No words necessary

I love this fun photo of some of the teenagers we have come to know.

It was taken in our lounge window when we had a "send off" braai (barbeque) for Staci,

one of the girls' best friends.

Staci now loves life at Rhodes University in South Africa - she is 4th from the left.

Happy 3rd birthday Samuel

Samuel is 3!!!

Looking back to that first day George & I met Samuel it is hard to believe this is the same little boy we collected late on a Sunday afternoon. There is so much to say about this special son of ours. Yes, we have days that are more challenging than others, nights especially is still tough. BUT every day is a blessing; each milestone a celebration. So far this year we have been blessed almost daily with a new milestone - from small things like a new word out of the blue, to bigger things like balancing on a balance beam and walking on tippy toes -

for him tippy toes are HUGE :)

How much do we love this little one.

The boys & I went to the shops and when we arrived home, Samuel immediately picked up this doll and cuddled it just the way we cuddle them - even doing the necessary baby sounds :)

For his birthday we bought Samuel a miniature jumping castle. Although it sounds like a major toy expense, Samuel needs a safe space to learn balance & jumping. His OT loves this toy and so does both boys....... I've even caught the girls in there :)

Samuel loves a guitar and when we gave him the birthday cake book to page through, guess what he picked. Yes, I know it has more than 3 strings - but what can I say we are 3!!

Samuel uses sign and words to communicate. I love this photo of him showing light after he switched on the bedside lamp. Just look at him trying to get the words right!

Here I'm trying to get him to stand still on his birthday to measure his height - we could not get him to stop laughing long enough to measure him.

Samuel learns a lot through role play / copying others. He loves cleaning with Lucia, he even has his own dust cloth.

Did I mention that he loves a Hoover, not only to push it around & actually vacuum, but he also takes it apart after he saw Lucia clean it one day :)

A friend's son upgraded to a bunk bed & wanted Samuel to have his "baby" bed which is a car bed. Our intention was to paint it first before using it, but Samuel was so excited that the painting will have to wait. Because of his sleep apnea, he seems to sleep better in an upright position - maybe this is taking it a bit far :)

Thank you Lord for Samuel.

Thank you for the tears - some of frustration,some even sorrow but mostly joy,

because that is what love is all about.

We rejoice in each new day with this special son of ours.

Samuel we love you!

Jan 2011: 18Mnths + 5Mnths = 2 busy boys

We celebrated Samuel's 18-month and Michael's 5-month adoption anniversaries in January.

When we started our adoption process of Michael, people were concerned that Samuel would not do well with a younger brother who would be "pushing his (Samuel's) limits".

But what an amazing bond these two little ones have, even with the normal healthy sibling rivalry.

A "love you hug" from Samuel. Michael took some time to get use to this hugging thing - but now he loves it.

I love the way they get dirty together. Michael is definitely more adventurous than Samuel which is great as Samuel learns best through following an example.

Samuel & Daddy on his adoption anniversary day, 17 January.

A somewhat sleep deprived Mommy & Samuel on his adoption anniversary.

2 Clean boys ready for bed - although I'm sure Michael had other ideas :)

This photo taken of Michael on his adoption anniversary, 19 January, shows the independent, self assured little boy that he is. His best toys remain a ball, any ball :)

Both boys love music, especially the African drums and Samuel's first love -a guitar. Here they are dancing to a Phil Collins DVD, Samuel's dance moves being "tweaked" by his brother.
To me they always look super cute in their pajamas.

This started off as a fight for control of the bike, then they realised they could both fit on it, but still not the joy that Mommy wanted to see when it comes to sharing.

Day 2 of "sharing transport" was more of a joyous occasion. They helped each other on & off and even waved as they "hit the road".

Then Michael discovered Samuel's legs are longer and therefor he should be doing all the work. Michael was laughing all the time - he had the rest of us in stitches.
Since Michael started walking, this is a regular sight. Two brothers on their way to cause trouble / investigate something new. Here they are patrolling the back garden for a tortoise!

Sometime last year we had 2 tortoises move into our garden. The boys love to go looking for them in the garden. The day before this photo was taken the tortoise was cruising the back garden. Michael is showing Daddy where it was last seen and calling the tortoise to come out.

I love this photo of the two boys. Samuel loves on Michael at unexpected times - he just hugs him & kisses him on the top of his head, signing brother & me :)

When God brought these two little boys into our family, He blessed us way beyond what we deserve, ever. I almost can not imagine our lives without them. I don't know what the future holds for them (or any of our girls for that matter), but what I do know is that they are loved beyond words, they have the Father's loving hand of protection over them and He has a plan and a purpose for each of our 5 children.

My prayer for 2011 is that families would open their hearts and homes for children in need; that we will be able to make a difference. That we would love unconditionally, just like Jesus.

Belated December 2010

Our holidays started rather "shaky" with Samuel having his adenoids removed (to help with his breathing and sleep apnea) and grommets inserted (to sort out some hearing problems) on day 2 after arrival. Although his speech is improving daily, we are still struggling with his disturbed sleep pattern at night :( Samuel did well during the procedure, Mommy not so good - especially since George was still in Zimbabwe and the girls spent a day out with Gretch. I get way to emotional when it comes to our children. The same day of the procedure, we also had Samuel's heart sonar & EEG done which showed no irregularities of major concern - Praise God!


The rest of the holidays were spent trying to sort out the rest of our things that still needed unpacking and catching up with family and friends. Oh and of course doing some "small-small" shopping - the boys did grow quite a bit and well, girls will be girls :) and George will always love an electronics store :)

Samuel & Daddy having fun with a shop assistant's "accessories", whilst the girls shop.

Cousin Theo & Michael trying out a new red hat - still in the same shop :)

Summer means sharing watermelon with Oupa.

It also means lots of cuddles from Ouma.

Ouma, Oupa and all the grandchildren- yep they're a busy bunch :)

The girls bought the boys an inflatable barnyard for Christmas. It kept them entertained for hours, they loved hiding in the barn.

Yes, Mommy loved it a lot too. It's amazing what you can get into a suitcase if you want too. It is currently in our lounge - now an indoor play area.

Then there is our 2 precious bikers - thanks Oupa & Ouma.

Michael trying out his new serious biker face.

Theo has a very place in our hearts and this was the first holiday that Samuel really interacted with him. Both boys can point him out on a photo and say his name. Since he lives in the UK and we only see him once a year, it was a special time. He even did a day of baby sitting the boys, with Ouma's help of course, whilst the girls & I were out.

25 December 2010 - full house

At the beginning of 2010 we knew that this was going to be a year of adjustment, stretching, learning, growing as we started Michael's adoption process.

The year was not always easy and some days were tougher than other, yet we would do it again - it was so worth it!!!!!

God provided each day exactly what was needed!

We serve an awezim God!

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"