Dad, Tina, and Milo are in town for the weekend! We went to the church's Harvest Festival yesterday, after watching the Bengals beat the Packers!!!!!!!!! Peter was Chief Sutton, Caleb a fireman, and Elijah a dalmation. Peter built some new sides for our wagon and turned it into a fire truck! The boys loved it. Jocelyn was Raggedy Ann (Peter grew out of the Andy costume :o)
Tonight we had trick or treating in the neighborhood, the boys were excited. We made it to 9 houses, all friends in the neighborhood before they pooped out. Then we came home and Caleb enjoyed handing candy out to the kids.
Monday, October 31, 2005
Friday, October 28, 2005
run like hell
YEAH, I did it! I ran my first 5K (3.1 miles)!! Peter and I ran it together, we had a great time. A few friends ran it with us.
oh, by the way, run like hell is the name of the run.
oh, by the way, run like hell is the name of the run.
Saturday, October 22, 2005
our little blessings
What a wonderful day...we spent most of the day cleaning, organizings, sorting, etc. Trying to get ready for winter, a garage sale to earn money for the adoption, and Micaiah's arrival. Peter fixed the toilet, rearranged clothes, and helped rearrange our playroom into Micaiah's room. Jocelyn spent the entire day sorting kids clothes and then rearranging the playroom! We even got some hand-me-downs for Micaiah!! It was a productive day and the kids played great while we tried to get some stuff done.
Then we all went for a run, Peter pushes the boys in the stroller. The most exciting part of our day was dinner with a family from the church. Caleb and Elijah were the most well behaved children, I couldn't be more proud. Thank you God!! Elijah sat at a big boy chair with real dishes and a fork and consumed 3 strips of flank steak, mashed potatoes, fruit leather, and a few scooby snacks. He was quiet, well behaved, and he actually ate (to put it mildly). Caleb ate 1 strip of flank steak, two helpings of potatoes, and a piece of chocolate cake. For the record, this was the first time he did not finish his dessert! He was also very well behaved and waited patiently until everyone finished eating to get his chocolate cake. Then he went upstairs and played drums and legos with their son. Elijah and Jocelyn played hide-and-seek. Elijah went to the same corner everytime and counted, "uh, oo, ee" (one, two three) or something of the sort and then wandered around the house looking for Jocelyn. Once he found her he would say "uh" (hide) and they would play again. This went on for at least 10 rounds.
Needless to say we had a wonderful evening and we are so very thankful for our beautiful boys. God has surely blessed us!
Then we all went for a run, Peter pushes the boys in the stroller. The most exciting part of our day was dinner with a family from the church. Caleb and Elijah were the most well behaved children, I couldn't be more proud. Thank you God!! Elijah sat at a big boy chair with real dishes and a fork and consumed 3 strips of flank steak, mashed potatoes, fruit leather, and a few scooby snacks. He was quiet, well behaved, and he actually ate (to put it mildly). Caleb ate 1 strip of flank steak, two helpings of potatoes, and a piece of chocolate cake. For the record, this was the first time he did not finish his dessert! He was also very well behaved and waited patiently until everyone finished eating to get his chocolate cake. Then he went upstairs and played drums and legos with their son. Elijah and Jocelyn played hide-and-seek. Elijah went to the same corner everytime and counted, "uh, oo, ee" (one, two three) or something of the sort and then wandered around the house looking for Jocelyn. Once he found her he would say "uh" (hide) and they would play again. This went on for at least 10 rounds.
Needless to say we had a wonderful evening and we are so very thankful for our beautiful boys. God has surely blessed us!
Thursday, October 20, 2005
impatiently waiting
We found out today that Micaiah's case is on the slow pace, of course anything is slow to us! Usually the case is filed with the embassy within a week or two after acceptance of the referral (9/26). Due to all the mess from Hurricane Stan Micaiah's case has still not been filed. Our caseworker told us it would be a week or so. We are still praying she will be home soon, but we are thinking it will be after the first of the year.
Meanwhile, we are keeping busy. Jocelyn is catching up on scrapbooks and training for her first 5K, Peter is in the process of finding and hiring for a position at the church, and the kids are busy playing with whatever they can get their hands into. We made orange playdoh so that has been the new fun thing to do! The leaves are falling, yesterday it was 80 degrees and today 60 degrees. It has been beautiful here all week.
By the way, we have attempted several times to post pictures on our blog and have been having difficulty. Hopefully we will get it figured out soon. I will try again today.
Meanwhile, we are keeping busy. Jocelyn is catching up on scrapbooks and training for her first 5K, Peter is in the process of finding and hiring for a position at the church, and the kids are busy playing with whatever they can get their hands into. We made orange playdoh so that has been the new fun thing to do! The leaves are falling, yesterday it was 80 degrees and today 60 degrees. It has been beautiful here all week.
By the way, we have attempted several times to post pictures on our blog and have been having difficulty. Hopefully we will get it figured out soon. I will try again today.
Saturday, October 15, 2005
FFD:Family Fun Day!
Today is it, soccer is over and we are celebrating! Peter went running with a friend who runs marathons this morning! I think he got a tad more exercise than when he runs with me (hee hee). We went with our friends to a pumpkin patch and this afternoon we are headed to the UC vs. UConn homecoming football game! We are definitely enjoying the fall weather and wishing Micaiah was here to enjoy it with us!
Friday, October 14, 2005
bengals vs reds
and so it is at our house...
caleb walks around saying, I play for the Cincinnati Bengals! I am the quarterback! if you prod deeper he will quickly tell you he does not like the Packers, "the Packers are YUCKY!" I wonder who taught him such a thing!
meanwhile...
elijah runs around outside saying, bayball bayball. He goes to find the baseball, bat, and then insists that I put the tee up in the driveway so that he can put the baseball on it and play baseball! yep, that's right baseball and in case your thinking, how old is he now? 16.5 months!
no more time to chat now, the kids are in need of something...?
caleb walks around saying, I play for the Cincinnati Bengals! I am the quarterback! if you prod deeper he will quickly tell you he does not like the Packers, "the Packers are YUCKY!" I wonder who taught him such a thing!
meanwhile...
elijah runs around outside saying, bayball bayball. He goes to find the baseball, bat, and then insists that I put the tee up in the driveway so that he can put the baseball on it and play baseball! yep, that's right baseball and in case your thinking, how old is he now? 16.5 months!
no more time to chat now, the kids are in need of something...?
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
hurricanes in Guatemala
Just wanted to let you all know that I just spoke with our case worker and Micaiah is just fine. Hurricane Stan hit Guatemala and Mexico causing several mudslides where entire villages are now 40 feet under mud. She was not in an area where the mudslides hit. At this point we are unsure about her birthmother, however we will soon find out as well. Our attorney has contact with her birthmother throughout the process so if something has happened our attorney will find out and let us know. Otherwise we just keep praying for all of the people affected by this massive disaster. As well as all the others that seem to continue to bombard us!
On another note, Caleb said, mommy we have a big house because God made it really high and put glue on it to make it stick together! He is so cute!
On another note, Caleb said, mommy we have a big house because God made it really high and put glue on it to make it stick together! He is so cute!
Sunday, October 09, 2005
busy...busy...busy...
WOW! I thought once the referral of Micaiah came we would be preparing, I feel as if I am simply trying to survive. We are officially done with paperwork, I think. We sent our last document to Guat. on Friday. Things have been extremely crazy around here. Peter turned the BIG 30, he received several simpathy cards from friends in FL. We all got a laugh out of them! thanks guys! He had a very busy day at work as there seems to be a lot going on and then Thursday night he had an away soccer game. We plan to celebrate his birthday tomorrow. Amy and Eric and their 3 kiddos were here from FL this weekend, the kids had a blast together and we had a wonderful time visiting. Well, Peter is home after a long day at work so I am cutting out early to go spend some time with him. Adios.
Thursday, October 06, 2005
Daddy's birthday
Daddy had a very busy day and an away soccer game today. Caleb and I made a cake and we celebrated just before bedtime!! what a treat!
Saturday, October 01, 2005
Micaiah Jane Floricelda Sutton
WOW, it's been crazy around here. We have been scrambling to get paperwork and finances together for Micaiah. Late yesterday we finally shipped everything off to Guatemala. Jocelyn has also been dealing with some cysts and medication that has been making her feel lousy as well as added children to babysit this week. So we are a bit behind. When people come over to the house, we just say, don't mind the mess, we just had a baby! :o) We are all so excited for Micaiah to come home. It should be about 3 months, we will keep posting the progress of the paperwork. This paperwork is why we wait 3 months!
Earlier this week Caleb said, Mommy, me and you and Elijah and Daddy, we should go to the fair. But not Micaiah, she's too little she will be afraid of the horses. I was so ecstatic to hear him say this. We have accepted her into our home and talk about her as if she is already here. Caleb knows she is in Guatemala and that she was born in her birth mommy's tummy and that God wants us to take care of her. He knows he has a little sisiter. But now I know he really gets it! He is thinking about her as a part of our family.
We have been carrying Micaiah's picture with us everywhere. Elijah hears us getting all excited and giggle when we show off her picture. Now when I show him her picture, Elijah squeals! Little does he know she's moving in!!!
Some more details on Micaiah. She was born at home with a midwife (this is very common in Guatemala). Her birthmother, Heidy is only 13 and her birthgrandmother is 33. My agency was shocked by her age, this is not typical for Guatemala. She is now in foster care, although we don't have any details about her foster family yet. She was seen by a pediatric nerologist (one of the best in Guat.) when she was 6 days old. He said she appears to be very healthy. Her tests all came back within an acceptable range. Our attorney who will be handling our case for the next few months is one of the best. She is very good and very efficient. She will keep things moving along so that Micaiah can come home as soon as possible. Because the laws in Guat. are still unresolved we are unsure of how things will turn out with Guat. adoptions. Our prayer is that our adoption is not held up in any manner because of these potential changes. FYI: we received word that our agency had a baby girl for us just four hours after we sent out our letters! We were shocked to hear so soon, we trust that God's timing is best!! Thanks for all your prayers.
Earlier this week Caleb said, Mommy, me and you and Elijah and Daddy, we should go to the fair. But not Micaiah, she's too little she will be afraid of the horses. I was so ecstatic to hear him say this. We have accepted her into our home and talk about her as if she is already here. Caleb knows she is in Guatemala and that she was born in her birth mommy's tummy and that God wants us to take care of her. He knows he has a little sisiter. But now I know he really gets it! He is thinking about her as a part of our family.
We have been carrying Micaiah's picture with us everywhere. Elijah hears us getting all excited and giggle when we show off her picture. Now when I show him her picture, Elijah squeals! Little does he know she's moving in!!!
Some more details on Micaiah. She was born at home with a midwife (this is very common in Guatemala). Her birthmother, Heidy is only 13 and her birthgrandmother is 33. My agency was shocked by her age, this is not typical for Guatemala. She is now in foster care, although we don't have any details about her foster family yet. She was seen by a pediatric nerologist (one of the best in Guat.) when she was 6 days old. He said she appears to be very healthy. Her tests all came back within an acceptable range. Our attorney who will be handling our case for the next few months is one of the best. She is very good and very efficient. She will keep things moving along so that Micaiah can come home as soon as possible. Because the laws in Guat. are still unresolved we are unsure of how things will turn out with Guat. adoptions. Our prayer is that our adoption is not held up in any manner because of these potential changes. FYI: we received word that our agency had a baby girl for us just four hours after we sent out our letters! We were shocked to hear so soon, we trust that God's timing is best!! Thanks for all your prayers.
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
It's a GIRL!!!
On Monday, September 26, we receive a call from our adoption agency offering us the referral of this beautiful baby girl.
Evelin Floricelda Tiul, 6 lbs 7oz and 18.5 inches long, was born on September 17 into a native Mayan family to a 13 yr-old mother who herself lived with her unwed 33 yr-old mother. Native Mayan Guatemalans are among the poorest of Guatemala where illiteracy and poverty run rampant. As we began the adoption process, we prayed that God would allow us to adopt a child with genuine need - we feel he has granted this request. If everything progresses according to plan, we hope to travel to Guatemala City some time around Christmas to pick up our little girl. We're still discussing naming options that would be the perfect combination of our tastes and her cultural background. Please keep us in your prayers as we complete the final stages of the adoption process.
Friday, September 23, 2005
suprises
Caleb is big into surprises. A few weeks ago we told him we had a surprise and we took him to see the real Thomas the Tank Engine. He and Elijah both really enjoyed it. So Caleb says we should have more surprises. I've been trying to make more things surprises...
Tonight we planned to go to the Madeira Homecoming parade, I told Caleb we had a surprise for him. When Peter came home he said, not knowing that I had turned the parade into a surpise. Caleb are you ready to go to the parade. At that Caleb replied, no daddy we are going to a surprise. The conversation went on and Peter asked Caleb if he has any guesses where the surprise might be. He said, "NO...but I'll tell you when we get there!"
He makes us laugh all day long! What a sweetie!
Along the adoption rollercoaster we go...the second reading of the law passed which brings it closer to becoming a law. We are still number 2 on the waiting list, however our agency was in Guatemala visiting the children earlier this week and probably brought home referrals. If she brought home 2 girls, one will be ours...if we choose to take it rather than wait for twins. We are still very unsure of things. As you've seen they change daily.
Tonight we planned to go to the Madeira Homecoming parade, I told Caleb we had a surprise for him. When Peter came home he said, not knowing that I had turned the parade into a surpise. Caleb are you ready to go to the parade. At that Caleb replied, no daddy we are going to a surprise. The conversation went on and Peter asked Caleb if he has any guesses where the surprise might be. He said, "NO...but I'll tell you when we get there!"
He makes us laugh all day long! What a sweetie!
Along the adoption rollercoaster we go...the second reading of the law passed which brings it closer to becoming a law. We are still number 2 on the waiting list, however our agency was in Guatemala visiting the children earlier this week and probably brought home referrals. If she brought home 2 girls, one will be ours...if we choose to take it rather than wait for twins. We are still very unsure of things. As you've seen they change daily.
Thursday, September 22, 2005
BEES...
Caleb woke up last night crying, very unusual for him. Peter went to check on him and he complained, "It itches, it itches". He was squirming around as if something on the back of his neck was bothering him, Peter thought maybe the tag. Nope. Caleb continued to cry and Peter picked him up and brought him downstairs and in doing so irritated the BEE in his shirt, which then stung Caleb, he screamed. Peter pulled his shirt off, pulled the bee off of Caleb and hugged him tightly. He put some ice on it, but Caleb didn't like it. He continued to squirm, we thought maybe there was another bee? Finally figured out he had to pee! poor guy! This morning when he woke up he had NO recollection of the events, he couldn't even tell me where the bee sting was!
The strangest thing was, I couldn't find the bee sting either? There were a few very small red dots, barely noticeable on his back. I figure one of these must be the sting? It sure didn't look like it. I would have thought I was hallucinating last night but Peter and I both saw it! Well the good thing is we know he's not allergic to bees!
Tonight we all went to watch Daddy coach soccer, Caleb played with his best friend Ethan and Elijah flirted with a gril on the VARSITY soccer team, he knows how to pick 'em!
The strangest thing was, I couldn't find the bee sting either? There were a few very small red dots, barely noticeable on his back. I figure one of these must be the sting? It sure didn't look like it. I would have thought I was hallucinating last night but Peter and I both saw it! Well the good thing is we know he's not allergic to bees!
Tonight we all went to watch Daddy coach soccer, Caleb played with his best friend Ethan and Elijah flirted with a gril on the VARSITY soccer team, he knows how to pick 'em!
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
God is working...in Guatemala!
YEAH...things are looking up! Guatemala was supposed to have a second reading of the law yesterday and it didn't happen! Due to some other businesss, however in the mean time over 200 demonstrators were able to share with congressman the importance of not passing this law. The law would make it much more difficult to adopt Guatemalan children and therefore cause many children to die, be malnourished, or turn to the streets, gangs, etc. We are hopeful that God is continuing to work as we await our adoption. Not sure what this means for timing just yet, things seem to change everyday! We are now leaning towards waiting until Feb. to see if twins are available, rather than getting an infant girl when we are number 1 on the waiting list. We'll see? If you want to learn more here are some great sights on Guatemalan law, these seem to be frequented on a daily basis at our house! www.guatadopt.com www.guatefam.org still trying to make these links on our blog. Haven't figured that out yet.
On another note, Elijah pointed to where daddy's guitar is and said "uh" "uh" "uh", then went to the picture of daddy and said "dada". He doesn't say dada much, usually mama to daddy. He wanted Peter to play the guitar! It was so cute, what a smart little guy.
Continuing in faith...
On another note, Elijah pointed to where daddy's guitar is and said "uh" "uh" "uh", then went to the picture of daddy and said "dada". He doesn't say dada much, usually mama to daddy. He wanted Peter to play the guitar! It was so cute, what a smart little guy.
Continuing in faith...
Monday, September 19, 2005
The Sutton family presents...
wow! so we'll see how this works. This is our attempt to keep you all posted on our family. An idea we thougt of at the beginning of our adoption process and with a little reminder from our friends the walatka's here we go. we are all doing well.
Peter is coaching soccer and loving it! Although he just lost two players to major injuries last week. The boys love to go and watch the games. Peter just came home from weekend camp with the students and had a great time. Caleb wanted to go with him. :o)
Jocelyn is cutting back on babysitting after a very busy summer and just keeping up with the boys and the adoption paperwork.
Caleb is three and so much fun, he makes us laugh everyday. He loves to paint with watercolors and his latest activity is creating a town on the driveway and riding around on his tricycle.
Elijah is right behind Caleb on his little scooter going around the town. He is one, but in his mind he is 3! He has lots to say, his favorite thing to do is point and babble at whatever is in sight. Elijah went to the doctor today, 2 shots, 5oth percentile for height and head circumference, 35th for weight (not quite the butterball Caleb was).
The adoption has been such an exciting and nerve racking experience. Ultimately we are excited to know that God is in control and things will go perfectly according to His plan! It has been exciting to see it unfold. We are probably days away from receiving a referral. (A referral is a picture of our baby, including medical information, possibly video, and any other info they have on our baby) Last week we were #2 and the week before #3 on the waiting list. Guatemala is in process of changing the legislation in regards to adoption. For this reason we will most likely be acception a referral of an infant girl rather than twins. We will continue to post as we receive updates on our adoption process and as our family continues to grow.
Peter is coaching soccer and loving it! Although he just lost two players to major injuries last week. The boys love to go and watch the games. Peter just came home from weekend camp with the students and had a great time. Caleb wanted to go with him. :o)
Jocelyn is cutting back on babysitting after a very busy summer and just keeping up with the boys and the adoption paperwork.
Caleb is three and so much fun, he makes us laugh everyday. He loves to paint with watercolors and his latest activity is creating a town on the driveway and riding around on his tricycle.
Elijah is right behind Caleb on his little scooter going around the town. He is one, but in his mind he is 3! He has lots to say, his favorite thing to do is point and babble at whatever is in sight. Elijah went to the doctor today, 2 shots, 5oth percentile for height and head circumference, 35th for weight (not quite the butterball Caleb was).
The adoption has been such an exciting and nerve racking experience. Ultimately we are excited to know that God is in control and things will go perfectly according to His plan! It has been exciting to see it unfold. We are probably days away from receiving a referral. (A referral is a picture of our baby, including medical information, possibly video, and any other info they have on our baby) Last week we were #2 and the week before #3 on the waiting list. Guatemala is in process of changing the legislation in regards to adoption. For this reason we will most likely be acception a referral of an infant girl rather than twins. We will continue to post as we receive updates on our adoption process and as our family continues to grow.
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