I know there might be a day when I desire to see snow again, so as I sit and watch another storm roll in and the 2-4 inches of expected snow falls. I am digging deep to appreciate our last days of winter. I chose to work out daily, eat healthy and thank The Lord for our family being healthy and happy. We may be confined to our home but silliness and plenty of laughter are present. 

The first christmas!

Tonight I read the Christmas story to the kids before bed. Wow, of all the places Jesus was born but in a manger. I can't help but think of all the places to bring the savior into the world and in the manger it is...

Then there is Wyatt, his first Christmas and wow of all the families in the world he chose ours for this special little boy! We have been having a blast baking, singing and reading all the stories. He never let's us down without a good laugh. Tonight's was that Rudolph has a very Chinese nose! 

Another first is the loss of Lucy's first tooth! It's been wiggling for weeks but all of the days today it came out. So tonight not only will Santa be visiting but so will the tooth fairy! To only be a fly on the wall when they meet:)

May your Christmas be merry and bright and may you and your family enjoy and share the true meaning of Christmas! With love, 

John, Georgene, Lucy and Wyatt Brown

 

First christmas

As wyatt stood and stared at the tree tonight it occurred to me that this will be his first Christmas.

Just about 10-11 months ago he was just an orphan boy. Today he has it all, including his first Christmas tree. 

I can't hardly wait until he comes down those stairs on Christmas morning to lots of presents! 

Giving!

Tomorrow is Wyatt's first Thanksgiving. There are an endless list of things we are thankful for. The first on the list is our family! The second is that The Lord truly provides in amazing ways. The reason for my post is that although this week is a great time to put the breaks on and think about all our blessings. Although really it is also a time to give. I have been so blessed this last week especially giving back. Of course financially probably tops the list for most, but for me it is my knitting. My heart is so full knowing that I can make a difference making headbands for people to sell or simply giving a friend a gift.  one case I donated them to a family raising $ for their teenage daughter with cancer and the other two families I know in the adoption process. In my life I have discovered that the more you give the more blessings flow. 

Maybe your asking, what talent can I give? Well, your time:)

Tonight despite the major mess my kids and I made cookies.

 

It surly will be a memory I won't forget! Our black dog ended up with a white head, my kitchen took forever to clean but the giggles are worth it all! 

Happy thanksgiving to you and your family!

Love the Brown family:)

Humor

I can't always catch the funny things my kids do that I'd like to cherish forever. But today this got me good.

I have been preparing my kids on how to set the table and put Wyatt up on a step stool in the sink to wash strawberries for breakfast. Lucy on the task of cleaning and setting the table. 

Then there it was...

Just take a wild guess at where he sits! 

Totally hilarious. The sad part is when I asked him why I only get one strawberry and daddy and Lucy get two, him 4? He laughed! 

Little booger:)

Kindergarten

Today my sweet Lucy came home from school with this photo in her back pack.

There isn't a day that passes as I drop her off at school that I don't pray for her. She truly has changed my life forever!

Kind, smart, sweet and so good hearted. 

Her presence in my life, our marriage and our home is indescribable.

For now I am just going to enjoy this special time ( kindergarten year) with her!

I thank God for being so blessed.