It's about time...

I know, I know it's about time I posted to our blog. I never have the words to say what I'd like to say, so I begin a post, save it and never post it. I'll try to be better.

It's about time Antonio and I had a little time to ourselves! Our foster daughter left for the weekend in the spur of the moment and Emma already had plans to go spend the weekend with Grandma and Grandpa. So, Ton and I had major FUN plans to clean our garage and go to the dump!! Yea!! Sounds like fun, huh?

Well, I quickly changed those plans, once I realized we had some time to ourselves. I called and got us a room at a bed and breakfast (a miracle on Valentine's weekend) and planned a play and dinner. Well, we didn't make it to the play because we took too long saying bye to our little girl, but we did have a nice relaxing time!

I thought I'd post a picture of the pregnancy. This is me 24 weeks pregnant with Hallie Mabelle. Hallie means "praise the Lord" and Mabelle means "lovable". So, were sure to be blessed with a precious little girl come June! I know... I 'm huge, but loving every minute OR trying!

Although it was nice having time to ourselves, we sure did miss this little girl. It's so much fun having her around! She ended up sleeping the rest of the day because she only sleeps well in her crib, but it was a joy to see her again and have her smile light up our day. So, time alone is great, but time with our family seems to be even greater!

The day after..

We had a good time for Thanksgiving. We spent the afternoon and ate dinner at Mimi and Papa's. It was delicious! There were so many adventures for Emma Rose, she just couldn't concentrate on eating. Between the desire to be with her cousins at their table, because she's just as big as them and all the doors she could find to open (her new found talent), she couldn't concentrate much on the food.




So, I discovered today that the food is that much better as left overs. Between the turkey sandwiches, mashed potatoes and pie we've snacked on all day. Emma has discovered that she enjoys it very much, as long as it is on her own accord. Walking around in her booties and shirt as she stuffs the potatoes in her mouth. Sometimes it's nice to take it easy and relax, we don't always have to be at the table (that's what Emma thinks). Anyway, we typically don't get a Friday to relax as a family! Oh, the joy of the holidays!






We hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! --And a wonderful day after Thanksgiving! It's nice to be able to enjoy some time as a family and remember the whole reason for the holidays! Now we can begin our countdown to Christmas and enjoy the Spirit of the season!

The time has come...

Emma Rose took her first solo steps on Wednesday. Yay! We're so excited for her! She thinks she is amazing, but is very cautious along the way. I always find myself saying when is she going to.... Then she finally does and I am sad in a way because my baby is growing too fast. So, a word to myself: DON'T wish time by because you miss the moment and eventually the time will come and she'll learn and do all that she's suppose to!

Emma Rose is 1!

What better reason to start a blog than Emma's first birthday! I can't believe how quickly the time has passed and the many blessings which we have received in the past year. Emma has such a gentle, content spirit that has touched our lives in ways we would've never imagined. It has been an amazing experience to have this little girl around to watch her grow and learn each day! She has taught us more than I think we've taught her! She has taught us to pray more, enjoy more, laugh more and most of all LOVE more. We are truly grateful for this little girl! What a wondrous opportunity to be trusted with these pure, innocent spirits!

She had a very eventful birthday with a house full of people that love her. She even showed us (for the first time) how old she is! Then, burnt her little finger on the candle :(!

She had a hard time accepting that sleep was in her near future due to her new found independence with her train!

My one hope is that I will hold onto and cherish the moments of this little girls life. Time goes by too quickly to not cherish and enjoy each moment in her life. Perhaps through this next year I will become better at putting off the things that don't matter and spend more time making lasting memories with my little Emma Rose.