2013 saw some crazy wonderful stuff and of course some really heartbreaking (and sometimes super scary) hard stuff. (I guess that’s life really) Some of the crazy wonderful—Brian, Gabe, Jaden and I were all able to learn how to scuba dive. We all loved it so much we are working towards being a family who someday scuba dives together (this of course will take a LONG time as Ben is only 3).
The kids were all able to try roller skating for the first time this year---and as it turns out Jaden and Ean not only love it but are pretty darn good at it. Ben recently decided he likes swim lessons and will swim independently with a bubble and holding onto a float.
Brian and Gabe were able to travel to Washington together with his parents and brother Alan and cousin Kaylynn—a trip to say goodbye to Grandma Ruie. Though there was sadness in the goodbye we know Grandma is dancing in heaven. Brian was able to introduce Gabe to lots of uncles, aunts, cousins and childhood friends and to see where daddy grew up. So we take the heartbreak with the happiness. Some scary moments of 2013: My dad was bitten by a cat and an infection quickly spiraled out of control and brought him to the brink of leaving us. He has recovered but is still suffering from the lasting effects of the infection. We pray 2014 will find a doctor who can figure out what’s wrong.
Ben this year decided he would swallow a quarter—after trying unsuccessfully to get it out I rushed him to the ER. There they discovered it was lodged in his throat—perched precariously in his throat between falling towards his stomach or his lungs. As they brought the crash carts into the room I remember suddenly feeling very far away. It was one of the most traumatizing moments of my life. As the time passed they took more x-rays and discovered it passed towards his stomach but got caught in a curve of the tube. They rushed us to Maine Med via ambulance to see a pediatric gastroenterologist. In the course of the ambulance ride it passed to his stomach. They sent us home and I dug through Ben’s poop for two and a half weeks till it came out. (boy was that fun)
Brian and I were able to travel to Haiti to visit Wisler. We had a wonderful time hanging out with our little man together---and to top it off we were visiting Wisler when we received the news that we had cleared court. 
So we were able to tell Wisler that he was officially adopted and his new name was Wisler Johnson. He was so tickled and happy. In August we received our official court documents. In September we received our provisional approval from USCIS. So many steps forward—we celebrated—but honestly my heart broke this Christmas when I pulled out a Christmas stocking for Wisler knowing he wouldn’t be home this year—I broke. We still need a passport and visa. February 2014 will make four years since we started this process. Our hope for 2014 is that Wisler will finally join us. We are excited for the coming new year –to unwrap the gifts it has to bring—we are hopeful for so many things and thankful for every moment… Wishing you and your family and very Happy New Year.
Love the Johnson Family
Brian, Louise Gabe, Jaden, Ean and Ben
Memorable Moments in 2013
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| bouncy house place--celebrating Ean and Ben's Birthdays |
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| tea party (with real tea) |
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| summer swinging at our favorite place--the blueberry farm |
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| apple orchard fun |
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| yes they arranged themselves... |
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| Gabe is always building something new from legos.... |
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| early morning walk by the river to see hot air balloons |
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