An Introspection 3

It has become a tradition in our family to produce a mini-documentary every adoption anniversary (May 20th). It's amazing to see how much Andrew and Kathlena change from year to year and to see the interviews go from "alright sweetie, answer the question please" to "alright, I think that's enough (HINT HINT)" in just three years time.

This year J.Michael helped me with the filming and interviews which was interesting, to say the least. We attempted to use two cameras to capture two different angles but I think we ended up with more outtakes than actual footage. We couldn't turn both cameras on at once so there was always a delay between the turning on of camera 1 to the turning on of camera 2. Then of course, there were the times when we'd forget that one of the cameras was still recording...oops. It was also a typical hot, sultry Houston afternoon and after a while the cast and filming crew got restless as you will see but I won't spoil it. We had a good time making it and I hope you'll enjoy watching it.


So please be sure to visit our adoption blog and see AN INTROSPECTION 3

39 weeks...I know where have we been??

I have had dozens of posts in my head and none of them have made it to the blog.  Well, in part I have to say that since I have had a relatively smooth pregnancy I have not had as much "down" time as I usually do which often facilitates more time to write.  I know that is just an excuse I really should be more disciplined to write, forgive me!  I am going to try to do a better job...and yes we will post baby girl pictures and updates here.   I am going to try to just list in bullet points an update of the last 6 months.  So here goes!

• We are having a baby girl--no name yet but we are close
• We are in the midst of launching our family business DesignCraft Custom Woodworking and Institute
• We celebrated 2 birthdays in May Kathlena's 6th and J.Michael's 13th and 2 anniversary's David and I's 17th wedding and Andrew and Kathlena's 3yrs home!!
• Andrew is no longer patching!  He also only has to wear glasses for reading now.  His vision is amazing.
• Kathlena is patching 4hrs a day and making huge progress her vision is now 20/50 up from 20/200 last year...incredible!!
• Emily finished writing her book for Kathlena "When I was Little in Russia" a story about our meeting and adopting Kathlena.  She has also been hard a work taking an accounting course to help with the family business along with being my right hand, busy cook, and helping teach Andrew and working with Calvin.
• Calvin is growing up so fast.  He is a man of few words but manages to communicate quite well.  He is a great helper, observes everything and tries to do what the big kids do.  He and his brothers are quite tight and he has enjoyed moving into the boys room.  
• J.Michael is enjoying having time with Dad in the shop.  He was given a carving set for his birthday that he is learning how to use.

   I am working on a slide show of pictures and short video clips from the last 6 months.  Hope to post those this week.