Babe's First Trip to the Barber Shop!

We haven't had Jude's hair cut since he's been home for a couple of reasons:

1. I love his fantastically coiled curls, and everyone I've talked with wants to cut, cut, cut them off - not cool. God made them, we love them, and we're keeping them as long as we can!
2. We wanted to find someone who knew what he was doing and who would walk with us to care for Jude's hair well.

Well, we've found him! Today I took Jude to see Paul Frazier at International Profyle Barbershop in Kalamazoo. Paul came highly recommended, and we are well on our way to becoming fiercely loyal! He is clearly accustomed to trimming up little guys, as he was great with Jude (very patient with those three-year-old wiggles). He was also patient and kind with my sometimes ignorant questions, which I deeply appreciated (seriously, Paul, if you're reading this...more than you can imagine), and Jude's looking as darling as ever.

I have to say, Jude wasn't too sure about climbing up in that big chair and he wanted me to stay very close...but Paul won him over in no time. Take a look:

After Jude's appointment, we went to see his Papa at work, and Matthew, of course, told him he was looking good. Then, he called his Grandma LaLa and left her a message that said (in "Judanese" of course), "Gamma, I dot a hurcut. It went gate. Uhm lookin' good. Bye!"

A Bubble Machine for Easter

We don't really do baskets for Easter, but we do give token gifts in celebration of Christ's resurrection. This year, Jude got a bubble machine, and he positively loves it. Take a look....

Still needed at GLA...

The need in Haiti is still dire. Thanks to so many, there's been a huge outpouring of donations to GLA. If you would like to know how you can help, take a look at this. Scroll to the bottom to see what's currently needed.

When Mama and Papa Bring Me Home...

Jude continues to keep us laughing, as three-year-olds are wont to do. And, he's as sweet as they come. We talk about Haiti frequently, as we want him to know about and be proud of his national heritage. We want him to know how much we loved it there, and what a joy it was for us to be able to go there. The other day, he saw a photo from before he came home. "Who is that?" I asked. "Dis id baby Jude when mama n papa bring baby Jude home," was his reply. Very cute.

So, in honor of those wonderful memories, here's a picture from just after he came home. Those of you who see Jude frequently know that it's been a long time since he fit in a sink!

Underwear Basketball

So, my guys love to play basketball, and Matthew is teaching Jude quite a lot, so we think he's pretty good for a little guy. Why underwear basketball? Because Jude is now mostly using underwear and he doesn't like to wear clothes...he loves to be in his drawers! Take a look...

Helping Haiti

Some have expressed to us that you want to help the people of Haiti, but don't know what to do. May we strongly encourage you to consider sending your resources to God's Littlest Angels? GLA is not just an orphanage, though that is much of what it does. GLA is a Haitian baby ministry. Its staff nurses sick children sometimes so that they can go back to live with their families. It employs around 100 Haitian staff member, providing good jobs for those who work there. Right now, GLA needs more help than ever. Donations are being used to purchase tarps and blankets and other supplies, and the staff is currently packaging these to be given as care packages to families in the two communities near Port-au-Prince immediately surrounding GLA. GLA is using this time to provide humanitarian aid to those in need right within its reach. Please consider giving at the GLA website.

Fundraising for Haiti

Matthew, Jude and I were recently honored - yes, honored - to be present at the Friday assembly at Tobey Elementary School in Vicksburg, Michigan where our niece Natalie attends. You see, Natalie and two friends decided they wanted to do a fundraiser and they decided to do it for God's Littlest Angels orphanage in Haiti, where Jude lived before coming home to us. Several days later, the earthquake struck, and the fundraiser gained new meaning. The school raised funds for a few weeks, and asked Matthew and Jude and I to come talk to the kids at the assembly at which the principle would reveal to the kids the amount they raised. We talked to the children about GLA, its history, and what it does today for children and families in Haiti. Take a look:


After hoping for $500 for the fundraiser, Mr. Mike Barwegen, principle of Tobey Elementary, presented the girls who started the fundraiser with a "check" for $2,516.75. We gave Mr. Barwegen the appropriate information so that he could send the money directly to GLA. It was such a joy to be asked to be part of the girls' efforts, and we were touched as GLA and Haiti have become so dear to us.

A subsequent article was written in the local paper and I will post is as soon as it becomes available online.

Incidentally, this inspired my Dad who works at Bay Valley Foods in Wayland to begin a fundraiser as well. At present time, the team at Bay Valley has raised over $300.