A few special days

We've had our share of special days lately. First was Nathan's 8th birthday . . . my middle son is getting so old! He had pancakes with a candle on his birthday morning, and was thrilled to receive his first ever video game (so was Aaron, by the look of that picture!). We invited some friends to visit a local museum to celebrate, and shared the party with Nathan's lifelong buddy Jack, who was born exactly one week after Nathan.

Our guy still loves to use his imagination, build with Legos, and do all the fun things he's done for the past few years -- but I can tell he's getting older because he asks great questions, knows so many scientific and historical facts, and tries some new defense lawyer-like logic when he's in trouble! He will be out of second grade in a few short weeks, and we are so proud of his curious mind, compassionate heart, interest in anything outdoors, and fierce love for friends and family. We are immensely grateful that God chose us to be your parents, Nathan.

I also had a wonderful Mother's Day. Saturday night found us at a favorite Mexican restaurant with my Mom, Dad, and sister and brother. Since becoming a mom, my new love language is when someone else cooks for me! We had fun celebrating my amazing Mom with some great food, and our waiter brought us complimentary drinks at the end of the meal -- I'll have to ask my Spanish-speaking sister what it was called, but it was almond flavored, with little bits of almond in it. Delicious!

On Sunday morning, all the kids piled in bed with me to start my day. With a little help from Peter, they remembered that my college sweatshirt was dying a slow death, and got me a new one. (And since it was about 30 degrees that morning, I really wished I could wear it to church!) I also have a coffee gift card to use, and some beautiful earrings Anya Rashi picked out for me.

Sunday evening was spent with Peter's parents, where we discovered that my sweet mother-in-law has kept a journal since they moved to our city in 1984. Peter and I were both in tears reading through good and sad entries, and looking at a book of poems she's written over the years. I have been truly blessed with both of my moms, who consistently honor God by choosing to give selflessly to others.

We also received a very welcome e-mail from our adoption agency -- over the next two weeks, we can expect to see some referrals happening for the families ahead of us! I just love seeing those new little faces, and knowing that these children will have a family to love them forever. We're also pretty happy knowing we will be moving closer to the day when we find out who "Number 4" is -- that's how Peter and I have been referring to her for a few months now. :o) (Hmm. #4? There may be a Brett Favre jersey in her future . . .)

When we got home Sunday night, our three kids were noisy and fun and LOUD. Peter and I exchanged a look over their heads and started laughing about how much louder it will be with another child in the mix. And then one of us may have started a chant: "Number Four! We need one more!" Yikes!