Signs of summer

While the weather may still be fluctuating wildly here in NY state, we've had some good swimming days and Julia is a fish! The following pictures will give you some idea.

Here's Julia the rock star - she loves that Barney guitar...

On Memorial Day we even got the following family shot (minus Caleb the photographer).

Which brings us right up to the almost birthday of our almost sixteen year old.  Guess where he wanted to go?  You got it - a camera store and photo gallery.  ;-)

We're keeping busy and so looking forward to the Reece's Rainbow celebration over the 4th of July weekend.  Hope to see you there!

5 months ago today...

Me and Dad officially had the privilege to begin the process to bring Julia to the United States to a family that anxiously awaited our return.

Don't they look just radiant? :D)

And now, 5 months after knowing the
love and care of a family......

The Little Orphan we met in November of 2010...
Is one cute, happy little love muffin :)

Who ponders the deep thoughts in life

Fan? I think Yes. from Caleb Lococo on Vimeo.

And forms opinions about what she likes VERY quickly

Julia's Walking! (kinda) from Caleb Lococo on Vimeo.

and takes little baby steps towards being one very mobile toddler every day.

And on top of all that....

She's planning to be a rock star :D

Happy 5 month-a-versary Julia! You are a HUGE blessing in our lives, and we are so happy to have you here. We know God has great things in store for you, so keep on shining like you do! :)

Answering the Call (more awesome Caleb videography)

Dear Friends - when last you saw the fine photography and videography of our very own Caleb Joseph, he was documenting our journey home with Julia. In the latest installment he documents the opportunity he had last weekend to witness nine men answering a call every bit as important as our passion for adoption. The call to serve others in consecrated, religious life.

Congratulations to all the new priests. And to you Caleb - we are so proud of you!

Ordination 2011 Slideshow from Caleb Lococo on Vimeo.

Introducing the Lococomotive

Our new 12 passenger van.

First of all, kudos to Dad, who literally jumped through all the hoops to find a van that could fit his large family. After much hard work and time and energy! We now have a beautiful van to fit all of us!

                                                          Don't we all look happy? :)

Lots and lots of new photos

                                                                     Our Easter Egg Hunters!

                                                                      Snugglin' with Mommy

                                         Julia: "I find that falling asleep while doing my afternoon yoga is much more conducive to a good nap then a crib."

 

                                                        "I'm lovin' me some big brother time"

     "And Gabby seems to like snuggling with me too. Come to think of it, who in this family doesn't?"

                                                                      Typical Julia Cuteness :)

                                                              And cuteness in the stroller too :)

Even MORE cute video!?!?!?

Well, Dad sure did get some cute videos and pictures of the swinging Julia! Now we have something new for you- Julia learning CPR! :D

Now, for those of you with an eyebrow raised, no, Julia did not LITERALLY learn CPR, but Mom's been working with Julia on repeating actions, and activating Tickle Me Elmo Julia-style looks VERY much like CPR. Still, its a cute video!

(excuse the mom jibber-jabber at the beginning :D)

Elmo gets CPR from Caleb Lococo on Vimeo.

The Giggly Girl is back in video again!

Some of you may recall a certain video clip of Julia back when we were in the Ukraine of us swinging her and her giggling over and over. It became a family favorite here and the kids watched it again and again.

Well things have thawed out just enough that we can start to get her outside for a little outdoor playtime. This weekend she did some swinging on our swing set, and really enjoyed it. Here are some photos and video to share it with you.

Julia Swinging Video 1 from Tom Lococo on Vimeo.