Art for water

By Emily's mom, Diana. Sabrina loved the butterflies. I think they will look great in her room.

Portrait by Emily!


One of two larger canvases we purchased. They were painted by Laura, a college student.

OK, first if I haven't said this before: My small group girls are amazing!! Spiritually mature and just plain fun! A few of them went to Cameroon, Africa, last summer for a missions trip. One of them, Emily, decided to really help. (You can find her at www.facebook.com/home.php#/profile.php?id=514125508 ) She organized an art auction at our church and the money is going to build a well in Sierra Leone through World Help. (http://www.worldhelp.net/) Look at the cool art that we bought, all by artists within our church!

Meet the Larsons

At long last, Sabrina got to meet Scott's family. Noelle, Sabrina and I drove up to Minnetonka, MN, to meet Scott's sister, Christy and her family. Then Scott's parents came to see us. They overlapped one meal with Scott's other sister, Rachel, and her family. Scott's parents and Rachel are from Colorado. We had a fun time hanging out and introducing Sabrina to everyone.

Sabrina and big brother Jake

Having lunch at school with Noelle. Scott's sister, Rachel and her beautiful daughter, Holly.

Family bowling at its finest!

Eating ice cream with Grandma Shirlee, Scott's mom. Oops, Scott forgot the flash.

In Minnesota with the Daigles, Micah and Naomi, pajama beauties.

So pretty!

Pile on Oliver's bed!

Two big jobs

We saw Dr. Sullivan in Iowa City for a check up. She says that we have two big assignments this month. Sabrina needs to gain weight and learn to walk, or at least strengthen her legs. I find it hard to believe, but Sabrina actually lost weight in the last five weeks. Less than a pound, but still a bummer. She has grown and is just about 30 inches. Her weight is still right about 19 pounds. We have decided to have a physical therapist give her an evaluation. We just want to make sure that we are doing everything we can to help her strengthen her legs. So, look for an update in about a month! We'll keep feeding that girl!

Hearts for God

This video is of my brother-in-law. He is an inventor and entrepreneur. He has invented a product and received a patent and is working like crazy to get the product funded and manufactured. He wants to give God all the glory. He has no aspirations for wealth and material goods beyond being able to give and give and give. Please pray that God would provide for this business venture and that Mark's heart would continue to pursue God wholely! Check www.where-pro.com or email Mark at mark.daigle@where-pro.com if you have questions.

We did it!

Wow! Our first experience putting barrettes in Sabrina's hair. Thanks so much to Heidi our consultant and fellow adoptive mom! Twists didn't work so well, so they are just little ponytails with barrettes. Noelle joined in to help Sabrina sit still. So much fun!

Sabrina's favorite

Sabrina pretty much only likes to watch basketball on TV, really! Our DVD of the African Children's Choir is the only other thing that holds her attention during those times when I just need a minute.

Three months!

I cannot believe we have had Sabrina home with us for three months! I mailed our first post placement report today. So nice to actually check something off the to-do list. I must admit I have been struggling a little the last few days. First, Scott was out of town (with Jake). Second, things are still pretty middle school angst with Noelle. No details, or I am sure she will never speak to me again, right Noelle? Third, I know there are much older moms of toddlers or supposed to be toddlers but...my 42 year old body gets really tired some days. I am not sure if it will be better or worse when she can walk. Speaking of which, I am pursuing physical therapy for Sabrina to make sure that we are doing all that we can to help increase the strength in her legs. I had a little pity party on Sunday thinking about the old days of being able to do what I wanted, when I wanted. Missing actually being able to complete a task without having to clean up another mess that happened while I was trying to do the first task. Then I thought how silly all these things were compared to that little girl and her amazing smile. Some days I wonder if she would make me more tired if she weren't so darn cute!!

Happy 20 months, Sabrina!