Baby Steps....... again :)

One of the very first posts of this year had been about "baby steps" and never in my wildest dreams did I think one of the end-of-year posts would be about the same thing :)

Yes, Michael started walking on the 1st of December!!! Samuel & Michael started "walking hand in hand" last month - more of a leaning, pushing, hanging motion rather than walking, making them both laugh out loud as they were moving along.

Then just all of a sudden, Michael let go of all hands and picked his own course. He still used tables, chairs, people to steady himself, but once up he was able to walk a few steps.

Now, he has "upgraded" even further by standing up by himself and then moving along :)

Michael is also a bit of a "risk taker", having no fear of heights. Samuel being more cautious is always on hand to encourage / applause / save. I just love the look on Michael's face after the chair climbing.

WOW what a blessing to have both our boys take their first steps in 2010.

What a way to start and end a year !

Although we expected another "roller coaster" adoption year when this year started,

we never thought it would be like this -
SO WORTH IT; SO BLESSED; SO THANKFUL

WE SERVE AN AWEZIM GOD!

Its been 3 months :)

Unbelievable, its been 3 months since Michael became a Versie! So much has happened......from losing a dear friend to celebrating new life. And this little man has changed so much since that first day at BH - he is so confident around the house and his joy is contagious.

Michael now weighs a whopping 9kg and is 70cm tall - he still loves to eat! Some of his 3-6months clothes is now getting a bit tight around the tummy, so we are "upgrading" some of the outfits - I just love a healthy, growing baby!!! Michael is close to walking as he stands up against everything. Samuel has taught him how to "walk" by pushing any chair and we have even caught the two of them "walking" hand in hand - more like Michael leaning heavily on Samuel and Samuel just trying to stay upright :) - what are big brothers for :)

Samuel and Michael are doing well together. We are still struggling with Samuel's health and despite various tests, we have not pinned down the cause of his abdominal night pain. However we are thankful for the 1kg he gained the past month (he lost 4kg whilst we were away due to a tummy bug). Samuel loves Michael to bits and loves loving on him, but Michael is a "tough guy" - this whole loving thing is sometimes too much and then Samuel needs to take cover as Michael is very accurate when throwing things.

Michael also loves his naps and will fall asleep any where. We have had some lovely hot summer days and whilst waiting for us to change him, Michael just fell asleep on Marina's bear travel pillow.

This is the innocent face of a little one

who has an entire family

wrapped around his little finger :)

Michael's dedication - 7 Nov 2010

Oupa & Ouma with the family after the service

When we decided on Michael's dedication date, it was purely a date that suited everyone involved. My parents had to be able to come up from South Africa; the pastor who dedicated Samuel needed to be available (he had a month long commitment in South Africa for October), so 7 November it would be. I was a bit "impatient" to say the least as we dedicated Samuel within a month of arriving home - I wanted the same for Michael.

Pastor Henning praying over Michael as part of the dedication.

Closer to the date, I read about a day dedicated to orphans across the world - Orphan Sunday, 7 November. Awezim!! God had His hand firmly on Michael's dedication!! He used an orphan's dedication to minister to a church!! Our pastor asked each of the girls to give a short testimony in terms of Michael and Marina ended by giving a testimony on how the boys have changed our lives.

We are blessed far beyond what we deserve - 3 daughters who love their brothers unconditionally and have an amazing heart for others (especially orphans); 2 sons born in our hearts, placed in our family by an awezim God! An extended family who love on all 5 our children.

On the following Sunday our pastor used some of the Orphan Sunday information to do a follow up sermon on giving, especially giving to the orphans. What we see as to little to make a difference, God will multiply to make a difference - therefor give sacrificially; give with a joyful heart; give and trust God to be able to use it to provide in all their needs.

"Thank you, Lord, that You are in control of every aspect of our lives;

You are in the smallest detail and in the biggest crises.

You are able to change hearts;

Change our hearts & minds Lord;

Open our eyes to the needs of others;

Use us Lord to Your glory

Amen"

Tim, till we meet again

Our dear friend Tim passed away peacefully this morning. As we laid his body to rest this afternoon, we rejoiced in the fact that we will meet again.

Tim was laid to rest at a place that only God could have orchestrated so perfectly - under a massive wild fig tree, overlooking one of his (as well as his son Raymond) favorite fishing spots. I have to share that Tim was a man who loved being outdoors, whether it was golfing, fishing or bird watching, you name it. He also had a wonderful teaching gift, he encouraged life as he taught golf.

To me this photo spoke of what Tim's life was about. He never hesitated to share his faith. He knew that God's light can reach each corner of our lives, it can reach deep into dark places - the grave / death is no exception.

We started this afternoon with an empty grave and hurting hearts .........

BUT

because of one specific empty grave many years ago,

we know that we can rejoice in Him - always!

"Thank you Lord for Tim and his life here on earth.

Thank you Lord that we as a family was privileged to call him a friend.

Thank you Lord for Your amazing peace and strength that has carried

and will continue carrying Tim's family during this time.

Thank you Lord for perfect sunsets in our lives, for Tim's perfect sunset today.

Tim is loved and will be missed."

Two months

I can hardly believe it has already been more than 2 months since Michael officially became part of our family. On the one hand it feels as if he had always been part of our family, on the other it feels like yesterday when the life changing words "adoption granted" was said. People remark on how "lucky" he is to have found a family - we are the "lucky" ones to be blessed by this bundle of giggles!

This little man has changed so much from this first photo sent to me by Bernard.

This photo was taken on 19 Sept, his 1 month adoption celebration.

From these two "unwilling" brothers on Michael's first night out of BH......

To this very willing loving brother, who is maybe over the top still for Michael.

This was taken on Michael's 2 month adoption anniversary.

Finger painting with the boys.

The paint looked so yummy, we had a hard time

keeping their fingers out of their mouths :)

Then Samuel discovered this.........

Which led to this .........

And this - Michael just sat there as if he was under the hand shower in the bath :)

When I look at our children I feel so incredibly blessed, we have so much to be thankful for. God has blessed us with 3 awezim daughters who love their 2 little brothers to bits. We have two little boys who have the rest of us wrapped around their little fingers - and their bonding process is like watching a miracle unfold. There is nothing like unconditional love :)

The joy of a brother

A few photos taken over the past 2 months.

We have settled in well and the boys are getting along like "real" brothers :) Some healthy sibling rivalry, yet lots of bonding.

Samuel makes it very clear when his space is invaded or he needs alone time - he has become very possessive of George. Yet, he is very protective as an older brother - he doesn't like strangers wanting to pick up Michael and at playgroup he checks up on Michael.

Michael is a very verbal little one, laughing & "talking" most of the time. He loves his food, balls, bubble baths and hugs & kisses. The two little ones can leave a bathroom, play area in fact any space looking like a war zone!

BUT we would not change this for anything.

Getting to know each other at BH - Aug 2010

Reading with Daddy at the lodge on our way back to Zimbabwe


Have some of my juice.......

Samuel did not bargain on Michael having a will of his own......
he wanted all of Samuel's juice


Michael checking out the drum..........

O yeah, it makes a noise...... even though I can't see over the top!

1 Laundry basket + 2 boys = loads of fun


Is this the best toy ever :)

Brothers ought to look cool :)

Samuel "reading" to Michael, Samuel loves his books

Well done applause on reading & listening


Michael chilling with Yvonne....... she also loves books :)


Michael's 1st Mummy & Me gym - I was one of the
4 "mummies" he had that day, yes all the girls went with :)


Did I mention Michael loves balls & can throw them accurately?

Ellen & Michael and again a ball

Doing "row, row your boat" with Marina - not quite sure if he likes it.

Samuel doing an obstacle course - he has gained so much confidence on the obstacle courses.

Samuel swinging through life with Marina.

Michael knows this face has us wrapped around his finger.

I love watching our children finding their "groove" in our new family.

I love how Michael has found his place in our family.

I love watching our children loving each other.

Thank you - such inadequate words.

Families who adopt will be quick to admit that without a support system, it would be a nightmare. On the roller coaster ride of adoption, prayers carry you through when paperwork, court dates, passports and visas are added into the mix of emotions of longing to get your child(ren) home. The fact that your "at home" family is cared for and you are upheld in prayer whilst being away from home is such a blessing.

In Ghana:

With Samuel's adoption I was away for 3 weeks - our girls stayed at home in Zimbabwe with George and Lizzie (his sister) came to stay with them. In Ghana Samuel & I stayed with 2 precious families who covered us in love and prayer daily. God even sent Chris to travel back with me - his extra weight allocation, as well as help getting around the airport both in Ghana and Johannesburg was a blessing.

With Michael's adoption I fully intended for Samuel & me to stay in a guest house for the duration of the adoption - approx 1 month :) However I did not take into account that on day 3 in Ghana I would have a "mini breakdown" :( - being separated from his family was hard for Samuel, having to share Mommy with a new baby surrounded by other BH babies only added to his level of insecurity. Then there was Michael - I have never had to learn to "love & leave" a baby at the same time. My brain knew the importance of the transition period, my heart though was a different story.

One of the generous families last year, was Samuel's foster family and without hesitation the Paul family opened their arms and home to Samuel & me. They loved on Samuel and "mothered" me - it was amazing to be part of this family. Together with other families that we still know in Ghana, they prayed for the process and Mariette was in court with me. She and her family took care of Samuel when Michael's paperwork had to take priority. They will forever be part of our family and there is no words to say thank you for what they have done for us in both adoption processes. We can't wait for our "holiday coffee dates"!

George arrived in Ghana at the end of August in order to fly home with the boys and me. I had already booked us into a lodge, but again we were blessed by the generosity of friends. This family offered their home whilst they were away on business and holiday respectively - I know its an old photo, but it was the only one I had:) It was wonderful for Samuel and Michael to be with George in a home environment. It is amazing to think that we already know this family for almost 7 years -they were already in Ghana when we arrived - what a blessing they have been to us :) - then and now!

This photo was taken when we left Ghana in February 2009 and most of the people in it are still in Ghana and were there for us now. Their love & prayers; open arms & homes; countless cups of coffee; tissues to dry tears and lots of laughter carried us through this journey.

The evening we left Ghana, God brought one more person from last year across our path. Unfortunately he was camera shy :) As I was walking in around in the departure lounge with Samuel & Michael - Samuel was in fact running with me trying to catch up - a heard a familiar voice. It was Chris, yes same as last year ! He was again on a business trip, returning home on the same flight as us - of course we felt that this was God's way of just rounding off our trip.

To our "extended families" (which includes our prayer warriors around the world) - thank you will never be enough. Your unconditional love for our family is awezim!

In South Africa:

Back home in South Africa an amazing Oupa, Ouma & my sister, Gretch took in the 3 girls and completely changed their routine to accommodate the girls.

Oupa & Ouma tackled home schooling in their stride - they did "voice" certain concerns regarding Algebra that is not what is used to be; Chemistry being Greek and Spanish not necessarily a language to learn when you are more "mature" :)

Gretch spoilt the girls with proper girly things like shopping, shopping, more shopping and then some :) Many late night talks about our changing family setup and lots of hugs.

My brother, who stays in the Strand, near Cape Town, dropped in for a visit whilst we were away as well as the weekend we returned from Ghana. Our girls love him to bits and he seldom has a quiet moment when they are around :)

Adoption involves an entire family, without each member's unconditional love and support it would be pretty daunting. We are blessed with a family who have accepted and loved our 2 new sons from day one; a family who has been there for our girls when they felt insecure during each adjustment period; an Oupa & Ouma who is a phone call away and who can dry tears even over the phone :)

We love each of you so much. Thank you will never be enough.