Happiest Year

As New Year's approaches this evening, I can't help but reflect on the fact that 2008 was the best year ever. Randy & I waiting so long to be parents and then BAM! our two boys entered our world all in one year. It's quite amazing to say the least! We've been so busy this holiday season, that I have to remind myself to slow down and take it all in...I don't want to miss a second. 

Last year, I had 8 New Year's Resolutions.!! What was I thinking?!?!?! However, being a Mommy was one of them! Since I'm a double Mommy doesn't that count extra???? 

This year I'm keeping it simple. I have two resolutions....

1. Take the time to enjoy, live and savor each moment with my family.

2. Be more organized (Seems impossible with the two little rascals right? But, they actually keep me more organized!!)

OK, enough of my reflection and resolution's...on to the boys latest mug shots:

  

    

Our first Christmas

Here are some photos of our first Christmas together...
 
   
  

Laughter is the best medicine

Our home is filled with laughter & smiles this holiday season...

Ho, ho, huh????

Uncle Roy was a trouper and dressed up as Santa for Eli & Joel...it was quite photo session!

Let's just say it's a good thing we didn't get dressed up, go to a mall, wait in line and pay lots of money....notice the bribery...uh, I mean lolli-pop...used for the last photo :)

What a day!

Today was too great for words...and now it's OFFICIAL!

Keep my chin up

Well, the first week back came and went...and now I prepare for week #2. I won't lie, or candy coat it- it SUCKS! BUT, to every cloud there is a silver lining....1. Only two weeks until winter break 2. The boys are with Randy 3. It will get easier...won't it??? 4. Look at what I come home to every day. (In case you haven't noticed, let me just publicly mention my husband's skinny face- he has lost 57+ pounds. Go Randy!!!)

We are prepping for a great week (despite my being back at work)! Eli's finalization is on Wednesday and his Godparent's are coming from Indiana to help us celebrate.

The last hurdle is finally here...

We gather together...

Thanksgiving 2008... I can't help but think back to this time last year. How our lives have changed since then! I am at a loss on how to sum up and put into words all that we are thankful for.

I am also dealing with many tears right now...I go back to work tomorrow :( I am so upset about leaving the boys. I feel like I will be missing so much! It's all the little things that make me sad....Eli snuggling into me as I get him up from his nap time, Joel starting to smile & coo at me. I could go on and on.

The good news is that Randy will be home with the boys for the next 6 weeks. He is thrilled and I'm sure the boys will be very happy & having a good time!!

Right now I am just going to take deep breaths and focus on their smiling faces.

Joel's Baptism

Joel's Baptism was this past Sunday...it was a wonderful day of celebration!

1. At the alter with Pastor John, Miss Kathy and Aunt Tiggy & Uncle J, Joel's Godparents.

2. A kiss & blessing from his Big Brother Eli.

3. "Get this bonnet off of me!"

4. 3 generations: We have all been baptised in this gown. It was handmade by my Great Grandmother, Momo.

Happy boys = Happy Parents

Check out the latest smiles & giggles from our boys :)

And you are????

Lately we've been hearing some great feedback via friends and family..."Oh, so and so just loves your blog." or, "I bumped into ____ and they said the Halloween photos were so cute."
Please do us a huge favor....just this one time, could you put something in the comment section? You don't have to sign up for anything, we promise! All you have to do is go to the bottom of this paragraph where it says "COMMENTS"- It will be on the right hand side. Double click on that. Another screen will come up...then mark the box that says "Anonymous", write short comment, or just your name, then click on the orange box that says "Publish your comment."
We would love to see who's out there sharing these moments with our boys! Thank you, thank you!!

Halloween 2008

What a fun time we had on Halloween! Here are some of the highlights:

1. Eli pre-Halloween with Momo's cool disguises!

2. The boys in their matching candy corn outfits. (Too bad we didn't have one for Fernando!)

3. Our family before going out

4. Joel, the little banana

5. Our family on our first trick-or treating experience!

6. Our family with the Momo & the Grandma's

7. Our family with Aunt Shasta & Uncle D who helped the boys trick-or treat! (Thanks Shasta & Dwayne!!)

Rat or Mouse??

Well....we FINALLY did it....

Randy has been begging to take Eli to Chuck-E-Cheese since February and I finally gave the O.K. To be honest (and eat crow...) we actually had a fun time! Eli loved it, they had a great salad bar, we went early which kept the crowds at bay, and Joel slept the entire time! Eli earned enough tokens to buy a plastic shark and two mini lollipops. (No, he has not been allowed to eat them!!) He really got a kick out of walking to the games and bringing me back the tickets he had earned.

Here are some photos & videos for your viewing pleasure (Yes, Eli & Randy are both wearing "Rock Star- Guitar shirts -We are dorks and know it :) In the first video, you will notice that Eli was a little "cuckoo" with the netting on the climbing toy- Ha!

Clowns...

We've titled Eli's photo...introducing...."The Poop", the Catholic church would be so proud! HA! (Thank you Uncle J for being so clever!)
We've titled Joel's photo...give us your best "DUH??" impersonation :) The hat made him a little cuckoo!
Eli & Joel just had some visit time with their Momo & Pops. It's amazing to see my parents with their grandkids. Truly priceless. We are now gearing up for Halloween next week...the candy has been purchased and the costumes are all ready!!

My favorite time of year

I am a Fall baby...it's my favorite time of year. I love leaves changing, pumpkins, Halloween, Thanksgiving (yum!) etc...Here are some moments captured from Eli & Joel's first trip to the pumpkin patch. We had a great time and brought reinforcements for help: Aunt Tiggy, Hailey & Konnor!!

Finalization on it's way!!!

The day is finally coming...December 10th will be our family's court date to finalize Eli's adoption :) We are so excited and plan to have a bit of a celebration!! It's been a long road, but worth EVERY SECOND.

Check out these two videos of Eli's new tricks...make sure you turn up the volume for the second one so you can hear what Randy is saying :) He was trying to get Eli to go into his room to get dressed! I like to call this video, "Indiana Randy!"



and of course we need to include a photo of Eli's little brother :)

Mamma and her boys!

All is well in the Morgan world...or as I like to call it, "Mamma and her boys" :)
Eli is very interested in Joel, and has even been seen giving him snuggles. As you can see by the second photo, Eli also likes to pick his own clothes- he's taking after his Daddy, a true West Virginy boy! Joel is a little cuddle bug. He is eating well, and thankfully sleeping well!
Randy goes back to work tomorrow :( But, will be staying home with the boys for 4 weeks starting December 1st. I am healing slowly and realizing that it is ok to ask for help and sit down! (Thank God for Randy, family & friends) I have an incision follow-up visit tomorrow and the Dr. will hopefully solve & fix the fact that my incision keeps bleeding- no fun dealing with that...