Friday, July 17, 2009

And Pyper makes 5







It has been a very busy few months for us at the Clevinger house. The kids are doing great, Cecily is AMAZING. Her English is coming along nicely. She has her stubborn streak but don't we all?? She is looking forward to going back to school in the fall. She did an ESL program in summer school that gave her some time out of the house. She loves the interaction with other kids. We are thinking that it may be best to repeat the 3rd grade. She seems to think that is a good idea too and we are hopeful that she will have the same teacher.

Ian is hilarious! He is starting to pick up on the "2 year old" fits and we have had some embarrassing moments in public =) All a day in the life of a toddler!

Did I mention we added another child to the mix??? Pyper Anslee joined the family July 12, weighing in at 8 lbs. 7oz., 21 inches long! Cecily and Ian are so happy to have her here. Ian's enthusiasm waxes and wanes depending on how much of my time she consumes! Cecily is the greatest big sister in the world. Everyone said that she would be helpful but she goes far beyond that. Yesterday she did the laundry. Switched it, folded it, put it away. I nearly fainted. She rocks, pats, walks, consoles Pyper as well as Cortney or me. She distracts Ian, keeps him alive, gets him juice cups, gives him bites of food....you name it, she does it. Just like a little mommy. I am amazed, thankful, and blessed. She is the most compassionate, precious little girl.
Some days I can't believe that our family has grown from just the two of us to a whopping 5 people in just 19 short months. Each child adds a new dynamic to the house and binds us all just a little closer together. Each child came into our family in a different way giving us rich experiences as parents and tapping on skills and emotions that have shaped us as people. My husband, my high school sweetheart, avid golfer, video game savant, perpetual child; does school pick ups, gymnastics, homework, bedtimes, toddler wrangling, diaper changing, nose wiping, and the millions of other fatherly duties just the way my dad used to do. We are there in our lives, parents, the one thing our hearts so desired. It is truly funny how drastically different the seasons of our lives are and how we transform into different people to accommodate those changes. Life is good. God has provided.

18 comments:

Jocelyn said...

What a beautiful post and update!! It sounds like life in the Clevinger house is full in every aspect:-) Congratulations to you all!!

Amy B. said...

What a great post, Lindsey. I love that I know your sweet family. You have been a blessing to me FOR SURE!! I can't wait to meet Pyper too.

Leah Reeves said...

Congratulations! Going from a family of 2 to 5 in 19 short months is quite a blessing. What a jouney to parenthood you have been on.
I cannot wait to hear more about beautiful little Pyper.

~Leah

Farmboy and Buttercup said...

Oh, so true, how we transform in different seasons, totally by God's grace with his strength.

Congrats on Pyper. LOVE the name. You are one busy woman right now, I presume.

Ryane said...

beautiful post. beautiful baby.

Amanda said...

Wow - congrats!!!

Monica said...

Congratulations! Pyper is precious.

Shannon said...

Congratulations on the birth of your precious daughter!

We went from a family of 2 to a family of 4 in 14 months. We brought home our Guatemalan princess in February 2008 (she had just turned one year old). Then much to our surprise--and delight--found out we were expecting in Sept. 2008. Our son, Callum, was born in March 2009 when our daughter, Emeline had just turned 2...about the same age distance as Ian and Pyper. Emeline was a bit jealous at first, but now most of the time she loves being a big sister. I cannot even put into words what it is like to see them together. Callum just loves her already. We are super busy here, but sooo happy to be that way!

Cecily in just beautiful. I have been following your blog, because I am very interested in adopting an older child some day. Thank you so much for sharing her with us in bloggerland. I am also glad she is enjoying being a big sis to Ian and Pyper.

It was a long hard road that led me to my children, but I wouldn't trade it for the world. My husband and I often think of this hymn by William Cowper when thinking on how God moved to form our family. I have pasted it in below.

God moves in a mysterious way
His wonders to perform;
He plants His footsteps in the sea,
And rides upon the storm.

Deep in unfathomable mines
Of never-failing skill
He treasures up His bright designs,
And works His sovereign will.

Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take,
The clouds ye so much dread
Are big with mercy, and shall break
In blessings on your head.

Judge not the Lord by feeble sense,
But trust Him for His grace;
Behind a frowning providence
He hides a smiling face.

His purposes will ripen fast,
Unfolding every hour;
The bud may have a bitter taste,
But sweet will be the flower.

Blind unbelief is sure to err,
And scan his work in vain;
God is His own interpreter,
And He will make it plain.

Both my children are our dream come true. I am so blessed to have experienced the miracle of adoption and the miracle of giving birth...each experience so very special in its own right.

Thanks for sharing your beautiful family! I am saying a prayer that sweet Pyper is a good sleeper :).

Blessings,
Shannon--Emeline and Callum's mommy

kathy Martin said...

My heart is so filled with joy for you and your family- just beautiful!
Kathy
no longer waiting on Greyson

Kristy -Mom To 9 Blessings said...

Congratulations and many blessings to your beautiful family! Thanks for taking the time out of your busy Mama life to share your children and photos with us.
Love,
Kristy

Laura P said...

Congrats! We also have two adopted children (from guatemala) and are due in November with our third. It is so much fun to read your story and see diverse families!

The Ritzmanns said...

Congratulations on your newest addition. We are very happy for you all. We are also really happy to read that Cecily is doing so well.

Big fan of the name Pyper.

Ritzmann fam

Sara said...

That is a lot of family building in less than 2 years - how fun! Congrats on it all. Your children are beautiful!

Nikki said...

Congratulations on a beautiful baby and a beautiful family. Now that our three new ones are home, they have asked several times about Mekdes. Would love to connect when your life slows down. Blessings to your new family!

Nikki
dustnik92 at hotmail dot com

Unknown said...

Aww... Congratulations! That crying picture is too cute. Glad to hear Cecily is adjusting well and is such a great helper. :)

Lori said...

Yay! You guys are all so lovely, so beautiful, so gracious. Congratulations to you all!

Robin said...

What a beautiful post Lindsey!!!!!

Katie said...

Congratulations!