From over a year ago

Jon cleaned out my van for me today (yeah husband!) and in the bag full of stuff he brought in for me to sort through, I found the following...I remember writing this, but never finished it. I thought I'd share it.

5/21/08
My Dearest Aliya,

Where do I start? First and foremost I want you do know how much I love you and how much you are wanted and prayed for. From the minute I saw your picture on the St. Rita's website, I knew you were mine. Even after J changed her mind and decided to parent you, I knew God's will would prevail and three weeks later you came home to us.

I still remember the exact time, date, moment and location we were at when we got the call. It was 7:47pm on Sunday January 20th 2008-Target parking lot...I screamed and cried as Jon told me who wa on the phone with. Thankfully I had the day off on Monday and I stared at the phone all day waiting for the call that you were on your way. 6:10pm January 21st 2008 you were carried through our front door bundled in a pink sleeper and purple snow suit. I cried again-tears of joy that you were finally home.

Martha was at the house with us and got your arrival on video. In all honesty, you looked terrifeid-wide eyed and unsure about your surroundings. A few hours later (and after a million calls to family) Grandma and Grandpa W came to meet you. They too fell in love with you right away. After everyone left we were alone with you for the first time. We counted your fingers and toes and thanked God for you. You were home. We called Joel and emailed him a photo of you. He couldn't wait to meet you! And on that Wednesday he finally did! You weren't too sure of everyone yet, but quickly you became fascinated with Joel.

You've been with us almost five months now and I still smile every time I think about you. You do new things everyday and are one of the happiest babies we've ever seen. My heart melts every time you put your hands on my face and look into my eyes. You "talk" none stop and can't wait until you say mommy for the first time.

Everyone has prayed for you from the moment we found out about you. Got is so faithful and has truly blessed us with you.

We met with our attorney today to sign our petition to adopt you. 60 days until we can finalize...my countdown has started!





I should finish this letter...maybe by her 2nd birthday!

Big Girl Bed!!!

I converted Aliya's crib to a toddler bed this morning...

Pictures soon to follow!

Joel

I just want to tell the entire world (or at least the 3 of you that read this blog) that I have the most amazing step son in the world! He is kind, gentle, funny, gifted, sweet, loving, smart, and a whole long list of amazing words!!!

I love you Bug and I am proud to be your step mom!

Should Write Something...

I feel like it's been forever since I've posted, but honestly, my heart just hasn't been in it these past few weeks. I'll be driving down the road for work and something triggers a thought and I think, "Okay, tonight I'm going to blog about this"...then I never do. Work has been crazy and home is just as busy!

Over past three weeks a lot has happened. Here are just a few highlights!

* Jon's mom came to Ohio for a week and a half to visit! The kids really enjoyed having her here and she was a HUGE help with cleaning (she always does it...I wonder if that's a sign my house is always messy?)

* Joel started 5th grade!!!! HOLY CRAP! I can't believe it! He is excited about going to camp Kern this year for the 5th grade field trip! Joel's school levy didn't pass so they have eliminated busing w/in a 2 mile radius of the school. This would of course not effect us, except that to accommodate all the traffic, they bumped the day up an hour, so instead of starting at 9:10a, they start at 8:25a. It's been a big adjustment this past week getting up and out the door early enough!! I have to admit, having a kid that makes his own breakfasts and packs his own lunches is G-R-E-A-T!!!

* Aliya is getting so big and talking up a storm! She talks constantly...and sings, and dances, and runs, and eats, and talks and talks and talks! She is following directions very well and listening a little better. Every day is something new with her!!!

* We are speaking again at the local Adoptive Parenting Class in mid October. I need to start organizing Aliya's pictures for printing!!

* We booked our flights for my sister's wedding for next month!!!

* Jon and my dad went to a Bangle's Game Thursday night! They had a great evening of "guy time".

* Work for me this past month has been crazy. A lot going on... That's all I can say, a lot going on!

I hope to take some pictures of the kids and get them posted soon, but these days that's easier said than done!