Giving Thanks...

...for family! We spent Thanksgiving in Lincoln this year with my family. Pictured above is me, Leila, and my beloved Grandma Ady, who is 93 years young! Leila enjoyed her first Thanksgiving dinner, especially Grandma Ady's cranberry applesauce.
Leila also bonded with her great aunt Joyce over radishes. Although she wasn't willing to try one, Leila did a magnificent job of organizing them in the crystal dish. Come to think of it, she helped everyone organize everything...all weekend long!
One thing I am MOST thankful for right now is the budding friendship between Leila and Rudy. Things started off rough for these two due to Rudy being my baby for almost 5 years before the 3-year old tornado blew into town! And although we were ready for language, sleeping, eating, or attachment problems (none of which we experienced, by the way), we were unprepared for the jealousy and rivalry that made for a, well, challenging summer. However, things have improved greatly in the past 2-3 months, and Rudy is turning out to be a fantastic big brother. I am thankful for moments such as these!


Happy Thanksgiving everyone! We love you and are thankful for your love, support, and involvement in our family's life! Most of all, we give thanks to God for His grace for us, for the blessings He has provided, and for His constant presence no matter who is in office, what the economy looks like, or the price of gas. He is our rock and our foundation, and for that we are incredibly thankful.

Much love,
Alissa, Jason, and kiddos!

Oh, do we LOVE the Fall!!

Alright, this is really embarrassing, but I can't figure out how to rotate this video. If any of you smart bloggers out there know how, I'd love to know. In the meantime, please enjoy my daughter with your head cocked at a 90 degree angle to the right. I know it's uncomfortable, but her singing is worth it. This is the Days of the Week song from preschool. She's pretending to point out all the days of the week on the calendar, also known as the wall of my kitchen. Enjoy!

October Update

Hello everyone, hope you are enjoying a great Fall! We are loving this 70 degree weather, but tonight the cold weather is definitely moving in. Thought I would update everyone on life at the Potocnik home, as well as a Leila update for those of you still checking in!

After Rudy's pirate party in July, and Leila's big birthday bash in August, it was time for school to start. Madison started 4th grade, and Caeden started 1st grade. They both love their teachers and have had a great year so far. Rudy started Pre-K, which he has been excited for all summer long. Leila also started preschool 3 days/week, and thinks it's about the best thing ever. She loves Miss Kristin (she calls her Miss Krismas), and sings us the days of the week song every single day (video to come, I promise). We are thankful that she is enjoying "school" and seems to thrive on being with other kids, and being busy!

(Rudy's First Day of School)

Labor Day weekend we headed up to my parents' home in Nebraska. We had a great time visiting with my grandparents, even taking a trip to the Sunken Gardens. The kids have always loved going to Papa and Zany's house, but the excitement is now multiplied due to the new Wii my parents bought this summer!
Instead of Awana this year, Jason and I decided it was time to try something different. Wednesdays were getting too crazy and instead of 'family night,' it was turning into 'drive the kids in 10 directions/drive the parents crazy' night. This, combined with our unending desire to get one on one time with the kids led to us starting our own family nights. Basically each week, one of us gets a date with one child, while the other parent stays home with the other three and leads a short lesson, plays a game, makes a craft, etc. This has worked out well and the kids are SO excited each week when it's their turn for a date. So far Maddie and I have scrapbooked at Culvers, Caeden and I have built Legos, and Rudy and I have played arcade games at Paradise Park! Next week Leila and I will go on our date to the mall---should be fun! Speaking of Legos, Caeden and Jason started a Lego Club this fall which Caeden came up with all by himself. Caeden is so into his legos right now and makes me take a pictures of almost every single creation!

We took Leila to her first Royals game this year---the last game of the year against the White Sox. As usual, it was less about baseball and more about the food, but the kids did have a great time running the bases after the game. We also took Leila to her first dentist appointment which basically went like this: 'I do not want to sit in that chair.' So she didn't, because so far, I have 3 kids who love the dentist and I do not want to ruin my record. We'll try again in 6 months, I guess!
Mid-September Rudy got his cast off, I started Bible study (Beth Moore--A Heart Like His where I am learning more about David than I ever knew existed!), and I started a second job at a contract agency doing hourly speech path work to supplement my hospital job. Then, at the end of September (the 29th to be exact), my BABY girl turned 10! Madison had a great camping sleepover party with 7 other little girls giggling in a tent until 2am. Incidentally, my friend Traci and I giggled in the other tent until 2am as well. I know it's cliche', but wow does time fly. I feel like I just came home from the hospital with my little girl and here she is in double digits!
The first weekend in October, Papa and Grammy came and we visited MissouriTown Days, which we've done for the past 3 years now. The kids love to visit this 1855 town where everyone is in period dress and there is an endless flow of apple cider, root beer, and funnel cakes (which I do NOT believe were around in 1855). We had a great weekend with Papa and Grammy, and once again, beautiful weather.
And finally, poor Leila had been walking around our house pointing out our family photos saying 'Dat is my family and Leila not in dat picture!' Wow--7 months and she's laying on the guilt pretty thick! However, we did realize that a family (of 6) photo was past due, and we had our pictures taken last Tuesday. As soon as we get them back, I'll be sure to post one on the blog (and several around the house!).

So---you're up to date! Halloween is coming and the kids are so excited. Madison will be a blue M&M, the boys will be Batman and Robin, and Leila will be a monkey (sneak peek below). Thanks for checking in---we love to hear from you!

Love,
Alissa, Jason and kids

6 Months Since Gotcha Day!

March 2008 Leila's Forever Family

Wow. That is so hard to believe. Six months ago today we drove across the city of Chengdu and pulled up in front of a huge, beautiful building I had seen only on the internet. I hadn't slept all night---I just could not believe the day had finally come...the day when we would meet our sweet girl and bring her into our family. I remember walking into the room and suddenly feeling like everything was moving too fast. How is that possible after such a long, long wait? As Jason and I sat on the couch looking at the baby picture album the orphanage had given us, there the girls suddenly were, walking into the room hand in hand. As they handed Leila to me, she cried the hardest and didn't stop until she fell asleep in my arms on the bus. I remember just whispering over and over, 'You are so brave. You are such a brave girl,' and really not worrying because I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that she was meant to be ours.

Fast forward six months later...where do I even begin? Honestly, I've been trying to decide all day what to write about how everything is going 6 months later, but nothing really paints the picture better than the conversation Leila and I had just last night in her bed:

Mommy: Leila Grace, I love you so much.
Leila: I love you too, Mommy.
Mommy: I am so glad you came from China to be my sweet baby.
Leila: I missed you when I was in China, Mommy.
Mommy: You missed me?
Leila: Yes. When I was in China I missed you. I cried because I missed my Mommy.
Mommy: I missed you too, Leila. For 3 years I missed you.
Leila: But then you came and got me, Mommy!
Mommy: Yes, we did. And we love you so much!
Leila: I love you too, Mommy.

I couldn't really make that conversation up if I tried and honestly, I will never forget it as long as I live. It's one of those rare moments I wish I could have frozen in time. I don't know what Leila remembers or doesn't remember from China, but I do know that God has orchestrated the life of this little girl in a very intentional way, and we're just blessed enough to get to share in it.

So to sum it up---we feel like Leila's been with us forever, we love her to pieces, she is one happy girl, and seems to be picking up English like a champ! Thank you for following along in our journey...we love you!

Alissa, Jason and the kids

Leila Grace Potocnik, August 2008

Leila P.
Birthday Girl

Minnesota Memories...

When I was just out of second or third grade, we packed up the car, ready for our annual trip to Alexandria, Minnesota for a week at the lake. My grandparents had a lake house up there, and we couldn't wait to visit as we had every year since I was born. There was SO much to do...swim, fish, walk to the little store for candy, play putt-putt, go shopping, do a puzzle, play board games---the fun was endless as are my memories of Minnesota. This summer was special, though. On our way out of town, my parents stopped at my best friend Amy's house to "drop off something." Little did I know that Amy's parents and my parents had been scheming and when Amy walked outside with her packed suitcase, I couldn't believe my eyes! She was coming with us on vacation! I have never forgotten that surprise and how much it meant to me to share Minnesota with a friend.

I can only think of a couple summers that I have not been able to go up to the lake, and although we had done a lot of traveling already this summer, we were bound and determined to make it up there so that Leila could experience the lake for the first time. And, just like I had been surprised so many years ago, we decided to surprise Madison the same way. On our way out of town, we stopped at her friend Roni's house to "drop something off." Boy were the girls excited to embark on a week's vacation---TOGETHER! They had a great time enjoying the lake together every single day, and especially loved tubing and a try at waterskiing.


Leila loved the lake as well. She wasn't so much for swimming (I think she was afraid of the fish), but loved riding in the boat, playing with all the toys, and just enjoying the weather (NO humidity!). Leila spent a lot of time with her great grandparents, Grandma and Peaches, who most likely won't have very many more summers up in Alex as the drive from Nebraska is long and tiring. She also LOVED being with her Papa and Zany (my parents) the entire week. We all watched the opening ceremonies of the Olympics together and were practically giddy seeing all the sights of Beijing we experienced just months ago. Many have asked how Leila reacted to the Olympics, the Chinese people, even the national anthem of China. I have to say that although she watched it with us, she didn't seem too overly excited about anything on the TV. She liked the dancers and all the music, but didn't appear to recognize anything in particular. Our travel there was probably such a blur to her, plus she's really not that into TV---hard to know what her mind was processing. Anyway, Leila was a happy traveler and loved Minnesota as we knew she would!

And Rudy boy---oh Rudy boy. On the second to last day there, we went bowling as we often do. Rudy and Caeden were playing on bar stools, trying to 'hide' from Leila when Rudy came crashing down and landed on his hand/palm. He cried so hard that I was sure he broke something, but he was able to move his wrist and did stop crying eventually. So---as any good mom does---I made him "sleep it off." However, by morning his wrist was swollen and he still wasn't using it, so I made my FIRST TRIP TO THE ER (EVER) in Alexandria, Minnesota. Although they didn't believe anything was broken, the XRays proved that he did, in fact, break his arm. Rudy was excited to have a cast and was much more comfortable once it was put on. Now---of course---he wants nothing more than to have it off!

We finished our trip off with a trip to Minneapolis. Jason and the boys visited the Star Wars Exhibit at the Science Museum in St. Paul, while the girls and I (and my friend Steph from college) took a trip to the Mall of America. We all had a great time, and made a bunch more memories to round out our summer!

Thanks for checking in---I promise to post pictures soon from Leila's big 3rd birthday party of Olympic proportions!

Love,
Alissa

First Day of School
August 19, 2008
Caeden Michael, 1st grade
Madison Claire, 4th grade

Leila Grace Potocnik
almost 3 years old!

Camping Trip 2008

July Recap, Part 2: Arrggh Mateys!

On Rudy's 5th birthday, it was time for the much anticipated pirate party. The kids had a great time swabbing the poop deck, shooting off cannons, walking the plank, and finding the buried treasure. There was even a visit from a real pirate--also known as Uncle Gregg.


Rudy and his friends had a great time and we somehow managed to get all the games played and the cake/ice cream served before the downpour.

The only kink in the party was my poor cake. I stayed up the night before making Rudy this crazy pirate ship. It looked great when I went to bed at 2am, but when I woke up, I could see it was starting to crack. I added icing and tinker toys through the middle to try and keep it together, but it then turned into...well...a shipwreck. Luckily, the party was at night so I started over and made him another ship---one that had no chance of wrecking! It's funny to me that for 5 years I've been making cakes for other people (and making money doing it) and NEVER have I had a cake disaster, except with my own kids' cakes. I've probably made over 500 cakes and the only 3 (major) mess-ups I've had have been Maddie's 7th, Caeden's 5th, and this one. Oh well...you have to learn somehow!

This is Cake #1...it was really shaped like a ship but alas...it did not sail well. Above is cake #2.


Rudy was my baby for almost 5 years before we adopted Leila. I think he has had the hardest time transitioning as he has 'lost' his spot as 'baby' of the family. The two of them have had a hard time 'sharing' Mommy, and we have had a whole new set of challenges working out the dynamics between the 'younger kids.' However, this summer I got to watch Rudy really grow up in some other ways. He is definitely growing physically, but in other ways as well. I love his sense of adventure, his willingness to try new things. I love his sensitivity to others, especially people that we love that are going through a hard time. He's the first to remember others in prayer, and will NOT eat a meal without asking God's blessing on it first. I love to see Rudy's complete love and admiration for his grandparents, especially his grandpas (and great grandfather). In about two weeks, Rudy will start preschool which will be a whole new adventure for him. Happy 5th Birthday Rudy---we LOVE you!

July Recap---Part 1

Time for a July update...I feel so bad that it has been almost a month since I posted!
Summer at the Potocnik house has been nothing but FUN! Here's the recap:

July 2nd Madison's American Girl Book Club went to see the premier of Kit Kittredge, An American Girl. It was so much fun and the moms liked the movie too! This book club idea started out as just a fun way to pass the summer (in '07) and has turned into a group of girls that are learning a lot and becoming closer each time we meet. For all of this I am so thankful!

July 4th we headed to Cape Girardeau, MO to visit 3 of my college friends/roommates and their families (GO TCU Horned Frogs!). Between us, we now have 10 children and they had a blast spending the 4th of July together. Of course this was Leila's very first 4th of July and as usual, she soaked it all in. We thought the fireworks would scare her but we were wrong again! She loved the poppers that you throw on the ground. She would grab a handful, throw them down and yell 'boom!' Then, she'd look up and me and say 'More boom, Mama!' It was a great time together to reconnect after over 10 years of living in different states. Nat, Courtney, and Kate---if you are reading this---we can't wait to see you again next year!


After leaving Cape, we drove all the way across the country to the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Now some would think that 20+ hours in the car with 4 kids would be exhausting, and it was. However, the kids did GREAT and were so excited to see parts of the country they had never seen before. We drove through the Smoky Mountain National Park, which we all loved. Although we were tired, we really did enjoy God's creation together (at sunset, no less!), which was one of the goals of our trip.

We met my parents, my sister's family, and my brother at the beach on July 6th and spent a great week together just enjoying the sun and introducing the kids to the ocean! (My sweet little 10 month old niece also introduced us all to the stomach flu, but that's a different story). Highlights included finding shells, boogie boarding, creating a sea turtle in the sand, and sitting on the deck watching the surfers. For Caeden, the Playstation 2 was possibly the best part of his week. At night we hung out and played games---it was just an awesome time as a family. My Aunt Becky and her family were there too, which was a treat as they live in Chicago and we don't get to see them too often. We then started the long drive home July 12th...another long 2 days but surprisingly smooth considering all the little 'bumps' in the road we encountered! I was proud of my kids and Jason and I talked for a long time about how we are so glad we drove instead of flying out to the coast---nothing better than a road trip for our family!



July 16-20 Jason's parents generously offered to have the kids down to Chanute for a very long weekend. This was the first time Leila spent the night away from us and she did so well! I was amazed that in four months, she was confident enough to just hug and kiss me goodbye, and trust that 'Mommy will come back' will still hold true. Speaking of Mommy, I did great the first couple nights (WOW is my house quiet), but by Saturday, I was missing all the kids and I was so happy to see them Sunday afternoon. Even though I was working three out of four of the days, Jason and I had a great time together. We celebrated our 12th anniversary (which isn't until August 9th, but we'll be driving that day) at a Japanese Steakhouse---our favorite. I got some quality scrapbooking time, which never happens anymore. Saturday night we went to church and were able to a)get there on time b)skip the children's area, and c)leisurely visit with friends after the service instead of rushing to the aforementioned children's area! Jason and I rarely have a single date, let alone an entire weekend together so we were truly blessed by his parent's willingness to do this.

Whew---that's a lot for just 3 weeks, but the rest will have to be tomorrow as I haven't downloaded all the photos. Thanks for stopping by---

Love,
Alissa

Had to post just a few more wedding photos...what a great day we had. Enjoy!

Love,
Alissa

Hello Everyone!

Thanks for checking in and so sorry it's been so long since I've updated the blog. Now that all 4 kids are home all day---either I'm doing other things (pool, movies, etc.) or everyone else is having their 'computer time!' Anyway, we are doing great and having a wonderful summer so far.

In June, we primarily are focused on swim team. Both Madison and Caeden are swimming this year in what is called "Suburban Swim League" where our neighborhood competes against another neighborhood in Lees Summit each week for 6 weeks. The kids are doing great! I am amazed each week as I watch Madison swim the fastest she has even swam, and Caeden diving off the block like he's been doing this for years. We love the meets and Leila is quite good at screaming "Go Maddie" and "Go Caeden" at the edge of the pool.

Last weekend, we headed down to Chanute for the long awaited wedding of Jason's sister Megan, and her new husband Wade. Madison was the junior bridesmaid, I made the groom's cake, Jason played the pre-wedding guitar music and the little kids just had to be cute. Leila started shouting "Wader Tater" (it's HIS fault for telling her his childhood nickname) at the beginning of the ceremony, so we spent most of the wedding in the 'cry room.' Oh well, it was a wonderful weekend and we are so happy that Megan and Wade will live in Kansas City when they return from their honeymoon.

Later in the summer, we'll head out on the biggest road trip we've ever taken. First, we'll travel to Cape Girardeau to visit my college roommates (and apartment mates) and their families. They have been getting together each year but we've never been able to attend---I cannot wait to see everyone. We will then drive all the way to North Carolina for an awesome beach vacation at the Outer Banks. I am a little nervous for the long drive, but can't wait to be with my family and let the boys and Leila see the ocean for the first time (Maddie went with us to N. Carolina when she was one!)

Leila continues to amaze us with her English and her ability to use it appropriately in almost any situation. Yesterday as we drove home from Chanute she handed me her pillow and said "Mommy, I don't want this pillow!" Jason and I sat there amazed---a full sentence after only 3 months of living in the United States! She is constantly telling on Rudy, asking for Madison, copying Caeden, and thanking me for something. When I sing to her at night she always says, "Good job, Mommy!" She's the only one who really appreciates my singing, so I love it. Leila is now in the phase of asking the name of every single thing on every single page of every single book we read. She wants to know what the name of every truck is on the road, every food we eat, every piece of clothing we put on. It's like she's developing this encyclopedia of vocabulary words right before our eyes and although exhausting, it's an awesome process to watch.

Right now, Leila's favorites:
-Elmo
-Gum
-Books, Books, Books
-Singing (current faves are ABC's, Itsy Bitsy Spider, Jesus Loves Me, You are My Sunshine)
-Swimming
-Wearing anyone's shoes but her own
-Noodles (which she now prefers to call 'pasta'---she even told my dad 'Noodles are pasta')
-Her aunts, uncles, Papas, Grammies, friends, anyone who comes to visit
-Mommy holding her

And her dislikes:
-Mommy not holding her (I have to make dinner sometime!!)
-Some of Rudy's action figures (specifically Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle which actually scares me as well. She'll tell Rudy 'it scare me Wudy!')
-Green beans
-Not being allowed to go off the diving board

This week, we tried Leila at Vacation Bible School and of course, she is absolutely loving it. I put her with 3 year olds since she'll be 3 in August, and she is doing well with following directions, listening to the teacher, and participating in all the activities. It's fun to watch her but also a little sad for me as I see her acting so big already!

Thanks so much for visiting---we love you and hope to hear from you soon!

Love,
Alissa

Summer Has Started!