Today was a big day.

Sweet S,

Today was a big day. We had a visit with your mom. She brought your Aunt K and C. We hadn’t seen her in almost two months. She came back to the area for a visit with you.

Your mom loves you so much that she made a very hard decision today.

Your mom told me that she wants what’s best for you and that she’s seen how happy you are with me and Bubbie. She wants you to be in a place where you can be safe and grow up healthy and happy. And she wants to be able to see you grow up and for you to know who she is. We talked about how we both want what’s best for you and how we think you staying with us is best because you are so settled and happy here. We also think that you growing up knowing her and the other people in your first family is best for you. We want them to know you and see you grow up and for you to know who they are too.

Your mom signed some papers and told some people who make decisions that this is what she wants. We talked to your mom about how we want to stay in touch with her. We talked about how she wants to make this decision instead of it being made for her. We’re not really sure what’s next but we think it could take a while. Your dad needs to sign the papers and then you will be able to be adopted. Since you’re living with us and this is what your mom wants, Bubbie and I are praying that we will be able to be your parents.

I can’t wait to tell you the story of today. I will tell you how we went this morning hoping to get to talk to your mom about what the future might hold and we left today surprised at what happened. I’ll tell you about how we had been praying and praying (and lots of others were praying) about what would happen.  I’ll tell you about how your Aunt K and C were there and they love you a lot too. I'll tell you how you loved the time with your mom and K and C today. When you mom was upset you were especially loving and kept hugging and kissing her. I’ll tell you about how Aunt Missy brought us some lunch because we were at the office for so long waiting and you really appreciated the ketchup! I’ll also tell you about how we met my mom for lunch after we left the office and then I spent the rest of the afternoon at home with you and Bubbie.

The most important thing you need to know about today, Sweet Girl is that your mom loves you very much and she made a very hard decision today. We love you too and are grateful to be able to take care of you. We have a lot of days and months ahead of us until we are able to adopt you but we are thankful for the hope that today offered. 

I love you. 

Meggie

One month of Baby J!

Baby J,
Today we celebrate one month of you living in our house. You've had one month to get to know Bubbie, Sweet S, Scudder the dog, me, and a host of others. You're only 11 weeks old but you're quite the charmer.

You're S's favorite toy right now. She loves to hug you and kiss your head and your feet! (She also loves to pull out your paci and try to put it back...but we're working on that one.)

You're already much more active than when we met you. You're spending more of your time awake each day. You're holding your head up and enjoying more and more tummy time. You smile when we talk to you (and when you toot). You also follow us with your eyes and seem to be paying attention to everything.

You've been to church with us several times and have come in the service with Bubbie and me. This has been sweet time with you sleeping on my chest. Last Sunday you looked especially dapper.

You're eating more at a time and more on a regular schedule. You eat every 4 or 5 hours and want as much as 5 ounces! At night we're able to get you to have 6 and that means you're sleeping more...which we really appreciate. You sleep for 5-6 hours most nights! Well-done!

We went to the doctor this week for your vaccines and she was worried about a cough you had. We had to do breathing treatments which you actually didn't mind. We went back today and she said you were all better!

You've seen your mom three times and your dad once (you had a visit today in fact!). They were glad to see you and kept talking about how big you've gotten, how much darker your skin is, and how long your hair is! They seem happy you're being taken care of and they are getting some help with things they needed help with.

You came to stay with us at a kind of strange time. We'd been saying "no" when we were asked if we could take another babe right now - but for some reason when they called about you we said "yes." First I called Bubbie and told her about you and then I called Aunt Missy and told her about you and that we wanted to say "yes" but needed her help. I hadn't been feeling good and actually was out of work when they called. They both felt like you should come to our house and they were excited to meet you. Aunt Missy has been around a lot since you've been in our house and we are glad she's around and that she's family.

Not long after you came to stay with us we went to the river and stayed for a weekend. You got to meet lots of friends and family and even dip your feet in the water. Mostly you just laid around and everyone oooed and ahhed over you. We celebrated my birthday while we were there and you helped me blow out my birthday candles! (I'm looking a little rough dude...but you were there. You understand...plus that's a lot of candles to blow out! Oh, and sorry about most of your body being cut out. Don't take it personally. SSTTEEVVEE was just trying to make it post-able.)

You should know J, that your Bubbie is wrapped around your tiny little finger. She is fascinated with you and really enjoys watching you and making you smile. Last night we had to rewind our favorite show because she missed so much of it because she was distracted by your cuteness. I love you too...but Bubbie is taken with you!

We're not sure how much longer you'll be with us but know we love you and are taking good care of you. Our hearts seemed full before we met you but somehow there has been room for more. We are glad that more has been you.

Love,
Meggie

Nine Months of Sweet S!

Sweet S,
Today we celebrate nine months of you living with Bubbie and me. You recently have turned 16 months old and are busy busy!

You are not just walking anymore...you're running! You're getting faster and falling less often. You're exploring and starting to climb on everything.

You're also starting to make more word sounds. We are anxious to understand more of what you say. You LOVE music. You dance and sing in the car. Its so much fun to watch and listen to. You still seem to prefer kid sounding music or light rock (much to Bubbie's dismay).

I've been describing you as fiercely independent. If you're trying to do something, you do NOT like it if someone tries to help. You are also prone to doing your own thing at daycare when everyone else is doing one thing - like napping or eating. We want you to be strong and capable but Sweet Girl, sometimes you have to have help and you have to listen. And you're going to have lots of time ahead of you on the time-out rug at daycare if we keep this up. You can't peel a banana yet, or put a rubber band in your hair or brush your teeth solo...but we're learning from each other and we'll figure out the balance.

Peas are still your favorite food. Sometimes you want someone to feed you and sometimes you are insistent on doing this yourself.

You and Bubbie made a special trip this month to see Bubbie's parents and other friends and family. I was sick and didn't get to go. While you were gone you got a haircut from Jill!

You loved your time with Mamaw and Poppie. Here you are trying to feed him a cracker!

Sunday you got to be in the nursery with Granny Jean. She kept Bubbie in the nursery when she was a baby and that was a long time ago! Its special for you to be there with her.

Really soon after ya'll got back we agreed to take care of another little baby. Right now you're a big sister! You love Baby J. When you wake up in the morning you start asking about him and won't let up until I bring him to you so you can hug and kiss him. Sometimes you like to pull his socks off or his paci out - but mostly you're a loving big sister.  We hear at first you were very protective of him at daycare and didn't want any of the other kids to even look at him! You've been a little jealous of our attention with him and we understand that. We've been making sure we spend special time with you and that you have our undivided attention sometimes.

You seem to be very nurturing and concerned about people. You LOVE baby dolls more than any other toys and are starting to try and feed them and change their clothes. When someone is upset you want to see and comfort them by patting them or snuggling. Bubbie and I have given you all kinds of toys to play with so you choosing these right now is all you little one. We hope you'll always be loving and nurturing. Its beautiful to see. This picture is a perfect one for the month. You're moving so the picture is a little blurry - but you've got your "baby" with you.

Bubbie took you to the doctor this month for shots. It was harder for her than you. You're all up to date and growing and healthy.

The first week in July Bubbie and I both took a lot of time off. We thought we had a panel meeting about you but that ended up being rescheduled. We enjoyed the time anyway. We ate like we were on vacation and spent lots of time together. We sorted and put up all the clothes that are too small for you and worked to get a wardrobe ready for Baby J's clothes. We moved the furniture in your room around and you seem to like it because you can crawl under your bed!

To celebrate July 4th and my birthday we went to my family's river cabin. We spent two nights with Kazoo, Uncle Jar, and Maggie who we hope you will call Mia. We had lots of fun swimming, eating, and celebrating with friends. You enjoy the water.

You played in your "boat" in the big water, in the kiddie pool on the dock with Bubbie and later Mrs. Ann.

You also took a long paddle boat ride with SSTTEEVVEEE and me.

Aunt Audrey came with Sig and Spud. You loved seeing them all and we were so glad they came.

Aunt Missy came to the river too and brought a special gift you two made for me together. Its a plate with your hand prints that make sunshine. I LOVE it! Here you are making it -

And the finished product!

 She also took some really great pictures of you and Baby J.

And made a special shirt for Baby J.

MaeMae and STTEEVVEE came and brought a great meal. You were asleep while I blew out my birthday candles but I sure was glad you were there. Birthdays sometimes give us an opportunity to reflect - and this past year has given me so much to be thankful for. If last year someone told me that I'd be responsible for two kids on my birthday this year (and that I would have known and loved 3 others since last August) I would have thought they were crazy! And if they'd told me I'd love a kid as much as I love you I'd have thought they were extra crazy!

We finally had the important meeting about your case on the 10th. You wore this outfit because  I love having a reminder at times like those that we have hope and that this hope is an anchor for our soul...firm and secure.

At the meeting we learned your mom has moved to another state and there are some changes happening with your situation. We are cautiously hopeful that you might get to stay with us for awhile.  There are a lot of people who have to make a lot of important and big decisions. We're praying for everyone involved and that everyone involved thinks about you and what's best for you. No matter what happens in the next 90 days or the next million days - we love you and are so so so glad you're a part of our lives. You bring joy to us and our families and friends. We love you Sweet Girl.

Love, Meggie

Family of 4!

Last week we welcomed a second foster babe into our home.

Baby J is 7 weeks old and a doll! We don't know a lot about his situation but are enjoying getting to know him.

Sweet S has totally taken on the role of being a big sister. She wakes up wanting to know where he is and says "Baby Baby Baby" until she gets her morning hug and kiss.

He is a sweet baby and we are getting used to not sleeping through the night. This is a first since we've never had a babe this young - but things are already better than they were. Last night I got to sleep for almost 4 uninterrupted hours!

This is the first time we've had two kids at a time that weren't siblings. Its an adventure for sure but we're glad we said "yes!"

Eight Months!

Sweet S,

It has been eight months since you came to live with Bubbie and me. You just turned 15 months old! We've had a VERY busy month!

You are talking more and more and are making more words we can recognize. For a couple of weeks you called me something that sounded like "Debbie" but haven't been saying that as much lately. You are saying "dog," "tree," and "keys" and shaking your head for yes and no. And you're fiercely independent. You even try to put on your own clothes.

You are officially walking! You're getting more and more steady on your feet. You're also using this new found movement to get into more! You're starting to climb and figure out how to get where you want to go. Recently while you were playing in your super cool piano toy from Aunt Missy, you pulled this doll stroller to you and used it to stand on and try to escape!

This is one of my favorite pictures from this month. Here you are sleeping so peacefully and soundly but this picture is actually evidence of your getting into everything you can! When we were ready for bed we checked the monitor one more time to make sure you were safe and sound and we saw that you'd filled your bed with clothes! You stood on your tiptoes in your crib and reached all the clean laundry on the bed next to yours and pulled them in the crib with you! When I went to get them out I was able to capture this sweet moment.

We got to go to a family picnic with Aunt Missy at the company where she works. You got to meet new friends and dogs, have a popsicle and popcorn, AND see fireworks. I love this picture of you and Bubbie.

We celebrated Father's Day with my family and you got to go swimming with Steve after lunch!

Here you are with Mae Mae snapping green beans (and sampling some too).

You also tried to feed Steve a green bean - or at least his picture!

And here you all are hanging out after you'd been swinging with Steve. I am so glad you're getting to know and love my parents and they are getting to know and love you.

We got to go to Jacksonville for Memorial Day! We loved getting to see Henry and his mom and friends.

 We had a lot of fun swimming in several different pools and making several trips to the beach. Suzanah took some great pictures of you on the beach. You loved the water and sand but especially LOVED watching all the people!

Here are some fancy pictures we took all dressed up.

The very next weekend after the beach we got to go to the mountains! Bubbie's cousin got married and we went and helped celebrate. We stayed in a really fun little cabin and went to the wedding which was in a beautiful field at the foot of Mt. Pisgah. It was a perfect day. Your favorite part was the music and dancing after dinner.

After the wedding Bubbie wanted to take the scenic route home on the Blue Ridge Parkway. It was gorgeous! We stopped at the top of the mountain to look and walk around. Here you are sitting and looking.

When we got closer to home we stopped at Camp Pinnacle. Mae Mae went to this camp when she was little and then worked there and I went when I was little and then I worked there. Its is a special place. Its where I made some of my very very best friends. God is everywhere and God can talk to you anytime but there are special places in this world that make us feel like God is closer and talking louder. Camp Pinnacle is one of those places. I am glad I got to introduce it to you and be there with you.

You've had an ear infection again this month and have been getting some serious teeth. We've been to the special doctor about getting tubes in your ears but he wants to wait. He thinks maybe the summer will be better for your ears than the winter was. I've enjoyed the snuggles when you haven't been feeling good - but I hate to see you not feeling your best.

You got to go to a birthday party this month! Crosby is your nursery buddy and he celebrated his birthday at a church with a super cool playground. Its the first party you've been to where you could really play on that stuff and you had a blast!

We also had fun this month with other friends. We went to Macon and stayed with Parker and Patrick and their mommy. And last weekend Sarah and Kristen came from Macon and stayed with us. You have lots of friends, kid.

Your hair is getting really long and you have so much of it. Last night we went out with Aunt Missy and I gave you pigtals. You are too stinkin' cute! We had dinner at the Japanese steakhouse and you loved watching the chef cook our food but were a little frightened of the big fire!

We've seen your mom two times this month. We're still getting ready for the meeting on July 2. There will be lots of people there who care about you and want what's best for you.

We are enjoying watching you learn and grow. You're so independent and strong. You are a gift. We love you and can't wait to see what the rest of the summer holds for us!

Love,
Meggie

Month seven!

Sweet S,
Its been seven months since you came to live with Bubbie and me! We can't believe you're already 14 months old...twice as old as when we met you!

We're still enjoying being outside with you. Eating in the yard is getting to be a regular thing.

You LOVE to dance. Your favorite music seems to be light rock...but usually any music will do. Yesterday we went to a concert in the park and you danced along with the band and even found sticks to wave like the band conductor waved.

You say "Bubbie" regularly and clearly but haven't yet mastered "Meggie." Your favorite name - and probably favorite person right now - is my dad. You call him "STEEEVVVVEEEE" and you love to see him. Every time I've buckled you in the car seat for the last week you've said "STEVE" like you're asking to see him. We do go see him often - so that's lucky for you!

You love to swing with him at his house! (Yes, the swing is hanging in the carport!)

You also say "keeeys" and "shoes."

One of the funniest things you do is make a clicking sound with your mouth when you see a dog. We're not quite sure where this comes from but it is pretty funny!

When you hear a phone ring you hold your hand up to your ear like you're answering and if you do get your hands on a phone (or remote) you hold it up and pretend to talk.

We got to celebrate Easter with you this year. We dyed eggs in shaving cream!

You had a pretty purple dress you wore to church and then a different dress with bunnies on it you wore at my parents house for our Easter meal. You also had a bunny outfit Bubbie's parents bought you. You're one well dressed kiddo. In this picture you're holding eggs we dyed together with Aunt Missy on Saturday.

Here you are with your Easter pjs and Easter "babies" as you call all stuffed animals.

And the Easter Bunny came to see you!

You found some eggs in the backyard and Steve and Aunt Beck had a photo shoot!

Not long after Easter I had to go out of town for a whole week! Bubbie (and a small army of helpers) took good care of you while I was gone. It was the first time I'd been out of town for longer than one night without you since I met you. It was hard! You got to take a bath at Steve and MaeMae's house while I was gone!

Right after that trip we went on a trip with the teenagers Bubbie and I work with in a leadership program. We went to Alabama to learn about Civil Rights. We saw some pretty cool things and met some cool people. We got to spend some time with Susan and Stacey while we were there and that good times. You loved chasing their dogs.

We also celebrated Mother's Day this month. This is the first Mother's Day I've been a mother! I am thankful for you and the other three kiddos I've gotten to care for since this foster adventure started. I am especially thankful you were with me on that day. We did think about your birth mom some and hope she had a good day. After lunch with my family at Grandmama's house we got to go swimming. The water was a little cool...but we had fun anyway! I can't wait to swim some more with you this summer!

This month we also got to go to Atlanta and see and spend some time with Aunt Audrey and Sig. You enjoyed getting to play with them and their dog Spud. Bubbie and I really appreciated this time with them!

We found out we have a special meeting on July 2 with people who will learn all about your situation and make a recommendation to a judge about what will happen. We are already thinking and praying about what will happen after that day.

We love you, Sweet Girl and are enjoying taking care of you. You bring us joy - and not just me and Bubbie - so many others! You are a gift! You are loved.

Love,
Meggie