Our Journey as a Family of Four

Monday, February 2, 2009

I Got My Social Security Card Today!!

Carissa is an official American Citizen - She looks happy about it!!

Notice the red, white and blue theme.

Are we done taking pictures, I am tired of trying to smile!!

My two favorite kiddos!!

Today we received Carissa's Social Security card (I can now file our taxes - Ha! Ha!). We realized that we hadn't taken any pictures with her American Citizenship Certificate we received a couple of months ago. Today marks the last little bit of paperwork that we had to do for Carissa. We still have our 6 and 12 months home visits by our social worker but I am pretty sure that we don't have to do any more official paperwork (or rather spend any more money - Ha! Ha!)

Applying for Social Security Card and Visiting with Sarah

Last Tuesday we finally went and applied for Carissa's Social Security card in Holland, MI. It didn't take too long, so we stopped by to see our social worker, Sarah. We had not taken a picture of Carissa with her so we finally got one. She was a huge part of why we chose to go special needs last April. If we had not of changed our plans and gone this route, we would still be waiting and Carissa would be living with someone else or still be in the orphanage. I cannot imagine life without her and am so glad for the nudge Sarah gave us last April.

Rubba Dub Dub!!

Carissa loves to play in the bath tub. We decided to try out some new hair styles since she is getting more of it. Here are some of the samples of our bathing beauty.

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Carissa Loves to Play the Piano

Here mom, "take the phone while I play the piano"!!

Doesn't this sound great!!

Adding my vocals to the mix!!

I Am Finally Walking!!!!!

Carissa has been attempting to walk since the weekend before Christmas but while we were at my parents house in West Virginia she really gained the confidence and started walking. Since being home she walks in circles and follows me everywhere. She was walking with her hands in the air but now she is beginning to pick up things and carry them around without her hands in the air. Now starts the fun - she is into everything!!