Good, good news!!!

Yesterday we had our early intervention assessment with William. They came to our house, sat in our living room and just played with the baby. After about an hours time, they were able to assess that he DOES NOT REQUIRE ANY THERAPY!!! This is absolutely huge... considering our little guy couldn't even sit up by himself a month ago. To qualify for the program, a child must exhibit a 30% delay... Will's delays ranged anywhere from 0-20. The therapists were extremely pleased with his gross motor skills and gave me some great tips to help with the transition from crawling to walking. For all you new adoptive parents out there, I would HIGHLY recommend checking out this program in your state - as each state offers one. We did not do this with Slava and I wish we had. Our Dr, at the time, did not recommend it to us and I was not aware such a program even existed. We are going to have another assessment in 3-6 months just to make sure he is still on track. What an incredible feeling to know William is progressing at such a great pace. I, of course, think he is a genius, but it is nice to get an objective/professional opinion!
Yesterday will go down as one of those days you remember forever as a parent. The process to bring William home was not an easy one. The developmental delays he had while in Taiwan made us question his overall health. It truly is inspiring what attention, good nutrition and most importantly LOVE can do for a person. I've always known, ever since I was a child and long before I knew of any infertility issues, that I was meant to adopt (ask my friends, I've been talking about it since high school!). I am so thankful for the path that has been put before me and I would never change a thing. "God blessed the broken road... that led me straight to you..."
LIFE IS GOOD :)

A day at the park...

Love this...

Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.
~Elizabeth Stone

Too stinking cute...

William got his second haircut today in less than 2 months. This one definitely went better than the first... she was actually able to finish this cut. He looks adorable... such a handsome little man!!!

Loving Life :)

Just put William down for a nap... poor baby is fighting some serious allergies/cold. Besides a runny nose, cough and itchy eyes, our little guy is doing great. Honestly, I fall more in love with him each and every day. I'm pretty sure he has figured out that I am his mama... he reaches for me, smiles when he hears my voice and has become quite a little cuddle muffin. We haven't been apart from each other for more than an hour since we've been home - literally. People think I'm crazy but there is no place I'd rather be. Bonding and attaching with him is far more important than anything else I could be doing now and all the time we've spent together is certainly paying off. He is developing so quickly and is such a happy boy.
Slava is also doing well! He is his usual crazy self but he is super loving and sweet with William. When he kisses the baby on the forehead I seriously want to cry. Slav had another seizure last night... I thought we had closed that chapter but I guess we aren't out of the woods just yet. The Dr said he would out grow it by the time he is 5 so looks like it may take a little longer... ugh (For those unfamiliar with the situation, Slava has breath-holding spells that lead to seizures when he hurts himself badly. It is not completely uncommon and will go away as his brain matures. It's scary as all hell and I pray it ends soon.)
Marc is away this weekend for his annual gold outing with his high school buddies so I am packing the kiddos and the dog up and heading to  my sister's house in Wisconsin. It will be a nice change of scenery. My sister has 6 children and Slava LOVES his cousins... will be great to have a little help while Marc is away.
That's it for now... not too much new to report these days, which is nice. Life has calmed down and we are just enjoying our time together. LIFE IS GOOD.

So in love ...

Flying Solo!

I knew the day would come... Marc's travel schedule is picking up, once again. We were so lucky and spoiled to have Daddy home with us for almost 2 whole, uninterrupted months! He left early Monday morning and returns late tomorrow... not too bad. Slava is missing him like crazy - it gets harder the older he gets - he misses his playmate :)  However, we are all doing well... I've managed to feed, clothe, bathe and play with my boys and I consider that a success!
William is doing great... the progress he has made in just 4 weeks is astounding to me... sitting up, crawling with belly off the floor, feeding himself, clapping, holds himself up against furniture!!! Everyday he learns something new and it is the most amazing experience to witness all of it. Before Slava came home, I had the big career and questioned how/if being a stay a home mom could/would be as rewarding. All I can say is I made the best decision for me and my family... this is the most difficult job I've ever had but no doubt, more rewarding than any career accomplishment. I am so blessed to have a husband that has the same beliefs and values as me and supports me, always. One day, somewhere way down the road, I will return to work... in some shape or form but for now... I am exactly where I need and want to be. 
LIFE IS GOOD :)

Someone just learned to clap!!!

4th of July!

Happy 4th of July to everyone... especially the USA's newest, cutest citizen!

10 months old!