"C" is for Cookie

Thank you Cousin Ginny for the new bath towel! It is super soft and a perfect picture opportunity.

Yeah for Baseball Season

What a lucky little boy to be born during baseball season! Here is Jake trying out his first baseball cap. It is a little big, and it was something new and interesting for him to look at.

Tuesday April 28, 2009
This is my first few days at home, and had a few seconds to try this thing out. Will get better at it I'm sure. He has slept the night the last 5 nights....SSSSHHHH don''t tell him, don't want to jinx it!
Thinking about you, David and Shannon, today! Know it's tough. Hang in there.
More pics later

First Easter

We made it to church in Jonesboro for our first Easter as a family. Jacob was wrapped up in a soft blue blanket for the journey. He slept through the whole service and through the majority of the day. He loves to sleep!!

Adoption Day

April 8, 2009 was our special Adoption Day. Michael and I haved waited 7 LONG years to expand our family, and this was the day that it was legal. This was also our 9th Anniversary! We completed the court room proceedings at the Saline County Courthouse. We had lots of friends and family there for support. Thank you to Scott, Jen, Rick, Lynell, Grandma Davis, Grandma, Mimi, Pawpaw, Nenaw, Ginny, Aunt Sandy, Uncle Dowell, Aunt Caren, Uncle Joe, Uncle David, and the ABBA staff for being there on our special day! When the judge took the stand he asked the court reporter if there was more than one adoption - we had so many people!! Our "supporters" sat in the jury box for the proceedings. After the official stuff was over, we traveled to the Benton First Baptist Church for a baby dedication and ceremony with ABBA. It was so humbling to be in the presence of the Lord and surrounded by our family. When we finished with the ceremonies, we traveled (we are a gypsy family) to Aunt Sandy and Uncle Dowell's in West Little Rock for a reception. It was a wonderful time of celebration!

All day long, God layed on my heart the story of Hannah in the Bible. She wanted a child for so long, and finally came to a point in her longing where prayer was her comfort. God brought her nearer to Him through her longing to become a mother. When God blessed her with a child, Samuel, she gave him back to God. I felt such a kinship to Hannah in giving this blessing back to God. Jacob is such a miracle in our hearts and lives. God brought Michael and I closer together and closer to Him through our trials of infertility and through our adoption. It was a long hard journey, and one that I would not wish for anyone. However, I am thankful that I was able to praise my Savior through the good and the bad. I am so greatful for a God that loves me enough to provide me comfort, strength, and purpose. I look so forward to the day when Jacob will come to know Jesus as his Savior. God is so good!

Jacob and the Dogs

Everyone has been asking how Dexter and Lucy are liking the new baby. They have done great!

Lucy is very much a little momma dog. She loves to sniff his head and lick his feet (and his face if we aren't watching her). She will run in from outside and check to see where he is. It is super sweet. At first she was upset that he cried during the night, but she has adjusted well. Lucy believes that any blanket laying out is a palate made just for her, so the baby is a perfect match.

Dexter was a little standoffish at first. He is scared of weird sounds and movements, so Jacob's grunting and humming and jerking hands and legs were scary to him. He would just sniff him and then walk backwards very slowly. He did not like it when Jake cried - he would leave the room - sometimes with a growl. Now, he sleeps right through it! He likes to lick the back of his head (and his fingers if we don't watch). Look at those sweet boys!

Strolling

This was our first stroll as a family. Jake seems to enjoy his BOB stroller. Dexter did great; he is a pro at this stolling thing. Lucy was a proud puppy walking with her new baby. It was awesome!! We have waited so long to have "that" moment. This was "that" moment where we really felt like a family.

More of baby Jake

Jacob is a good sleeper so far. He loves to sleep on his daddy's chest in the chair. I think that his daddy likes it too! Lucy and Dexter are warming up to the idea of having a baby in their house. They are still not crazy about the crying and waking up early in the morning.

Hanging Out at Home

We enjoy it when he is sleeping, but anytime he is awake the camera is out and on! He is such a precious baby. He really likes his bouncy seat, and he is learning to enjoy time on his tummy. He is now 19 inches long - he grew!! His weight is still 6 lbs. 3 oz.

Let the Blogging Begin

At the persistence of my husband and with the inspiration of Aunt Shannon, I am going to attempt to have a blog with pictures of our little family. Maybe this will be something easier to upload to and keep in touch with people. (Sorry, Jen, no Facebook yet.)