Happy 3 Weeks!

Caroline is officially 3 weeks old today. Before Caroline came into the picture each week was just another week. Now it seems like the weeks mean so much more. I continue to be amazed at how she is constantly changing. It's funny to because what she likes today or what she does today may be totally different tomorrow.

She is now drinking 3 ounces every 3 hours and I mean EVERY 3 hours. She is staying awake a little more after feedings and is waking up a little before her next bottle. If someone else is holding her and Andy or I start talking to her, she turns her head to our voice which is so darn sweet!! She went to her second week at Bible Study and did very well. She stayed with us and slept through the entire thing.

We continue to count our blessings everyday that God blessed us with such a special little angel. We are thankful for B's decision to carry her and take care of her for 9 months and then place her in our loving arms to care for and love. Please continue to remember B during this time as well. She has gone back to work and seems to really be doing well.

Weight Lose Challenge

Even though I didn't carry Caroline for 9 months, I gained my far share of weight. I worked very hard last year to loose weight through Weight Watchers. With everything going on with the adoption, I gained 10 pounds back. Although when people see us out and ask how old Caroline is, they are impressed with how well I look to have an almost 3 week old! I just smile and say THANKS! :-) I have decided that this is the week to start my weight lose challenge. I will work very hard the next 8 weeks to loose 15 pounds. Every Monday, I will post how I have done. I am hoping that by having some accountability I will make this happen. So today is the first day, wish me luck!!!

A fun weekend of firsts

What a fun and relaxing weekend. Friday night we took Caroline to the mall to look for clothes that would actually fit her and then we strolled through Barnes and Nobles to find a good mommy book. I must say that I purchased Baby 411 which I have really enjoyed reading. The great thing about this book is that it is divided into sections which make it easy to find what you are looking for. After the mall, we headed to the Greek Festival. Unfortunately it was raining so we couldn't stay and enjoy the music. The food was really yummy and we enjoyed every bite!

Andy was wonderful and took the night duty for the weekend. I did pretty well with my sleep. Even though I wasn't "in charge" I still heard her when she got up. Overall I got some good rest and really appreciate Andy's help. He is amazing!!!!!!

We had Andy's parents over for dinner on Saturday night before the Carolina game. We made some wings which were really good. It was a great game! It was nice to watch the Gamecocks actually play well and win a game. Caroline wore her cheer leading outfit but feel asleep during the game, it was just too much.

Yesterday was Jack and Grace's birthday. They had to postpone their party until today due to all the rain on Friday. They had a western party complete with horse rides. I think everyone had a great time. We attempted to dress Caroline for the party BUT the jeans were way too long. So once again, it's the gowns... Mom came up for the party and then came over to the house afterwards. Andy took a nap while Mom watched Caroline for me to get my lesson plans done. We ordered dinner from Zaxby's and then Mom headed home and we got cozy for the evening.

I love this picture! Caroline loves her play mat, thanks Uncle Louis and Aunt Vickie!

Caroline's first bath in her tub. She liked it a lot more than the sponge bath. Thanks Tara and Jason for the wonderful bath tub.
Cute picture!
Clean hair...
All done...
The cute jeans that were two times too big. She would have been the cutest little cowgirl had the jeans worked!

Happy 7th Birthday Jack and Grace!

The sweetest package at the party...

Happy Birthday Pops

Today would have been Pops 64th birthday. Oh how I wish he was here to see our beautiful little angel. Depending on who you ask, some say that when babies smile, they are meeting an angel. I can't help but think when Caroline smiles, she is meeting her Pops! I know that he is watching her from above. Happy Birthday Pops, we sure do miss you! :-)

A fun package

Today we saw the UPS man coming through the neighborhood like we always do. However, today was a little different. Today he stopped at our house and left us a special package. Here is what I found...

Interesting I thought... not sure what this is. I opened the package, dug through the newspaper packing and found this beautiful arrangement! (well I didn't actually find Caroline in there but I thought she would like to take a picture by her first UPS delivery...)

Now this is my kind of delivery. Each cookie had a baby theme-the bib with Caroline's name, a baby bottle, a pink dress, a baby carriage, a baby rattle, a bunny and one that said it's a girl.Not only is it cute but it looks yummy too. I managed to show great strength in waiting until Andy got home to dive in. However, shortly after he got home, we decided to split a cookie. (later we went back for our very own) These cookies taste as good as they look. We had 7 in our package and this morning there are only 3 left and no we have not offered them to anyone. Unfortunately we have eaten them all by ourselves...

Thank you Mrs. Rose and Mr. Tim for a wonderful treat!

Our first backseat babysitter

Today we had a surprise visitor-Grace. Grace came over to help us with Caroline while Jack went to tumbling. We had a few errands to run so Grace went along with us. She was Caroline's first backseat babysitter. She sat by Caroline and made sure she was ok while we traveled. She even sat in the car with Caroline while Andy pumped gas and I put something in the trash. She said "I didn't even take my eyes off of her for one minute." She carried the diaper bag for us and also pushed the buggy while we were in Wal-Mart. I needed to exchange something at TJ Maxx and she went in with me. We decided that Bub could handly Caroline while we went inside. :-) We looked at the pretty princess halloween costumes and then a quick trip to the toy department, you never know what's back there according to Grace. It was a wonderful afternoon!

We sure did appreciate Grace going with us today. She was a super helper. We bought her a strawberry candy bottle for helping us. (hard candy and strawberry sugar powder) She said that she wouldn't mind helping us again and we could "pay" her with another candy bottle like we bought today. Now that is my kind of babysitter!

Blessings...

As much as we love our little girl and as good as she is, I have been a little baby myself about the lack of sleep I have been getting. I love me 8-10 good hours of sleep and since my angel arrived, that AIN'T been happening! I did manage two 7 hour nights last weekend though. So today while baby girl was sleeping, I sat down to write lesson plans and somehow managed to start reading my friends blogs. From there, I ended up on some strangers page. I soon realized this couple had a little girl that was born with life threatening issues. They knew that their little girl didn't have long and truly treasured EVERY minute they had with her. She passed away a few days ago. As I read, I realized that I was reading this as a mommy. My heart began to hurt because I couldn't imagine what the author of the blog, a mother, must be feeling. I looked at my sweet baby girl who was in her seat sleeping and realized just how blessed we are. I am sure that the couple would give anything to hear their baby girl cry at 3 AM. Instead their baby girl has gone to heaven.

I made a pledge to myself to enjoy those tough early mornings because they won't last forever. One day I am sure I will look back on this time and treasure those all night snuggles. I also realized that it's because our baby girl is healthy that she is able to cry. Isn't God great. He manages to teach me something everyday, I just have to be open to seeing him at work.

2 Week Appointment

Today we had our two week check up. We absolutely love Dr. E and his nurse Megan. They are both so sweet and so caring. When Dr. E comes in, he acts as though you are the only patient that he has to see. Megan is exactly the same. She is happy to answer any questions that you have. The most interesting thing about the appointment... they call Caroline to the back, I am not use to that yet. They had to call us a second time today. :-)

Everything looked great! Caroline was 19 1/2 inches long and weighted 6 lbs 9 oz at birth and dropped to 6 lbs 1 oz at the 2 day follow up with Dr. E. Today she was 20 1/4 inches long and 7 lbs even. YEAH, our baby girl has gained her weight back and is right on track. She is in the 25th percentile for weight and 50th percentile for length.

Caroline is drinking 2 1/2 ounces every 3 hours. Dr. E said we could bump her up to 3 1/2 and go as long as 5 hours at night if she doesn't wake up before. He told us to keep working with her on sleeping in her crib at night. Mema brought her a corn bag (that we heat in the microwave) to put in her crib right before we put her down. We shall see how it works.

Overall our baby girl is as healthy as can be. We went to lunch with the family afterwards to celebrate the big day. She did great at her first "lunch with the girls."

PS-I forgot the camera. Last time, I took the camera but forgot to take the picture. Today I remembered to take the picture but soon realized that I forgot the camera! :-( Maybe at her 2 month check up I will remember.

2 weeks already???

Is it possible that Caroline is already two weeks old? She is changing everyday. She is doing very well on a 3 hour schedule. She eats 2 ounces at 6, 9, 12, 3, etc. Today we bumped her up to 2 1/2 ounces and so far, so good. She stays awake about 30 minutes after her bottle. We usually spend this time strolling, reading books, talking or watching her mobile. Today we decided to use this time to take a quick trip to the mall.

She is doing very well sleeping in her crib for naps. (Below you will see some pictures from today's nap.) I left her for the first time yesterday with someone other than Andy-his mother. I was very surprised with how well I did, not even a tear. I went to the grocery store and to a meeting at school. Guess what... Caroline did just fine without me. :-) I know that she is going to love spending the days ahead with her Peep. I love that she is isn't going to have to go to daycare so young!!!!

So far, Caroline travels well. We went to Target yesterday and stopped at a restaurant where Andy was having lunch. Then in the afternoon, we went to visit Great (Mema) and Doe. Last night, we went to our small group. She did just great! I pray that she will continue to be flexible!

This is so sweet. Lucy loves being wherever Caroline is. We are really surprised with how protective she is.

I could never get tired of this sweet, beautiful face!

Bath humor

So you never know what to expect with little ones... We are learning this more and more everyday. Bath time is one of those moments you just never know what to expect. Last week Andy and I were giving Caroline her second bath. Everything was going well and we were almost done. Out of the blue, she starts pooping! So we immediately get a tissue and get it up. We think she is done so I begin to wash her little hinny again. Guess what, she isn't done. She poops again. We get it cleaned up, think she is done, we clean her hinny again. WRONG, this time we put the tissue under her and let her roll...

Then today we were getting a quick bath before small group. I had finished with the bath and was working on her hair. I was placing the hooded part of the towel on her head when I thought "surely I didn't wet her that much" to feel this really warm sensation running down my side. Yep, you guessed it baby girl WET the towel and me.

Now I know what most people are thinking, especially those that have not yet experienced the joy of motherhood-GROSS!!! But as gross as it may be, it was still very funny. As I have told Caroline at 3 AM, she is the only person that can make me laugh about silly stuff like that. If someone else's kid had wet me, yikes that would be nasty...

Until next time...

Adjusting to life with a sweet baby girl

I think that Andy and I are adjusting well to our new life. We are really working well together. I really appreciate all that he does to help! Andy went back to work on Monday and I Caroline and I spent the week together. Our days are very easy. Caroline eats every 3 hours (she has only spit up twice since we brought her home) and sleeps about 1-2 hours in between each feeding. She is definitely waking up and it's nice. She is much more alert and her eyes are just so beautiful!

We had a friend come over on Thursday for a practice "photo" shoot. The pictures look great-although we have only seen a few. I will post once we get our CD. I was really amazed at how well she did. She was very much awake and very cooperative.


Our nights are not as smooth as they were in the beginning. I believe that our beautiful little girl is beginning to get a little spoiled!! She sleeps very well as long as you are holding her. However, about 5 minutes after we put her down, she starts getting a little fussy. She loves sleeping in her crib during the day, but for some reason she doesn't do as well at night. Believe it or not, I am actually beginning to function at 3AM. Even though I am extremely tired, I do enjoy that time with her. She is so sweet and "loves" to cuddle. When those big beautiful eyes look at me, I can't help but smile. My heart grows just a little more each time. Who could have even know something so small can make such a BIG difference?


This weekend, my Aunt Lill came into town and my mom came up on Saturday. Aunt Lill and Andy took the night shift. I got 7 hours of uninterrupted sleep... OH MY GOODNESS, I forgot just how wonderful it felt! Before Caroline, 7 hours was a short night with little sleep. Now it's like sleeping 12 straight hours!! It's amazing what a difference sleep makes. My mom watched Caroline yesterday so I could take a nap-boy oh boy was it nice. Speaking of nice people helping, our friends have been wonderful. We have not had to cook this entire week. We have had some yummy dishes-vegetabel soup, chicken and rice casserole, shrimp and grits, spinach pasta, Southwest Chicken salad and super yummy deserts! So much for trying to start Weight Watchers this week. And who said you are so busy you forget to eat???


It's hard to believe our baby girl will be 2 weeks old on Tuesday. Time has flown by! B goes back to work on Monday so I hope that goes well. We have talked about every other day since we left the hospital. She is enjoying the pictures of baby girl and says that it makes it a little easier knowing that everything is going well. She didn't hesitate to let me know that she is sleeping just fine at night! :-)

I am determined to show off Caroline's curls. I hope this picture is a little better.

Caroline LOVES her friend Rylie's seat. It's one of the best places to sleep.

Look at that sweet face. Now who could possibly tell her NO?

A Special Delivery

My Uncle Ed is one of the most "crafty" people I know. I do believe that he can make ANYTHING! We spent a lot of time this summer working on the "plans" for Caroline's furniture. The dresser/changing table came first. We love it. It is just the right height for us. It holds all of her clothes and the top has just enough room for her changing pad and all the necessity items. Well he has been working on the book shelf for a few weeks now. Every time I would talk with Aunt Lill she would tell me just how wonderful it looked. I couldn't wait to see it. Today she came to visit and brought us the book shelf. It is gorgeous! I am amazed at wonderful it looks. We worked tonight on getting Caroline's books out of the closet and on the shelf. We had to use some of our baskets because they wouldn't all fit on the shelf! Thanks Uncle Ed for taking such good care of us and Caroline! Sorry you couldn't be here this weekend. :-( We love you!!!!

Happy 1 Week Birthday

Caroline-1 week old

This time last week we only thought we were in love with this precious little girl. Now one week later, our hearts have grown more than we ever could have imagined. So far she has been an amazingly easy baby. She's opening her eyes a lot more and stays awake a lot longer. She loves to go strolling or just rock on the front porch. She is drinking 2 ounces every 3 hours and seems to be doing well with the formula.

Lucy came home on Monday afternoon and is doing well. She loves to be where Caroline is. If we are rocking, Lucy is in my lap. When I get up for nighttime feedings, she is right beside me. Someone came to visit us today and she barked when they came to the door and growled when they came to get Caroline our of my arms. So sweet, I think they are going to be ok...



Someone gave us the idea to photograph Caroline beside a stuffed animal each month to see just how much she has grown and changed over the month. However, Andy and I think she has changed her looks a lot in the first week and have decided to take a picture each week for the first 4 weeks. Notice the curls in her hair after her bath. She may have curls after all... Who knows...

Sorry, you can't really see the curls...

Four generations

Four generations of first! Mrs. Susan, Mema, Caroline and Andy

Mrs. Susan was Mema's first, Andy was Mrs. Susan's first and Caroline is Andy's first... I thought that was a little ironic!

Our first day at home "alone"

Like all good things, Andy's time at home came to an end. I can not begin to tell you what a huge help he has been. I feel so very blessed. From dirty diapers, to dirty bottles, 2-4 hours of night shift, you name it, he has done it. He loves Caroline more than words can say. He was dreading today. However, it wasn't too bad. He did call us around 8 to make sure we were OK. Caroline's been a little angel. She has slept most of the morning which has allowed me to get some things done around here. She took her first nap in her crib this morning. I put her in there to enjoy her mobile and try to keep her awake for a little while. (We tried to keep her awake a little more yesterday and she slept a lot better last night.) She stayed awake about 15 minutes which I thought was pretty good. Here is a photo...

A relaxing Saturday

We had a great Saturday. We had a few visitors who stopped by to see us or should I say Caroline!! After lunch Caroline and I decided to take our first stroll. She slept the entire time and I really enjoyed the exercise. We are loving our stroller. (Thanks to the wonderful members of our Monday Night small group) Angie and Charissa were right, it is the Caddy of all strollers! :-) Andy went to the grocery store while we went for our stroll. The nights without uninterrupted sleep were beginning to catch up with me after our walk. However, there were a few things that I "forgot" to mention on the first grocery list. So my wonderful husband, knowing that I needed to go to the grocery and that I wanted a nap, decided to go BACK to the grocery store on a Saturday so that I could catch a nap. I love that man more and more everyday!

After a good nap, we were ready to cheer for the Gamecocks. Although it was a tough game, we had a great time watching our first Carolina game together. Everyone was dressed for the occasion. Andy loved having his little girl cheer on the gamecocks.

"Oh Dad, these guys make me so tired..."

The game was too much excitement for Caroline. Notice her arms, "touchdown!"

Our first pediatricians appointment

We took Caroline in today to visit her pediatrician. We were very pleased. Dr. E's nurse Heather was wonderful and Dr. E acted as though we were his only patients for the day. He checked baby girl over and said everything looked great. We were only feeding her 1 ounce per feeding, according to the doctors at the hospital, and he said we should bump her up. We have bumped her up to 2 1/2 ounces and she is doing great. I have a picture of us heading to the doctors office but I forgot to take a picture with Dr. E. Oh well, there is always next time.

The nurse at the hospital said that she had to wear a hat for the next 3 weeks. We didn't have a whole lot that fit and this one was really too big. However, Dr. E said he thought she would be fine without it, YEAH!

The Moment We Have All Been Waiting For...

WARNING-I still need to proof read but I would rather go back to sleep so over look the misspelling's and other errors, I will fix later!

Caroline Elizabeth is here and at home with her very proud mommy and daddy! God is so good and faithful. Our baby girl is perfect! I could not imagine her any other way. Although I know this will change and she is just spoiling us, I think we have only heard her cry maybe 5 times since she entered this world. Bath time, diaper change and HELLO, it's 1:30 am and I am very HUNGRY!!!!! There is so much that I want to tell you and I am not sure where to begin. Let me apologize now if I take you on a very winding road, I promise there is a point to the journey...

Tuesday morning we got up and left home around 7. We made it to our destination around 8:30 and waited for Mrs. Susan and Tomi Jean to join us (mom rode with us). Around 9:30 B called and said she had her epidural and was about 4 cm. I thought, this is going to be a very long day... WRONG! At 10:18, we received the call to get to the hospital ASAP, B was 10 cm! Around 11:02, Dr. H stepped off the elevator and headed to the back. (Ironic thing, B and I always saw Dr. H on Tuesday's at 11.) We waited and waited and waited. Every time the doors would open we were looking to see if our little girl was coming through. About 11:25 a nurse came to the double doors and asked what my name was and then attached my bracelet (ticket to enter the nursery or get to Caroline). Our baby girl was here!! She arrived at 11:12 am. A short time later Dr. H came out and said everyone was doing well.

Around 11:45 our bundle of joy rounded the corner! I couldn't wait to get my hands on her. We went into the nursery and started working on her stats. She was 19 1/2 inches long, 6 pounds 9 ounces, and had a head FULL of black hair. Oh she was perfect! After completing the nursery "stuff" Andy was allowed in. The nurses took us to the back room so that we could love on our little one and feed her her first bottle. It was perfect, she's a little piggy. After her feeding, it was time for her to spend some time with B. We used this time to get settled in our room. B brought her over a little later and we all enjoyed some time together. It was great because our family finally got to meet B. They all immediately fell in love with her just like we thought they would. Who couldn't love someone who is so caring and considerate? We enjoyed time with Granny, Peep, "Aunt" Tomi Jean, Teressa and Chris and Dargan. B came down around 8 after everyone left and stayed with us until around 9:30. We will always treasure that time with her. She loved on Caroline! She held her and talked with her for a very long time.

After B left, we got ready for our first night with baby girl. Oh she was such a doll. She slept and ate and that was all. Not a single little peep... We enjoyed visits with my sorority sister Ashley and her little boy Owen and our friends and neighbors Chris and Charissa. Shortly after lunch we found out that our paperwork was complete and we could bring Caroline home. B came to our room for our "family" photo. It was a bittersweet moment. We had tears of joy because Caroline was ours, B had tears of pain because the baby she carried for 9 months was now ours. The only thing she asked was that we always told Caroline just how much she loved her! Oh how our heart hurt for her and still does. We promised we would, gave long sweet hugs and told her how much we loved her and how grateful we were to her for allowing us to care for and love her precious gift. At that very moment, I realized that I was a mommy. Caroline was really going home with Andy and myself.

We waited for our lawyer to come for paperwork "stuff" and headed home around 4:30. Mema and Doe, Pop and Aunt Katy were waiting to meet the newest addition to the family. Tomi Jean brought us dinner which was so nice. Otherwise we would have gone to bed without anything... Uncle John came by for a quick visit and has promised a photo shoot with baby girl next week.

Once everyone left, we went to Caroline's room. We listened to "her" music and rocked her. I can't begin to tell you just how perfect she is. As we rocked, I began to pray and thank God for this wonderful gift. A friend sent me this verse and I thought, this was made for me. 1 Samuel 1:27 - "I prayed for this child, and the LORD has granted me what I asked of him." He gave me a child of my own to love and raise and be a mommy. One of the best parts is watching Andy with her. Andy was in love from the moment they said she is here. He can't get enough. Of course she slept by him in the hospital and her bassinet is on his side. He opted to give her the 1:30 bottle this morning and sit up with her from 5 until 6 while I went back to sleep. Oh what a wonderful man he is...

The hardest part in all of this is knowing that our family is now complete. We have longed for this moment for oh so long! It's hard to believe that she is really ours. Ours to love, ours to spoil, ours to watch grow and adore. However, while our home is filled with joy, B is at home alone and broken. She loved this little girl so much she was willing to sacrifice herself to give Caroline "a home where we could love her and give her all the things she couldn't." She told us that she was excited that she and Caroline had a whole to new family to be a part of. And she is exactly right, she is and will always be a part of our family. As you remember us in your prayers, please remember B as well.

So I think that just about sums up our last few days. We have tons of pictures of what we think is the most perfect little angel on Earth and can't wait to share them with you. Also, we look forward to visitors but ask that you please call first. (Those who know me well, know I need my sleep!) We want to respect our time together as a family and enjoy every moment we have before Daddy has to go back to work on Monday... Hope you enjoy the photos...

Our baby girl is HERE!

Our first imagine of our daughter...

This thumb is pretty good...

Our first moment together as a family...

Daddy's first kiss!

Caroline's first bottle!

What an angel!

Snug as a bug in a rug-first night's sleep!

Gotta have a bow for all of that hair!

Looks like a little doll... Mema made the pillow case she is laying on.

Ready for the road trip home!

PS-A funny side note. The house is quiet as I have been typing. Every once in a while I hear this sweet little moan and remember "Oh yeah, there is a baby in the house!!!!"

Twas The Night Before Caroline

Twas the night before Caroline when all through the house
Rita nor Andy could sleep, not even an ounce!

Their bags were packed and loaded in the car,
Knowing that meeting Caroline wasn't too far!

Lucy was nestled between them in the bed
While thoughts of Caroline danced in their head!

They had prayed for a child to call their own

And God had given them one to bring home.

Caroline was special, a gift from above

A gift for Rita and Andy to cherish and love.

Tiny little fingers and tiny little toes,
Tiny little ears and a tiny litte nose.

A head full of hair and two beatiful eyes
Two healthy lungs and the sweetest cries!

No matter what the future may hold in store
Their beautful little girl, they would always adore.

God heard their cries and knew the desires of their heart
God knew his plan and did his part.

He gave them a beautiful baby girl
Who could ask for anything more?

Dear Sweet Baby Girl

Dear Caroline,

It's hard to believe that your Daddy and I are only hours away from finally meeting you. We prayed for a very long time that God would give us a child of our own. We waited patiently because we knew that God had a plan for us. Jeremiah 29:11 became very special to us "For I know the plans I have for you" declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." We knew that God was at work and that we had to wait for his timing. Then on May 23, we received the phone call that changed our lives. We found out that we would finally have a baby of our own and that baby was YOU! God had given us the child we prayed for and longed for!

The next 16 weeks were filled with decorating your nursery, baby showers, doctors appointments, ultrasounds and even a few trips to the ER. You decided at about 26 weeks you were ready to enter this world. (That's my girl-an eager beaver) However, thanks to modern medicine, you managed to hang on a little longer. Again at about 34 weeks, you thought "hey let me try this again, I am running out of space in here." However Momma and the doctors know best and managed to keep you in there a little longer.

Decorating your nursery was great. We had lots of help and we think it's the perfect place for you! We were blessed with 5 showers and you have more stuff than we know what to do with. We are all very blessed to have such wonderful friends and family. Our friends and family have been praying for you a lot over the last few months.

You see baby girl your story is very special. It's hard to explain but there is a poem that I think explains your story best.

Once there were two women who never knew each other. One you do not remember, the other you call Mother. Two different lives shaped to make you one. One became your guiding star, the other became your sun.

The first one gave you life, and the second taught you to live it. The first gave you a need for love. The second was there to give it. One gave you a nationality. The other gave you a name. One gave you a talent. The other gave you aim.


One gave you emotions. The other calmed your fears. One saw your first sweet smile. The other dried your tears. One sought for you a home that she could not provide. The other prayed for a child and her hope was not denied.

And now you ask me, through your tears, the age-old question unanswered through the years. Heredity or environment, which are you a product of? Neither, my darling. Neither. Just two different kinds of Love.

~Author Unknown

The one thing that is different is that we did get to meet and know your birth mother. She was an amazing person. She loved you more than you could ever imagine. Your Daddy and I enjoyed getting to know her. We had dinner together, went to doctors appointments together and talked often on the phone. She made sure she did everything she was supposed to do to make sure that you were as healthy as can be. She knew that placing you up for adoption was going to be a very tough thing to do but she loved you so much she wanted you to have a home where your daddy and I could love you and give you the things that you needed. We will be forever grateful for her decision.

We couldn't imagine your story any other way. God has taught us so much about trusting in him and allowing him to stay in the drivers seat. We love that we were allowed to meet your birth mother and get to know the amazing person that she is. We have met so many wonderful people who have adopted and share in our joy. We thank God for all that he has given us and we look forward to the wonderful days that are ahead of us. You are very special to us baby girl. We will always love you and try our hardest to do what is best for you.

Until we meet!

Love,
Momma

Oh my goodness!!!!!

I can't sleep! I thought "I can lay here or get up and be productive and take a nap this afternoon." (Yes I do realize it might be the last Sunday nap for a while.) So I got up and finished the last of my thank you notes. Then I thought I would look over yesterday's post on Caroline's room. For whatever reason, when I saw that I only had 2 DAYS until our dream come true comes home, my heart skipped a beat! That means 2 more nights of solid sleep, 2 more days of being carefree, 2 more days of being responsible me for, 2 more days to do just about anything I WANT to do... YIKES! Although I know my life is about to change in a MAJOR way, I can't wait! 2 more days until I get to see her beautiful face, 2 more days until I get to hold her sweet little body in my arms, 2 more days until I get to see my wonderful husband become an amazing father, 2 more days until I fall completely head over heals in love with this sweet baby girl I have grown to love in ultrasound pictures! 2 more days until I become a mommy... God is so good!

Caroline's Special Place

Guess what? It's my last Saturday to sleep in and I'm blogging! Call me crazy but I thought I might as well get up, listen to the rain and blog about Caroline's special place. So here's the 3 month project that we "think" is finsihed!

The room as it appeared before we found out about Caroline.

It's amazing what you can get accomplished on a Saturday morning.

Tomi Jean offered to help me paint. We met at the paint store, decided on a paint color and the lights went out. There was a car accident and they lost power. We would have to come back later. So we decided to take advantage of the set back and head to Target! We found some super cute summer clothes for Caroline for next year. An hour or two later, the paint store called and our order was ready. Jack and Grace played with Lucy while we worked. Every once in a while, they would come in a tell us what a great job we were doing. Jack said "Caroline's going to LOVE her room. I love this color!"

I was in charge of the trim.

We borrowed the crib from Bob and Jessica. The only problem... they didn't know where the instructions were. So we called our good friend Chris who can do just about anything with wood. Within 30 minutes it went from a pile of stuff to this beautiful crib. Praise the Lord for Great Friends who are also very talented!!!!!

Grace helped me put the crib skirt on and made sure it was right.

The huge room became very small very quickly.

We were given a diaper cake and a diaper wreath which were made using Pampers Swaddlers. We were given specific intructions to take them apart and use them. So Mom unwrapped every diaper!

Mrs. Susan had an idea. We put the sheer polka dot curtain on the outside with the pink ones behind them. Then she tacked them with a needle and thread so that they would stay together. They turned out GREAT!

Andy's parents gave us this GREAT glider. It is very comfy and we "look forward" to the late night/early mornings in our glider! :-)

This was my mom's bassinet. Her grandfather made it for her. It is amazing. About 27 years ago my Daddy painted it for his little girl. Although there are some places that need repainting, we decided to leave it just as it is. Call it a gift from her Pops.

Look at this AMAZING dresser. My wonderful, talented Uncle Ed made this for Caroline. I knew that it would be beautiful but had no clue it would be this beautiful. Uncle Ed is also working on a book shelf for Caroline. I can't wait to see it. No matter what he says, he loves me!! The books above the dresser are from the 30's and 50's. We found them on Ebay and framed them in shadow boxes. The plaque in the middle was given to me by a good friend's mother. It looks perfect between the two!

Special pictures-The picture in the middle my good friend Jill made for Caroline. It has her first and middle name. So sweet! Jill is also very talented. The frames on each side hold some very special pictures for Caroline. Grace and Jack drew them for Caroline.

This was a shower gift from my sorrority sister Ashley. I love it and think it is just perfect!

The finished product!

Our cozy corner...

Where would we be without our momma's? These ladies are amazing. They have both pitched in and helped us in any way that they could. I am blessed to have two wonderful women in my life. Thank you so much!