Merry Christmas!

First off, we hope you enjoy the new version of our Christmas letter, we call it the “green” edition, not because of the color but because you know... “going green”... the ever popular phrase that everyone is using. As cliche as it has become, we have made some changes to be more environmentally conscious this year and this is just one of those ways. As for our big “life change” this year... well of course it was adding Isaiah, who came to us in a way we weren’t quite expecting or planning in the end it was true account of God’s provision and providing a path for us to follow. We did so, blindly, boldly and comfortably. The whole story is quite a miracle really and you can read about it on our blog. But to sum it up... in a matter of a couple of months Joni and I went from talking about adoption, to adopting Isaiah. The ramifications meant a month in Michigan for us, it meant humbling ourselves to ask friends and family for financial help, as well as asking our places of employment for time away to get our son for who knew how long. In the end we came home with a precious baby boy, that instantly melted our hearts. With great joy I tell you that for this rather expensive endeavor, the generous donations from many of our friends, family and co-workers, allowed us to take on zero debt. It truly... deeply blessed us... thank you each and everyone of you! I can’t say it in words how much love and support we felt, everyone had a part in this wonderful miracle. Miya turned five! Yes... five. That seems just crazy, but she is growing like a weed. She’s been a joy to watch as a big sister. She loves her baby brother and has much compassion for him, as fussy as he can be. She is finishing up her last semester in preschool at Cotton Tail Creek Montessori. She’s been working on reading this year. She is one smart cookie, and she loves school. For Halloween she was Miya Poppins, it may have been the greatest costume of all time, thanks to the work of her mom and nanna. She loves spending time with her family and on Daddy-Miya dates once a month. She’s definitely daddy’s little girl. Joni is still working for Dr. Gary and Barb Rosberg - America’s Family Coaches. It’s been a busy year for her, but she loves the work, their mission to save marriages, and especially her coworkers. She still enjoys Friday’s off where she can spend time with the kiddo’s. Joni is also involved in a mom's group, small group and sings at The Ridge (our church). Believe it or not she is still married to me after 7 years. She puts up with a lot, this year’s been a growing experience for us introducing kid number two. We are pushing through little sleep and high emotions at times... you know what I mean if you've had or have kids. But in that we are happily in love. I (Derek) love my job at Flynn Wright. It’s been a year-and-a-half since I moved here and I have not lost the passion for the work I do. More than that... I love being dad, raising kids is the toughest most rewarding thing I’ve ever done. I'm also reminded of some solid friendships this year and look forward to building those in 2009. I look forward to the semi-annual man-days/nights, they’re a great chance for us guys to be guys. And of course I keep busy laying down the beats (playing drums) twice a month for our church. Joni and I both turn the big 3-0 in 2009. Parties are in the making. Mine is my “golden” birthday. 30 on the 30th of April. I got to be honest... I want a big party. Joni's will be on the 15th of March, and she wants to go roller-skating. That is an injury just waiting to happen for me ;). Miya will begin Kindergarten in the fall. But before that she will be a fish through summer. She loves swimming and she is incredible at it. I think it’s something she is gifted at that will bring her some success. Isaiah will be turning one on May 1st. Big goals for him are to sleep through the night (please, this has taken way to long), putting on a few pounds (he’s our little dude), crawling then walking and producing his first words. Thank you for enjoying our “green” Christmas letter. We hope it finds you in the midst of a blessed holiday season. Sincerely, Photographs were taken by Tori's Eye

Finally a post!

I know it has been some time since we have updated the blog. Here are some recent pics for you to enjoy. We are so enjoying life!

A couple weekends ago we went to Minneapolis to watch Derek's cousin Hanna play basketball in a tournament. She plays for NC State. We had a great time and the kids were completely decked out in NC State gear.

Miya took this adorable picture of Isaiah. He is doing what he loves most...eating like a big boy. He can't get enough it seems!

Miya enjoyed her second annual Nutcracker Ballet (thanks Gamme).

Cardboard Testimonies

Our church celebrated its 10 year anniversary this past weekend. Part of the celebration on Sunday morning were 'Cardboard Testimonies.' I hope we can post a link to a video of it at some point, but here was ours...





























So much to celebrate! Thank you God!

A few big weeks!

What a sad picture to start out this entry, but Isaiah's cutting his first teeth starts out our recent adventuresome weeks! You can see the teeth the best when he is crying:(


Here is a picture to make up for the sad one...what a cutie!


Last Thursday was Miya's first day of Pre-K. She goes every morning to the same montessori school she attended last year. She was very excited to go back!


Miya had her first ballet class on Saturday and loved it! She sure looks the part:)


Isaiah also had a big day on Saturday...he got to watch his first Hawkey football game! GO HAWKS!


Probably the biggest event of the week was the fact that Miya turned 5 yesterday. Cinco de Miya we called it! What a blast (this one deserves a blog entry to itself)!


Here is a picture of quite the pair. They think the world of each other!

Teeth!

4 months old today...with two little bottom teeth poking through. Yep, early teether! Will try to get a picture out soon.

Word to Labor Day!

Car seats

Seems like we are running here and there quite often. Here is a picture of both brother and sis in their car seats.



Isaiah Allan 3.5 months


Miya Karin 20 days to 5 years old

THIS brother

On Friday, I was driving running and errand with the kids in the minivan (I knew that alone would make some of you laugh). Isaiah was awake and happy in his carseat and Miya was talking to him and playing with him. I asked "Miya, do you like having a baby brother?"

Her awesome response: "I like having THIS brother because he's so cute!"

Random

Just wanted to post some new pics.

We have added the Wii Fit to our entertainment selection at home. Here is a funny video of Miya doing the hoola-hoop. Let me tell ya, the 6 minute hoola is quite the ab workout! I would post a video of me doing the hoola, but my mom laughed so hard watching me she almost peed her pants, so I am sparing you an accident!



Here is Miya trying on a pair of mommy's earings (PS we did not let her leave the house with these in). She loves changing her earings to match her outfit each day.


Here is Isaiah wearing socks on his hands as he has a recent bad habit of gnawing on his hands.

Our Little Mermaid

Miya Karin continues to prove to us that she is in fact a mermaid! She has loved water from the time she was little, and this summer is no different. She had her first swim lessons this past week and loved every minute. At the age of four, this little girl can dive for rings, open her eyes under water, jump off a diving board and swim to the side by her self. We might be a little biased, but are quite impressed with her passion for swimming. Check ou the pics of this happy girl. And the amaving video of her learning how to swim underwater.

The Evolution of Baby Products

It has been almost five years since we have had a baby in our home, but the evolution of baby products has not ceased to amaze me this go 'round!

Even though I am not nursing this time, I think one of the greatest inventions since 2003 has been the 'Hooter Hider'...yes I did say "hooter". This fantastic inventions allows one to stylishly nurse your baby while being surprisingly discrete. All while easily accomplishing the end result of fulfilling the basic need of your baby to each (convenient or not).
I'll was going to spare you an image, but I found this one online:)


The Bumbo Seat...I don't have much to personally say about this as we have not personally used one yet...but do plan to...
"The Bumbo(1) Seat is a snug and cozy environment for your baby. This revolutionary infant chair is designed to fit a baby’s posture. Babies can sit upright in a Bumbo Seat as soon as they have head control. More importantly, it helps them develop the trunk control they need to sit up on their own. It is recommended by pediatricians, orthopedists, and physical therapists so you know it is good for your baby. In fact, it is so good for your baby that the State of Illinois has recognized the Bumbo as a medical device and the Mississippi State Department of Health is providing Bumbos for use by their therapists!"
http://www.bumboseat.com/
Random Photo of baby (not our baby) in Bumbo:


The battery operated swing. Yes, we did have Miya in the 21st century, but were given a crank swing as a hand-me-down. We have moved up this time and now have a fantastic battery operated swing, which Isaiah loves! Not only does it swing automatically, we can even change the direction of the swinging! Even though we go through 4 D batteries a week, it is SO worth it!

My personal favorite is the Moby Wrap. This piece of incredibly long fabric has been used quite often with Mr. Isaiah as his favorite position is to be upright. My friend Julie made mine as a gift, and also one for Miya and her baby Chloe.


I have for sometime tried to convince Derek that it would in no way compromise his manhood by wearing it, and after showing him a photo of Tori Spelling's (yes from 90210) husband wearing one in People magazine, he was willing to try it. As you can see, he enjoyed every minute! He does admit is is quite comfortable!
http://www.mobywrap.com/

Baby Blue!

Here is Isaiah...2 months, 10 days old.

Isaiah's Dedication

Here are a few pics from Isaiah's Dedication on June 29th.

Red, White and CUTE!

Wanted to post a few pics from the 4th. We stayed pretty traditional: parade, swim, BBQ and fireworks. Always a great time! Stayed away from the carnival this year however, as pushing a stroller through the crowd is a little difficult, that's ok, there is another carnival closer to home this next weekend.

Funny thing about the fireworks, little man Isaiah decided he didn't want to be left out of the action and watched the whole thing. Quite a contrast to his sister who fell asleep DURING the fireworks when she was 2! He sure is ALL BOY!

Enjoy the pics!

Derek, Joni, Gizmo, Miya and Isaiah


Big sis Miya and lil' bro Isaiah


Isaiah's first 4th of July (not missing a thing)!


Miya - always the STAR!




Miya and Mom staying cool in our shades!

Another Photo of Isaiah!

Here is a pic of the little man today!

June Update

Wow, so we dropped the ball on the blog when we got home! I think it was just a combination of settling in, settling down, and getting back to "normal"... if that really exists.

We've been busy since being back. It's been wonderful watching Isaiah grow. Joni got to spend some wonderful time at home with the kids. She is now back at work. Childcare for the little man lined up perfectly, as a friend from our small group signed up to watch him Monday's and Tuesday's. Karen (Joni's mom) on Wednesday's and Thursday's, and of course Joni is home on Friday's. Miya is going to Jo's (where she has been for the last year) on Monday's and Tuesday's.

Things we've learned about Isaiah are as follow:

The good:

• His smile can warm your heart
• He loves to move his little legs like he is running somewhere
• He sleeps pretty darn good (we can't complain)
• He loves being outside
• He is so darn cute
• He loves the swing chair... I mean he really LOVES it!

The not so good:

• He hates pooping. 
• He spits up.... a lot!
• He can be pretty fussy.... depending on the day, and the hour... although sometimes it seems like most days, and most hours
• Every time we burp him.... he screams like we are poking him

Kris (who watches him Monday's and Tuesday's) just sent this to us. Pretty good, first day and she got him knocked out sleeping. Of course he still has that eye ever so slightly open in case something happens.

Home Sweet Home!

As you probably guessed, we are home in IA! We had an incredible homecoming from Kelli and Marcus who were riding their bikes up and down our street waiting for our arrival. Our lawn was imacculate and there were balloons, signs and a tribute in each room welcoming us home. Not to mention the house had been cleaned from top to bottom! Thank you to Marcus & Kelli!

The neatest thing about coming home is that once our house was in sight, it dawned on me that not once while we were so homesick did I think about our house. Don't get me wrong, it was great to finally sleep in our own bed and be in our house, but that is not what I was homesick for. We were homesick for our family, friends, church and community. That is what home is - relationships! How awesome!

The last few days have been good. We are still adjusting and feel so blessed. If you haven't had a chance to meet Isaiah, please let us know if you want to stop by. We will post some more pics in the next few days!

Answer to prayer!

We got the call at 6:18pm MI time that our interstate adoption papers have been processed! We are heading back to IA! I don't know if we will get much sleep as we are SO excited to come home, we may start heading back after Isaiah's 3am or 6am feeding. Pray for safe travels! Stop in to meet Isaiah this weekend if you like! GOD IS GOOD!

Moody

I would have to say we are all a little moody the past few days!

Moods down (wah wah): Wednesday we were all sick (Derek, Isaiah and me) all day! Needless to say I now have a strong taste aversion to authentic Mexican food. We are all feeling better today thankfully.

Moods up: We were able to met Isaiah's birth father today. It was a huge blessing!

We are waiting (not so patiently anymore) for IA to process the interstate adoption papers. MI has already processed their papers, we we are waiting for IA. We are optimistically hoping to be heading back to IA tomorrow. Please pray the papers are processed tomorrow AM so we can be home this weekend. We are pretty homesick.

Here are some cute pics of the little man.

Miya's New Friend

We were going through our pictures yesterday and came across a lot of pictures of Miya and Kenzy. These two became pretty good friends over the couple of weeks she was here.

Concluding a Much Needed Weekend

Let's get pictures out of the way first:


We had a great weekend with family here. We hadn't gotten the chance to do all the "tourist" stuff in Holland, we had saved it up knowing that we had people coming.

On Friday we spent the day in downtown Holland. Which is kind of like Valley Junction. Lot's of little shops, restaurants and coffee shops... you get the picture.

We first went to JP's coffee shop. It's a great little local place that serves a great coffee. Then we went up and down the strip hitting all the shops. Holland is a sister city to Pella so they are coming off there tulip festival. So there are remnants along the strip. Joni and my Mom hit just about every shop, while my dad and I made up games with Miya to keep her entertained.

We stopped for lunch at the 8th St. Grille. They have awesome soups, I've been there twice since we've been here.

After that we went back to my parents hotel room to go swimming, play ping-pong and just have some fun, relaxed down time. We then went out for pizza and beer at the New Holland Brewery... good food, good beer. It was perfect.

Saturday we wandered the farmers market downtown, and then went to the beach on Lake Michigan. It was Awesome! Chilly, but very fun. We played in the sand, got our feet in the freezing water, played frisbee and just enjoyed the beautiful sunshine and the chance to get out and do something unfamiliar. We closed up the day with a little miniature golf, that was a lot of fun too.

Sunday came and we had to make a tough decision. On Saturday Miya had a meltdown because she wanted to go home. Sunday morning we sat down and had a talk with her and we decided that she should go home. It was a tough decision because she keeps us entertained and feeling somewhat normal. But she was missing things from home, Gizmo...our dog, and we knew her last day of preschool was this week and she would benefit from having closure with that.

We were very sad to have her leave! It brought out the homesickness in us. We had a rough couple hours as we just let out all our emotions. It's been an emotional month and it all came out.

At this point we are blessed by the people we have met and the time we have spent here, but we are ready to be home. We know that by this weekend we should be on our way, but this weekend just can't come fast enough.

So we are making plans for the week to keep ourselves busy for two reasons. One, to keep time moving so we don't get bored and the time goes fast. And Two, because we don't want to be loafs, we need to have fun while we are here.

Thanks for the support. We love and miss all of you.

Too busy to blog!

You can probably imagine our life is a little more busy these days with a new baby (notice the lack of postings since we gained custody). We are still in MI and Isaiah is keeping our hands full. Miya is LOVING being a big sister and wants to hold him constantly. He is a pretty good baby, but is definantly a night owl.

Derek's parents and my brother and sister-in-law Marcus and Kelli are here for the weekend (one because they missed us so much, but mostly to meet the little dude). Isaiah is loving the attention and has been great with our 'on the move' weekend. We have LOVED having some IA come to us as we are VERY homesick! We have enjoyed our time here in MI, but are very ready to come home! We hope to be home by next weekend.

Will upload some pictures soon!

I've Been Surprised

So Joni arrived back to the house tonight with ISAIAH!!!, after I had emailed a few friends that the judge still had not signed.

She's funny! I didn't go to Sue's because of my health issues discussed in the previous thread. So she thought it would be fun to surprise me. Well, I was surprised... very pleasantly surprised.

So we are now officially in phase 3. We have gained custody of the little man, now we're just waiting to head back to Iowa after the inter-state papers go back and forth.

So far tonight Isaiah has been a little fuss ball. Letting us know who's boss I guess.

Also when Joni and the girls got back, I had another surprise. Miya and Kenzy were all dolled up from there Libby-Lu makeover. And to my big surprise... Miya got her ears pierced! She was pretty excited about it. I have to admit... she looks cute with them.

Not Feeling so Good

I (Derek) woke up this morning not quite feeling right. At the time I had a bit of a woozy stomach and was really thirsty.

I feel I may have doomed myself when I tried to remedy it. Instead of drinking some water and resting... I went to the coffee shop to get some work done, and at the same time consumed a grande Milky Way Dark Latte. Oops. What can say, I was ambitious to get some work done as Joni and Eryn were taking the girls out for some girl time.

So I sat at the coffee bar slowly feeling worse and worse. Some old guy sat down next to me and wouldn't shut his yapper. I couldn't understand him either. But I felt bad, I think he just wanted someone to talk too. I kind of ignored him and nodded my head. As I listened to him... what I feel, make up stories, I got really cold, dizzy, and fatigued. So I came back to the house to try and take a nap. But instead the caffeine from my drink kept me up. So I went back to the computer to try and work. But every time I work for 15 minutes, I need to rest for the same. My body is starting to feel like I ran a marathon. BODY ACHES!! Whatever. I was hoping to get a lot of work done today... but that just won't be the case.

Because of the bug, I have opted not to go see Isaiah today. Joni will be heading over there momentarily. I installed the car seat... hoping the judge signs the papers while she is there.

Otherwise. The weather is gorgeous! Unfortunately going out there only wears me out in a few minutes.

We'll get some pics posted later of the little dude. And the girls all decked out from there Libby Lu makeover!

Phase 2 Continues...

We are still waiting for the judge to sign our adoption petition. We were really hoping he would sign before the weekend, but he did not. It is very frustrating waiting for a simple signature, but we still get to visit Isaiah everyday. We are also very blessed to be in a great community here and have the emotional and spiritual support we need. We miss our family and friends from Iowa a lot, and can't wait to bring Isaiah home for everyone to meet him. We thank you for your continued prayers as phase two continues.

Kevin took us on a great tour of Holland yesterday. We saw a ton of beautiful tulips and are looking forward to exploring Holland more, especially when we get Isaiah.



We had a great visit with Isaiah yesterday as well. He was talking very loud!

Our Michigan Community

Thursday I was able to visit Isaiah while Derek and Miya stayed at our host home to hang-out. Below are a few pics of Isaiah yesterday. He was wide awake for my whole visit.

We then went to Tunnel Park for a picnic on the beach at Lake Michigan. The lake is quite cold, but very nice to walk along the beach. Miya collected some shells and we played in the sand. It was beautiful!



In the evening we were invited for dinner by another couple for Juve and Eryn's church. I wrote a grant for Hope Ministries when I worked there a few years ago with Kevin. They were very hospitable and we loved meeting them and other friends in their community. There house is one of the most beautiful settings we have ever seen! It's been great! Kevin invited us out for a tour of the rescue mission in town. So we plan on doing that today.

Isaiah's Bedroom

We've had many people ask us about Isaiah's room so let me take a minute to show you. Plus, I wanted to try out embedding a slide show from Picassa. So let me take care of both.

Here are some pictures of Isaiah's room. It's a pretty cool and special room.

Moving into Phase 2

There is much to be thankful for as we are now officially in 'phase 2' of the adoption process. The court hearing went very well and we submitted our formal legal adoption petition to the court and R (birth mother) voluntarily relinquished her parental rights. So, we are now in "Phase 2"... waiting for the judge to sign our petition and we gain custody of Isaiah. It was a very special day as we had 'the last meeting' with R and her family after the hearing. It was very special!

Miya got to meet her baby brother for the first time today as well. It was pretty amazing! She loves him so much and wants to hold him all the time. Here are some special pics and video of Miya and her new brother.



We will get to visit Isaiah tomorrow morning for a few hours. Join us in praying the judge signs before the weekend!

We miss all our family and friends in IA and are excited for you all to meet our special guy.

We have so much to be thankful for and are overwhelmed by God's faithfulness and grace.

Pictures from Yesterday's Visit