Showered with Blessings

Dear friends gathered together this past weekend to celebrate Avery. I was so blessed and encouraged to receive their gifts and prayers for our daughter. We have had tremendous support through this entire process and we are thankful.


Cindy, Courtney and Jenn threw a beautiful party with sweet little touches all throughout the house.
Courtney and Cindy both know what I am getting into ;) but are so gracious to let me experience it for myself.

 

Mom and Lissa handled the sweets! Cute!

Yummy food, decorations and party favors

Keep in mind this is my first baby shower off the couch out of my own home ;) No bed rest this time!

My mom has been one busy lady. She made new bedding for her childhood doll beds. Lots and lots of headbands for her bald granddaughter ;) And the precious red handkerchief dress with matching doll dress, below. My sister and I always had matching dresses for our dolls :)

EJ's mom made the trip! 

It was so special having her there with the friends she always hears me mention.

She has been so generous to us. Her jewelry donations and so many gifts are such a blessing.

My mom's best friend Debbie, Mom and Aunt Lissa

After the shower, I had the privilege of spending the evening with these lovely ladies. Oh, how I wish it could happen more often. Leah is expecting her 3rd any day now. We can't wait to meet him or her! We need a few more girls in our beach gang. I have my fingers crossed ;)

Thanks ladies. Such sweet memories!

Introducing...

photo taken in January 2013

photos taken in March 2013 after she received our care package

Celebrating Ryan

On Friday night, we squeezed in a family celebration for Ryan's 3rd birthday. EJ's mom arrived on Wed. and it was so fun having her here for the party. Between 5 birthdays, Easter and 2 showers, it's been a busy few weeks! We were also able to celebrate our LOA arrival and the use of our newly painted porch :)

 The cake was a bit of a disaster. 

I put strawberry preserves in between the layers of strawberry cake, but it just oozed out all over ;)

The boys tried a "sleepover" for the first time since Owen moved out and Ryan moved in. It didn't last long. Owen was annoyed with the younger two's chatter and left. He "needed his sleep" for an early morning baseball game ;)

LOA

We have had one heck of a weekend. His Love has poured down on us.

After 72 days (on 4-13-13) we have LOA (Letter of Acceptance)

or Letter of Seeking Confirmation from Adopter

 

I had assumed these past 72 days that we were the ones being accepted. As in there was still a chance XiuYan was not ours. Turns out we were the ones officially accepting her. Either way it's as official as it can be this side of China. I am jumping for joy with tears and laughter.

The certificate was signed and it is on its way back to Alabama along with our U.S. Immigration (round 2) applications. 2-3 months til travel!!! We are coming baby girl!

Sweet Cheeks

He might be small for his age, but only in stature ;)

 He is happiest painting, drawing or dribbling a ball. I think swimming might be a close 3rd!

Those cheeks and lips. I can not get enough. This morning it was glorious outside. I don't think I realized how much I NEEDED the weather to turn warm and for things to turn green again. He and I were outside playing basketball. He says to me with a very serious expression, "huddle up." I squatted down and he leans his little face into me, cheek to cheek. I have no idea what the "play" was because I got distracted by his cuteness ;) I KNOW (soon) I am going to miss those little lips mispronouncing so many words!
Each day is still his birthday, just in case you are wondering if he enjoyed his day ;)