Thursday, December 23, 2010

MERRY CHRISTMAS...



From Our Family to Yours!

Love, The Leonard's
Keith, Shelly, Francesca, Annabelle and Benjamin

Monday, December 20, 2010

{first school dance for Francesca}





OK seriously ~ when did my baby get to the point where she was able to go to a school dance on a Friday night {no less}! It is true! And she had a wonderful time! Her friend, Kyra (along with her Mom, Dad, twin brother and older brother) invited to take Francesca with them to the big school dance that happen this past October! She excitedly left the safe haven of our home around 6:30PM and returned full of giggles and smiles promptly at 8:45PM! She has a great time and we are truly thankful for the Walsh family for inviting her!


According to Mama Walsh, the kiddos had a great time and danced their hearts out!


As for me, I didn't expect anything less!

Thursday, December 16, 2010

{happen to find}






Can't you just eat him up! I mean seriously...I am guessing that Keith took these photos for when I went to download our Halloween ones from our stay at Children's I found these!


Oh I can't begin to tell you all how this little boy has touched my heart and opened my eyes to so much more....

Monday, December 13, 2010

Halloween at Children's Hospital!








This was how we celebrated Halloween this past year! Why it wasn't exactly how anyone had visioned this year's custom display ~ we truly made the best of it and had a wonderful time!
We were able to get Benjamin out of his bed (for the first time) and lay him in a pillow lined wagon and do a bit of trick & treating around his floor!


Both kiddos had a blast!


{Francesca's school party was the same day as the hospital's party ~ a HUGE THANK YOU to Grandma for she substituted for me that day as the classroom mom!}

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Where do I begin...

So much has happened since my last post...


(at Halloween) Benjamin had his first surgery {spinal} at Children's Hospital in Washington DC and after an almost week's stay at the hospital and a post op follow up with our neurosurgeon, he is doing very well. It is seriously possible that he will require further surgery on his spine in the future, but for now all is good!

While Benjamin was in the hospital recovering, our 4-legged buddy, Honey Bear, who has been with Keith & I since we were dating (14 years ago) past away...He will always be remembered and we are still missing him so very much...(btw ~ he was our first offical adoption at age 2)


We are currently getting ready for Benjamin's next surgery {recto-urethral fistula and part one of his bowel repair} which will take place next week. After his surgery, Benjamin will be placed on a colostomy bag but we do not know how long.


Here at Casa De Leonard, we are also getting ready for the Christmas Season, a New Year's Holiday at Grandma's and our second 2 week vacation in January in Disney World for Francesca's 6th Birthday!

As many of you know, Francesca started Kindergarten this past September and Annabelle started Preschool! Francesca and Annabelle (both) love school and their teachers. Francesca has started an after school program one day a week for singing & dancing as well as joined our local Girl Scout Daisy troop here in Derwood. Annabelle is still my "spicy" little girl who has taken it as your objective to show "guidence' to Benjamin for everything. Those two {A&B} are still our "Frick & Frack" and the best of buds!







and...

(last but not least) Keith and I have realized that "the door" to adoption was NOT locked but only closed and after pulling very hard on that door's handle, it has once again opened for us and we have submitted a new MCC to our agency for the Special Focus Program. While we are not 100% sure if we will get a referral, we are 100% ready to make this party of five a six pack! And what totally sweetened the deal {for us} was when my dear, loving, and amazing girlfriend, Miss Sara from Football & Fried Rice offered to come with me during the travel for our newest addition!!! Seeing how we would have three little ones at home, Keith and I know it would be pretty much impossible for both of us to travel so when I mention my concerns to Miss Sara, she quickly jumped on board 100% willing to help out in any way she can and offered to come with me! How sweet is that!

So as you can see, things have been very busy for us here in DC land! I do have a few more photos I want to share with you all and I hoping that over the next two weeks I can get some up and posted! So please check back for further cuteness!