Guess what, guess what !?!?!

The kids are ours!!!  We signed the transfer of care stuff today, and they are ours!  They now have our last name!  How super is that!?!
Its been a whirlwind of a day.  The kids arrived with their social worker, and a full van of their belongings first thing this morning. (And that wasn't even all of it...we still have to go pick up more from "C"s house.)  Then we sat at the table and signed all the papers.  Our adoption worker even brought certificates for the kids to sign saying they agreed to be adopted by their "Forever Family".  What a neat thing to include them both in all the signing. Then snacks, and visiting and pictures.
Next we spent hours unpacking all their clothes and toys (of which they seriously don't need any more!)  Then supper!!  We had Grandma and Grandpa, Auntie K and cousin N, and our new fabulous family of 5!  Then tons and tons and tons of playing.  It really will take a little bit to get used to all this energy!  Good thing they have a big sister that can keep up.

A few pics of our great looking family! :)

Big Day Tomorrow!!!

Butterflies!  That's the best way to describe how we are feeling.  It seems like these children have been in our lives forever already.  But tomorrow is "Forever Family Day".  Its the day that Star J and Star R become ours.  They get our name, live with us forever, and become our children, and Star A's brother and sister! 
I was talking to their foster mom last night. She called to see if we wanted the new bedsets that she got them for Christmas.  I asked her casually if their social worker had enough room in her car to fit everything.  "C" said, "absolutely NOT!  I told her she better bring at least a mini van." lol.  Sounds like these 2 will be coming with tons of stuff. Good thing we just did a big clean sweep a few weeks ago.
So...tomorrow morning, at 1030!  Move the kids in, sign the papers...and PARTY!!!  We ordered them an icecream cake, and we are making our own pizzas.  With G and G, Auntie K and their cousin N.  Nice and small, and very meaningful. 
After friday....just let us know if you want to come hang out and meet the kids.  They are extremely easy going, and they love to meet new people.  Both kids are full of smiles and cuddles!
Here are some pictures of this past weekend, sledding with the poochies.

Sooo much has happened since my post on tuesday.  This past weekend "StarA" went with us to visit the kids.  We spent 5 hours with them on friday, and 4 hours with them on saturday.  And wowzer, do they have energy!!  On friday night when we left "StarJ" actually cried.  She didn't want us to leave, and she wanted "StarA" to have a sleepover.  We promised her we would see her the next morning.  "StarR" was excitedly telling his foster mom about his day.  And they both gave us huge hugs and kisses before we left.  Saturday was much the same.  Play Play Play, Snuggle, Eat, Play Play....lol.

That brings us to today!  THEY KNOW!!!  They know that they are coming to live with us, and be ours forever! They were excited to see their rooms, and play with all the toys.  As "StarR" said, "Mom, the toys are coming out of the walls there are so many!"  And "StarJ" is patiently waiting for "Daddy to get home from work."  I'm glad they get to do these little visit to work up to the big move.  I think it really does make it easier for them.  "StarR" asked if he can move to this next house tonight.  I think this next 10 sleeps is going to take forever....for all of us.

Without further ado, a family picture.  We now know how hard it is to all 5 people smiling at the same time.  Trust me though, these kids are much cuter and fabulous in person!


Introducing, Star J, Mom, Dad, Star A, and Star R!

Top of the pile to the bottom~ Star R, Star J, and Star A!!

Oh My Word!

Our visit with the kids on tuesday was fantastic!  They were so happy to see us.  I couldn't imagine it have been any better!  We got them to help us scrapbook some more pages for their welcome books.  We played games, and read books, and colored.  And we got to take them out for supper.  "Star J" made the request to go to "pancake house". So off we went.  They were so excited to get to go in our car with us. We persuaded them not to order "pana-cakes" for supper, by telling them they could help us make them at our house when they come visit.  Supper went great.  But once again we were heartbroken to not be taking them home with us.
Little did we know.....the next day, Feb 1st.  Our adoption worker called.  The visits are going so well they want to push ahead the final placement date!!  Soooo, "Star A" is going along with us this weekend to meet them and spend the weekend getting to know them better, without the support workers all around us.  We do understand the need for them to watch us like hawks at the beginning, but we won't complain that we get some time alone with our 3 children this weekend. 
Then our adoption worker called me today....with another change in plans.  Even better!  Instead of us only getting the children to stay overnight one night next weekend....they get to stay for 3 nights!  Yep...3!  And the best of all.  Our final "they move in and become our children" is on Feb 17th!  Only 2 weeks away!!
I know everyone has been patiently waiting for pictures, and to see our new expanded family.....I will try to post one after this weekend.  I have not posted a picture on the blog simply because I wanted to wait to post a picture of all 5 of us.  Not just 2, or 3, 4.
As well, for those who are concerned about "Star A" and how she is handling this whole process.  Her biggest concern is that she won't be a good big sister.  And for everyone who knows her, we all know that is impossible!  She is going to be the best most amazing, doting, loving, supportive big sister that "Star R" and "Star J" could ever ask for. I don't have a single concern about how fabulous she is going to be!
Tomorrow is the big day!  The kids all get to meet!  I have butterflies in my stomach!