Baby steps (and lots more)...

I have to document that our sweet Sadie Skielar walked 4 steps on Friday!

After she sat down she turned right around and did another 2.

She's not done much since then but one or two with quite a bit of encouragement, so I don't think this is actually walking...but we are getting close!

She is eating like she has never eaten before and I am sure it's because she's more active...but it's almost funny how much she can eat. She loves Nutri-grain bars, Ritz crackers, bananas, green beans, carrots, graham crackers and grilled cheese. And thanks to Papa Max she had her first Cheetos on Sunday, she loved it of course (who doesn't?). All of this with still not a single tooth! It's quite funny to watch and we get a lot of stares in public giving this toothless bitty baby such big people food!

She has started shaking her head no and when I told her not to eat my flowers (above) on Friday and kept her from pulling them, she let me know she didn't agree with a big grunt as she yanked her hand out from mine.

Speaking of baby steps...Cooper has taken a sudden interest in the potty again. I know I am going to regret saying that because it's only been a matter of hours, but at this point I will take it! It really wouldn't be that big of a deal but he hates his diapers and is so frustrated that he has to wear them! Ah, this is so sad the time I spend thinking about bodily function and who's pooped today!
Owen overjoyed at the fact that he's at "Old McDonald's" as he calls it. On Friday we saw Mandy for the first time in years. As you know, we have an open adoption, but it mostly consists of phonecalls, emails and pictures. I had the joy of taking Mandy to lunch by myself the week of Mother's Day and we planned to get together as a family. We planned it so that we could meet for her birthday. The boys were ecstatic to say the least. They have not quit talking about it and it's been so fun to talk with them about how much she loves them. For kids this age, it's so hard to understand what adoption means besides that they didn't grow in my belly. So, it was so good for opening up more conversation since it's on their mind. I got lots of really great pictures, but am going to keep those private for the boys until they choose to share them. They stared at them all morning long...so precious!

The Shockleys HEART open adoption!

Speaking of open adoption and birthmoms, we still have the pleasure of seeing Momma G at least once a month. We are so blessed that she is close and that we can see her often. She is doing really well and thanks to all of you that have prayed for her faith. She is attending church and we are beyond blessed that she found a church she feels welcome and loved at!

Blake, poor Blake. We have this joke in our house when things get rough with work. I always tell him that he was warned by everyone how hard this would be and that he chose this. I know, I am so nice, huh? Very supportive wife, right? Here's the good news, he's almost finished with his 3rd year and will start year 4 of 5 on July 1st. Three down and 2 to go, I'd say that's something to celebrate! Another bit of good news is that the hospital that he is going to in Aspen is trying to find us a 2 bedroom apartment so that we can all go together! We are super excited. Quite frankly the idea of spending 11 weeks without Blake was more than I could swallow. I was just trying not to think about it. We'll keep you updated because I know you are on the edge of your seat about this! HA!

One last thing. If you could, and if you don't follow our POA blog...we have a huge need there. There is a sibling group of 3 in our community that has lost everything they have. Not only are they orphans, but they have also lost all they once called their own. Please jump over to our other blog if you are willing to pray for these kids and maybe even donate something to our goody bags for these children (ages 5, 7, and 9). If you know of a family that is open to adoption, please send them to our blog. These children need their forever family to show them the love of Christ. Until we have someone step forward we are going to do all we can to show them they are loved, valued and not forgotten.