Gotcha Day Party!

First Gotcha Day Celebration!

Boy, am I behind in life or what?!!! Yes, we celebrated Levi's first Gotcha Day on February 28, 2012.  And yes, today is April 26 and I'm just now posting the pictures!  Let's just say life with a two year old is busy, busy, and busy but a blessed life indeed.

Dear Levi,
How could I begin to describe this last year?  I'm in tears now as I think of how my heart explodes with love for you.  From the moment I saw your picture, I loved you.  And, that love grows exponentially with each smile, giggle, new word, and new personality trait you develop.  You have a spunk for life that is contagious.  You find joy in the smallest things, and you've taught me to savor each moment.  You are a mommy's boy through and through...promise me that will never change, Ok?  :) 

I stand in awe of the Lord's divine plan and His perfect timing.  Happy Gotcha Day to my beautiful son!

A Christmas to Remember

Levi, remember our first Christmas as a family?

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Remember when...

• You first discovered that Jesus was once a baby, just like you.
• You cried and clawed your way out of Santa's lap!
• You received more gifts than Santa's sleigh could hold.
• Your favorite present was a Thomas the Train set.
• You saw me on stage at the Christmas Candlelight service and yelled, "MOMMY!"
• You took your first bite of fruitcake...and then promptly spit it out!
• You took your first bite of chocolate covered cherries...and said, "More peez."
• I sat and watched you sleep on Christmas Eve thanking God for my precious child.

Just as Mary treasured up all her memories of young Jesus, I'm storing away each special moment in my heart. This will be a Christmas to remember for sure!

First Family Vacation

People told us, "Do not attempt this!" Not wise...wouldn't be prudent! Do not attempt a family vacation with a two year old. But, like most advice, we didn't listen. Instead, we packed our bags and headed off to the beaches of South Carolina for Thanksgiving and Levi's birthday. And we had a blast! Yes, it took a little more planning and a bit a flexibility, but I would do it again in a heartbeat!

Among our favorites sites were Fort Sumter (where the Civil War began), Magnolia Plantation and Gardens, and chasing birds and waves on the shoreline. We had to weather a few sicknesses along the way, but all is good now. So, I'm marking "First Family Vacation" off my bucket list and moving on to another challenge. Next, please...!

Gobble, gobble, gobble

Who needs to eat turkey on Thanksgiving when you can chase one?! Here is our very own "turkey whisperer" doing his best to bring home a turkey for dinner!

More birthday party pictures

All things Bob!

Levi LOVES Bob the Builder! What is it about little boys and their obsession with trucks, tractors, and bull dozers?! When we're riding in the car, Levi feels compelled to point out every piece of construction equipment on the road. Bob? Bob? Seeee....Bob!

So no other theme would do for Levi's 2nd birthday party other than a complete blow out Bob the Builder extravaganza. What fun! I was a little worried about the pinata, but even that was a huge success with no injuries or trips to the ER. :)

What a change from last year when we celebrated the first birthday of our son (still in Korea) with a lonely candle and a slice of pie. Lord, you are an amazing Father! Of all the children in the world, you chose Levi for us....we are truly blessed! Happy Birthday Levi!!!

October Pictures...finally :)

Halloween pictures of the cutest lil' golfer you have ever seen!

Happy Gilmore

Levi's daddy loves to play golf, and the two of them have been working to perfect Levi's swing. Golf, though, can be a frustrating sport. Adam has seen more than one grown man cast down his clubs and throw a tantrum on the fairway...just like a two year old. Watch as our peewee PGA champion forgets his own golf etiquette. :)
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For keeps...forever, and ever, and ever!

Well as they say, it's a done deal! At last! We finalized Levi's adoption on Friday, September 16, 2011! Here we are holding the final adoption decree which states Levi Thomas Parang Williams is our son forever, and ever, and ever....

So after completing mounds and mounds (see picture above) of legal papers, background checks, and home studies we are finished! And you know what? IT WAS ALL WORTH IT! Levi is worth it!

In fact, I would do it again. In fact, we just may do it again....so stay tuned!

Our judge was wonderful, and the adoption ceremony was so touching. Here is a sample of the questions Adam and I had to answer:

Do you consider your marriage stable? Yes

Do you understand your responsibilties as parents? I think so...

Do you vow to meet Levi's needs? Absolutely

Do you promise to love and cherish your son? Done!

I couldn't help but think every parent should be required to make such vows before embarking on the most important job of their life. Today, I'm thankful for my son and for my family and friends that have prayed, supported, and loved us through this journey!

First Day of School

They grow up fast, don't they? Last Tuesday was Levi's first day of Mother's Day Out, and I don't know who cried more when I left the classroom, Levi or me! The teacher said he was "inconsolable" the first hour which made my heart break all over again for him. But, when I came back two hours later, I peered in the same classroom and saw my son laughing, dancing, and babbling like the social butterfly that he is. They do, indeed, grow up too fast. SO fast I'm afraid next he'll be drinking Dr Pepper and asking for the car keys. Wait a minute....!

Levi say "Cheeezzz"

Levi is our first child, and as you know, first children are no stranger to the camera. It's so bad that even if a complete stranger pulls out her cell phone, Levi poses and says, "Cheeezzz"!

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I, on the other hand, was a second child, and my baby book consists of a picture of my birth followed by my college graduation! LOL!

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I signed up for a promotion at a local photo studio that allows me FREE photo shoots for one year with one FREE 8X10 picture each time. But of course, I love all the pictures of my little sweetheart so I end up with a lot more than one 8X10. Adam laughs and jokes that every "FREE" 8X10 costs us a fortune! But, someday we will be thankful that we've documented our first year home with our son, even if he is a camera hog! :)

Let your light shine!

Today was Levi's baby dedication at church. It's really more of a parent and grandparent dedication as we commit to God to raise our child according to His word and His ways. Unfortunately, Levi cried through the entire ceremony because he wanted his Grandpa Tom (whom he loves!) to hold him. The congregation got a good laugh, and now we have a funny story to tell Levi when he is older. :)
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We named Levi after the Levites in the Old Testament who were set apart for the Lord's work. I know I'm just a proud mama, but I already feel that our son is living up to his namesake. It seems everywhere we go, Levi lights up the room! He has an infectious smile and sweet spirit that attracts people, and I believe it is the presence of the Holy Spirit living in him. Jesus said, "You are the light of the world....Let your light shine before men so they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:14, 16
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Yes, my son, you have been set apart for something great in the Kingdom of God, and I can't wait to see your life unfold. Go and let that light shine!





On a side note: There is nothing worse than showing up to your baby dedication wearing the same outfit as another child. How embarrassing! :)

Say "Aahhh"

Levi and I make a great pair... I had oral surgery last week, and he is cutting two huge molars so we are both in PAIN! I sit on the couch with an ice pack on my cheek while he gums his teething ring or popsicle. Aren't we a sight to see? LOL! Perhaps this is the Lord's way of teaching us both a little empathy. :)