New Sleeping Arrangements

We recently transitioned the girls to the same bedroom and they're loving it! The funny part is that they now prefer sharing a bed, too! Saedi rarely prefers the crib anymore, but it's still in the room for those times when they're too giggly. I'm completely thrilled that this transition went much more smoothly than I anticipated. Our hope is that our girls will be comfortable sharing a room and even a bed with our adopted child (depending on his/her age) in order to ease any attachment issues. Saedi's old room is now the playroom which has helped keep a lot of toy clutter out of the rest of the house. Chuh Ching!




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Hawaii Re-Cap

Hawaii was a breath of fresh air for Riley and I. We had an entire week to ourselves. We woke early (that's what a six hour time change will do to you) most days and simply did what we felt like doing. Some days we ran, snorkeled, visited Chinatown, worked on adoption paperwork, hiked, drove around Oahu exploring the North Shore and watching surfers, read by the pool, napped, toured Pear Harbor, feasted on fine cuisine, and relaxed! It was a time of re-connecting after back to back deployments. It was a time of dreaming about our future, our family, and reflecting on God's goodness.

Luau Night where we watched coconut tree climbers, Polynesian dancers, and feasted on roasted pig, poi, sweet potatoes, plantains, and other foods native to Hawaii
Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve

Early morning snorkeling at the famous Hanauma Bay nature preserve

Riley looking down into the oily water aboard the USS Arizona memorial. We were surprised to see how much oil was still on the site.

This man is one of the few Dec 7, 1941 survivors still alive. He said this was his first time back to the site in 68 years.

Riley at Pearl Harbor on USS Arizona memorial



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The Hunt...

Another "busy" day on Ohahu...






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Hale Koa

Just a few pics of our first few days in Hawaii. Both are pool/beach pictures near the

Hale Koa
hotel where we're staying

Update from Auntie Meg

The girls are in Shelby with the grandparents while Riley and I made it to Hawaii last night after a whole day of traveling. We were up pretty early this morning because of the 6 hour time change, but we went for an early morning run and are heading to the beach in a few minutes. So thankful for this break with just the two of us. Hawaii is beautiful, warm and sunny! We're going to head to Pearl Harbor tomorrow, climb Diamond Head mountain on Friday morning, gonna make sure we hit up Chinatown and a traditional lua. Well, not gonna waste my beach time on the computer...:) Below is an update of the girls from Aunt Meg:

Well, the girls had a wonderful time at the Shelby story time yesterday morning. Mom was quick to say that Ellie was first in the fire truck, first to answer questions, and very attentive/interested. Saed-Saed crawled in to Jewel's lap (Pastor Tim's wife) and Ellie was a good big sis to her.

I arrived at Mom's around lunch time and both girls were eating. They were sweet and obedient all day long. Ellie tinkled before her nap and all by herself when she awoke 2 hours later. She helped me grocery shop at IGA and was very, very good. Saedi woke up soon after we left. When Ellie and I got home, Gpa, your girls and I went to the park and played for about 1 1/2. We showed Ellie your old house and she told us about how you had to move when her Gma died. I told her that was the house you moved to.

Saedi loved swinging and was giving big belly-laughs as Gpa pushed her (she likes swingin' like her mama). She seems to be the more adventurous one while Ellie was a bit more cautious. We walked from the Playscape down to the park by the pool and Saed (and Ellie) went down the BIG metal slide. Saed even crawled up the ladder by her self each time. Big girl!!!! and not afraid!!!)

We got back and Gma had a yummy dinner for us then we took baths. I had my swimsuit on and crawled in the big jacuzzi tub b/c I didn't want to her Saed-Saed scream (plus mom said you had already given baths and they weren't needed . . . however Ellie was pretty dirty from the park so Saed-Saed just walked around in the tub playing and Ellie got a full bath/hair wash.) Ellie wanted me to bring my confetti soaps so we were geared for a bath. We took bubbles into the tub and had a nice time. Then jammies, a snack, and library movie (Belle). I left then but when I called at 8:30ish they were in bed.

I think they are staying home today. I brought over and bought (with mom's $$) and handful of things to keep them busy (cardboard coloring house you can play in, Play-doh, sidewalk chalk, construction paper, crayons, coloring books, books, etc.)

I bought the shopping cart and it is supposed to come this week. I also got a cute 4T long sleeve/adjustable pant outfit from Children's Place. I may wrap up her clothes and send it with Mom to Mimi and Papa's house so you can get it and have her open it on her bday. I would like her to have a gift from me to open.

Great seeing you this past week. Thanks for spending time with us.

Trust you 2 are enjoying each other!
Megan





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Thankfulness

I have so much to be thankful for & lately I've been bubbling over with joy. Since Riley and I decided to start the international adoption process we've been plowing forward full speed ahead. And I'm thankful for efficiency right now! I know there will be a time in this process where there will be nothing left for us to do on this end but wait, but until then, God has been clearing pathways for us to get this paperwork done at lightning speed. Our home study is well on it's way to take place at the end of this month, our immigration forms have been sent out, and we're quickly gathering necessary documents for our dossier. We've gotten our physicals, copies of birth certificates, marriage licences, and we're reading like I haven't read in months. All is good and I'm bubbling over with anticipation as my heart grows for this next child in our family. Has he/she been born yet? What will his/her story be? How is are our hearts going to ache and rejoice with change?

I'm thankful for the unconditional support we're receiving from family. Although there are lots of questions and unknowns in the hearts of so many people who care about us, we know it comes from a place of love. Thanks to all who are standing with us during this exciting, pivotal time!



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Ohio Cousins

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