Israel finally arrived home yesterday. It was doubly exciting because Imanuel was able to recognize him and right when we got home, for the first time EVER, he walked on his own over to where Israel was sitting. It was about 6-7 steps away. Imanuel had been taking a few steps between Alanna and I, but only with a lot of encouragement. He never tried walking anywhere without us asking him to. So it came with a lot of shock and amazement when he just decided to walk from the couch to Israel on his own. He was giggling with excitement too. 
We’re very happy that he’s ALMOST there.
Anyway, Israel came back with 2 new stuffed animals to add to Imanuel’s collection – one from Iceland and one from England. Israel made it a tradition that whenever he goes on an international trip, he brings a stuffed animal back for Imanuel. It started when I was pregnant, so Imanuel has two from before he was actually born. I must also note that he didn’t get a stuffed animal when he went to Korea. I don’t know why. And now that I think of it, we didn’t get one when we went to Mexico. So, he’s missing two.
Well, here are some pics of Imanuel’s international stuffed animal collection and some other miscellaneous pics from the past month.
a hare from South Africa, koala from Australia/New Zealand, exotic fuzzy bear from Ecuador, teddy bear from England, and a real wooly lamb from Iceland
Imanuel giving Bentley an ear inspection
Imanuel handing me a little toy puppy
Imanuel and his daddy (with his favorite stuffed animals)
you guys are the best. It almost brings tears to my eyes.
Almost. (Watch out, son…)
Really, I am so blessed by your friendship(s)!! And that boy of yourn… look at his long legs. And Jude, let me know if you have any more “prophetic” dreams.
YEAH!!!! Congratulations Imanuel!!!!! Welcome home Israel! And good job hanging in there Judy! :)By the way, sorry we still have your gloves with all that snow you’ve been having. Of all the things we accidently brought home with us, I’m guessing that was the most missed. 🙁 Glad you guys can be together again…Wish we could be there with you. We love you all lots. We’ll have to video chat soon so IA can show us some steps. 🙂 🙂
oh man…he’s mobile now? ha ha ha, congrats Manu, welcome to a life of Israel making you play basketball with him, or run routes for him, or make you take out the trash and mow the lawn. Just call me the day you whoop him on the court, ha ha. Then you get to take on your mom, and I’m not sure she’ll ever let you beat her… 😉
Welcome back Israel. Little Manu is growing up so fast… soon he’ll be dunking on daddy with ease. I wonder if he remembers me from GYC? I guess I should visit more. Miss you guys.
awww….he’s walking~!
How sweet! Israel, I’m lovin’ the ‘fro. ^___^
jensa is so right.. he has such LONG legs. what in the world?!jeannie made me a collage and there are 2 pics of mandoo! awwww…i was thinking as i looked at that pic with bentley: maybe he’ll become a vet.
Stuffed animals were my all-time favorite when I was a kid. Such a cool idea… international furry friends…
Congrats on the first steps!
like your scruffy hair israel. =) by the way, what’s ur guys schedule like between june 1-8? i have that week free during the summer, and steve and i were thinking of visiting then. it’ll be so much fun!
Awww….he’s walking. Things are about to get really crazy.Glad to hear you’re all together again. 🙂
Steve….visit “more”….How about just leaving it at “visit” 🙂
GLK! (good looking kid). Definitely got it from his daddy.
Hey Israel & Judy! Andy mentioned that it would be nice to visit you guys in June, that would be great if that works out. Israel, when are you coming to Maryland?
hey israel, i’m willing to play some r-ball. jonathan c. and a few guys play over here too. we would need equip. though…