not too bad

Our trip to Romania wasn't too bad!  Lukas did great, actually.  He didn't seem to have any trouble with his ears, and he slept most of the way.  We made all our connections on time and hardly had to wait anywhere.  It was the smoothest and fastest trip we've had in a long time.

On our last flight, Lukas had to wear this funny little seatbelt that attached to mine.  It's all just to make us feel safe, I think.

Lukas seems to really enjoy spitting up.  I had left to go to the bathroom and when I got back, this is what I found!  I have no idea how he managed this.  (Sorry this picture needs to be turned.)  You'd think he'd be upset, but he was really happy.

The apartment our friends found for us here in Galati is great.  However, we will be moving in a few weeks to yet another apartment that is closer still to the center, and we'll be able to stay there longer. (Our current apartment can only be rented for a year, max, since the owner plans to return). Being moved into a place and making it home is very important to me, so I'm pleasantly surprised that I'm so content right now even though all of our things are sitting around in boxes and suitcases...and will be for a few more weeks.

So, we're not too bad.  Actually, we're pretty good. :)

love multiplies

Lukas is 8 weeks old today and we can hardly believe how fast time has gone and how much he has grown.  These bath time pictures were taken during his first week home and then again last week.  This week he weighs 12 lbs, 10.5 oz!  He's in the 85th percentile for weight and the 25th for height...and we love our short, chubby baby!

We head back to Galati, Romania this Saturday.  I think we're about ready.

• Lukas' passport? check.
• baby shots?  after tomorrow, check.
• H1N1 vaccines?  check.
• apartment to move back into?  (long story) check.
  
• grandparents?  oh, how I wish we could take them with us!!!

Please pray for safe, smooth travels.  And pray for us and our families as we say goodbye...this is already very difficult for us all.  If things had been more difficult living with my parents for four months, it might be easier to say goodbye, but it was wonderful!

And pray for the children we are returning to in Galati. The father of two of our kids passed away this week.  This same young boy and girl lost their mother just last year.  Pray that a good home will be found for them, and that our community will be a source of love, comfort, and hope for these children.

Though it's unbelievably hard to say goodbye to our families here, we are pulled back again to Casa Vale by the relationships we have with the children there.  It's strange, but having Lukas has only multiplied the love we have to give to the children in our life.

To our friends and family in Indiana...we love you and have loved being with you these past few months.  We will miss you.
To our friends and family in Galati...va iubim si abia asteptam sa va vedem!

smiles

Here come the smiles! We just can't get enough of Lukas' faces.
Friends Annie and Caitlin came to visit!
I love Lukas' face in this picture with the grandparents.

Twenty-six

Today Josh turned 26 years old and Lukas is 26 days old. Byron says, "Now that doesn't happen every day!" No dad, I guess it doesn't.

rub-a-dub-dub

Lukas had a bath tonight. He peed and spit up in the bath, but after he pooped in it we decided it was time to change the water. While changing the water I was holding him in a towel, which he also pooped in. I'm not sure if he was cleaner before or after the bath!
He's three and a half weeks old already, and the whole family was gathered 'round to ooh and aah over the fat roles he's getting. He really holds his head up too. He's grown so much already!
Thanks to mom for this photo.

growing

Lukas is already over 2 1/2 weeks old. He's growing and his appetite keeps me busy. This weekend we had a baby shower with family and friends from Josh's side. Thanks to all for the great childrens books and money to go towards a washing machine when we return to Galati! I guess I'm committed now to cloth diapers!

A prayer request of ours is for a good place to live upon returning to Galati. Last week we learned that the owner of our previous apartment needed to move back and would not honor our contract. All of our things have already been moved, thanks to our friends, who are also looking for a new place for us. We would like to live close to Casa Vale so that it will be easier for our family to be involved.

Also remember the children of Casa Vale in your prayers. They started school today. May they have a year full of growth in mind, body and spirit.

Lukas' first two weeks at home