Long overdue updates

I can't believe it has been a month since I updated our blog! So much has happened. Here is a quick run down...

In November Tim celebrated the "big 35". The kids made the cake.


In December Amelia celebrated her 4th birthday and started dance classes. I was very excited to say the least.


Caleb continues to do great in Kindergarten and just lost his first tooth. He also started dance classes and seems to really enjoy them. As a prior dancer, I am thrilled, however everyone else is a bit hesitant.


Joshua continues to do great. He has adjusted so well and many days we forget he is new to our family. Amelia and Joshua spend hours on end playing during the day and after quite a while always end up disagreeing in the typical sibling manner. Caleb is definitely the "big brother". Where ever Caleb goes, Joshua is not far behind. Purchasing Christmas presents was hard for Joshua. He should be playing with toddler toys, but instead he enjoys following Caleb with Matchbox cars and Legos.

Joshua was baptized last Sunday and Grandpa and Grandma Ott were able to drive out from Kansas for the big day. My cousins, Miranda and Josh, also agreed to be Joshua's godparents and spent the weekend with us as well. The service was very nice and was a great reminder that we are all adopted in God's eyes. Caleb and Amelia wore my Dad's baptismal gown for their baptisms, however they were 6 weeks old and the gown just wouldn't do for Joshua. We decided to have him wear the outfit the ladies at the orphanage made for him and sent home with Jilma. It was perfect and will be a special memento of the day.


Lastly, we have heard great news from another family adopting from DRC. Julie and Bill Briley are the couple who first led us to Our Family Adoptions. They have accepted a new baby boy to adopt - Moses. We don't know Julie and Bill well, but they radiate faith and hope and we are certain Moses has found a wonderful home with them. Moses has Downs Syndrome, so please pray for his health while he waits for Julie and Bill. He appears to be doing well, but it will be so much better for him to be in the US and obtain the medical attention he needs. Julie and Bill hope to bring Moses home in early 2009. You can follow their journey at www.thebrileys.blogspot.com.