Just call me smiley.....

Sisters

A few more from our photo session

I talked our photographer, who is also a friend of ours, into making a few more low resolution pics to use on my blog. These are 4 more of my favorites. It was so hard to decide which to print we had so many good ones, but I have finally finalized my order, and that was a task. Oh and Merry Christmas, we are decorating early around here...including our blog!

Family Photo Session

We recently took family portraits, and they came out so well. It will be hard to choose the ones to get in prints. These are a couple of sneak peaks. To see the rest go to this link: Family Photos.

2 years ago

Two years ago today we held one the most amazing miracles in our arms for the very first time.

We would have never imagined the baby we met in China would be blossoming into such an incredible girl! We love you Sha Sha!

Ainsley at 7 weeks

 

 

 

 

Ainsley's Gotcha..........

I cherish Charlotte's gotcha video so much that I wanted to make one for Ainsley as well. And even though I birthed Ainsley, she still had a gotcha....the day we saw her in the world for the very first time. Many of you know that this was actually our 5th pregnancy (6th if you count our paper pregnancy.) Our 1st pregnancy gave us Ethan, our 2nd through 4th are little angels in heaven, our 5th is Charlotte, and our 6th Ainsley. After having Ethan we tried for 2 long years to have another baby. We even went through Invitro. We got pregnant twice, but lost both. That is when our hearts were opened to what God had in store for us and He gave us Charlotte. I really believe if we had another baby before Charlotte that we would not have her right now. We thought at first we were going with Plan B, but soon realized that it was God's plan all along. Then when we were 2 weeks out from leaving for China, I was pregnant again. But lost the baby soon after. I often thought to myself maybe God is just reminding me that I can get pregnant but to remember it is all in His hands. Then we started dossier #2 and shortly after completing our home study found out we were pregnant again. I was very guarded and did not tell anyone for a long time. I needed to be sure this time. As the weeks turned to months, I felt so grateful for the amazing gift growing inside of me. And she is so much more than we could have asked for or imagined. Our family, completely crafted by God. We could not have asked for anything more perfect. Hope you enjoy the video!

All Dressed Up

Here are my two little Ladybugs and Obi Wan Kanobi. Ainsley was not too excited about pictures at first. But once she ate she got into a more festive mood!

Happy Halloween!

Things you think about

It is very normal for everyone to comment on how much Ainsley looks like Ethan. And it is true she is a spitting image of him at the same age. I will try to post a couple of pics later so all my bloggy friends can see what I mean. But as we all sit around admiring their likeness and whether or not Ainsley has my eyes or Daddy's nose, I worry about Charlotte. So I often add that Charlotte is my only child that has mommy's brown eyes (Ainsley and Ethan have their Daddy's blue eyes.) And right now it works, she gives me a big smile and her heart is full knowing she is "like" mommy. But what will happen in the future as people comment on Ethan and Ainsley's likeness, and Charlotte will not have that same thing happen for her. I have to come up with some more things that are the same about all three of my children I guess. It just worries me a little, I know we will figure it out and I know Charlotte will "get used to it." But mommies think about these things you know.

Answer the call...

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One of those posts

So this has been one of those weeks where I have had lots running through my head. And writing it down helps me work it all out. Anyway, here goes....

So having Ainsley has been such a tremendous blessing to all of us. I never thought in my wildest dreams that we would have an infant in our house again. It really helps me to cherish every single second with her. It also makes me sad for our Charlotte. It makes me think about where she was when she was Ainsley's size. How her cries, most likely went unanswered most times. How she did not have a mommy, daddy, brother and sister to love on her, and give sweet kisses and hugs. It hurts my heart so much. It also makes me think about Charlotte's birth mother, and the pain she must have felt giving her up and that she probably still feels. I can't even imagine losing Ainsley at such a young age. But at the same time, I rejoice in the fact that we are the lucky ones. Lucky enough to have Charlotte, to be able to meet all of her needs now. To see the absolute love in her eyes for her new baby sister. She is just smitten with her. It is amazing and truly a miracle.

And secondly, can you guys pray for me. I am already struggling with going back to work. I know I still have 2 months at home, but it is already weighing on me. I just don't want to miss anything. I don't want to miss a second with our sweet girl, or Charlotte and Ethan. It flies by so quickly and I know they will be leaving us before we know it. My one good babysitting lead, is probably not going to pan out, so that is stressing me as well. It just feels so weird to call someone you don't know to babysit your 3 month old. I am really struggling with this. So pray for us, for guidance and for acceptance about whatever the best decision is for our family. Even if it is a decision that I might now be that "thrilled" about.

And last, I am looking forward to meeting some of my bloggy friends at the AWAA Reunion this weekend. If you are going to be there, please leave me a comment so I will know to look for you!