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16 April, 2012

Surprised by joy.

I'm tear-filled overwhelmed as I write this. My inbox is overflowing. I can't keep up with the notifications.  Family and friends, here and back home. The response to our news has utterly blown us away. And that is an under-statement. Stirred, moved, dumbfounded. We are overcome with happiness, surprised by joy. Overwhelmed.

We are so very blessed above and beyond what we could ever deserve.

Surprised, overwhelmed.

I can't leave it. Blessed.

I realize I use that word to describe our life-full quite often. It just seems so right.

Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord,
the fruit of the womb a reward.
Like arrows in the hand of a warrior
are the children of one's youth.
Blessed is the man
who fills his quiver with them!
He shall not be put to shame
when he speaks with his enemies in the gate.
-Psalm 127:3-5


Despite circumstances, the above truth remains, and that is a sobering reality.

To all you wise-ones, the perspective-keepers -- thank you a million times over, from all of us. All 5 of us.

Coming soon.

October 2012. . . 

 just a few short weeks after our twins' first birthday. . .


05 April, 2012

Trip 2 to the Consulate

We've got a little boy that's army-style mobile, and is about to become even more so. He's up on all-fours, into everything, almost-crawling man, big-kid style. He rolls off the big bed, the couch, and flips out of his Bumbo. Basically, he's smarter (and quicker) than us. He has little birdie legs and big Hobbit feet. His patchy, black-brown hair is well past his ears, and his Papa is contemplating a haircut. He loves to talk and give kisses. He's an attention-seeker, a people-pleaser, a heartthrob.


And there's a little girl that sings all the live-long day. She's sugar and spice and everything nice. She smiles at everything and everyone, and we're not sure she can cry. Her head of hair is thick and beautiful. It's dark and golden, but when she's in the sun it's fiery red. We're eagerly waiting to see what it does with time. She rolls and scoots everywhere, her favorite taste is her toes, though avocados are becoming neck-and-neck. She loves naps, she loves playtime. She is a little darling.



With a little hesitation and little options, we hauled them to Edinburgh via train yesterday for our second trip to the Consulate. 3 cabs, 2 train rides, miles upon miles walked, nearly 2 hours at the Consulate General, and I declare,

they are troopers!



Not a scream, hardly a cry, just baby giggles and flirty smiles all the way. My husband now feels it is safe to say they are easy to travel with. Praise the Lord they're adaptable, flexible, easy-going. Not a missed feed, not a skipped nap. They're chill, go-with-the-flow children.



And now, for that transatlantic flight. Our confidence has been boosted.

03 April, 2012

Picnic on the Sands.

West Sands

Our children will be able to say they curled
their toes in the sands of the North Sea before they
turned six months old.


Scottish sun looks good on them, wouldn't you agree?

Their first picnic on at the Sea. Entirely fascinated by the sea gulls and
waves.


30 March, 2012

27 March, 2012

It's another cheat post.


Yes, another one. If you haven't caught on, that's what those linked-up posts were about. Well, and because I liked the content. Honest.

Truth is, we've been so busy. The weather's warming up (mid to high 60's! Today was 70, yes.), the wind is settling, the sun is blazing, and we haven't spent much time at home.



This week began Peter's two-week long Spring Break. Our exciting journey to Marseille (yes, that is in France) was halted when we realized an important detail: our wee ones don't have passports, or visas to get back into the country. So, we're spending break in the UK. Getting passports and social security numbers.



enjoying mama's new handbag (suitcase?), but seriously
worrying about getting lost in there.


one day he hopes to be just like his papa.

We've taught Sebastian "kiss".
Ask him for one and he'll hold your face tight in his
hands and plant one straight on your mouth.
They're good.  Really good. Tongue and all. 




just another sunny day in our garden.
___________________________________________________

madly in love with this man.



Family self-portrait attempts:

take 1. not off to a great start.

take 43.
take 58.


take 65.
Time's up. We're heading out for Edinburgh bright and early tomorrow morning and I cannot wait. I've missed that city. Time to get packed up!

Stay tuned for pictures of one way we've enjoyed Spring Break + 60 degree weather this week! They'll be up shortly. . .

26 March, 2012

Solids

Sebastian licks his fingers and runs his hand through his hair. I didn't even know he knew how to do that! Katharina sucks her two fingers between each bite. She pulls at her bib and smears orangey potatoes across her white outfit (I love my babies in white. Now I know why most mothers choose colors. With patterns). Sebastian reaches for his foot and sweet potatoes are squeezed between each tiny toe. Sweet potatoes in hair, on chairs, everywhere.


she is laughing.

This is fun. They love exploring new textures with their tongues and fingers. It's going down quite well (most of it makes it down). I'm not really sure if this is how most mom's do it, or if its the right way- if there is one. I don't know how to keep it a clean ordeal- if it can be.



It works, though I have no idea how I'd ever do it in public. We end with lots of messy baby smiles and giggles, and what we set out to accomplish- full tummies. They're having fun, and that's what my husband tells me matters right now; we can teach them table manners later.