This is my 300th post! And there are actually people still coming to visit us ๐ It has been almost 2 years since I started this blog, it was meant to be a way to keep my husband connected when he was deployed to Iraq. How things have changed since it’s debut on January 28, 2006 ๐
Tori ~ now at Georgia Tech and loving it. She’s a biomedical engineering major with a fancy big-time boyfriend! Her grades weren’t what she was hoping for, but I’m still proud my girl has a respectable GPA at a very competitive school. She is such a joy to have come home to visit… it makes me realize how much I miss her on a daily basis!
Zach ~ recently turned 13 and has become quite a handsome, thoughtful young man. He has set the bar high for himself, recently he’s been getting straight A’s on his report cards and plans to continue despite the fact that classes are getting harder as he gets older ๐ He’s a pro at finding hilarious YouTube commercials that keep us all laughing.
Asher ~ our big smartie pants! Asher recently was tested and actually qualified for the gifted program at his school! This is a huge pat on the back for him… he is loving the fact that he gets to spend all day Friday hanging out in the ‘cool classroom’. He loves to ask really tough questions and recently queried, “Mom, why do all words have vowels?” Uhhhhh….
Dalton ~ celebrated his big 6th birthday in December and is obsessed with all things football. His daddy is thrilled that his boys can now discuss the latest game, whose favorite team played and who won. Yes… makes for super exciting dinner time conversations. I’m going to have to start my own discussion with the girls’ over favorite colors of nail polish, how to properly care for split ends and when you really can’t wear white shoes anymore.
Sophie ~ a complete crack-up. She has conversations directed at someone, but she really doesn’t care who is listening and/or answering. I was cleaning out under the sink and she was disgusted when she looked into the box of (unused I might add!) SOS pads. She said, “Ohhhh, gross!! I don’t want to eat THOSE!” Where in the world did that come from? As if we make her eat dog food or something! She keeps us in stitches and never fails to keep us occupied with her running commentary!
Isabelle ~ is amazing. She’s come so far and has so much to say now! She still babbles sometimes, but always ends the sentence with something she wants, and wants NOW! Her patience and ability to share have grown by leaps and bounds this school year, she rarely has a melt down and has become such a joy to be around almost all the time (except when lil’ bro is pulling her hair!) She loves school and has recently begun to draw people with faces, naming the parts as she goes. Incredible that not even a year ago, they had diagnosed her as autistic!
Jude ~ our newest addition who is now officially walking. It is finally his chosen form of ambulation and we couldn’t be happier or more proud. He’s talking more and more and recently put two of his favorite words together as we drove past a balloon-covered car lot he exclaimed, “balloon! bye bye!” He’s smitten with daddy too now, and gets so excited when he sees him come home in the evenings calling, “BABAAAA!!”
Shepherd ~ our second new addition since this blog began! We feel so blessed that God has chosen this precious boy for our family. We’re doing everything we can to bring him home as quickly as possible and can’t wait to cover him with hugs and kisses ๐ We’re hoping and praying to have him in our arms by the time the Olympics arrive in Beijing!
Patricia/NYC says
Fantastic, update, Stefanie!!! It’s so great to catch up on all of your cuties! So glad to hear everyone is doing so well!! May the blessings continue!!
By the way…can Sophie & Kiara be any more ALIKE???? lol!
Chad and Sandy says
LOVE the new look!
Tish says
Love the new blog look! That Rebecca is amazing! Such as great update on your family…what a blessing and what a big job to keep track of them all! I think about you when I feel like I am doing too much laundry with just the 3 of us…
Cate says
Tell Tori just holding her own with grades at Tech is a huge accomplishment. It’s tough! I remember walking into Calc III for the first time and having the prof say, “I’m Dr. Neff. That’s with two ‘F’s!’ One for you and one for me.”
I felt like running screaming from the building.
Chelley says
Love your blog and the way it has been so nicley put together!!
I always look forward to your updates,
Chris & Deb says
What fun to hear how all of your sweeties are doing! What a joy they all are!! You guys have been truly blessed!
Janelle says
I’m so glad to hear about what the older ones are up to — thanks for sharing that!
And I can identify with the ‘running commentary’ from Sophie. we have that here from Chloe.
Happy 300 and I’ll be reading the next hundred I’m certain!
Sheri says
Wow, 300 posts is amazing! What a nice update about all of your kids. You are a truly blessed family and are a blessing to so many others.
Rebecca says
Wow, the kids are all doing amazing – that is a testament to God’s blessing on your family AND to your great parenting!! I would love to meet your family in person someday. You all inspire me!!
Rebecca
Jie Jie to Sarah Lu & Chayah too says
Love the new look! What a fun post. Jude is growing up!! And I can’t wait to follow the rest of your journey to Shepherd! Maybe we’ll be in China at the same time. ๐
~Staci
Jenn says
What a great bunch of kids! That you love and are so proud of each one shines through! Sounds like everywhere you turn in your house there is a blessing!
Thanks for sharing!