remembering OPA

My husband's father died unexpectedly on August 4. He had a massive stroke and just couldn't hold on after it happened. It is so hard to watch someone you love (my husband) lose someone he loved (his dad). Opa (German for Grandpa) was also a person who I was very fond of. He had a good heart and absolutely loved to talk, laugh, and crack jokes. Although, it always seemed to me that he had a very dry sense of humor. Sometimes it was hard to know whether or not he was actually joking or not.

The last time I saw Opa was in the hospital during July 4 week. He was in for a routine procedure that he had had a few times before. Austin and I got to say hello to him, talk to him for a few minutes, and give him a hug. I gave him two hugs that day and I'm so glad that I did because that was the very last time I will see him alive. I'm so glad I got to talk to him that day and give him a hug "goodbye", as we were going back home to Michigan from his home in Rochester, New York. I will treasure that memory always.

We have heard from and seen many relatives during the last few weeks and have enjoyed spending time with them. It is just sad that it had to be under these circumstances. Austin also got see his cousins, Catie and Patrick. He had fun playing with them. He also enjoyed seeing his Uncle Steve's cat, Frankie. Unfortunately, Frankie didn't want to play with Austin.

Things have gone on here in Michigan. We got a new/used 2001 Honda Odyssey minivan and we love it. Austin ended his gymnastics class, and we have been trying to get some of the chores done around here that we have been putting off forever.

However, even though our lives are busy, we are still thinking of Opa and the memories that we have of him that will live on in us for the rest of our lives. We will miss you, Opa. We will remember you always!

Happy Birthday, nah, nah, nah, nah

I can't believe that my little guy is two today! He has grown so fast! It is amazing. It seems like it was just yesterday that we got the call from our social worker telling us that he was waiting for us in the hospital and we had to pick him up the very next day. It was unbelieveable! I feel so blessed that I had people around me to help me in those early days. We had nothing for Austin when the social worker called. We didn't even know about him. Thank God that we had friends and family who brought over things such as car seats, clothes, bouncy seats, and a cradle for Austin when he came home. It was truly the best surprise that I have had in my life. Rick says he doesn't like surprises, but if there weren't surprises, we sure wouldn't have Austin and he was truly brought to us from God.

All Austin has been singing for the past week is, "Happy Birthday, nah, nah, nah , nah" and he is looking forward to opening up presents today and spending the day with me and his dad. He definitely knows that this is his special day. Here are some pictures of Austin in his "early days"...are there really any "early days" when you're two? L.O.L. Happy Birthday, Baby Boy, we love you so much!

chicken or chips

Last night, we were sitting around the kitchen table. It was almost bedtime. We were visiting, laughing, and talking and not paying too much attention to Austin, as he seemed to be playing independently at the table with us pretty well. I thought I heard Austin ask for chips more than once, but I was engrossed in conversation and didn't really pay attention to what he was saying. Suddenly, he turns to me and says, "chicken or chips, Mommy?" I didn't answer him because I couldn't believe what I was seeing. He had a pen in his hand with a piece of paper and he was taking my food order! He asked again, "chicken or chips, Mommy?" I started cracking up. Finally, he turned to me exasperated and says, "Mommy, chicken or chips?" By this time, my mom, sister, and I were laughing hysterically. After we regained our breath from laughing, we went around the table giving Austin our orders, dessert included, and he "wrote" them down. He loved being our "waiter"! Do you think that this means my son frequents too many restaurants, or does he just have a good imagination? L.O.L.

To my son's birthmother

A letter to my son’s birthmom:


To my dear son’s birthmom,

How do I begin to thank you for the gift that you’ve given my husband and me? It is priceless. You have given us love beyond belief from our special little guy. He brightens our days with laughter, smiles, humor, hugs, and kisses. His face is the first thing we want to see in the morning and the last thing we want to see before we go to bed at night. He radiates joy wherever his travels take him. No one who meets him can keep from grinning.

You would not believe how fast he is growing. He eats everything in sight! He is not our little baby anymore, as he once was the day we picked him up from the hospital. He is growing into an intelligent, stubborn, and very active toddler. He can run, jump, and do somersaults. It amazes us at how coordinated and limber he is.

Our little guy can never seem to keep his mouth shut. He is constantly talking. He repeats everything he hears, so watching what we say around him is crucial. He is like a sponge. He easily learns everything that we teach him. It is so exciting to see him learning his colors and a few letters and numbers. There seems to be nothing that he can’t learn.

I just wanted to let you know how much we love the little guy who grew in your stomach, and in our hearts. His love is unconditional. A bad mood is not possible around him. We will always make sure that he knows that he had two moms. He grew in one mom’s stomach and in the other mom’s heart. He will also know that both moms love him more than anything.