Little Piglet

FOOD!

So is this the face of someone really liking her food or what! Chicken Noodle to be exact. Today she has eaten 2 1/2 jars of 3rd food chicken and noodle and a jar of applesauce. The girl has figured it out!

I want to wish my husband a very happy anniversary. 21 years of wedded bliss:) It's hard to believe. When I came downstairs this morning he had left me a sweet card and a digital photo frame loaded with lots of pictures. Very sweet.

Ashton finished up tennis yesterday with the exception of his jubilee this weekend. He had moved up to 2nd on his beginner team and lost his singles match 5 - 1 and then won at doubles. Man that kid hates to lose.

Emma and I did our Krogering this morning and went shopping for Daddy a present. She fell asleep on the way home for 20 minutes and now has been laying in her crib for almost an hour playing. I know she is still tired but she refuses to go to sleep. We are going to the high school football game tonight and I know she will be exhausted.

I am so loving being an "old mom". She is the sweetest thing and I really am enjoying the little things. I am tired and forgetful as evidenced by my husband coming to bed last night and laying down on a wet diaper that I had left on the bed after changing her. Sorry. At least it was only wet.

Too Busy for Blogging

I have been too busy this week and decided that to best utilize my time I should not be on the computer. I have not been following many blogs or updating mine in hopes that I can get some things accomplished. I have gotten a lot done but still have a long way to go.

We have gotten a lot of the boys things moved downstairs and I have managed to get their new bathroom set up (partially). Bo has to install the shower door and put the last coat of sealant on the tile and then it's open for business.

Emma is doing very well and PTL has eaten over the last couple of days. She ate an entire jar of food yesterday and Monday. She has to decide that she will eat it and I have to dance and sing and act like an absolute idiot to get her to do so. As Dede so eloquently put it - dance puppet, dance! She is certainly pulling the strings. Whatever works. However, that whole dancing and singing might not work as well when we are in public.

She didn't sleep well last night and in turn, neither did I. She was awake at 1:45 and then had a hard time going back to sleep. She ended up in our bed and was up with the alarm at 5 a.m. Very happy, but up too early. She was evaluated by TEIS this morning and performed well. We should know her final scores and whether she qualifies for their services in few weeks.

She is really enjoying being rocked at night. Of course, that just breaks my heart:) Is there anything sweeter than a baby curled up on your shoulder sleeping? I don't think so. When I'm holding her at night and she is so snuggled up, I have a hard time thinking about her life before us. I just can't stand to think of how she never had anything or anyone that could just hold her and love her. I have also been thinking a lot about her biological parents and praying that God will some how touch their hearts and cause them to know that she is safe and loved. It's really been weighing on me lately and I just hope that somehow they "know". I just look at Emma and it's like she has always been here. I have said it so many times, but adoption is the most amazing thing.

Ashton has his final tennis match today and then his jubilee on Saturday. Brady has his final band competition on Saturday as well and I hope that it doesn't all overlap. We shall see. Boys are so weird. Their latest escapade was to "trip the rooster". One of them put a string across the drive and tied it to the camper. The other one ran the rooster toward the string, thus the rooster tripped. How do you come up with these types of things? The funny thing was Brady said to me "You know the best part, the rooster fell for it every time." I hope no animal rights people are reading my blog. No roosters were killed in this tripping escapade. He may be walking with a slight limp though.

More pics

Just playing in the grass.

Ashton and his doubles partner Kyle. They won the match.

Ashton also won his singles match.

Friday

What a sweet picture! She loved swinging and he loved swinging her.

I just love this picture. They are so sweet together.

Dede and Emma at the baby shower.

Fran and her son Fin, Angel and Mason, Emma and me.

Once upon a time there was a beautiful princess -Emma Elizabeth McGowan. Thanks Dede for the sweet decorations.

Beautifully decorated cupcakes from the House of Tidwell and her trusty assistant Ryan. Good job Ryan!

Wednesday

What a sweet little face. Isn't she adorable?

Arms crossed. No, I will not eat your food.

I will climb out of your seat if you insist on feeding me.

Just a perfect little lady.

Caught in the act of attempting to pull up on things.

Emma has been so busy this week. Yesterday she felt bad from her immunizations and ran a fever all day. I had to peel her off of me most of the day so basically she just got held a lot. I did manage to move a few things around and start attempting to organize her clothes and get the boys things moved to their rooms. Other than doing laundry I really didn't get much accomplished.

She is attempting to crawl now. She has just been pulling herself along with her arms and looking like an inch worm and over the last couple of days she is starting to really crawl. She is also showing you her ears when asked and putting her finger up her nose when asked where her nose is. Not very lady like, but very cute.

We had a shower at work today and it was very nice. I was so glad to see a couple of friends that I have not seen lately. Ann and Fran both came to the shower and that was a nice surprise. Emma got some adorable outfits, a learning toy shopping cart, a stroller (thanks girls), gift card, a UT blanket to make up for the Alabama pants she was first seen in, a cup with her initials on it, and several other things as well as cash (that always fits). Everyone did a great job with the decorations and food and we appreciated it very much.

I am wrapping it up now. It's time to get the boys and Ashton has a tennis match in Goodlettsville today. Emma has not had a nap and is attempting to type with me. She is very persistant.

TLC pays off

Emma had her second physical today and she has grown well in the past month. She had gained over a pound and grown over an inch. She is 21 lbs and 6 oz, 33.5 inches long. Her head had grown also and Dr. H was very pleased with all of it. He said it was pure brain growth and he couldn't be happier with her progress. Now, if she would just eat! We are still working on that one. She also received 4 shots and and TB skin test. She wasn't too impressed with any of that. She took a 30 minute nap on the way home and has been awake since.

The boys went back to school today and I hope that things are going well for them. They are very excited that they get to move downstairs this week. The carpet should be in today and Ashton plans on sleeping on his bean bag tonight. We will see how that turns out.

We had our shower at church this weekend and Emma got some adorable outfits. We also got several diapers, gift cards, and a tutu from Rory. Every girl needs a tutu and I can't wait to see her in it. It was a nice time together with family and friends and we appreciated it so much. We have another shower at work on Wednesday and that should be fun. I just can't wait to get Emma's room finished and get everything put away. This disorganization is driving me crazy.

We had a nice weekend. There was a fundraiser for Christian this weekend and it was a big success. Brady was excited because he won a Big and Rich t-shirt, cd, and picture at the silent auction. They raised a lot of money and I know that they appreciated the big turnout. Christian is still receiving chemotherapy and will have to have a second round. There was a match found on the bone marrow registry and hopefully that will be a success. I can't explain to you what a great family this is. Christian is such a good kid and I know they covet your prayers.

It Was Just a Matter of Time

Okay, so I knew it would happen but I was still caught off guard when it did. As I was checking out today at JCPenny the clerk asks "Is she yours or is she adopted?" I just looked at her and said, "She's mine and yes she's adopted." She became somewhat defensive. I think she just didn't know what to say. Here's a clue, when you don't know what to say then don't say anything.

At the next store the clerk is looking at Emma and going on about how cute she is and then she notices her hands. No big deal, it really doesn't bother me. She says "Oh, how did it happen?" I so desperately wanted to reply "Well, iguanas don't make good pets", but I refrained. She then proceeds to tell me "It doesn't matter, she's still so cute. She must be so special to you." Again, I had a sarcastic reply, but I thought better. I know people don't mean to sound stupid, but let's face it, they do. Enough said.

We have spent the entire day out today starting with an eye appointment for me. As I suspected, the up close, small print thing is getting worse, so we changed my contacts around to see what might happen. Next step, bifocals lenses. Can you say old? (I don't mean any disrespect to bifocal wearers at all.) We then headed to the mall and bought the boys some new jeans and things for school. My guys are getting so big.

Emma held her own all day. She is so tired this evening though. We ate at the food court and I had Chinese. She of course wanted to taste my food and then proceeded to spit it out. She is killing me with this no eating thing! We go back to the doctor on Monday and I am anxious to hear what he recommends.

Gotta run. Just had to vent about my episodes today. Maybe I was just overly sensitive, but it really rubbed me the wrong way.

Our Girl

Cookie up the nose. It's a start.

Future Basketball player?

Tennis anyone?

Tuesday

So many have asked and the answer is no. Emma has not eaten another jar of food and continues to turn her head when offered anything. She is a very determined and stubborn girl. I fear she may have more of my traits than I thought.

The boys are enjoying fall break. Sunday night they were able to stay out late after church and attend a bonfire/hot dog roast with Brian. Yesterday I put them to work around here picking up and cleaning. What is it about guys cleaning a bathroom? They are the ones that made the mess and yet it is so hard for them to clean it up. Daniel spent the night with us and Brady went home with Ryan M. Today our plans include a visit from my aunt and uncle and exchanging kids at some point. Janelle and I may have a girls night out, but that is still in the works.

We have no real plans this week and it's nice. Ashton has a tennis match on Wednesday and at some point the boys have to get flu shots. Brady doesn't want to risk having the flu again this year. I think the boy would take a shot under his fingernails after his experience with the flu last year.

Friday the guys are going fishing and I know that will be fun for them. Bo informed me that he will be off on Fridays the rest of this month as Nissan is trying to avoid lays offs right now. I know that he will enjoy the 3 day weekend, but we will miss the pay. It always comes at a bad time.

Well, that sums up our relatively boring week ahead. I am trying to get some house work done and hopefully the carpet people will be here next week and the downstairs will soon be finished! I can't wait to get everyone moved around and get Emma in to her own room. Of course I love her sleeping in our room, but she needs to have her own "space"!

Have a great day.

A Weekend Wrap Up

Too much of a good thing will get you everytime!

Momma and Emma riding the Carousel at Nissan Family Day. Emma loved it. She went strong all day.

For Momma's birthday Emma ate an entire jar of food for Daddy. She has not eaten any since. Happy Birthday to me.

Daddy thinks he is all that since she ate for him. I hate it when he gets the upper hand:)

Our handsome oldest son marching in the homecoming parade. He was too cute!

Loving my Grandmas

Giggee and Emma walking at the parade.

Loving my nanny.

Blah, Blah, Blah

Have you ever had just one of those days (or 2) that you feel just kind of blah.. I have been there for the last 24 hours or so and I can't put my finger on it. I think everything is just beginning to get to me. My house is a disaster and hopefully the downstairs remodeling will be finished in a week or so and I can get some things moved around. I've tried to overlook most of the mess, but now it's beginning to really bug me.

My 14 year old with all of his 14 year stuff that is going on! Need I say more.

My 12 year old with his 12 year old attitude and constant annoying of the 14 year old. The highlight is they will be out of school all next week for fall break. Can you say "mom may beat them" before the "break" is over?

Oh, and I turn 41 today. For some reason that number is bothering me a little. I was okay with 40, but what's the deal with 41? I know, it's just a number but the numbers seem to just be going up. Of course it beats the alternative of no numbers at all.

I am also so sick of the news and the election and all the negative stuff that's going on. I personally don't like either of our choices for President and please don't comment about that! It's my blog and I can say what I want. I am conservative and I really don't feel like either of them represent me that well. Politics - what a racket. Can you say third party?

Okay, so enough feeling sorry for myself. My little girl is doing so well. She is constantly wanting me to walk with her. She wants me to hold her little hands and walk along behind her and she steps so high that it's hilarious to watch. She also managed to put her fingers in baby food yesterday and lick them a few times. She then proceeded to wipe it on her head, but at least it's a start.

We have another busy weekend ahead. Work tonight (without Dede I might add - on my birthday I might add). Tomorrow is family day at Bo's work and we are going to that. I know it will be fun but it also means I don't get to sleep at all tomorrow. I think that is one of the things that is bringing me down and making me so tired. When I get up on Friday morning I usually don't get to sleep again until Saturday night and I think it's catching up with me. Another sign of getting older:)

I hope that everyone has a great weekend.

Not a Fun Morning

Poor Emma had her first blood draw experience this morning and let's just say, it wasn't a positive one. I was very disappointed with the lab tech that was attempting to draw her blood. I managed to keep my cool, but as a nurse, I was ready to blow! She was insistent that I hold Emma in a sitting position and that she hold her arm and draw the blood. Well, let's just say that is not the best position for a little girl who can bend like a pretzel and I had a death grip on her. After the first attempt, the lady did let Dede help hold Emma's arm, but that was a no go as well. She managed to draw the blood, but I suspect it wasn't enough. She needed 4 tubes of blood and only got approximately 1cc in each tube. I can say that if it wasn't enough, we are not going back to that lab to have the blood drawn. I don't claim to be a phlebotomist , but I have stuck many kids and done much better than she did. It was a very frustrating morning and poor Emma screamed, cried, and looked at me with that pitiful look that was asking "Why are you letting her do this to me?" Not fun. Thanks to Dede for going along for the ride:)

Emma is otherwise doing great. She wants to walk so badly. She is very impressed with herself taking very high steps and is convinced she should be able to walk sideways like a crab. Too funny. She also managed to lick a graham cracker cookie yesterday 4 times. After the 4th time she looked at me with such a funny look. It was like "Wait a minute, I'm not supposed to be doing this - you might expect me to actually eat!" I'm going to try her again this afternoon and see if she does it again.

The celebration service on Sunday night was very nice. I had a lot of friends from work there and that meant a lot. (Especially you Brenda:) I wasn't that nervous and just read what I had prepared. Brian did a fabulous job on the video he prepared and I'm pretty sure there wasn't a dry eye in the house.

I went to visit Christian while at Vandy today and he was having a very hard day. His dad, John, said he had a hard night and didn't sleep. He is receiving chemotherapy everyday for 35 days, so there is no time for him to recover from the previous round. Please lift this family up in prayer. They are the most amazing folks and they are having such a hard time right now.

Mischief

Yes, that is an ink pen and she is next to the leather couch. Fortunately, she has not mastered writing on things yet but I have a feeling it's just a matter of time.

Writing a letter

Emma decided she wanted to write a letter. She is doing a great job holding her ink pen.

Emma and her spoon

Let's just say, where there is a will, there is a way! This girl is so determined. I love it.

Week in Review

Okay, so I'm falling down on the job of blogging. It's hard to find the time and I hate having such a slow process of uploading pictures which is why there are so few. I have some great ones coming of Emma holding a serving spoon and an ink pen. She is really doing well using her hands and gripping what she wants. It's amazing! She just wraps her little pinkie around it and holds on.

Other Emma firsts for the week include her finally falling asleep in the car seat twice this week. She went shopping with Camden and Rory and did great! Camden was such a helper with her yesterday and she loved it. She sat on the grass while at Ashton's tennis match and she wasn't too sure about it. She didn't like it touching her legs! Such a girl. Things that remain on the "to do" list: eating food!! Driving me crazy. I think she is doing it on purpose:) Again, such a girl.

She had her screening by the TEIS this morning and they will be doing further evaluation in the next few weeks. She certainly qualifies for P.T. and O.T. and I think it will be very beneficial. She seems to have a very independent way about her! I love watching her grow and the things she is learning everyday.

October 1st was not a good day around here. It was amazing to me that it had been a month since Gotcha Day. I can't believe that. Our church family received horrible news that one of our teens was diagnosed with Leukemia. It was such a blow for all of us and we are all hurting for him and his family. They are such a precious family and Christian is an amazing kid. He started chemo yesterday and will have a long term treatment plan. Please pray for this family. They are the greatest people and have so much on them right now.

Brady and Ashton have been taking Christian's diagnosis pretty hard. There were a lot of questions from Ashton that evening and again this morning we discussed it. They boys just can't understand why God has allowed Christian to have cancer and I have tried to explain to them that God isn't "picking" on Christian. Brady surprised me with a statement that brought tears to my eyes. He said "maybe God let Christian have cancer because he knows he can handle it." Christian is a young man with a very strong faith and I commented to the boys that you don't have to be old to get sick and have serious health issues and that the important thing is to always know that you are a Christian and that you are ready to go to heaven. I made a blanket statement to them and myself and said "how would we handle it if it was us?" I don't know exactly and pray that I am not tested with that, but I believe that Christian will overcome this diagnosis and God will get the glory from it all.

A very busy weekend ahead, imagine that. Brady has another band competition tomorrow in Pulaski. Can they travel any farther? We are going to try to make that. We are planning on taking Emma to church on Sunday and then we are having a celebration service Sunday night to celebrate her being home. Please pray for me because I don't do well speaking in front of people and I am trying to get my thoughts together and hope to share our experience with our church family. Adoption has become so important to us and I would love to be able to share that with others.

I am back at work again tonight and didn't get a nap today. The phone rang several times and by the time I was almost asleep, Emma was awake. Having a little one really changes things!

Our Tennis Pro

Ashton won his first 2 matches on Wednesday. He played singles and doubles and "dominated" according to him.

I'm a Blog Slacker!!

She has finally figured it out! You can sleep in a carseat!

Emma's first time sitting in grass. I don't think she was too impressed.