The Light at the End of the Tunnel

December 16, 2009 was a wonderful day. We reached the light at the end of Madilyn's adoption tunnel. Of course it is only the beginning of a new chapter in our lives as an adoptive family and it's a happy beginning.

I remember the day Madilyn was placed in my arms and entrusted to myself and Scot on June 15, 2009. Never did I think I would feel so happy and emotional. However, my experience on Wednesday was just as euphoric and emotional. I began to tear up immediately as the Judge entered the courtroom. The past 6 months of waiting to officially become Madilyn's parents culminated in one instant moment when the Judge said those words...

"Up until this moment your responsibility to Madilyn has only been moral, however, once I sign this document you both will have all rights and responsibilities as Madilyn's legal parents. Do you understand?"

I tear up now as I think about Wednesday and the meaning of those words. Scot and I both completely understood the Judge. To actually hear those words spoken to us was so emotional and meaningful. Scot even mentioned to me later that day that in that very moment he thought back to all of those Adoption Stories and Diaries we watched, and he couldn't believe it was our "Adoption Story" coming to fruition. It was even more wonderful to have our family and friends there with us and to give testimony that they believed this was in the best interest of Madilyn.

I've included some pictures with music from Wednesday so please enjoy and I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Just in case I don't post again prior to 2010. OH and I threw in her Santa picture too! She wouldn't smile for anything.

Love,
B

Want to Learn About how the Gladney Center for Adoption Came to Be??!!

Set your DVRs to tape "Blossoms in the Dust" on TCM, Dec. 24, at 6:30 a.m. (CT). BLOSSOMS IN THE DUST is the story of Edna Gladney. For 33 years Edna served as Superintendent of The Texas Children's Home and Aid Society (now known as Gladney Center for Adoption).

She's a Mover & a Shaker

How time flies when life is something you look forward to everyday! That's how my life has been for the past 6 months. Sure I'm overworked, exhausted, and can't find time to get anything completed but it doesn't matter because everyday when I get home my Mads smiles, laughs and crawls towards me because I'm home.

I can't believe Madilyn is 7 months old and the official court hearing is December 16th to finalize her adoption. Scot and I are so excited and anxious. All of our family and closest friends will be in attendance.



As far as her movin' and shakin'...she started crawling right after she turned 6 months old. She loves to roll, pivot on her booty, sit up and crawl everywhere. Last week she started pulling herself up on her own and she loves the downward dog yoga pose as well. She's hilarious and the light of our lives.

This past weekend we went to visit Grandma and Grandpa (Scot's parents) to celebrate Christmas early. It was cold but we all had a blast. I was extra excited because Madie now gives mommy her open-mouth kisses. We're also working on clapping and giving "high 5's".



I hope everyone had a very nice Thanksgiving!! Now it's time to prepare for Madilyn's very first Christmas!!! We'll be visiting SANTA.

6 Months Old

My precious Mads will be 6 months old on Saturday. I'm so excited!!

Yesterday was a long day for my little one. She had her 6 month well check. Poor thing had to endure 5 shots but she was a trooper as usual. Then we went to visit MeMe (my mom) at school as a surprise. She had so much fun and Madilyn too. :) Well yesterday after we got home I fed her and she took a little nap. Then later in the evening Scot was in the bedroom, I was at the kitchen table and Mads was in the living room on her blanket. After such a long day she started getting fussy and tearing up a little. I waited a few minutes before getting up and suddenly...MADS SAID HER VERY FIRST WORD ----- "MAMA"!!! I couldn't believe it. Three times in a row, "Mama, Mama, Mama". So I rushed over, looked down at her, and she raised up her little arms for me to pick her up. My heart jumped for joy and I even teared up a bit. Later in the evening when it was time to eat she said that joyous word two more times.

My poor Scooters was a little upset but he was also excited to hear her say her first word. I'm promised him we would work on "Dada" and get her to say that as her next word. I still can't believe it. I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!!!!

Madilyn's First Halloween and Baptism

Scot and I don't usually make a big deal out of Halloween but since it was Madilyn's first we went all out. I dressed her up as Snow White and we thought she looked adorable. We had a blast going over to Wendy and David to hand out candy. It was so funny because I sat her in her bumbo on the lawn and one mother thought she was a lawn decoration until she moved. It was hilarious!!

Madilyn's big day was Sunday, November 1st because it was her baptism. I'm so not a girly girl but I did buy her a fancy christening gown. I can't believe how hard it is to find just the right dress. It was a wonderful day. All were in attendance for church on Sunday: my mom (MeMe), dad (Grandad), step mom (Nanny), Aunt Rachel, Kenna (cousin), Wendy, David, Amanda (Godmother), Doug (Godfather), Carson, Brian and Linda. It was not a boring baptism to say the least. Offering plates fell off the altar during the prayer. Madilyn was an angel the entire time. Everyone was amazed that an almost 6 month old had all that hair. Everyone always thinks Madie and Kenna are so much older because of their full head of hair. I hope everyone enjoys all the pictures.

On Their Own

As a Gladney parent and a member of the GFA in Fort Worth, I feel it is my duty to send this out to all my wonderful friends and family. "On Their Own" (OTO) is a humanitarian aid initiative of the Gladney Center for Adoption, funded through the efforts of volunteers of the Fort Worth, TX, Gladney Family Association (GFA), with special assistance from 15 other GFAs around the country.

www.ontheirown.org

OTO has created a bracelet and you may buy one in support of OTO for $15.00. All the proceeds go to teens who are aging out of orphanages and foster care. Myself, Wendy, and Rosie all attended a bracelet making party in Fort Worth to actually make the bracelets to be sold in NY at the Gladney Gala and to be sold on the website. Please feel free to pass this information on to your friends and family too.

And then for those of you that haven't seen any pictures of Madilyn lately...here are a few of her with Uriah. He's Ivonne's son and she takes care of Madie while Scot and I are working during the week.

Love and Kisses to All!
B

Fast Fun Facts about Madilyn's FIRSTS

Well as you can see I've updated my blog. I hope everyone likes it. No new pictures right now but some updates on Miss Madilyn. I will be posting plenty of pictures over the next few weeks because we have our Gladney picnic and Church picnic on Sunday. Then we will be attending the Gladney Halloween party on Oct. 18th.

Madilyn is growing up. Time really does fly by so quickly. So here are her FIRSTS!!
1. She has officially cut her teeny tiny two bottom teeth. And of course they're adorable. I noticed them Friday, September 25, 2009. She also has a top tooth but it hasn't broken through.
2. She sat up from a propped position on Monday, September 28, 2009. I was so excited that I made her do it again!!
3. She did her 1st complete roll on Tuesday, September 29, 2009. I wasn't there but Scot witnessed it. He was so proud when he told me.
4. Madie will be celebrating her 1st Halloween this year in style. She will be Snow White. I'm so overly excited!!!! We're not going trick or treating but we will hand out candy!!

Last announcement: We recently joined the Methodist Church we've been attending; therefore, we have scheduled Madilyn's baptism for November 1st. I'm very proud and it will be wonderful to have my family and friends there to witness the event. It's especially meaningful because it's the Sunday before my grandmother's birthday. Madilyn's middle name is after my grandmother, Peggy.

Love and kisses to all.
B

4 Months and Eating

This is just a quick post because I'm exhausted even though it was a 3-day weekend! Madilyn is officially 4 months old and I can't believe how time flies. Earlier this week she had her 4 month check-up and the pediatrician said she's doing wonderfully. She has great eye contact and holds her head up very well. So I've included some 4 month old pics and a pic of Madie eating rice cereal for the first time. Enjoy!

Nursery and More...

So I hope everyone is doing well. I'm doing great other than the realization that I'm headed back to work Monday, August 31st. I just want everyone at BB to know that when you see me I might be smiling but I'm screaming on the inside. LOL

So the nursery is 95% complete but I've included some pictures. I've also included a few more pictures of my beautiful, sweet, loving, baby girl from the past few weeks. Grandma and Grandpa Smith came to see Madilyn in August and we all had a wonderful time. They absolutely loved her and she absolutely loved them too. She's going to be 4 months on September 7th. WOW!! She loves to roll on her right side, she's grabbing at things constantly and loves eating her fingers and toes, and she's even trying to hold onto her bottle at times. The best part is when she smiles at me, squeals, and tries to grab my face. I love it!! I could go on and on but I won't.

We had our first post-placement visit with our caseworker on August 18th and it went extremely well. It was a piece of cake. We'll have our second and final post-placement visit the first of Nov. The only tasks we have left are to continue sending our monthly letters and pictures to Gladney and Rachel (birth mother). I know December 16th will be here before we know it. It will be a day we celebrate every year for Madilyn in addition to her birthday. We also found out that once Madilyn turns 9 months we are allowed to begin the application process for our second adoption. I believe Scot and I most likely wait until April of 2010 to begin the process which will be right before Madie turns 1.

In addition, Rachel (birth mother) called us on August 21st. We had a very nice conversation. She continues to thank us but I always tell her that we are the thankful ones for trusting Madilyn with us to love and raise. She says she loves receiving the letters and pictures. She can tell that we love her with all our hearts and that Madilyn is super happy and healthy.

Well good-bye for now but hopefully my next post won't be so far away. Madie Cakes does have her 4 month well check on Sept. 3rd. Later Gators!!

She'll be 3 months next week!!

I can't believe Madilyn is almost 3 months old. She's made so many changes already and I see the changes from day to day. I especially see her physical changes when I look back at her pictures. It makes me sad to think I'll be returning to work at the end of August and I will miss so many of her changes to come!! Well I've included some new pics of her from this week. I bought her some adorable headbands and bows to wear. I'm sure you'll love it!! Oh and I threw in a pic after her bathtime.

One Down and Five More To Go

For those of you not familiar with the adoption process, let me familiarize you. Now that our beautiful Madilyn has been placed with us we will have two post-placement visits to our home from Gladney which have yet to be scheduled. Then we also have to complete monthly reports for the next 6 months. Along with the report we send pictures of Madilyn and a letter w/pictures to Rachel (birth mother). I thought filling out the report would be a process but it was actually very easy and enjoyable. It's a moment for Scot and I to sit down together and think about the changes Madie is going through as she approaches her 11th week of life. I can't believe it. We will enjoy completing the monthly reports, and we enjoy picking out pictures and writing letters to Rachel. Of course I'm definitely looking forward to completing the 6th monthly report. Our court date will be Dec. 16, 2009 to officially become Madilyn's parents.

There's definitely been many changes in our family lately. The births of Madilyn and Kenna. Madie and Kenna spent their first July 4th together (pics below). My sister started back to school this past week; therefore, Kenna began daycare for the first time this past week. And...my Uncle Barry passed away at the age of 62 from cancer this past week. We will all miss him so much. He was a wonderful and brilliant man. The only words that come to mind are...I'm at peace knowing he's no longer in pain and he is at peace as well. All my love to Aunt Kay, Dana and Kara.

My Funny Face

It's so fascinating to see Madilyn change and grow even though she's only 7 weeks old. It's amazing the little things you notice on a daily basis. She's always been very alert and she's always trying to hold her head up on her own, but Scot and I have noticed over the past few days that she is definitely smiling more often (at us of course)!! Well I believe that she has started to imitate me as well. I'm sure I'll be sorry later, but I stick my tongue out at her and make funny noises and in return she will stick her tongue out too and coo. It's the most adorable thing.


At one time I was afraid to have a daughter. I have to admit that I enjoyed being the only "girl" in Scot's life. HOWEVER, I wouldn't change having a daughter for anything in the world. I'm embracing every moment I have with Madilyn. AND I know Scot has enough love for more than one "girl" in his life. And I'm sure I've said it once, but I'll say it again...I love watching Scot interact with Madilyn and he is the most wonderful daddy in the world. I know Madilyn will make us both better people!! Isn't she the most adorable angel??!!!!

A Treasure

As most of you know when you have a new baby there's not much free time. Madilyn is currently sleeping so I'm taking the time to post a new slide show for your enjoyment. There are pics of Madilyn with her cousins and daddy, and a few of her unfinished nursery.

Quick update...things are going very well. There are moments when Scot and I find out ourselves completely lost but we are figuring it out together. We wouldn't change any of this for the world. Madilyn is the most wonderful little girl!! Scot and I love when it's just the three of us spending a quiet time at home. I love to watch Scot with Madilyn. It's beautiful moments like these that I'll treasure always.

Madilyn is Officially in our Hearts and Home

Because I'm exhausted this post will be short and sweet. It was a very emotional and exciting day today. It's the beginning of the next chapter in our lives!! Our lunch with the birth mother Rachel went extremely well. There were so many mixed emotions. She's so wonderful and she will definitely continue to be a part of all our lives. I'm still somewhat in a haze and I know I haven't processed everything. It's still so hard to believe that the little girl we've had in our hearts this past week is now living in our home. The video I have included is our day at Gladney with the birth mother and the actual placement. Then the last few photos are of all three of us at home. I hope everyone enjoys the video.

Madilyn Peggy Smith

If you haven't heard or guessed from my title then you will be happy to hear that Madilyn Peggy Smith will be in our arms, hearts and home on Monday, June 15, 2009.

All day today I was furiously working to try and catch up on projects at work because I wanted to be able to hand off everything to my co-workers just in case we would be able to bring Madilyn home on Monday. So at 5:15 today (still working away) my cell phone rings and it's my caseworker Raquel. She so calmly says, "Hey Becca so how are?" I tell her I'm fine. She says, "Well Monday at noon we're all meeting at Johnny Carinos for lunch, then head to Gladney for the nursery time, take pictures, sign documents, make the payment, and you can take your daughter home with you." I think I was silent for a minute.........................................and then I said, "REALLY????!!!" As soon as we hung up I called all of my family members.

Later at home after talking on the phone all evening our home phone rings. It's the birth mother Rachel. She just wanted to make sure that we knew she had chosen us to adopt her daughter. Now I'm not a cryer, but I began to tear up as our conversation continued. She told me that she did not take this decision lightly. She looked at several profiles, spoke to a few other couples, but she knew immediately when she saw our profile that we were "the one couple" for her daughter. She went on to say that she knows she hasn't met us yet, but after talking on the phone Wednesday night she knew she had made the right decision. I told Rachel that we were so thankful to her for choosing and trusting us to love and protect her daughter forever and always. I told her that we knew this was not an easy decision and her daughter would know that she was adopted because her mother wanted the best life could offer her. Rachel is the sweetest, most sincere person I have ever met. Scot and I can't wait to meet her on Monday. We are so excited.

Madilyn was born May 7, 2009. She weighed 7 lbs., 15 oz., and was 21 inches long. It's so exciting because Madilyn and Kenna (my niece) are only be 13 days apart. My family is very excited and as soon as I have picture of her I will post them!!

Love and blessings to everyone!

My Niece Has Made Her DEBUT!

It was 7:49 pm on May 20, 2009 when my beautiful niece Kenna Cheryl Summers arrived. It was a very exhausting and emotional day for everyone, especially for my sister since she was the one giving birth. It was not surprising when my sister became upset when the Dr. told her she would have to undergo a c-section. It was wonderful to see everyone come together to reassure my sister Rachel that everything would be fine.

The surprise to me was my emotional state when we were told that Rachel would have to undergo the c-section. I suddenly realized that I would not be in the room when Kenna made her debut in this world. It was my one opportunity to experience the birth of a baby since I would never experience it myself. I did everything I could to hold myself together until Rachel left the room. Once she was gone I fell apart. I was embarrassed and ashamed of my feelings so I removed myself from the situation. How dare I think of myself at this joyous moment, but then I realized that it was okay for me to feel this way. I could be sad and angry for me and Scot. It was okay to grieve the child that I would never give birth to in this life. After pulling myself together, I returned to my loving and supporting family. Once we were able to see Kenna and Rachel, the sorrow was replaced by joy. It was so exciting to see my little sister become a mom for the first time, and that Kenna was the first grandchild on my side of the family.

I still have my moments that I wish I too could give birth. However, those moments are being replaced with thoughts of Scot and I receiving our little one through adoption. Those thoughts are more often when I see Rachel and Kenna together, when I hold Kenna in my own arms, or when I see the way Scot looks at Kenna while he's holding her. The love I have for my niece is indescribable. If my love is this strong for my niece then I can only imagine the bond and love I will have when I hold my child in my arms one day soon. I pray for that day to be soon and I know Scot does too. This adoption adventure is a process that will soon come full circle.

It's so wonderful to see Rachel radiating with love and joy. Kenna has to be the most wonderful thing that has happened to this family is a very long time. I know Rachel will be the most wonderful mother to her. Enjoy the pictures of my niece Kenna Cheryl Summers.

Long time, no blog!

Just an update on what's been going on in Scot and Becca's World. I'm not sure how long it's been but Scot and I were able to get away for a weekend to Fredericksburg, TX. We definitely needed some alone time with everything that's been going on in our lives. It wasn't planned and it was a gift from someone that was very generous. It was so wonderful to just relax. We visited Wildflower Farms, Pietra di Torre Vineyard, listened to live music, and just spent quality time together.

Then last weekend Scot's long awaited concert came to town. I think we bought tickets in January for this concert. We went to see Jimmy Buffett for the 2nd year in a row. Most likely it will be an annual event for us. We have so much fun tailgating and listening to the music. It's an ALL DAY event.

The most important news of all...Scot officially started his new job on Wednesday, April 15th. This past Sunday he flew out to New Orleans for a week of training, and he'll be back Saturday afternoon. He said he has learned a tremendous amount of information about the company and the products he will be selling. The name of the company is Dynasplint Systems. It is a wonderful company and a wonderful group of people.

I am so glad that he'll be back on Saturday because I have missed him. In fact, I've hardly slept a wink since he's been gone. I'm sooooo exhausted. I don't think we've been apart this long since we were married in 1999. It's so funny because we both get caught up in the day-to-day problems/dramas and we sometimes forget to enjoy the little things. I know that we worry about finances because we're trying save every penny for when our "little one" arrives in our lives. It's just a daily struggle and we try to remind ourselves to be thankful for what we have and that we have each other, and we have our wonderful families and friends. I'm not typically a sappy or sentimental person but I have definitely missed Scot's presence in the house and just being able to be near him whenever I choose.

So time for me to go, but I've included pictures from both weekends. I hope everyone enjoys them. Have a wonderful weekend!

Positive Thinking Works

We have good news. No, no baby yet. To be honest, the adoption process is no longer the center of our universe. We have realized in the past few months that it's going to happen when God says so, and there's absolutely no reason to miss out on all the other "little things" occurring on a daily basis. The adoption process has definitely been a wonderful experience for me because I'm learning to be more positive and patient. You can ask Scot, patience and positive thinking have not always been strong characteristics for me.

Scot was hired for his job. Well that's what I call it. Scot has been in a very long interview process for the past two weeks. We found out yesterday morning that he has officially been hired by a thriving company. It's a wonderful company and a wonderful opportunity for Scot. We are both very excited. We both did thorough research of the company and asked many questions to make sure this would be a good move.

He will be using his health care and sales background to sell splints to neuro patients in Fort Worth and surrounding area doctors, therapists, and patients. He starts next week and at the end of April he will go to New Orleans for a week of training. He will receive a base salary with a monthly car allowance and quarterly bonuses the first year. Starting the second year, and every year to follow, he will receive raises and commission in addition to the car allowance and quarterly bonuses. For the first time in a very long time, Scot has an opportunity to grow with a company and make his way up the ladder.

For the first time in months I was able to sleep through the night. Of course I'm still tired and this weekend I will definitely be resting.

On another good note...my sister's baby shower is this weekend. We are all very excited. And many of you may not know, but my sister asked me to be her Lamaze coach. We went to the birthing class together and had fun. I'm very excited about being in the delivery room when my niece Kenna Cheryl Summers arrives in May.

I hope the rest of the week is wonderful for everyone and have a wonderful weekend.

Remember...

All Quiet!

So just to touch base with everyone...nothing is going on and all is quiet on the homefront. Just staying very busy at work. For the past couple of weeks we had family in town and that was fun and adventurous to say the least.

We had Scot's brother and niece and nephew in for a weekend. In one word, CHAOTIC. My niece had her cheerleading competition and we were hardly home but it was nice to spend time with all three of them.

Then this last weekend my in-laws were in town. It was nice for them to be here and see our house. The last time they were in TX was right before we moved into our house in Dec. of 2006. So this time they got to see the house with our renovations and furniture. We had a great time watching baseball tournaments and just relaxing.

As usual if anything new happens with the adoption I'll be sure to let everyone know.

Were we picked or not picked...

that is the question on every one's mind??!! We were not chosen by the birth mother in GA. It was between us and another couple and she chose the other couple. No worries....all is well in the Smith household. To be honest, I wasn't really crushed when I received the news. Scot and I bounced back pretty well. We just came to the conclusion that it wasn't the right time and it'll happen at some point.

It was also decided today that our caseworker will show our profile to another birth mother who personally requested to view our profile. I'm not sure when she'll view it but it will happen. She's due in April and she lives in the area. Long story short...Scot and I learned of this birth mother from a student at Scot's work. Scot found out that she was looking for an adoption agency. We were going to meet her in person, but I only spoke to her on the phone. I explained that Gladney is our adoption agency and I gave her some information about Gladney. We couldn't believe that she remembered us back from December. If anything great comes out of this situation we'll be sure to let you know.

In the meantime, we're back to the waiting game. We do however get to attend the "Approved and Waiting" dinner on Sunday for couples that are apart of the Gladney Family Association so that will be fun.

Have a great rest of the week!!!

OMGoodness!!

So at approximately 3:42 pm on February 9th I logged onto my email account to check my email. I noticed at 3:27 pm my caseworker from Gladney sent me an email. My heart almost leaped from my chest when I started reading the email. I couldn't believe it.

My caseworker told me that they were in the beginning stages of working with a birth mother. She's due at the end of February (I almost lost my breath) and she's having a little boy. (at this point I'm uncontrollably excited!) She has been receiving prenatal care and she lives in the GA area. Her race is Hispanic and African-American and the birth father is full African-American. So far the information is very positive, the birth mother is 20 years old, and she sounds like a neat girl. The caseworker will be meeting with her on Wednesday of this week to find out more detailed information. The caseworker will also be taking profiles and my caseworker wanted to know if we would like our profile shown to the birth mother.

My email response - "Yes, yes, yes. Most definitely show her our profile."

So of course Scot and I are very excited, which by no means BEGINS to describe what we're feeling at this point. Of course we are attempting to be somewhat calm and not get our hopes up because there's always a chance she won't like our profile. Of course that just means this isn't the baby for us. Scot of course is the levelheaded one and I'm the one freaking out thinking of what we'll do if we are chosen to love her beautiful baby boy.

My crazy, multi-tasking mind is thinking...
painting, wall paper, bedding, registering, diapers, feedings, adoption fees, daycare, traveling, etc.

Trust me the list goes on and on. I'm so lucky though to have Scot because he's the calm one and knows everything will come together. He's so wonderful, and I want him so much to be a Daddy!!

So please keep us in your prayers, and you guys will know when we know (either way)!

Our Adoption Adventure is Educational

Our adoption experience in which I refer to as an "Adventure" is the perfect description. It has also been a great way to observe other people when discussing adoption. I never knew that so many people would be excited for us. It's funny though because Scot and I always discuss at the end of each week how many friends and family ask, "So are there any updates on the adoption?" or "So do you know what you're having yet?" We discovered that we each have at least 2 people a week ask one of those questions or a variation thereof. We just laugh, but we are delighted that so many people are interested in our process and that so many people have been so supportive.

I have always been a people watcher and listener, but the topic of adoption has definitely given me an opportunity to learn more about my friends and family. Everyone has an opinion about what Scot and I are doing, and they are certainly not afraid to share those opinions with us. I actually don’t even mind everyone voicing their opinions or asking questions whether negative or positive. It’s an opportunity for Scot and me to put ADOPTION out there and to educate others on the process of adoption and its importance. Now we don’t have all the answers by any means, but we do know so much more now than before beginning the adoption process.

I think the most difficult part of our adoption adventure for others to digest is that we have chosen a biracial adoption. Most people are concerned with the difficulties the child will face as he/she grows up because we are white or some people just don’t agree with our decision. We are not going into this with our eyes closed, and we know it won’t be easy. Life in general is not easy. Everyone has their trials and tribulations. The child's race doesn't matter to us. We just want to be parents and to give a child opportunities that they might not receive otherwise.

No matter what happens, our children will have to deal with ignorant people, whether it’s because they are adopted, African-American, Hispanic, Indian, etc. I personally have dealt with discrimination and prejudice as a white woman. For many years of my life I was obese, and people treated me differently and disrespected me because I was obese. People were rude, closed doors in my face, made comments, gave me looks, and even refused me assistance when I was shopping. Because my parents reared me with strong beliefs and morals, I did not allow others to dictate who I would be as a person. And with my inner strength, I was able to overcome my obesity and the underlying issues. Of course for me, I was able to lose weight and change my difference, but I still believe my experiences will be beneficial for our children.

We will rear our children with self-esteem and morals. We will teach them to be proud of being a Gladney baby and to embrace their ethnic background and beliefs. No one person is the same and that is why each person is unique. Scot and I will also embrace and learn with our children about their ethnic background and heritage. It will be one of many opportunities to bond with our children. We will also be in contact with Gladney Family Services throughout our children’s lives so that they will discover themselves as individuals and it will be a support group for us. In addition, we have friends and family of all races, and we will be able to go to them if we don’t have an answer for our children. Our children will know that being different is a good thing.

If we haven't told you before, please feel free to ask Scot or me any questions about our adoption process. We love talking about it!! Of course there's nothing new yet. We're still waiting, but at least we're approved. We're hoping to find out if we're receiving a grant at the end of February or sometime in March. Keep your fingers crossed!! Bye for now.

Becca + Optimism

So 2009 thus far has been good for us. Of course it is only January 22nd, but I have this overly optimistic feeling about 2009. Maybe because it ends in the day of my birth day and it's my favorite number...OH and it's a lucky number in China if any of you watched the Olympics in 2008.

So we're waiting and waiting to be matched, but I do have some smaller updates that relate to the adoption. We've sent in a few applications to request grants to help us fund the rest of our adoption. We are hopeful that it works out because we would love to keep our savings account money for once we have our "little one." We also completed our second education class and it was fun but a little overwhelming. The class was "Caring for Your Newborn." I believe I might be driving Scot somewhat crazy because I'm in full gear. I'm ready to babyproof the house and I found a fabulous new website (onestepahead.com) with all sorts of health and safety gadgets.

We are continuously watching Adoption Story on one of the Discovery channels. They're old but I love them. It's amazing how many different situations there are in the world of adoption and the diversity of the couples actually adopting. I even see me and Scot in some of the couples which tends to make me tear up. The situation is similar or the feelings we have experienced are similar. It's also comforting to know that we are in a similar boat as others.

So back to my recently developed overly optimistic attitude. I just don't know what's come over me. However, it is somewhat lovely, and I believe Scot loves it too. Not to say that I'm a pessimistic person, but I'm just feeling exceptionally optimistic. Maybe because I'm a year older. I am 33 and 3X3 is 9 and...(see 1st paragraph)!! I'm just being silly!

I do have a new project to keep me busy though. Scot's birthday is January 28th and I want to plan something wonderful for him. I'm thinking about reserving a room at a B&B, dinner, balloons, and ME. He may not be the type to surprise me, but I have so much more fun surprising him! I'm thinking about even getting him a mini birthday cake. It is his last year to be in his thirties. WOW!! We won't remind him of that though.

Well I should go for now but I'm hope everyone enjoys the rest of their week and hopefully 2009 is memorable for you too!

It's been awhile.

So there's not too much to blog about and that's why it's been so long. Christmas was good and thus far the New Year has been pretty good as well. As I told everyone, the adoption process is "hurry up and wait." So we're waiting and hoping that birth mothers have begun to view our profile. Maybe soon we'll receive the call that a birth mother wants to speak with us.

On an exciting note, we did put the baby furniture together over the holidays. WE have our crib, chest of drawers and a bassinet. When I get an opportunity I'll take pictures and post them. We're not doing anything to the nursery until we're matched and we know the sex of the baby.

I am surrounded however by many new mothers or mothers to be. My good friend Jillian just had her first little baby. She's beautiful and her name is Annaleigh Hayden. I'm so excited for her and Justin since they are first-time parents. One of our neighbors will be having their first child in February, our other neighbors have begun trying to have their first child, and I will be an aunt in May. My sister is due with her first child in May. So baby excitement is everywhere.

On that note I'll head to bed.

Just keep us in your prayers. Love you all!!