It's December?

Still here in sunny Central Florida. R did discover that with the latest iOS7 update, we can no longer share photos over our local network. Therefore, I still haven't made the effort - short version here - to post photos from mid-October and early November. We were both sad about losing the ability to share over our local network; and according to the internet we weren't the only ones. I should probably also mention that R's computer has way more storage space and is where all of our photos are stored. My computer really just has photos that I edit for this blog.

Anyways. We've been having fun.

We met S, E, and their adorable boys at Sea World; and Auntie H was with us.

Can you see Squirms and her second cousin?

We've had one post-placement visit from our social worker. There will be a total of three before our finalization in court can occur. And, I've become addicted to an Icebox Chocolate Pie. I made this pie for Thanksgiving and used a recipe from the Junior League of Austin, Texas. And then I made it again for our Life Group. I may be eating a piece - and by piece of course I mean I have a fork and the pie pan - right now.

So cute when he sleeps.

We have a Christmas tree in the house now. The Squirms was so excited about Christmas trees, but when she walked up to the edge of the tent where the trees were in close rows she started crying and asking to be held. She is so curious and independent now, I treasure moments when she asks for me.

She was very happy to see this in the living room the next morning.

My Christmas Tree?

My Christmas Tree!

We stayed in town for Thanksgiving this year. It was nice not having to pack, put Squirms in the car for nine - thirteen hours, and to be able to sleep in our own beds; but we did dearly miss spending time with family, skeet shooting, and sharing the Thanksgiving meal with them. Thankfully, (no pun intended) our local family hosted us. Squirms got to play with her boys, although she didn't get to go swimming with them and desperately wanted to, and AWR got lots of baby holding time.

Our hosts....Or, the people whose home we invaded.

We tried to get a photo of the siblings.....

Big Sister is so loving....

So loving that little brother had to be rescued....

He strikes back!
Actually, Squirms held his hand to her head....

And pretended to be hurt....I think Auntie L must have taught her this move.

First Thanksgiving.

We had a lovely Thanksgiving weekend, decorated the tree in our pj's while watching Elf, and then we watched the Iron Bowl on Saturday. I'm still not even sure what to say about that game except that I'm oh-so-happy for the Auburn team and proud of their post game statements about teamwork.

She is excellent at unpacking ornament boxes.

Actually hanging ornaments is a different story....but she is good at removing them from the tree.

And, of course, it's been warm here.

Our banana tree is growing bananas!

And the Squirms has enjoyed lots of playhouse and swing time.

I'm behind on book review posts, but I did just finish Debt of Honor by Tom Clancy and of course it was excellent. And, the Great and I have started The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt by Edmund Morris. So far, this is a fascinating book, and well written. It's my first time to read Edmund Morris.

What? Shelby Ann LOVES it when I play with her; especially when I wake her up....

I think they are both waking up - they like to do that, wake up at the same time and want food - so I better hide this pie. I don't want share.

Coffee and Molasses Cookies

We've been drinking Caribou Coffee for about a year now. Today, as I was making my mid-morning pot, I got to open a new package. I love opening the new package, the smell is so lovely and I like to read the flavor notes on the package to see if I can tell. I took a minute to read the directions and noticed that they - they being Caribou Coffee people - suggest using two heaping tablespoons of coffee grounds per six ounces of water. Curious, and because maybe there is the slightest, tiniest, tinniest bit of an engineer in me - or because I've been watching so much Curious George lately, I measured how many ounces I had put into the coffee maker and then did a bit of math to find how many suggested scoops I should use.

It turns out, more than we normally do. I had put six "cups" of water in the coffee maker - six "cups" meaning the "cup" marker on the coffee maker, not actually six cups of water. Apparently, this equals four cups, or 32 ounces. We normally put one scoop of grounds per one coffee maker "cup" of water. For my experiment, or just following directions on the package, I put in ten scoops (I rounded down to 30 ounces to alleviate having to do fractions of scoops, my willingness to do math without being paid only goes so far).

Why, one may wonder, am I writing a blog post about this? I'm not sure, but my coffee was rather good. 

Also, while writing this I've eaten several Molasses cookies. Homemade, molasses cookies. Now, while I feel like I could leave it at that and maybe sound like I'm impressive - taking care of two small children and baking homemade treats - I should explain that we have Life Group tonight at church and are responsible for snack, and I haven't been to the grocery store in a very long time. I decided to search my pantry, fridge, and two dessert recipe books to see if I could find something to make without having to venture out, in the rain with my two small children, and did I mention that we don't have butter or normal white sugar? Molasses cookies was the answer. Why do I have a large jar of molasses in my pantry?

I can be resourceful when it means I can stay at home. I'd like to say this is because I grew up in the middle of nowhere and just driving to the store took 20 minutes (one way), but really, I just like being at home and can be rather lazy about dealing with car seats, strollers, carts, carriers, etc. and don't like sweating walking in the grocery store parking lot. Judge me if you wish, but it's November and 88 degrees! So, now I've baked a delicious fall treat - and even have a small batch made for our neighbor who has been ill. They are quite yummy, the Squirms cried when I told her she couldn't have another "cook-key", and I'm not sure how many will actually make it to Life Group tonight. I just know my dad is going to make a comment about all of these run-on sentences. Our social workers made us take run-on sentences out of our adoption profile book. I found this link for my defense: stream_of_consciousness_(narrative_mode). The worst part is the size - the recipe says to pinch the dough so each cookie before baking is rolled into the size of a walnut. That takes a lot of time. But the cookies are better when smaller - again, I did a little experiment to see if there would be a difference.

I'm done with almost all of the coffee now.

Happy Fall from Central Florida.

Lately....

Lately....

Mr. KBE came to visit! He drove a couple hours out of his way on a business trip to come play dolls with Squirms and meet baby boy, aka the Great.

And R helped me reorganize our closet. I felt like a new person with a clean, organized, beautiful closet. Then the Squirms found my purse bin....

I can practice Violin if Squirms can do this.

Oh Hi Mom! 

And ALM and MMD threw the Great a Sip-n-See. We had tea, coffee, delicate delicious treats, and got to spend time letting people meet our sweet boy. I was having such a lovely time, I forgot to get out the camera until the end, but I did get a couple of pictures.

Coffee and Tea Tables

The Treat Tables

Petit four - yum. 

Scones, chocolate dusted almonds, and the best Caramels I've ever tasted.

The Squirms stole MMD's shoes.

I love three inch heels in snake skin pattern. Really matches my smocked ice cream dress.

Exploring ALM's house.

CFF and Auntie L!

Our Sweet Hostesses and the Great.

And now Auntie L says I need to pay attention.....

Ten Things

1. Yesterday our little boy marked One Month. Here are two of my favorite pictures from this past month.

Dad is comfortable.

Hanging out in big sister's room.

2. All our other pictures are on R's computer. Someday we'll make time to make my access through the "cloud", or whatever I'm supposed to call it, work correctly (Let's ignore my college degree when discussing this subject....and focus on Time being the important factor).

3. The Squirms had a blast Trick-or-Treating in the neighborhood. She charmed all of our neighbors into giving her multiple handfuls of candy; even though she didn't really understand what she was getting considering she had not had candy yet, she did enjoy collecting it.

4. Auntie L is coming to visit this weekend! We are excited!

5. My dear friends ALM and MMD made me a goodie basket and came to meet the Great. They know me well - the basket was filled with my favorite things. All mothers of newborns should be given a goodie basket.

6. Coffee is my friend.

7. I've made a note to write a post about people meeting the Great. R's mom and sister; my parents; church friends; college friends; high school friends (R's best man was here last night!). Somewhere we have pictures of most of these people.

8. I'm considering nicknames for the Squirms and the Great. Squirms is becoming a toddler now and I'm thinking she might need a more toddler/little-girl-like nickname. And I'm trying to decide if I want to come across as a History Nerd or Auburn Nerd, calling baby boy the Great, One-of-the-Authors-of-the-Federalist-Papers, or Vincent. I am also considering a poll - and then just choosing the nickname that I like. L is great with nicknames so we'll see what she says this weekend. Readers (aka Grandma) feel free to leave suggestions in the comment area.

9.  I'm very surprised at the outcomes of the majority of Auburn games this season. It's been very nice. And I was thankful for a mid-day game this past Saturday - all the late games are really hard for me to finish watching at this current life-stage. War Eagle.

10. The Squirms says it's time to play again. Thankfully our weather has gone from mid-nineties to mid-eighties so it's a bit more bearable to play outside these days. Our little girl ONLY wants to play outside. I blame my father. I was trying to raise a bookworm.

Snapshot(s) of the Weekend

In more recent news, Squirms had a playdate on Friday with two sweet girls - the daughters of a favorite high school and college friend. Crazy: One of my closest friends from high school's college roommate lives less than two miles from us! They were here visiting and we got to see them too. It was pretty cool watching our girls play together - even though Squirms had a difficult time sharing "Bah-bee" at first.

And our family of four joined another family from our life group to go trick-or-treating downtown on Saturday. Minnie Mouse had a blast.

Why does the candy have to stay in the bucket?

Come on Mom! These people are giving out Candy!

And now for a volleyball game.

the Birthday

Mrs. MHJ and C arrived at our house on the 9th of October. Squirms was thrilled to see them and went through all of their luggage and purses tried to help them unpack. R and I are so grateful that Squirms was able to stay at home, with people who adore her, while we traveled north to be with our birth mom. It was more difficult than I thought; I felt like I was leaving Squirms and placing more importance on the possibility of a new baby; even though I knew we were just trying to be obedient. It helped to know that she would be too busy playing and being spoiled to really miss us.

We went to dinner that night after checking into our hotel. We were both a bit anxious, but figured that we might as well have a "date night" while we could. And, of course, a re-run of the West Wing before bed let my mind forget for 45 minutes what we were doing.

Sometimes I find technology a bit overwhelming. I still like to write actual letters, or notes, and think it's fun to ignore my phone for several hours (For some reason this makes me feel like such a rebel! Ignoring my cell phone - so daring). But. During our wait to meet baby boy, and bring him home, I found it wonderful to have the Bible on my phone - available in any waiting room or hotel - and to receive texts from friends and family just saying they were praying for us.

Thursday morning we tried to eat something and then headed to the hospital. Oddly enough, we were a bit rushed getting out the door. You'd think after not being able to sleep, waiting for the day to arrive for two months, and a coffee maker in the room, I'd be able to get ready on time. Nope.

Don't worry, we weren't late.

We met our birth mom and her social worker in the hospital room and talked to her great nurses (including a student nurse) about what to expect. Then, it got a little bit more real when the nurse brought me scrubs. Did you know that you have to actually change completely into the scrubs? They don't just give you a smock to wear over your clothes.

I want to respect our birth mom's privacy so I will leave out some details here. But I did want to mention that our birth mom was welcoming, seemed happy to have us there, and impressed me with her openness and bravery. And, I didn't pass out in the Operating Room!

R and I were able to spend time with baby boy in the nursery, and there decided on his name. Of course, on here we'll just call him the Great.

The remainder of the day was spent with birth mom, our social worker, and baby boy.

Reflecting back on two years and three different adoption matches, three different hospital visits, three different birth moms - each one has been unique. Yet all three included sweet, joyous moments, and moments when you could only find peace in knowing that God is in control.

Now. I looked at old blog posts and I did post photos of sweet Squirms before finalization. Please note we are not ready for the Great's pictorial debut on Facebook. Finalization will occur in approximately 90 days. So. The most important thing to happen on the 10th of October:

the Great

I got to introduce the Great to R.
Look Mom! I'm wearing scrubs!

• We are so thankful that he is healthy, and that birth mom is healthy. Thank you for praying!
• The hospital was the definition of "adoption friendly" - the nurses, doctors, medical students, everyone! It was such a pleasant atmosphere; they were very respectful and caring to birth mom and friendly to us.
• We appreciate that our adoption agency had one to two people with birth mom and us at the hospital. We depend on their knowledge and were encouraged by the support they showed our birth mom.  
• It was comforting to know Squirms was happy and being loved on by her Mamé and Auntie C.

V

Last week before we left for the hospital the Squirms and I went for a leisurely walk. I called my granny during our walk and we talked baby boy names, books, and prayer. I reminded Granny of the upcoming birth and adoption plan and asked her to pray for us while we were at the hospital with birth mom and baby boy. She replied Sure, I pray for you every day. I don't forget you.

Watching R tie blue balloons on our mailbox, I couldn't help but be reminded that Granny prays for me every day. A reminder of how loved I have been by family - and a reminder of the work I have to do to become a woman that prays for her children every day too.

Baby boy, The Great, is one week old today. He is long, skinny, and wrinkly; a good eater and great at other bodily functions; he enjoys hanging out at night and pacifiers. We are sleep deprived, making at least two pots of coffee a day, doing lots of laundry, AND so thankful God has made us a family of four!

Today is also the first day both children are at home with just me. It's 11 am and we're all still alive. I'm feeling pretty good about this. I was a bit worried yesterday because Squirm's diaper leaked a smelly substance on the couch and The Great went through three outfits, two changing pad covers, and two crib sheets before 11 am. 

I'd like to share more about our hospital time and Squirm's visit from Mrs. MHJ and C; but I'm going to put that lengthy post off for now so maybe I can eat something before my angels awaken.

IV.

I almost forgot to post today, ha.

Baby boy came home this afternoon. We are so thankful! 

And now I'm going to sleep....

III.

Technically we're in the middle of day two - if you count days in 24 hour segments starting at delivery time.

James 3:13-18 have been keeping me sane today. Wisdom, pure wisdom, comes from God. Keeping my motives in check.

Thank you for praying for birth mom, birth father, baby boy, and us. Everyone is healthy and we enjoyed spending time at the hospital this afternoon and evening. Don't tell JM that I had two red lobster cheese biscuits today.

We hope to return to the hospital tomorrow mid-morning.

We are so thankful for R's mom and sister for staying with, loving, and spoiling Squirms while we're away from our wonderful girl.

II.

Baby boy arrived this morning around ten. I had the honor of being with our birth mom during the delivery (and to my mom's surprise, didn't pass out); and R and I got to spend lots of time holding, feeding, and even changing diapers for this sweet boy. 

We are getting to know our birth mom more, and cherishing her kind words and support. 

Mrs. MHJ taught Squirms to say "I love you" and they shared a cupcake with Auntie C to celebrate baby boy's birth. We were able to FaceTime with Squirms tonight, which made our hearts oh so happy - and made me miss her more.

Excited

Nervous

Thrilled

Exhausted

Happy

Anxious

Exhausted

We're so grateful for everyone who has been praying for baby boy, birth mom, and us. He is healthy, over eight pounds, and just beautiful to hold. 

The plan for tomorrow is to spend more time at the hospital with birth mom and baby boy. Both are doing well.

Oh, and we did name him ;).

I.

We're getting up early tomorrow and my mom has given me tips on what to do if I feel like I'm about to pass out.

And we've heard there was a showing of The Sound of Music at our house tonight. Squirms, if you're reading this, Go To Bed, love mom.

Countdown. And Flowers.

Eggplants courtesy of R's garden

This morning Squirms and I went for a walk and pulled a couple of weeds in the front flower bed. And we picked some flowers for our sweet guests coming on Wednesday. I was very happy that she stayed near me in the flower bed instead of trying to run to the sidewalk and then down the street (her normal route when loose in the front yard). She's becoming such a helper: putting clothes in drawers (not the correct drawers, but still), pulling weeds (or flowers), taking the lint trap out of the dryer.

Shades of purple

We are expecting to meet baby boy later this week, and hope by next week paperwork will be signed for us to take temporary custody. Papers are normally signed by a birth mom at least 48 hours after delivery OR when she is released from the hospital. I believe our case will look more like 72 hours. We can sign temporary custody papers after our birth mom decides to sign her voluntary papers. Our birth father has signed papers. Please forgive me if I neglect the blog for a bit - we will be focusing on spending time with our brave birth mom and tiny son. I will try to post short updates when there is time.

And Squirms only tried to eat one flower!

Speaking of time, Squirms is telling me that I'm out of it; she is done with her nap.

Update, Riverboat, and Happy 60th

I. Adoption Update:

   a. Baby boy has a delivery date! We will be greeting him at the end of next week! We are super excited and so happy that our birth mom wants us to be at the hospital with her. Please join us in praying for our birth mom - I can't find words to convey how difficult this will be, how happy it will make her to see baby boy joining a family she chose, and how sad.

   b. Auntie H delivered a trunk full of boy clothes to us this weekend!

   c. Mamé and Auntie C are preparing to come visit and spoil Squirms so R and I can be at the hospital. I think they have also done a good amount of shopping to prepare for our new arrival.

II. Riverboat Gambling:

   a. When the delivery date was moved toward mid October, we decided to gamble and travel out of state to take a ride on a paddleboat. The paddleboat just happened to be the place our family was celebrating Grandpa and Grandma's 60th Wedding Anniversary.

   b. We flew into Birmingham and spent the weekend visiting family and dear friends. Squirms played outside to her heart's content - well, actually, until her mother said No, it's 10:30 at night and you must try to go to sleep. 

There was face painting....

Thanks for leaving your purse in my reach mom. I'm ready to go to breakfast now.

 Butterfly catching....

Fields to run in....

Action shot

And celebrating!

In the early 1950's a young man from North Alabama was stationed on an U.S. Air Force base in the United Kingdom. One night on his way back to the base, he saw a girl standing outside the gate. He asked if she needed a gate pass. She replied that she was waiting for her date to bring her pass. The young man said if she wanted one tomorrow night to let him know. 

Grandpa paused here while telling me this story.

Then he said She was a pretty girl.

On their 60th, stuck on a boat with their kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids.

Grandpa and his favorite grandchildren.

King of the Worrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrld.

60 Years, 6 kids.

Why didn't we get to have spouses in the grandchildren photo?

I think this is called "photo bombing"

The lovable grandkids....most of them

They didn't have a wedding cake 60 years ago but seem to have the pose down

Oh cake! Best boat ride ever.

The paddles

Oh! Grandpa is letting me climb the stairs!

Almost there....

That's right. I climbed those stairs.

I love these people. And MEN....huh, I've never noticed what my cousin's initials spell. 

He drove to New York to pick her up after her father finally agreed she could marry him. September the 29th of 1953 was hot, one hundred degrees hot. They drove to Mississippi because there wasn't a waiting period to get a marriage license. She wore a wool dress and they took a picture in front of a cotton field when they returned to his family's farm in Alabama.

September the 29th of this year yielded beautiful weather, low seventies with a breeze. They drove to North Alabama for a paddleboat ride on the Tennessee River. Their family made them pose for lots and lots of pictures, and share a giant cake. 

I'm not sure which September 29th they enjoyed more, but I'm thankful for both.

III. We also saw a meteor on Saturday! 

IV. I really like Roman Numerals. They should be used more.