Four Years Home

Yesterday marked four years home with our baby boy. With all of the craziness going on this week, I totally missed the big day. This week it has been hard for me to tell what day of the week it actually is.  I am struggling to keep my head above water. Along with the normal Christmas hustle and bustle, within the past few days we have finished up Macie's soccer season, Bryant had Tae Kwon do belt testing and awards, Sara Kathryn has a power tumbling event out of town, Jeff had his annual work Christmas party and Amelia had rehearsals all week for her debut in the Nutcracker ballet this weekend. Just a tad busy around this house. Once I did remember I missed his four year anniversary home I felt very sad and guilty. Then I reminded myself it is also a sign of how normal life is for Bryant and how far we have all come since that day four years ago. We have all grown together and stronger as a family of six. From the day we met this little spirited child he has never been anything but ours.  I feel so blessed God has chosen me to be Bryant's mother. I could never imagine him anywhere but in my arms.

        My favorite thing to do with my sweet babies

             Amelia in the Nutcracker

             Bryant wrote this for Amelia today (by himself) to give to her after her performance

              Playing Legos with Macie

        Bryant receiving his green belt certificate

            Lots of silly magic elves have invaded our house. Caroline, Isabella, Anastasia and Boris have returned from the North Pole

              Spending time with cousin Margaret (his twin)

            Loving cousin time at Christmas

                  My loves

           Macie's favorite birthday gift. A Nutcracker to add to her collection

 Happy 9th birthday Macie. We love you so much

          Bryant's letter to Santa

             Winnie our dogs letter to Santa

              Sara Kathryn's letter to Santa

           Macie's  letter to Santa

          Amelia's letter to Santa

           Bryant is thankful for...

         Bryant's grocery list for Thanksgiving dinner - pretty much his staple foods. Hilarious

          Sara Kathryn's Beta Club induction -  All honors classes and still maintaining straight A's. So proud of her

            My sweet Amelia

 Poppy and Cacky with Macie at her last soccer game

 Loving his new school. 4K really does rock

Happy Gotcha Day

Four years ago Jeff and I became the proud parents of Bryant Alexander Rogers. After a long 10 hour flight with no sleep we departed the plane hoping for a quick trip to the hotel and some much needed rest. Instead, Vlad, our adoption assistant in Moscow, informed us our court date had been moved up a day and we needed to be ready in two hours. Yikes. We had little time to shower and be at court where we had to convince a judge we were suitable parents for Bryant. We were in a panic along with two other Americans, Jennifer and Kent. We both met at the court house and adopted our boys, Bryant and Maks together that day. It was Thanksgiving day and we couldn't have been more thankful for our new special boys. After we left the court, Jeff and I celebrated at the hotel by eating a Thanksgiving dinner of quesadillas and wine. No turkey and dressing that year but we didn't mind. We were thankful our dream of adoption had come true. Looking back, I am thankful that God allowed our paths to cross with Jennifer and Kent. For us a brief meeting in Russia has led to such a valued friendship and two boys we couldn't live without.

Happy 5th Birthday

My sweet boy is a whole hand today. Can't believe he is really five. We have celebrated a few times over the past few weeks with a party at school and a costume birthday party with friends that included a pumpkin hunt. Today his big day started with lots of extra snuggle time in the bed with mommy and daddy. I call him my little snugly snail because he loves to snuggle and never wants to get up for school. He then headed to school only to be picked up early by his grandparents for a special treat at Chick-fil-a and lots of new toys. We finished the day celebrating with his favorite meal of spaghetti and green beans, more presents and ice cream. Five years old has started out with a bang for the little man. He is one happy boy. Tonight when I put him to bed he said "I love you one hundred" and I said "I love you one million. "

Happy 5th birthday my baby boy. I love you to pieces. Mommy