A Tribute to Two Mothers

Mother's Day is quickly approaching....a day to celebrate motherhood and all the women who have impacted our lives in a special way. My own mother, grandmothers, and mother-in-law have taught me a lifetime of valuable lessons, and for that, I am grateful.

This holiday, I find myself especially thankful to the women who significantly impacted my son's life before he ever came home to his forever family.

The first is Levi's birth mom. I will be eternally indebted to this young woman who chose life for her unborn baby, even if it meant hardship and embarrassment for her and her family. Someday, I hope we can meet this courageous woman and share our gratitude personally.

The second is Levi's foster mom who cared for him the first 14 months of his life. It takes an angel, in my opinion, to take in a precious newborn baby and shower him with love and attention for over one year knowing full and well he would leave you someday. Wow! That is the epitome of selfless love. Our son came to us as a smiling, giggly, healthy, well adjusted, and smart individual. This was no accident. Instead, it was the result of a lot of prayer and the work of an angel thousands of miles away who poured her heart into him for many months. God bless you Ms. Kwon!

Happy Mother's Day from one grateful mama to another!

Slept like a baby

I read the greatest quote today as I was desperately pouring over Internet sites that deal with toddlers and sleeping. Leo J Burke quotes,

"Anyone who says they slept like a baby usually doesn't have one."

How true is that?! I thought I was sleep deprived during finals week in college, but come to find out, that was just a warm up for raising a child. :) We continue to have major sleep problems with Levi, but we are not giving up. This, too, shall pass. Someday, I know, we will look back at these sleepness nights and laugh...however uncomical they seem now. But until then, when you see me with bags under my eyes or I seem to be processing the conversation a bit slower, do me a favor and just pretend you don't notice!

Egg? What egg?

Levi participated in his very first Easter egg hunt this weekend. Two hunts actually, one at church and one at home with family. And quite frankly, Levi could care less about Easter eggs! At both hunts, he picked up one egg and then was pretty much done.

I had to laugh at the video of all six of us (Adam, me, and both sets of grandparents) hovering over this little toddler begging him to pick up a plastic egg full of candy. Levi, however, could not be bothered with such childishness. Oh well, there's always next year!

Looking to the Son

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:2

This is Easter week...a busy time for families in ministry since Sunday will, no doubt, be the most attended worship service of the year. So much to prepare! And for Adam and me, this is our first Easter as parents. Levi will be looking to us to see what this whole Easter holiday is about. No pressure, right?

So...even amidst all the hustle and bustle of Easter preparations, egg hunts, and family gatherings, I am determined to stay focused on Jesus. My most fervent prayer lately is that my son will come to know The Son in a personal way. May Levi experience the saving grace and inexplicable peace that only the Son of God can provide. I captured these photos at church last week, and I thought they perfectly illustrated my feelings. Levi, I pray you always keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.

Can you hear me now?

Levi LOVES the telephone! I have the hardest time making a phone call because he insists on either pushing the buttons or joining in on the conversation.

.

But, if he can't get his hands on our home phone, my cell phone, or one of his six play phones, his imagination kicks in! Any object can become a phone for Levi...the remote control, a basketball, and even a hair gel bottle. He holds them to his ear (or really his jaw!) and carries on a complete conversation. People ask me all the time, "What is he saying?" and I tell them their guess is as good as mine, but it sounds important. :)

Levi, can you hear me now?!!

Mr. Clean, Mr. Clean

One thing I've figured out is that having a child means cleaning up a lot of messes. Food under the high chair, dirt brought in by little feet, and Goldfish crumbs on the carpet. The dust buster is my new BFF (best friend forever)! .

Levi also enjoys cleaning with the dust buster. Some might say that toddlers shouldn't play with appliances, and normally I would agree. But, who couldn't use a little extra help cleaning their house? So I say, "Levi, go for it!". Here's a video of mommy's little helper.

The First of Many

Levi is VERY active! In fact, I had to steal this snapshot while he was sleeping just so he would be still.

.

Levi got his first black eye this week...on mom's watch. :) He loves to climb on anything that isn't moving including furniture, toilets, Grandpa's lawn mover, and yes even the golf cart. He can usually negotiate the step down by scooting on his belly and lowering himself gently to the ground. But, this time our little dare devil took it feet first and stepped off as though the descent were 2 inches and not 2 feet. He came down with a crash and hit his eye on the corner of the cart. And he hit hard...ouch!

The irony of all of this is the "eye incident" happened one hour after our social worker completed her first post-adoption visit. You know, the visit where they determine how well you are caring for your newly adopted child. Whew! Didn't want to have to explain that one.

I have a funny feeling that this will be the first of many boo-boo's that Omma (Mommy) has to kiss for our sweet boy. But that's Ok, I don't mind! :)