The Life of The Baldomeros: Long time, no post!

So an online friend reminded me the other day that I have been neglecting my blog. Sorry guys. We got home in early June then had out of town guests until today and I've been super slammed. This might be a long post to catch you all up on the Baldos.

1) We brought Ibrihim (now Justin Ibrihim) home in early June. Things are going well. The bonding was pretty much instant and he is in love with his new family as much as we're in love with him. There are of course things we've had to learn about adopting an older child (older than infant I mean) but that was to be expected. Can't say we were 100% prepared but we're getting there and doing the best we can but trying to keep in mind that the love we all share is what will get us through and before we know it we'll look back at this challenging time as a blink in time and we'll all be stronger and wiser for it.

2) Eddie's mother and sister came to visit for several weeks and enjoyed the kids so much. The kids have really enjoyed them and have been soaking up all the extra attention :)

3)We finally got the kids all well after the trip and have been able to enjoy the pool and we all LOVE it. It's so awesome for all of us. We have 4 little fish for kids :) Justin was TERRIFIED of water when he came to us but after just two trips to the pool he was ready for his life vest and swimming! :) It didn't take him long to want some of the action his brothers and sister were getting :)

4) We THOROUGHLY enjoyed July 4th festivities on base this year. There was a festival set up that was AMAZING for the kids. Complete with mini go carts, petting zoo, jumpy castles, the works! Then of course topped the night off with the best firework show I've ever seen! It was an awesome day! All the kids wore home made t shirts that I made to look like baseball shirts that had "Baldo Bunch" on the front and their names and "numbers" on the back (birth order). They were precious!!

5) Laela had her tonsils and adnoids removed and is slowly recovering still. Thank goodness she had it done this young because I imagine the recovery only gets harder the older they are. They said her adnoids were so enlarged they were growing into her nose! Poor baby. No wonder she snored like a freight train!

6) Ryan has been tested for Fragile X and tests were negative. Relief of course but now somewhat still confused about what's going on with him exactly. He and I will be flying to Hawaii for more in depth testing in a few weeks so hopefully we'll know something more by the end of the year. Who knows. Still pushing strong with his therapies and treatments and he's still making steady progress. He's picking up more words and interacting better lately. He's still a mess and keeps us in stitches. As my nephew recently said "that Ryan DOES make us laugh"! LOL! So true!!

7) Jalen has really enjoyed his Grandma and Aunt this summer and is really excited to still have a month of summer left. :) He's so loving the pool! And he's super excited to be going to acting camp next month. That boy is a born performer and we're anxious to see how he feels about it after getting his feet wet with it a bit. Watch out Hollywood, here comes Jalen!! :)

8) Eddie and I are doing well too. Luckily Eddie hasn't had any travel in a couple of months so that's been nice especially with Justin just coming home. He'll be starting up again next month but nothing we can't handle. Me, not much to report. Working on being healthier and exercising more. 30 came around this May and I started thinking about the woman I want to be for my kids to see and my grandkids. I wanted to make changes so that I'd be the lady my daughter looks up to and have characteristics my sons will admire and want for their wives.

9) Perhaps the WORST thing. . .I'VE LOST MY BATTERY CHARGER FOR MY CAMERA!! :( :( I have lots of cute pics to post and can't get my DEAD camera charged to put them online. Also, can't take any more cute pics with my DEAD camera! :( Trust me, I'm looking daily for that darn thing and will hopefully soon have a lively camera that can produce more pictures for your viewing pleasure :) LOL!

Here's some pics from our summer (before the camera died!)

Yep! Jalen and I went to see Shrek the Musical on Broadway while in NYC.

Jalen and I scared on a ride he talked me into at Sesame Place! LOL!

Me and my Ryan on his FAVORITE ride of all times. . . the merry go round.

Laela playing hide and seek! LOL!

For those of you that have adopted an older child, you'll understand this. . .this was a picture of BREAKTHROUGH number 1. . .Justin wanted to wear the shoes I bought/brought him instead of the ones he had already. :)