let's review

six months already?? that's half a year.... seriously?? time sure goes faster on this side of the adoption journey compared with the dragged out waiting part...this precious boy is slowly but surely becoming all things "VanderSlagt". for better or worse. fitting right in. content and comfortable.

let's do a review....

above, our first time laying eyes on our son. july 12th, 2010....the first picture we received the day of referral. what a day it was....

november 2010.  last update photo sent by our adoption agency.  we were so close....

trip #1. October 21st, the day of court, right after being told "he's yours".  we'll never forget how cute he was in pink.  the day we got "up close" with his beautiful dimples...

trip #2. "gotcha day".  december 16th, 2010.  leaving the transition home with our son.  still, all i can say is "wow".  so blessed.  AJ isn't convinced yet....

let the fun begin.  all five siblings ready and willing to meet his every want or need.  we attempt to strike a healthy balance.  the adjustment begins.  mostly, it is divine....

Christmas holidays.  home to connect.

antics and silliness captured in still shots as bonds are forged.

brothers connected with a common thread...

black and white "cuteness"...

teeth..."AJ do"...

posing for Hannah, all "dude-ish".

too big for my lap, but still loving some warm milk at bedtime.  why not.  he didn't enjoy that basic pleasure all those months when most babies do, so we're making up for it now...hey, nice couch!!

so great to have this journey recorded...it seems as good a time as any to announce a blog break. first of all, it's officially summer here and my kids are home (survived two weeks already....a little applause please?!).  i would like to spend less time on the computer during these months together.  they need that from me too. 

i don't know what my fall plans will be, but i do know for certain this blog has caused me to grow personally.  taking the time to write my thoughts during this crazy ride of adoption has solidified my faith in a more intimate way, deepened my desire to live my intended purpose each day i'm given, and has left me in greater awe of the story that is unfolding in our family of eight.  we are grateful to those that have followed along and supported and encouraged us along the way.  i'm also soooo happy to have a permanent record of AJ's adoption as the special little details already seem to be slipping from my "data-storage-compartment".  this blog has become for us a detailed "baby book", of sorts....i only wish i had the same for the other five...hope they forgive me for that. 

to my little man AJ~ we adore you!  we walk the journey beside you in utter amazement of your little life.  can't wait to see what God has planned for you....enjoy the journey!