We've Moved!

With a new season of life, comes a new blog address. Bookmark our new location at igniteyourhope.blogspot.com. 



Love,
Max & Charley

Charley Loves Avocado!

Today marked a first for our baby girl. 

Avocado!

It was love at first sight, or should I say, at first taste. Avocados are packed with nutrients, so it was an easy winner when choosing our first food. 

And I am pretty sure this face says it all.

Yep, we will be dining on more avocado tomorrow!

On Your Mark...Get Set...Go!

Thanks to Uncle John and Aunt Rachel, Max and Charley (and all of their cousins!) got in a little pre-Easter fun this weekend. All our families gathered so the kids could paint Easter eggs and then have an Easter egg hunt. What a great idea!

Everyone is all smiles in this photo as they hold up their precious eggs filled with goodies.

On a sidenote: Max disappeared after the egg hunt and Sam found him on the side of the house (with his cousin Eli who is only days older), digging into his Easter basket and stuffing his lil' face with candy. His response? "Eli told me I could..." Mmmm hmmmmmm. Way to blame it on your cuz' buddy. 

Max Jams in his Jams

Check out Max and (his seriously awesome) dance moves. 

Roll Over, Roll Over

With lots of grunting, and lots of serious core work, Charley has finally mastered rolling over. 

And THATS how its done peeps. 

Charley at 4 Months

This little girl is growing, and according to her 4 month well check-up, she is healthy and perfect. Yay God!


Charley is 80th percentile for height and 50th percentile for both weight and head circumference. I would love to know what those cheeks are, but they don't do any measurements for that. ;)

Too Cute for Words

What Have I Been Missing Out On???

So one of my brilliant friends/SIL, who happens to be mother to five children (my heeeeeeero!) was listening to me complain whine passionately share about how difficult it is to get things done around the house most days. And how I am always having to stop mid-project to help a toddler, feed a baby, etc. 


Well, my SIL was quick to offer advice. 


"How is Max helping? He is almost 4. He can share in the jobs. He can absolutely feed a baby. In fact, this will make him feel good! Like he is your helper and a capable little boy. Get to it!"


Right. Why didn't I think of that? 


So, you guessed it. What did the next feeding look like?

I feel like I just won the lottery! I have an uninterrupted 20 minutes to get the laundry folded, or dishwasher emptied, or dinner made (really, its amazing what a mom can do with 20 uninterrupted minutes....). 


Dear Maximus,


You are such an amazing big brother. We are so very proud of you! You transitioned from life as an only child to life that includes a sibling with ease. You are really so helpful - from collecting empty bottles to throwing away dirty diapers, you love to lend a hand. And it warms our hearts to watch you interact and play with your sister. No one can make her laugh like you do! Charley is so blessed to call you big brother! 


We love you!
Mommy and Daddy

The Magic of Duck Tape

My nieces are amazing with duck tape. Yes, you just read that correctly. For Christmas, they made all their aunts and uncles duck tape wallets (and they actually work folks!). They can make a mean flower that attaches to the top of a ball point pen. And the youngest of the 3 girls, Lauren (almost 7), just made Charlotte her first duck tape headband. It's adorable. I think these girls need to take this show on the road and get registered on Etsy! 

The Ol' Hockey Post

I'm sure you all have been wondering where the hockey posts are this season [Ok, all of you might be a stretch. Maybe one of you? Or two of you? Anyone?]

We still have our season tickets, however this year games have been few and far between for us. With a new infant in the picture, hockey games have taken a back burner. 

However, we did have a fun family night and took the entire gang to the Arena so Charlotte could experience her first live hockey game at the age of only 4 months. She was absolutely intrigued, alert, and of course, the talk of everyone sitting around us. 

And per the usual, Max had a blast cheering, celebrating, and eating lots and lots of popcorn. ;)

Go Blue Jackets!

Hello Warm Weather...in February!

We have had an unusually warm winter. This is me so not complaining! I love spring, summer and fall for the mere fact that we can get outside, take walks, go to the park, play in the yard and get that much needed Vitamin D from the sunshine! 


Today, we had to buddle up just a bit, but with the sun still shining we ventured outside for an afternoon walk. Look at these two kiddos. Adorable wouldn't you say?

Looking Dapper

Max smiles for the camera as he shows off his new haircut. His "pikes" as he calls them.

Just Can't Get Enough

I just can't get enough of this sweet girl. 

Could those cheeks get any bigger?  :)

War Wound

Max is all boy. And  boys will play rough. And consequently, have injuries. Thankfully, this injury was a mild one. And, Max was such a brave boy, considering he ended up with 7 stitches by his left eye. 


Way to be strong little man. You are tough buddy!

 Before

During 

After

Charlotte's Gotcha Day

Dear Charlotte,

Happy Gotcha Day, our sweet love.

It is hard to believe that just three short months ago we were still dreaming, and hoping, for a sweet baby to love and hold. We will never forget October 19th. It was the day we received the phone call that changed our lives forever. It truly is one moment that can change all of forever.

You are our little princess. We were smitten the moment we laid eyes on you. A daughter! A sister! How wonderful, and amazing God is to entrust us with you.

When we think of your story, of how you came to be a part of our family, it quite simply takes our breath away. We are overwhelmed at the thought of you. 

These past few months have been an absolute joy, pure bliss, as we have cherished every moment doting on you. Charley, you are everything beautiful, and sweet, and peaceful, and healthy, and perfect. Dreams really do come true. 

Welcome to your forever family sweet Charlotte. Today we celebrate you! 

With love that is infinitely deep and wide,

Daddy, Mommy and brother Maximus

Adoption Finalization

Family Getaway: Chicago

That's right. We are not afraid. We will not be deterred. We will jump on a plane with 2 kids in tow. We will have adventures with our family, infant and all. We will continue to do one of our favorite activities: travel.


OK, so that's a bit dramatic considering the flight to Chicago is 1 hour. And we stayed with my cousin Marie who has an 8 month old baby boy Benjamin, and therefore, every infant item that could be desired (and needed while traveling!). 


So cheers to a family getaway. And cheers to an unforgettable weekend. And cheers to making memories!


(P.S. A special thanks to Joe and Marie who moved into their guest room for the long weekend so our family of 4 could have their enormous master bedroom and bath. You guys are awesome!). 

 My Boys

 Chicago Children's Museum was a hit for the day! 

 Max and Ben

Water Exhibit at the Museum!

Enough Said

Yes, this is me next to my sweet and sassy new ride awesome, and oh-so-very-practical mini van.

My Little Loves

Another favorite...

In this post  I mentioned Max's favorite Christmas gift (Super Hero cape and mask). Well, I should probably mention that it is a two-way tie between the Super Hero getup and a new dirt bike. Yes, you just read that correctly. Max has a dirt bike. Thanks daddy! :) 

Zoom, zoom....

Princess

This little baby girl is the sweetest, most adorable, most precious thing ever. She is always happy, always content, always peaceful, and always a joy to be around. 

CharleyBear, we love you!