Just Call Me "Boots"

Happy 16mths. Boots!!
Believe it or not, she chose the footwear herself. That's my girl!
She was so proud of her boots.

Do You Remember These Photos?

Today marks exactly one year since I held Analise for the very first time. I called my SIL yesterday to remind her of the day. It was such a wonderful trip and we had such a wonderful time.

I miss Guatemala today and kinda miss the process of adoption. Weird huh? The process was long but we always tried to remain joyfully expectant. We are still joyfully expectant for the things that are still to come!

Happy Mommy & Me Day Analise! I LOVE YOU!!

A Little Piece of Heaven

I am reminded every day how much joy my daughter brings to my life. It's a joy just to be able to write "my daughter". I waited and prayed a long time for the miracle that now goes everywhere with me. She really is perfect, in our eyes anyways. I dreamed many days of seeing her first steps, hearing her first words and of course being on her first horse. It's funny because the horse one came before the other two...ohh, my life.

She now will consume just about anything you put in front of her. Did I mention that we now call her "pickles"? The reason-she can eat her weight in Klaussen pickles if we would let her. Actually, if it were up to her she would dine on a slice of cheese, 2 slices of turkey and a pickle at every meal. I kid you not! She also LOVES her new sippy cups with straws. She will drink about 3 or 4 of these filled with ice cold water everyday. It has to have ice or she will not drink it. She gets this from Adam, I am sure of it! We spend alot of time outside so beverage consumption is a must in our household. We actually spend about 2 to 3 hours a day outside working/playing. That does not include running errands!!
Needless to say that is why she can sleep anywhere at anytime. Example, we (Analise & I) were mowing grass the other day and she fell asleep. So, I laid her down in the seat and held on to her. She slept like that for about 45 minutes. Then she just popped up and finished mowing. She also still takes 2 naps (generally) and goes to bed about 8 or 8:30pm. and then wakes up between 7 and 7:30am. We give her a bottle still in the evening and just put her in her bed-she lays there and jabbers and then goes to sleep. The first few nights didn't go that smoothly but I am so glad we did it! WAY WORTH IT!!! She also has the ability to drive me straight up the wall!! When she decides she is done with her meal, she simply starts dropping or tossing, her mood varies, off her tray. Any suggestions on how to stop this?!?! Oh, and slapping the big screen with her hands and anything she can her little human paws on...lovely, I know.

She still is the most precious thing ever!! Sometimes, when I look in the rear view mirrow, I remember those days of looking back and seeing it empty. Now, I look back and see this giant grin and if I'm lucky a "MOMMA!". I'll be honest - I still tear up when I look at her sometimes and I send up prayers for those that brought her to us.

New Blog

The invites for the new blog have been sent out. If you didn't get an invite please don't be offended because I probably just missed it!!! So, please let me know if you want into the private blog.

I will post here periodically just to keep the "big" world abreast of all major accomplishments!!

PEACE OUT!!

Birthday Dedication

My parents were able to be here for Analise's birthday weekend. My dad is a Minister so we decided to have Analise dedicated on her 1st birthday. It was great to have the whole family there to celebrate the day with us. Here are a few pics of Analise with my parents and some various other pics.

F.F.L. - Friends For Life

There are people in your life who are your "friends" then there are those who are your FFL's. You know, those people who you may not talk to every day or even every month but when you do talk - it's like they had been there all along. Friends who if you called them and said, " I need you." They don't ask why they just get there!!

I am blessed enough to have several of these kinds of friends in my life. Three of whom attended Analise's party. We live in three different cities but we are still just one group of giggly girls!!The GirlsJanelle, Shannon, Amanda & Betsy
To you three, I love you more than anything in the world. If you need me, I'm there! Seeing you love my daughter like you love me - there are no words.

Betsy & Analise
Amanda & Analise
Janelle & Analise

Lovin' Me Some Birthday Cake!!!

Everyone singing Happy Birthday!! She absolutely LOVED the attention!

The "I love sugar!" smile.

Shoveling it in her mouth. Is there any other way?

Food was flyin' everywhere..


And....Post Sugar Slump

So, yes, it is true. I have been a total slacker in the blogging. We have had some things going on but everything is back to normal now. Are there still people that come by here? Besides my family and Candy!!! I did receive a good tongue lashing from Candy about a conversation we had prior to Analise coming home!!! Oh, I was so naive!!! Candy, you rock and I love you bunches. Thanks for being there for me!!!

PS- We are still going private. We wanted to wait and post all 1st birthday stuff here! So, if you want in, there is still time. Email me or leave a comment!!!

One Year Ago Today

One year ago today we had our first glimpse of our idea of heaven. She still remains the most beautiful thing we have ever seen. Enjoy!

Make an on-line slide show at onetruemedia.com

Saturday Birthday Party #1 - Part A

We had her 1st Birthday/Welcome home party on Saturday with all of our friends and extended family. I think there were about 40 people. It was such a blessing to have everyone there who prayed and stood with us over the last year.

Analise reacting to everyone arriving and talking.

"Wait. Do I see someone I know?"

"Yes. I see my Aunt Manda. Yeah!"

Decorations for the shindig. Everything was cowprint. From the napkins to the balloons. Even the cake!!! As you will see.


This shot is for Tricia. I ate a cupcake just for you!!

Mommy & Birthday Girl

Happy 1st Birthday Analise

Yesterday was Analise's 1st Birthday. We celebrated all weekend with two parties. Here is the birthday girl. I will be doing birthday posts today and tomorrow.

Reminder of Strength

Nanny and Pops

I Corinthians 13:13 Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.

Bee Happy

Today we went outside and enjoyed the 83 degree weather...it was bee-utiful. Here are a few snapshots from the day.







PS - My PINK and white bow is for my buddy Stella. Her Mommy is waiting for PINK just any minute!!!

Diva 1 & Diva 2 - Lessons by Kya Blu

Several weeks ago, Analise & I got together with her future MIL and SIL. You all may know them as Candy & Kya Blu. Unfortunately I lost the pictures but just rediscovered them today!!! YAY!!!

Here Analise, I brought you some Diva glasses. Now, you are Diva 2 and I am Diva 1. Okay? Okay!

Hey, I could get use to this Diva 2 stuff!!

Oh, always demand (I mean ask) for bread and spoons for your meal! Everyone should cater to your every whim...Okay? Okay!

Kya, this Diva 2 stuff is fa-bu. We must do it again!!

Hold on Diva 2, I got something else for ya!!!

This is your future MIL, my Mom. She will give you whatever you want if you show her your dimples!!!

Okay, now, this is Aunt LaLa!! She is a BLAST!! The dimples work on her too!!

Alright, did you get all of that?!?! You MUST come back to town soon for Lesson 2. I hear our Mom's are planning BIRTHDAY pictures of us together! We MUST coordinate our ensembles, again!!

Peace Out, Girlfiends!!!