not to us

First, I wanted to give you an update on Zach and Sarah!  :)  They have submitted nearly all of their official paperwork for the adoption.  It has been sealed by the Secretary of State, and it is on its way to Rwanda!  The kids and I went with them that day.  It was *very* cool to see them so excited!

They have to submit several copies of the dossier (the official paperwork).  The original goes to Rwanda.  One copy stays with Zach and Sarah's adoption agency. (Yay for Bethany Christian Services!)  Another copy stays with Bethany's paperwork specialist, and a final copy stays with Zach and Sarah.  The dossier contained a total of 86 pages.  We made over 350 copies that day.  There have been a couple of very minor snags in the process, but God has been incredibly faithful.  We were able to take care of one of the snags immediately, and the other snag should be unfurled very soon.  :)  The red tape and paperwork is incredible.  I'm so proud of them for the way they have handled themselves with patience.  :)

In other news, my challenge to take at least one picture of the kids each day has proven to be quite successful!  In the past week, I think I've taken nearly 500 pictures.

For instance, the blocks were out in the living room.  I asked Ruby to get the small blue box from her bedroom.

When I heard the CRASH, I knew she had gotten the large blue box, which was previously filled with all her kitchen playthings:

But she was a *very* good helper to pick up the blocks for me.  :)

I also like taking pictures of the kids together.  I thought these were funny, because Burke was totally cooperating, and Ruby wasn't interested at all.

I think Ruby has caught on to my plight.  The other day, she got into a leftover box from Sam's and started to read a magazine.  When I walked into the kitchen and chuckled, she said, "I think you should get your camera."  :) :)

As I've been studying her face this past week, I've noticed that her looks are changing.  She's losing a lot of the baby fat, and her face is starting to look very trim and big kid"ish".

Her hair has also gotten long enough for a big girl ponytail with no wispy fly-aways...  I won't lie.  I'm a bit teary over this...

Burke gave us a very rare view of all four of his teeth:

Then promptly shoved his fist right back where it normally resides:

Lastly, we've had a great 4th of July weekend.  We spent some time at Poppa and Nonna's house, and we got to celebrate with Fred and Regan again tonight.  Here are some pictures from our weekend:

We went swimming.

We went swinging.

One of us fought with a coffee table, and the coffee table won...

One of us got a new carseat!

The girl was displaying a new "smile" all weekend:

So Daddy and Burke decided to "smile" too!

Most of all, we had a lot of fun together as a family of four.

Dark under-eye circles, double chins, and crazy frizzy hair aside, there's no way I'd rather be photographed than with the the incredible loves of my life surrounding me on every side.

I love you, Michael.  You make me a better person.

I love you, Ruby.  You are teaching me unconditional love and patience.

I love you, Burke.  You are helping me cherish my last days as the mommy of a little baby.