Vacation!!

Our house

We had a wonderful vacation! Everyday was filled with fun, exciting, relaxing adventures. I am planning to put together a slide show and will post once I get it together. Andy and I got up each morning and made breakfast for the family. We made grits (with cheese), eggs (sometimes with cheese), bacon and toast. Shortly after breakfast, we made our way to the beach. The latest we ever made it out was 10:30. The beach was really quiet, not crowded. We usually stayed out until around 1 and then headed to the pool. There was always a gentle breeze which made the beach that much more enjoyable. (Except for Friday our last day...) We enjoyed Mema's yummy pimento cheese sandwiches for lunch. Each night we either went out to dinner or a family(Andy and I, Mema and Doe, Mrs. Susan and Katy) cooked a great meal. We ate really well, actually a little too well! (I gained 5 pounds in 7 days, which will make my WW goal a little harder to achieve before Caroline arrives...)

Theresa arrived on Tuesday afternoon and brought a Wii with her. Oh boy did the fun really begin! I stayed up with my brother-in-law and cousin Joy until almost mid-night bowling. I think Andy may be getting one as a gift in the near future. We could have lots of family fun.

No vacation would be complete without shopping! We visited some great shops, especially a really cute kids boutique. I bought Caroline a really cute outfit to wear next summer. I can't wait to see her in it! Wednesday night we went out to celebrate our anniversary. We went to a really great Italian restaurant. I had a scrumptious pasta dish and Andy had his favorite pepperoni pizza. We were able to celebrate with Tomi Jean and Greg and their family. It was a fun evening.

Andy and I look forward to this week with his family every year! There are about 20-25 people who attend. We enjoy eating well, having dessert and playing games. This year the games consisted mostly of the Wii. We are truly grateful to Tomi Jean and Greg for allowing us to join them on their family vacation and making this possible for all of us as a family. We can't wait to introduce Caroline to the beach and her first family vacation! She is going to be one lucky little girl! We look forward to next year, only 51 weeks to go!

What a view! Notice there is hardly anyone on the beach. (That's what makes this vacation so wonderful!)

How peaceful!

Jay loved the beach! His favorite thing was to "fall down."

Jack and Grace loved the waves.

This is what we did most of the week! :-)

Andy was cooking BBQ chicken on Monday evening when this horrific storm blew in. I thought it made a great picture.

A fun Saturday evening

The boys cooking us dinner...

We couldn't really decide what we wanted to do on Saturday evening. We spent most of the day working around the hosue. Andy worked outside and I worked inside. Our yard looks great and I finished the trim in Caroline's room. We first thought about going out to Chili's with our friends Rhett and Farrah, but they already had plans. Then Chris and Charissa called and asked us to go eat pizza with them, which sounded like a great idea. About an hour later, Charissa called and asked if we wanted to have dinner with Wes and Sage.

Wes and Sage made burgers and had lots of yummy fixings. We had blue cheese, cheddar cheese, spinach leaves and mushrooms. We had baked onion rings and sunchips. It was a great evening catching up with our friends.

Andy and Wyatt playing with baby Jesus and "his friends."

A Family Reunion on Andy's side

Andy's Daddy's side of the family is very large. His Dad has 1 brother and 3 sisters. All of which have children and most have grandchildren. It's very tough to get us all together because we are so spread out. Andy's cousin, who lives in Texas, decided to organize a reunion. Also everyone was there and it was a wonderful time. It was fun to watch the small children interact with each other. It was a fun day!

Sorry the picture is so small and hard to see, I am having trouble zooming in...

Has it been 5 years???

It's hard to believe that it has been 5 years since our wonderful wedding day! Even though June 21 is the first official day of summer, the weather was perfect. There was a nice, gentle breeze blowing and we took most of our wedding party pictures outside because it was so pretty. Friends of the family helped decorate the reception and it was beautiful! After the wedding, we enjoyed a wonderful honeymoon on St. Simon's Island. It was quiet and just what we needed. It was the perfect day!

We knew that our lives would change but had no clue how much would change in 5 years. We purchased a new home, Andy started a new job, I went back to school to get my masters, we joined a small group Bible Study (which has made our marriage so much stronger), we lost Daddy, we have 6 new nieces and nephews, we have a camper and now WE ARE ADDING A LITTLE GIRL TO OUR FAMILY!!!! The best part about all of the experiences and changes is that we did them together!

I am sure there will be so many wonderful changes in the next five years of our marriage. When we celebrate our 10 year anniversary, our baby girl will be getting ready for Kindergarten! WOW, that means there is a lot that has to happen! I look forward to the years ahead with Caroline and Andy and our family! I can't wait to see what the Lord has planned for our journey! Happy Anniversary sweetie! I love you!

Vacation bound...

For some crazy reason I have been up since about 4:30-4:45. (Sage, I hope I am not getting on your schedule. I thought about you when I couldn't go back to sleep.) I woke up and realized that TODAY is the DAY we leave for our wonderful family vacation to the beach! I have a long list of things that I have to get done by 12 just in case Andy's able to get off of work early. So I figured I might as well get up and get ready. I have to go grocery shopping, clean the house, pack (and don't' forget the games for some good old family competition), take Lucy to the kennel, clean out the car, etc. So I am signing off for a week! When I return I hope to have some great stories and some wonderful moments captured with photos!!

HAVE A GREAT WEEK!

Families who adopt

When we started this process, we were not really sure what to expect. We know people who have adopted children but we didn't really know them. We didn't know much about their process or their situation. After the "shock" wore off that we were really adopting a little girl, it was a little scary. What do we need to do for B? What do we need to do to prepare for her arrival? What should we expect during this time? We had a lot of questions but didn't know who to ask.

Once again God showed us that he was in control and would take care of all of our anxiety. We have met with 3 different families here in town who have adopted children. Each situation is different and each family has something different to share with us. These families have taken us under their wing and helped us answer so many questions about the process. We feel very blessed to have these individuals in our lives. Their support and guidance has been amazing!

Thank you Craig and Sheri, John and Kim and Robert and Cheri for sharing your experience and your family with us. We look forward to continuing our experience with you in the future.

A must have

Ever since I found out about Caroline, I have really tried to shop/buy responsibly. There are so many cute things out there that I could come home with something new ever time I go to the store! However, when I come across a "MUST HAVE," I bring it home unless it is just too ridiculously high. While at lunch on Monday, Tomi Jean and I saw this really neat gadget. So we asked about it and the lady told me to look on http://www.thelilypod.com/catalog.php?category=1. So I did. I found a retailer close who sold them and yesterday I came home with the Dotty Ditty. For all the new moms out there, this is definitely a "MUST HAVE!" Oh, I can't wait until I get to use it!!!

PS-You wrap it around the handle of the carrier. It's padded and makes it easier to put on your arm so your arm doesn't feel like it's going to fall off!

Updates, vistitors and t-ball games

So I have been a little preoccupied this past week. B had another scare and was hospitalized on Monday. Everything turned out OK and she was released on Tuesday. B has a doctor's appointment tomorrow so I will be going with her. I am really excited to get to see her again. I will let you know how the appointment goes.

Last Monday I had a handsome young man stop by to visit. He has the sweetest little features-toes, fingers, face, smile. I could just eat him up!! There wasn't a lot of interaction though because he slept the entire time! (2 straight hours) He even snored a time or two. Because Tyler slept the entire time, I was able to visit with his mommy. We had a great conversation and enjoyed just "hanging" out. Angie is such a calm, laid back Mom and I hope to be a lot like her. (Sometimes I tend to be a little up tight...) I am sure I will be calling on all my friends for a little advice in the future.

Tyler

Tuesday afternoon we went to a special t-ball game. We were able to see all the little kids we know who play t-ball-William, Jack and Grace. The kids played great and lucky for us, there was a shady spot to sit. It is so much fun to watch the kids play and enjoy the game. (Williams Dad, my cousin Richard, served as the 3rd base coach.)

Grace rounding 3rd base

Jack hanging out with William on 3rd

Grace, Jack and William

Rich and Andrew shared the job of "catching" for William's team.

Sharing childhood memories with Caroline...

It's amazing how one day can change your life forever! A little over two weeks ago we found out that we were going to receive the best gift ever, a beautiful little girl! Our hearts were and still are filled with joy and excitement. We have spent the last few weeks cleaning, decorating, registering, planning, etc. We can't wait for Caroline to join us and become a part of our journey. We look forward to the days spent with Caroline, during the good times and the not so good times, although I am sure she will be perfect like her mommy!! :-)


As I prepare for her arrival, so many memories of my childhood come to mind. I wonder if she will be like her mother, a little on the tom boy side or a sweet little "girly girl." I enjoyed riding the tractor, driving the lawn mower, climbing fences, climbing trees, playing with my brothers and their friends, picking peanuts-you name it, I did it. There are so many things from my childhood that I would love for her to experience. However, my biggest wish would be to give her the opportunity to know her Pops. I wish she could tag along on a trip to feed the cows. I wish she could hop on the tractor to work in the fields. I wish her Pops could throw her over his shoulders like a sack of feed. I wish she could curl up beside him on the couch and fall asleep in his arms.


Unfortunately two years ago today, Pops journey took a different path. Some days it seems like just yesterday I was his little girl doing all the things I wish Caroline could do. Then other days it seems like forever since I stood by his side as he drew his last breath. I am very thankful that God allowed us time to spend with Daddy and prepare for the journey we now find ourselves on. I told Daddy just days before he passed that my only regret was that he would not be here to see my children. I will never forget what he told me. "I might not be here on Earth but I will always live through you and through pictures. Know that I will be looking down on you and watching you as you go." The one gift that I can give Caroline is to do just as Daddy said "Allow him to live on through pictures and stories. I can't wait for Caroline to crawl up in my lap and listen as I share with her the wonderful memories I have of her Pops!

As we enter this new path, I can't help but think Daddy is looking down on us and smiling!

A road trip with Mom to see family

We enjoyed a FUN weekend with family. Mom met us Friday and we headed out of town to see Aunt Lill and Uncle Ed. As always we had a great time. We were able to relax and have fun. On Saturday we went baby shopping. The guys were great sports in the 100 degree heat. We were able to buy Caroline some cute little outfits for next year. Our biggest find was the bedding for her crib. It is so simple but oh so pretty!! I can't wait to see it all together. After shopping we decided to go to the grocery store for lunch. Yep, that's right. We bought our lunch from the deli and then went to the cafe upstairs and had lunch. I didn't have my camera but Andy took a picture with our camera phone. I will try to post the picture. It was a neat experience and the food was fabulous!

Saturday night Uncle Ed and I sat down and customer/carpenter work session. Me being the customer and him being the carpenter. When I told him about Caroline I jokingly asked what kind of baby stuff he could make. Wrong idea... He started showing me all kinds of things and asking what I wanted. He is extremely talented and can make anything! So after about an hour and a half of "planning" we decided on a bookshelf/shelf with baskets for toys and a dresser with a changing table on top. I can't wait to see how it looks. I know it will be wonderful!

All good things must come to an end! We left early Sunday morning to get home and get ready for the week. Andy and I worked on priming the nursery. Today I will start painting. Tomi Jean "loves to paint" and is going to come and help! It's always more fun with someone else!! We are so blessed to have such an amazing family!!

Working on the yummy, yummy peach and blueberry cobbler!

The beautiful, finished product.

Saying our goodbyes.

The men we all love so much!!

Feeling helpless

We received a phone call this afternoon from our BM (birth mom). She wanted to let us know that she had to go to the ER last night. She was having contractions. They had to give her two shots of breathene (not sure how to spell this.) The shots seemed to help but she will have another appointment tomorrow. Her mother will take her to the appointment and she will let us know how it goes.

In just a few weeks we have grown very found of our BM and have fallen in love with the little girl in the pictures. She has gone from being the baby in the ultrasound to being our very own Caroline Elizabeth. She has captured our hearts and our minds! As I think about her only being about a pound and a half, I know that she is not ready to enter this world. I know what she needs and I also know that I can't give her those things right now. I feel helpless in so many ways. However, I know that there is one thing that I can do for her right now and that is PRAY. I can pray that God will watch over her and protect her until she arrives. I can pray that God will give her BM the strength to do what she needs to do to protect our little one. I pray that God will give us, as well as our BM, a peace that surpasses all understanding. God has revealed himself to us in so many ways during this journey and I feel confident that he will continue to do so.

Prayers for our birth mom and Caroline

Today I was allowed another opportunity to see our beautiful little girl. Our birth mom had her first appointment with the new doctor. He is an amazing gentleman and very into the "specifics." During the ultrasound, they found that her cervix is thinning which should not be happening since she is only 24 1/2 weeks. Thankfully they found this or our little girl could have been born very early without warning. We have to go back again next Wednesday for another ultrasound to see if it has thinned more. If so, she will be on complete bed rest for the next 15 weeks or until Caroline is OK for delivery. Our birth mom is very active and enjoys being around others. She is very nervous, as I would be, about what will happen next week. I am asking for you to please take a moment and pray for our birth mom. I can't explain in words what a wonderful person she is. She told me again today that she will do whatever she needs to do to give us a healthy baby girl! (brings me to tears to know she loves our little girl that much) Please pray also for Caroline. We are eager for her arrival just not 15 weeks early!! :-) I have some updated pictures from the ultrasound that I will post later. Right now, I am ready for BED! I plan to enjoy it while I can...

A fun little visitor...

Yesterday when I got home from work Andy had a friend over for the afternoon. This wasn't just any friend, it was Wyatt. Andy loves spending time with Wyatt. Wyatt is not your typical 2 1/2 year old. He has a HUGE vocabulary and a great imagination. Andy took him to the train station and then brought him back to our house for a little while. We were taking Wyatt home and I said something about him being a cute little fellow. He said "I am not cute, I am Wy Man." Thanks Wes and Sage for a fun afternoon with Wy Man.

Thoughts

Well it has been a little over a week since our new journey began. WOW what a week it has been. We have had the opportunity to see our beautiful little girl twice this week. It still amazes us that God has blessed us with such a wonderful, sweet baby. We have spent months praying that God would give us this precious gift and now he has. The night before our wedding Mrs. Susan read a verse that she felt was always dear to her heart Psalms 37:4 "Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart." God has given us just that... the desires of our heart! Our Sunday School teacher said something this morning that really hit home (actually there were several). "It's not how many times you take a breath but how many times your breath is taken away." In other words when something is so amazing, so wonderful, it takes your breath away, wow you must really be living. I can only imagine the days ahead when our breath will be taken away for an instant.

We finished both rooms yesterday. The nursery is now empty! Hopefully the bedding will be in by next week and we can begin painting. Mom is bringing the crib up on Friday. She has been working so hard polishing it and getting it ready. Andy and I registered today at Target. Boy it was so much fun. I haven't decided on a bottle yet so if you have any ideas, please share. We are also looking for a monitor. Any advice, thoughts, ideas, would be greatly appreciated at this time. We registered for a couple of things on PotteryBarnKids.com which was neat. They have some really cute things. As you can tell, we are very excited. I will be posting pictures of the room swap and updating photo's of the nursery.

I had a wonderful conversation with our birth mom today. As always, please continue to say a prayer for this amazingly strong woman who is giving us such a special gift!

A special night for the Ramirez family

Tonight was a very special night for Katy and Jeremiah's family. Tonight Jay and Ansley Kate were dedicated at Church. It was a special moment in their life and we were thrilled to be able to be a part of it.