Busy Bees this December

Written by Melissa

It's been quite the holiday season, so far... and it's only December 11!  Axe is officially 6-months-old today, though he sports 12-mo clothes daily. He seems to be preparing to crawl, as he is inspired by the older babies in his classroom, as well as the movement of his older brother and sister. Here he is getting ready...

  

 

We enjoyed an incredible performance by the Kindergarten class of ANCS a couple nights ago. It was the annual Winterfest and we were able to catch the little guys singing on video. Here are two songs, Dreidel and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Not the best video quality, but if you push forward to around minute 2:17, you might catch a glimpse of our little reindeer in the top row, center screen. He's pretty nutty, that one.

 



 

Of course, we must mention the incredible fun we had over the weekend and Auntie Chich and Uncle Steve's wedding. It was an amazing night with a beautiful bride and an okay-looking groom :-) who recited the most loving vows I've ever heard. We were so honored to have been witness to their union and to have been a team when it came to ring bearing! We wish them both all the happiness in the world.

 

Finally, for a little Christmas cheer... here's our very first alternative Christmas tree. I didn't want to take care of anything else in our house this year, so here's what we came up with! Happy Holidays!

 



Tony Chestnut (Toe Knee Chestnut)

Written by Melissa

Hey - you try doing this three times fast... it's tough! Good job, ANCS Kindergarteners.

We Are Thankful

Written by Melissa

 

This year we have so very much to be thankful for... our lives are ever-changing and evolving in ways we never imagined, but our ability to hold on to our faith and the blessings of our incredible family and friends have kept us EXACTLY where we are supposed to be in this life.

Thanksgiving is often overshadowed by Christmas (and Halloween in our home :-)), but it is indeed one of my most favorite holidays. I love the opportunity to be surrounded by loved ones and the chance to reflect on all that we are grateful for, when so often we dwell on what we don't have or things not gone "our way." Thanksgiving offers us all the time to enjoy each other - and to TELL each other how thankful we are. So here goes:

> I am thankful for Andrew. He is an amazing husband, father, brother, friend. I could not walk in this life we've built without him by my side. He accepts me exactly the way I am and he loves every part of me - the good, the bad, and the ugly. :-) I love you, Drew.

> I am thankful for Asa. The boy is a fantastically complex and brilliant old soul. He loves life. He loves his sister and brother. His spirit is ALIVE! I am so proud of who he is and who I know he will become. I love you, Ace.

> I am thankful for Ariana. Sweet, sweet girl has surpassed all odds and is WALKING right into the hearts of MANY! She has the most loving energy and her eyes tells us all that is in her heart. She's the reason for my new life, my new normal, my renewed love and compassion for humanity, and my connection to two of the most unbelievable people on the planet. I love you, Ari.

> I am thankful for Axel. My (not-so) little baby boy has brought me to elation, a place I didn't think I could be again. He's reminded me that we all deserve JOY. He is my divine reward. He is my peace. He is my wonderment. He is my celebration. I love you, Axe.

> I am thankful for Heather. I have never known anyone quite like her - someone with such remarkable capacity to love, to give, to provide. I am privileged and honored to call her my daughter's Mom. I love you, Heather.

> I am thankful for Jim. Such a marvelous man with a phenomenal outlook on life, love, and family. That he can open his heart and home to not just Ariana, but to all of us is the most precious gift anyone in this world could ever give. I love you, Jim.

> I am thankful for my Mom. I so rarely get the chance to tell her how spectacular she is because I am always so busy asking for her help and she is always so busy doing for me. I couldn't ask for a better Nana to my babies OR a better surrogate Mom to my husband and sister-in-laws and friends OR a better friend to me. I love you, Mom.

> I am thankful for Emily. Having met you in 2nd grade, how would I have ever known how dear you'd be to me for the rest of my life. I am the luckiest girl in the world to have a best friend like you who loves me unconditionally and whole-heartedly. I feel comforted in knowing that I can always count on  you. I love you, E.

> I am thankful for Melissa. (No, not me... my precious friend with a beautiful name, if I do say so myself.) I have been blessed by you. Truly blessed. You've taught me to love myself again. You've let me know it's okay - it was okay then, it is okay now, and it'll be okay always. And you've believed in God enough for the both of us when I was lost. I love you, Melissa.

Oh, there are so many, many, many more that I am thankful for. This post could go on forever, so please don't feel left out in my heart. I love you all who have lifted me up. I feel so fortunate for all I have.

Happy Thanksgiving. Bountiful blessings!

Two Years Later

Written by Heather

November 9th marked the two year anniversary of the forming of the A Team. We were able to meet up to enjoy a nice family dinner, Italian style.

To describe all that the past two years have been and meant to us is not possible. Being a part of this family and supporting each other is such an incredible privilege. Raising Ariana, and knowing the vastness of love around her is the greatest blessing we have ever known. Watching Asa, and now Axel grow and seeing the connection and love between them, as siblings, is amazing. We are so proud of all Ariana, and the A Team is; all we have accomplished separately and as a family; and the changes that this experience has brought to how we live, how we love and how we view life and others.

Ariana is a true gift; beautiful, pure, bright and just exceptional in every way. She has been working very hard at home and with her therapists, and is well on her way to running right into the holidays. We just returned from Hilton Head, visiting our wonderful friends. Having someone her size to interact with all week was the best motivation we could ask for. Please enjoy some of our beach memories.

 

Axel Baptized as Demetrius

Written by Melissa
Photos by Meredith Hilleary

Last month, we had a beautiful baptism for our very big boy at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral. Axel was blessed with two godmothers, Auntie Kiki and Emily. Our loved ones helped to celebrate this very special occasion as Axel was baptized as Demetrius.

 

 



Madam Miraculous and the Science Kids

Written by Melissa

Title of this post sounds like an awesome band, but NO --- it was the incredible entertainment for Asa's 6th birthday. Madam Miraculous showed the kids how to conduct all kinds of amazing science experiments (and a few explosions, too). The weather was perfect and the fun was out of this world!

 

 

 

Asa went to the doctor yesterday and his stats are just as out of this world... weighing in at 56+ lbs and standing 49 inches tall, the boy was officially given the thumbs up from Dr. B to sit in the car sans booster!!! I can't believe it. He's growing up so fast. Soon he'll be in the driver's seat!!! Six going on sixteen! 

 

Thanks to all the family and friends that helped to celebrate. Another birthday bites the dust.

Grandparent's Day

Written by Melissa

It was Grandparent's Day at Asa's school last week. Nana was a hit... when asked about her own Kindergarten memory, she replied that she was born in the dark ages and couldn't possibly remember anything from Kindergarten. The kids were fascinated that Asa had such an OLD (but good looking) grandmother! :-)

Axel's Got His Eye on the Prize

Written by Melissa

I think someone is looking forward to real food.