Seth Roman Van Wienen....born in Russia on July 23, 1999 adopted to home in July 2002. He was a beautiful child with a beautiful soul. Always wanting to please, but with a naughty streak as wide as the Mississippi. Wondered about his 'Russia mom' often. Was worried for my safety when he found out that I was pregnant with Ben. Avid basketball player. Loyal friend. Player of tricks. A smile that would melt your heart. A raspy voice from being left alone in his crib crying so long when an infant. Loved to read. Hated to get his nails clipped. Pushed his brother's buttons daily. Naughty on the bus. Accepted Jesus in his heart and the first thing he said after he prayed was "MOM!! I feel all warm inside!" Loved his cousins. Had epic light saber battles with Kyle. Looked forward to boys adventure every 
year and searching for stones. LOVED sausages and mashed potatoes.
Completely tone deaf. Would try and sneak up on me to scare me.
Loved Jesus. Told others about Jesus including a neighborhood kid
who he sat down with and prayed the prayer with that child. Had the
sweetest speech impediment and couldn't say his "r"s. Had the cutest
outty belly button that prevented him from sliding down slip and slides
because it scraped it too much. Terrified of dogs. Inhaled pistachios.
Would rather wear sweat pants to jeans any day. Had THE BLUEST of
eyes. Was a complete wimp when it came to pain. Got scared easily.
Liked watching Cim Possible. Always had dirty grimy fingers.
Just a few of the things that I miss about our Seth. We had him only 5 short years, but what a mark he left on our lives. I miss grabbing hugs from him and his reluctantcy of giving kisses.
He would be 19 now - in college. I wonder if he would have a girlfriend or what he would be studying. Thing is....it was never to be. He was never to be 19 or go to college. God's plan for his life only allowed him to be 10. I wonder if children age in heaven? I know that I'll recognize him immediately but I wonder how old he'll be? So many things that I can't wait to do with him again!
God is still good. I don't think I would be able to say that in previous years - but He is. He never left me. He was constantly
surrounding me with His love and peace. He was crying right along
surrounding me with His love and peace. He was crying right along
with us. We felt His presence in such amazingly beautiful ways. He never left me. Through the hundreds and hundreds of cards, to 6 months of meals, to hugs given at just the right time, to lunches that were made so I wouldn't have to make 1 less and be reminded of it every single day. God was with us when Ben was born 3 months to the day after Seth died. He was with us when we travelled to Guatemala 6 months later to bring Lydia home. He was with us - carrying us most times - throughout that first year and beyond. God is still good. I stand on that truth while I remember our Seth.
