Life is going good here in the Vettel household. The kids are growing (yeah) and loving life. This week one of our adoption coordinators from LSS sent us a few pictures of the kids from their life at Los Pisingos. (Thank you Bettina!) That motivated me to go through some of the items we received from L.P. when we met the kids...there were a bunch of pictures, so I thought it would be fun to do a then and now post.
Sebastian Michael is growing so much mentally, socially and physically. It is so wonderful to see him grow. He wakes up on school days and has a little extra hop in his step. His English is amazing...I cannot believe everything I hear coming from his mouth. He is always helping his little brother and sister (and let's us know about it so we can give him praise!). I took him to get his 4 year pictures taken and it just made me sad to watch him, thinking he has never had that done before. He listened to the photographer so intently and had a smile on his face the entire time. He thought that was pretty neat, it helped that the entire staff was googling over him the entire time! We are so blessed to have Sebastian as our little boy!
This picture is from Sebastian's 3rd birthday at Los Pisingos.
And now, he is 4...truly amazing what one year (exactly) does!
John Santiago is our resilient little boy! He goes through the biggest surgery one could imagine for a 2 year old and he bounces back literally within days! I continue to thank God for the blessings he has given us with placing John in our home so that we can get him the best medical attention in the country. We had a follow-up with the neurosurgeon on Wed. and John is doing wonderful. I almost started crying in that appointment just thinking what that man did for our little John. I asked John if he remembered Dr. Haines and Dr. Haines quickly said, "With that big smile on his face, I doubt it!" John continues to be our little love bug and is the sweetest little boy. He is so wonderful with his little sister. John's speech is progressing but it is still hard for me to understand him sometimes and instead of him getting frustrated, when he sees that blank look on my face or I tell him I don't understand him, he puts his hand on my cheek and says "Hi Mommy". How precious, he knows I always understand that!
John's 1st birthday at Los Pisingos.
John's 2nd birthday at Los Pisingos...
...and John today. Our little charmer!
Catherine Ann is one of a kind! Out of the three kids, I would say developmentally, she has made the most progress which is not real surprising due to her age. When we got her, she was like an infant, now she is definitely a toddler. She can keep up with the boys, no problem. She is talking a ton and climbing...she continues to find new ways to get up on furniture and this week it was the kitchen table. I cannot take my eyes off that girl for one second. She still has a mind of her own and that little stubborn personality! Sometimes, I call her Catie Schoenberg...that is my mom's (grandma's) maiden name and she definitely has the Schoenberg blood in her! I love it, it will get her a long way in life and with her two big brothers it will help her handle them! During the day, I just sit and watch her and laugh at her....ALL DAY! She definitely rules this house and she knows it!
Cate's 1st birthday at Los Pisingos. (with Sebastian and John by her side!!)
Just 8 short months later... (Notice her location...yes, grandma's dishwasher!) That smile can bring a smile to anyone's face!
More fun pictures from then...
Sebastian
Sebastian
Sebastian
John
A social worker from another agency lighting up John's face.
John
John
Cate
Cate with food in front of her. huh! The spoon looks bigger than her!
Our little Cate is the one on the right in front.
Cate
All three together for John's birthday!
...and now
Cate thought she needed to try on one of the boys jackets too! They are all very stiff in winter coats, not used to being wrapped up so tight.
Cate being resourceful...she took of the booster seat and used that as her stepping stool to get to the chair and eventually to get to the table.
This is after a snack of goldfish...Sebastian decided he was going to make a mess while eating his goldfish so I told him he needed to clean it up. He went to grab the vacuum and John proceeded to go to the playroom to get his "vacuum" and Cate doing what she does best...supervising!
So sweet and innocent!
Ready for winter...hat, check...stocked pantry, check...now we just need something on those feet.
Grandpa showing Sebastian how to use a tape measure!
Something about this picture looks fishy!
Lots of love going around in this house!
Sebastian loving the outdoors.
Our little ham!
I know I have said this before, but Rhett and I count our blessings every day for these three beautiful, well adjusted children. They are the light of our lives!
Holly
4 comments:
Such delightful pictures! The kids look so much more happy in the ones taken at your home, although I know they were well cared for in Columbia. The kids are so pleased to be a part of a family. Can't wait to see them again! Give the kids big hugs & kisses from us.
Grandma Jackie
So amazing!! I honestly tear up everytime I read your blog - what beautiful children, what a journey, what a blessing!! ;-)
Deb (Amy's Sister)
Wow, Holly! Your journal brought tears to my eyes! How priceless to have those early pics from LP, and then to see the change that the last several months has made is unbelievable. You are all truly blessed. Thanks so much for sharing!!
Patsy and all :)
By the way, Jake was looking at these picture with me, and totally thought that John was Cate on his first birthday pic!! Cute!
Dangit Holly, You made me cry again. YOU ARE ALL SO LUCKY TO HAVE EACH OTHER! I think it is FANTASTIC how LP Kept these 3 as a family, even with things like celebrating a bday. They are definitely a team and now you and Rhett are a part of the team as well. I just love you guys and those kids are so stinkin beautiful and so full of love and life! YAY! lots of hugs to all! Jodi :)
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