I'm Baaaaaack!!!

Alright, so it seems as though I have fallen off of the face of the earth. I apologize for dropping the blog thing. A lot has been going on recently that has created a renewed desire to get back to my blog writing. So, what do I write about? I originally started this blog because I had struggled with infertility for four years, went through all sorts of infertility treatments (IUI through IVF)...all of which failed. I began this blog as my husband and I took a new direction as we "waited for our family to grow". As we looked into the adoption process...what do you know...I became pregnant.

Now, our baby girl, Emily Jolene, has just turned one year old. No...this is not going to be another blog about an average family...I am going to continue the original theme of this blog...WAITING FOR OUR FAMILY TO GROW.

Hubby and I would love to have more than one baby!!! I have heard so many times that people who have struggled with infertility and eventually became pregnant, that their bodies finally know what to do and they don't struggle in trying to pregnant in the future. Hmm...how true is that? Since it took us four years to get Emily, we both agreed that there would be no reason to use birth control because we had no idea how long it would take to get pregnant again. On top of that...WE WANT MORE!!!! So, needless to say, we are doing what we can :)
Well, the other week, we had a baby dedication at our church. The baby being dedicated was a foster child that the family was able to adopt. As the family shared their story, my eyes began to water...my heart had just reopened to the idea of "foster to adopt". I remember Craig and I talking, at the beginning of my pregnancy, about how our venture into the adoption process will always hold a place in our hearts and how we would stay open to that direction in the future. Well...HELLO FUTURE!! As of now, we have been "trying" for about the last six+ months. Since the recent baby dedication, Craig and I (Well, more me bringing the conversation up to Craig) have been talking about the "foster to adopt" process.
I love the "foster to adopt" route for a number of reasons. First, my mom was rescued by an amazing foster family...and I am always grateful for what that family has done for her. Second, as a teacher, my heart continually breaks each year as I hear about some of my student's home lives. Sometimes I just want to take these kids home and give them a life that they need and deserve. I would just love to be able to provide a new life, a home, and tons of love for a child that wouldn't otherwise get it.
So...this is where my blog comes into play. Join me on this journey as we continue to "wait for our family to grow".

Easter Bunny

Easter

Beginning Shrimp Classes at the YMCA

Swimming class has been SO MUCH fun!! The first class that we were in, they wanted to do an underwater pass with Emily...where the instructor would take Emily and pass her to us by quickly putting her head first into the water and then lifting her out as she passed her to us. Emily was pretty much in shock. As soon as her head came out of the water, she blinked a bunch of times and then just started to cry. Luckily we brought her binky with us...such the lifesaver. Other than the "head under the water" passes, Emily loves swimming classes. As soon as we walk towards the pool, she starts kicking right away. It took us about five classes to get used to the under water pass and not cry.
This has been so much fun!!! I love all of the fun songs we sing as she learns to kick and paddle in the water. She loves it when she gets to sit on the edge of the pool and we sing songs like "Humpty Dumpty" or "I'm a Little Teapot" before the hop on in the pool. LOVE IT!!!

Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day was a lot of fun. It was so beautiful outside, Craig and I decided to put Emily in the Bjorn and go for a walk to Mandalin Cafe. I have always wanted to try it out. The food was good, the weather was perfect, and we just had a great time together.

6 Month Pictures

6 Month Celebration

For Emily's 6 month celebration, family came over for some pizza and yummy cupcakes. NO...Emily did not eat the cupcake in front of her, instead she got to eat her first "sweet potatoes"...and she LOVED them!!

5 Months Old

Green Beans...Her First Vegetables

Mmm...Green Beans. This is one of those lessons where I have to teach Emily to do as I say, not as I do. I hate vegetables and I have always wondered how I would be able enforce my children eating them...when I don't. Well, "I'm the mom!" I love that I get to say that now.
With all joking aside, Emily actually loves all of her vegetables AND fruit. She hasn't shown any signs of being a picky eater yet.

A Visit With Santa