New Years Eve...

My parents stopped by yesterday...they just had to see him...so here he is with Nana...notice football in the background!
Here is Julian and Eugene...a boy and his dog!
Well...it is almost 2008 and I have to say, I am sad to see 2007 go. It was a good year. It started out slow but once May hit...it went fast. I feel so blessed to have had this wonderful experience of adoption and would not change a thing. I sit in my living room, with me on one lap top and Jeff on another, and Julian in his swing getting ready for an early evening nap. I couldn't be happier! Here is just a few things that happened to me in 2007:



1: Traveled to Dallas...rushed home for my father's emergency surgery.

2: Started our path to private adoption...mailed out 350 letters/brouchures, and contact every attorney and OB/GYN in the area.

3: became matched with a wonderful Birth mother and waited for our daughter to be born...ie...on July 3rd we found out that it was not going to be Petra Elizabeth but JULIAN PARKER!

4: It was a very long summer waiting for the arrival of our son

5: Our son arrived with open arms...for real...he came out with his arms raised to say...tada!

6:Quit my job..only to take on another and hating it!

7:Brought our son home, had his finalization, and dedication

8: Started a new job and traveled to Boston, MA

9:Enjoyed the holiday with our new family

10:Watching my son grow everyday



So that is it in a nut shell. For all of you who are waiting...keep the faith...for what ever reason...I knew that 2007 would be our year...not sure why I felt that way...I guess I just had a feeling. SO keep the faith...it will happen! Happy New Year! See you in 2008!

Boy does he love this!

Ok...here are the pictures of Julian in his exersauser. He loves it. It is amazing how he has progressed over the last few days in this thing. He is so darn cute I can't stand it! We were watching the hockey game last night...well not really...I was watching him the whole time! THe good thing is...it makes him really tired and by the time he finishes his bottle he is already alseep. Here are 2 photos of him...enjoy!!!

He cracks me up...he gets so serious when he is playing...everything is going or he is trying to put into his mouth...but he can't...he gets so mad...I just crack up.

It is going to be a really nice next few days...Jeff is off today, tomorrow and Tuesday...like a mini vacation. Today is just going to be a family day. Doing nothing, just playing, napping and eating( the baby) we are going to watch a few movies and enjoy our time together. Jeff works so hard...with his job and with his side business of making cakes and cookies...his season is dieing down now and all the deliveries have been made. I am glad to have him home the next few days. On Monday...mom and I are going to Talbots to shop!! I love our annual Talbots shopping...big sales...LOVE IT!!! TALBOTS IS MY FAVORITE!!! I am such a loser! Anyway...I have to get my work clothes ready for Weds. Mom and Dad are taking Julian over night on Tuesday night...since they have him on Weds, we thought it would be eaiser. So that is what our plans are.

New Years Eve...is going to be a nice quite night at home with my boys. It is going to be a nice night. Hugs to all!

Advice needed...

Ok...when should I start giving Julian baby food...like carrotts and such? He has been on cereal for almost 2 months now and I think he maybe getting tired of it...if that is possible. I was just wondering. And did anyone make their own baby food. We were thinking about making our own carrotts. Just another thought! Thanks all!!!

Look what we have here...

Well...finally he is old enough to use one of our shower gifts! The Jolly Jumper! And does he like it! The only down fall is I think he is going to whack his face on the door frame so we have to move it to the Living room/Dining room entry way...it is very wide...so he won't get hurt! He is a little active boy! I looked at him and I told Jeff he looked like a glazed donut! His hands were in his mouth and well you can figure it out!

Then I got a call from a friend that had 8 huge boxes of clothes ages 0 months to 4t! So now I get to go through all these boxes!!! I love getting clothes for Julian!

Julian also got an exersaucer...he was in it 3 times today...holy cow does he love it! Of course it was the most expensive one on the market with all the bells and whistles!!! I will post a picture of that tomorrow. He was so tired tonight from playing he went to bed at 7:30pm!!! Poor baby...all tired out!

We have a busy day tomorrow...We are going to visit our friends Linda, Julie and Max. Julie was our flower girl...she is excited to see him! Then we are going to my office to get a few things...then we are home for the weekend!!!! Jeff is off Sunday, Monday, Tuesday!!!! Then it is back to work for all of us!

Christmas at Nana's house...

(thanks Michelle!)

A Very Happy Family!

Well we went to Nana's house and had a very nice time. Everyone was there...We have a very small family so it was Gram, Mom, Dad, Damon, Jeff, Julian and I. IT was very nice...nice and quite! Julian was once again...amazing! Everyone just loves him and he loves them. SO here are some pictures of our night.

This is Julian getting ready to go to Nana's and Papa's house.

Waiting to open presents...

Well, needless to say we had a wonderful day...I must add this...Julian is spending the night at Nana's and Papa's...we put him down for a little nap at 6:30pm and he was still sleeping in his crib at 9:30pm so we all decided that he should stay the night. As we were leaving Dad said...this is going to be another tradition...he sleeps at our house on Christmas night! I just love to see my parents this happy...it is so special! Hope you all had a wonderful holiday with your loved ones!

Merry Christmas!!!

It was a very busy day...he is full and now asleep!
Papa takes over...and he is still asleep!
I love his cubby toes...sorry it is blurry
A bedtime snack...he can get messy!
Christmas Morning with a few of his gifts!

Wow is all I can say! Our first christmas with Julian...what a blessing! We kicked off our holiday with Sunday at Church (The Chapel) for a wonderful service, with song, prayer and candlelight. Then we went to brunch. Mom and Dad came to church and to brunch. It was a nice day...it will be a family tradition. And I have to say that Julian was wonderful during church and bruch...no fussing or crying...amazing baby...of course I did alot of crying at church.

Monday we had Jeff's family over for dinner and dessert and presents too. (My parents come too) Julian was awake for most of the night then fell asleep in my mothers arms while she was feeding him...then Papa took over) My brother in law took pictures of the boys together, which I will post when he emails them to me. It was really cute seeing Alex (age 7) with Julian...he kept say "he so cute" It was cute!



Today, we relax at home...Jeff makes a breakfest of his favorite and Julian played with his toys while mommy set up her NEW IPOD NANO!!! YEAH!!! Later today we go to my parents and spend the rest of the day there with my brother and gramdmother. It will be a nice day...So now it is 1pm and my boys are sleeping...here are some pictures of our night last night.

Fast Friends...

Today Julian met his new friend Jacob...(Jen's son) We went to the mall together. It was the cutiest thing. Jen was hold Jake and I was holding Julian...Jake was smiling and laughing while he was looking at Julian and all Julian wanted to do was to get his hands on him! It was really sweet! The boys are only 7 weeks apart...I smell trouble! We had a great time on our outing and we are looking forward to doing it again!!!

Life is good...

My cards have been sent...my shopping isn't done yet...but I have a happy child. That is all that counts! My house will be cleaned by my cleaning lady on Friday, and Jeff's familly will be over for Christmas eve. Julian's first christmas...oh how I am looking forward to this. I started my new job...so if you know anyone who is looking for a mortgage or a home equity please let me know, or click on my website and apply on line. I can write mortgages anywhere in the US...just let me know. It will help with our 2nd adoption...shhhh... Jeff doesn't know yet...

A new little one...

has entered the world. Our friends, who we met during our adoption class..a year and a half ago, have just annouced their daughter has been born. Papers have been signed by the birth family, and now they are awaiting bringing her home. We are so thrilled for them! It is funny, there are a few of us, who had been waiting who all met around the same time last year...and now...we are all moms! Keep the faith girls who are waiting! Your time is coming!

SNOW, SNOW AND MORE SNOW! It has been snowing since this morning! I love it! I wanted to bring Julian out in it but I think it is too cold for him. So maybe next time! I think we may have turned a corner...he has taken 2 naps (he is currently on his second nap) in his CRIB!!!! YEAH!!!! So we will see how the week plays out! Have I told you I am so in love with him...I think I have...LOL...can I tell you again????!!!!

Go Bills!!!!

Holiday Pictures...

This is a picture that daddy took during a holiday photo shoot. Then we went to JC PENNY's...what a disappointment!

Hi all...well I arrived home safe yesterday and I think my flight was the last out of Boston! It was really bad when we took off...thank god we were able to leave! So I wanted to share some pictures...Julian is so much cutier in person! We will NEVER go to JC PENNY'S again! They are terrible! Jeff took better pictures and for alot less money! So here you go! I love him barefoot!

Out of Town...

Well here I sit in my hotel room after a long day of training. Training? You might ask...Training for what...my new job! I am now an official employee of Wells Fargo Home Loans and I am thrilled to announce this! So I am here in Boston, MA for a hard core 3 day training session! I mean hard core. 8am till 5pm, but today we got out at 6pm! Even longer! I am so excited to get back and use the tools that I am learning here! What a great company! As you may know...or not...I have terrible anxiety about traveling...my mind goes else where...doom and gloom...but really only when I travel...not sure why...is it because I am out of my element? Or what...not sure...but after a bad night sleep ( I sleep better at home with a 4 month old!) Every hour on the hour I would wake up...good lord I was saying...let me sleep...then the hot flash come on...the heavy breathing...the heavy chest feeling...it has all happened before...I am not having a heart attack...I am having an anxiety attack. GREAT! and it is 2am! So...I get up...panicing...what to do...so I pop my pill and lay down...hot flashes then the chills...why does this happen to me. So I start to pray to god and little Joe. That always helps. I run scenarios through my head...then I start to calm down.

I useto love to travel...then 911 hit and it has gone down hill from there. I always got anxious getting ready to come but never at night. It even happens when I travel with Jeff or my mom. It is so strange. Well since I got myself so worked up before I left (throwing up and such) I told Jeff..this is nuts! I have to see someone about this when I get home! I even have it if we are going to a party at someone's house. This is not normal! I AM NOT NORMAL! Or am I????

Chatting with some other women today...they too said they were up all night...so I guess I am normal!

I miss my baby something terrible...but I am doing this for our family! I changed jobs so I could be with him 4 days in a row and my mom can watch him on the other 3 days. And if it is a crapy day out and I don't want him to go to mom's and I want to stay home I can. SO I keep telling myself that. I am doing this for US! SO that is where I am. I have been checking the blogs, trying to keep up...we have some prayers that are going out...Close frined of mine is waiting for the birth of her adopted baby...pray everything goes well...papers are all signed and such. Praying for others who are matched or talking with a prosepctive birth mom...praying for you all! Praying for a few of my friends who are waiting their PINK in GUT. And praying for safe returns for 2 that are picking up their daughters from CHINA! SO there is alot to pray for tonight. Please let me know if I can add you to my list!

So I leave you tonight with the hopes that all your dreams come true. Keep the faith in everything you do!

4 months old...WHERE DOES THE TIME GO!?

It seems like yesterday, we were bringing him home! I can't stand that he is growing up! We went to the doctors yesterday and the big weigh in. We have been placing bets to see how big he is...ok hold on to your hats...he is 17 lbs. 12 oz and 26 inches long! He is a big boy. The doctor is not concerned at all. He is well prepositioned and she is thirlled with his growth! She wants us to start feeding him cereal 3 times a day now. We have been doing cereal for a month now, but it seems like he really loves it. So I figured I would give him cereal 2 times a day until next week...just to ween in him and then we will go to 3. He was amazing after his shots. He really wasn't cranky or crying too much. He cried when the shots were going in only because we were holding his legs down. Not fun! We got in the car and he slept for a 30 min nap and then he was up all day...laughing and talking up a storm! I had canceled lunch plans with the girls (Sorry Jodi, Jen and Becky!) THinking he would not be feeling well and he was fine! SO now we know.

I was concerned that he really doesn't nap during the day, but she said that since he is getting a solid 12 hours at night that she really isn't concerned. That makes me feel better.

I leave tomorrow for Boston. Training for my new job. I will be gone until Thursday. I am really going to miss my boys. But I have to get it over with. I will be very busy with training so I won't be thinking about him too much...yeah right! Keep thinking that!

He is such a snuggle bug! He slept on me for 2 hours this morning...he has the sweetes fast when he sleeps!

Well I will post new pictures soon!

THe best baby in town! : )

Do I have the best baby in town? Ok...in my town? Yes I think I do. This week we went to a luncheon from my garden club. Mom and I and Julian. He was the talk of the luncheon. He was just perfect. He looked all around when we got there...met some new firends and didn't cry one bit. Then we fed him his lunch, and then our lunch came...what did he do...he fell asleep for the entire lunch!!!! Then when dessert was being served he woke up and was a happy little boy. He sat on Nanna's lap and played and talked and laughed. So many women came up to us and told us how well behaved he was. I guess if I could have asked or made a list of what I would have wanted him to do that day...He did! He is amazing! He has been such a happy baby!

On Saturday he will not be so happy...his shots are due! UGH!!! and on his 4th month birthday!
How sad. So we will be home after that all day..nothing to do but take care of my boy. I will update pictures tomorrow. Hugs to all!

1st Snow!!

So last night Nanna and Papa came over...they had not seen him since Tuesday and they were on big time withdrawl! And so was he! So we had a fish fry and enjoyed spending time together. We put Julian in his sleeper for bedtime and it has snowflakes and a snowman on it. Well when we woke up this monring it was snowing...big flakes! And it has all stuck to the ground! So it is offical...his first snowfall! To mark this special occasion I have taken a picture of our sweet boy!

Here he is in his bouncey...he LOVES to have bearfeet! So everymorning I open up his sleeper and I let his toes out and he becomes a whole different baby! So I figured I would take a picture of him with his toes out! He sits in his bouncey and watches everyone and everything...it is his throne...the king of the house! LOL

When they placed you in my arms and I looked into your face, I felt our hearts melt into one ~ a miracle took place.My prayer was finally answered, though delayed, 'twas not denied ~ the pain of love unanswered, in a moment's time subsides. God's plan seemed hard to understand. The circle's now complete. He placed the heavens in my arms, so precious and so sweet. Though you grew within another, my soul and yours were one. We united in God's loving heart before life had begun. I received a priceless treasure ~ this adopted child I love.....a gift of joy and happiness to me from God above. Author Unknown

Sorry...

Hello Friends!! Sorry it has been a few days! Life got in the way! I sit here at my dining room table with my son next to me in his blue bouncey (thanks Michelle...he is almost out of it...yikes!) He has on his snowman sleeper and he is babbling up a storm. I love the mornings...maybe my favorite time of the day. Today he woke up at 7am and I fed him and put him back in his crib. After he played a bit, he fell back to sleep and woke up at 8:20am. He wakes up happy everytime. I missed him so I went in at the first sound. Normally I would let him talk a bit...he really enjoys his crib! He is making new sounds everyday! I think he will be rolling over in the next few days or week!

We went with Nanna to get our picture taken for Christmas and well...he really didn't smile but he sure did spit up! Good thing a brought a few outfits! As soon as we were done, he took a nap and then was so happy and smiling. We walked through the mall and saw the Bears and lights and listened to the music. I must admit...I hate the mall! But it was nice to spend the day with mom and Julian!

Our house is decorated for the holidays and today is a crapy day so we are just going to stay home, bond, play and take a few naps...we hope! So what I am saying is...Life couldn't get better then this could it?

I have relized something...

I am a bad blogging friend! I post all the time and haven't had a chance to catch up on my friend's blogs. So tonight, I have. I have lurked and did post some...but I am finally caught up!

We had a fun weekend. Since I quit my job, I am a SAHM for 2 weeks. I will be starting my new job as of December 10, 2007. I love that I am able to work from home and get a break from home and go to the office. I only wish I could have Julian with me everyday! But I will have 4 days home with him in a row. So I think life is going to be good! My manager is a really nice guy that I have known for 16 years. I am excited to start there.I am suprised at how many people I know there. I will post my personal website soon! So if you need a mortgage or know of someone who needs one...let me know! THe only down side is I have to go to Boston for 4 days, 3 nights...I know I will miss my boys! Julian sleeps thought the night so it is not that I am lack in the sleep department. I am bless to have a 3.5 month old baby that sleeps through the night!

Julian has discovered his toes! And I saw it for the first time when he found them! It was so darn cute. For the last few days I have been really playing with his feet. Kissing, smelling, biting and tickling them. Well today he was in his swing and all of a sudden he looked down and moved his foot and his eyes got so big...then he moved them again and he laughed. It was so cute...of course, I started to cry! What a blessing to have seen that! He is putting his hands in his mouth more and squelling more. He was a bit cranky this weekend.....I think his gums are bothering him...so I have been rubbing them and showing him how to put things in his mouth so he can bite down on the. Preferably not the ones from China! UGH!

Tomorrow is our big picture day! Mom and I are taking him to get some holiday pictures done then we are going to go to the Mall and then lunch. It should be a nice day! Hugs to all of you!

37 Years old...

This outfit is 37 years old. It was my brothers when he was small. My parents adopted my brother when he was 4 months old. That was February of 1970, so I am sure this was for the summer. I am not sure how much Damon weighed, but I know that Julian could only wear this for a short time, then I had to take it off of him...it is a wee bit small on him. But would you look at those chubby thighs!!!

Recently Julian loves to have his toes kissed. He laughs and laughs...it is so cute! Today we are trying to do a christmas photo shoot with him. We got some decent pictures but we are headed to JCPenny's on Tuesday. Should be fun! Have a great weekend!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Getting ready to go to Nana's Nana loves her Julian!
Julian and Nonni
Uncle Damon and Julian
Mommy, Daddy and Julian

Sorry for not posting the last few days...We were getting ready for Thanksgiving and decorating the house for Christmas. We wne to my parents house. We have alot to be thankful for this year. Julian has arrived, our family is now complete. No more childless holidays. Here are some pictures of our day!

I Know...I know...

SNORING WITH HIS DADDY...IT WAS ONLY 8PM! A VERY EXCITING SATURDAY NIGHT!

I missed Saturday's post. Sorry about that! We had a busy day. We went to see Nanna and Pappa and then we had the car washed (so Julian could get a good nap) then we went to Springville to pickup formula and then we came home, ate dinner and fell asleep. Hence the pictures. They were both snoring away...I just had to take a picture of them. They both had a very long day!


We bought two toys for the dogs and Eugene ate most of the one toy...then at 4 am woke us up with vometing...nice! Julian slept till 7am! We went to church...want a great service! Giving thanks to God...what an awesome god!


I am awaiting a job offer on Monday...so I am giving notice to my current job and taking it easy for December...doing so work but not much...spending time with Julian and working on Jeff's website for the Cookie Hospital...I will keep you all posted!

Don't forget to listen Star 102.5 FM...all christmas songs...Praise God! It is Sunday...AMEN!

14 weeks and he is...

Falling over...so today's photo shoot went like this...

This was the first picture of the day

Looking good...
Starting to lean....
AND HE IS DOWN!

I felt so bad...I was laughing so hard...he was not happy with me. Hope you enjoy this weeks pictures. Next weeks picture I have been thinking about for a long time...you will have to wait and see!

What is wrong with me...

I think I am losing it! Today I was on the phone with AT & T about our cell phone bill and the rep was so nice and did me a favor that I almost started to cry when I said "have a nice Holiday" WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME! I am crying to a customer service rep! It must be because my period! Yeah let's blame it on that! Holy cow! I am a mess! Hugs to all!

Holiday time...and question about sick kids

Every year I get sad around this time of the year. I always did. Even before I was married...before we TTC and IUI and our Little Joe. I am not sure why. But this year is different...I am getting so excited to see Julian with the lights and the paper...what a joy it is going to be!

So I hate crowds. And now that the weather is changing...I don't want to take him out to many places because of germs. Now I am not going to be one of those mothers who doesn't want her kid to sick, but at 3 months...come on...I DON"T want him to be sick yet! Is that so wrong? I don't want to do play groups either yet...oh boy here I go...sounding like one of those mom's! So...if you are a reader of this blog or a lurker...please post and let me know the earliest it was that your child got sick. I just want him to be healthy but I know that he needs to get sick to be healthy...does that make sense?

Well...I did the background check for the new job...just waiting for it to come back and then I should be offered the job! keep your fingers crossed and prayers coming our way. Hugs!

New Opportunity...

When one door closes another one opens...My job interview went really well today. I should know more at the end of the week to early next week. I will keep you all posted!

Julian has had 2 wonderful days! Everyday is wonderful with him but some days he is happier then others. His spitting up is mostly gone now...new formula! He is laughing and smiling more and more each day and the sounds he is making sometimes catches him off guard...it is really funny! He is napping much better during the day and that makes everyone's life so much better!

Jeff said tonight..."I love being a dad" I am so glad to hear those words. It brought a tear to my eyes...he is such a great dad and you can see it in his eyes...he loves his son!

Have a great night! God Bless

Comments...

I have been wondering if I was borning my lurkers and active on lookers. The last few posts I have not had one comment...are my topics too borning? Is it that I have been lurking on your blog and haven't posted therefore, you just lurk on mine? If so...fair enough! I know I do have to get better! This post might be deep...let's see where it takes me!

Do you ever sit in a dark room that is very quite except your breathing and maybe someone else's breathing? Maybe DH or DS/DD? Well last night after I fed Julian, Jeff fell alseep and so did Julian ( I was holding Julian) and I was listening to them breathe...oh yeah...Eugene and Libby too...and i thought to myself...how did i get here? Right here in this moment...to be surrounded by the man you love, the baby you adore and the dogs you cherish. I think back to what my father said at the end of Septemeber and he said "Remember the summer...it was the summer of Julian" We were matched on May 31...the begining of the summer...well not on the calender but you know what I mean. All summer long we waited, and waited. We swam at mom and dad's house almost ever day, had dinner and toward the end of July...we kept saying...this could be the last swim with a baby... but it wasn't...mus to our dismay. Finally he arrived in the begining of August. We had him at the pool almost every day from the time he came home to the time we closed it.

So I was trying to figure out if I remembered the time before we had Julian. Jeff feels like he has been with us forever. Everyone says...oh you will forget about the waiting...YOU NEVER FORGET ABOUT THE WAITING! All those feelings never go away...the anxiety...the waiting has only changed to...waiting for him to roll over, or cut his first tooth. I don't want to wish this time away...I wish we could keep him little forever.

I was at a sales seminar this morning and someone asked where I had been and I told them that I changed jobs, but was looking to get back into the mortgage business...like this week...and I said...that we just had a baby. They were all shocked...the comments went flying..."I didn't know you were pregnant...how was the labor...do you have pictures of him... he looks just like your husband." I just respond and say thank you... Most people don't realize he is adopted. And i don't want to start out ever conversation with ...my son is adopted...or should I? Does it really matter...he is our son. I know that there are first moms/birth mom's who read my blog and in no way am I trying to deminish the fact that he is adopted. He is our baby and we are so proud of him and to have him in our family. But he does look like my husband!

Once people find out he is adopted they have a million questions...Where did you "GET" him from? First of all...he is ADOPTED PEOPLE! We didn't GET him anywhere. Then they start asking questions like...did you meet the birth mom, what was she like...wheren't you scared she would back out...is she going to see him as he gets older...aren't you scared she is going to want to "TAKE" him back...and so on. Well I always answer with a smile on my face.

So that is my post for the day...I told you it was going to be deep. Well...maybe it will make you think, maybe it will make you mad...or maybe you will agree with what I have said. So I thank you for reading my blog and continuing to come back!

TRUST IN HIM...

So we had date night again. We are so lucky to have my parents to take the baby over night so we can do date night once a month. We went the Movies and for Dinner. For dinner we went to LeMetro in Williamsville...it was really nice. Julian did great at Nanna and Papa's...of course...he always does!

Today we went to Church...great service! Check it out at www.thechapel.com It was amazing. It was all about trusting in him...isn't that what I always say? TRUST IN HIM? I felt like he was talking about me. Wanting to have control over the adoption process and finally turning it over to god. You have to TRUST HIM...in everything you do. I will post more later this week.

Finally we went to Lewiston today. Picked up Julian after church and went for a nice long fall drive...our favorite thing to do. Julian was so good...cooing and playing and sleeping...then eating...so good! So that was our weekend. Jeff has off tomorrow, but I don't. I do have a 2nd interview for a job I am trying to get, which will give me more free time to spend with Julian, but still making decent money. Please pray my interview goes well! Hugs to all!

Long Weekends...

I love them...I really love them with Jeff has a true 3 day weekend! Plus it is DATE NIGHT weekend!!! Last night we had bible study so my MIL came over to watch Julian. I set this up with her so she would have a standing date with her grandson...and they both love it. We were getting ready to leave and Julian started to laugh so hard and make sounds he has never made before...so of course I had to get the video camera out and tape it. It was the cutest thing!

Today we are going on a car ride to the southertier and then we will drop Julian off at Nanna and Papa's house for his over night. Jeff and I are going to and early movie and dinner. I feel that it is so important to have this monthly date night...it is like we are dating all over again...remember when you would look forward to your date with your husband...what will I wear...where are we gonna go...I just love it and so does he!

On Sunday we are going to go to church. We have been on a little break since Julian was born,but we are ready to go back. Our church has this amazing section for kids and the nursery is wonderful. It is quite and dimmly lit, with rocking chairs and soft music...Kinda makes you want to stay there with him. But we won't.

So that is the plan for the weekend. It might change...it might not. We may just come home and skip the movie and dinner...who knows...all I know is I have date night with my beloved!

Hugs

Updated pictures...

So...what do you think about our son? I think he is adorable!
He is 3 months now...oh boy...look out!

3 months old today!

This was him, 2 days after he was born...the day we brought him home
This is him at his dedication...a week ago.

I never thought I would feel so complete. My husband and I are best friends, lovers, soul mates...I use to think that I could go through life, not having children and enjoying my friends kids. I had one friend who use to say "We're almost there" that was when her children were small. Once her youngest became independent they were there? I don't want to be there...and are you ever really there...and oh BTW where is there? I think when people have an easy time conceiving their children they take them for granted. They take the whole process of becoming a family and remaining a family for granted. For adoptive parents...it totally different. I had a friend email me and tell me that it wasn't her fault that we couldn't have children. WHAT? who ever said I blamed anyone for what has happened to us. I was just unlucky that way...unlucky...no...LUCKY...look at the child I have now! I couldn't have asked for any other child then him! I couldn't have asked for a more perfect child with wonderful DNA and a birth family that I thankful for. It wasn't and easy road...you can follow our journey to Julian at my other blog http://cocobeanie.blogspot.com

The last 3 months have been the most wonderful time that Jeff and I have had together. We have always been in a wonderful marriage and really didn't need children to complete it but man it sure does help! Last night Jeff was reading Julian a book...Julian was following his voice and looking at the book. What a wonderful moment! I will always treasure that. We have a great routine down for the evening and things flow so well. Jeff and I are on the same page with everything. I was feeding Julian his cereal last night and he kept looking at something, so Jeff took him so he would face me. Well I started to feed him again and all he was doing was laughing (Julian) Which made us laugh too. We both had tears in our eyes. Then it came time for his bottle...my favorite time of the day...his last bottle. He normally snuggles in and settles right down...but for some reason last night he wanted to play. He kept laughing and cooing, smiling and a nuzzle. I called Jeff upstairs and we just played and enjoyed our son. These are the moments to treasure. Not counting down to when you are "almost there"

3 months ago, today, not only did my life change forever but so did another family's life. Julian's birth family. That is a day I will never forget. When our attorney called that day...I was vacuuming the hallway upstairs...as you may remember I did alot of cleaning in July and August...I remember Jeff yelling up the stairs telling me that our attorney was on the phone...30 seconds later we were told together that Julian was born. We were to go to see in the morning. Did we sleep that night...I can't remember. We called all of our family and closest friends to share the news...our life would never be the same. During this time, we have made new friends, lost friends and reconnected with Jeff's cousin and an old friend from high school. Our relationship with God has become closer then ever before. I lean on God more now then ever. When I need to talk to someone, I talk to him. I am not one for Phony believers...that doesn't help anyone. SO if you are going to be a believer...be a true believer. OK..this is getting very heavy now... have a great day!

Life isn't always easy!

I come to realize that! God gives us challenges that we have to over come everyday...all the time...it is just a matter of us noticing them or not. I have learned not to take things for granted. I use to work at this broker shop and I always heard about this one loan officer...everyone always spoke so highly of her. Then when I made the worst career move of my life, I got to meet her. She is the nicest person I have met in a long time! I am in the process of networking for a new job. Back to the mortgage world...so anyway...she has been putting feelers out there for me and I have something in the works...so I will let everyone know.

I didn't struggle through IF, TTC and adoption to have him away from me 8 hours a day. Granted I am lucky that my parents are able to watch him 3 days a week, but I want my baby with me, as much as possible! So pray for me...Thursday at 3:30pm!!!! I need to be with my baby with flexable hours and decent pay! Pray sisters pray!!! Life is never easy...but we have to make the best of it!

2 things...

Hi all...I need prayers to go out...A friend of mine is being profiled for a baby and we need some big time prayers! Please pray that the best thing happens for all involved. Pray for all to have the strength during this process.

Second...when doing your christmas cards please add this one to you list...

A Recovering American soldier

c/o Walter Reed Army Medical Center

6900 Georgia Avenue,NW

Washington,D..C. 20307-5001

Wouldn't it be nice for our children to send a card to them, thanking them for their service? I think i am going to send a card today so that someone might get it by Veterans Day.

Why I love WNY!

Ok, so I was driving to an appointment this morning. As I was leaving the Northtowns it was bright and sunny, but in the distance you could see the dark clouds...we call them the Lake Effect clouds. If you are not from around here, Lake effect snow is never good. When the Lake (Erie or Ontario) is warm above 32 degrees and a strom rolls in...you are bound to get way more snow then if the lake was frozen over (normally in January it is frozen over) but between November and December look out! Ok, so on with my story...I was on the thruway and as I got closer to Main Street, then The Galleria Mall area...it got really crappy out! Sleet and snow...road were covered quickly...within 4 mins the weather changes! I love it here! People ask why we stay in Western New York...it is so beautiful here! The changes in the weather is the best! It is sweater season! I can't wait for Julian to experience the snow! Next winter he will ready to play in it! So that is why I love WNY!

***** RECALL NOTICE: So I went to BRU to look for the Bebe Pod Baby Seat...and I was told that they have been recalled until a warning label has been up on the back telling parents not to leave your children un attended on a table top. HELLO!!! We need a label for that? Oh well...still looking for one! If you have one, can I borrow it?

I am really sick of my job...if you know anyone looking for full time flexable sales person let me know! I hate liars...don't hire me and tell me one thing and then when I am here change things around...not cool! Hugs

A post everyday? Hummm

Ok...I am going to try this! My friend OHN is doing this on her blog, so I thought I would do the same. A post everyday for the month of Novemeber. Ok...well I missed November 1st so i will carry it over to December 1st. So here goes... Here is my daily rant!

1. Could I get anymore politicial mail???? That is the question! Who's money are they spending anyway?? If I see one more I am going to scream! I want something other then "VOTE FOR ME" in my mail box!

2. So, I called our birth mom "A" 2 weeks ago to wish her a happy birthday. Our agreement is to send letters and photos, every month for the 1st year and then 2twice a year after that. I sent her pictures in September...I heard nothing! Not even a phone call commenting on how cute he is. I mailed out photos again last month...still haven't heard anything. I have very mixed emotions about this. Do I care more about her then she does about us? Does she know that I think of her almost daily and wonder how things are going with her? I just thought she would have called...I guess I was wrong. Well I am doing everything that I should.

3. Do you pray with your children? I do...everyday on the way to my mothers, I pray with Julian. He doesn't know it yet...He thinks I am just talking to him. I pray for everyone we know, about their situation, if they are still waiting for the call to come, if they are matched and hoping for all to go well and I pray for "A" daily. I also pray for my FIL and that he gets with it at somepoint in his life and DOES THE RIGHT THING!

4. And last...I think I have a gripe with work! They are not going to be closed on Veteran's day! How can this be? We are a paper for Seniors! The majoriaty of Seniors are Veterans right? Don't you think we should honor them?

Have a great day!

I love Saturday's!

Does he look bored with all these pictures or what?
Full tummy right after dinner...
So every Saturday, I wake up before Julian and do my cores...I make sure everything is done, so my time is devoted to him...all day! Today...I am sick...I have had a sinus infection for a few days, so today I was a bit slugish. We spent the day together...laughing, cooing, smiling and snuggling...my favorite! But I had to get a few pictures of him today. I try to take a picture in the same spot every week. But since he is getting so big...I now have had to change position!So here they are...hope you enjoy!

What has happened in 12 weeks

it seems like a giant blurr! I just looked back at my old blog...I couldn't help but cry at one of the posts. Here it is:

Wednesday, August 8, 2007

Does he see...
the light at the end of the tunnel? I want to ask him that! Come on baby...Mommy and Daddy are waiting for you! Nana and Papa, Grandma Terry, Nonni and Uncle Damon are all ready. So are all your little friends and their mommy's and daddy's. Does he know we are here? Does he know what we have planned for him? Does he know how mommy cries at night longing to hold him? If he did, I think he would be here already. So If he can hear me, or if someone could tell him...we are waiting for you.

Wow...I think back to that day...it was the day he was born...it was written at 8:36am and he arrived into this wonderful world at 2:06pm. I had no idea that "A" was even in labor...I don't think she really knew either....10 mins of labor!

We were at the bank today and 4 people came up to us and commented on how lucky we are to have such a good baby. I think we are so lucky! He was so good. We were there for about an hour...what a champ! I just wanted to share that with you.

When you want to give up hope...don't it will happen...trust in him!

Spitting up and more spitting up!

Hi all...well I took Julian to the Doctor's today. I was concerned about his spitting up. But once I got there the Dr. assured me that everything is fine! Baby's spit up...that is what they do. So she suggested we change formula and keep doing the great job we are doing! I had him weighed and he is a grand total of 15 lbs and 2 oz! 24 and a half inches long! She is really pleased with his progress. He is in the 70% range. So we are feeling much better about it now. Let's hope the new formula reduces the spitting up!

Anyone for a Hot Dog????

12 weeks today...

We got the call that Julian was born...12 weeks...I can't stand how the time flys...and we are having fun! I am sick today with a cold...I hope that is all it is. Julian is with Nana and I am at work getting ready to go home sick. I have things to do at home, so I figured I would do it this afternoon and then tonight I wouldn't have to worry about it. I will post pictures later of him in is "HOT DOG" costume. hugs

New Pictures!

Dedication Day for Julian Parker

Nice that our child looks away when we want a family picture!

Proud Papa with Julian at his dedication.

Here we are with Uncle Damon

It's the Big moments...

that count! So tonight I was getting ready to give the baby a bath. He loves when I undress him...he is VERY tickalish...so tonight I was removing his onsie slowly and he started to LAUGH...I mean LAUGH out loud...no more just opening the mouth and nothing coming out! Jeff heard it in the kitchen with the water running that is how loud it was. Jeff came running in and we both looked at each other and had tears in our eyes! Man it is the big moments that makes the waiting that much easier!

Tonight we wne to Wegmans and we saw an old friend...Denise...I useto see her at parties, but since I am no longer friends with this one person, I haven't seen her. She has a friend that works at the post office who was praying for us! So when she saw us with the baby I thought she was going to die! She had no idea...(thanks alot KM) so there are still people out there praying for us who have no idea we have brought him home...all from this one little klick...yes...apparently we are still in high school! Then we saw our new friends Jen and Bob and the kids! What a great night!

I am in the middle of planning a get together with some adoptive parents and the kids! It is going to be a lot of fun! Let me know if you are in the area and are an adoptive mother! Youa re welcome to join!!

*** I want to give a shout out to our Birth mother. Today is her birthday. I know she doesn't read our blog, but I think of you everyday when I look into our son's eyes. I pray for you everyday and love you everyday. Thank you for this wonderful gift...we are so in love!

My Monday post...

I hate Monday's! Ever since we had Julian I really hate Monday's! After spending the Friday's. Saturday's and Sunday's with my Julian...It always kills me when I drop him off at my mom's. Even though I am going to get himin 6 hours...I hate it! Sometimes I think...Why is adoption so expensive? But then again...we wouldn't have Julian and I would want my life any other way! When I was little I didn't have a grandfather. That is something I always wanted. Well I am so happy that my parents are able to take him 3 days a week. It is so wonderful that Julian gets to bond with my dad. It is really cute! It makes me cry sometimes when i see them together. I know that this is something Julian would not have experienced if it wasn't for the gift of adoption. We are all blessed. I read in a magazine...someone said to this woman...is your baby adopted? and the mother replied "Yes, we are so lucky" Isn't that the truth! Amen!

Our baby dedication...

Today was a very special day for us. We had Julian's Baby Dedication. He was such a good boy! He didn't cry or fuss at all on stage. So Handsome! Then we had a big party with our family and close friends. What a journey this had been. My father said today...Remember this summer...it was the summer of waiting for Julian. What an interesting summer to say the least. Now it is all about Julian. Afterwords, I was waiting for our group to come our of the service...and so many people came up to me and just asked for a hug...they said they remembered me On Monther's day and how happy they were for us. How good is god? He is amazing! I will post pictures as soon as a I can.

Can I just tell you what an amazing sleeper this kid is at night. 9 pm to 7 am and WE had to wake him up this morning! What a gift! 30 min naps during the day..bummer but we will take the night time anytime! Yesterday he did sleep on my for 2.5 hours. Jeff was working and Julian and I were on the couch after I fed him and he fell asleep, so I figured I would pop a moive on and see how far I could get through it...Blood Diamond is a 2+ hour movie and I saw the whole thing! No interuptions...my house was clean, laundry all caught up on and I felt no guilt! What a great Saturday!

I am so in love!

Happy Wednesday!!!! Another Ah Ha Moment...

So last night I was reading this great book that a dear friend of mine told me about it is called Baby Wise. It is all about Feeding and Sleeping and how to have a happy baby. We I already have a happy baby...and he sleeps great but not a good napper...so I figured it can't hurt so lets read it. Well...HELLO People...I had my ah ha moment. When Julian naps he takes these 20-30 min. naps, we just thought he was a cat napper...well that is only because we start to play with him and "wake him up" So now...we are going to start a full blow routine...yes a routine! Since I am a working mother and my mother is a working Grandmother...this is what needs to be done and he will be better off with it. So today is the start of our new routine...I will keep you all posted!

***Attention all waiting or expecting moms...go and buy this book! It is a must...read this first!!! It is a MUST!!!!

Just when we thought we could breathe...

my brother announces he has been deployed! UGH! To Baghdad no less. I never wanted to make any political statements on here...I don't think it is the place...If you know me you know I am a republican...but vote for the best candidate...even if they are not republican. I have never been a big "fan" of the war. When my brother was first deployed I was ok...it was early in the war...thinking it would be over soon and thankfully he was only gone for almost 6 months...he missed my mom's birthday, his birthday, thanksgiving and Christmas...came home just after new years. We kept in touch via email and phone calls. We had just started to think about adoption. He works in the Civil Engineer department of the Air Force. He trains and helps out with the Chemical Warfare end of it. Needless to say he is very bright. I am sad for 2 reasons...one...he is my only brother and I don't want anything to happen to him. Two...Julian has just arrived into our family and I want him to watch him grow! I know I may sound doom and gloom, I know he will be fine...I just don't want him to go. I was never a big fan of him joining the Air Force, but it saved him for a life unknown.

I hear that there are many men and women being deployed in January 2008...do you know of any if so please comment on here for me...even if you are a lurker. I am trying to figure out what is going on here. I have heard that there is a group going from Buffalo/Niagara, South Carolina and even the 4th Bergade (sorry about spelling)...what does this all mean???? I know that in order to be safe here in the USA we NEED to be there...that is fine...I want to be SAFE...trust me...I am a mom now... a mom of a son...I see things differently now...but WE...the USA doesn't want to see another 9/11 do we? Ok...I don't want to rant on here...just my feeling.

I will keep everyone posted on when his date is posted for his leave. I knew it was coming...he told me long ago...I just didn't want to believe it...crazy sister! Hugs and Blessings

Fun Filled Weekend...

What a great weekend we had! Saturday was date night for us...dinner and movie...and we slept in until 9am! What a joy! Then today we went to Kelkenberg Farms in Akron, NY...last year we were childless and this year we have our golden boy! The ower is so nice and she remembered us! She couldn't get enough of Julian...it was really cute! So here are some pictures of our day out...pumpkin picking and a sun fulled afternoon!

Here is Daddy picking out a lot of pumpkins...and he is enjoying it!

Surrounded by all his friends...I love these gourds'