Christmas 2008 update

In the letter that went out with our picture, there were instructions to see the blog for more info on the family. Finally, here is the 411 on the Indiana Lind's.

HANNAH

"This year was full of blessings, excitement, and drama. We were blessed with the birth of Roman and Rya adding numbers 7 and 8 to our family. They are so much fun, I love every minute spent with them. I finished my freshman year and started my sophomore year at Bluffton High School. I was voted vice president of my class. I had the amazing opportunity of visiting New York City for the first time with my mother for show choir. I saw saw two Broadway plays and sang in Central Park. Dad, Spencer, Sterling, and I went to Cedar Point and camped out. My friend's mom surprised her daughter, me, and two other girls with a trip to Orlando, Florida Universal Studios where we stayed at the Hard Rock Hotel for her sweet 16!!! I started my first job, working at the Boys and Girls Club. My Yorkie Miley got hit by a car (which was devastating). Although, for an early Christmas present, my boyfriend Bill got me my current Morkie (Maltese and Yorkie mix) Chloe whom I love to death. I was probably the least excited about moving to Minnesota...although with passing time, the thought is growing on me. Those are some of the great things that happened to me in 2008."


SPENCER

"2008 was a year full of laughs and good times. This past year my family and I adopted Rya and Roman on March 13th. They literally changed my parents, siblings, and my own life. I made the "Show Choir" at Bluffton High School after 2 years in the middle school choir. Being in show choir has brought me closer to many different friends, among these people was my sister Hannah. Hannah and I have grown close again because of show choir. Having her there for me always helps alot."

STERLING

"Wow!2008 was such a wonderful year! I've met so many awsome people. I WILL NEVER EVER forget the day that we got Roman and Rya. I remember crying when I held Roman and saying " I already am in love with you baby boy!"! It has also been a year of tears! With school there are tears, with family, with tryng to find myself, and of course with friends. Speaking of friends, I have met a couple good ones! I met Storm Betz the summer of 08'. We have been hanging out since then. I have also met Brady Johnson! We just met a few weeks ago! This year I struggled with finding myself. I didn't feel right, so I started hanging out with a couple of different groups of people. I started hanging out with the punks. My parents did not approve of this or of my friends. I am now back to being that very hyper and random Abercrombie kid. I still hang out with all of the different groups of people and we have lots of fun! 2008 has been a great year and I hope that 2009 brings the same love and happiness!"

LINNEA

"This past year I have been very social with friends. I've gotten to play soccer and softball. I've helped serve food to people at church. I also made the high honor roll at school. I am in 4th grade this year. I have gotten 2 more siblings".

RYA AND ROMAN DECIDED TO CLIMB THE STAIRS FOR THE FIRST TIME @ 11 PM ON CHRISTMAS EVE

A POEM

"WHERE I AM FROM"

I am from "Remedy"
From youth groups
I am from a legacy of belief
and new found faith

I am from inviting friends
I am from immersion on May 4th, 2008
washing me clean
I am from gospel hymns
I am from Doxology

I am from painful piggyback rides
I am one of six
I am from hair dye
and hair clippers
I am from receding hair
to bald with razors
I am from the two little angels
that just joined the crew

I am from toe head
to dirty blond
I am from ice-cream and movies
I am from the smell of cedar,
complicated pergolas
and uneven measurements
I am from deep sea fishing,
fishing bait and fishing line

I am from a world of chaos
and busy schedules
I am from nice shoes
and clean cloths

I am from six
and I know love

By: Spencer Lind

Halloween 2008

THE BESTEST SNEEZER I EVER DID SEE

"LOOK WHO'S TALKING"

He looks like me!!

ADOPT - Webster's dictionary states that the word adopt is from the Latin word adoptare, which is formed from the two root words: ad- which means "to" and optare - which means "choose". Adopt is then defined as "to choose and bring into a certain relationship".


The legal validation of the inclusion of Rya and Roman into our family occurred over a week ago. This was a wonderful, albeit short (10 minutes in the court room with the Judge), occasion in this process we started almost one year ago. The signing of documents and the filing of papers with the appropriate state departments in no way increase or decrease my love and commitment to these two children. In the same manner, the filing of birth certificates and registering for social security numbers does not make me more or less caring for my other children.

I love ALL of them.

I love all of the same.

Love is a choice...............! Yes, for those who have not had marriage classes or read any books regarding the issue of Love, it is a choice. I chose to love my wife and she chose to love me. We choose to continue loving each other each and every day, with the bonds of that love growing with each passing moment.

I did not "Fall in love". I am very sure on my feet and rarely loose my balance, either physically or emotionally. I could choose to stop loving her, this is how divorce happens usually. I have never stopped choosing to love her, nor will I.

I choose to love my children.

Some parents do not.

These are the unfortunate children who get neglected and abused. If you love someone you care for them, sacrifice for them, place them first and never hurt them.

Love is a choice.

We have choices every day with almost every situation we find ourselves in. I choose to love my children whether they obey or disobey me. I choose to love them if they get good or bad grades. I choose to love them NO MATTER WHAT CIRCUMSTANCES ARISE. This is a choice.

I have SIX children. All of them were created by God. I have chosen to love and care for each of them. I have chosen to sacrifice and impart God's truth to them. I have chosen to accept them every day for who they are, not based on what they do.

Children are gifts from God.

As parents, especially as Christian parents, we are charged with taking the responsibility for teaching and modeling God's truth to them. It is a choice we make. It is not that we "can't help it", it is a purposeful task that we choose to make and keep making. I am often told that Sterling looks like me. I am also sometimes told that Spencer looks like me. Occasionally I am also told that Hannah and Linnea look like me. Certainly, when these comments are made they sometimes refer to the genetic, physical similarities that exist with regards to facial structure or other physical attributes. More often these comments are the product of people noticing similar mannerisms, ways of speaking and acting. These latter attributes come not from biology but from exposure and influence. My children have been exposed to my speaking, acting, walking, behaving, etc. These things are what create the essence of a persons character and personality. I have chosen to be daddy each and every day to Hannah. When Spencer came along I began choosing each and every day to be daddy to him. Sterling was the third life entrusted to me and I am daddy every day to him. Linnea then arrived and another life was entrusted to me to show what being a man means and what she is to expect in a husband. God then saw fit to entrust me with two more lives to care for and instruct in truth.

Love is a choice.

I choose to love all my children, and I love them all the same.

I am now often told that Roman looks like me. This is usually by those who do not know us well, or strangers who stop us to look at the babies when we are out. I feel no need to correct them and inform them that they "are adopted". In time, both he and Rya will, like their siblings, look like me.

I am proud of my children.

I am proud to say thank you whenever I am told any of the children look like me. I am proud of who they are and proud to be their dad. Parenting is about committing your priorities to the most precious gifts that are given to us. Who we are will manifest in those we are entrusted with. It is this legacy that we leave behind that matters most.

I have chosen to love my children. They are gifts from God. It does not matter that I did not make them. I did not make any of them, God did.
He wants me to care for them......all of them, and I choose to honor his request. So, if you feel the need to tell me that any of the children look like me, I will be honored by the gesture.


In Christ, Kevin

Growth

I am a work in progress. I am aware of this everyday. I have been especially aware of this in the past several months. God has given us many blessings. We have also never been under so much stress. I like to be in control, no shocker for those of you who know me well. I have no control over many things that I wish I did. I am wondering why after so many years would God give us this opportunity to move to Minnesota amid the worst housing market? I am learning things about myself. I have many areas where I can grow. I know God loves me and wants more from me. Growth is painful. I made the mistake of asking for patience once a long time ago. I am still learning. Gina

Adoption Day!

Yesterday the courts made legal what our hearts have known for 7 months. Rya and Roman are ours. We are truly blessed! Sterling said it best when he said "As soon as I saw them, they jumped into my heart!" They did indeed!!

7 month pictures

We are having so much fun at our house! Rya and Roman have truly enriched our lives. They are so much fun! As I sit and write this, they are both in their exersaucers talking to each other.

Rya is more verbal and loud. She loves to be right in the center of all the action. Roman is quiet unless he has something to say. His new interest is a ball. Rya has a little dolly she likes. I bought her an ID bracelet and put it on her. She held out her arm and admired it. How does she know that jewelry is cool? Later I noticed that it was missing. Not exactly, it had just gotten "lost" in the chubby bend of her wrist! She has started to say a few words. She says "ma ma, ba ba and da da". She says "ma ma"when she is sad, tired or hungry and she says "da da" when she is happy. They both play really hard. They are starting to fight a little and like to take toys from each other.

Roman has a good sense of humor. He likes to laugh with the boys and Daddy is his favorite! His smile melts our hearts. He just said "ma ma" for the first time. We recently had their pictures taken. Roman has always reached out for Rya's hand, especially when they are sleeping. During the pictures they were sitting and he reached out and held her hand. They took a close-up photo and we have it enlarged and framed on our wall. It is precious!

Hannah is so good with them! She knows what they need and loves to care for them. We are all learning sign language so we can sign to Roman. Each of the kids willingly help out with the babies.

Patience, Guidance and "40"

Psalm 40:1-3 NIV - " I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear and put their trust in the Lord....."

The Lord has heard our cry to return home. He initially led us to Bluffton 11 years ago, and is now bringing us back to Minnesota. These things have all occured in His time and in His way. The blessings we have received, and have been able to impart to others when we have been able to be vessels for His will are beyond our expectations. My hope is that we have been a light in the dark to those needing his grace and mercy during our time here. Nothing good was done because of our actions, but when we were open to His leading, I know on occasion we did make a difference. This has been a time of great joy, sorrow, hurt and healing. We are closer to each other and to our God. As we move forward, we are unsure of what lies ahead, but we will follow His lead and trust His good purpose in and through all things. In Him, Kevin

Family

Life has gotten a bit busier since school started.

Spencer is playing football. It's so much fun watching him. The kids are back in voice lessons and Hannah and Spencer are busy with show choir.

Linnea had a fun birthday party at our house. They did a scavenger hunt through the neighborhood and had a water balloon toss. They decorated cupcakes and danced on the deck.

Roman got tubes in his ears last week. The ENT wanted to try tubes hoping it may improve his hearing. They will re-test his hearing in a month. He is the most patient easy-going kid.

Hannah is scheduled to have knee surgery at the end of the month. She has had trouble for 4 years and is excited to not have pain anymore!

Sterling got his cast off! He is probably the person who is the most excited about our move to Minnesota.

Rya is busy rolling all around. She gets more fun all the time! Hannah has sang to her since she was born. She is now trying to copy her and tries to sing herself. It's so cute!

Minnesota Bound!

As the image of our home with a For Sale sign in the front yard would imply, we are in the process of "coming home". 11 years ago God led us to Bluffton. Since we arrived, I have always fished for opportunities in Minnesota, but nothing was ever available until now. With the benefit of hindsight, His use of us here can be seen when we reflect on our lives. The reason there were never any opportunities for me in Minnesota was because He needed us here longer for reasons we never could never have imagined. The opportunity in Minnesota is with Allina, and I will be working in the Northwest region. I am humbled by His greatness in my life, and how all things work together for His good. I am very grateful for my time in Bluffton and am sad to leave my practice, and all the wonderful people I have worked with. There are innumerable unknowns that accompany this transition, and we continue to pray and ask for wisdom and guidance as we move forward. I look forward to spending time with my brother and parents, which has been very minimal for the past 17 years. This move will place us within 1 hour of all extended family, which even for those not good with math, is less than 12 hours. We pray that proximity will present opportunity to grow and strengthen relationships that have struggled due to the distance.

July 2008

Sterling broke his arm!

Sterling fell off an ATV and broke his arm this past weekend. He is bummed because he is we are going to the lakes with friends this next week to go tubing and skiing. His youth group is also going to a waterpark. Unfortunately, he will be wearing a cast for the next 6 weeks. He is looking at the bright side and is liking that his brother and sisters are having to do his chores and help him with the things he can't do. He is also enjoying the extra attention he's getting. He was such a trooper in the Er when they set his arm! We are thankful it was not his head he hurt.

A visit to Minnesota

Rya and Roman traveled for the first time by airplane to Minnesota. We went to celebrate Grandpa Dwaine's retirement from Bethel University.

We were able to meet the 3 new cousins in Minnesota.

Grandma and Grandpa with the grandkids

BLESSINGS!

I recently received a birth announcement in the mail from my sister and her husband announcing the birth of their daughter Mattea. For them, this is the fulfillment of their dreams. Naomi had suffered several miscarriages before having Mattea. As I looked at the photos, I could see in their eyes the pure joy. On the phone it is evident as well. Naomi is #5 of the 7 children my parents have. As a child she was shy and always willing to do things for others. She is a fabulous social worker who now has chosen to be at home with her child. Today she is a mother and a wife. She has grown into a beautiful woman. It is so wonderful to see her as a mom and to see things a bit through her eyes. She takes nothing for granted!

Today my brother Nick and his wife Mara had a daughter, Sofia Rose. Nick and Mara were married last July. Nick is two years younger than myself. We have watched him fall in love with Mara. It is amazing how I once looked at him as my brother, the boy who mercilessly teased me as a child. He is no longer that person. He is a man who loves a woman. He has become tender and thoughtful. He laughs. Today he is a father. Incredible!

I am overwhelmed with the blessings we have received as well. Children are truly a gift from God.

Thank you Lord for my family and for the blessings you have given all of us!

LOOK! We are totally bigger than before

Roman and Rya continue to help us train for our role on the US summer olympic team, where we are co-captains of the insomnia squad. With the assistance of our newest family members we are sure to bring home the GOLD. Seriously, they are a wonderful blessing. They are developing as they should and do not seem to be affected developmentally due to their premature arrival. All of the older kids are great helpers when needed. Sterling and Spencer did a phenomenol job in their respective roles in Seussical the Musical. We are very proud of their dedication and fearlessness to go before a crowd. Hannah is appreciating her home life more after working at the Boys and Girls Club. It has been a great experience for her. She is driving quite a bit and keeps naively asking what kind of car will she get. Sadly for her, I have already purchased an excellent Schwinn 10 speed for her to use when transportation is required (LOL). Linnea and Sterling have grown 1-2 inches over the past few months and Linnea has been able to continue her training for her future career as a socialite. She is always receiving invitations from friends. Spencer shaved the mohawk he had for the play, and now looks much older than his 14 years. The summer months are hectic as there is the stabilizing lack of routine that the school year provides. Our time with the children is short in the big picture, and they will soon be gone. We appreciate this, and relish the noise, mess, and mayhem because one day soon it will be gone. May you remember to cherish and enjoy those around you while they are here, because as TobyMac says "You don't know what ya got till it's gone"

Check out this new movie opening in September

Fireproof link - Click below


-Kevin

A Sad Thing Happened Today

Tonight our Yorkie Miley was hit by a car in front of our house and she died.

She was the sweetest dog. Everyone loved her. She was Hannah's dog. It is so sad to lose a pet. Please pray for the kids. We will miss you Miley!! May you rest in peace.

Prom!!!

Hannah continues to grow up. The truth is she has always been anxious to grow up and experience new things. Tonight she went to Prom with Bill Denney. The parents are feeling both proud and nostalgic wondering where the time has gone. She is no longer our sticky up haired little girl who was known as "the baby who talks". She no longer has a high pitched voice and she doesn't go around the neighborhood asking for signatures of people who aren't responsible for the demise of the baby Robins in their nest.

We are proud of her and want to share some photos of her day.

Getting to know babies

Roman and Rya are now 7 weeks old. Their individual personalities are becoming apparent. Rya is the littlest person we have ever met. She knows what she wants. She is alert and likes to try to hold her head up. She likes to be held facing out so she can see what is happening. She is tiny and so special. When we talk to her her eyes light up. Roman likes to snuggle. He is easy-going and still very sleepy. He is beginning to try to smile. He opens his mouth up and cracks a half smile. He is a very easy and fun baby!

The Sandcastle

Originally written 9/16/05

A small boy once asked his father how to build a sandcastle. The family was planning a trip to the beach and he wanted desperately to attempt to build the grandest castle on the beach. He had seen pictures of such castles on T.V. and in magazines and yearned to make one of his own. His father stated, "When building a sandcastle the most important thing to remember is to place a large rock in the sand where you plan to build the structure. Once you have found a rock and placed it firmly in the sand, then and only then should you begin building your castle". The son replied, "But father, what should the castle look like, and how big should I build it?". The father simply said, "Son, just be certain that the rock is first, and everything else will be fine".
The next week, the family headed out on their trip to the beach as planned. When the time came to head out to the water, the young boy eagerly bounded to the beach with bucket and shovel in hand. Remembering his father's words, he immediately searched for a suitable rock to place where he was to build his castle. He finally found a wonderful rock and even had to ask for help in transporting it to where he needed it to be. Following this, he finally began to build his castle. The remainder of the day was spent creating the most magnificent sandcastle ever imagined by a young boy. There was a moat surrounding the structure, with impressive walls and even a drawbridge made of driftwood. Four tall towers commanded the corners, and there was a large central courtyard with each tower being topped with a tall central spire and flag. As the sun set, the boy sat back and admired his handiwork, very proud of his accomplishment!
As he basked in the glow of his grand achievement, he was suddenly gripped with fear. The tide was slowly rising and beginning to encroach on his castle. To his great dismay the waves slowly began to methodically destroy the magnificent structure. The drawbridge was washed out to sea and the grand towers melted back to the beach. In a very short time, nothing remained of his creation. The next morning when the tide was again at its low point, all that remained was the rock marking what once was the grandest castle ever. As the boy sat and stared at the destruction, crying over the loss, he suddenly felt the large, warm grip of his father's hand on his shoulder. His father picked him up and held him close. The boy explained all that he had witnessed. When he had finished explaining everything, his father replied "Son, your castle is not completely gone. Even though the water washed most of it away, the rock that you placed as the foundation is still there. You put your faith in my words and heeded my advice to place the rock first. Although you did not initially understand why this was important, you did as I asked out of faith. No matter what storms may come, the rock will stay firm, marking where you built the castle. You can always re-build the castle, with the knowledge that the foundation will always remain".

The father in the story is God and the boy represents you and me. The rock represents Christ, and if we place Him at the center and start with Him always, even though all around us may crumble, He will always be there for us, marking the way to our true home and true castle. The waves will come many times and destroy the sandcastles we build, but we can take comfort and refuge in God's hand on our shoulder during hard times. Through this we will always be brought back by keeping Christ in our sight and at the center and core.

The cracked pot and the purpose driven life

It is 5:00 a.m. and I have just fed, burped, and changed Rya and Roman. They have acknowledged my meeting of their needs with healthy belches (devoid of recently consumed prepared formula - always a plus!), non-focused half-smiles, and the requisite post-feed cuddle with optional buttock protrusion (you know, where they stretch and arch their backs while contracting their legs and extending their necks. This always causes the booty to sick out and is undoubtedly one of my faves!!). My simple actions done out of love, and with little thought or effort on my part have resulted in quiet splendor and rest for these newest of God's creations. All they want is to be held, and to feel safe and secure in my arms. This desire does not change for any of us as we grow older. We ALL want to be held and to feel safe and secure in the arms of our heavenly father. At this particular time, in this particular place, my purpose is to meet their basic needs. This concept of purpose is something I continually struggle with. Much of the time I do not see, or feel as though my life is fulfilling what I was created for. The massive list of "why's" is always simmering on my back burner. Why do I live 12 hours from my family? Why do I live in Bluffton, Indiana (of all places!!)? Why on earth am I a foot doctor? How do these things, as well as the other aspects of my daily life fit into God's plan for me, and am I doing what I am supposed to be doing with this life He has given me? There are many other "why's", but I will refrain from going on and on.
I am a cracked pot. I take great comfort in knowing that I am a cracked pot and before anyone taking the time to read my ramblings begins to question my sanity, and think I am a crackpot, I will explain what I mean. In Brennan Mannings book "Ruthless Trust", he tells the following story, which has helped me to feel more secure at times when the "why's" become too numerous.
"A water-bearer in India had two large pots. Each hung on opposite ends of a pole that he carried across his neck. One of the pots had a crack in it, while the other was perfect. The perfect pot always delivered a full portion of water at the end of the long walk from the stream to the master's house. The cracked pot arrived only half-full. Every day for a full two years, the water-bearer only delivered one and a half pots of water. The perfect pot was proud of it's accomplishments, because it fulfilled magnificently the purpose for which it had been made. But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of its imperfection, miserable that it was able to accomplish only half of what it had been made to do. After the second year of what it perceived to be a bitter failure, the unhappy pot spoke to the water-bearer one day by the stream and told him that he was ashamed of himself and wanted to apologize. The bearer responded by asking the pot what he was ashamed of? The pot told him that over the last 2 years he has only been able to deliver half his load because of the crack in his side allows water to leak out all the way back to the master's house and because of this flaw the bearer does not get full value from his efforts. The water-bearer felt very sorry for the cracked pot and in his compassion he related to the pot that on their next trip from the stream that he should pay close attention to the edge of the path on his side and compare it to the edge of the path on the side of the perfect pot. He told the pot to notice the beautiful flowers along his side, and that there were no flowers on the other side. Indeed, as they made their way along the path on their daily journey there were the most beautiful flowers along his side of the path and the sight of this did cheer him up a bit. However, at the end of the trail he still felt bad that he had leaked out half of his load and again apologized to the bearer for this failure. The bearer then told the pot that he had always known about the flaw and had taken advantage of it. He planted flower seeds on his side of the path, and every day, as they made their way from the stream to the master's house the cracked pot had been unknowingly watering them. As a result of this the bearer was able to pick the beautiful flowers to decorate the master's table. Without the cracked pot being just the way he was, the bearer would not have been able to add this beauty to the house."
The water-bearer stunned the cracked pot by revealing the greater purpose he was serving. The pot had assumed that the sole purpose of it's existence was to haul water from the stream to the house. Unable to see the forest for the trees and stuck in his own self-determination, the pot had not suspected God's grand purpose for it: to give life to the dormant flower seeds along the path.
I love this story because it reminds me that I cannot and will not ever see the "big picture" from God's perspective, and that much of the time I feel like the ashamed cracked pot. Unable to see the impact of my seemingly inert actions and interactions with others. In my office I have small ceramic pot with a crack painted on the side that I made as a small reminder that even though I do not always see the grand scheme that God is fully in control of, I can take comfort that as long as I try my best to be Christ to those around me and serve the needs, be they big or small, that I am helping to water the flowers that will grace my masters table in heaven. My purpose driven life then is powered not by a great understanding of the final masterpiece being created, but in the comfort and knowledge that at any particular time or particular place I will add a small spot of color to the picture by serving those around me. So, what is my grand purpose for living far away from family, having 6 children and fixing bunions and flat feet? I don't know. But I also do not need to know. What I need to do is not worry about the grand scheme, because God is in charge. What I need to do is to love the Lord my God with all my heart, mind and soul and lean not on my own understanding! On occasion, He does pull me aside and show me a flower or two, where despite my imperfections, he has used me to further His purpose.
The most recent of these glimpses into His purpose for me just woke again to be fed, burped, changed and held so they may feel safe and secure. Two other flowers that I am close to all day are beginning to bloom as well. The beauty of a flower is wonderful to behold, and it is even more spectacular and satisfying to watch the flower bloom.
May you take comfort in your individual imperfections, and cling to the knowledge that God will use these in His time and for His purpose.

In Christ, Kevin (aka - The baldy-headed Cracked Pot)

One Month

Life continues to be very good! We are all adjusting well. Jon and Katie Gross(Gina's sister) and Emma and Ava visited us last week. It was so much fun! Katie helped Gina's friends give a baby shower.

Rya and Roman are growing but Roman is growing faster. Yesterday we weighed them at the doctor's ofice and Rya weighed 7 pounds 4 ounces and Roman weighed 9 pounds!

We continue to feel very blessed!

Please view our slideshow above.

Roman

Last week at the babies check up, our pediatrician heard a heart murmur on Roman. As we talked, I told her that we have noticed that he sometimes has a greyish color around his mouth. She sent Roman for an echocardiagram. Today we were notified that he has a Ventricular Septal Defect. This is a small hole in between the 2 chambers of his heart. It should close on its own but they will continue to monitor him. If he would stop eating well, lose weight, have difficulty breathing or have more frequent bluish-grey color by his mouth we will be concerned.

He is a sweet boy and has the MOST kissable cheeks! Please pray that the hole will close on its own.

New Baby Photos

The babies are sleeping a lot. The parents are not. It seems like all of the pictures we have are of sleeping babies. I like how they often sleep in exactly the same position. Miley, our Yorkie likes her new sleepy friends.

What Linnea thinks about the babies

I am so glad to be a big sister. I thought I was being replaced by the babies, but then my mom told me that I will always be their baby. I am so grateful about the decision about the babies that the birthmother made. Just because I have someone to look to me doesn't mean that I won't love everyone in my family. I am having fun. I like to change diapers and feed the babies. My mom trusts me with the babies and that makes me feel good. Linnea

Spencer Speaks

I have never been so happy before. When I first saw the twins, I couldn't help but cry. I told myself I need to be the best brother I can. My mom said that Annie and Mikey don't really remember her living with them. Rya and Roman most likely won't remember living with me. For that reason I want them to know their big brother is there for both of them. I want them to trust me. I hope they can be my best buds. Sterling will always be my bubby and my bud no matter what. I love Hannah. She'll always be the person I look to for "girl advice". I want Linnea to know she will always be the one I can hang with and play sports with. She will always be my baby sister. I want Linnea to know she isn't being replaced. I know that every one of us in the family knows she has claimed the spot as baby in the house. Rya and Roman are going to be a double deluxe bundle of trouble and FUN! I will enjoy watching you grow up. Love, Spencer

One Week Later

The babies are one week old today, and we are all one week older as well. The routine of every three hour feedings, and feeling tired all of the time has a wonderful familiarity to it. I am flooded with memories of bringing Hannah to Gina in Des Moines, Spencer and Sterling to Gina in Kansas City, and Linnea to Gina in Bluffton. I strangely enjoy the pure satisfaction that babies have when fed and changed. There could be no greater contentment in this world. This time and routine are temporary, and we are cherishing all of it. The older kids have been a great help. They are great assistants with feeding (and changing non-number two diapers), during daylight hours. They all have shown great maturity through this process and with the addition of another brother and sister into their lives. We are very proud of them. They will still fight over who gets to hold who when, and Gina has to ask for her babies at times because the help is so abundant. Nothing is more satisfying than being able to meet the needs, no matter how simple, of one of Abba's children. We are all on this journey together, and as we have seen, you never know what is around the next corner.