What's up??

It has been a busy week as usual! Although I don't have any pictures to share (I really need to remember to take my camera with me!) I thought I'd jot down a few things that happened this week.

Monday night Jon and I spoke at a Adoption Preparation class at our local hospital. We attended this class in May 2007 and were asked to come back and share our adoption story! The couple that went before us was all over the process, they interrupted each other several times and their timeline was really hard to follow. I was REALLY nervous at first, but as I started talking the words just came to me! We passed around our lifebook and photos of Aliya and our family. It was great! After our presentation several couples asked for our emails and we've heard from one couple already! There's that common bond again. This bond you have with complete strangers because they are going through the exact same thing. I suppose pregnancy and childbirth are the same?

Work has been very slow for me this week, it's the calm before the storm. We are opening our new home November 1st...I'm about to become really busy! But I'm ready for a change!! Jon had inventory this week so he was at work late a few nights this week.

Joel is still amazing. He is defiantly developing that pre-teen attitude! Everything we ask of him is followed by a grunt or eye roll. I do have to admit, he is still really good compared to a lot of kids his age. He could be A LOT worse! School is going well, he excels in Spelling (he didn't get that from me). On Wednesday night we actually had to google his math homework because I had no idea how to help him! He had to add to subtract? What the heck? But after Jon looked it up, it was pretty easy!

Aliya is as cute as ever! She is struggling with a runny nose right now. We don't think she's sick, but there are two little white spots in her top gums. Today she spent most of the day with daddy, but his snuggles weren't quite good enough, she wanted her mama! She is kissing EVERY baby she comes into contact with (and usually makes them cry). Yesterday at Allison's (my niece) 1st birthday party she planted on right on her lips and made her cry. Then William (nephew) came and again, she went right for his face! He got her back and actually made her cry! At church this morning he met a little guy named Isaac...yep! You guessed it! Big wet one right on the kisser and YEP tears instantly! She just looks at them like, "what?" She kisses the mirror, her babydoll, her mommy and pretty much everything else that remotely resembles a face. She is also saying "ut-oh", it's so cute! She's still walking around the furniture with ease, but not standing yet on her own. She's in 12month clothes and size 3 shoes.

We are planning a trip to FL at the end of January! Jon's sister, Holly, is getting married on the 31st so we are packing up and flying down! Aliya and I may go a few days early to get some visiting in with my side of the family and then Jon and Joel would follow. Then after the wedding, the kids and I will fly home and Jon will stay an extra week to help his folks pack up and make the move to Ohio!!!!! These aren't definite plans yet, but this is what we're working on!

I love this time of year! The leaves are BEAUTIFUL around here and I hope to get some good shots of the kids playing in the leaves! Oh, I made homemade crab Rangoon tonight!!!! YUMMY!!!! Thanks Nett for the recipe! I was patting myself on the back all night!

Until next time...

A few of Joel's party pictures

Last Saturday we had Joel's 10th birthday party at the bowling alley. We gave him the choice between laser tag and bowling, he chose bowling! He invited 10 friends, but due to football, only 8 were able to come.

The morning started out with a surprise visit from Grandma Brenda! She was able to watch Joel open his gifts from her and Grandpa Mike. Grandma Hilgeman stopped by also to give Joel their gift! This is one blessed kid I tell you!


Okay, these pictures are starting from the end, sorry!

Here is Joel and his buddy Jonathan on the way home after the party


Blowing out the candles


Joel and two friends from school (Jack and Trey)


Joel posing with his new football from Jason


His new world record book from Zach E.


The Boys


They all stood up for almost the entire 1 1/2 hours of bowling! They all cheered for each other!


Cousin Jared (Jon sneaking away in the back)


Joel's up


Joel, Jared and Zach S.


The table


Everyone eating


Joel's ice cream cake and bowling pin with all his friend's signatures!!!

Happy Birthday Bug!

Can you believe Joel is 10 today? I can't!!! Today we head to the bowling alley where he will be joined by 8 friends from school for his party. He is having a football themed party! His cake is an ice cream cake from DQ done in Stealer's colors. He is very excited about today! His birthday weekend started last night when he and his dad went to the Wayne vs. Centerville football game. The guys were out late which gave me a few extra hours to finish getting his party stuff around. He slept in this morning and has enjoyed spending the morning in his PJ's (new T Shirt he got from the game last night) and playing Play Station. He just got done fixing his own breakfast (he's growing up too fast) of scrambled eggs with cheese and toast.

Pictures of the party will be posted tonight (hopefully)!!!!

Happy Birthday...a day late!

Happy Birthday Mom!! (Oct 12)

Aliya and I traveled up to mom's yesterday for her birthday! We went to church and then to the Apple butter festival with her! We left early and got home late, sorry this birthday wish is a day late!!

I love you mom!!

Happy Anniversary!!!

Happy 5th Anniversary baby, I love you!!!!!!!

Getting Around

Here are a few shots of Aliya the other day. (the color is a little off, sorry)

Quick Update

Hey all!
I don't have any new pictures to share right now, but I wanted to send out a quick update on how the Bergstrom's are doing:
*Aliya is crawling EVERYWHERE and is into EVERYTHING! She pulls herself up to stand and walks around the furnature.
*Joel is still loving football. He suffered a foot/ancle injury a few weeks ago, and had to sit out a game, but is back in his cleats and doing great!
*I am officially transfered to a new home that is to open up in about 15 days. My position is changing (I'm meeting with my boss tomorrow).
*Jon is shooting a wedding this weekend.
*Aliya still has just two teeth, but uses them well! She is eating everything we eat now and is doing great with her sippy cup.
*Joel had school pictures today!
*We have just 9 days until our 5th anniversery!
*Aliya is "talking" up a storm, she keeps saying "Bob", I've decided Bob is her friend in the mirror.
*Joel will be 10 on the 18th, he's having his birthday party at the bowling alley this year!
*Jon is still volunteering with the 4 and 5 year olds at church
*I am still in the infant room and loving it!
*Aliya waves at everyone she sees
*Joel no longer lets me kiss him good bye at school (I get a side hug now...sniff)
*Aliya loves her new baby sitter and is doing great there!
*Joel is making his own breakfasts and packs his own lunch
*Aliya loves her big brother
*Joel loves his little sister
*I am blessed to have two of the greatest kids in the world!
*Jon is blessed to have the best wife in the world!