Visit

During one of my several trips up North in June we decided to call Aliya's birth-grandma to see if she was able to visit. I called her on Friday afternoon and we made plans to meet the next day and have an early dinner. Gladys brought "D", Aliya's birth-brother. We love D, he is great!!! He was super excited to see us both and gave us both big hugs in the parking lot. We enjoyed a nice dinner and had a great visit. As to not confuse Aliya, we have always said that Jocelyn is D's birthmom too. We've used the term brother, but not a lot. So when the waitress asked Aliya if she and the young man at our table was her brother, she looked at me sort of confused. I politely smiled and said, "yes, Aliya has two brothers" D grinned from ear to ear! He is 8 and I just wanted to take him home with me!! After we were done eating he walked around with Aliya so Gladys and I could visit for a bit. Our 1 1/2 hour visit flew by! Before leaving we went to a private part of the dining area and snapped a few pictures.


Hugs


I still can't get over how much they look alike!


Hugs for Grandma Gladys


And some kisses


I love this one


Jocelyn wasn't able to join us, she had to work. We had a really cool moment about half way through dinner. Aliya had to go potty but she didn't want me to take her, she wanted Gladys. It was a neat feeling to watch the two of them walk hand in hand to the bathroom. It was the first time she's been alone with Gladys. Not that I was worried that she'd try to run with her or anything, but I think deep (deep) down there was the tiny fear...and watching them walk away made that fear vanish and love replaced it. I can't explain it really.

We can't wait until we can all get together again, hopefully next time Jocelyn will be able to come!!

Pool Time

We are loving our pool!! The kids are having so much fun in it! What a blessing. Here are just a few quick shots taken a few weeks ago.

It's the perfect size for us!


Joel showing off some swimming moves


I love this one!


Aliya has gotten so brave! She was pretty scared the first few times, but now she climbs the ladder and jumps off, all on her own! She now swims with her face down in the water!


Trying to get a good action shot of Joel jumping in, it turned into more of a belly flop! OUCH!

Cornrows

I am trying my hand cornrowing... It's not going too bad, I just can't part straight!! (I'm not sure I will ever be able to do that) Joel's Aunt Stephanie gave Aliya some really cool beads that snap shut. I was able to switch out the beads without having to take her hair down.

This is what I did first...


This is what it turned into the next morning. The outfit Aliya chose for the day didn't match the bead from the night before! No worries, they were super simple to switch out!








This was Aliya's 4th of July look!!



I bought some new beads today and some snaps arrived in the mail from a dear blog friend (Thanks Debbie)! Aliya was very excited to try them out. Since I did her hair in piggy back braids into pig tails last night, we just braided and beaded the pig tails! Of course, I didn't get a picture yet, but hopefully will soon!!

(Sorry for the poor quality of the pictures, they were taken on a disposable camera)

Then And Now

2008


2009


2010

Special Delivery

About a month ago Aliya received a very special package in the mail from her Grandma Sylvia and Papaw Tom. Sorry it's taken me so long to post these!! She looks absolutely adorable in her outfit and matching shoes!








Thanks Grandma and Papaw!!

Weekend visit with Grandma and Grandpa W.

Mom and Mike came into town Saturday morning for Joel's game! The kids love it when they come! They stayed the night and went to church with us this morning then to lunch, then onto Joel's game. Below are a few pictures from their visit. (these photos are out of order, sorry)

Aliya wearing her new princess sunglasses. Sadly they actually fit better upside-down, she has the smallest nose in the world.



Joel relaxing Saturday night in our "new" pool! We were super blessed by friends for their hand-me-down gift!!!



More swimming



I love Aliya's face in this one, she LOVES the water!



She loves it!



Smiles after another victory! Joel got the game ball and found out he made the All Star *A* Team!


With dad


Posing with her portable potty seat. No nasty porta-potty seat for our little one.


Sleepy girl


Target practice in the garage

Email Returned!! Sucess!!!!

I was beginning to think I wasn't going to hear back from Adoptive Families magazine...I had emailed two different contacts and until this morning heard nothing!! Below is the email I found in my inbox this morning!!!!!!!! It's really sad, but I actually teared up a little bit!


Dear Ms. B,
We would be pleased to offer your OBGYN a free subscription to Adoptive Families magazine. Please email the name, mailing address, and phone number and we will get it under way.

Thank you for your support of Adoptive Families!

Warm regards,
Paula Grande for Marie Kiernan
New Hope Media, LLC
39 West 37th St, 15th Fl
New York, NY 10018
p:646-366-0830 f:646-366-0842
www.additudemag.com
www.adoptivefamilies.com