A year of changes

August has been a full month. In the beginning of the month Dave went away for two nights on a guys' backpacking weekend. The boys and I survived with the help of aunties and cousins. The following weekend Dave went away for another two nights for a work trip during which time Ben and I had the stomach bug. That Saturday, Dave met us at the airport in Baltimore on our way to Rhode Island for a Broadbent beach vacation.

Other than Ben having three nights of high fevers, the week was a success. Luke LOVED the beach, every aspect of it-- the sand, the ocean, the waves and even the fried clam strips (we told the boys they were chicken nuggets!). Ben, on the other hand, wasn't so sure about the beach thing. His first words after setting foot in the sand were "Ow. Hot." He didn't leave his tent for the first couple days. The boys napped on the beach everyday. It was an adorable sight! There's just something about that salty air and the sound of the waves. Per usual, it was hard to say goodbye to Nannie, Papa and Uncle Jonny but we hope to see them again soon.

Luke's buddy Khalib from his orphanage in Addis was adopted by Nicole in Colorado Springs just a couple weeks ago. We got to meet up with them last week (see picture below). We were so excited to see how the two boys would respond when they were reunited but they acted as if they'd never seen each other. Toddlers! Hahaha! They're so unpredictable!

In other news, Dave put in his resignation this week at CBRE, his employer of 10 years. We've talked and prayed about him starting his own company for a long time and recently felt God leading us to make this change. He will be collaborating with two other project managers who also have their own businesses, so it's not as scary as being completely on his own. I'm really excited for him. I think he was made for this and I think he will be able to find a better work-life balance with this venture.

It's turned into a year of changes for us. Luke was added to our family in June. Dave starts a new job in September. And then we are moving into a new house in October! We feel very blessed.

{Here we are with Nicole and Khalib}

My crazy boys!

Lots of photos from our trip...

Travel pros (yeah right!)

Always being spoiled by Auntie

Hot lobster rolls!!

I've created a bedtime monster

I really thought we'd be dealing with Luke's issues at this stage in the game but he's our "easy" one right now; Ben is the tough one. We haven't really made any headway in the sleeping department. Last night was not so good. I sat in the chair with him from 7:15-8:45. He fell asleep twice in my arms but each time I put him in the crib he would wake up wailing. Dave finally brought him upstairs and I didn't end up putting him to bed until about 10:00. Then he was up at 11:30 crying. Came into our bed, tossing and turning until 2:30 at which point I brought him to the couch so Dave could sleep at least a couple hours before his work day began. He finally fell back asleep at 3:30 and slept until about 6:30. It feels like nights with a newborn again. So, I have to change my approach. At nap time today we practiced going to sleep in the crib instead of in mom's arms. It makes me sad because I've loved so many of those times rocking him to sleep but we just can't live like this. I need to get some rest so that I have some patience and energy during the day as I take care of these two.

It's funny how life's priorities shift back to the basics in this toddler phase. Pretty much all I'm dealing with is sleep, food, and safety. It feels pointless at times... like I'm not accomplishing much with my time. But I think it's just the nature of the beast, or in this case, beasts. Two of them, to be exact. 

Praying for wisdom and patience. Read James 1 today. Lots of good thoughts about wisdom and patience. How much I need God's help; by myself I am quite foolish and impatient. 

Luke is continuing to thrive, it would seem. He's a snuggle bug which I love. He continues to eat lots and sleep well. I love hearing the way he pronounces "chicken" and "cheese." He and Ben seem to be learning English together. They encourage the other one to talk. My favorites lately are when they say "Choo Choooo" (sounds like "Doo Doooo") for trains and when Ben says "Hi Luke" (Luke also sounds like "Doo"). Ben loves music, which he calls "Baa Baa." As soon as you get in the car or he sees an iPhone or you sit down for bedtime, he asks for music. During the 3-second pause between Pandora songs or during radio commercials, he says "Baa Baa." He's not the most patient child in the world.

When they get out of their high chairs, it's a full dismount. They hold mom's hand and their brother's hand and jump off the chair on the count of three. They think it's great.

Luke continues to be mommy's helper (sort of). The other day I asked him to get me a diaper for Ben, not really thinking he would, but he marched off to my diaper stash and brought me the whole bag. Once I removed one, he returned the bag to where it belongs without even being asked.

Thankfully Ben has not had anymore allergic reactions. His digestion still seems messed up, but I'm not sure if it's related. We have an appointment at the end of the month with the allergist. For now, we'll keep giving him the Zyrtec and always travel with our Benadryl and epipens.

We are so excited because one of Luke's buddies from his orphanage in Ethiopia is going to be coming home to Colorado soon! His mom Nicole lives in Colorado Springs and she just passed her court date today in Addis. We can't wait for these two friends to be reunited!!