Happy Birthday!

Our Kassy

Today is Kassy's birthday, but she'll have to share the post with David. I am surprised at how fast time goes by! The past 3 years have been full of tears of joy, fear, and sorrow but I cannot imagine life without my kids.
Kassy is our little spunky, singing, loud music loving, night owl. She'd rather stay up late than get up early! She doesn't like going to bed at night, mostly because I think she feels lonely rather than scared of the dark. She's gotten pretty good at coming upstairs in the middle of the night and sleeping in her little nest by Daddy's side of the bed. After 6 a.m. she will sometimes sneak some extra cuddles with Daddy. Kassy loves going to preschool and is learning a lot. She recognizes most of the capital letters in the alphabet. When we are in the car together she always asks for "our music" which means she wants to listen to the kid songs. I am okay with cranking up songs by Go Fish, but John Jacob Jingelhimer Schmidt at high volume sung by tiny sopranos just doesn't sound good--at all. Kassy doesn't care who is singing, she just wants her music "super dooper dooper dooper dooper dooper dooper dooper dooper loud!!

Davey is definitely my morning kid--not because he's ecstatic to go to school but because he wants to play. That's been his biggest complaint lately-not enough playtime in the mornings. He does enjoy school though, and once he's ready for the bus his focus shifts from playing to going to school. His latest favorite toys include Transformers, Legos, Hot Wheels cars, and Switch 'n Go Dinos. One minute he is all superhero and the next he wants a new stuffed animal to cuddle with. He has a very generous heart, and always takes several cars to school with him so that he can share them with friends. He's also quite sensitive and concerned towards one of his classmates who has food allergies. David always notices which foods his friend cannot eat and makes it a point to tell me so that I know what to plan for when it's his turn to take snack. Our David has very infectious laughter, and when he gets to laughing hard, it's too hard to not laugh with him!

Our David

 We are so thankful for our kids and their birth families for allowing us the opportunity to love, treasure, cherish, and parent the babies they shared with us. We are so thankful that God has chosen to bless us with the desires of our hearts!

David's 2013 Christmas Program

 David had a busy week! We were in church with my folks last Sunday, which also happened to be the first Sunday in Advent this Christmas season. The pastor there is very kind and patient, but the congregation was surprised (and quite pleased) when he invited David up to light the first Advent candle. This is one of the things I really miss when attending a large church--kids get to be part of the service at a small church.

David and Pastor T lighting the first Advent candle.

Thursday, December 5th, I got to go to school with David and help as his preschool class and their 4th grade buddies made gingerbread houses. What a fun way to celebrate the Christmas season and give me the opportunity to get to know more of the moms of his classmates. I enjoyed helping (and visiting) as much as David enjoyed making his gingerbread house (and eating some of the candy). I want to go to school as often as I can while David still wants me to, because I'm afraid that all too soon I won't get to.

David and his gingerbread house--a tummy ache in the making!

Thursday night was David's Christmas Program at school. The preschoolers sang three songs and did a super fantastic job! Grandma Pickard and Aunt Jo came to watch. Kassy had heard David sing one of the songs (Santa's coming to my home and this is what he'll say-o! Ho, ho, ho, ho, ho...) only a few times but she was able to sing right along with David's class. She sure loves music!

Aunt Jo, David, Grandma Pickard, Kassy after David's Christmas program.

Kassy and David, all dressed up with somewhere to go!

Sorry family, I was unable to upload the video :(