May Days

May has brought with it lots of fun and firsts.

Levi (third from the right) is on his first t-ball team. Brian is the coach. Their team is pretty talented if I might say so myself! Levi has made some fantastic plays at 1st base.

Brian and Cole (along with Grandpa Steve) participated in the Tour de Tulsa family ride. They rode along Riverside, so Levi, Shurabe, Hope and I cheered them on at Quik Trip park on 41st and then met them at the finish line. I must admit, I was a little teary eyed and proud of my son. Cole completed the 13 miles at the head of the pack, grinning from ear to ear. I think this might be the beginning of a life-long hobby for him. I'm anxious for when the whole family can go on rides together.

Shurabe is progressing in leaps and bounds. She is learning lots of American phrases and becoming the girliest of girls. She loves all things princess and wants to take ballet classes in the fall (actually she wants to start them "yesterday" but classes don't start until fall). People often ask how she is adjusting and I typically have tons of positive things to say. Today I spent quite a bit of time trying to comfort her through the challenges of being the only girl in her class with kinky african hair. She is beautiful and exotic but wants to be like everyone else. I'm not so sure this is an adoption issue as much as it is a "girl" issue. We spent three hours straightening her hair because "everybody in my class always says my hair is crazy everyday." (all said with tears streaming down her face) The results of our straightening session were less than acceptable but she loved it. Unfortunately, it is stormy and incredibly humid today so the straight hair only lasted a few hours.

Here is a picture of my pretty girls (curly hair and all).

Hope is growing in leaps and bounds (and rolls). I can't believe how big she is getting. She found her toes last night and I can tell she is just trying to figure out how to get them into her mouth. She is also becoming quite the talker. She babbles and coos and giggles, bringing so much joy to the whole family. We are so happy to have her in our lives. God sure does know how to give GOOD surprises!

Other firsts: Hope and Shurabe's first Mother's Day

Shurabe's first Tornado Season (she was full of "what if" questions this evening)

Cole's first loose tooth (hopefully he'll lose it before the May is over)

I am a very blessed mommy.