Cars, trucks, and boys

I've never been a boy (haha), so most days I watch in amazement as my boys interact with each other, eat, play, and just romp around as loudly as they can. That seems to be the one rule---be loud as much as possible. They are not overly emotional---we do have the occasional meltdown over some truck or car or not liking what I put on their plates to eat, but mostly--they're just loud.

John Owen is the loudest, but James is quickly learning to imitate his big brother.

I also watch as the life we knew before James quickly fades away. We still remember those days before he was with us (at least Zack and I do), but they seem so far off as to be in another lifetime. Isn't that amazing? He's only been with us for 3 1/2 weeks! That's how quickly God has meshed our lives together.

Those first few weeks were a lot smoother than we had anticipated, though not easy. We all had to "get to know" each other and learn each other, but this past Saturday we turned another corner. James greeted us with a smile that morning (something he hadn't done before.) Before he had just stared at us like he was resigning himself to our care. But Saturday, he seemed really happy and glad to be around us.

I'm thankful for God's provision and work. Going from one boy to two has been fun and yet challenging as most of you know. 

We've had lots of conversations about "Afica" and where James came from and what color we all are.

I believe John Owen has settled on being blue or green, but he says he's for sure not "wipe" or white.

It's so easy for us to forget that James has not always been with us. But I know there'll be a day when he'll realize that he doesn't look like us. There'll be a day when other questions will be asked about his life before us---questions I don't have the answers to. I really have very little information about his life before us to give him, but in those times when my heart feels anxious, I know that God has ALL the answers and that is enough.

I may never be able to explain the circumstances of James' life before us or explain why, except that God was always in control and chose us specifically to be his parents, his family.

In the meantime, we just enjoy each day. These two kids slay me. They are so stinkin' funny.

They come up with this stuff on their own. I just snap the picture. I love the way James is looking at John Owen. I think they really like each other---except for when they don't. lol

It's funny how quickly James got over his aversion to Zack and now seems to genuinely like him and cry after him. Amazing!

Two things I notice and comment about on a daily basis---John Owen's fabulous hair--because really, his hair is fabulous and James' eyes--crazy big. They go on for days!