Happy St. Paddy's Day!

You are 14 months old today! We Love You!!!

Sick and Tired of Being Sick and Tired

Well, we got it. The dreaded RSV....double ear infection combo! Bentley came down with a cough/cold symptoms last Friday and by Sunday his cough was no good, and then overnight things went south in a hurry. We took the poor baby to the doctor, got some medicine and breathing treatments (WOW--those are fun!) and we are on the mend.

Praying for spring to come soon so we can open the house and get rid of all these yucky germs!

First Haircut!

He was such a good boy---didn't cry, didn't needed to be bribed with candy...



Ladies--watch out! Fresh new haircut and my new glasses!

LOVE

verb: to hold dear : cherish

Happy Valentine's Day! I am not a huge fan of the holiday but find it hard not to take the time to think about those I love--those I hold dear and cherish!

Cullen--you are my rock and soul mate, our love remains strong as we have been through the valleys and are experiencing the peaks right now!

Bentley--my son, my love, you will never understand how much I love you and cherish you.

My Family (to include the in-laws)--you are amazing, supportive, crazy and I love you. Love being related to you, even if we do put the fun in dysfunctional :)

My Friends--the numbers few but the love mighty and I am honored to call you my friends. You have helped me in good times, sad times and bad times. I cherish you and what you mean to me, I only hope that I'm as good a friend to you, as you are to me!

Bentley's Birthfamily--I cherish our open adoption and want to thank you for being a part of his and our life!

I feel blessed to have such wonderful people in my life. I am not worthy of such love~but I do cherish it and love you all!

One year ago......

One year ago today we were loading up a mini-van and driving 3+ hours to pick you up. To meet you for the first time. To hold you, love you and welcome you into our family.

One year ago things weren't finalized, we were going with the faith in God and the trust in his plan. One year ago we were handed over the most precious gift we have ever received. We got to spend more time with Bentley's birthmom, her parents and the family that took care of Bentley when he was discharged from the hospital. It was a day I will never forget but a day I wish I could remember more details about!!! Your long, skinny body bundled in a blanket, dark hair, dark beautiful eyes (just like your b-mom) and the cutest mouth.

Bentley, you have changed our lives, you have made us laugh, smile, act silly, sing loud and dance much! We are proud to be your parents and we love you more than you will ever know!

It's the Little Things

One would think the 1st birthday party would make you feel a host of emotions--he is getting big, he is one, where is my baby....and it did to a degree but the thing that has hit me the hardest is this....his car seat now faces forward. Yes, I said it HIS CAR SEAT NOW FACES FORWARD!

It is wonderful to see his beautiful little eyes in the mirror, to see if he is dozing off to sleep and to not have to do it while looking in my mirror through another mirror is truly great but it means he is getting big! He isn't a baby anymore, he is a toddler. He is a sweet, increasingly independent toddler. I miss holding him and snuggling and rocking. The time goes by so quickly! But it has also brought about some wonderful things too--he is silly, he is rambunctious and he still enjoys a good hug. He is a toddler and we are ready to see what happens this next year!

Happy 1st Birthday

I can't believe you are 1! One year ago, I was in a very different place. A place of sadness, uncertainty and always holding on with a glimmer of hope! In a few days is the anniversary of "the call" , the call we got about you...Baby boy, born Jan 17th, 8 pounds 4 ounces, healthy. Little did we know how our lives would change.

Bentley, you make your momma and daddy so very happy. You have taught us to smile, laugh, be silly and most important you have taught us unconditional love. Tonight we shall celebrate with pancakes (your favorite) and we will sing to you a million times--because my son, you have changed our world.

Happy Birthday B!


I would also like to say, please throw up a prayer for B's birthmom "L" as we are sure this is a hard day for her. How her loss can bring us so much joy is a part of adoption that is so hard to deal with and understand. We Love You "L"!!!