Baby Anthony

Today while organizing photos and working on a digital scrapbook I came across these pictures of Anthony before we adopted him. In every photo I see the personality of our little boy shining through and so wish I could have known him at every stage in his life. Right now Cynthia is putting together more photos for us and sending them our way. I cannot wait to see our baby Anthony.

Just Call Me Reba

Anthony is constantly saying and doing things that amaze us. Just yesterday he was counting backwards --- 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1...BLASTOFF! Last night he took his longest bike ride yet to the fish park and did a great job! He's also in a stage where he's exploring language and trying to say everything he's thinking. Sometimes he goofs it up and makes it sound all cute to his momma's ears! For instance, he likes to go "bare walking" outside --- barefoot. He also needs help when something is "outside, inside" --- inside out.
This morning we didn't make it for our typical walk and he had changed three times before 10:00 o'clock, but it was a great start to our day! After watching Dora the Explorer TWICE as well as having TWO breakfasts he was ready to go. A new activity I bought him at the beginning of the summer was Discovery's Playful Patterns Design Activity.
Anthony loves creating the designs and can sit through multiple cards putting everything together. What amazed me this morning is just how much he's learned through all of our times of playing. Shapes, colors, patterns, and problem solving. Not all of the cards are super easy and some require you to think about what shapes would create a certain object. I would start to help him, but he constantly would cut me off telling me what we needed and start looking for that shape.
Another activity I bought was this Beads and Pattern Card Set.
Anthony does well with fine motor; however, struggled with following a pattern at first. Now he whips through the pattern and asks for more to put on his "snake" string. Once again it was great to see how much he's grown and learned as well as to be confirmed that preschool will be a good step for him in the fall.
After our indoor activities we went outside for finger painting and then making numbers and letters in shaving cream. It was a mess, for both of us, but a lot of fun.
As I put A down for a nap today I felt like a country song in the making. As he was snuggled in his bed, holding onto his brown blankie and already sleeping I was hit with the knowledge that all of this will pass so quickly. Too quickly! He has already grown so much since coming home and is learning something new everyday! There will come a day when playing with mom won't be as fun as going out with friends or his Nintendo DSi or numerous other things. I will miss these days, challenges and all!, and look back filled with love and happiness. As I kissed him one last time and watched his sweet face it was another reminder of how lucky we are to have been given such a beautiful little boy and to always seize each and every day with our Bubsa Beetle.

Pesto Cheesy Chicken Rolls

I LOVE allrecipes.com! Even though this particular recipe was declared "icky" by Anthony because he's anti-chicken lately, Mark and I both enjoyed it. Got to love when super easy to prepare is combine with super delicious to eat! A definite win-win in my book!

Ingredients:
4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts halves - pounded to 1/4 thickness
On a random side note, this was the best part of this recipe! For my birthday the boys got me a meat tenderizer and it was fun to try it out for the first time. I have a feeling I might be cooking up something to "tenderize" after stressful work days this school year!
1 cup prepared basil pesto
4 thick slices mozzarella cheese

Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350
Spread 2-3 tablespoons of the pesto onto each flattened chicken breast. Place once slice of cheese over the pesto. Roll up tightly and secure with toothpicks. Place in a lightly greased baking dish.
Bake uncovered for 45-50 minutes until chicken in nicely browned and juices run clear.

United and Strong

I'll be honest.
I am in love with our new family photo.
I think my former art teacher, Mr. Peterson, would even be proud of this one!
Okay, okay.
You Deer Riverites and friend art teachers out there know that might be a stretch.
I haven't done anything new or highly creative here.
It's just the three of us in a shadow.
Click.
The picture is taken.
However, I still love it for whatever reason.
Now if I could just find a title I loved as much as the picture I would be in business!
Here's what didn't make the cut:
Shadow Family
Simply Us
The Hanson Hat Trick
Just the Three of Us
Ugh.
Got anything better?

A and his Momma

Celebrating 33

My Grandma J would always declare, "What a pleasant surprise!" when I would stop at her house. It didn't matter whether the visit was known in advance or not she would always be delighted and "surprised".
There were no plans made for my birthday. We were on vacation and just going to enjoy the day. That day turned out to be the best day I have had in a long time. It truly was a pleasant surprise.

We simply enjoyed each other.
No work.
No obligations.
No expectations.
No rushing.
No worrying.
No need to even know the time.
We took a drive and found Lake Minnewaska. We decided to hop out to walk in the lake and explore. Mark skipped rocks while Anthony kept declaring he had found a favorite rock before moving on and finding another favorite.
After our explorations of the water we walked to play at a nearby park. The key word here is that we all played. The three of us were climbing, sliding, laughing and enjoying the opportunity to be there at that moment.
Then we found a surprise, a gem - an amazing beach with a yellow water slide begging to be used. The water was so clear and shallow while the sand was soft and warm to the touch.
Get the sunscreen!
Blow up the floaties!
Let the hours pass by and the fun begin.
It was way past lunch time before we became hungry and pulled into A&W. Much to our surprise it was a decked out 50's style restaurant, which is right up my alley. The jukebox played free oldies while we sipped our frosty mugs of root beer and watched A do some dance-eating in his seat.

All of this was wonderful in and of itself, but it didn't even come close to being the best part! The highlight for me was a three-year-old I love more than ice cream, warm July days and having a hubby on a week-long vacation.
Throughout the entire sun-filled day we got Anthony.
What I mean to say is that we got OUR Anthony.
There was only love, genuine smiles & giggles and a day filled full of fun.
We didn't catch one glimpse of the boy who hurts.
It was a whole day of happiness.
A beautiful glimpse into what our future could look like after years of love and the patience I pray for everyday.

As the sun set I felt exceptionally blessed to be given such a day. I love my husband and little Bubsa Beetle. I love my life. I'm thankful that God knew I didn't need something materialistic or over the top to celebrate another birthday, but rather a promise of days to come. It's those days that fill me with hope and give me strength to get through the inevitable days of insurmountable challenges.

Lake Minewaska Area

Wouldn't it be fun to rent a cabin?

Way back in May Mark emailed me this one line along with a link to a cabin he had found in the Glenwood (near Alexandria) area. Staying in a cabin really wasn't on our summer-filled-with-camping radar, but the idea stuck and we planned our first renting-a-cabin trip.
Typically if one is planning for a three night - four day getaway there is preparation involved.
Lists.
Researching.
Planning.
Maybe even a spreadsheet including those lists, research and plans.
Here's where I sometimes think that Tonja Clampit from the Oteneagen Road met and married Mark Griswold from 9th Street.
Sure we talked about our big cabin adventure and Mark had done some initial researching resulting in finding this cabin. I did start to make a list two days before we left, but it only covered the food we would eat. (The important stuff, right?!)
I started to list the other important items we would need, but lost interest after life jackets, bug spray, floaties and marshmallow roasting sticks.
Did we really need to create a list of everything?
Nah...

The Clampit-Griswolds aka Hansons were doing just fine getting the van packed up and ready to go Monday morning. We were making good time and I was mentally remembering everything that needed to go into the cooler and boxes. I even saved the whole trip by remembering to pack coffee and filters at the very last moment. I don't even like coffee, but I knew it was a must have for Mark.
Whew.

As we traveled down I-94 all was well until we're about 30 minutes from our destination. I realized I made a crucial mistake and was a bit fearful of Mark's reaction when he heard of my blunder.
Crap!
Crappity crap CRAP!

Uh, Mark...
Yeah?
I forgot something...
What?
Something major... I cannot believe I did this...
What did you forget?
Um, remember that Anthony peed out this morning?
Yeah.
And remember I washed his bedding?
Yeah.
Well I forgot to take it out of the dryer.
So?
His brown blanket was in there...

WHAT?!

How does a mom make this crucial, no brainer mistake of forgetting the coveted and comforting brown blankie?! He loves that thing and NEEDS to have it when he's upset or tired. Geez!
Mark and I immediately kick into high pitch, fun and adventurous mode for Anthony as we are simultaneously spotting the Walmart sign along the side of the road. It only took a few moments for A to be completely on board for purchasing a new and special blanket for our cabin adventure. He feverishly started listing all of the blankets he could possibly want and had completely forgotten about his beloved brown blanket.
Seriously?
Can this huge, larger than life problem be solved at a passing Walmart?
Apparently!
We came out with a Sponge Bob and Patrick fleece blanket and an excited kid ready to go to bed with his new blanket.
Really?
Wow!
Crisis diverted.

Throughout our stay we found there were many items - however, much smaller - that we had forgotten. Each time we would laugh, shake our heads and declare SPREADSHEET! at the same time.
Aloe Vera
wax paper
toothpicks
milk
asparagus
Spreadsheet, spreadsheet, SPREADSHEET!!
Maybe if I was a bit more like Erin or Jenn things like this just simply wouldn't happen to me???

One thing we didn't mess up on was completely enjoying our first cabin experience as a family. We had an absolutely amazing time and have fallen in love with another part of our state. The Lake Minnewaska area is beautiful. We so enjoyed the fishing, beaches, swimming, campfires, boating, sunsets and relaxing atmosphere. It was just what the Griswolds - er, I mean Hansons - needed for a Minnesota getaway in July.

Birthday Excitement!

My 33rd birthday is right around the corner. Honestly this year it kind of snuck up on me without any fanfare in a way that never would have happened when I was a kid.
Case in point? Anthony.
He's been excited for his birthday all summer long. He's already picked out the theme, talked about the friends he'll play with on the big day and, of course, has focused on the presents he would love to get. He's so focused on these presents that one day he convinced me to go to the "toy store". From the backseat of the van he's telling me that we're not going there to buy anything, but rather to look and take pictures.

Take pictures?
Yes, we need to take pictures, Mom.
But why would we do that?
Mom! Dad's at work and my grandmas aren't here. They need to know what I want too!

What a smart little boy with a good point.
So A and I stopped at the "toy store" and spent a good half hour perusing the aisles. He looked carefully at every toy in the store and then would tell me which ones he wanted me to take a picture of. True to his word, we just looked that day. There was no whining to purchase anything, but rather excitement for what he might get for a birthday that is still over a month away.
What a fun moment to be Anthony's momma! It was great to see the excitement and know that for him an upcoming birthday means everything. I'm looking forward to celebrating in 39 days!

Double Rainbow

Last night severe storms rolled through our area once again, which caused the siren to go off not once, but twice. Of course I'm totally freaked out while Mark is totally in love. Anthony and I were being safe and waiting it out in the crawl space while Mark was being a meteorologist/storm chaser and enjoying the cloud formation and rain and wind and hail, etc. Ugh. After what has happened in Wadena and other communities in Minnesota this summer I am thankful that we were all safe. There was no significant damage done and there weren't any tornado touch downs in our area. The best thing to come from this storm was after everything had passed there was a beautiful double rainbow in our backyard.

Sherburne County Fair

We finally made it! We've lived in Sherburne County for seven years now, but had yet to make it to the local fair. Yesterday we spent some time feeding and looking at animals, going on some more rides (the loved dragon roller coaster was there to A's delight) and taking in the sights.
Still loving these summer days...

I'm Ready!

On Wednesday morning we went to the free 10:00 movie in Monticello. Right before leaving it began to rain and, for whatever reason, Anthony ran around the house looking for his chainsaw goggles and fireman jacket to wear.
Then yesterday morning he decided he wanted to wear his skeleton costume (which, by the way, is too small) and chainsaw goggles on our morning walk.
The funny part is that I'm sure both outfits received lots of looks from others, but it didn't even phase me. Anthony loves dressing himself (which equates into very interesting combinations of clothes at times) as well as dressing up. He typically will have on his Batman cape or Spiderman outfit and mask or bug helmet or socks/mittens on his hands as his "work gloves". All of this is just A being A expressing himself and having a great time!
Honestly I love his who-really-cares-what-others-think attitude because-I-am-having-FUN and hope he can hold onto this as he gets older.

Celebrating our Openness

I recently had a conversation in which the individual questioned the "openness" of our adoption. I'll be the first to admit that way back when adopting a child and then having an open relationship with a birth parent scared us. Mark and I completely worried about it and had no idea how it would actually work.
Then we met Cynthia.
Our match meeting on that fateful day was so natural. We liked her immediately and felt at ease when talking with her. That natural, honest communication started the moment we met and has continued throughout our adoption journey. Throughout our years together now we've always been able to talk with our focus being on the little boy we both love so much.

On Tuesday we got together for some fun at Como Zoo. A and I picked her up at her new apartment. There was no awkward silence or uncomfortable moments. It was just A in the van with his momma and birth mommy talking away in our constant natural conversation.
It felt good to see her and be reminded of the joy and wonder of adoption.
She picked us.
Later, as Anthony rode in his police car around the track, I found myself once again trying to express just how grateful I am to her for giving me the most amazing gift of motherhood to this beautiful little boy.
She could have continued to parent.
Heck, she could have terminated the pregnancy from the very beginning.
She could have picked some other couple.
But ultimately she picked us.
At the same time she was trying to convey to me just how much she loves Mark and I and how she knows she made the best decision for our Anthony. She knows he is loved and happy and believes we are great parents for him.

It's in these moments of gratitude and love that I become even more passionate about this journey of openness. It's not something to fear, but rather it should be celebrated. Adoption truly is a beautiful, miraculous gift that continues to leave me feeling so blessed.

WRF Time

This past weekend we were able to travel back to our hometowns to enjoy spending time with family and friends as well as visiting the "World's Largest" Wild Rice Festival. It ended up being a wonderful extended weekend packed full of visiting and fun. It was another reminder of how much I love these lazy, non-working summer days.

Asher John - six months old

Luckily us! Anthony and I were able to spend time babysitting Ash both on Friday and on Monday. A is completely in love with his little cousin and proved to be a great helper when it came to taking care of him. There were many times throughout the weekend that he declared that he, too, would like a little brother. He's already decided that his sibling will be called "Little Cookie Monster". I guess this is a step up from his previous names of Suckers and Stickers.

On Saturday we spent a good chunk of time visiting the Wild Rice Festival in DR. The morning started off with the bicycle rodeo that Anthony refused to participate in; however, ended up winning a donated bike. (Hopefully none of the volunteers could hear A's comment when seeing his new bike. "Another Lightning McQueen bike?" I guess we'll have to work on being gracious and using a filter in the future.) Then A spent some time going on rides with the Lefebvre kiddos, eating his first of many corn dogs and hanging out with auntie, cousin and grandma.

Nicholas and Anthony revving up their race car.

A was brave and went on the dragon all by himself.

Cookie Monster found his way to Deer River!

Saturday was a beautiful July day that brought on the heat. After our time at the festival we found ourselves cooling off at Moose Lake with the Bergeron/Lefebvre/Bain crew.

Hanging out

Our godson Nick
He's gotten so big and talkative and is in love with Anthony.
Come here Anthony!
Let's do this!
Come in!
What an absolute cutie.

My forever boyfriend, CJ

BFFs since meeting at Girl Scouts

After cooling off at the lake, visiting at mom and dad's house and eating some delicious Bowling Alley pizza Damon, Manda and I headed back into town. Once again I found myself having an absolute blast in my little hometown. The Dweebs were an amazing band and Manda & Maureen made great dancing partners. It ended up being a super fun night.

The Tuttles enjoying the fireworks.

On Sunday we went back into DR for the parade, some more rides for A and the free John Anderson concert.

Our AJs waiting for the parade to start.

A and Grandma Kathy

This was the best sign of the whole parade.

The parade was full of political advertisement. Anthony was covered in stickers and chose an interesting place for an unfortunate one.

It was great to spend lots of time with my sister over the weekend!

The John Anderson concert was really good.
I couldn't resist taking Ash for our first dance.

On Monday Anthony and I were able to watch Asher once again as well as visit with G'ma and G'pa Hanson and the Arlt family. I'm so glad we were able to take the extra day to enjoy our time up north.

A with his Grandma Carol

Feeding the fish on Crystal Lake

Hanging out with Clara and Sammy Pants

Uncle Damon let A mow the lawn. He was actually driving all by himself and went in circles most of the time. It seemed like whenever Damon would point to where to go he would go the opposite direction. The lawn looked really interesting; however, A was having the time of his life!

What a lucky little boy to have Uncle D in his life!

On Monday we didn't end up getting home until almost ten o'clock. It ended up being a long extended weekend packed full of activities and very little naps for A, but we had a blast and look forward to more trips up north just like it yet this summer.

A was completely pooped and fell asleep only fifteen minutes into our trip home.