I prayed for this child and the Lord has granted me what I asked of Him. I Samuel 1:27

Sunday, October 19, 2008

Mother of ALL Posts

Ok - I finally found the cord to my camera and downloaded the pictures. These are pictures from the beginning of September. So, sit back, relax and here we go!

These pictures are of Alex dancing.






Here's a video of his dancing. He has quite the moves - and he can multi-task - dance and eat lunch. :)

A couple weekends ago, we took Alex to a local farm for their pumpkin patch. Alex hated most of it except for the hay ride.





This is the only picture we got of him with the pumpkins. He would not let me take any more pictures.


We tried to get him to go to the little pond to look at the fish, but then we got "attacked" by these ducks. They were so cute - but, of course, Alex was scared of them. :)


That night our volunteer fire department had a hayride and chili dinner to raise money for our local children's charity. Alex LOVED it. He had so much fun.
(and I'm sure you can guess that I'm talking in these next pictures - not sure what I was talking about!!)


Family picture soon after we took off.


Guatoberfest!!



What can I say that hasn't already been said? What an amazing weekend. Thanks so much to Julie, Kerry and Megan for all of their hard work.



Alex and I got up on Thursday and made the 12 hour car drive there. He did really good. He took a nap, read his books, listened to his "songs" and watched his "movies."



Then on Friday, we met up with Kerry, Megan and Holly to help get things organized. I was a very bad mommy and pushed Alex a little too much. We didn't get back up to the room until about 3:00. We had to be back downstairs at 5:00 to work registration. Needless to say, Alex didn't want to nap at first. So, he laid on my bed and colored.




So, guess when he did finally fall asleep? 4:20!! Yikes!! I picked him up at 5:00 and carried him downstairs. He sleep on my shoulder for another 30 minutes or so. But, when he woke up he was a BEAR. He didn't want to go into the room with everyone else. So, we were back up in our hotel room before the event even started. I was so upset. It was the one time that everyone was together and I really missed talking to everyone. I know that there were people there that I didn't get a chance to meet.



Here is the devil, I mean, angel baby taking his nap in the big bed.



Here was the amazing view from our hotel room. I should have taken pictures on a nicer day, but I think you get the idea.








Saturday was the aquarium. You will see that this is the only picture I got. Why, you may ask, because Alex FREAKED OUT inside. He was scared of everything. He was shaking so bad, I just couldn't put him through it anymore. All he wanted to do was go back to the hotel. By this time, I was so upset. I actually considered just packing up and heading home. It just didn't seem worth it - for him or me.
As Alex and I were leaving the aquarium - the most amazing thing happened. First, let me back up. Many of you who read my blog also read Julia's blog. You know that her beloved Daddy went to be with Jesus just a few days before Guatoberfest. Her family still came. I was surprised that they did. I think that Julia felt that she had an obligation to us - to Kerry and Megan - and probably to her Daddy. I don't know how she did it.
So, Julia was standing outside of the aquarium letting people know what was going on as they arrived. She saw us and asked me what we were doing. When I told her that we were just heading back, she asked to pray for us. This amazing woman put her hands on Alex and I and prayed for us - for him - and I lost it. Her prayer was so amazing and it made me cry. I was crying for her - for her loss - for her compassion for Alex and I - for the wish that Jay was with me to help - and because I was mad at myself for getting so frustrated.
So, Julia asked me to leave Alex with her. That she would keep him outside so I could go in and enjoy myself and maybe he would be willing to go back in for lunch. How could I let her do this? Someone who I should be helping??? She insisted - and for those of you who have met Julia - you just don't say no to her. :)
So, I went back in and just watched all of these amazing kids and their families. Can I just tell you how wonderful that was??? And, Alex calmed down and Julia got him excited about going in to eat chicken!! We ended up having a great lunch with Kerry, Cameron, Megan and McKenzie.
After a nice nap, Alex and I headed to Barefoot Landing. At first I was a little concerned. I hadn't made arrangements to meet anybody there, so I wasn't sure what would happen.
But, I'm not sure why I was worried. I met up with Alleen, Ferdy, and Gabriella. Alex and Miss G had fun last year together and this year was no different.






You have to go to to Alleen's G'fest post to see the cutest picture of Alex and Miss G.



This cutie is Miss Maya. She and Miss G are just two peas in a pod.



After Barefoot Landing we all just took over the lobby. Oh my there were lots of us and lots of kids. This was so funny. Julia's son Mac had one of those laser pointer things and he was pointing it on the floor and the kids were crawling around trying to chase it.



Here's a self portrait of me with Miss G. Is she not the cutest thing in the whole world?

On Sunday, I had the honor of speaking about COTA and my fostering experience. I think it went ok. I was a little distracted by all the kids running around - and Alex who wanted me to hold him - but I think I did ok. Sunday ended up being a beautiful day, so Alex and I got our suits on and went out to the beach and the pool. He had a great time. We didn't make it to the outlets that afternoon as Alex was napping.
We hung out in the room after the evening send off. The kids got to take a ride on the luggage cart and loved it.










And the beautiful Abby Grace. Oh my gosh - this little peanut is just precious - full of spunk - and I think is going to keep her mama and dada very young. :)

It really was an amazing time. Of course I didn't take as many pictures as I wanted, but it's so hard to do that with a 2 year old by yourself. It was great to meet so many more blogger friends, facebook friends, and a.com friends. It was also great to see people again this year that were at G'fest last year. I especially liked spending time with Holly, Gmom, Gia and Nino.
This weekend, my parents were in the area staying at a local lake. We took Alex out for his first boat ride and he loved it - which is good - since my dad just bought a deck boat!!



It was a beautiful fall day to be out on the lake.









My Secret Blog Pal ROCKS!!!!! Much to my surprise, when Alex and I got back to the room on Friday (at G'fest), I found a huge gift bag full of stuff from my SBP. So, either my SBP was at G'fest, or knew someone who was going. We got tons of clothes for Alex (and mostly pants which is EXACTLY what he needs), some wonderful pampering things for me, and some snacks (which I don't have pictures of since Alex and I hit those during G'fest)
Thank you SBP!!!!!!




A couple more things (if any of you are still reading). Today is Jay's 38th birthday - 38!!! I'm married to an almost 40 year old!!! :)
And the best news yet. This morning we went to give Alex a bath. As I was getting him out of his pjs' he said, "I go potty, mommy." I said, "Do you want to go pee-pee on the potty?" And he said yes!!! (lately he has protested big time) So, I sat him on the potty and he tried to go. He didnt' - but I was just happy that he was trying again. So, I put him in the bathtub. All of the sudden he said, "I have to go poopy, mommy!" So, out of the tub we went, onto the potty, and he peed!!!!!!!!!!!!! I've never been so happy!!! I got excited, Jay got excited, we got him M&Ms, and we called Nanny and Papa. Now, that has been it for today, but I'm seeing some progress.
I hope to be back to regular blogging now - with pictures and everything.

13 comments:

Donna said...

Wow! That was an awesome post! So sorry the beginning of g-fest was so rough for you guys. What an amazing story of prayer with Julia - I LOVE those.

And Mr. A is quite the little dancer!

Sarah said...

Kim... you are amazing. Such a good mom to be so in tune with your sweet boy. I am sorry that Guatoberfest turned out to be a little overwhelming for Alex... but the prayers that Julia said must have been worked... he was such an adorable and helpful little guy! And your COTA presentation was amazing... my friend, Gina, was in tears beside me - you moved alot of people with your video and presentation. Thank you so much!

LOVE all the pictures and love that Alex made you so happy today withhis potty attempt! Way to go, Alex!!

Lori and Robby said...

I loved catching up with you on this post! Of course I wish I could have been right there with you at G-Fest, but maybe next year...

And let me just say, Alex and Miss G are an adorable couple!!!

Mandy said...

Wow, what great pictures. Sounds like a lot of fun (and a little not so fun) things have been going on. So glad to see new pics!

Vanessa said...

You got some great pictures and I look forward to seeing more of that handsome little man!

Soltana said...

You go miss thang with your post!! It was a great one! So glad to see you guys had such a good time.

Happy Birthday to Jay!!!

Good Job ALEX for going potty!!! WOOOOO HOOOO

nikki said...

Great post!!!
I really admire you for taking Alex to Gfest by yourself. Vinay couldn't go this year, and I was too nervous to travel with Liv alone. Sounds like you did an awesome job, and had an awesome time. I would love to someday finally meet you. hopefully at next years gfest.

PS love love love Alex dancing!!!

Kelly said...

WOW! You guys have been busy. Thanks for sharing it all with us! Glad to have you back.

Anonymous said...

AWwwww i loved all your pics!!!! Yea my son hated big fish when he was Alex's age so i understand what you were going through!!! Poor guy!
Im sooo glad that i finally got to meet you but i wish i had my hubby there too!!! Next year he is going so we can hang out!!!!!

LUv,Leslie

Alleen said...

Love the pics!!!!!! Gabriella is STILL talking about Alex non-stop.

You may have been distracted during your presentation, but I can assure you that you got your point across. I was in tears.

Yeah Alex for the potty. Gabriella has been asking to sit on it this past week too. So far she hasn't done anything, but she is sitting there instead of immediately wanting off. So, I hope to fill her up with water and hang out in there one day until it happens.

Happy b-day Jay!! You guys are Spring Chickens.

terri s said...

WOW! This was a great post, well worth the wait. I sooooooo wished I had met you at Gfest. I heard your presentation about DOTA, even though I already knew the whole story and all about COTA and Mayan Fams. I still loved hearing it straight from the source. There were many folks I wished I could have met at Gfest, but I tend to be a bit shy, thinking I wouldn't have too much to say, so I just watch and take it all in. That, plus watch my two little ones, 5 & 2.

I LOVED the story about Julia. (she's another one I didn't get to talk to, I met her, but wanted to respect her need for some boundaries after her Dad's death) She has always been an amazing person from what I read on her blog, but to hear about her reaching out to someone else in her time of need, just solidifies how awesome she is and how much God is so real in her life.

He's pretty real in your life too. I hope I get to really meet you at next year's Gfest, but even sooner than that!
take care,
terri in virginia

Carrie, Rich and the Kids said...

As you see I am way behind on blogs and posts because both Savannah and Rich were sick last week, just with colds and coughs, but enough to keep you up and chasing your child around with a box of tissues.

I LOVE this post and catching up on your life. Love all the photos and stories and we so hope to be at Guatoberfest next year with our complete family!

And is that DORA napping with Alex. I can spot Dora anywhere!

Carrie, Rich and the Kids said...

Oh, I am glad your SBP made a nice surprise for you.

What a good idea to bring/have it delivered at Guatoberfest!