Saturday Pictures

mommy's little pumpkin :)
our sat. morning

me & mine

Hope all of you have a great weekend!

"A Greater Yes"

This song came to my mind this morning and I wanted to share it with everyone. Many months ago my dear friend, Sharon, who has counseled me through infertility and the adoption process told me to listen to this song. The words of this song are so true and powerful. If you are "waiting" on something to happen in your life "trust God if he says no, you're still blessed, there must be a greater yes!" I am so thankful that we can trust God and know without a doubt that HIS plan is always best. Listen to what the singer says before she starts the song. I am still holding on to these promises.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s27AJK67K_w

Samuel had the best night ever last night. He went to sleep around 10:00, woke up at 2:00 and then again at 5:45. Each time he went right back to sleep and hardly cried. Justin and I were very excited this morning! :) He is feeling much better. I will try to post some pictures tonight.

A special "hello" to Rebekah McKay- thank you for your comment and I hope to see you soon!

Help Please

O.k. I need some advice. Samuel has been up since 4:00 a.m. and I just talked to Rebecca, the babysitter, around 9:30 and she said he has been fussy since she got to our house. She said he only went to sleep for about 15 minutes and when she put him down he immediately woke up. Rebecca and I agreed on the phone that we think he is "overly tired" and just needs to sleep. Ugghhh what should we do??? Leslie, I have been reading the Healthy Sleep book like crazy but I am not sure if we should try the "cry it out" approach. The doctor told me he is not too young to let him cry but I don't know.... I want to do whatever is best for him but at this point we (Justin, Rebecca, & me) are all confused on what we should do. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
Yes, I love the Graco System!

Riding In Style @ Pics

Justin's 30th Birthday Party

Introducing.... Samuel and the Graco Stylus Travel System (his new carseat/stroller)

STRESS

Working with a sick baby at home is NOT fun! Samuel was up most of the night last night and he is still coughing. He does not have a temperature and he is still eating good but if the congestion/coughing is not better today we are going to take him to the Dr. in the morning. I will try to post a couple more pictures tonight. He is changing so fast!

Adoption Update

Samuel slept through our two hour meeting with our social worker, Valerie.
We met with the social worker today and did not find out anything substantial. She did tell us that it will probably be around three more months before the adoption will be secure. I know... I know..... that seems like FOREVER but there is nothing we can do but pray and wait. I have been through four years of infertility (which is praying and waiting) and during that time there was absolutely NOTHING I could do. That is exactly how I feel in this situation. If I could change the circumstances I would but I am glad to be serving a great God who has every situation in the palm of his hand. He knows the future just as if it were the past. Yes, I am still very scared but God has brought me so far in the past four years and He has promised that he will carry me all the way. I know that He loves Samuel more than I could ever imagine (and I love him dearly :) )! Please continue to help us pray and if I hear anything before the three months I will let all of you know.

Sick Baby :(

Samuel is sick with what we think is a bad cold. He was very fussy last night and we could not figure out what was wrong with him. During the night his nose started running and he coughed throughout the night. He can now only breathe through his mouth. I am going to call the doctor and try to get him in tomorrow. If you have any suggestions about what we should do to take care of him and you cannot make a comment then send me an email. Also, please pray that he feels better and we have a safe trip to meet the social worker this afternoon. I will try to post tonight if the social worker provides us with any significant updates.

Weekend Recap

I just got him this "stocking hat" (as Justin would call it) yesterday at Old Navy. Shopping for baby clothes is fun!

How cute are these?! My uncle John sent them to Samuel and we love them!

Where did the weekend go? I can't believe tomorrow is Monday and I have to go back to work. :( We had a great weekend in Virginia. Justin and his brother Ben finished painting Samuel's room and the color is beautiful. Now if I could just get them to paint our bedroom.... Justin's mom came over yesterday and kept Samuel while we went to my favorite lunch spot, Reubens. Today Samuel has been very fussy and we cannot figure out why but he did sleep through church. My father-in-law preached a great message on grace. I am so glad that God has promised that His grace will be sufficient no matter the trial we may face.

SMILE :)

I am so excited!!! Samuel just smiled at me for the first time. (around 8:45) It was soooooooo cute! Of course I started yelling for Justin to come see and he then smiled again for Justin. :) :) :) Goodnight.

Shirts and Nursery Paint

How cute is this? Justin just got him a shirt and he took him to work today. I had to find mine so I would fit in with the rest of the crowd. :)
Here are the nursery colors. What do you think of the paint? Justin is already starting on the second coat so if you don't like it ummmm try not to tell me. I love it!

This was taken the day after we brought him home.

Good News from the Dr.

Samuel had a well child appointment this morning and the doctor said he is perfect. His length is 22.5 and his weight is 10.6. He is growing so fast I cannot believe it! Anyway, the doctor said that whatever we are doing to keep it up because he is right on target. That was great news for his mommy who is a worrier! Ha (I am trying to work on that... really) Right now he is asleep in his crib and I am hoping it will last more than 5 minutes. We shall see. I am trying to put him down when he falls asleep instead of holding him 24/7 like we have done for that past 5 weeks :) I am going to try to get pictures up sometime this weekend. Justin is sick and could not help me with it last night. Hope everyone has a great weekend. It is raining in VA so we might have to make a trip shopping and to Olive Garden tomorrow. :)

Trying the blog thing...

I have wanted to start a blog for a very long time and decided now would be a great time since everyone wants to see pictures of Samuel. I am not sure how to add pictures but I am hoping Justin can figure it out tonight. I also want to thank everyone who has called, sent emails, and come to visit us since we brought Samuel home. Honestly, I have been so overwhelmed and busy that I have not had a chance to return all of the calls. Please help us continue to pray as we continue on this exciting new journey!