Family Photo Shoot

Thanks to Uncle Chris we ended up with a great Easter Sunday photo shoot.

Fireworks: A spectacular display or celebration

Today is a very important and memorable day in our family:

It is April 19th Day.

On this very day, three years ago, Sam and I, were given a gift like no other.

Colton, Max's birthfather, wrapped up for us, in a beautiful package, signed paperwork so that we could begin our journey as mommy and daddy to sweet Maximus.

As I have spent most of today reflecting and rejoicing, I began searching the Scriptures for the perfect passage to express the words in my heart. I landed on one of my favorite Psalms.

Psalms 145:5-6

"On the glorious splendor of Your majesty and on Your wonderful works, I will meditate.

Men shall speak of the power of Your awesome acts, and I will tell of Your greatness."

I then decided to pull out a few other Bibles and compare notes in other translations. This often helps me to get the full picture, the full meaning of a verse in the Bible.

I can't help but share how The Message reads:

"Your beauty and splendor have everyone talking;

I compose songs on your wonders.

Your marvelous doings are headline news;

I could write a book full of the details of your greatness."

To us, Maximus was, and still is, our headline news. His story, his birth, his way into our family, was nothing short of a miracle. Nothing short of God moving a giant mountain and giving us more than we could "ever imagine or guess or request in our wildest dreams." (Ephesians 3:20).

And just to confirm that this relationship with Jesus we are in is not a one-way communication, while reading one of the Bibles (one translation that I haven't picked up in a while), out fluttered the tiny birth announcement that Colton had designed and lovingly placed in that precious gift bag on that momentous day. God is just so outrageous that He wanted me to know that He heard me today reflecting, rejoicing, celebrating, and speaking of His goodness.

Front: It's A Boy

Back: His Name Is Maximus

I found it quite interesting, as I examined Colton's work of art a bit closer, that he would choose to put fireworks on the announcement. And then, since God and I were having quite the interactive conversation, I felt prompted to look up what Webster's dictionary had to say about the word firework. And wouldn't you know, it means a spectacular display or celebration.

So that my friends is a definition for April 19th Day that I intend to keep. A celebration day where God's goodness and faithfulness are on spectacular display.

*****

For other April 19th Day posts visit:

http://meetmaximus.blogspot.com/2008/04/colorado-part-ii.html

http://meetmaximus.blogspot.com/2009/04/april-19th-day.html

Max's Birthday Wish List

Here's a peek in on one of my everyday conversations with the little man:

Max: Hey, I've got a grrrreat idea.

Me: Sure, buddy, what is your great idea?

Max: I know what I want for my birpday.

Me: Ok, what is it?

Max: A giraffe and a balloon.

Me: Interesting. Did you say a giraffe?

Max: And a balloon.

Me: Right, I got that part. I can deliver on the balloon. Not sure how I am going to find you a giraffe.

And there you have it. The mind of an almost 3 year old!

P.S. Since having this conversation, I followed up with him to see if he changed his wish list. Of course he did! Now, he said he wants a zebra. :)

Getting Ready for the Big Day!

Practice.

Makes.

Perfect.

That's right. Max is slightly excited about his birthday this year. We are getting in lots of practice sessions. This particular cram session included Max pulling out his Spiderman (or as he says, "Piderman") plates and cups, me slicing up a banana, and then slapping a candle on top. Max then had to draw a birthday card invitation for daddy and run upstairs to invite him to his impromptu breakfast party. And after singing him Happy Birthday, lighting and re-lighting the candle 3 times and all having a good laugh, we decided he is quite the ham and has us wrapped around his finger he is more than ready to celebrate his birthday this year!

Only 13 days away Sir Maximus!

Swim Lessons

Max is such a big boy now. He doesn't even need me in the water for swim lessons anymore. (sniff, sniff).

I have had a few bittersweet moments like this lately. Since he was 4 months old, I have been doing parent & me classes. From The Little Gym to swim lessons, I was always required to be by his side.

But, now my little man is graduating to the big time. He doesn't need ol' mom anymore to accompany him in his gym class or in the water.

Check out my baby boy. Not such a baby anymore, huh?

(Max is the second one in on the side of the pool...)

All Things Sports

Maximus is a sports fanatic (just like his daddy). For instance:

1. He plays hockey (fully dressed in shoulder pads and hockey jersey) and has moves that school the average toddler. Also, while playing goalie (we have a net in the basement) he reaches behind him to grab his fake water bottle and take a swig before he gets in position. Just like the real NHL players.

2. He loves to shoot hoops in his bedroom on his digital basketball hoop. And if Sam and I just happen to sneak away for a minute to play a game of horse, we can hear him thundering down the hallway to join in the fun.

3. Soccer is yet another passion. We are trying to teach him that you can't exactly tackle your opponent in this particular sport while trying to get the ball.

4. Football is full-contact and you better watch out because he will line drive you and knock you over, while growling I might add.

Not only does he love to play, but he loves to watch all sports. His favorite spot is cuddled up on the couch next to daddy watching hockey or college basketball. It amazes me that he has an attention span for this!

And of course, live sports! He has been to many hockey games and recently just went to his first Ohio State basketball game. He certainly loves the popcorn and treats, but surprises us every time with his enthusiasm, focus, and love for the mascot (he tends to be a broken record while getting their attention....hi Brutus, hi Brutus, hi Brutus, hi Brutus).

This picture is irresistible to me. It is Max, in sheer pleasure, at the Ohio State Basketball game.

Prrrrincess

At Max's request, we pulled out our wedding album, curled up on the couch together, and started looking through the photos of me and Sam on our wedding day.

In Max's little words, and adorable little voice, he exclaims:

Is that the day you was a prrrrrincess mommy?

Yes buddy, that certainly was the day I was a princess.

Melt. My. Flippin'. Heart.