More Cousins!!!

They have arrived! On Tuesday, November 13th, Aunt H and Uncle J welcomed two healthy babies to their growing family. We cannot wait for RJ and Zachary to meet their new couins. We are pleased to announce the arrival of Caroline and Gerald, III. Both are doing well. Caroline weighed 4 lbs. 14 oz, Gerald weighed 5 lbs., 12 oz. , both were 18 inches long. That's a lot of baby in a little woman like Aunt H. Hopefully, with their persmission we can post pictures soon. We havent seen any yet, as they have been busy with the twins and 2 year old Catherine. What an adventure and a true blessing. The holidays are going to be chaotic and wonderful with all these babies.

Love,
QDawg, The Wife, RJ and Zach

thinking today...

We are anxiously awaiting the birth of our twin niece(s)/nephew(s)? and thoughts wander...to babies!!! Our babies, the newbabies, and the families waiting on their babies. Babies are just so wonderful and a true gift from above. As we adjust to our new family of four we have to contemplate whether this is it for our family or should we have more?!? Now having experienced the true joy of both biological and adopted children, which would we choose next? I was visiting the blogs of other families who just received referrals of their children waiting in China and came across this poem. I've read it before, but today it just got to me. Seeing the huge smile on Zachary's face everyday, watching him thrive and grow, it's humbling to know that a very brave woman in China gave him the gift of a better life. We don't know her circumstances or anything about her. But, having held my RJ in my arms after he was born I know that she must have made the most difficult decision in her life. I know it will haunt her. I want to find her, to tell her that he is happy, that he is funny, that he is sweet and determined. He is amazing. She is amazing. I want her to know that I will tell him about her, what she did FOR him and that she loved him so much that she gave him to us. Here is the poem:

LEGACY OF AN ADOPTED CHILD

Once there were two women who never knew each other.One you do not remember, the other you call Mother.Two different lives shaped to make you one.One became your guiding star, the other became your sun.The first one gave you life, and the second taught you to live it.The first gave you a need for love. The second was there to give it.One gave you a nationality. The other gave you a name.One gave you a talent. The other gave you aim.One gave you emotions. The other calmed your fears.One saw your first sweet smile. The other dried your tears.One sought for you a home that she could not provide.The other prayed for a child and her hope was not denied.And now you ask me, through your tears,the age-old question unanswered through the years.Heredity or environment, which are you a product of?Neither, my darling. Neither. Just two different kinds of Love.
~ Author Unknown

UPDATE _ Month #1

Hello - if you are still out there!! We've been home a little over a month now and are getting into a routine. Zachary is amazing and is growing like a weed!! He has put on a lot of weight and have filled out nicely. RJ is having a tough time with all the change, but he will adjust eventually. He is much more clingy than before always wanting mommy or daddy even sleeping with us. He does love having his brother around to play with and enjoys his new 'big boy' room. We've moved on from RJ shoving Zachy into the carpet to big hugs, a little strong for Zachary, but at least they are hugs!!! Having two babies is a challange, but we are blessed to have them both. It is hard to corral two busy boys, but they are so fun and it is never dull. Developmentally, Zachary is amazing too! He's close to walking at only 10 months. We are looking forward to a little settling down after the holidays and as the boys grow closer. Our family is growing larger with the impeding delivery of Aunt Heather and Uncle Jerry's twins and my mind drifts to the holidays to come with all the little cousins playing together. It's just too good....