Sunday, October 11, 2009

Six Years Ago Today...

I said "I Do" to the most wonderful man in the world!!!

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Big Girl Bed

A few weeks ago I got ambitious and decided to take Aliya's crib apart and turn it into a toddler bed. Here is what she slept in for 3 weeks or so...


Then Grandma and Grandpa W. gave her a real toddler bed that they were no longer using. Aliya was SUPER excited to have a real big girl bed!!



I got a quick shot of her tonight sleeping!! She's doing so well and loves her new bed!


Thanks Grandma and Grandpa!!!

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Ashland

This past weekend we traveled up to Ashland. We had a great time. Friday night my grandpa was inducted into Ashland High School's Hall of Fame! Kristy watched Aliya for us so Jon and I could have an evening among adults. We realized after we left her screaming at Dan and Kristi's house that this is the first time EVER that we have had someone watch her at a place she doesn't know. (I think twice someone from church as watched her and that's about it) It ripped my heart out to leave her, but we had a great time honoring grandpa!

Here's Aliya getting ready on Saturday...no music on the headphones, only the music in her head


We stayed the night in a hotel with Mom and Mike Saturday night and had a relaxing Sunday. After breakfast Aliya and I went swimming. Mom took pictures of Aliya jumping off the side of the pool! Hopefully I'll get those from her and can post those soon.

After bath and hair time we headed to Honey Haven Farms to meet up with the family for some outdoor fun! It was cold, but not raining this year! Aliya was on the verge of a nap, so our fun was cut short by her needing to sleep BADLY! While there she had a pumpkin ice cream cone (she did not want to share, can't say that I blame her though, it was really good!) She was fascinated with the face painter, so we stood in line, but when it was her turn, mommy got the pumpkin on her cheek instead. (imagine that) Next we went on a horse drawn wagon ride to the middle of a HUGE pumpkin patch and the kids got to select their own pumpkins.



Aveline was trying to show her how to hold her pumpkin up for a picture, but I think Aliya thought we were going to take it away from her, as she kept putting it behind her back. It was really cute!


Aliya was not happy there was mud on the pumpkins..."eeewwww"


After riding back to the main part of the farm, Aliya got her second wind and began running around (not with her cousins, just running! She was so funny, doing this new squat walk thing that she does.


As the adults were trying to round the kids up for a picture with their pumpkins Aliya decided it was time to pose in the pumpkin cut outs...



Sweet Aveline



Aveline and Isaac



Our ladybug!

Saturday, September 26, 2009

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!

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Big Girl Bed!!!

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

Pictures soon to follow!

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

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!

Saturday, September 5, 2009

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!