The Great Westie Now Rests

Such a difficult decision, but Darby has been in failing health for some time now. His lungs were failing. He struggled to breathe. He was often coughing and wheezing. He hasn't barked in months. The vet said his lungs were barely moving any air. His blood pressure was very low. He's been sleeping near constant for months now. He struggled to get outside. But he never looked sad or in pain. He had a very healthy appetite - 21 lbs. the most he's ever weighed.
He was of course our Darby. He's been with us since before we were married. He moved houses with us and continents. He loved his back yard these past 7 years. It's now where he rests.

Darby March 1996 - Sept 2010

Birthday Bug

Caleb celebrates his 5th birthday tomorrow - Sept.22. It doesn't seem possible that he should be turning 5 already. In recent weeks he has really grown up. I think he grew about 3 inches over the summer, he went from size 4's right up to a size 6. Just skipped over size 5's. He's still toothpick thin, maybe if he'll stop getting taller for a bit he will gain a few pounds. He has also started acting so much older. He's so much more aware of the world around him, getting harder to fool and tease. He is getting much more confident since starting school although he can still be a bit shy making new friends.
Bug had his first soccer practice last night. He will be playing on the city league in the 4 & 5 year old group. We went to watch and cheer him on as they went over the basics of kicking and controlling the ball. He's just so cute - well they all were! His first game will be Oct.2.
Caleb has been such a blessing in our lives. He brings so much laughter and energy into our home when he is there. He loves to spend time with us and loves us all so much. Abate and Fantu love him so much and miss him when he isn't around. They are often more like siblings then aunt/uncle & nephew. Caleb really brightens up my life. He was the inspiration that convinced Alan and I to pursue adopting Abate and Fantu. The joy, laughter, love and life he brought to us, convinced us that we wanted children in the home all the time. That all the years of thinking about adoption - well it was finally time to act. Thank you Caleb for all you have brought to us. For such a little guy - you've made quite the impact on our life.
Happy Birthday Bug, we love you!

Maybe I Need a Security Blanket

I am living a life that is often difficult, but it is full of rewards. It often has many unexpected occurrences, though I'd say overall I'm living a life I planned and hoped for. The days are busy and I'm exhausted, but yet they fly by too quickly. Laughter and joy often fills the hours,but yet the sadness often creeps in and frustrates us all. I try to live each day and be thankful for it, but I know from experience that uncertainties and difficulties can always be just ahead and it worries me.
I will see other people living what appears to be a perfect life. No worries, no sadness. Perfect kids, perfect relationships. Good health, successful careers, lovely homes and nice cars. Joy and laughter, unwavering faith. They seem to have it all. What do they see when they see me? See my family?
When people look at me do they see a confident woman, a proud wife and mother? Do they see the love I have for my family? Do they see the commitment I have to do my best for them? Do they hear the laughter? The learning? Do they notice the quiet times, the evening meals or prayers? Or do they see the insecurities that I have that I'll fail my family. Do they see how tired I am at the end of the day. Do they sense the concern I have for my families safety and health. Do they see the sadness we all have for the losses we have suffered. Do they see when I anger and yell? What about when I'm frustrated? Do they sense the worry I have for tomorrow, next week, next month or next year? Do people see my determination?
I often hear the comment that "Abate and Fantu are so lucky to have you". Do Abate and Fantu feel that way. Will they feel that way as the years pass? Should they ever feel that way? Are they lucky children? Were they lucky that their parents died when they were young? Were they lucky that their only living relatives - an Aunt and Uncle took them in, yet then also died? Were they lucky to live for nearly 4 years in an orphanage? Were they lucky to be taken from their culture and country by strangers and expected to love and thrive in this new environment? This new family? Alan and I are the lucky ones. We have the opportunity now to share our lives with these two terrific kids. We get to be the ones that will give them opportunities to be the best that they can be. We get to love them. We can hope that they will love us. That they will take advantage of the opportunities that we give them. That they will see us as their parents just not today, but for the rest of their lives.

14! Already? Really?

Today was Abate's 14th birthday. How did this happen so quickly? I suppose theres not anything I can do to slow it down. We are quickly adjusting to having 2 Jr High schoolers in the house and the busy lives that they bring. I am often numb by the time I fall in to bed. Tonight will be one of those nights. We took a 14 yr old, 2- 13 yr olds. a 12 yr old, a 11 year old and Bug to play Lazer Tag, eat Pizza then shopping at Academy (Sporting Goods)this afternoon. That was an experience. Then back to the house with them, where they played for a few hours and then had cake. All is quiet now, and I hope everyone is ready for bed early tonight.
Here's a short video of today's events.

Summer 2010

Just words...

Apologies, but I've still not had the chance to work on the summer video and I just haven't had the camera out much lately. It has been a crazy 3 weeks since school started. We are up at 6 and I'm dropping kids off for Cross Country practice before 7am. Abate has Football practice after school and we usually aren't home until 5:30. I was looking forward to having a bit of quiet time on Wednesdays and Fridays but they have been taken up with taking Abate to the Doctors or Orthodontist. He got his braces on his bottom teeth last Wednesday - full metal mouth now!
We were looking forward to a nice long Labor Day weekend, maybe a trip to Austin, but I came down with a horrible cold (or really bad allergies) and spent the whole 3 days in bed. Not what I had planned. This weekend we will be celebrating Abate's 14th birthday. 14!!! Yikes!!! We have Caleb's birthday coming up on the 22nd - he'll be 5! My baby boy - 5?
Yesterday when I went to drop him off at pre-K he didn't want to go. He cried all the way there, I had to carry him in and then pry his arms away. I was crying by the time I got back out to the car. He's growing up so fast.
Fantu is loving Jr. High. She is really blossoming there. She has grown up so fast. I am amazed every time I look at her. Where did that shy little girl disappear to? She's so confident and mature now. I'm surprised the boys aren't having to be chased away. If I know Abate though he probably has them all too scared to go near her. I asked him why doesn't he have a girlfriend yet? He said loads of girls like him - he just doesn't have time with running, football and soccer. Yea he's still more interested in the curves of a ball then those on a girl! He is so busy, he really doesn't need the stress of girls complicating things.
Abate's last blood test were all really good. His counts were all in normal ranges. He returns to the Infectious disease doctor on the 17th and will have the blood work repeated. He goes to the Orthopedist on Oct.1 and will have x-rays. By then he will have completed his course of antibiotics and we should hopefully get an all-clear! He has been brilliant about taking his pills and even remembers when I forget. It's nice to look at this massive bottle of pills and see the volume decrease as each day passes. 280 pills to start and we are over half way finished now!
Well hopefully next week I'll get some pictures or video or something more than just words.