The boys with Nonna & grandpa

Here are pictures of the boys with Nonna (trust me it takes a lot of talent to hold both the boys and have them look at the camera). You can really tell the difference in size between Nikolas and Casey- and they are only a month apart!



Grandpa & Nonna took the boys and Jack for a walk early Saturday morning. I didn't pack any jackets or long sleeve things and it was chilly out that morning- so the boys are wearing Uncle Thomas' baby clothes...cute huh? Doesn't grandpa look proud :)

The Party...

Tasha & I ...I love this picture!! Tasha was my Maid of Honor and it had been a while since I had seen her. The party was at her house!














Andrew, Christi, Chris & Kelly. Andrew & Christi are good friends, we met them about 5 years ago when Eric was playing soccer with the Ballers, we went to their wedding, and they now have a beautiful little boy. Eric and I went to school with Chris, I actually knew him before Eric and before Eric knew him, we have been friends now for about 15 years (that sounds so long). He just got married to Kelly...she is such a sweetheart and has been a great friend. When we met 6 years ago we hit it off really well, she was at my wedding shower & has been here every step of our adoption process. They are great friends!

We had so much fun last night !!!

My friends Tasha & Shika threw Eric and I a party to celebrate us adopting Nikolas. There was a huge turn out and we saw so many people we hadn't seen for a long time. We have such great friends, it was a much needed evening. We were given presents as well (very unexpected!), THANKS EVERYONE!!!! Amy got my hair dyed for Mothers Day and my birthday present and then my mom bought me the cute outfit for my birthday (thanks mom...see what the gift card bought!). The boys stayed with Nonna and grandpa, overnight for the first time. They had a lot of fun and did really well.

Here is a picture of Shika, me, Amy & Tasha- we even had It's a boy banners and blue balloons.

This week will be busy...

Last night Eric and I finished our home-study review, we needed to get an update on our homestudy for Nikolas to make the adoption complete. Right now we are just waiting for a finalization date. Nikolas' caseworker came by today to visit with Nik for the last time before the case is placed with the CPS Adoption department. I am sure I will be working with her in the near future if we end up getting a call about Nik's sibling. She told us that the mother was caught and brought back into foster care, she has a prenatal DR appointment scheduled and we are really hoping that this time she doesn't run away before the appointment. If she doesn't the caseworker will update me on the visit and let us know the sex and how far along the pregnancy is.

I spoke to Caseys caseworker yesterday and found out some interesting news, it turns out that his bio-dad expressed to the judge at the last trial, that he isn't ready to leave his sober house in fear that he may relapse. So...since that is the last step of the plan on him getting Casey back (getting stable housing and staying sober)...who knows what will happen. Chances are they will extend it, however there is one thing I know for sure in CPS- you never know what will happen, anything can happen and the judge has the final say. The judge may decide that even 6 more months isn't enough for him to proove himself and go ahead and terminate his rights, no one will know till the time comes. The final hearing is July 14th, 4 days after Casey's first birthday.

Today I took Casey to a consultation with the urologist to discuss circumcision, he may not be circumcisible so we are waiting to find this out. Nik however is set for his surgery tomorrow morning. Candy is here helping out and will be watching Casey for us tomorrow while I am at the hospital with Nikolas. The DR says he should be fine and other than being sore it is a pretty low key surgery (I am hoping he is right and not just trying to comfort me).

Thursday Amy, my best friend is coming in and spoiling me, I can't wait to see her ! She is getting my hair done (cut, dye and highlights) for my birthday and Mothers day...I can't wait. I haven't been pampered like that for a long time ( I use the crummy box dyes). Then, my mom(in Cali) gave me some money that I am going to use to buy me a cute outfit for the party on Friday!!

Tasha (my maid of honor) and Shika (my bridesmaid)are throwing Eric and I a celebration party for Nikolas. I am so excited and supposedly there are a lot of people coming that we haven't seen for quite a while. She even asked where we registered...it is so exciting, I can't wait !! My mom (Nonna)and dad are watching the boys this Friday overnight for the first time, I think they will have a lot of fun with them, and it will be great to know that we don't have to wake up early with the babies the next day- we aren't 21 anymore so we may have slight headaches :(

Hopefully everyone is doing well. Thanks so much for the cards and presents for Nikolas...y'all are the best :)

Love,
Rebecca

Scott enjoying his freedom

Scott enjoying the things in life he has been without for the past 6 weeks...

Casey on the Riverwalk...

Mom just sent some more pictures- Here we are eating icecream- Casey LOVED it !!! He got to taste everyones cones :) Casey crashed out afterwards, they both did so good !

Jaden update

Jaden (aka) Torie is doing great ! She loves playing with her siblings and is still a girly girl. She is turning in to quite a beautiful little lady. Her hair is getting blonder and curlier on the bottom, she is a doll. She is enjoying playing in the garden with her siblings, she loves to get her hands dirty (she used to help Eric when she was here).

Jordan update...

Jordan is growing up so much, his hair is getting long and his eyes are still as beautiful and deep as ever. He is getting circumcised tomorrow (the same day as Nikolas). He is still doing his hands & feet and continues to bang his head and moan at night-however he continues to develop and do new things daily :)

I sure miss the little man...it is hard to believe that he is already over 1 1/2 years !!

The Goodbye...

This is where we said bye to Scott (what better place than IHOP). We probably won't see him till Christmas time, but hopefully I can pester him over email all the time and it will be like he isn't even gone :) I sure will miss him, but I will say it one more time...I am very proud of him and what he has decided to do and what he has accomplished. It takes a big person to enter into boot camp...and an even bigger person to get through it (and with honors). So, in the meantime we will think of him every day, everytime Eric uses his Air Force camo coffee cup, when we go to the fridge and see the "My brothers in the Air Force magnet" & when we wear our shirts (Nik's is adorable and says "My uncle is in the Air Force". Congratualations Scooter...you are a man, and we love you !!

Scott Honor Flight...

Here is Scott's Honor Flight, it is a huge deal...and we are very proud of him (how many times have I said that now).


Here is Scott and his TI holding the trophy & plaque.

Scott's Dorm

Here is Scott in his dorm. We got to have a brief tour. Everything was very neat and orderly, not much decoration or personality but I think that was the point. Brian, Scott and I stood in front of his dorm building, the 320th squadron (look how straight he is standing, I couldn't do that if I tried).

More Airman Morris pictures...

Scott is in the 4th row in the middle (this was the Pass and Review part of the Graduation).






These are the planes that passed over when after they did their oath...for some reason this is the part that made me cry, it just seemed so real ! I thought the planes only flew above in the movies.

Our Visit to Lackland Air Force Base

Here we are after the graduation...doesn't he look proud :) then we got on the bus after Scott's graduation. Brian surprised him and drove him the night before to see him graduate. It was great because Scott's recruiter made a special troop to see him graduate.

Casey & daddy at the hotel !

Casey is getting so BIG. He is letting go for longer periods of time and likes to just stand there. He then lets go and falls right on his bottom (good thing it is padded)

Airman Morris !

It has been a busy past several days (and emotional). I went to San Antonio on Thursday with my parents to visit with Scott before he goes to Monterrey, California for Tech training (he leaves tomorrow). We got to see him first thing on Thursday at the Airmens run, he was so funny- we almost missed him but it was hard to miss someone with their tongue out- he stuck it out at us when he saw it (it was reassuring to know that he is still the old Scott too). Later that afternoon we got to visit with him on base, it was great to finally be able to hug him (although in uniform he can only hug for 5 seconds). On Friday we saw him graduate- it was very emotional. They all march the same and look the same and they even had planes fly over, it was very "real". He is so grown up. He walks tall and is glad that he has gotten to experience boot camp (I think as much as he is glad it is over). On Saturday the boys came up with Eric, we spent some time with Nonna, Brian and Scott walking on the Riverwalk in downtown San Antonio. We ended up staying there for the night with the boys (thanks dad for helping us get the hotel). Today we ate breakfast with everyone (dad and Thomas came in town too). It was a nice breakfast. It is hard to think though that it will be a long time before we see him. I am proud of him, but I will miss him :) These are the only pictures I have of the trip (there will be more to come). He looks so sharp in his uniform (you can see his tan line on his head from his hat on one of them). When we first saw him it was a little weird, the have this mad look that is constantly on their faces, it was great to get some pictures of him smiling. He also Likes to run (crazy huh). He is in excellent shape. His flight got Honor Flight...it allowed them to get off of base on Sunday as well as Saturday, it was a huge privelage and accomplishment. He will be heading to tech school for about 18 months. He scored incredibly high on the tests and is getting a security clearance with the government and will be doing Korean translation/ top secret stuff (very cool!).

Well I hope everyone had a great weekend. I will be updating the website soon !! This week will be a little crazy, tomorrow we have our adoption homestudy review. Tuesday we have Dr appointments and Wednesday Nikolas is getting circumcised. Friday we are going to the party that Tasha and Shika are throwing us to celebrate Nikolas, I can't wait :)

Peek-a-Boo Brian

I swear he is in college (hehe)

Nikolas is crawling & pulling up !!!

I can't believe it, I leave for a couple days and Nikolas starts to crawl on all fours and trying to (and succeeding most times) to pull up on things (the lower things). He is very proud of himself!!

Happy Easter Y'all !

I hope everyone has had a great Easter day! It was the boys first Easter today and although they could care less I enjoyed giving them their little Easter baskets, Eric even got one :) We went to my parents house for HAM (MMMM), it was very good. Brian, my dad and Eric went golfing and my mom, Thomas and I stayed home with the babies. The boys had a lot of fun playing with everyone, and liked their Easter presents from grandpa & Nonna. We were only missing Scott...but I am very happy that we get to see him in a few days at his Air Force Graduation. I can't wait to hug him, I am so proud of him!! We are leaving on Wednesday for San Antonio and my mom,dad and I are staying in a hotel (with a pool and spa), then Brian and Eric are bringing the boys up on Saturday, it should be a lot of fun.

We watched an old video of Eric's 18th birthday that my parents filmed, it was crazy...we are so old. Thomas was little...I think 6. He wouldn't stop talking, he is very much like me, but worse I think at that age. It was hillarious!! It is weird to see Eric and I about 12 years ago. I look the same, but Eric looks a little younger.

Anyways...Happy Easter everyone!

Dave & Busters...

We had a great time at D&B. I stunk at Golden Tee though, and I am usually pretty good. Candice and I spent a lot of time getting tickets, I love doing that- it is the kid in me !

Here are a couple pics of all of us :)

What a week !!

This week brought a lot of news ! Casey had a hearing on Friday. The judge was impressed on how much the bio-dad has done. The goal is still re-unification as well as adoptiong, so it can go either direction...however it is definitely heading the direction of his dad. They are planning on extending for sure after his first birthday...so he will possibly be here up till another 9 months. His father has a girlfriend, which makes me feel a little better to have a female influence, but at the same time she is the one that will be replacing me as his mommy- if he ends up with his dad. The relatives were holding off on trying to get Casey to live with them, till his dad gets him back, they wanted to make sure that he really could stay sober and prove he can take care of Casey. However, now they are talking about either his step-mom or mom to try to do a home-study so Casey would go with them soon, and then to his dad later when he gets custody. As much as it hurts to think of him gone sooner than later, it would be the best scenario for him...if he is really going back, he needs to be with the people he is going to grow up, bonding with us any longer doesn't do him any good. The relatives were unable to pass a homestudy last time for his sister, but supposedly the situation has changed and they think they can now. So, we just have to wait and find out if they are going to try to pass another homestudy. I have asked to get a visit with Casey and his 3 sisters, I am hoping to get pictures so that I can send them with him (if he goes), and he can have that one connection to them. I also have approval to get him circumcised (poor baby), but it is better now than never- or when he is almost 2 years old. We haven't given up on Casey- but we have accepted that the possiblity is likely. It won't hurt any less, but like last time we won't spend all our time with him focusing on fighting to keep him if it won't happen anyways. But...there is still a chance, so we haven't given up hope, and we won't anytime soon!He will always be our baby, and in my heart no matter how much things look bad for us- I can't see him not here everyday.

We found out that Christy (Nik's bio-mom), has run away again. They had a prenatal DR visit set up and a drug test- but she was dropped off at school and wasn't there when they went to pick her up- it is very sad because she has not had any prenatal care. Hopefully when she is giving birth CPS will be notified, since she is on Run-a-Way status. We won't know till then, and there is the possibility that she won't be caught up with. She still claims she doesn't know who the dad is, she thinks he may be a gangster- she doesn't know his name, just his gang name. Or, it could be the other father...but he is still in jail still...so who knows. These poor babies come with such crazy stories, it is nice to know that we have and are giving them a sense of normalcy.

We had a great time while my sister and mom were here. It was hard to say goodbye...but I am hoping I win the lottery and can soon go and visit them :) I would love for my family in California to be able to meet the boys ! Next week will be so busy. Grandma Candy is watching the boys for a few days while I go with my mom and dad to see Scott graduate from the Air Force, I can't wait to see him and give him a huge hug. On Saturday Eric and Brian are bringing the boys up to see him as well. On the 26th Nikolas is getting circumcised, then sometime in May Casey is...they will be completely put under (I hate it!), but at least it will be over and done with. Then on the 28th we are going to Tasha & Brians for a Celebration for Nikolas, I am SO excited. There will be a lot of people there that we haven't seen for a long time. My parents are going to watch the boys for the first time, they will have a lot of fun.

Well bye for now...hope everyone has a wonderful Easter. We are going to take the boys to play with Nonna, grandpa, Uncle Thomas and Brian tomorrow. I got them each a little Easter basket and a few little things, they won't know the difference- but I will !

Daddy & his boys!

The boys love their "daddy time". Nikolas says "da-da", but hasn't associated it yet to Eric- that will happen soon.

The bibs that Great Grandma Lange made...

Great Grandma made bibs for the boys...they are adorable. I am a little nervous to use them because I don't want them ruined, and I want to be able to keep them forever ! Boys will be boys...and these boys are MESSY ! Here they are showing them off ! Nikolas loved "Nemo" on his !

Grandma & the boys

Grandma Larson had a great time visiting the boys, they loved her and enjoyed the extra attention (and toys!).

The Doggy they rode ;)

They rode on an icecream truck that moved and made sounds and this doggy. Everyone got a turn !

Casey driving the car at Toys R Us

He LOVED driving the car (while we pushed it). He liked to drive with both steering wheels. Nikolas was a little too small to do it yet, but it won't be long.

Nikolas playing at Toys R Us

We took the boys to play at Toys R Us, they have a free area for babies to play in. They had a lot of fun. The ball wasn't free...and either were all the toys grandma bought them. You can say they were a little spoiled that trip !

Casey stands for the FIRST time !!!

He actually stood here for a bit, and we were lucky enough to catch it on film (good job Aunt Candice).

Mommy & her BIG boy !

We just took Casey to the DR and he weighs 26 pounds, he weighs more than 1/4 of me, but I think he just has more to love !!

Candice & I...

Here's my baby sister and I all dressed up for Dave & Busters. I can't believe she is all grown up!

Angels Walk Among Us... a poem for Nikolas

Angels walk among us
this we know is true
We met the angel of our dreams
the day we first met you

Years and Years of waiting
for our miracle to come
We knew it was worth the wait
the day we met our son

From the very first moment
it was clear to see
you were the child of our dreams
it was meant to be

You had quite a journey to make
a trip that led you here
into our open arms you came
where we will always hold you near

Love,
your mommy 4/2/06

A Fun week...

We have been having a lot of fun, it is great to have my mom and sister here...besides the 2 extra pairs of hands, I love showing off my boys !! Casey & Nikolas had to go to the DR today. They both are teething pretty bad, and have Upper Respiratory Infections. Nikolas has a fever and viral symptoms so we have to keep them medicated and keep an eye on fevers. It stinks they had to get sick while they are here...but at the same time, it is easier on me than if they weren't here, I am really appreciating the help. The nights are great as well...laughing and watching movies with my mom and sister isn't something I get to do often and I will miss it when they are gone. I am hoping to get to Cali soon...I can't wait to introduce the boys to grandma and grandpa and the rest of the family. Grandma is having a great time spoiling the boys...she bought them several toys the past few days...not that they needed many more toys, however they love them and did need some more "advanced toys". Casey is scooting still more and more and Casey is just letting go and has NO fear at all. It makes them a little nervous when he just lets go, it took me a while to be able to let them go with out diving across the room to make sure they don't fall. My grandma Lange made them the cutest bibs-I will take a picture of them wearing them and post it, I am not sure I will let them eat in them, I don't want them ruined they are too adorable :)

We got an update today on Nik's bio-mother. She has already ran away from foster care. The caseworker said that she will probably not be found till she is in the hospital and giving birth. It is very sad because she will probably not get herself any prenatal care and who knows what kinds of drugs she will and has been doing. So, we may still get a call in a couple months to take in his sibling...that is as long as when she gives birth they call CPS (which they should since she is a registered run-a-way).

I sent out all the announcements now so if you haven't gotten one yet...it should be there soon. I included a poem that I wrote for Nikolas. I will include it above. Take Care everyone !!!

Aunt Candice & the boys !

I love this picture ! Aunt Candice has loved hanging out with her nephews. They love her too. It has been a lot of fun. Here they are wearing their new shirts that grandma Larson got them...they are both race shirts (of course), they look adorable in them.

Nikolas & Casey in the toy box- and loving it !

I put Casey in the toy box to keep him contained for a little bit...it actually worked. Nikolas joined him, and they both thought it was the neatest thing. They have so many toys that light up and make music everytime they loved something would go off :)

The best out of all the ones we took...

It was definitely hard to get everyone to look at the camera, we never truely accomplished it in one picture...but this was one of the better ones. Here I am with Candice, Casey, grandma and Nikolas- this was the first day they arrived in Austin.

Happy April :)

The boys have been keeping me busy, as usual !

Casey is letting go (and falling), a lot more now. Today he fell flat on his face on the hardwood floor and it looks like his eye is going to bruise, then minutes later he scratched the other side of his cheek while crawling under the kitchen table! I think it bothers me more than him...he is fearless so I guess I need to get used to him getting hurt. I still think it will be only weeks before he is walking, he wants to so bad and is so close ! He finally got all three teeth through on the top and just when I thought the fussiness would be over with a 4th upper tooth started coming through...poor baby !!

Nikolas is scooting everywhere and even getting up on all fours and trying to really crawl, he will be doing that soon. He has started playing the drum, it is absolutely adorable. Aunt Candice gave it to Jordan, and Jordan used it to learn to sit up- Nikolas is doing the same. He sits there for a very long time banging on it and laughing and not even realizing he is sitting there all by himself ! He is getting so big !

Happy Anniversary to grandma and grandpa Lange...I meant to call the other night but I fell asleep early !Only 4 more days till my mom and sister Candice come to visit, I can't wait to introduce Candi to the boys and mom to Nikolas :)