Talkin' 'Bout My Generation

Dear Henry,

While staying in Columbus during Daddy's vacation week we went to Zaharako's again.
This time we went with Great Grandma Hazel, who is just starting to get over being really sick.
Grandma LaJean, Grandma P and Crappaw went as well. We made sure this time to sit you at the table for miniature humans like you. All of your ancestors have sat at this table so I had Grandma P prop you up in the little chair.

You put your hand on the table like you were waiting for a frothy root beer. Then Mommy took a photo of you and the three generations behind you sitting at the counter old marble counter.

Family traditions give us things to look forward to and memories to share in the years to come. I can't wait for Christmas and Halloween.

Love, Mommy

New Connections

Dear Henry,

July 7th was a special day for our family. After much waiting and many e-mails we were finally able to arrange a picnic with J's mom, Jmom, at a local park. Since all of J's family members' names begin with a J, with the exception of her two sons, using initials might get a little wonky so J, your birthmother, will be referred to on the blog as J and J's mom will be referred to as Jmom. I haven't figured out how to reference the others but I'll take that on as we meet them.

It was a really sunny clear day, fitting for such an anticipated meeting. We washed you up, got you dressed and headed out to buy a bucket of chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans and some biscuits. We drove into the park and arrived at the shelter where we had designated to meet Jmom and my heart sank. I didn't see Jmom anywhere! I thought, "Oh no! She couldn't make it!" So Daddy drove us back around the park to see if she might be at the elaborate playground. Not knowing what Jmom looks like or who came with her I wasn't sure what to look for in the sea of faces quickly shifting around the playground. Just as we were thinking of going back to the shelter to eat and go home I see a super smiley lady with long blond hair waving at us. I got chills and said, "Steve! Steve! Is that her? I think that's her!" Daddy stopped the van and Mommy got out and started across the playground. Mommy was near yelling her name with a shaking voice and she Mommy's. So, we were practically running to each other and Jmom was fanning back the tears...we embraced. Henry, the love exchanged in that hug was palpable. We clutched onto each other for some time and then broke to get a look at each other and to tell each other how happy we are that this meeting is finally happening. Jmom thought that she would be overwhelmed with emotion. I did too! But she felt like the blog about you has helped her already know our family so the meeting felt happy and relaxed. She was very sweet and had the best time cuddling you and making you laugh.

She laughed and smiled a lot while snapping photos. While she was visiting with us the rest of the family kept calling her to see how things were going. She laughed and told them to, "Let me visit so I can tell you later how it went!" Mommy thinks they wish they had all come along for the Meet Henry Picnic! Later she told us how happy she is that we all found each other. We are so grateful for the graciousness of J and her family in supporting Mommy and Daddy as your parents. Our adoption experience has opened Mommy's eyes to the boundless depths and breadth that humans can be connected to each other. It encompasses forgiving hearts, a hard look at truth, selflessness, a focus on others verses the self, as well as some courage. In a world that can be pessimistic and suspicious of others the hope for our little Henry to have the best life possible washes all of that away. Mommy hopes that you grow up knowing all of the love that has grown between people from different towns and different backgrounds as you set to make your way into this world. Mommy's biggest wish is that these new relationships continue to be positive.

Jmom brought one of J's nieces with her, I'll call her Ms. Monkey because she was all over that playground. You could tell she is a pretty special young lady. She was able to play for 2 hours on the playground happy as a lark. She was also really into getting to know you and helped you down your very first, second, third, and forth slide rides! Ms. Monkey pushed you in the swing and worked hard to make you laugh. She had a good time


climbing up the big net and hitting the top of the post all the way to the top! After a while we needed to go home and get ready to spend the weekend at Grandma P's and Crappaw's. We gave hugs and had Ms. Monkey snapped a picture of the four of us.

It was a great visit and we are happy that it finally happened. I know Jmom is greatly anticipating this blog entry so I better get it posted! I promised I would add more photos than usual.


Henry, we are never done learning about what we are personally capable of and what others are capable of so don't ever be afraid to have big expectations for your life. Please don't sell yourself short and give others the opportunity to show their best selves too.

I love you sweetsie,
Mommy

Playing Hard!

Dear Henry,

Playing is a lot of work. Last week when Grandpa Tim was here Auntie Kristin came over and brought you a xylophone! You really like it! We also dragged out your blocks and set up towers for you to knock down. You did this a few times but after trying to whack away at the xylophone and inch wormin' around on your tummy to get Gorilli you were worn out!

I set up a wall with Gorilli hiding behind it. You inched, hunchin' your butt in the air while pulling your knees up under you, made one move forward and bonk! You started to knock down the wall but ran out of steam. I mean you had part of the wall wobblin' and all! But nope! You weren't ready for them to go down until after a 5 minute snooze so there they stayed.

I love that you play with all of your energy.

Love, Mama

Hoosier or Boilermaker

Dear Henry,

Since you live Indiana then you will learn that there is a healthy rivalry between Indiana University and Purdue University. Grandpa Tim and Mommy have had a running joke about the merits of one school over the other. Grandpa Tim's family tradition had been Purdue. Mommy's family tradition has been IU.

While Grandpa Tim was visiting last week he bought you a little Purdue outfit. Mommy put you in it and EVEN THOUGH it is Purdue you still looked pretty cute in it.

Grandpa Tim looked proud of himself. You can wear it around the house but I'm not about to take my baby out in Bloomington, Indiana, home of Indiana University in a Purdue outfit. It could be outright dangerous! Our neighbor bought you an IU onsie you will be able to wear in a month or two. Mommy plans on taking a photo of you in it and sending it to Grandpa Tim sealed with a kiss. For now you can wear the Purdue onesie around the for play, as that is fitting for those Boilermakers...right Grandpa Tim?

Love you,
Mommy
Proud IU graduate

Sick!

Dear Henry,

Mommy must catch up on posting, after being out of town this week at Grandma P's and Crappaw's and now I have a horrible cold I am getting way behind in everything, but most importantly all of the important things that have happened in your life this past week...such as meeting J's Mom and J's Niece, hangin' out with your Aunties alone, eatin' new foods, going to your 4 month check up, and on and on....

sigh,

I will get there Buster,
Love you,
Mommy