Trunk or Treat

This afternoon we attended the annual Trunk or Treat event at our church, Ethan went dressed as Elvis, of course, how could we not use that hair in costume?  We were so glad that we snapped some photos before we left, since he fell asleep in his carseat before we got out of our driveway, and slept in his stroller during the first hour... Gam Gam, Pop Pop, and aunt Teresa were in town for the big day, so he refused to nap during their visit.  However, after his stroller cat nap, he awoke happy and excited to be outdoors on such a beautiful day.  Enjoy a few of the pics of the day...

All that work getting my hair and outfit ready wore me out!!!

But, skipping my nap was worth visiting with Pop Pop, Gam Gam and aunt Teresa!!
(ps, check out my "blue suede shoes)

We were so glad that Frances came and brought her mommy and daddy and cousins!

Not sure who was more exhausted at the end, us or Ethan...

Ok, so these pics aren't from today, they are from last weekend, but they were too cute not to share...

Roll Tide!!

5 months old!!!

Well, in the 2 weeks since our last post, quite a bit has happened.  Ethan turned 5 months old last Tuesday, and had 2 new bottom teeth show up the next day.  He has also started sitting for brief periods, is pushing up on his arms on his tummy, loves his exersaucer, and has gotten really good at eating baby food.  We think he has also gained a few pounds and inches... our scales have him weighing in at 21 lbs, and we think he is about 28 inches long, although, measuring this wiggler is not easy!!  Here are a few of our favorite pics from the past few weeks...

"the tongue face"

I think I am so big in my exersaucer!

In my size 12 month Halloween pjs from Gam Gam

Like Mommy, I LOVE oatmeal!!

 



Of course, they actually haven't found a food I don't like...
Peaches, carrots, pears, apples, bananas, sweet potatoes, YUM

Roll Tide!

These next few are from last Tuesday, his 5 month bday..

I am smiling at Milli, I love that dog!!

In my "skinny" jeans, that really aren't supposed to be skinny jeans...

These were taken yesterday after church at Saint Mark's "Pumpkin Patch"

We are looking forward to Trunk or Treat coming up on the 30th, when Ethan will debut his Elvis costume!  In the mean time, we are enjoying every day with him, as his fun personality continues to develop and as he coos and blows bubbles, and drools and drools and drools!  We love him so much, and feel so blessed to be his mommy and daddy!!!

Special Day

We celebrated Ethan's infant baptism yesterday at church with so many of our family and friends.  It was such a special day!  We felt God's presence definitely in the sweet service, but also with us as we prepared for and throughout the day "in the details."  Things went so smoothly, schedule-wise for Ethan, much better than we'd even hoped (isn't that the case with God's timing), and he did great during the service.  As Don, our pastor, carried him down the aisle to introduce him to the church family, Ethan was as alert as could be, as if he was ready to meet them all!  We were so pleased that so many of our family members and friends were able to join us for this special day, and we truly appreciate their efforts to get here and the sacrifice of their day to share in ours!  Here are a few pictures from the day.





Ethan's entourage!!

So, it's been a whirlwind around here in the few weeks since our last post. Here's a brief recap: Ethan turned 4 months old; Tropical Storm Lee blew threw, knocking out our power for several days; we had a bit of cold weather, so Ethan got to wear pants for the 1st time; Ethan went to his 1st Respite Care at our church; Ethan was introduced to Alabama football; we took Ethan on his first trip to Florence to see Nana and Bob, and to attend Sarahann's show choir performance; and he rolled over from his stomach to his back 3 times today (none caught on camera:() Here are a few pics from the past few weeks...

Jeans!!!!

More pants!

Roll Tide!



1st football game with Daddy



He really liked the show (and Sarahann's outfit!)

Cute smiles before bedtime.

With each day that passes, we are more and more amazed at what a blessing Ethan is in our lives.  So many people who meet Ethan remark, "he's such a good baby."  That is true, in so many ways, his sweet spirit, his easy-going nature, and his adorable smiles.  We are just so humbled and thankful that God has chosen us to be his parents, and Ethan to be our child.  It is so clear that God's plan for our life, was so so much better than we ever dreamed.  Ethan truly is "worth the wait."  Thanks be to God!

What a Week!

So many things have happened since the last post... Ethan had a trial run at Mrs. Kristin, the babysitter's last Friday, which was really more for me than him.  I went back to work on Tuesday, which actually involved an overnight staff retreat, and a total of about 32 hours of not seeing Ethan, but we both survived thanks to Daddy and Mrs. Kristin. 

Today was a BIG day for all of us, it was our final court date where we received the official adoption decree, so Ethan is now officially our son on paper; he's been our son in our hearts since February when we first heard about the possibility of him.  God is so good, and we are so glad this day is finally here, no more adoption "duties" hanging over our heads.  We are so truly thankful that God chose us to be his parents and him to be our baby boy. 

We completed the day with a pediatrician visit, where our healthy boy weighed in at 17 lbs., 3 oz and was 26 1/2 inches long, putting him in the 97 percentile in both categories.  So he is big, but proportional; the front office staff accused him of being a six month old!  He also got 4 more shots, but was a trooper and calmed easily afterwards and fell asleep for a long nap.   Ethan continues to bring us joy each day, and we feel so blessed beyond measure by his sweet spirit and easy temperament.

Here are a few pictures from the week:



My new trick from last Friday

Crazy hair for Mommy's 1st day back to work

Sweet baby boy



My fancy 9 month outfit that will barely snap...



Had to wear my tie onesie for court today!

My picture with Judge Fuhrmeister

I had a good grip on the Judge's robe

What a day...

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for wholeness and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."  Jeremiah 29:11

Thanks be to God!