Gotcha Day- 1st Anniversary

It's hard to believe that a year ago today we were taking this picture at the Tikuret Orphanage, it was the last day the boys would spend there.....

Fast forward to 2/10/12- a year later.  It seems like it was so long ago and like it was yesterday all at the same time.  We have grown as parents in this last year and the kids, well they have just grown and they have changed so much from those two little guys we brought home. 

Holding the very first referral picture we recv'd of them in July 2010

We have good days and bad days (or combination platter days- mornings are BAD and it gets better as the day goes on).  My nickname is the Drill Sergeant because you will typically hear me saying something like, "Eat your breakfast..... Time to put on clothes....Did everyone go potty?....Shoes on!.... Brush Teeth!....Now, let's Go Go Go!!!!   Even Jordan now repeats, "Go Go Go"!!!

We have seen our boy's personalities develop and boy did I have them pegged wrong!  When we met them in ET I made the following conclusions; Jayson was going to be the stubborn one, the joker, the one that would be disciplined a lot.  Jordan was going to be the shy, quiet, angelic one.....UMMMM  WRONG!!!

Jayson is my people pleaser, sensitive guy, the listener.  He's always saying, "Yes, Mommy.  OK, Mommy."  If he gets in trouble or disciplined he is hard on himself and typically starts to cry.   He is sensitive and in tune to others feelings and helps his little bro although the majority of the time that ends up in a shouting match on whether Jordan is a "baby" or not.....Because according to Jordan, "He NOT a baby, Jayson!" :) 

 

Then there's Jordan, oh my Jordan.  Maybe my nickname for him "The Devil Wears Carters" gives you an idea of what he is like?  Jordan is stubborn, thinks he can do everything by himself, is sneaky and mischievous (you should hear his laugh), reminds me of Tigger- the kid bounces everywhere he goes and will tell you that he is not doing something to your face with a smile.  He is a hot mess most of the time (totally takes after Jim) ;)  But he is also quite the little love bug, he will work his way into your heart with a ton of hugs and kisses...





These two little boys have been the biggest blessing that we could have ever hoped for, never in a million years did I imagine the joy and love that they bring us and our families.  And as we look ahead to many more years of happiness, struggles and whatever life throws our way we thank their birth mother for the gift of life, their birth country which welcomed us with open arms and God for bringing us together and making all things possible. 

Happy 1st Gotcha-versary Jayson, Jordan and Jim!   Love, Mommy

And Happy 16th Wedding Anniversary, Jim!  So much to celebrate in February!!