One year with Rebecca

      As I sit here preparing to write this entry, I can not help but think back to last year at this time.  We were both so nervous and excited about the adventure that lay ahead of us.  What an adventure it has been. On August 13 we will celebrate our Family Day.  That is the day that we held a crying, hot, angry-at-the-world little girl.  How far we have come.  She still cries, mostly at night time, and when she is told she can't do something that she really wants to do.  She likes the hot weather:-)  And she is rarely angry (unless she is told she can't do something!)  It would be an understatement to say how much we have grown to love that little girl that was placed in our arms.

     In the category of deep thoughts:  This past year with Rebecca has taught us an incredible amount about our relationship with God.  We have been adopted into His family, and just like Rebecca, we fight against our heavenly father.  He wants us to climb into his arms and we struggle to get away.  He wants us to call him ABBA, Father, and we don't know Him as that.  We run away, often screaming and crying, not understanding that He wants to protect us and care for us and give us what we need.  Eventually we learn these things, but there are times that we forget....May we never forget that He loves us and has adopted us to be fellow heirs with his son Jesus Christ!

Ephesians 1:3-10
³ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, ⁴ even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love ⁵ he predestined us^[b] for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, ⁶ to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. ⁷ In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, ⁸ which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight ⁹ making known^[c] to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ ¹⁰ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.

We made two Videos of our first year as a family.  The first is 22 minutes long.  But, I can't figure out how to post it.
 (when I do, I will:-)

 

 

The second is a shorter version (with many of the same picture from the longer version!)

 

 The best part of watching this video is listening to Rebecca's commentary about it.  She remembers many of the things we have done throughout the year, and her comments are always the same.  She is growing up so fast.  We are amazed at what she can do and are working on other things with her (she skips the number 7 when she counts:-)  She loves being outside, although the mosquitos also love it when she is outside.....She loves to swim, dance, run, play with a ball, and is learning how to get dirty in the Sandbox!  She loves the park because she gets to swing and slide.  She loves going to the Children's Museum...and we have invited friends to meet us there...

 

We love parenting Rebecca.  She is a joy and blesses us every day (sometimes she blesses us for hours at a time in the middle of the night, too)

 

We are now getting ready for my big transition back to teaching at WCS.  We are so thankful that my mom is coming to stay with Rebecca. We have already left her with Grandma, and it has gone very well.   It will be a huge transition for both of us.  I am also thankful that I was able to take a year off of school to spend time with Rebecca.  It has been an amazing year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

8 month interview with Rebecca.

  This past weekend marked 8 months with Rebecca.  Rebecca suggested that we do an interview with her--to let you know what she thinks about life as a Cowchok.  She got the idea from her good friend Isaac.  Isaac lives with his mommy in Washington State and came home the same time she did.

Rebecca, what are your favorite songs?

I love to sing.  Especially when we go to the library.  The nice lady there taught me a song about a bus.  The wheels go round and round, the horn goes beep, beep beep, and the wipers go swish swish swish.  I am very demanding and I make Mama and Dada sing the song.... a lot.    it makes me laugh.  I also like to sing Hallelu---I don't have the "ia" part down yet, but I am working on it.  My other two favorite songs are Yes, Jesus Loves Me (I used to have a lamb that played that song, but it is kaputt (as mama says)  and This little light of mine.  My favorite part of that song is when we "hide it under a bushel"  I like the NO part!  I like to sing loud at church, and I also am getting pretty good at the ABC song.

Now that it is getting warm outside, what do you like to do?

I love to play with the ball in the backyard.  Usually Dada comes and plays with me.  I like to make him run (He does not need to go to the gym with me as his personal trainer)  Mama takes me to the park and I get to swing and go on the slides.  I like to climb, and I also run there.  Mama and Dada always have to chase me when we go outside to get in the car.  I also like it when me legs are showing (mama call my pants shorts)  I think it is very funny. I also like to smell the flowers outside.

What do you like to do on rainy days?

Mama takes me to the Delaware Children's museum--there are all kinds of things to do there.  It is filled with toys, and there is water to play with.  Have I mentioned lately that I like water.  We also spend time each day reading books.  I read my Bible while Mama reads her Bible.  I like to read.  I got a new book from Grandma deWolde about using the Potty.  I am not sure about that yet, Mama keeps talking about it, but it looks hard.

What are your favorite foods?

I like to eat omelets for breakfast--especially if Mama lets me help her stir them and then push the microwave button (thank you Aunt Sandy and Tupperware!!) I also like toast with strawberry jam.  For lunch I eat chicken nuggets (grilled, not breaded) I like carrots and salad with lots of "dip"  I try to eat what Mama makes for dinner, but sometimes I don't like that...when I am not eating enough, Mama and Dada get Chicken and Broccoli from the Chinese Restaurant because I eat a    lot of that!  I also like egg drop soup.  My favorite snacks are gummi fruit chews and I LOVE Chocolate:-)

What is your favorite sports team?

I am not too sure about this sports thing yet.  Dada is always yelling at them...I don't think they mind it though, because they never look upset after he does it.  I like to see the Philly Phanatic on TV--it is fun because I have my own Phanatic.  He must be famous.  I like to watch that game they play on the ice, too.  Mama says the orange team is best (but I like yellow and purple!)

Do you have any chores to do at home?

Mama tries to get me to pick up my toys, but I think it is more fun to dump them out on the floor.  It is easier to see what you have if it is sprea all over the floor--when you put it in the containers, you can't take inventory as well.  I like to help Mama dust and vacuum..I am a very good helper!

Dobyou have a favorite stuffed animal?

I have lots of friends, but I would have to say that Winnie the Pooh is my favorite animal.  When Mama and Dada let me, I take him with me.  He even goes to church.  I also have a big dog and a Koala bear.  Mama says I have too many....but I don't think that you can ever have enough friends.

 Do you have a favorite color?

I have a coupe of favorite colors:  yellow and purple.  When I get my vitamin in the morning, I always ask for a yellow one.  Mama tells me that I am running out of yellow ones, and I have to choose between red, orange and purple.  I still pick yellow:-)  I also like purple, and when we go to the store I point out everything that is purple.  I also enjoy watching Wheel of Fortune--I always tell Mama and Dada what color Vanna White's dress is.  

Do you have a favorite book?

I like to read, so I have many favorites.  I usually read my mini-Pooh books in bed at night.  Before bed I like it when Mama reads the Ladybug counting book with me.  I like it when we count the Ladybugs on each page. 

Rebecca's Baptism and a visit from the famliy!

March is here.  It is difficult to believe that Rebecca has been with us almost 7 months.  At the end of this month we will celebrate the day that we saw her face for the very first time.  She has changed so much (and gotten much bigger!)  We continue to be amazed at how much she is learning.  She is very creative as she plays.  Today she pretended to put water on a comb to comb her hair--I have to do that for her hair which perpetually sticks up.

On Sunday March 3rd, Mark and I had Rebecca baptized.  We vowed before the visible Church and before God that we would seek to raise Rebecca to love God.  We vowed to teach her about Jesus.  We have a huge task ahead of us!
Here are some pictures from the baptism.

Cake and cupcakes made by Kate Hibbard.  Rebecca thought it was very yummy, and she likes purple and pink!

Mama, Dada and Rebecca before church.
 

Mama and Dada answering questions

Pastor Matossian baptizing Rebecca

Water?????

Grandmom and Grandpop
 

We had a party at our house after the baptism.  It was a great time of fellowship with friends and family.

My family came in from Michigan. We were thankful that there were not any  snowstorms this weekend.  My mom, Ashley and Felicia stayed at the house with us, while Uncle Bob, Aunt Sandy and Aunt Brenda stayed at a hotel.  We had a great time of fellowship and fun.  Rebecca showed everyone her dance moves.

We spent a morning at Longwood Gardens and generally just sat around and watched Rebecca play with Ashley and Felicia.

Felicia, Rebecca and Ashley

"Gotcha!"  Aunt Sandy and Rebecca

It is cold out here!

Walking with Grandma

How did Uncle Bob get in this picture????

Oh, Boy!

You want me to stand by this frog because.......????

This cat is as cool as I am.

 

Did I mention that I love cell phones?

We are trying now to get back to a "normal" routine.  On Tuesdays we go to the Library for storytime.  There are lots of other children and we get to sing songs and read books (one of Rebecca's favorite things to do--besides talk on the phone!)  On Wednesdays we go to church for Bible Study.  We are looking forward to spring--so that we can go and play outside.  (We almost had snow this week, but alas, it skirted by us....I guess sledding will have to wait until next year!)

 

Today we area going to have lunch with Dada!  That should be fun!

 

 

 



5 Month Anniversary

On Sunday, January 13, we celebrated 5 months with our precious Rebecca.  Praise God for all of his mercies.  She has come so far from that little, frightened girl who was thrust into our arms on that very special day in August. 

We have a little girl who loves to sing, she babbles all the time (at home).  She is still a bit shy when out in public, but that is also changing.  She loves to run with the other children at church.  She asks to walk (instead of riding in her stroller).  She sleeps in her own bed (a victory for Mama and Dada)

The past month was a whirlwind of activities (also known as the holidays) Things did not slow down after Thanksgiving....it just got more hectic, but in a fun, exciting way.

We put our Christmas tree up the first weekend in December.  Of course, Rebecca helped! She inspected the ornaments (especially the bows and apples) to make sure that they were acceptable for our tree.  She was a little bit confused about exactly why we were bringing a tree into the house, but she learned to accept it.  She also learned, very quickly, how to turn the lights on and off (we have an extension cord with a button that you step on)  That became her job! 

 

We also took a trip to the Rockford museum to see the lights and the special decorations.  Rebecca was impressed with all of the lights, but a bit nervous about walking snowmen!

 



Rebecca, hanging her stocking by the fireplace!
 

She also attended her first Christmas concerts.  One was to hear Grandmom and Grandpop sing with their Church Choir.  She helped them sing some of the songs.  We also took her to Wilmington Christian School to hear the choirs there.  She came on stage with Mama and Dada to Sing the Halleluia Chorus with the High School Choir.  We practiced all day long so she was ready for the big performance. 

 

Rebecca also received lots of mail.  Here she is reading her Christmas Card from Grandmom and Grandpop--She was impressed that Winnie the Pooh knew all about Christmas!

 

Here is Rebecca, "helping" Mama make Christmas Cookies.  She thought that they were very yummy!

 

Mama was not too happy with the small pile of gifts for her from Michigan, compared to the huge pile for Rebecca.  I guess this is the way it is going to be (sigh).

 

Rebecca likes to read--especially books about Pooh.  Thanks, Grandma de Wolde!
 

 

It is always good to have something to wear when you are going to a festive occasion.

 

Christmas Eve, 2012

 

At Grandmom's and Grandpop's House--waiting for dinner to start!

Mama caught me! 

Christmas Eve snow!  It's cold, Dada!
 

You want me to do what while wearing this hat?

 

Here Grandpop, this one is for you!

Just talking to my friends on my new phone! 

Sorting 75 of the 1000 pieces of food, plates, and plastic wear that I got for Christmas.



Mama, this Pooh is bigger than I am!!



We spend New Year's Eve and Day with Aunt Sandy, Uncle Bob and Ashley.  They traveled here from Michigan in a Snow Storm.  We had a great time with them, and, of course, Rebecca learned new tricks (She likes to perform Summersaults in her bed!)  Speaking of her bed, Rebecca has now officially moved into her room for all naps and night time sleeping.  It was a lot easier (knock on wood) than we thought to get her to sleep in her own bed, but she has been there since January 2nd! 

5 months seems like a relatively short time, and I suppose that it is, but it also seems like a lifetime.  Rebecca is a joy to be around.  She is happy and makes us laugh.  It is hard to believe that a year ago, we had no idea that she would be our daughter, and yet here she is.  We thank God for his marvelous Grace in bringing Rebecca into our lives.

Happy Thanksgiving and 3 months home!

Praise God from whom all blessings flow
Praise Him all creatures here below
Praise Him above all heavenly hosts
Praise Father, Son and Holy Ghost.

This song has been running through my head today as we celebrate a very special first Thanksgiving with Rebecca (I also have the song from the picnic basket in my head......thanks mom!) We can hardly believe that it has been three months since we flew home with a very frightened little girl.  It is so much fun watching her learn and grow. 

We had a great time celebrating Rebecca's birthday on the 10th.  We took a trip to Longwood Gardens, where she was able to see the outdoor model trains, we walked through the gardens, and ended up in the conservatory.  The mums were in full bloom!  We then took her to the children's garden which is mostly composed of water fountain.  We had a yummy lunch of Macaroni and Cheese at the cafe. After lunch, we went home for nap time.  After dinner, Grandmom and Grandpop came over.  She opened her presents.  She likes to "shop" with her new shopping cart and drive her shopping car around the house. We think that we need a addition for all of the toys that she has here. (We still have some toys from the baby showers that she has not seen yet!)

 

Riding her new horse from Uncle Greg and Aunt Pam

Playing in the water at Longwood Gardens

Drinking something from her new Disney princess cup!
 

We had a talk about American Politics on election day.  There was a fierce campaign between Winne the Pooh and the Puppy, but in the end, Winnie the Pooh won the heart of this smiley little girl.  Rebecca has a new found love for her "baby".  At first she did not want to have anything to do with her, but now that doll goes everywhere with us! In church on Sunday, she kept saying "baby" over and over...it was cute, and a little embarassing:-) She loves to "read" books, and will now let me actually read them to her--some pages we skip, and I have to read really fast--but she will listen.

"I love my baby!"

It is so cute to see her talking on her phone.  We are wondering who she is imitating, because she walks around with one hand on her hip.  Neither Mark or I think that we do that, but one of us must, because she does it every time she is on the phone. She has set up her office in our pantry.  A coffee can works as her chair, and she uses the other containers for desks.  Yesterday I found her bear using the office space. 

Rebecca also loves to be outside.  She will get out whenever she can.  She loves to help daddy in the yard (and it also makes for great naps later!!)

"Mama, get out of the leaves....they are dirty!"

"I get paid how much per bag?"

Rebecca has warmed up to her daddy.  She loves to play with him, and she lets mama know when it is about time for him to come home from work. She must have an internal clock or something! 

,

Taking a quick nap with daddy!
 

Someone asked me the other day what she likes to eat.  Well, she loves Macaroni and Cheese, ice cream, cream of broccoli soup, italian meatballs (not the spaghetti so much), french onion soup, french fries, and chinese fried rice.  She prefers to feed herself....so it is a wonder that any food gets in.  At meal times, she wants to know the names of the utensils she is using, and asks me to say them....a lot!!!

"I really like Macaroni and Cheese!"





So today is Thanksgiving, and we are truly thankful to God for the blessing of Rebecca Yuan Grace.  She makes us laugh, she is loving life, and we love her!  For us, everyday is a day to be thankful that God chose her for our family.  Even though we have only been home for 3 months, it feels like she has always been here.  We love you, Rebecca!