A New Niece

Emma Elizabeth was born this morning around 8:40ish am. She was 8 lbs. 12 oz. and 21 in. long. Her middle name is after me, so I share a middle name with my niece. Isn't that cool! She is just precious. She looks a lot like her brother and sisters but she has more hair.
Isn't Ashley cute trying to get near her baby sister? Ashley is my little sweet baby girl. It will be interesting to see what type of personality Emma will have. I'll try to upload my pictures tomorrow. I tried to get one of the four girl cousins together (the ones that live nearby, because there are almost three more in another state). Man I wish my little brother and his family lived nearby.

Matthew is so Cool

Sometimes you really wonder what all your kids are learning. Are they really listening to everything that you are trying to teach them? Well obviously Matthew is learning some of what we are trying to teach him. His class is having a multicultural day at school tomorrow. So his teacher sent home some worksheets to fill out the stars and make a poster about his family's culture. So we filled one about languages we speak (i.e. none other than the fact that Michael speaks Kreyol-but he's not home yet), what traditions we have, what holidays we celebrate, and then some blank. So when we had one blank one left, I asked Matthew what the most important thing about our family is. Without hesitation, Matthew replied "that we pray." How awesome is that. My almost 6 year old thinks that our family praying is the most important thing about our family. How awesome that he is taking that testimony before his kindergarten class tomorrow. Praise God for His unfailing love.

We have an artist in the family

We just got a notice today that out of Matthew's whole elementary school they chose 50 students to display artwork in the district's art show. Matthew was one of those kids. He is going to have a butterfly picture in the art show next Wednesday. I am so proud of him. Maybe I can scan in his picture after the show. I haven't seen it yet, so I can't wait to go. Praise God for his many gifts to each of us. I can't draw a straight line, so Matthew definitely is more talented than me in art.

Kid Pics

Here is Matthew at his school assembly when he was named student of the month (February 2008). Notice the look he is giving his "girlfriend" as she comes up next to him because she was also student of the month.










This is a picture my dad took of Alisha. He did some type of enhancement on it. Aren't her eyes beautiful?
















This is Kevin sitting in the high chair at my parents house. He is 5.5 months old now. It truly is amazing how quickly they change during the first year or so. He definately has my family's red cheeks.

Gwyneth Update

You have to check out the picture of Baby Gwyneth on Nate's blog. She is breathing completely on her own. You can see her beautiful little face. Praise God for His love and care for this precious child. Please continue to pray for her to grow strong and for her mommy to get a new set of lungs.

Adoption Update

I received some clarification from the orphanage director on our son's file. This is what she had to say: " What it means is that you are past needing a lawyer to do anything. After we talked, the next day your file was moved from Parquet to MOI, then was taken to the director by the man you paid to expedite it, then it was supposed to be transferred from MOI into the Passport office on Fri. Will find out this week if that happened. I know that all of these steps are confusing, but this is really very good news for you! You are finished with Parquet and MOI according to the reports that we got, and now you will be waiting for Immigration to prepare your passport. YEA!!! Will keep you posted as I learn more..."

Welcome Joel Douglas Makaio Vegter

My good friend, Alisha, gave birth to her first baby this week. Joel Douglas Makaio was born on Wednesday, March 5th. He was an awesome blessing and miracle from God. Thank you Lord for bringing Joel into this world. You can check out her blog. It is listed in blogs I read (Vegter News). Congratulations Jeremy & Alisha on the birth of your son.