tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55810195357011930612024-03-13T09:10:53.028-04:00Our Family Building AdventureKierstinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07621515303897842138noreply@blogger.comBlogger80125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581019535701193061.post-68879887128473713332013-07-23T23:49:00.002-04:002013-07-23T23:49:57.896-04:00Soooooooooooooooo OverdueThis post is sooooooooooo over due. Ugh. I can't keep up! I think about this blog at the strangest most inopportune times-- like now at 11:27pm on Tuesday night. But hey why not put a lil post up on the latest doings in our home!<br />
Since the last post the following has happened:<br />
1) Luke turned 7 years old<br />
2) I turned 40 and Chris & I swam with the dolphins for my birthday! <br />
3) Jenna turned 1 year old<br />
4) Zack graduated from Pre-K <br />
5) We had a nice visit with Kaycee's Tummy Mommy at a park<br />
6) Texts and photo books sent to Jenna's birth family-- her birth mom has a new job so not sure when we will see her next-- waiting on her to let us know...<br />
7) I took 6 weeks off this summer to spend with the kids-- crazy, chaotic, exhausting and fun!! <br />
8) I accepted a new job with the school system as an Occupational Therapist and will begin 2 weeks from today! Very excited to be on the kids schedule but nervous about working full time-- I haven't really done that since Luke was born!<br />
9) We enjoyed some beach time<br />
10) I coached Zack's tee ball team-- due to lack of volunteer coaches... <br />
9) We took a wonderful vacation to GA and TN<br />
<br />
Here's some pics documenting it all...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hdV9_tNbUVA/Ue9OHvGPieI/AAAAAAAAB44/5ZBrXNAg4Ro/s1600/IMG_5978.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hdV9_tNbUVA/Ue9OHvGPieI/AAAAAAAAB44/5ZBrXNAg4Ro/s320/IMG_5978.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o3JNo8fLokM/Ue9MKbUojxI/AAAAAAAAB4M/t5hT0DAjv6A/s1600/DSC03092-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o3JNo8fLokM/Ue9MKbUojxI/AAAAAAAAB4M/t5hT0DAjv6A/s320/DSC03092-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--ajmcioI2do/Ue9MVlOqoII/AAAAAAAAB4U/S2x1-yrMq4Q/s1600/DSC02870-2_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--ajmcioI2do/Ue9MVlOqoII/AAAAAAAAB4U/S2x1-yrMq4Q/s320/DSC02870-2_2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-51RRb3vSLMg/Ue9MpHiGQJI/AAAAAAAAB4c/pDNr11uQsx4/s1600/IMG_6374.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-51RRb3vSLMg/Ue9MpHiGQJI/AAAAAAAAB4c/pDNr11uQsx4/s320/IMG_6374.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o7SEW2NTv1M/Ue9Ms4_oDcI/AAAAAAAAB4s/6nA0aTSzlfk/s1600/IMG_6551.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o7SEW2NTv1M/Ue9Ms4_oDcI/AAAAAAAAB4s/6nA0aTSzlfk/s320/IMG_6551.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tVbwWwa5lOY/Ue9MrciRuMI/AAAAAAAAB4k/TEv9aKn4PS0/s1600/IMG_6710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tVbwWwa5lOY/Ue9MrciRuMI/AAAAAAAAB4k/TEv9aKn4PS0/s320/IMG_6710.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Ok I'll try to be better...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />Kierstinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07621515303897842138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581019535701193061.post-61184283738374764592013-03-19T13:34:00.000-04:002013-03-19T13:34:44.451-04:00PassionsThese past couple months have been so busy and exciting and amazingly fulfilling and oh exhausting too. But that is what life is about right?! So I wanted to post today about several things that have been getting my blood stirring and me pumped up the past 2 months. These are in no particular order really....<br />
<br />
1) <u>Take Shape for Life</u>-- I started this weight loss plan the end of October and by the middle of January I had lost 20 pounds. I LOVE it! It is sooooo great for my busy life style-- no counting points, carbs or calories. I am so happy with my weight loss and feel so great that I have decided to "pay it forward" and am now a Health Coach. I even have my own website! <a href="http://www.ifeelgood.tsfl.com/">www.Ifeelgood.tsfl.com </a>Several of my friends have started on program the past month and I'm loving watching them get healthy!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xuSMPsUeeGQ/UUiZ4yx7gII/AAAAAAAABlc/c3IpTNMInwI/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xuSMPsUeeGQ/UUiZ4yx7gII/AAAAAAAABlc/c3IpTNMInwI/s200/photo.JPG" width="200" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WigxtRePums/UUiZ4uetmhI/AAAAAAAABlk/KbrQ6CrmjfA/s1600/photo-1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WigxtRePums/UUiZ4uetmhI/AAAAAAAABlk/KbrQ6CrmjfA/s200/photo-1.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
2) <a href="http://youtu.be/d36BkQRfkb0"><u>Empowered to Connect </u></a>-- I went to the Empowered to Connect conference in Orlando in February and it was incredible. I have read lots of parenting books and watched parenting videos but this was by far my favorite. It is for kids 'from hard places." Well I don't think my kids are from hard places but they even talked about babies adopted from birth having higher Seratonin (fight-flight responders) because of thes stress their birth mothers were under while they were pregnant and making their adoption plans. Honestly, the course was best for my 2nd son Zack. He came in this world 12 weeks early and spent his first 9 weeks of life in the NICU. He is my "spirited child." The techniques from this course have helped me dramatically with him. Honestly, it is hands down the best parenting course ever. One of the best things I love about it is that it is also Faith Based. Love that. For more info check out: <a href="http://empoweredtoconnect.org/resources">http://empoweredtoconnect.org/resources</a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
3) <a href="http://createdforcare.org/">Created for Care</a> -- I went to this retreat <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">that <span style="font-size: small;">was </span></span>created for moms who share the spirit of adoption last year<span style="font-size: small;"> and it was wonderful! This year I recruited several local friends to join me and <span style="font-size: small;">we even went a day earl<span style="font-size: small;">ier to be able to relax and connect. It was awesome once again. I love being with 450 <span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Christian moms who have adopted children or are waiting for their <span style="font-size: small;">child to be matched or com<span style="font-size: small;">e home. We all "get it." The passion for adoption and the love of God in the conference room and small workshops is just incredible. T<span style="font-size: small;">his year<span style="font-size: small;">'s theme was "LOVE BIG." I LOVE t<span style="font-size: small;">hat! Especially after coming off of the Empowered to connect conference just a few week<span style="font-size: small;">s earlier which focuses on Trust Based parenting. <span style="font-size: small;">The thing that stuck in my head the most was when <span style="font-size: small;">Andr<span style="font-size: small;">ea (the driving force behind these conferences) sai<span style="font-size: small;">d "We <span style="font-size: small;">gotta pour the love in-- pour the love in-- pour the love in..." and when she said "He's got this." God does have this. He sure does. Trust <span style="font-size: small;">Him. He's got this.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Yep.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">4)<a href="http://amzn.com/1400204666"> Desperate- Hope <span style="font-size: small;">f</span>or <span style="font-size: small;">t</span>he Mom who needs to Breathe:</a><span style="font-size: small;"> </span>This book is <span style="font-size: small;">one I <span style="font-size: small;">am reading with my G<span style="font-size: small;">irls Prayer Group and with my Sister-in-laws. It is fantastic to affirm tha<span style="font-size: small;">t motherhood is challenging and tiring and tough and awesome and rewarding and incredible. This book was written for women to read and share with each other so that we don't do motherhood alone. So we call on God and trust Him (I'<span style="font-size: small;">m sensing a theme here). <span style="font-size: small;">So that we reach out to one another for support and help hold each other up</span></span></span></span></span></span>. I've only read the first four <span style="font-size: small;">chapters but so far its awesome.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">So that's what I've been most passionate about this past 6 weeks... Phew. I love being a mom. I love<span style="font-size: small;"> God. I love my husband. I love my kids. I love my f<span style="font-size: small;">amily. I love my friends<span style="font-size: small;">. I am one blessed girl.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">Have a Blessed Ea<span style="font-size: small;">ster!</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v_6Z-YiNlks/UUihTbBN91I/AAAAAAAABls/CohUty1sWSE/s1600/real-easter-bunnies-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v_6Z-YiNlks/UUihTbBN91I/AAAAAAAABls/CohUty1sWSE/s640/real-easter-bunnies-1.jpg" width="409" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span> </span></span></span></span> </span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></div>
<br />
Kierstinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07621515303897842138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581019535701193061.post-85195976928412896562013-02-04T16:23:00.001-05:002013-02-04T23:23:56.783-05:00Family<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-HSlvsVANEUE/URAm092S90I/AAAAAAAABjE/K-Yr1xHJ2-g/s640/blogger-image-318919494.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-HSlvsVANEUE/URAm092S90I/AAAAAAAABjE/K-Yr1xHJ2-g/s400/blogger-image-318919494.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Phew. It's been a busy couple of months! I have been meaning to write a hundred times and then have something else to do. My goal is to write once a month starting now. ;)<br />
December and January were awesome!<br />
<br />
We spent lots of time with our families. We were blessed to spent time with Kaycee's Birthmom and her son around Christmas. Jeremiah is 8 months old and a sweetie.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-_3xJ32Ft2UI/URAm4Re3QWI/AAAAAAAABjU/QYehWHb86CI/s640/blogger-image-90758980.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-_3xJ32Ft2UI/URAm4Re3QWI/AAAAAAAABjU/QYehWHb86CI/s320/blogger-image-90758980.jpg" width="240" /></a><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s9JKZf-BgZI/URAmy-gLBXI/AAAAAAAABi8/ToI-8fFxU2Y/s640/blogger-image-1435711531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-s9JKZf-BgZI/URAmy-gLBXI/AAAAAAAABi8/ToI-8fFxU2Y/s200/blogger-image-1435711531.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
We also had my brothers and sister in law in town along with my parents for the Christmas holiday. I hired a photographer to take pictures of us all to document the occasion.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-rHUkpJ8iNeA/URAm6J3Pr-I/AAAAAAAABjc/ZXUDqgZ1R08/s640/blogger-image-812357860.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-rHUkpJ8iNeA/URAm6J3Pr-I/AAAAAAAABjc/ZXUDqgZ1R08/s400/blogger-image-812357860.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
In January, we went to Jacksonville to visit with Jenna's Birthmom and her son and daughter. We love spending time with them also!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-xfMNkU5S0v8/URCIsGrneJI/AAAAAAAABkY/0i_ZFfjOIOc/s640/blogger-image--712009181.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-xfMNkU5S0v8/URCIsGrneJI/AAAAAAAABkY/0i_ZFfjOIOc/s320/blogger-image--712009181.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
We feel so blessed to have open adoptions with both of our girls. I know they don't understand any of it yet but our boys understand and it's neat how they just roll with it. No questions -- all just matter of fact. Kaycee and Jenna grew in their Birthmom's tummies and were placed by God in our family. Luke and Zack grew in my tummy and were placed by God in our family. It's neat how they are cool with it all and haven't questioned. We will always be open to questions and we talk openly about adoption in our home but for now it's no big deal.<br />
<br />
<br />
Dictionary.com defines family as:<br />
family[ fam-uh-lee, fam-lee ]<br />
noun<br />
1. a social unit consisting of one or more adults together with the children they care for: a single-parent family.<br />
2. the children of one person or one couple collectively: We want a large family.<br />
3. the spouse and children of one person: We're taking the family on vacation next week.<br />
<br />
I like this better than Webster or Wikipedia.<br />
<br />
This article is all over my FB news feed right now... <br />
<div class="pagetitle">
<a href="http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/headlines/2013/02/michael-oher-adopted-family-celebrate-super-bowl-victory/?fb_action_ids=4972339479440&fb_action_types=og.likes&fb_ref=.URBuidrpwsB.like&fb_source=other_multiline&action_object_map={%224972339479440%22%3A211221875682450}&action_type_map={%224972339479440%22%3A%22og.likes%22}&action_ref_map={%224972339479440%22%3A%22.URBuidrpwsB.like%22}">Michael Oher, Adopted Family Celebrate Super Bowl Victory</a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[67].[1][2][1]{comment4972339479440_4963377}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[67].[1][2][1]{comment4972339479440_4963377}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[67].[1][2][1]{comment4972339479440_4963377}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]">Leigh Ann Tuohy is quoted...<b> </b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id=".reactRoot[67].[1][2][1]{comment4972339479440_4963377}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2]"><span class="UFICommentBody" id=".reactRoot[67].[1][2][1]{comment4972339479440_4963377}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0"><span id=".reactRoot[67].[1][2][1]{comment4972339479440_4963377}.0.[1].0.[1].0.[0].[0][2].0.[0]"><b>Families don’t have to match,” she said. “You don’t have to look like someone else to love them. There are wonderful kids all over this country who need a forever family. And we believe there are no unwanted kids, just unfound families.”</b></span></span></span><b> </b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br />
</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br />
</b></div>
Family to me is made of love- God's love. I am blessed to have such an awesome family.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-gKslVFMIzFA/URCIqa3IH3I/AAAAAAAABkQ/P-lF7tBqHdY/s640/blogger-image-2118839935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-gKslVFMIzFA/URCIqa3IH3I/AAAAAAAABkQ/P-lF7tBqHdY/s640/blogger-image-2118839935.jpg" /></a></div>
Kierstinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07621515303897842138noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581019535701193061.post-5088978613426220482012-12-05T21:34:00.004-05:002012-12-05T22:08:17.687-05:002012 Christmas Letter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BZaYMQDE73k/UL6qWb4syGI/AAAAAAAAA68/LiXQYq1ln5U/s1600/Weber-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BZaYMQDE73k/UL6qWb4syGI/AAAAAAAAA68/LiXQYq1ln5U/s400/Weber-2.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: #990000;">Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from our fun loving family!!</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Most of our friends and family follow us on Facebook or through this blog but I always like to write an end of the year letter. Our biggest news for 2012 was, of course, when God brought our sweet Jenna Marie into our family. You can read the story of how she came to us in our posts on this blog in June. She is truly another gift from God!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7VwTV1AehTg/UL_xVE0bbTI/AAAAAAAABHM/a-HuPzfHVJ8/s1600/Weber-21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7VwTV1AehTg/UL_xVE0bbTI/AAAAAAAABHM/a-HuPzfHVJ8/s320/Weber-21.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-emf2eRCIQ1k/UL_7n0t02qI/AAAAAAAABOQ/LVnKsLtZBtQ/s1600/download-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-emf2eRCIQ1k/UL_7n0t02qI/AAAAAAAABOQ/LVnKsLtZBtQ/s320/download-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XVZw7_tNYRU/UL_42AdAYrI/AAAAAAAABJA/X0ZwF3HKzL0/s1600/IMG_4722.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XVZw7_tNYRU/UL_42AdAYrI/AAAAAAAABJA/X0ZwF3HKzL0/s320/IMG_4722.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Jenna loves to smile and just goes with the busy flow of our family. She doesn't ever fuss when her brothers or sister grab her for "just one more kiss." I often think it looks like they are squeezing her too hard but she just smiles at them! Jenna was born May 7th and became part of our family on June 21st. We can't imagine life without her!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-goXlEfiw9kA/UL_7ljiHLII/AAAAAAAABOE/eSqNoyyY6Pg/s1600/download-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-goXlEfiw9kA/UL_7ljiHLII/AAAAAAAABOE/eSqNoyyY6Pg/s320/download-1.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iRQWEG2RO1g/UL_7pNk81xI/AAAAAAAABOY/4Tt1QjP7NCc/s1600/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iRQWEG2RO1g/UL_7pNk81xI/AAAAAAAABOY/4Tt1QjP7NCc/s320/download.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Luke is 6 1/2 and in the first grade this year. This is such a cool year and I had no idea it would be!!! It's like magic!! My son can read!! I mean really read!! This is so very exciting!! He enjoys it and I love watching/hearing him read to us. He played t-ball in the spring and soccer this fall. I had the honor of being his coach which was a little nerve wracking but so fun with all the 5-6 year olds!! He loves Legos especially the Ninjago series and is very creative with drawing and building!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mr3BYNcMBn8/UL_zhoeKbNI/AAAAAAAABIE/vGCwflu_vlg/s1600/IMG_2744.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Mr3BYNcMBn8/UL_zhoeKbNI/AAAAAAAABIE/vGCwflu_vlg/s320/IMG_2744.JPG" width="212" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q0-a_gDbDKM/UL_zG455tII/AAAAAAAABH8/K6dlZyFMwAU/s1600/IMG_2343.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q0-a_gDbDKM/UL_zG455tII/AAAAAAAABH8/K6dlZyFMwAU/s320/IMG_2343.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Zack turned 5 in September and is in Pre-K. He loves looking at books and playing with Legos. He swam like a fish this summer and enjoys pretending to be a pirate. His imagination cracks us up! He also learned how to ride his bike this summer!! We were so proud!! Zack is looking forward to starting t-ball this spring!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9U3HDyI1B9c/UMACU6_eluI/AAAAAAAABX8/t1vp2uPmm3I/s1600/9169E66D-6E60-4C58-95EE-64A83D796F8F.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9U3HDyI1B9c/UMACU6_eluI/AAAAAAAABX8/t1vp2uPmm3I/s320/9169E66D-6E60-4C58-95EE-64A83D796F8F.JPG" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jedXfcC3sRM/UL_-hrwSZGI/AAAAAAAABTU/tIN5YJkq-j8/s1600/IMG_3082.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jedXfcC3sRM/UL_-hrwSZGI/AAAAAAAABTU/tIN5YJkq-j8/s320/IMG_3082.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Our sweet Kaycee turned 2 in October! She is sassy and funny and loves to sing and dance! She learned how to swim this summer! She was not afraid of the water
so we enrolled her in infant swim classes and she did awesome!! She adores her big brothers and her baby sister. She and Jenna share a room and she is always checking in on her! Since Jenna came home Kaycee has been very fond of her dolls. Prior to that it was all dinosaurs! It's cute to watch her imitate us with her babies-- changing their diapers and patting their backs. Luke thinks Kaycee will be a famous singer one day! We love her singing but wish she didn't do it so loud at 2 or 3 am! I guess it's better than crying though...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9-3A_F_AYWE/UL_wUmGiRzI/AAAAAAAABGw/4jRDGpaTfH4/s1600/IMG_3119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9-3A_F_AYWE/UL_wUmGiRzI/AAAAAAAABGw/4jRDGpaTfH4/s320/IMG_3119.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-prKCH0QeW9M/UMADhnyXN1I/AAAAAAAABbQ/-4bwnzrnHkA/s1600/6489D340-FB69-4170-93D7-B80909D813FD.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-prKCH0QeW9M/UMADhnyXN1I/AAAAAAAABbQ/-4bwnzrnHkA/s320/6489D340-FB69-4170-93D7-B80909D813FD.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
Chris continues to enjoy his Physical Therapy job at Freedom Pointe (a skilled nursing rehab) in the Villages. He goes mountain biking once a week with the guys and does 2 weekend get-away biking trips a year as well. Chris has taken the boys tent camping several times this year. Luke and Zack love going camping with Daddy!! He is an awesome father and husband!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NaAzTu8NowE/UMAAFSRaULI/AAAAAAAABTc/iKPRJMMbOPQ/s1600/Weber-35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NaAzTu8NowE/UMAAFSRaULI/AAAAAAAABTc/iKPRJMMbOPQ/s320/Weber-35.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NxRnnngx9lQ/UL_0cie1bmI/AAAAAAAABIM/lZMV0V8TvMM/s1600/Weber-37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NxRnnngx9lQ/UL_0cie1bmI/AAAAAAAABIM/lZMV0V8TvMM/s320/Weber-37.jpg" width="213" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wITDmzgAApk/UMABATOH5hI/AAAAAAAABUc/U8w95ZeDuQY/s1600/Weber-36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wITDmzgAApk/UMABATOH5hI/AAAAAAAABUc/U8w95ZeDuQY/s320/Weber-36.jpg" width="213" /></a><br />
<br />
I was fortunate to take 3 months off work when Jenna joined our family. Unfortunately with "PRN" work they don't always save your spot when you leave. A sacrifice I was willing to make. Since September, I have been adjusting to piecing together home health and acute care therapy. It's working for now but I've been toying around the idea of getting a steady full time job. Still not so sure about that though... I love being a mom and having a day or two off a week to spend with the kids. <br />
I have had great fun building more friendships with the adoption community locally and nationally this year. I attended an incredible conference last March for adoptive moms and can't wait to go again this spring! I still love my Monday night meditation meetings too. Nothing better than sitting in silence for an hour. It's the only time I do that all week and gives me peace and serenity!<br />
<br />
So that's our scoop for 2012!! We pray that you have had a blessed year and wish you well in the New Year! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iByO_FiMEjw/UL_4jjA568I/AAAAAAAABI0/BwVi6U_NYWQ/s1600/Weber-33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iByO_FiMEjw/UL_4jjA568I/AAAAAAAABI0/BwVi6U_NYWQ/s400/Weber-33.jpg" width="265" /> </a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #274e13;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>With Love,</b></span></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #274e13;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>The Weber Family</b></span></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Chris, Kierstin, Luke (6 1/2), Zack (5), Kaycee (2) and Jenna (7 months) </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sMPQQEP2liE/UMALPfcFIWI/AAAAAAAABhA/myOKg-holFI/s1600/Weber-29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sMPQQEP2liE/UMALPfcFIWI/AAAAAAAABhA/myOKg-holFI/s400/Weber-29.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span id="goog_462346595"></span><span id="goog_462346596"></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Kierstinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07621515303897842138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581019535701193061.post-30714616358730129622012-11-14T21:10:00.003-05:002012-11-14T21:10:44.379-05:002012 Adoption Blogger Interview Project<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wO9pZpK0iyM/UKROdSsw19I/AAAAAAAAA6U/Y7RUsy6OINU/s1600/abip-12.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wO9pZpK0iyM/UKROdSsw19I/AAAAAAAAA6U/Y7RUsy6OINU/s1600/abip-12.png" /></a></div>
I am really excited to introduce to you a new "friend" I had the pleasure of interviewing this month through the annual <a href="http://www.productionnotreproduction.com/">Adoption Blogger Interview Project</a>. There are over 100 Adoption Bloggers that participated and were matched up for this project. The Interview Project is for any adoption blogger--not just open adoption
bloggers, not just domestic adoption bloggers, definitely not just
adoptive parents. It's a neat opportunity to "meet" fellow writer with different views and experiences pertaining to adoption. I loved meeting <a href="http://kikiplus3.blogspot.com/">Kira</a> last year and have enjoyed following her blog which has been very exciting and family expanding!! <br />
<br />
This year I lucked out again and have had the awesome pleasure of interviewing Judy Miller, blogger at <a href="http://judymmiller.com/">Parenting Your Adopted Child: Tweens, Teens and Beyond.</a><br />
She is the author of the book <u><b>What to Expect from Your Adopted Tween</b></u>. Yes, I was totally psyched to get paired up with an <b>ADOPTION EXPERT</b>!!! Wooo hoo!! Here we go...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HQSBHRiT3X8/UKRLrc9yICI/AAAAAAAAA6A/ddRkkn0YtKU/s1600/Final+Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HQSBHRiT3X8/UKRLrc9yICI/AAAAAAAAA6A/ddRkkn0YtKU/s320/Final+Cover.jpg" width="206" /></a></div>
<style type="text/css"><!--
@page { margin: 0.79in }
P { margin-bottom: 0.08in }
A:link { color: #0000ff }
-->
</style>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>So Judy-- tell me about your
family... </b>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I have four kiddos with my husband—two
sons, one “homegrown” (biological) and one adopted from
Guatemala, and two daughters adopted from China. Their favorite thing
to do is to be with each other. Really, and especially since the big
bro is now away at college. We often refer to them as “The Crew”
or “The Unit” since they are so supportive of and enjoy each
other so much. Individually they are involved in community and
athletics—soccer, swimming, and tennis. Our house rule is everyone
has one sport they participate in and benefit from.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; margin-left: -0.21in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Why did you and your husband choose
adoption initially? Why international versus domestic?</b>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
We decided that we’d grow our family
through adoption <i>prior</i> to being married and, indeed, that is
the way our family transpired. We were drawn to international
adoption by something bigger than us. We often say we were
“listening.” Anyone interested can listen to my story here.
(INSERT:
<span style="color: blue;"><u><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LsfVndN3srE&list=PL811649A236BEEF00&index=14&feature=plpp_video">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LsfVndN3srE&list=PL811649A236BEEF00&index=14&feature=plpp_video</a></u></span>)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>I have a friend that adopted her
first son from Guatemala and second son from Korea. She was telling
me how different the experiences were. Can you talk about
adopting from different countries? Similarities? Biggest
differences? </b>The processes to adopt were 180° different. Among
the biggest differences was the degree of openness and how we
traveled. We received our son’s referral almost upon his birth and,
in fact, named him. We were given regular updates, were able to send
care packages to him, and traveled multiple times to Guatemala to be
with him. We also received family information. With our daughters
(China) we had no knowledge of them until we received their
referrals, and then it was pretty spotty. We traveled within six
weeks of receiving our referrals, with a group of other adopting
parents from all over the U.S. We traveled to Guatemala by ourselves,
spending wonderful time with our attorney and the director of the
agency. The similarities were the length of time between dossier date
and their adoptions and how quickly our babies bonded to my husband
and I (me initially), and their siblings.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Did you meet any biological family
members of your children?</b> Not that we’re aware of. Would have
loved to! We did have the opportunity to spend time with the foster
mothers and ask many, many questions.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Have any of your children wanted to
go back to the birth country or meet their birth families? If
yes, what have you done or how have you responded? </b>On a scale of
1-10, 10 being urgently wanting to visit, my girls are at about a 5.
That’s way up from a 0 a few years ago. The girls are learning
Mandarin, so this may change as they become more fluent. My son is at
a 9+. We plan to travel to both countries soon, Guatemala first, and
as a family. We are making plans to do some community service while
in Guatemala, assisting physicians with pre- and post- medical
procedures (all of the kids are fluent in Spanish).</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>You are an amazing Adoptive Parent
Educator and Support Specialist. What did you do for a living
before you became an adoptive parent educator? I assume you followed
this career path after you adopted your children but perhaps I'm
wrong. Do tell....</b> Well, thank you. My career path has been
a little unusual.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I was at home with my kids for years
before becoming an adoptive parent educator and support specialist. I
wanted to soak up the fleeting moments. As we all know, being a mama
is a full-time plus job.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
When the kids became older I began
writing to process some of what I experienced as a mother of a
multiracial family created through birth and adoption and raising a
child with sensory processing disorder (SPD). Many of my pieces have
been published in numerous parenting magazines and anthologies. My
writing gave me the confidence to create a website, class and,
quickly, more. Education expanded into workshops, speaking and
support.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I continue to write for publication
speak and now teach about parenting, adoption, culture, and parenting
tweens and teens. I published my internationally selling guide for
parents and support groups, <span style="color: blue;"><u><a href="http://judymmiller.com/the-book"><i><b>What
To Expect From Your Adopted Tween</b></i></a></u></span> in August
2011, and am currently revamping my popular email class—<i>Tweens,
Teens & Beyond</i>—for 2013.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I’m an anthropologist, so I enjoy
applying some of what I studied (cultural and physical) when I work
with clients, facilitate workshops or speak. Becoming a parent
educator and support specialist grew out of my desire to equip
parents with the tools to parent their children.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>What is the biggest difference
parenting an adopted child verses a biological child?</b> There are
more layers: adoption and race. I’m way-over-simplifying this… I
fully believe that much more is required of people parenting children
who have been adopted. This belief drives me to educate and advocate.
It all gets down to the child and their needs.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>What is the most challenging thing
about transracial adoption for you and your family?</b> For those who
don’t know us, it’s the fact that our differences challenge them
to accept us as a family. We sometimes grow weary of the
rubberneckers, comments and questions. However, we’ve <i>all</i>
become quite adept handing them with grace and humor.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>If someone were going to read just
one Judy Miller post, which one would you want it to be? </b>Just
one? Jeez… I’ll choose a recent one that’s had a lot of people
thinking: <span style="color: blue;"><u><a href="http://judymmiller.com/2012/10/non-adoptee-privilege"><i>Non-Adoptee
Privilege</i></a></u></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>What is your favorite children's
adoption book? </b>It’s an “oldie,” <span style="color: blue;"><u><a href="http://judymmiller.com/2010/08/the-tale-of-the-ugly-duckling"><i><b>The
Ugly Duckling</b></i></a></u></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>What is your favorite parenting
book? </b><i><b>Siblings without Rivalry</b></i>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>What is your favorite dessert?
</b>German Chocolate Cake, with lots of coconut and nuts in the
frosting.<b> </b>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>What is your family's favorite thing
to do together?</b> This is a toss-up between playing games
(especially board games) or all six of us snuggling up with freshly
popped corn to watch a flick.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hEOtVWghrHU/UKRNwih-lvI/AAAAAAAAA6M/j6-dVU5dSIA/s1600/Love-you-300x229.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hEOtVWghrHU/UKRNwih-lvI/AAAAAAAAA6M/j6-dVU5dSIA/s1600/Love-you-300x229.jpg" /></a></div>
Thank you Judy!! You and your family are an inspiration. I hope to meet you in person one day!!<br /><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: andale mono, times;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span class="yiv597030487Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: andale mono, times;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: verdana, geneva;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span class="yiv597030487Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="yiv597030487Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><span class="yiv597030487Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span>Kierstinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07621515303897842138noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581019535701193061.post-64150938259340181922012-10-24T22:18:00.003-04:002012-10-24T22:18:41.442-04:00Busy MonthWell I've been a slacker on the blog! We've had a busy month and I'm getting used to working again and I was coaching Luke's soccer (which ended last week) and managing our house (please don't come over-- it's a mess!) and yadda yadda ya! Anyhow, the news of the last month is that Jenna got Baptized on September 23rd which was awesome. Here's some pics from that...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AWRxJT37zNI/UIicG2OJiNI/AAAAAAAAA38/XOQvATt0j04/s1600/IMG_4588.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AWRxJT37zNI/UIicG2OJiNI/AAAAAAAAA38/XOQvATt0j04/s320/IMG_4588.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gqC-FM_680s/UIicy5mW5CI/AAAAAAAAA4c/bvuKjSnfBRs/s1600/IMG_4616.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gqC-FM_680s/UIicy5mW5CI/AAAAAAAAA4c/bvuKjSnfBRs/s320/IMG_4616.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jenna's Godparents-- Aunt Sonya & Uncle Dan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nBcXhjBk8rQ/UIicTP2lAHI/AAAAAAAAA4I/vdfbQ8zghQo/s1600/IMG_4601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nBcXhjBk8rQ/UIicTP2lAHI/AAAAAAAAA4I/vdfbQ8zghQo/s320/IMG_4601.jpg" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Father Peter was awesome as always!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d7PDUNHVsnU/UIicjYEpzTI/AAAAAAAAA4Q/oxEyEGTTeOk/s1600/IMG_4610.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d7PDUNHVsnU/UIicjYEpzTI/AAAAAAAAA4Q/oxEyEGTTeOk/s320/IMG_4610.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D5gNPEloj9M/UIidD2W8WqI/AAAAAAAAA4k/-g5RjUxqtWI/s1600/IMG_4623.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D5gNPEloj9M/UIidD2W8WqI/AAAAAAAAA4k/-g5RjUxqtWI/s320/IMG_4623.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Family</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c0H_QitX42g/UIidMPGdzMI/AAAAAAAAA4w/rj3y-El4_ZY/s1600/IMG_4625.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="146" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c0H_QitX42g/UIidMPGdzMI/AAAAAAAAA4w/rj3y-El4_ZY/s320/IMG_4625.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the Weber Cousins</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xOEbw0x10j8/UIidabAtRUI/AAAAAAAAA44/jFhUublVeR0/s1600/IMG_4629.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xOEbw0x10j8/UIidabAtRUI/AAAAAAAAA44/jFhUublVeR0/s320/IMG_4629.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our cute kids!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Then Jenna turned 5 months on October 7th and October 8th we went back to Jacksonville and her adoption was finalized in a short but sweet hearing. We were hoping to see Jenna's Birthmom that day but she had to work. We hope to see her next month!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6Z7wAFn7D3s/UIig3qxqTmI/AAAAAAAAA5Y/3PzUekiThRw/s1600/photo-42.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6Z7wAFn7D3s/UIig3qxqTmI/AAAAAAAAA5Y/3PzUekiThRw/s320/photo-42.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wz44oZiJw90/UIig4gKqiHI/AAAAAAAAA5k/NLFUdPC2cXI/s1600/photo-41.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wz44oZiJw90/UIig4gKqiHI/AAAAAAAAA5k/NLFUdPC2cXI/s320/photo-41.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Kierstinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07621515303897842138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581019535701193061.post-54706134179065777022012-09-09T23:23:00.002-04:002012-09-09T23:23:53.042-04:00Late Post-- Our First Visit with Jenna's Birth Mom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VsuJAvQ9V20/UE1aXP3bpKI/AAAAAAAAA3E/8nevtuzdo8I/s1600/IMG_0123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VsuJAvQ9V20/UE1aXP3bpKI/AAAAAAAAA3E/8nevtuzdo8I/s320/IMG_0123.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6DY6Hnp3fZ0/UE1aM0DwrOI/AAAAAAAAA20/zbuyetJU0LI/s1600/IMG_0101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6DY6Hnp3fZ0/UE1aM0DwrOI/AAAAAAAAA20/zbuyetJU0LI/s320/IMG_0101.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Sorry this post is over a month late... Oh well. I've been kinda busy! The end of July, we met up with Jenna's Birth Mother "D", her son M. (8 years old) and daughter L. (6 years old). It was the first time we met M. & L. We drove to Jacksonville and met them at a community park. The kids all played together and we had a really nice visit. Kaycee took right to L. as she often does with little girls who are older than her. The only awkward moment for me was in the beginning when they all said "Oh look at MaKayla!" (We changed her name to Jenna which they were ok with) I felt guilty for some reason and called her "Jenna slash MaKayla" in the beginning of the visit. I think I wanted to show respect but I also want her to be called by her name Jenna. Anyhow, it's really not that big of a deal and no one else (ie other kids) seemed to even notice. By the end of the visit they were calling her Jenna. <br />
We set up our next visit for October-- hopefully they can come down for Kaycee's Birthday party at our home. I would love D. to meet Kaycee's birth mother G.<br />
The best thing was a text I received from D a few days after our visit. She said her son told her right after our time together that he feels that somehow we are a part of their family too. I think that is awesome.... (FYI-- D. ok'd the use of these pics here)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ODYpr4PpO4M/UE1aR_NGqLI/AAAAAAAAA28/qMm34MZSthI/s1600/IMG_0114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ODYpr4PpO4M/UE1aR_NGqLI/AAAAAAAAA28/qMm34MZSthI/s320/IMG_0114.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iz2_r84Ap4s/UE1aedN5byI/AAAAAAAAA3U/UkYhEjddKK0/s1600/IMG_0130.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iz2_r84Ap4s/UE1aedN5byI/AAAAAAAAA3U/UkYhEjddKK0/s320/IMG_0130.jpg" width="213" /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q68IdqWrdlg/UE1aakZM8TI/AAAAAAAAA3M/xP3ykmE3ZjY/s1600/IMG_0129.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q68IdqWrdlg/UE1aakZM8TI/AAAAAAAAA3M/xP3ykmE3ZjY/s320/IMG_0129.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wF1uGdfdbeE/UE1bxhL6GrI/AAAAAAAAA3c/bTkXixBUHJk/s1600/IMG_0159.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wF1uGdfdbeE/UE1bxhL6GrI/AAAAAAAAA3c/bTkXixBUHJk/s320/IMG_0159.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />Kierstinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07621515303897842138noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581019535701193061.post-85377230062680127352012-09-03T22:32:00.001-04:002012-09-03T22:33:07.219-04:00Picture postWe had pictures taken of Jenna and a few of the kids together last month! I LOVE this photographer: <a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_1843499512">MVL</a><a href="http://www.mvlphotography.com/"> Photography</a> Meghan is awesome!! I actually signed us up for a mini family session in November for our Christmas cards and since Jenna will be 6 months old! Anyhow, here are a few of my favorites!!!!!!!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qhiaIIdlJWE/UEVd9qS9ARI/AAAAAAAAAz8/U5gAjfQC4cg/s1600/Jenna-16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qhiaIIdlJWE/UEVd9qS9ARI/AAAAAAAAAz8/U5gAjfQC4cg/s320/Jenna-16.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EHryOqrbNfg/UEVeRGT28mI/AAAAAAAAA0E/d7nUlPIB5ao/s1600/Jenna-17+bw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EHryOqrbNfg/UEVeRGT28mI/AAAAAAAAA0E/d7nUlPIB5ao/s320/Jenna-17+bw.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NUnMvtSf4LY/UEVe-cA_tNI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/Tvwq3gzc1kk/s1600/Jenna-19+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NUnMvtSf4LY/UEVe-cA_tNI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/Tvwq3gzc1kk/s320/Jenna-19+2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mOQ_c2uROF4/UEVfdLFqo1I/AAAAAAAAA0c/rmHQGZnGgAM/s1600/Jenna-20+bw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mOQ_c2uROF4/UEVfdLFqo1I/AAAAAAAAA0c/rmHQGZnGgAM/s320/Jenna-20+bw.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WG1CzFup4Jc/UEVgUDVDwiI/AAAAAAAAA0o/1Fpc_cY1Bfk/s1600/Jenna-22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WG1CzFup4Jc/UEVgUDVDwiI/AAAAAAAAA0o/1Fpc_cY1Bfk/s320/Jenna-22.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LHPdQxFJGfM/UEVg3y_xvNI/AAAAAAAAA00/pnrirLVtil4/s1600/Jenna-25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LHPdQxFJGfM/UEVg3y_xvNI/AAAAAAAAA00/pnrirLVtil4/s320/Jenna-25.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YgZq_QL-AeE/UEVhkozYj4I/AAAAAAAAA1A/wbuISENyL68/s1600/Jenna-28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YgZq_QL-AeE/UEVhkozYj4I/AAAAAAAAA1A/wbuISENyL68/s320/Jenna-28.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sT27tuK2fQM/UEViN-0BX2I/AAAAAAAAA1M/XxgLIm09Vh4/s1600/Jenna-30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sT27tuK2fQM/UEViN-0BX2I/AAAAAAAAA1M/XxgLIm09Vh4/s320/Jenna-30.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UzwPIamblo4/UEVikN4VfFI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/YBfi9wZecgo/s1600/Jenna-34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UzwPIamblo4/UEVikN4VfFI/AAAAAAAAA1Y/YBfi9wZecgo/s320/Jenna-34.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l5ToOns_Aws/UEVjP7lesKI/AAAAAAAAA1s/NF1K7rFck60/s1600/Jenna-37+bw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-l5ToOns_Aws/UEVjP7lesKI/AAAAAAAAA1s/NF1K7rFck60/s320/Jenna-37+bw.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J2mEuCpVFNk/UEVkj-o9jOI/AAAAAAAAA2M/H8ASzs-hbLU/s1600/Jenna-41+bw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J2mEuCpVFNk/UEVkj-o9jOI/AAAAAAAAA2M/H8ASzs-hbLU/s320/Jenna-41+bw.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ixUYBYQUpPw/UEVkOuajc_I/AAAAAAAAA2A/CRig8RZinlk/s1600/Jenna-40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ixUYBYQUpPw/UEVkOuajc_I/AAAAAAAAA2A/CRig8RZinlk/s320/Jenna-40.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fZuw-T9lEj8/UEVjiqW6cZI/AAAAAAAAA10/203gorZ2l9M/s1600/Jenna-4+bw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fZuw-T9lEj8/UEVjiqW6cZI/AAAAAAAAA10/203gorZ2l9M/s400/Jenna-4+bw.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oqow0C6CQlc/UEVk4pMlEuI/AAAAAAAAA2U/k56_8z1pkGU/s1600/Jenna-9+bw.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oqow0C6CQlc/UEVk4pMlEuI/AAAAAAAAA2U/k56_8z1pkGU/s400/Jenna-9+bw.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Kierstinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07621515303897842138noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581019535701193061.post-43571699182487424962012-08-11T23:05:00.000-04:002012-08-11T23:08:55.680-04:00The Adoption ClubI'm in a cool club-- it's called the Adoption Club. I never knew I wanted to be in this club but I LOVE being a part of it!! If you have adopted a child or are waiting to adopt or to be matched you too are in this club (in case you didn't know it!) I love my friends in the club. Some of my club friends are people I have never physically met-- just blogging or FB friends-- and some I see every month or so at one of our gatherings. A year ago we (5 of us) started a Central Florida Adoptive Families Group on FB and now we have 75 members! We try to gather for play dates every other month and after going to the <a href="http://createdforcare.org/">Created for Care</a> Conference last year I started a girls lunch every other month. In June we met for a play date at a Splash Park and in July we met for lunch. Here are some pictures of our last 2 events-- love these friends and families!! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I7vNwQcL-90/UCcZNjloFQI/AAAAAAAAAxE/nZriSY9S-k4/s1600/269212_10151910436565217_1380518133_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I7vNwQcL-90/UCcZNjloFQI/AAAAAAAAAxE/nZriSY9S-k4/s320/269212_10151910436565217_1380518133_n.jpg" width="213" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kNu_4jU8Xkk/UCcZMzesbPI/AAAAAAAAAw8/GgOd6Om9aJQ/s1600/250908_10151910432120217_1910455601_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kNu_4jU8Xkk/UCcZMzesbPI/AAAAAAAAAw8/GgOd6Om9aJQ/s320/250908_10151910432120217_1910455601_n.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-psObNZEvExo/UCcZYki8YXI/AAAAAAAAAxs/Q99av7BdIwM/s1600/IMG_0018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-psObNZEvExo/UCcZYki8YXI/AAAAAAAAAxs/Q99av7BdIwM/s320/IMG_0018.jpg" width="213" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Is5o6ec2Esc/UCcZOW1egII/AAAAAAAAAxM/Ye23g_YA4lc/s1600/306741_10151910438705217_1765558319_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Is5o6ec2Esc/UCcZOW1egII/AAAAAAAAAxM/Ye23g_YA4lc/s320/306741_10151910438705217_1765558319_n.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gTxb_b_HA74/UCcZPMxoXAI/AAAAAAAAAxU/OlZwVapkY4U/s1600/391502_10151910438945217_969743716_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gTxb_b_HA74/UCcZPMxoXAI/AAAAAAAAAxU/OlZwVapkY4U/s320/391502_10151910438945217_969743716_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K6zn2yzvskc/UCcZPtua78I/AAAAAAAAAxc/J34NiaTn6WE/s1600/480684_10151910418735217_816926314_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-K6zn2yzvskc/UCcZPtua78I/AAAAAAAAAxc/J34NiaTn6WE/s320/480684_10151910418735217_816926314_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Oya3TLaPjK0/UCcZQREwwmI/AAAAAAAAAxk/XYTIRXpCbCU/s1600/582043_10151910431835217_692664352_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Oya3TLaPjK0/UCcZQREwwmI/AAAAAAAAAxk/XYTIRXpCbCU/s320/582043_10151910431835217_692664352_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5DOACa-4RZY/UCcZ_uc4_gI/AAAAAAAAAyo/hahyTuMBB8c/s1600/IMG_0093.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5DOACa-4RZY/UCcZ_uc4_gI/AAAAAAAAAyo/hahyTuMBB8c/s320/IMG_0093.jpg" width="213" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZCxnKJSjtSQ/UCcZfDu_brI/AAAAAAAAAx0/qwSV3Jz_gFk/s1600/IMG_0031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZCxnKJSjtSQ/UCcZfDu_brI/AAAAAAAAAx0/qwSV3Jz_gFk/s320/IMG_0031.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qDbjwYEA4JU/UCcZmcTTUUI/AAAAAAAAAx8/fsG6JWc05WE/s1600/IMG_0039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qDbjwYEA4JU/UCcZmcTTUUI/AAAAAAAAAx8/fsG6JWc05WE/s320/IMG_0039.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8UC6IFLKn6s/UCcZq5tLkjI/AAAAAAAAAyE/XbZqX9ZSgrU/s1600/IMG_0067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8UC6IFLKn6s/UCcZq5tLkjI/AAAAAAAAAyE/XbZqX9ZSgrU/s320/IMG_0067.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-naGjJYVMTrQ/UCcZwVK7M0I/AAAAAAAAAyM/HpEESsFazew/s1600/IMG_0076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-naGjJYVMTrQ/UCcZwVK7M0I/AAAAAAAAAyM/HpEESsFazew/s320/IMG_0076.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UZjoIE0gfvg/UCcZ1FMxI6I/AAAAAAAAAyU/mYWWmimN6CY/s1600/IMG_0080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UZjoIE0gfvg/UCcZ1FMxI6I/AAAAAAAAAyU/mYWWmimN6CY/s320/IMG_0080.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qfhXo3gGuhk/UCcZ55hIpSI/AAAAAAAAAyg/s-fQeLa3FcA/s1600/IMG_0087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qfhXo3gGuhk/UCcZ55hIpSI/AAAAAAAAAyg/s-fQeLa3FcA/s320/IMG_0087.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mYevTZPxF5c/UCcaGt2MXZI/AAAAAAAAAyw/Clq0DSTQNiY/s1600/IMG_0094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mYevTZPxF5c/UCcaGt2MXZI/AAAAAAAAAyw/Clq0DSTQNiY/s320/IMG_0094.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y025V3NESlA/UCcaz2BNPzI/AAAAAAAAAy4/U3lugAGhMfg/s1600/394621_10150952013975642_118575279_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="193" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y025V3NESlA/UCcaz2BNPzI/AAAAAAAAAy4/U3lugAGhMfg/s320/394621_10150952013975642_118575279_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ladies Lunch-- these girls ROCK!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
This month we have a <a href="http://www.calledtoadopt.org/">Called to Adopt</a> dinner scheduled and a lunch in September. In November we have <a href="http://magicalfamilies.wordpress.com/2012/05/07/registration-is-now-open-for-magical-families-2012/">Magical Families</a> which is awesome!! I love this "club" or better yet "family" I now belong to. We just "get" each other... like others don't...Kierstinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07621515303897842138noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581019535701193061.post-23433340786706235782012-07-31T20:19:00.003-04:002012-07-31T20:26:39.187-04:00Who's that black girl?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_7AI0WKR9a4/UBh18QQFlxI/AAAAAAAAAsg/DhLOqhni6JE/s1600/IMG_0049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_7AI0WKR9a4/UBh18QQFlxI/AAAAAAAAAsg/DhLOqhni6JE/s320/IMG_0049.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_7AI0WKR9a4/UBh18QQFlxI/AAAAAAAAAsg/DhLOqhni6JE/s1600/IMG_0049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZNO5jAb4b4s/UBh14RBDrWI/AAAAAAAAAsU/_KiMpz1LCh4/s1600/IMG_0046.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZNO5jAb4b4s/UBh14RBDrWI/AAAAAAAAAsU/_KiMpz1LCh4/s320/IMG_0046.jpg" width="213" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-73rYNjVyCgc/UBh1zbasq_I/AAAAAAAAAsE/6h-xYG1pDfs/s1600/IMG_0002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-73rYNjVyCgc/UBh1zbasq_I/AAAAAAAAAsE/6h-xYG1pDfs/s320/IMG_0002.JPG" width="215" /></a></div>
<br />
I have 3 blog posts in my head but have to write this one first-- I hope to get my groove on and blog my other two posts on <b><i>Adoptive Friend Support</i></b> and <i><b>Our First Visit with Jenna's Birth mom </b></i>very soon. Stay tuned for those but for now I must share this story...<br />
<br />
So we (the family) went to Ft. Myers this weekend to visit my mom and see my brother & his girlfriend (from Colorado) who came for a long weekend.<br />
Friday we all went to the beach and had a blast! As we were leaving and walking out on the boardwalk a little boy (probably about 8 years old) started talking to Luke as I was a few steps ahead of him and eavesdropping...<br />
<br />
Boy: That's a cool Boogie board ya got.<br />
Luke: Thanks- mine has a frog and my brother's has a circle on it.<br />
<br />
Boy: Who's that black girl? (Kaycee is walking next to me- dancing & singing to her cute self)<br />
Luke: Huh?<br />
<br />
Boy: That black girl who is she-- she your sister?<br />
Luke: Kaycee? Yeah she's my sister.<br />
<br />
Boy: She doesn't look like your sister. Are you sure she's your sister?<br />
Luke: Yeah. She's my sister and so is the baby-- her name is Jenna. (I'm carrying Jenna)<br />
<br />
Boy: But she looks nothing like you. Is she adopted or something?<br />
Luke: Yep. She's adopted and so is my sister Jenna.<br />
<br />
Boy: So you and your brother came from your parents and well where did your sisters come from? Like an orphanage or something?<br />
Luke: Huh? I don't know. They are just my sisters.<br />
<br />
Then we were at the showers and parted ways. I hugged Luke and told him he did such a good job talking to the boy. I reminded him that Jenna and Kaycee came from their Birth moms in Florida and they weren't in a orphanage. He said ok and that was the end of that.<br />
I knew that conversations like this would come up and was glad I could listen in on this one. I am such a proud mom!Kierstinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07621515303897842138noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581019535701193061.post-45668004897527268162012-07-05T14:48:00.000-04:002012-07-05T14:48:24.338-04:00And God gave us Jenna-- Part 3 of 3Sorry for the "suspenseful delay!" It's been such a busy week and I didn't want to rush through this post....<br />
<br />
So we get home Wednesday evening-- blessed that our neighbors/friends (Thank you Joy & Glen!) were able to pick up Luke and Zack from camp since we didn't get home til after it closed. I called a good friend of mine to see if she would be willing to come spend the night at our house and watch the kids the next day because we would need to leave by 6:30 am at the latest and we were NOT going to be late this time around! My friend Leigh was sooooo wonderful and said she would be happy to help us out (Thank you Leigh!!).<br />
<br />
We showed the boys pictures of Jenna and got things a bit more in order for her home coming. Jenna's birth mom "D" sent me texts that night with pictures of Jenna right after she was born, her sonogram, and D's other two children. She also sent me some pictures of her pregnant with Jenna. I told her I wanted to make a book for Jenna all about "D" and her family and had asked if she could send me some pictures. I was thrilled to have these treasures. I tried to get some sleep... it was hard though as I was so excited!! <br />
<br />
Thursday morning Chris and I scooted out the door with the boys set up watching "Super Why" and Kaycee still sleeping. Although I really don't remember what we talked about on our way there, the most amazing, powerful, incredible thing happened about 1 hour into our drive. My phone "dinged" indicating a text-- it was from "D." My heart stopped. And then I read it. I wasn't sure if I wanted to share this text on our blog because it is so personal but I want you all to know how incredible "D" is-- her text read:<br />
<br />
7:09 am<br />
"<i>Good morning, it's almost time! I just want to say thank you in advance for raising my baby in a wonderful, loving Christian home. Words can not express my gratitude to not just you and Chris but your sons and daughter, again thank you."</i><br />
<br />
Of course I start crying.<i> </i> I knew I'd cry today but thought it wouldn't be til later. I was in awe of this amazing woman. My reply was:<br />
<br />
<i>" You are making me cry already! I knew I would today. Tears of extreme gratitude. We love you and promise to love Jenna with all our heart. Our children are sooooooo excited about their new sister. See you soon. XOXOXO."</i><br />
<br />
We arrive to the center on time and there is a court reporter, the pregnancy counselor, and the lawyer<i>. "D" </i>was on her way with a friend. The lawyer asked us if we had been present for Kaycee's TPR (Termination of Parental Rights) and we said no. He said he thought it was important for the adoptive parents to be present and witness this. <br />
<br />
We had some time while we waited so talked about his procedures for adoption profile showing.<i> </i>He said he gives the birth parents all the questionnaires (which are typed out) and asks them to narrow it down by reading them first before he ever shows them pictures of the couples/families. Once they have it narrowed down some then they are given the three pictures we included. I found that very interesting-- and neat! <br />
<br />
So "D" shows up with one of her friends and Jenna and gives us a hug and hands Jenna right over to me! The interview was a hour long and very insightful. I was so happy to hear exactly how much counseling she and her children had had about the adoption placement and that she was sure she would continue her sessions. After going to Bethany Christian Services adoptive parents weekend, we always knew we wanted our children's birth parents to be well cared for and supported before and after placement. Since this placement wasn't with Bethany, the extent that this Pregnancy Center and lawyer had provided counseling was so reassuring. It was also good for my heart to hear that without any reservation she wanted to place Jenna with us and she had no regrets about her decision. <br />
<br />
After the interview the lawyer asked "D" what she was going to do for the rest of the day and she replied "Let's go take pictures!" I was so glad she was still up for it! She gave me permission to post these pictures of that day.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1sxMbYB8XyA/T_XbD6LAgVI/AAAAAAAAAqc/fZDLm1Zjy9Y/s1600/IMG_0005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1sxMbYB8XyA/T_XbD6LAgVI/AAAAAAAAAqc/fZDLm1Zjy9Y/s320/IMG_0005.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I1b4hdst_o4/T_XbW7alGFI/AAAAAAAAAqs/qR8tyyGDDqs/s1600/IMG_0031.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I1b4hdst_o4/T_XbW7alGFI/AAAAAAAAAqs/qR8tyyGDDqs/s320/IMG_0031.jpg" width="237" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xZ1RpB2IN8k/T_XbJcnOf7I/AAAAAAAAAqk/Bsjvn0OqTdU/s1600/IMG_0035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kOzij1n3yZ4/T_XaunR8d_I/AAAAAAAAAqU/xgc2rVaRCuI/s1600/IMG_0010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kOzij1n3yZ4/T_XaunR8d_I/AAAAAAAAAqU/xgc2rVaRCuI/s320/IMG_0010.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xZ1RpB2IN8k/T_XbJcnOf7I/AAAAAAAAAqk/Bsjvn0OqTdU/s1600/IMG_0035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xZ1RpB2IN8k/T_XbJcnOf7I/AAAAAAAAAqk/Bsjvn0OqTdU/s320/IMG_0035.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-70GWDxWElZ8/T_XbcmDCt1I/AAAAAAAAAq0/71SYZzOXdl8/s1600/IMG_0055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-70GWDxWElZ8/T_XbcmDCt1I/AAAAAAAAAq0/71SYZzOXdl8/s320/IMG_0055.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-70GWDxWElZ8/T_XbcmDCt1I/AAAAAAAAAq0/71SYZzOXdl8/s1600/IMG_0055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"> </a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-70GWDxWElZ8/T_XbcmDCt1I/AAAAAAAAAq0/71SYZzOXdl8/s1600/IMG_0055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"> </a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Then we said goodbye to the counselor and the lawyer and we all (D & her friend and Chris, Jenna and I) drove to the nearby Clinic where Jenna had been seen by a doctor for a "well check" a few weeks before to get copies of her medical records. <br />
We set a date for our first visit the end of July and I told her to text me anytime she was having difficulty or just needed a picture of Jenna and I would send one as quickly as I could. I also told her that Kaycee's birthmom said that "D" could call her anytime for support (how cool is that?!)<br />
(<i>**they have connected on the phone since that day and Kaycee's birthmom said they talked like they had been friends forever!! I'm so grateful for that!)</i><br />
<br />
We drove home with me in the backseat with Jenna (of course) ) and came home to a neat sign in our front yard and very excited brothers!!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8KyCbsYppiE/T_XdZIsTj5I/AAAAAAAAAq8/NF60SQZm41U/s1600/IMG_2517.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8KyCbsYppiE/T_XdZIsTj5I/AAAAAAAAAq8/NF60SQZm41U/s320/IMG_2517.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the drive home</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wqMxYKLbOts/T_XdgMkpKkI/AAAAAAAAArE/BMeuB6ywLB8/s1600/IMG_2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wqMxYKLbOts/T_XdgMkpKkI/AAAAAAAAArE/BMeuB6ywLB8/s320/IMG_2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fHkHKWqMuCM/T_XdhXO695I/AAAAAAAAArQ/7A1-_hZ3a5I/s1600/IMG_2551.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fHkHKWqMuCM/T_XdhXO695I/AAAAAAAAArQ/7A1-_hZ3a5I/s320/IMG_2551.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jenna looks not so sure about these guys but they will be her protectors forever!!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g5XahXkQlck/T_XeEHil44I/AAAAAAAAArY/MROaukR6lM4/s1600/IMG_0108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g5XahXkQlck/T_XeEHil44I/AAAAAAAAArY/MROaukR6lM4/s320/IMG_0108.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And now we are complete.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />Kierstinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07621515303897842138noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581019535701193061.post-49181400439570826412012-06-27T14:57:00.002-04:002012-06-27T14:57:37.272-04:00And God gave us Jenna-- Part 2Soooo... Tuesday night I am running around washing baby clothes, bibs and burp cloths. I pull out the bottles and swing and bouncy seat. We decide to bring Kaycee with us but have the boys go to summer camp. They were disappointed but we told them "only adopted kids could go." Ha! We wanted the Birthmom to meet at least one of our children and since Kaycee would be her sister and so close in age we thought that would be best.<br />
<br />
Wednesday morning we drop off the boys and head to Jacksonville-- a 2 1/2 hour drive. We were running about 15 minutes late which I hated and then of course I had to go to the bathroom before we got there!! I didn't want to be like "Hi-- I gotta go to the bathroom" so we stop about 15 minutes before and it sets us behind a bit more. Ugh. We made it 20 minutes late but no one seemed too upset by that-- phew!<br />
<br />
We met at a pregnancy crisis center-- The lawyer, the Birthmom ("D") was holding her baby girl and the birthmom's counselor were all sitting around a big table when we walked in. I wanted to give "D" a big hug but didn't want to seem too overbearing! Kaycee also became very clingy as she wasn't quite sure what was going on. We sat down and just talked about us, about "D," about the baby and her adoption decision. Then the lawyer and counselor said if we felt comfortable they wanted us (Chris, Kaycee, D, baby girl and I) to go out to lunch alone to get to know each other and make sure this seemed like a good fit for both sides. He said the next step was for us to return and separately call him and tell him if we wanted to proceed or not with the adoption. Then the next steps would be determined.<br />
<br />
So we all drove together and went to Chick-fil-a! We figured it was kid friendly for Kaycee and she might want to play in the play area. "D" let me hold her baby as soon as we got there-- it was like we had known each other a long time and were the best of friends. Conversation flowed easily and there was barely a moment of awkwardness. "D" was so cute and said she could call the lawyer right then and give him the go ahead but we decided to wait until we were in a quieter space. Chris and I were soooooo full of love for this amazing woman and her adorable baby girl. Kaycee was so cute around the baby and kept patting her head and back!<br />
<br />
In D's profile description we saw it said that she was interested in a Semi Open adoption with the possibility of more contact if the family was open to that. We discussed this at lunch because we really wanted an open adoption like we have with Kaycee's Birth mom. We didn't want Kaycee to know who her Birthmom was and Jenna not to-- we knew if God planned something else we'd work with it but we were praying we'd be matched with a Birthmom open to visits and contact. "D" said she would love that and we planned quarterly visits with pics and letters. We exchanged phone numbers so we could text and I could send her pictures that way also.<br />
<br />
Something we did with Kaycee was pick her first name and have her Birth mom choose her middle name. We wanted to do this with Jenna also and figured "D" would use the first name she was using but instead she chose Marie. Oh my goodness-- I LOVE the name Marie and had even thought of that as a middle name if we were matched with a Birth mom who wanted a closed adoption or did not want to choose. My heart was full and I knew once again God made this connection for all of us! "D" knew we wanted to name her Jenna since we put that in our profile and she said that she and her 2 children had started practicing calling her Jenna the night they chose us. My heart melted-- again....<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D3lVmPC8NGY/T-tTNimDu-I/AAAAAAAAAqA/9u7sh9VCylI/s1600/IMG_2505.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D3lVmPC8NGY/T-tTNimDu-I/AAAAAAAAAqA/9u7sh9VCylI/s320/IMG_2505.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jenna on the car ride to Chick-fil-a</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eFLE8sQX8Us/T-tTTpB8apI/AAAAAAAAAqI/i4DaK9CaWyQ/s1600/IMG_2506.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eFLE8sQX8Us/T-tTTpB8apI/AAAAAAAAAqI/i4DaK9CaWyQ/s320/IMG_2506.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kaycee and Daddy loving on Jenna at lunch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So we went back to the center and that's when "D" said that the center was going to call her a cab home. We told her if she felt comfortable we could give her a ride home-- and we did. We knew this had the possibility of turning into a wonderful open adoption!! <br />
<br />
<br />
We went to the lawyers office and filled out our paperwork. We set it up to come back the next morning for the signing of the "Termination of Parental Rights" and placement of Jenna Marie into our arms.... We drove home on cloud 9 with our sweet Kaycee asleep in the back seat. Again, I had tears of gratitude and my husband just smiled and held my hand....<br />
<br />
Stay tuned for Part 3-- the Final Chapter of And God gave us Jenna....Kierstinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07621515303897842138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581019535701193061.post-91535627258254349532012-06-25T22:52:00.001-04:002012-06-26T21:53:17.441-04:00And God gave us Jenna-- Part OneSo in my last post I commented on waiting and different situations that had been or could be brought to us. I made that comment because between the first two weeks of June, three situations had been brought to us by adoption friends!<br />
<br />
1) On June 5th we received a phone call by a lawyer in Tampa who did placements with a few adoption friends in the past. She received our information from a friend and wondered if we were interested in having our profile shown to a Birthmom with a 3 week old African American Baby girl. We whipped up a profile to get her and the Birthmom was interested in meeting us. The meeting was set up for Saturday June 16th.<br />
<br />
2) On June 8th we received a phone call from a friend in Orlando who was contacted about a stork drop bi-racial girl in Port St. Lucie. She had been born that day and the social worker was looking for profiles to shown the Birth family. We called on that situation and decided not to send anything because it was too much financially<br />
<br />
3) On June 12 we received an email and a phone call within minutes of each other from adoption friends who heard about a situation in Jacksonville. They thought we sounded like the family for this baby-- a 5 week old African American baby girl. We read through the information and decided to send in their profile paperwork. We knew we had a meeting set up with the Birthmom in Tampa on the 16th but also knew that the deadline for the profile for the Jacksonville situation was Monday the 18th and Birthmom would choose the family on Tuesday the 19th. We figured if it worked out with the Tampa Birthmom we'd call the Jacksonville lawyer and withdraw our profile.<br />
<br />
June 16th came and the Tampa lawyer called and apologized but said the Birthmom had not returned her calls since Tuesday so she's let us know if she heard from her. She said it was not a good sign for us. <br />
<br />
So we still had a chance at the Jacksonville situation. We told the Tampa lawyer about it and said we'd let her know how that turns out.<br />
<br />
I contacted the lawyer on Monday June 18th to be sure they received our paperwork: A four page typed profile questionaire and 3 (yes, he only allows 3) family pictures. He replied that he did receive it and also told me that they had received 20 profiles for this situation (ugh). He said that the meeting with the Birthmom to look at the profiles was scheduled for 1pm on Tuesday and we would receive and email (not chosen) or phone call (chosen) as soon as she decided on her family and he did not know how long that would take.<br />
<br />
Tuesday June 19th came-- I tried sooo hard to stay busy all day. I was so excited to just know-- yes or no. I was nervous all afternoon and kept refreshing my email to be sure I didn't miss the "I'm sorry you have not been chosen" email. 1 pm, 2 pm, 3 pm, 4 pm.... by 5 pm I emailed him and asked if she made it to the appointment and if I had missed his email. 6 pm we are getting ready to all sit down for dinner and my phone rings... OMG it's a Jacksonville number-- OMG OMG.... breathe..... Hello... the lawyer asks if this is a good time to talk (no not really I'm thinking-- I just left three kids at the table with plates of food-- who knows what will happen) Oh yes- yes, I reply. He asked if my husband is there and I call Chris into our bedroom, close the door (hoping the kids don't destroy the kitchen or feed all their food to the dog for the moment). He then tells us the Birthmom chose us!!!!!!!! She had narrowed down her choices to 6 in the early afternoon and then took the 6 home to her 6 and 8 year old children to have them help her make the final selection. They were unanimous on us!!!!! He then replied that he would like us to come up Wednesday morning around 11:30 and if everything goes well and she likes us in person and we like her then placement could happen Wednesday or Thursday. YAHOOOOO!!!!!! And I breakdown in tears of gratitude....<br />
<br />
Stay Tuned for Part 2<br />
<br />
<br />Kierstinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07621515303897842138noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581019535701193061.post-90644414797915160972012-06-10T15:00:00.000-04:002012-06-10T15:00:35.731-04:00Waiting....Yep... We are still waiting. It's only been 6 months which is like nothing but it is longer than we waited for Kaycee and for some strange reason I thought for SURE Jenna would be brought to us rather quickly. I guess I thought having a minority baby girl would increase our chances of a Birthmother expecting a minority baby girl choosing us. Unfortunately, there haven't been many Birthmothers expecting minority baby girls working with our agency in the past 6 months. I have also found this difficult because I know many other families that are waiting and open to different ethnic races this time around so part of me wants to say "You go first" because they haven't had the awesome experience of adoption yet.
We are sooooo blessed with our three children already and I never want to sound greedy. I am just anxious to complete our family. I want to have family pictures taken with the entire family present. I bought Groupons for photographers that will expire this fall and I really hope our family is complete by then but if not then we'll just use them anyway!
I have many, many, many more adoption connections this time around and have been exposed to other possible opportunities that have been difficult to turn down. We have set a stipulation for ourselves if and when situations are brought to us... the only way we would adopt outside Bethany at this time is if it's a minority babygirl who is already born (stork drop) and the expense wouldn't exceed what we would owe Bethany upon match and placement. That really narrows things down but it is what is smartest for us financially and emotionally. Soooo who knows where our sweet Jenna is... only God knows!
For now, I have cut back work to 2 days a week for the summer and I made a Bucket List of fun things to do with the kids all summer long!! We just got back from a wonderful week long vacation in the Georgia Mountains and I got my nature fix! The kids are at fun ages and really like to do crafts and "projects." Staying busy helps waiting for our little one much easier!<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n1oangneGLo/T9TuTloFoYI/AAAAAAAAAi8/DtIaQ7Dh2hU/s1600/photo-29.JPG" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="320" width="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-n1oangneGLo/T9TuTloFoYI/AAAAAAAAAi8/DtIaQ7Dh2hU/s320/photo-29.JPG" /></a>Kierstinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07621515303897842138noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581019535701193061.post-55182666519414664692012-05-07T09:18:00.001-04:002012-05-07T09:18:49.910-04:00A Post of PinsSo I don't feel much like writing because there isn't anything to write about-- well sure there is but I don't FEEL like writing about it right now. Where are we in the process?? Waiting.... It's all good as God has Jenna picked out for us and He will bring her when she is ready. Whenever I get discouraged I just look at Kaycee and it reaffirms God's plan for us. So we went to Panama City this weekend for a quick visit for our Godson/nephew's First Communion. On the way home I went a little crazy on Pinterest!! I decided I want to make this post a bunch of quotes or pictures I pinned so here you go.....
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZGUSF9kNmaE/T6fLEBR0Q4I/AAAAAAAAAhU/KKGMmdAW8ro/s1600/253046072782407365_8sIgUK4n_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="90" width="170" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZGUSF9kNmaE/T6fLEBR0Q4I/AAAAAAAAAhU/KKGMmdAW8ro/s320/253046072782407365_8sIgUK4n_f.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oS7DfcwIOCY/T6fKjyth2xI/AAAAAAAAAfo/Fp8e9SS9hDA/s1600/58898707596251495_YGlJwCsl_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="320" width="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oS7DfcwIOCY/T6fKjyth2xI/AAAAAAAAAfo/Fp8e9SS9hDA/s320/58898707596251495_YGlJwCsl_f.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kiZULXUc9Oc/T6fKitaasNI/AAAAAAAAAfE/8dHJ3mXC9qs/s1600/27514247693026341_qvZmpjUR_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="256" width="192" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kiZULXUc9Oc/T6fKitaasNI/AAAAAAAAAfE/8dHJ3mXC9qs/s320/27514247693026341_qvZmpjUR_b.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2XRFyXdEeMQ/T6fKjQThpaI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/zZyCEzhkKtY/s1600/28991991320931311_ureVH5h7_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="320" width="211" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2XRFyXdEeMQ/T6fKjQThpaI/AAAAAAAAAfQ/zZyCEzhkKtY/s320/28991991320931311_ureVH5h7_f.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VHnRGGkdFSg/T6fKjmqUfKI/AAAAAAAAAfc/icfalsh9TyQ/s1600/36802921924438306_k1HuxPTg_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="225" width="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VHnRGGkdFSg/T6fKjmqUfKI/AAAAAAAAAfc/icfalsh9TyQ/s320/36802921924438306_k1HuxPTg_f.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BN1EsQHEXrI/T6fK1gcEdwI/AAAAAAAAAgk/sXzIlZhxEk0/s1600/191825265348466697_5UAYBfFQ_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="63" width="192" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BN1EsQHEXrI/T6fK1gcEdwI/AAAAAAAAAgk/sXzIlZhxEk0/s320/191825265348466697_5UAYBfFQ_b.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r3spBpZjvtQ/T6fK0JkUV7I/AAAAAAAAAf0/BFfFlT-HUO8/s1600/102949541451453964_uwJLZdEI_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="241" width="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-r3spBpZjvtQ/T6fK0JkUV7I/AAAAAAAAAf0/BFfFlT-HUO8/s320/102949541451453964_uwJLZdEI_f.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xczqd1z-kw8/T6fK0mfiAEI/AAAAAAAAAgA/4YjQJwu1AcE/s1600/117023290286947754_TrYUdpIV_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="234" width="192" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xczqd1z-kw8/T6fK0mfiAEI/AAAAAAAAAgA/4YjQJwu1AcE/s320/117023290286947754_TrYUdpIV_b.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-racsiSPaeU0/T6fK03F3GPI/AAAAAAAAAgM/Fg7dWHJ09Xk/s1600/117023290286954251_hh5ZXWOF_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="288" width="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-racsiSPaeU0/T6fK03F3GPI/AAAAAAAAAgM/Fg7dWHJ09Xk/s320/117023290286954251_hh5ZXWOF_f.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5jlRc1p53Dw/T6fK1JChyZI/AAAAAAAAAgY/B5ilo8bqc2U/s1600/156148312050080798_6njfp5fB_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="320" width="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5jlRc1p53Dw/T6fK1JChyZI/AAAAAAAAAgY/B5ilo8bqc2U/s320/156148312050080798_6njfp5fB_f.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vc-5Dp9snSI/T6fLEQawEWI/AAAAAAAAAhg/n37yjBy4NwI/s1600/274086327291490846_5dIwYYif_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="290" width="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vc-5Dp9snSI/T6fLEQawEWI/AAAAAAAAAhg/n37yjBy4NwI/s320/274086327291490846_5dIwYYif_f.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lnx5A1ptZos/T6fLDJyMsMI/AAAAAAAAAgw/quGFI1Jd7PI/s1600/196469602463613344_UIZJrR3C_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="320" width="256" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lnx5A1ptZos/T6fLDJyMsMI/AAAAAAAAAgw/quGFI1Jd7PI/s320/196469602463613344_UIZJrR3C_f.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lEeprHW6WBY/T6fLDd4KH2I/AAAAAAAAAg8/nDdh5TzWOUY/s1600/224335625157937868_UrC3erR3_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="320" width="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lEeprHW6WBY/T6fLDd4KH2I/AAAAAAAAAg8/nDdh5TzWOUY/s320/224335625157937868_UrC3erR3_f.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fIGcWmt84Ps/T6fLDijrOII/AAAAAAAAAhI/DPax2m03_84/s1600/246923992038932671_M8LlVdc2_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="320" width="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fIGcWmt84Ps/T6fLDijrOII/AAAAAAAAAhI/DPax2m03_84/s320/246923992038932671_M8LlVdc2_f.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bEhVrWqJW0o/T6fLJALAatI/AAAAAAAAAhs/G-_WB5WrZL0/s1600/277534395756773126_meHPBfpg_f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style=""><img border="0" height="320" width="245" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bEhVrWqJW0o/T6fLJALAatI/AAAAAAAAAhs/G-_WB5WrZL0/s320/277534395756773126_meHPBfpg_f.jpg" /></a></div>Kierstinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07621515303897842138noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581019535701193061.post-102796952310262922012-04-13T09:46:00.002-04:002012-04-13T10:16:19.844-04:00Open Adoption Agreements<a href="http://openadoptionbloggers.com/2012/04/10/open-adoption-roundtable-36-agreements/">Open Adoption Round Table Discussion #36</a><br />Open adoption agreements are the documents signed by placing parents and adopting parents that establish post-adoption contact expectations and boundaries. Discussions often focus on their legal weight (e.g. Are the agreements enforceable in court?) or the practical details (e.g. How many visits?), both very important issues.<br /><br />When we first began our adoption process I was totally cool with Semi Open adoption but not so sure of "Open Open Adoption!" We had friends that had open adoptions with both of their children but still it was kinda scary. I thought it was going to feel like a divorce situation but instead I have been so surprised that it feels more like a family extension. We stepped out on the edge when our agency's Pregnancy Counselor asked if she could show our profile to a Birth Mother who wanted 1-2 visits a year. Frankly, I was just excited to have my profile shown and was thinking I could handle 1-2 "supervised visits" a year!! When Kaycee's BM chose us and we met her, our whole perception changed. Before then it was just words and stories we had heard. Then there was a real, amazing, beautiful woman who I just wanted to hug and hold and love on. I always giggle when I think of the conversations my husband and I had on the car ride to and from meeting our perspective BM. <br />It went something like this:<br />Car ride there...<br />Husband: "Um, she's never coming to our house ya know. We can meet her at Bethany's office or at a public park with a social worker there." Me: "Ok yeah we'll see how it goes.... I mean I don't want this to be like co-parenting or anything."<br />Ride Home 2 hours later:<br />Husband: "Wow-- she is amazing. I think we should have her over for Christmas this year."<br />Me: "Um, ok let's just see how it goes..."<br /><br />And we did have her over for Christmas last year.<br />One thing we did do (which is why I am responding to this round table discussion) is have a written agreement in place. I had another friend who had adopted her son and had an open adoption a few months prior but no written agreement made. She recommended we do it to prevent any miscommunication or hurt feelings. So we did and I was glad we did. We set it up for pics and letters every month for the first 6 months, then at 9 and 12 months and then visits every October, February, June or something like that... As you can tell we haven't really followed it because we have opened it up to where we can text or call and set it up whenever but it was sooooo important to me to have that in place in the beginning. Not because I was afraid she was going to over step her boundaries but because I never wanted to let her down or hurt her feelings by not letting her see Kaycee. So now I send pictures when I get them or I'll text them to her. We saw her at Kaycee's birthday in October (she came to our home for the party) but have not seen her since. I have tried and left that door open for her. Whenever she wants a visit I'll be there with arms wide open. I pray that she will continue to want them... <br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wRaWBzj7ucQ/T4g0nTtW_6I/AAAAAAAAAe4/BmuEQjbKs18/s1600/OA_blogroll_v1NAVY.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 67px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wRaWBzj7ucQ/T4g0nTtW_6I/AAAAAAAAAe4/BmuEQjbKs18/s200/OA_blogroll_v1NAVY.png" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5730888375739023266" /></a>Kierstinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07621515303897842138noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581019535701193061.post-56207574598521928252012-04-08T21:37:00.001-04:002012-04-08T21:37:56.844-04:00This song has been playing in my head all day! I just love Matt Maher!! I saw him in concert last year and it was great! I hope you all had a blessed Easter! We sure did!!!<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/A44xU35UC1Y?fs=1" width="480"></iframe>Kierstinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07621515303897842138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581019535701193061.post-8213164352738759872012-04-03T08:07:00.003-04:002012-04-03T08:45:57.027-04:00Created for Care Retreat-- Part Two<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Py4fMax8QJs/T3rwef0fOWI/AAAAAAAAAes/hHFBV76Gz60/s1600/882x491_5_0be5e280cc0ce5eec69daeda2021ca77.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 178px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Py4fMax8QJs/T3rwef0fOWI/AAAAAAAAAes/hHFBV76Gz60/s320/882x491_5_0be5e280cc0ce5eec69daeda2021ca77.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5727154282883397986" /></a><br />Sooo I've been thinking how I'm going to sum up the retreat in my "Part 2" post and it's really difficult to put in words the amazing weekend. So I'll try now:<br />I knew this was a "Christian Adoptive Mom's Retreat" but didn't know that I was going to be so filled by the Holy Spirit all weekend long. It was awesome having people talk freely and opening about God in their lives and families and how we need to TRUST HIM. I have been a little anxious at times this go around with waiting and this weekend reinforced the need to put it all in HIS hands. Boy, He has not disappointed me yet and I know He won't with Jenna. When I wake up to Kaycee singing on the baby monitor every morning I think "Wow-- I am so blessed. What a gift she is to us." I know Jenna will be an incredible gift as well. Anyhow, the weekend surprised me with so much praise and worship and I LOVED it!!! I felt like I was at a Women of Faith conference for a group of Adoptive Moms Only!! As I was inspired after I left Women of Faith back in October, so was I when I left this retreat. On Sunday, I went back home to Central Florida and posted on our Central Florida Adoptive Families FB page and set up a Moms Only Lunch in April. Since our group started in July we have always done family play dates (which I LOVE) but after this past weekend I knew that we needed a time to just connect as adoptive moms and share our stories, struggles, and joys. I'm really looking forward to it!<br /><br />So what did I get out of the Created for Care Retreat??<br />1) Rejuvenation of Faith filled with goosebumps from so many worshiping moms together<br />2) Stronger Trust that God has our adoption story written and we must be patient<br />3) New understanding of different types of adoption-- international, foster, domestic<br />4) True connections with my "Blogging Buds" and new friendships<br />5) Education on racism with adoption and tips on raising our daughter of a different race<br />6) A sore jaw from talking so much....<br /><br />I decided next year I am going one day early just to rest and enjoy the retreat center. I did not rest much at all-- I didn't want to miss anything!! This was an amazing weekend and I am so grateful to the women who put it together!!Kierstinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07621515303897842138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581019535701193061.post-92078074127488560742012-03-29T13:40:00.006-04:002012-03-29T13:57:11.176-04:00Created for Care Retreat-- Part One<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wGebM2pLsDU/T3SiQBiQPxI/AAAAAAAAAeg/UP1vcP34qbQ/s1600/C4C_Logo-01-150x150.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 150px; height: 150px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wGebM2pLsDU/T3SiQBiQPxI/AAAAAAAAAeg/UP1vcP34qbQ/s320/C4C_Logo-01-150x150.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5725379422468456210" /></a><br /><br />So this past weekend I drove up north of Atlanta alone (boy was that peaceful!) to a beautiful resort called Lake Lanier Resort (www.lakelanierislands.com) for an incredible retreat for adoptive moms. It was called Created for Care http://createdforcare.org and over 450 women-- Adoptive or waiting to adopt were there! I was sooooooo excited! I've always said that I feel like adoptive moms/families are like their own little club-- we just understand each other more than other people understand us. We have had people say the craziest things to us and searched within ourselves for the best responses to be kind and educate when really we just want to hit them over the head! Anyhow, my weekend started meeting a "friend" of mine who I feel like I really know even though we never met! She contacted me almost 2 years ago through the Bethany Christian Services FB page because I put a post there. We ended up talking on the phone and then following each other on our blogs and FB through both of our adoption journeys. She is just as cool in person if not more!! She roomed with me and another girl she brought who she met at their Bethany Adoptive Parents Training weekend and Cherie is a waiting mom too! That was the beginning of the excitement of the weekend! <br />My first breakout session was with an Adoptive Moms panel-- I LOVE panel discussions. It's so fun to see what people have to say and soooooo neat to see several women all with awesome families built through different types of adoption telling their stories! I must admit I was most excited to see/meet Aimee Powell (Mac Powel's wife-- lead singer of Third Day). I have read their stories in magazines and seen some of their testimonies but so cool to meet her in person and what an awesome person she is-- not that I ever doubted it...<br />OK--there is so much to say that I'm going to put this in a few posts...Kierstinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07621515303897842138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581019535701193061.post-57855633749222357002012-03-13T21:20:00.002-04:002012-03-13T21:30:53.725-04:00Psalm 27:14 and Psalm 31:24So these are the scripture verses I have been meditating on this past week. If you aren't sure what they are go look them up! ;) We are at the 3 month mark of waiting which is really NOTHING. Some days it is nothing and I'm so busy and other days it's just a grip on my heart wondering when our daughter will be brought to us. I have complete faith that God will bring her in His perfect time. I must admit it is MUCH easier the second time around!! Kind of like having your 2nd child-- you don't get as nervous or as anxious as the first time. It is still so very exciting but I know it is all going to work out just right...<br />So I've been blessed to be able to minister to other waiting families with Bethany. About a year ago I contacted Bethany's Director and told her that I love making digital scrapbooks and would be willing to help edit or make books for couples that may be having difficulty with it. She said "Ok great-- thanks. We'll let you know." I never heard anything until December. She called and asked if I could help them. I was so excited. I filled out paperwork and became an "Official Bethany Volunteer." I am now the Profile Book Consultant and I love it!! I love helping couples make their books go from ok or good to awesome! It is very rewarding! Just this last week one of the families I talked with and reviewed their book brought home a "stork drop" baby after their book had only been "out there" for 2 weeks! I was sooooooo excited for them! I just LOVE seeing families built through adoption. It is such an awesome blessing!!!Kierstinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07621515303897842138noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581019535701193061.post-77778246936991377662012-02-17T19:57:00.005-05:002012-02-17T20:21:41.033-05:00Adoption FriendsI LOVE LOVE LOVE my adoption friends-- old and new! There is a special bond people who adopt have that is just so awesome! Back in July I had a bunch of adoptive moms and their babies over for lunch. We were talking about how there was an Adoptive Families of the Tampa Bay Area on Facebook that we had become members of but we thought it would be neat to have a Central Florida group. That night I started one on Facebook. It started out with just the 5 of us from the group and maybe a few more we knew. Right now we have 46 members! I love it! So we got together last weekend for a play date in Winter Garden-- it was 30-70 minute drive for everyone depending on where we were coming from. I always wish there was more time to talk at these things! This time a girl named Jen came with her son and daughter. It was our first time meeting them and we are soooo psyched they joined us! They are awesome! Also a couple that we had met at Magical Families recently relocated to Orlando and hooked up with us! It was great to have them and their boys there!!! Have I said how much I love our group?? tee-hee...<br />Anyhow, here are some pictures from last Saturday:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iNXeulQhws8/Tz754GuE6sI/AAAAAAAAAc4/JsEc1XHa8Pc/s1600/IMG_0048.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 99px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iNXeulQhws8/Tz754GuE6sI/AAAAAAAAAc4/JsEc1XHa8Pc/s320/IMG_0048.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710276119824231106" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jLWjNxtWzFg/Tz753v6kY2I/AAAAAAAAAco/8mP7Leuc168/s1600/IMG_0042.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 238px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jLWjNxtWzFg/Tz753v6kY2I/AAAAAAAAAco/8mP7Leuc168/s320/IMG_0042.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710276113702609762" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rFqf7cWsCi0/Tz756X8BtcI/AAAAAAAAAdA/9n4QDfe1e_I/s1600/IMG_0057.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 200px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rFqf7cWsCi0/Tz756X8BtcI/AAAAAAAAAdA/9n4QDfe1e_I/s320/IMG_0057.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710276158805882306" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4el7UwfRgu0/Tz76zU5CCbI/AAAAAAAAAdk/kMYfTNpySZM/s1600/IMG_0026.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 246px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4el7UwfRgu0/Tz76zU5CCbI/AAAAAAAAAdk/kMYfTNpySZM/s320/IMG_0026.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710277137240558002" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NQ9-igfTFyQ/Tz76wxlAQVI/AAAAAAAAAdY/uJTRvPxdUSQ/s1600/IMG_0011.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NQ9-igfTFyQ/Tz76wxlAQVI/AAAAAAAAAdY/uJTRvPxdUSQ/s320/IMG_0011.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710277093401575762" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EvmlpG14Jzg/Tz76vaTfHMI/AAAAAAAAAdM/Obij-eRQ59A/s1600/IMG_0021.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EvmlpG14Jzg/Tz76vaTfHMI/AAAAAAAAAdM/Obij-eRQ59A/s320/IMG_0021.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710277069974215874" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uMg6mLjrC9o/Tz76zugpcKI/AAAAAAAAAdw/kxxhiAyxdR0/s1600/IMG_0049.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 319px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uMg6mLjrC9o/Tz76zugpcKI/AAAAAAAAAdw/kxxhiAyxdR0/s320/IMG_0049.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710277144117604514" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yt29WJ0PspE/Tz78kLLLXTI/AAAAAAAAAeI/30usHu0t4iA/s1600/IMG_0024.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yt29WJ0PspE/Tz78kLLLXTI/AAAAAAAAAeI/30usHu0t4iA/s320/IMG_0024.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710279075957529906" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UNQ3RuMycNE/Tz78j_CXjII/AAAAAAAAAd8/VG2DQ9rR7PU/s1600/IMG_0023.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UNQ3RuMycNE/Tz78j_CXjII/AAAAAAAAAd8/VG2DQ9rR7PU/s320/IMG_0023.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710279072699354242" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ECVlOqpCfcE/Tz78loP65CI/AAAAAAAAAeU/WuSI4qO9WbY/s1600/IMG_0052.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 97px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ECVlOqpCfcE/Tz78loP65CI/AAAAAAAAAeU/WuSI4qO9WbY/s320/IMG_0052.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5710279100941919266" border="0" /></a>Kierstinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07621515303897842138noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581019535701193061.post-14325589553750145892012-02-10T13:32:00.003-05:002012-02-10T13:51:05.111-05:00Surrender<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6bWaE48D980/TzVmSXCEImI/AAAAAAAAAcc/F45bM40-MbY/s1600/surrender%252Bto%252Ba%252Bbeautiful%252BGod.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 256px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6bWaE48D980/TzVmSXCEImI/AAAAAAAAAcc/F45bM40-MbY/s320/surrender%252Bto%252Ba%252Bbeautiful%252BGod.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5707580568368325218" border="0" /></a><br />Ever notice how sometimes it is easy to turn things over to God and sometimes it is really hard?? I have to admit that I still don't think automatically to pray right when stressful situations hit me. I usually get angst and my mind goes a million miles a minute trying to figure out how "I the almighty one" will handle all this with grace and make it work out perfect. WRONG. I'm always wrong when I think I am in control. When will I learn???<br />A few weeks ago Chris (my husband), was putting Luke (our 5 year old) to bed and Chris' knee dislocated. He was in NC at the time so I did not witness the event but when my tough husband who can "block out" pain says he was seeing stars and was considering going to the ER, I know it was bad. It took three weeks to get into the orthopedic surgeon. He went Tues. MRI Wednesday. Results yesterday: Bad ACL tear. Surgery necessary.<br />Now my husband is a Physical Therapist so he can't return to work until he is fully recovered-- 2-3 MONTHS! Ugh. I thought I was going to throw up when I heard that last night. Let me tell you why... we are waiting for a newborn baby to adopt and I wanted to take 2-3 MONTHS off!! Really what I think would be best is if we get matched while he is out on leave. He only needs 2 weeks (insert smile) and then it'll be like when he broke his leg 8 years ago-- he couldn't work and was bored to death. So today I am surrendering all of the to God and putting in a special request for our daughter to be brought to us while Chris is out on medical leave... I know He's laughing at me but I'm still requesting. Praying. Hoping. Surrendering for today.Kierstinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07621515303897842138noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581019535701193061.post-21084061436374054792012-02-08T20:14:00.003-05:002012-02-08T20:44:46.055-05:00SurveyWell, I haven't posted anything because we are just waiting for God to bring Jenna to us and He currently is not in a rush which is fine. We know He has the perfect precious daughter picked out for us... Don't get me wrong, I do get anxious and do daydream about "The Call" but overall I'm pretty busy so life keeps me distracted! My friend Kelly tagged me in a survey on her blog <a href="http://fromemptywombtooverflowingheart.blogspot.com/">From Empty Womb to Overflowing Heart</a>, so I thought it would be fun to answer her questions. I'm not playing the game completely but I will answer her questions mainly to have something to post here!! Ha!<span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family:Arial;"><b><br /><br />11 Random Questions for You</b>:</span></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">1. Favorite thing to do in your "spare" time?<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">"Play" on my laptop or read</span><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">2. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Africa and Australia-- I have always loved those countries and would love to spend time in each of them-- some day I will...</span><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">3. If you could choose any dream job what would it be?<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Hummmm I think I have my dream job. I love being a Home Health Occupational Therapist The only other thing I can possibly think of is getting paid to help "waiting families" make their profile books or helping people make digital scrapbooks. That's a neat dream job I think.</span><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">4. If you have a guilty pleasure, what is it?<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Chocolate chip cookies-- I love them and have trouble resisting</span><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">5. </span></span><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">What has been the hardest question you've been confronted with regarding your childs adoption?<br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);">I don't know-- I know I was really bothered when someone I work with told me that laws don't matter and Kaycee's birthmom could come take her away any time. It made me so mad.</span><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">6. If you could meet anyone dead or alive, who would it be?<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">Mother Theresa or Oprah</span><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">7. Favorite restaurant?<br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);">We really don't go out to eat that much- I like Bonefish Grill and I also like a local Italian place called Naples</span><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">8. What book are you currently reading?<br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);">No Biking in the House by Melissa Fay Green and Dinner with a Perfect Stranger by David Gregory for my Christian Girls Book Club</span><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">9. If you struggled with IF, do you ever feel that people regard your decision to adopt as a "last resort" or "second best"? If so, how do you deal with it?<br /><span style="color: rgb(153, 51, 153);">I didn't struggle with it exactly but when I was miserable on bedrest with my second son and crying because I knew I could not physically have anymore children my sister in law said "you guys can always adopt" I never forgot that...</span><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">10. Whats to your immediate left?<br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);">My iPhone and my dog</span><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-family:Arial;">11. If someone gave you 1 million dollars, how would you use it?<br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);">These days 1 million is not really that much... sad but true. I'd buy a new house with a pool and pay for all my kids prepaid college plans in full. I'd donate $100,000 to charity Then it would be gone. :)<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Thanks Kelly for stimulating my mind!! I'm so looking forward to our Central Florida Adoption Play Date this Saturday. Stay tuned-- I'll post some pics!!</span><br /></span></span></span></div>Kierstinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07621515303897842138noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581019535701193061.post-66339598664400134182012-01-03T12:59:00.005-05:002012-01-03T13:26:48.037-05:00Happy New Year & Philippians 4:6<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uQAOrBXYGX4/TwNFlF0XlnI/AAAAAAAAAcE/bIpPnQkzuCk/s1600/IMG_0566.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uQAOrBXYGX4/TwNFlF0XlnI/AAAAAAAAAcE/bIpPnQkzuCk/s320/IMG_0566.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693470857445742194" border="0" /></a><br /><br />We had a wonderful Christmas with lots of family, lots of laughs and lots of good memory making moments!! Now on to the New Year 2012! Every New Year Chris & I set goals for ourselves and for our family for the new year. We had done it on New Year's Eve but I needed more thinking time so I think we'll do it this weekend! We met several of our goals from last year and will probably put some of the ones not met back on this years list.<br />Lately I'm frustrated with myself at being anxious about our adoption process! We were asked to turn everything in ASAP in December by our adoption agency and then.... nothing. It's kinda strange but I know that God has a plan. I know our baby girl will be presented to us when she is ready... blah blah blah. I've done this before. I have 3 kids to keep me busy. Why oh why am I anxious about this. I try not to think about it. I keep trying to tell myself it'll happen in June or this summer so I can put it out of my mind. In the mean time people keep asking me if I'm crazy to want to add another child to my bunch. Today when someone asked I said "Yep I am." I was feeling tongue tied when asked that before but now in all reality I am nuts and I'm so excited for it! I have 2 kids that are potty trained and can dress themselves and everyone sleeps great so bring on another!!!!!!!!!!!<br />I love my kids. I love our family. I can't wait for our final member to join us and sleep on my chest and coo (and cry and spit up and everything else!!). Yes, it will be tough but a good tough. Ok so that's where we are at! No news and trust me when I have some I am not afraid to tell and ask for prayers!!!! For now I will stay busy with work, house decorating-- I think I'm going to redo the kids rooms, and making awesome memories with my littles who I love with all my heart!!<br />Stay tuned.<br /><br />PS And yes I am focusing on <span class="redheading">Philippians 4:6<a href="http://bible.cc/philippians/4-7.htm"></a></span><br />Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.<br />I'm trying....<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DC1OpRYLpAI/TwNFlhnfyLI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/zemImasbENk/s1600/IMG_0561.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DC1OpRYLpAI/TwNFlhnfyLI/AAAAAAAAAcQ/zemImasbENk/s320/IMG_0561.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5693470864907946162" border="0" /></a>(My mom, my brother Derek - NYC, my brother Kristofer- Boulder, CO, Kaycee, Chris, me, Luke & Zack on Christmas morning)Kierstinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07621515303897842138noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5581019535701193061.post-30720797513083550222011-12-16T20:27:00.005-05:002011-12-16T22:48:18.103-05:00Merry Christmas & Happy 2012!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RUPoA7OtRbU/TuvwNtmXBAI/AAAAAAAAAbs/Qyv-oxhMx-E/s1600/SC077322.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RUPoA7OtRbU/TuvwNtmXBAI/AAAAAAAAAbs/Qyv-oxhMx-E/s400/SC077322.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686903072854836226" border="0" /></a>Happy Holidays Everyone!<br />I decided to post our annual Christmas letter on our blog to a) save paper and that expensive ink b) get my Christmas cards out in time and do the letter later! All our cards went out this week and now I'm sitting on the couch with the ambiance of the lit Christmas tree and reflecting on this past year...<br />Chris got a new job in the spring in The Villages at a very nice, upscale skilled nursing rehab facility. He really enjoys it and it allows our children to go to The Villages Charter School. He is also 20 minutes closer to his mountain biking trails and still enjoys riding once a week with a group of guys.<br /> Luke started Kindergarten and loves it! He enjoys coloring, drawing and playing with Legos. He also participates in bowling after school once a week! He went to Legoland with me in October which was great fun!<br />Zack really learned to swim this summer. He loves it and is a little fish! He also became completely potty trained this fall (Thank God!!) He loves going Sea World, playing with trucks and his favorite characters are Diego & Spiderman!<br />Kaycee has amazed us this year! She is so animated and happy! She loves to sing and dance and she just started walking this week! She loves her brothers and never fusses when they give her big bear hugs (or headlocks)!<br />I am still working in Home Health 3 days a week and really enjoying it. I have the flexibility to participate in all the kids school activities and enjoy special one on one days with the kids. I have started a Central Florida Adoptive Families page in Facebook and have made some great new friendships with local families. I also started a "Play and Pray" group at my house once a week. I got inspired after attending the Women of Faith Conference in October and now have some friends over with their kids-- the moms do a bible study (and pray) while the kids play. It's a little chaotic at times but it's better than nothing and I think we all enjoy it!!<br />Our big news that most people already know is that we are in the process of adopting our fourth (and final) child! We are so excited to add a newborn baby girl to our family! We actually mailed all our paperwork in today and our profile book has already arrived at our adoption agency! So now we wait to see when God will place Jenna in our arms and lives forever. We pray for her and her birth mom daily (where ever and whoever they may be).<br />We pray you and your family have a wonderful holiday season and awesome 2012!!<br /><br />Much Love,<br />Kierstin, Chris, Luke (5), Zack (4) & Kaycee (1)<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XdUrRaj7KKk/Tuv1rYKoPlI/AAAAAAAAAb4/xMQXyaWYUc0/s1600/SC077259.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XdUrRaj7KKk/Tuv1rYKoPlI/AAAAAAAAAb4/xMQXyaWYUc0/s400/SC077259.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5686909080055594578" border="0" /></a>Kierstinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07621515303897842138noreply@blogger.com2