This time it was Josie (my 3 year old) packing her bags and leaving us for a few days. She traded in our extreme Minnesotan cold for a sunny beach stay in the Dominican. Sending her off was tough, especially for me. I wanted to see her reaction when she first walked into the ocean. So, I requested an endless flow of videos and photos. Also, the beach happens to be my favorite kind of vacation. I wanted to be part of it as well! Haha. But we are all adults here; so, no hard feelings.

Simone, Simona, Simonachka, Simosha, Simka, Rimmka, or how your sister calls you “Simonatsa.” What a blessed year for our family to have you join us six months ago. There are no words to describe how complete you make us whole. In our eyes - you are perfect. You’re an answered prayer. A living miracle. God’s Grace on display.

Sharing our traditional family Christmas photos. Enjoy and have a very merry Christmas!

Much love, Sharikov family.

Our family just turned 5 years old. That’s 261 weeks and 60 months spent with my favorite people. It’s been exhilarating, overwhelming, busy, emotional, and nothing but the feels. Many stories were created, some to share and some to keep. It is in my heart to share our journey in the past 5 years in 5 paragraphs.

I’d like to share with you what the current reality actually looks like at the Sharikov residence.

When people asked me what I’m most nervous about when the second baby comes along, my answer was simple: balance. My biggest fear was not being able to divide equal attention to both my girls. Not being able to catch one fall because I’m with the other. Or even witness one’s milestones. To be there 100% for both the girls is nearly impossible.

June 19, 2021 ~ the day Simone Rimma joins this world.

Once again, God shows His unconditional love and mercy toward us. We are beyond touched at the work of His hand. This time around, everything went according to plan. How often does that happen?!