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.