Showing posts with label foster care. Show all posts

Triple Threat

Our little Bumblebee turned three. 
Baylee has fully embraced the idea of attitudes, tempers and being the baby of the family. 
 Regardless of the little Irish spice, Baylee is loved and adored by all of us. 
Her smarts continue to grow and mouth never stops moving until she falls asleep at night. The conversation flows throughout the day and if you don't respond, Baylee will give you the words to say back to her. "Say Ahhh...say WOW...say that's not right!"
She still loves her animals, fruit snacks, baby dolls and TV favorites Little Einstein, Cleo & Cuquin and PJ Masks. 
Papa and Addison are the favorite family members but everyone is usually welcomed, hugged and invited into Miss Bee's conversation. 
Birthday parties were low key this year as what three year old really remembers the cake, candles and gifts? Doesn't mean we didn't celebrate and wish the happiest of birthdays to our BumbleBee.
Happy Birthday sweet Bee...let's work on keeping the terrible three threat to a minimum!

 
 { Birthday Treats. }

 
{ Always right by our sides. }

{ Keep smiling lil' BumbleBee! }

Our Forever Family


{ Papa & his Little Lady }

A year ago today Baylee officially joined our family as she legally gained our last name as her own. 
A day that will forever be etched in our minds and eventually she'll understand the importance 
of that day as well. 
Not much changed that day or since then aside from attitudes gaining strength and the bond between Papa and Baylee intensifying. These two are inseparable and I don't see that changing anytime soon. The most beautiful thing about adoption is how instantly our girls became family. From the first time our family met Myriam in the hospital to the first time Baylee met family - no last 
name needed to be changed to see hearts claiming these girls as our own. 
This month we acknowledge and celebrate the blessing of adoption. Our family has grown through adoption and, even though it can be really hard, we'd never change it if we could. God knew in advance our little girls would be ours forever long before we knew of their existence. That brings us such comfort knowing God has this all planned out according to His plan, His will and His timing. So, we celebrate the gift of a forever family and cherish every Bee Squeeze we can get. 
Happy Adoption Day sweet baby girl!


More Prayer; Less Judging

"Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is 
the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 ESV

Let me first start off by saying, adoption is hard. I'm not pointing fingers at any given individual, but rather speaking in defense to the silent eyes, body language and labeling that happens when 
trauma speaks louder than words. 
This comes from a place of brokenness, and hearts that seek healing after being beat up and, at times, feeling like a prisoner to the trauma.
Adoption is a beautiful display of scripture in action. 
Tim and I knew God called us into adoption but we didn't have the scope of what that would take from us until years later. In all the training we have had from both our home study and obtaining our foster license, none of that prepared us for the ugly that trauma causes. The courses don't train you on how to respond to complete strangers gawking at your tantrumming child that appears to be undisciplined or having to execute a safety plan due to trauma becoming violent. There's no heart training when things said pierce a mother's heart, completely shattering her belief as a person and able parent. 
This past summer we have witnessed some of the hardest behaviors yet through words and actions and it nearly broke me. My ability to parent and love well was almost shredded. It has been painful to watch knowing so much of what is happening is spiritual and tied to generational sin. And worst yet is the secondary trauma that takes place in our other kids. I can tell you story after story of things that have happened all due to secondary trauma. Things like our Man Cub trying to protect his Mom when Myriam is hitting me, kicking me or saying things out of rage that she doesn't truly believe to be true. Confusion and bondage have her spewing hatred that has left stains on this Mama's heart. Bruises from the punches when anger needs to release itself. 
That is secondary trauma. 
I don't share that to scare you or to set off alarms. I'm simply stating reality in many adoptive homes. 
Trauma is unpredictable; it's real. Trauma is terrifying but can be comforted. Trauma can be the very thing that makes you want to give up and not continue to pray making you think it will never get any better. 
Things in Myriam's pregnancy were completely out of her control. Patterns of living were done so out of habit and generations of doing things a certain way. When we brought her home we immediately attached and grew as a family of five. Tim and I educated ourselves in adoption circles finding support through our church and other families who had adopted as well. 
Myriam has always been a busy little body walking by nine months and never not having a curiosity about everything. We love that about her, but it's also the thing that has gotten her into trouble. 
Last year at school was a challenge even before the first day of school. The transition into first grade was far from smooth and felt safety wasn't established until months into the school year. Our friend Micah has been a huge blessing meeting us weekly for "play time" or better known as occupational therapy. She was a wealth of knowledge and saw some of my most unpleasant moments. Those mornings she would greet me with chocolate treats and supportive hugs, never judging me for not having my crap together was the encouragement I needed to keep going.

Sweet Smudges

No one told me to buy stock in Spray 'N' Wash or Oxy Clean before having children. 
With three Ladies and a Man Cub, I go through quite a bit of stain remover. I've tried many different kinds and sometimes revert to Dawn dish soap in my last attempts to salvage a shirt or pair of shorts. When all measures have been taken to bring an article of clothing back to life, with no victory of being clean, I'm not slow to find the trash can or donate pile. Yes, I donate stain clothing to Goodwill because every Mama needs a play clothes drawer. 
Our Littles have the uncanny ability to destroy anything fresh from the clean laundry pile in seconds once their bare feet hit the outside ground. Turns out the Little Ladies are more attracted to messes than the Man Cub. Becoming dirt fairies seems to be a favorite as they toss dirt in the air and watch it blow away, usually towards themselves first. Food never makes it in the mouth first - arms, legs, hair or face are the first point of contact when quieting ones hungry tummy. 
Make up has been of high interest and, even with child locks on bathroom drawers, some said Ladies can find it and create havoc to the always newly purchased lotion or eye shadow. I finally caved and thought buying play make-up brushes and cheap make-up would cure the need to use my own. I learned that the eye shadow and lipstick work great but I forgot to mention it only goes on the eyelids and lips. Although, when using Nana's twenty four hour lasting lipstick, Myriam always manages to apply it perfectly making her child-like lips appear grown up for days. 
 The reality is this:
Regardless of the mud smeared doors and windows, stained clothing and constant messes I clean up, these sweet faces can plant a messy smudge on Mama's cheeks any day. I've learned to let go of keeping things perfect because in the end, I'm just as much of a hot mess as my Little Ladies. 
Keep the dirt blowing...

 { Use a straw? That's too easy. }

 { Here a dirt, there a dirt, in and up the nose some dirt. }

 { Create - Happi - Mess. }

 { Sweet & Smudges. Keeps the body strong. }

{ Future make-up artists. }

Miss Bee Turns Two

Two years of life on the tenth.
Two years in our home on the twenty second.
Baylee brings such joy, spunk, laughter and attitude into our home. Her personality is huge. 
Irish she is; the tempers and hilarious meltdowns are a testament to her genetics. 
For the first few months, many asked if they missed my pregnancy. Now they say how much Miss Bee looks like her Daddy. Truth be told, she really could pass for our own homegrown little princess. 
Baylee has smarts that are beyond her years and has the uncanny ability to repeat whatever you say to her...whether it be one time or said multiple times, she'll repeat it. 
Thanks to her Uncle Ryan; his punishment still remains unclear for teaching her such words; she now blurts out 'buttface' like it's her favorite toy or friend. It's said all the time and usually when in front of strangers or people we'd like to keep the perception that we got it all together. Having older sisters and a brother, this innocent little one has gained many phrases and verbiage we'd love to eliminate. 
"Not yours!"
"Go away!"
"Stop it. Go away."
"What doing?"
"Share." (usually states this after she made a bad choice or didn't share herself.)
And the potentially annoying question..."What's dat?" (What's that?)

{ Look a-likes. }

Some is too cute to correct...
"Hi. I'm Baylee." (says to the deer as they pass through our yard)
"Nokey Nokey" (Okey Dokey)
"I'm okay. You okay?"
"I love it!" (says repeatedly usually after eating or playing with a toy)
"I ya' ya' too." (I love you too.)
"See ya' later. Al-gator."
Baylee has recently learned how to sing 'Happy Birthday' to herself which is quite adorable.
This training from older siblings also comes with attention she loves to receive. Baby of the family she definitely is; girl gets her way and held all the time. 
Sorry little princess, things will be changing now that you're officially two. 

Adoption Day Celebrations


We've waited for this day to come for many months; being told it was going to happen back in early spring, then June and after that, we stopped guessing when we'd actually get a court date. 
In all the waiting, I went through two Adoption Day shirts and finally decided to make the summer top work for the raining day we had this week regardless if it was too small or cold. I was not going to give any reason to push back our court date and refused to get another picture perfect shirt made. As it was, all the adorable and poised Pinterest photos failed because we have entered the realm of terrible, busy two's that don't work well for those "sit still" smiles.

Distraction number one: Stairs. 
Distraction number two: Fall Back time change has the Little's waking up at
5am making the 9 o'clock hour almost nap time.
Distraction number three: Mommy asked me too and that prompts an
immediate opposite response from toddlers.

I thought taking some pictures before the court room would solve some of these issues, but clearly this was all too much to ask. I have to laugh looking at this picture because Myriam, out of the kindness and helpful hands she has, offered to hold the sign for Baylee who was adamantly against such a thing resulting in what now looks like Myriam being the child adopted from foster care. 

She's Finally Ours

656 days in foster care. 
Baylee came into our care on January 22nd, 2016, at just 12 days old, becoming legally free in March 2017.
November 9th, 2017 she became ours. 


When we received the email regarding a healthy baby, we honestly didn't have much more information aside from Baylee only needing two to three weeks of care. We didn't know she was a girl until about an hour before leaving the house to meet her at the office downtown. Tim was still on a business trip as I scrambled to gather enough basic needs for the first couple days. The twin bed still in place as Mia left the day before after spending a week with our family. With Addi by my side, we walked into the office with many unknowns; the biggest of what is this baby going to look like? This is what was delivered to our office room and after a few signed documents we were out the door and on our way home. 

 

I met Baylee's Tummy Mommy the next Monday where we exchanged phone numbers and began our relationship. Visits started up a few weeks later along with the typical court hearings to determine shelter care and dependency. We were blessed to have an awesome social worker who shared our same Jesus following beliefs and became part of the family in this journey. Kristi and Ashley, Bee's visit supervisor, are the hero's in the system of foster care. They were comfort when we sent Baylee out the door for a visit, flexible getting to know our family and always putting Bee's needs first. 

{ Two weeks old. Credit goes to the SNAPsisters who have captured Baylee's life on film. }

I'm Different


This past summer, when Myriam was having some playtime at Papa and Nana's house, she made a statement that caught my Dad off guard and demanded follow-up when I picked her up.
We've never not hidden the fact that she has different color skin than the rest of us. We have a library selection of books that speak into adoption, skin color and how Jesus loves us all regardless of looks. We've had an open adoption from the beginning and continue to have some contact with a few relatives. Myriam's little mind has heard all these things, but we're seeing a new trend in curiosity and conversation about how she came to be.

"Papa, I'm different than the rest of my family."

He Provides


“And Abraham lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him was a ram, caught in a thicket by his horns. And Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering instead of his son. So Abraham called the name of that place, “The Lord will provide”; as it is said to this day, “ On this mount of the Lord it shall be provided.” 
Genesis 22:13-14

It is an undeniable truth: we live in a land rich with fertile soil providing crops for consumption and fuel for our animals; landscapes to explore and gaze at in all directions with heights from snow peaked mountains to ocean waves lapping on the sandy shorelines. Communities of neighbors and relatives engaging, nurturing and entertaining each other. God will need to hand pluck me from this community if He ever plans on me going somewhere else, as I’m not sure it gets any better, other than Heaven. 

Getting Closer to Making It Final

 { Me, Miss Bee and 'N'...or Tummy Mommy as we refer to her as. Posted with permission. }

On March 21st, Miss Bee became legally free getting us that much closer to her adoption day. Her journey becoming one of us has been a joy; quite uneventful compared to most foster situations. Her Tummy Mommy and I chat regularly and just a couple weeks ago met at Perch and Play for a visit. We have a friendship that to others seems odd or unfamiliar, but she's family now regardless how you look at things. Bee's Tummy Mommy has expressed some heartfelt words with me that I will hold tight and share with Bee when she's older. I've learned so much about who she is and her own childhood which ultimately has bonded us. Her decision for Miss Bee's life is respected and will be kept safe until Bee is able to understand.

Miss Bee Turns One


It is such a joy to celebrate birthdays and especially the very first birthday of a little person.
Miss Bee turned one this week (January tenth) and of course we had to celebrate with smash cakes, goodies and a visit from our friend Jodi for professional pictures. (Will try to share a few, but unfortunately we still need to leave no Internet footprint for the safety of Miss Bee.)
We invited our family and friends over to join in the celebration and watch as Miss Bee enjoyed her first tasting of something super sweet; frosting. 
One tradition that will now become a yearly part of this one's birthday celebrations is Baylee's Chocolate Mousse. Yep, her namesake will take shape into yummy adult only treats given to all those who suffer through boring birthday parties where the kids will never remember details besides through pictures. Thanks Pinterest for the recipe.

10 Things About Our Weekend


This is what happens when the weekend was supposed to look one way, then 
the sick kids changed the itinerary.
It began early Thursday morning with the littlest princess blessing mommy down the front of her followed with another crowned one Friday night and into Saturday morning with the oldest royalty. The prince has managed to keep from catching this bug, but at this rate things may 
change by the time I publish this post. 
Mommy and Daddy tag-teamed the clean-up and demands of those not feeling very well, but it left us no time to prep for a planned family party on Sunday. 
If you come to our front door the remnants of blasted diapers will greet you and the piles of sheets, towels and blankets will be found around the corner that need to be folded after washing. 

Not An Orphan Anymore

Today we celebrated Orphan Sunday. I almost hate to use the word 'celebrate' as the current crisis of children without homes, parents or people to call family, is staggering. For many, it's easier to not know than to be haunted by the faces of those needing arms to snuggle in after scraping a knee or a place to sit at around the family table. 

{ We came with just these items. }

This past January I received an email with a list of children needing immediate placement. These emails are daily; some with a few kids and others having multiple lists from here to Seattle needing placements. Three hours later after a few phone calls, family prayer and a mad dash to get a few things ready, Addi and I headed into the local DSHS office. We knew very limited information about the child we had said yes to a short term placement; two to three weeks was all that was needed. Thanks to Skookum Kids, Miss Bee came with a few outfits, burp cloths, formula and bottles aside from her own diaper bag and own car seat. Weekly visits began a couple weeks later along with court room appearances and home visits with our social worker. Our family was quickly thrown into a new routine that all 
foster families become familiar with when caring for children. 

{ We left with this precious life. }

Figures from Children's Administration show:
In Washington 1,419 children became part of their forever families between July 1, 2015, and June 30, 2016.
About the same number 1,556 children are "legally free" and many of these children are waiting for a forever home. 
Nearly 8,800 children were placed in out-of-home care living in foster care, as of mid-August.

Most people are surprised to learn there are 153 million orphans worldwide. 
According to UNICEF (The United Nations Children's Emergency Fund), if orphans were a country of their own, the population would rank 9th in the world - ahead of Russia. 

 { Myriam Judith two weeks old. }

Even though our Myriam was a private adoption, her journey to our home is just as significant as any other child's. Myriam's life is a miracle in and of itself. She was originally going to be terminated, but by the grace of God, that choice to end her life was detoured. When we were chosen to be her parents, there were two other families that were presented to our birth parents. They, for whatever reason, backed out of the situation leaving us as the option. God had perfectly carved the path from our birth parents to our family. It was a month after we met each other that we stood outside of the hospital room listening to Myriam's first cries. 

 
{ Myriam at three months. }

There are many ways a family can expand their dining room table; foster care, domestic or international adoption, biological children. Not everyone has extra chairs; 
not everyone is meant to take a child into their home. 
I often think how the orphan crisis would be changed if every church were to take in more children, locally and globally. How did it get to be so many kids left without parents? Why is there not more attention, more focus and priority in placing these lost children with families?
My heart hurts for the girl whose mother left when she was a baby herself. For the child that questions themselves as to why they don't have their own forever family; who grieves for their biological parents. I struggle knowing that the three year old little boy cries at night because his favorite blanket was left at his home when he was removed or placed with a different foster family. For the little girl who is afraid of the dark and just needs a safe adult to rub her back until she falls into a deep sleep not knowing why she fears the nighttime. For the kids not in stable homes experiencing family traditions, 
movie nights or to have family pictures. 
 How does God feel when He looks down at His children?
Does He want you to do more about this crisis?


In the end, I know this much; our family was blessed by simply saying yes to uncomfortable situations that grew our family to a hefty six pack. Our hearts were stretched; our ideas changed by experiencing life outside of our own. Our arms stronger from holding, bonding, and 
hugging the kids we know to be ours on loan from God. 
And come soon, things will be finalized and our family will be able to call this little one our own. 

"Defend the cause of the fatherless."
Isaiah 1:17

Faith Worn Loud

Our faith is extremely important to us as individuals, a couple 
and as a complete family. 
Seeing Jesus grow in our children's heart is an insurance policy 
that they will never be alone. 
When asked who loves them, it's always Jesus first then family. 
We live in a world that tells us to believe in ourselves and to rely on our own desires and wants. 
As followers of Jesus Christ, we know that nothing can be done without our Risen Savior. Nothing makes us more courageous, bold and radiant then the faith that we live out loud. 
This is why we challenge our kids to be bold about who first loved them. To shout it out about why they can have no fear in a fear-filled world. 
Over the past few years, our kids have been exposed to many poor choices adults have made resulting in our family caring for a few children. It's been an incredible experience teaching our kids to love everyone regardless of where they come from, what they look like or the choices they make. Many of our bedtime prayers have been for the homeless, the jailed, the drugged or the lost. 
One thing we keep coming back to is simple; 
Jesus loves them too. 
As parents, our prayer is that our kids continue to wear their faith on the outside and challenge themselves to deepen their personal relationship with Jesus. 

"Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom."
2 Corinthians 3:17

Just 2-3 Weeks Long...6 Months Later

"Honey, it's just 2-3 weeks. That's it."


Well, Miss Bee just passed her six month birthday at a whopping 19.5 lbs. wearing 12-18 month size clothing. 
A little longer than just a few weeks as thought it to be in January... We'll take as much time with this princess as possible because it has been a joy to have her in our home and family as the baby sister to us all. 
Miss Bee is incredibly relaxed, happy, content and developing perfectly along the charts. Our nights are interrupted once and quickly back to sleep until late morning. I have nothing to complain about as Miss Bee is very easy to care for. She loves her Mommy snuggles, especially in her ERGO, but nightime snuggles are fought over for time with Daddy. Bath time proves to be the best place for funny time splashes and decompression. Miss Bee loves the water! She has now learned to sit up on her own with some soft pillow protection for the new wobbles although she's pretty sturdy on her own. And watch out, this girl can roll from one side of the room to the next. Her favorite activity is the stand up bouncer which her legs find a complete jumping workout as she talks to those around her. We've been feeding her some delicious green beans, squash and bananas and every week adding more and more to her pallet. 

{ Repeating what Charlie did around the same age. }

The kids have been amazing with Miss Bee. They all know that our time of caring for Miss Bee can come to an end at any moment, but regardless, they call her their Baby Sister and have loved her the same from the moment she came home. Miss Bee has no lack of attention, snuggles, funny faces to laugh at or people to read her stories. She is extremely loved here in our home. 
I wish I could share more pictures of her beaming smile, but for now you'll have to keep guessing what her bright smile looks like. The similarity between Daddy and Miss Bee is oddly the same making many ask if they missed my pregnancy! Oh, please, no. You missed nothing!
God has protected our family and Miss Bee as her journey continues in our care. Please don't forget to pray for her Mommy and also for those on the case. We have some amazing social workers organizing the details of those in care and we are lucky enough to have the best. 
Monday afternoon we have another case conference so be in prayer as decisions are made for the best interest of Miss Bee. 
Happy Half of the Year Birthday Chunkee Bee!






Whatcha Up To?

The month of June quickly slipped past us and July has yet to 
prove itself any slower. 
June began as school studies came to an end. Addison and Charlie enjoyed a morning with their classmates at the Mp3 Field day saying goodbye to their teachers and friends. Many of Addison's friends will be attending a different school next year so it was bittersweet. Charlie will be attending an all new school as well saying goodbye to home school and hello to traditional classrooms. 
Addi shared an afternoon with her girlfriends celebrating the year's end, Myriam swam with her bus buddies at Homestead and all the kids were able to swim again at a Mp3 pool party. I don't remember having such parties like this when I was their age, but I'm so grateful for the friendships the kids have made. 

{ School Friends: Noah, Kayden & Lydia. }

Myriam completed her first year at Lynden Middle School Intermediate Preschool and loved every minute of it. From the bus to and from school and all the activities and one on one help...the routine has been missed greatly this summer and we look forward to next year. This program has done wonders for Myriam and we look forward to see even more progress next year. We can't say enough good things about this program. 


 { Favorite Bus Driver: Miss JoAnn. }

 { Tea Parties with Great Grandma Broersma "Cookie Grandma" }

{ Lunch Date with cousins, Papa & Uncle Jason. }

The first weekend of June we enjoyed a balcony view of the Farmer's Day Parade. We nibbled on snacks from The Mill and witnessed Lynden making history with the longest strawberry shortcake display. Myriam was camping with Papa and Nana at Deception Pass and missed all the sizzling hot commotion. We saw many red faces and sun kissed shoulders from a top the Windmill!

Tim and I were able to get away to Whistler for a few nights to catch up on sleep, relax and play while all our kids were cared for with much love by others. We ate ourselves through the village and had an afternoon on the ski chairs riding the gondola from Peak to Peak even catching glimpses of black bears below us. 
The older three kids went south to support Auntie Traci as she got her special medicine and Miss Bee played with C & K for the 
weekend receiving lots of snuggles. 


The following weekend we packed the Suburban with our little ladies and headed to the Vancouver Aquarium with Melissa and Michaela. I wish we had more time to spend in Stanley Park walking around, playing in the spray park and exploring the beach. We'll have to save it for another day!
Charlie was exploring the natural aquarium on the Knot So Fast with Papa and Uncle Jason at Sucia Island. Charlie and his cousin were exhausted from hiking, exploring the beaches, playing games of hide and seek and eating like King's. I could tell by the smell that Charlie had a grand time. 



Myriam attempted to have some fillings, or as she calls them jewels, done at Dr. G's, but it turns out the laughing gas was not quite strong enough for our busy one. We go back in August and have the real deal in order to fix a few mishaps in her mouth. The true challenge comes prior to the appointment as she's not allowed to eat or drink from midnight before until noon the next day. I'll be needing some covering of intense prayers August 19th, as we try again for "jewels" in her mouth. 
Charlie completed another year of swim lessons with Teacher Shannon. His skills have much improved and we are excited to see Shannon's talent impress Myriam as she starts her swim journey in August.


{ Rainy Day Roller Fun. }

Last week the kids enjoyed Day Camp at NCCTK. Addi volunteered with the pre-school crafts and had many adorable stories from remarks made by the little ones.  Her favorite was from a little boy who kept eyeing her and finally said, "Hey you, you young lady! I like your bracelets." He again told her on the last day how he really liked her bracelets... She was puzzled at first, but quickly realized he meant her braces! This was Myriam's first year at Day Camp, but it proved too much stimulation and noise for our little one. She stayed home with Miss Bee and Mommy the rest of the week. 

{ Charlie, Myriam & Michaela ready for the Cave Quest Camp. }

Charlie made some new friends, Todd and Tyler, as their daddy just moved to Lynden and started working at Elements. We had a great time entertaining them after camp playing outside games, showing them the creek, cooling off with Otter Pops and getting to know them better. We can't wait to see them again!

{ Pre- Camp Hot Chocolate at Wood's. }

My girlfriend and mentor was in town and I was able to celebrate her birthday and visit a bit before she headed back to her sandy beaches in Kona and checking in on the families from Chosen & Dearly Loved. I love watching Catherine talk about her "job" because nothing that is apart of God's will is work. She is extremely passionate about the families she meets with, supports and advocates for the orphans coming into their forever families. 

{ Selfie's with the ladies. Miss Bee loves the camera. }

This weekend we walked through the Raspberry Festival tasting JP's BBQ and the famous bowls of ice cream and berries. Tim and Addison were up early as they prepared a few rooms to be previewed at The Mill Inn & Bistro. Addi has been Tim's sidekick working at the hotel and loves to be of help with whatever Daddy asks her to do. Later the two of them toured the activities on Front Street as I took the other three home to decompress. 

{ Myriam dancing to the beat. }

So, there you have it. A quick run-down of what we've been up too. Next week brings more craziness before we set out to do some family camping at 
Birch Bay State Park. 
Summer is passing by fast so keep up the pace and enjoy!