Play Ball!

It's begun...we have officially started the sports-league-phase

of our parenting. Hendrick had his first T-ball game...

we look forward to many more. Great Job Hendrick!

Chapel - Part 3

We just got a preview of the photographer's pictures from Dann and Julie's wedding. WOW! Josh of Sunlit Images did a great job! You can view more pictures by going to the blog at Sunlit Images. The pictures truly capture the beautiful celebration of their wedding.

I can't believe it's been almost two weeks! Welcome Home Julie and Dann!!! We really had a fantastic time in Indianapolis for the wedding. It was wonderful to be with so much family for the wedding weekend and we were so pleased to visit with a few friends as well.

Friday morning the "ladies" attended a bridal luncheon for Julie. That afternoon we were able to visit friends from Purdue, Kathy and Ryan. After a church rehearsal, we enjoyed a wonderful dinner with a LOT of family at Mateo's in historic downtown Noblesville. Saturday was the BIG day! Sunday after a breakfast with family, we visited a few more friends: Lindsay and Rob and their precious daughter Katie (Amy's college roommate and Matron of Honor), and Kelly and Matt and their 3, soon-to-be-4, beautiful children (Matt is a friend from High School).

• To our friends: thanks so much for welcoming us into your homes! It was so nice to visit with you.
• To our family: we LOVED spending time with you...and, thanks for all of your help with the kids!
• To Julie and Dann: thank you for letting us be a part of this special weekend! We love you!!!!

Cuteness

Hendrick: I don't want to get hurt
Mike: I guarantee you won't get hurt
Hendrick: Does guarantee hurt?

Maegli in her Sun Hat

Wormie, our Skink

We were the proud caregivers of a five-lined skink for a day (also known as a blue-tailed skink). Hendrick had fun catching bugs for the skink...an ant, worm, pill bug and beetle. The skink ate the worm - so Hendrick fittingly named him "Wormie".

We had a very emotional send off for Wormie - he is now a happy free resident of our backyard.

"I am going to miss him so much!"

Got Milk? - 2

10,000 MEALS ON THEIR WAY TO SOUTH AFRICAN INFANTS AFFECTED BY HIV/AIDS!

International Breast Milk Project sends 6th shipment of donated breast milk to South Africa

Monrovia, California, USA. (May 19, 2008) - It is said that the common ingredient in breast milk is a mother's love. International Breast Milk Project (IBMP) is enabling mothers from across the United States, to help infants on the other side of the world in a way that only a mother can - by providing them with their donated breast milk.

On May 20, 2008 International Breast Milk Project will be sending its 6th shipment of donated breast milk to South Africa. The shipment will consist of 43,000 ounces of tested and pasteurized donated breast milk, which is equivalent to approximately 10,000 infant meals. In the past, milk has been sent to the iThemba Lethu milk bank in Durban to supplement their local milk collections for their orphan home. This shipment will be shared with Milk Matters, a milk bank in Cape Town.

Milk Matters is a non-profit organization that collects donated breast milk and supplies it to babies deprived of their mothers' own milk, giving them the best possible start in life. Headed by a passionate and dedicated team, Milk Matters aims to educate both the public and medical personnel about the need for donor breast milk and the incredible benefits that it provides to babies. Milk Matters is also extremely active in promoting of the advantages of breastfeeding in the community.

*Learn more about the International Breast Milk Project! 25% of all milk donations go to infants in Africa affected by HIV/AIDS and 75% is used to help critically ill infants in the US.

Amy has been pleased to participate in the IBMP. Donation is easy!

The IBMP has been featured on Oprah and ABC World News.

Please check out our Got Milk post from October 2007

Continuing to cut through the red tape

The next step in cutting through the red tape and finishing up Burke's adoption happened yesterday. We visited the tiny town of Oakfield and applied for his passport - this is needed for proof of citizenship to get a Social Security Number. We only had one extra Kinko's trip to get the right sized picture (they are VERY particular about head size and position), and we're expecting to have his passport within the month!

Famine in Ethiopia

In case you haven't seen, Ethiopia is again in an emergency state of famine due to drought. Because their economy is virtually all sustinence agriculture, these perdiods of no rain literally cripple the country.
This is another great reminder that we need to thank the Lord that we get to live in the USA, and that we need to help those outside of our homes in any way possible.
New York Times article
This crisis needs your prayers!
The child in this picture is Hendrick's age and weighs less than Maegli :(

Take me out to the Ball Game...

Go Jaxx! We love cheering on our team, the West Tennessee Diamond Jaxx - and they are looking good this year.
Hendrick is always so excited to go on the field after the 4th inning for the Chicken Dance...last night, Davis made it onto the field as well - maybe next time he'll do the dance!

Chapel - Part 2

A few more pictures from Uncle Dann and Aunt Julie's wedding Day...

Hendrick and Zoey - Dancing!

Amy with brother, Dann (the Groom), and sister, Erin

Mike with Davis and Burke

The Happy Couple

Going to the Chapel

Congratulations Uncle Dann and AUNT Julie!!!!

Amy's brother, Dann, was married this past weekend. We had a wonderful time celebrating in Indianapolis. Amy was honored to stand up with the happy couple as a bridesmaid and Hendrick was a hit as the ring bearer. The beautiful ceremony took place Saturday, May 17th. Hendrick was so sweet walking down the aisle with his cousin Zoey - with his tongue out! Julie was a gorgeous bride and the joy of Dann and Julie was infectious. The reception was a blast - a true celebration. Hendrick had a ball dancing the night away.

We are so happy for Dann and Julie - WE LOVE YOU!

*More pictures to come!

Picture Perfect

Maegli was a STAR in her "almost a 4-month-old" photo shoot.

She is doing so well and growing so fast - 13.5 lbs and 24 inches.

Happy Mother's Day!

ReAdoption

Today was our court date for Burke's U.S. Readoption at the Madison County Court House -International adoptions need to be "recognized by the state." It was quick and simple and was held in the Judge's chamber. Burke's U.S. birth certificate should arrive in the next month, then we will apply for a social security card...and our boy will be a U.S. Citizen - yay!

Tuesday Saturday

We just got back from a great adventure day in Nashville. Davis had a pediatric neurologist appointment at Vanderbilt (just like we thought - he's perfect) and Mike was able to take a day off work...so, we decided to make a day of it.
We visited some great Nashvegas landmarks - The Sitar Indian Restaurant for lunch, the Adventure Science Center in the afternoon, and a quick snack at Centennial Park and the Parthenon. We ended our Nashville tour with a visit with our displaced Minnesoooootan friends Hosh and Outing and their daughter Jeryn (thanks for the spaghetti!).

A Cut Above

All four boys had haircuts at the Young Family Barber Shop...

(we didn't get any before-and-after pics of Mike!)

Media Recommendations: May

Mike
The Civil War by Shelby Foote
Although this three-volume monster has taken me forever to read, it is a must for anyone remotely interested in the War Between the States (or the 'War of Northern Aggression' down here). Foote's story telling makes reading a dictionary-length book enjoyable.






Amy
For Women Only by Shaunti Feldhan
A one-sided study (i.e. not for couples) to become a better wife. This book offers an insight into the inner-workings of men and encourages a change of attitude and actions for women. Using God's Word as its base, this material is very eye-opening, challenging and at times, humbling as you learn ways to to fulfill your God-given role as a wife and build-up your man. "Mom's and More" at our church just worked through the accompanying bible study.



The Kids
Bob the Builder
The boys all LOVE "Bob". Talking claymation construction trucks...what's not to love! This PBS show is heavy on encouraging teamwork and teaching kids the 3R's and the benefits of sustainable construction methods.

Endless Prayer

We have been looking for some Ethiopian artwork to have in our home - we have fallen in love with this painting ("Endless Prayer") by Yegizaw Michael, an East African artist working out of Seattle, Washington. We are very excited to have this piece in our home...we might just have to purchase more!

Up and Over

That's right...our Maegli girl has rolled over! (3-1/2 months old)