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.