NEW BLOG ADDRESS!!!!

A huge thank you to those of you who still keep up with our family via our blog! One of my goals is to get better about posting! Ha.

If you know the history behind this blog, we created as we began the adoption process WAY back in 2007. We wanted to be able to keep people up to-date and to give the address to the birthmother so she could see what our family was up to. Hence the web  address, jdadoption.

I've been wanting to change our address for years (even though we still hope to adopt some day), but didn't want to lose all my previous posts. So, I exported all the content from this blog, and imported it to a new blog:

www.darbyandjason.blogspot.com 

From now on, I will update THAT blog, rather than this one. So, if you've come to this page to check in with our family, please visit our new family blog. There is also a place on there you can "follow by e-mail" so that whenever I post something over there it will be e-mailed to you.

Thanks for caring and investing in our family!

Introducing...

Dakota Lincoln Dugger!

Our family welcomed our latest miracle into the family on Friday, Sept. 5th at 1:29pm. He was 8 pounds, 10 ounces and was 21 inches long.

I arrived at the hospital at 4:30am and after all the paperwork and other essentials were out of the way, they began the induction process at 5:55am by starting me on some pitocin. At 9:55 I had progressed 4 cm and they broke my water. At 1:25pm, they checked and I was 10 cm... the nurse wanted me to push before the doctor got there but I declined. The nurse said the baby was still "high" but I repeated that I didn't feel comfortable pushing without the doctor.

I'm glad I waited because my doctor came in, and I gave a little push, and the baby was born at 1:29pm. Truly, I love birthing babies. ha.

I remember thinking the new baby looked really slimy and that he looked like all the others. "He Looks like a dugger," I said.

Jason and I really struggled to agree on a name for this baby. During the labor, we had a running list of about 8 names and we slowly began to cross them off. For several months, I prayed for this baby using the name "Hezekiah" and I would often refer to him as that in my mind. I really wanted to name him that, but Jason was never "at peace" with it but had nothing else to offer.

Finally, by 10pm on the day of his birth, we had it narrowed down to Hezekiah James or Dakota Lincoln. I was up all night with the baby... unsure what his name was, but I couldn't help but think he looks "more like a Dakota" -- I knew I would have to go through a grief process with the name Hezekiah simply because I had referred to the baby for so long under that name, but I prayed and ultimately, I wanted the name that the Lord picked out for the baby.

Dakota means "friend to all" and so I pray that our Dakota will grow up and be a friend to all so that he will be able to share Jesus with many. Giving him the name also gives him my initials, and I have my dad's initials and he has his dad's initials... so I would be able to carry on the DLD tradition. I have always loved the name Dakota since I used to babysit an incredibly cute boy by that name - he was the ring bearer in our wedding. Before we were married I always said I wanted to name my child Dakota, but over the years, I kind of moved away from that... so it was funny when Jason suggested Dakota. Lastly, and kind of silly, but Havana often asks me why her name is the only one of the Dugger children whose name is not found in the Bible. She has seen Selah, Asa, and Jonah... why not Havana? In that moment, I read to her the Great Commission and share with her that her name is "kind of" in the Bible... but it is a stretch. So, this gives us two children who have non-Biblical names rather than simply one in 5.

Lincoln comes from Abraham Lincoln... such a wonderful, God-fearing president who happens to be Jason's favorite president and a relative of mine.

Dakota is doing wonderfully... and the older children are too! I am very impressed with how well Asa has adjusted to being a big brother because I was pretty sure he was going to struggle. And Selah, well she has loved the baby since it has been in my belly. In fact, she refers to it as "my baby" and wants it to sleep with her. When she came to visit us in the hospital, she secretly packed a green ball that she thought the baby would want. I think her exact words were, "I think Baby Dakota likes balls" I was so impressed by her little heart. Havana has wanted to hold the baby often and Jonah... well, he is typical Jonah, who talks a lot about the baby, but keeps his distance as well.

I still can't get over being a mama! The Lord has truly blessed me beyond measure.

Highlands Latin

Dear Havana,

Well, you did it! You are now a Kindergartener! You began your first day of school in September 2nd! Mommy and Daddy were able to get a sitter for the other children and we walked you to your class! After we dropped you off, where you did look a little timid, we went to the chapel to wait for your opening school ceremony. You marched into bagpipes and snare drums! You were clearly very excited. 

Your teacher's name is Mrs. Driggs and you sit at a table next to Ashlin. I thought that perhaps you would be sad a little throughout the day since you have never been away from home before, but Mrs. Driggs said you had such a sweet attitude and you said that you "LOVED going to Highlands Latin" and you "can't believe you get to go back on Thursday!" 

I was so proud of you! And we chose HLS because of time you will get to spend at home. On Wednesday we completed your homework and you were also able to go to the zoo and pool with daddy! 

Thursday was another successful day at school! I dropped you off and daddy picked you up! Your first week was a success and I am so very proud of you!

 

Selah is Three

Dear Selah, 

In July, you turned three years old! I can't believe it. You asked for a Sophia the First birthday party and we gave you a My Little Pony Bike to ride since you were always jealous of Havana and Jonah's bikes. 

You are a sweet and sassy little girl. I so love your spirit and pray that God will use your unique personality to make a mark on this world. You like things your way (who doesn't) and you enjoy making people laugh. You often refer to me as, "silly goose" and your baby dolls as "my sweeties" -- you have a heart of gold. 

This year you enjoyed a vacation to Disney World where you were able to meet Cinderella, your favorite princess. You had several rounds of the stomach bug and had to endure a hard night in a hotel where mommy smashed your toe with the door. 

Your cry is heartbreaking, but it is funny. We judge how serious your injury is based on how long it takes you to let out the scream. You will open your mouth, but if you are truly hurt, it will be at least a minute before any sounds come out of your mouth. 

You love hanging out with your siblings, going to Chuck-E-Cheese, and your Sunday School class. Your teachers, Mr. Danny and Ms. Sara, just love you. It always warms my heart to see them give you special attention and make over you so much. Sara once told me, "We all love her in class. We've never seen her upset." I told her that you do get upset, but that you are still cute. ;) 

You have had a love affair with milk. We joke that you don't eat anything, but that you live off of milk alone. Your favorite color is yellow and you like to watch paw patrol, frozen, and the fresh beat band. You love to dance and learned havana's complete dance recital. We told you that you could take a class once you turned three and so we will have to look into that soon. :) 

You were part of a wednesday night program at a nearby church called "Foxter Friends" and you loved Foxter! It was certainly a highlight for you. 

I love being your mommy and I can't wait to see what God does in your life this next year. 

Sweet Prayer

I have been sick for over a week with a terrible cold. Like, I want to rip my throat out and I cough until I pee several times an hour. Anyway, tonight at dinner, Jason said a special prayer over me... and then Havana said the second prayer and thanked God for me, asked him to heal me, and said, "we love our mommy. She is our princess."

Be still my heart. Love my family!

Funny Saying

Yesterday Selah had an accident and as I was taking her pants off, she was upset and said, "pee-pees! I can't believe my eyes!" 

Don't know where she picked that phrase up but it made me giggle! 

Wedding Time!!

On June 6th, Havana, Jonah, and Selah were in a wedding!! They did so great... Selah had trouble getting down the stairs but finally scooted down on her bottom. Jonah took a round about way down the aisle, but he made it. The kids sat with me in the front row and they were awesome during the (outdoor, hot) ceremony. Havana was paying close attention and even asked, when they said their vows, if that is what daddy and I said to each other. 

After the wedding, so many people were complimentary of our kiddos and asked to take their pictures! I was so proud. They waited patiently for dinner (which was served around 9pm) and for cake (10pm). We left around 11pm and the kids were such troopers! I was so proud and loved that they got to be in a wedding!!! 

Family Time

Over the past few months we have been busy, but enjoying sweet family time at Huber's picking strawberries, spending a day a Holiday World, taking the kids to their first baseball game, and enjoying the zoo!

Selah the Helper!

Selah has such a great heart for helping! She will always ask me what she can do to help... When she is feeling especially fiesty (most of the time) she will run up to me and say,

"What can I do for you, Silly Goose!" 

Love her! 

Overheard Conversation

It is 9:30pm and my girls are still awake. As I was headed to their door to tell them to go to sleep I hear Havana tell Selah to sit on her bed so she could read a book to her. The book was "Blue Hat Green Hat" which is a book I usually tickle Selah while reading it. As Havana begins the book she says, "I am not going to tickle you like mommy does."  Selah asked why not and Havana said, "because I am not old enough... I might scratch you." My heart melted in the moment of overhearing that conversation. I love my girls!!! 

Funny Jonah sayings!

Yesterday Jonah said two funny things. The first one is while we were walking to a park. He was Picking his nose and said, "I love boogers! They are my favorite thing in my nose." 

Later that night, during bath time, completely unprompted, he said, "if I ever see a wishing star... I would wish to ride on all the trains of the island of sodor." Jason then asked him if he had been thinking about wishing stars. Jonah looked at him and said, "no."  Silly boy! 

Dear Jonah!

Dear Jonah, 

You just fell asleep at 11pm! You came out a few times to go potty and once to ask for extra snuggles. It has been a fun evening with your because this is your last night to be three! Tomorrow you turn four years old and I just can't believe te year you have had. 

You have loved firetrucks this year! We visited many firestations this year and you even sleep in a firetruck bed (complete with flashing lights). Recently you have developed an interest in Trains-- especially Thomas the Train characters. You are learning many new words such as "useful" "cross" and "pump my pistons" from the books and shows you've been exposed to! 

We took a brief trip to Columbus, OH where you loved to touch the sting rays. Then we had a brief overnight at te Big splash resort in French lick where you loved the water slides. This winter we went to FL where we tackled Disney World and Sea World. You were pretty happy once we got there but it took you a while to warm up to the idea of vacation. You are a home body and I remember the day we left you asked if you could just stay home. I said no and you said, "you all can go- I will just stay upstairs until you get back."  You are my little homebody. 

Over the summer you took a gymstastics class which you didn't really enjoy. Now we are trying out karate. On Wednesday nights this year you were a "super seeker" where you are learning to "seek God first." I love watching you grow and learn. 

Your favorite color is red, your favorite thing to play is trains or firetrucks, and you are a pro at the tricycle. You love playing outside and are a master at playing by yourself. You make my days easy! 

You bring such delight to my heart and a smile to my face. You are my biggest boy, Jonah! And I love, love, love being your mommy. 

You are pretty laid back about many things, but this week you showed increased passion about two things. We had a picnic at the zoo where I packed special "sunny D" drinks. When you saw them you shouted, "Hey! I thought we were going to have these on my birthday!" Also this week we were studying about leah and Rachel and you stood up on the couch and said you thought everyone must have said to Leah, "Leah! you go away!"  You were shouting it and pointing. I loved your passion but hope you never say those thing to others! :) 

God made you to be brave, a hero, a boy who saves the day, and rescues people. I tell you often that God will use you to recuse people from Hell! I pray that you will use your life to glorify Jesus. Christ, the Giver of Life, offers us purpose, stability, and a hope that nothing else compares to. Everyone you meet, myself included, will let you down, but He never will. This world is a broken place, but Christ promises that this is a temporary place and our eternal home is perfect! I pray that you will accept Christ at an early age and that each year you will grow more in your knowledge of and love for our Savior. You need Jesus... Never forget that. He has big plans for you and I can't wait to watch them unfold!

Happy 4th Birthday! 

April 3rd...

April 3rd was a day for the books at this house!

Jonah received his white belt in Karate (the very first level belt, but he was so proud he prayed at the Dinner table, "Thank you God that I got my white belt).

Selah moved from a crib to a toddler bed. She was very excited

And Asa... 

• Started walking!!!! He just took off unlike any child we've ever had. He took his first step a day or two before in the bathtub, but on this day, he was leaning on Selah's back... she tried to escape from him and he followed her... walking the entire way. He took several steps and then never stopped. He kept walking all night. It is a frankenstein walk, but a walk none the less! :) 
• Started eating with a spoon! I gave him a spoon with his dinner and showed him once how to use it... after that, he fed himself the rest of dinner with his spoon.
• He ditched his bottles. He winged himself from bottles and formula. It is sippy cups and whole milk for him now. Even before bed! 
• He protested his cookie being broken up... so we gave it to him whole and he ate it like a champ.

Basically, he decided to grow up in the course of a couple of hours!!! All of the eve of his 15 month old bday. Big boy, Asa J! 

Stair Master

Asa... who is now 14 (almost 15) months old has successfully taught himself how to open up doors (even if they have their child safety lock on) and to go down stairs. He will flip to his belly and then slide down. I don't know where he learned this as the older children either go down on their feet or on their bottoms... but Asa has mastered the art of quickly escaping down the stairs. Just today I heard him open the door, but before I could get to him he had already made it all the way down the basement stairs... giggling the entire way. There is no stopping that boy. He can't walk yet, but he can certainly keep up around the house. 

When the older children are spinning and dancing -- he will crawl himself so that he is spinning in circles on all four. Again, laughing the entire time. 

He's such a fun boy. We do call him the "grabby goblin" because he grabs everything... but that comes with age, I guess. 

"Bwankwets"

Jonah and I have this evening tradition of hiding from Jason. I will enter Jonah's room first and get him all ready for bed and then Jason will come in and say goodnight. As he does, Jonah and I hide under his covers. Or, as Jonah says, his "Bwank-wets"

It is so adorable. He has such a little raspy voice that I could listen to all. day. long.

Joney

The girls have taken up calling Jonah "Joney". It is really quite cute. I asked him if I could call him Joney too but he said I should just call him "phoney". I laughed- he was just trying to find a rhyme, but I thought there is no way I will be calling him phoney! He's such a great boy!!! 

Dear Asa...

Dear Asa,

You turned one on January 4th! That same day you spiked your very first fever. You were so pathetic... it broke my heart. Thankfully, it only lasted 48 hours and then you were back to your usual self. I cannot believe you are one. In fact, it has taken me almost a month to write you this letter because I couldn't believe that it was true. Where did the time go?

Your birth was easy and you have lived up to your entrance. You have been my "agreeable Asa"... my only complaints were your reflux and your lack of sleep, but now you're sleeping 13+ hours at night and 4 hours during the day and your reflux has vanished. Guess I have no complaints now. ;)

I am so honored to be your mama. You are one smart boy! I can tell. When we pray, you fold your hands and pray too. At devotions, you know to pat the Bible. You have learned how to spit after watching your older siblings (oh joy!) and you can say/sign:

• mama
• dada
• Tucker 
• cookie
• all done
• more 
• ba-ba
• amen 
• Asa (according to the nursery workers at church... I haven't heard this one)

You are a lighting fast crawler and can dart up the stairs or into the bathroom (to play in the toilet) in record time. You have this guilty laugh that you like to do as you are getting into things you shouldn't. I'm glad for that because it alerts me at times when I am distracted. 

If daddy corrects you, you will cry for mama. But, when I correct you, you cry for daddy. See, you are a super-smart boy. 

You are still agreeable asa, but you are beginning to want to do everything your older siblings are doing. If I tell you that you can't jump on the couch, you will fall to ground and cry. I joke that you are saying things like, "why was I even born" -- but you probably aren't... that is your overdramatic mama talking.

You love to eat anything with your six teeth. You can drink from sippy cups and you eat EVERYTHING that is put in front of you. In fact, Havana has nicknamed you an "eating machine." You're favorite toy is the cozy coupe and whatever jonah is playing with. For Christmas, you didn't want any of the 12 month-old toys we got you, but rather you wanted Jonah's Thomas the train set. You brothers are going to have fun as you get older! 

Your nicknames are:

• Asa J. 
• Asa Dude
• Asa Joash
• Asa Jaybird
• Eating Machine 
• Agreeable Asa 
• Mama's Baby (that one is just between you and me).

I adore you. I often catch my breath just watching you. I am so glad God has loaned you to me... I pray that you will grow into your name... a boy who loved the Lord all the days of his life! 

  

The Word is Out...

Coming September 2014! Praising God for this baby's little life!