Our Hope Endures

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Boy clothes!

On March 4th, we got the phone call from Cindy that changed our lives forever...

We had been chosen by a birthmom due in March with a baby boy!

Within less than one month prior to that call, we had lost two babies- Sarah and another girl that I never blogged about. So, for obvious reasons, we were hesitant to get excited.

And yet, I just couldn't help but be.

Rusty and I were on our way out of town that afternoon for a long weekend with friends in Scottsdale, Arizona. We weren't sure then, but know now that it was to be our "babymoon", our last childless vacation!

While we were there, my mind was reeling with all that we needed to do to change from girl mode to boy. Though we had tried to stick to gender neutral, I had pretty much failed and had a closet full of pink, a drawer full of bows and lots of flowered accessories. So, I was ready to start the switch ASAP.

Rusty was more hesitant, but he loves me :) and knows me well enough to know that I wasn't going to rest until I had something "boy" in my hands, so we went to the mall in Scottsdale. I bought the most precious little vest and slacks that I had ever seen!

My heart felt full as we walked out of the store with boy clothes in hand. Somehow it just made it feel more real. This is the picture that I took of the outfit as we rode in the cab back to our hotel. I was full of hope and prayer that one day soon, we would have a little boy wearing that suit.

And (though the pants are still too big) Ben was finally able to wear the vest to church a few weeks ago. It brought tears to my eyes to see my symbol of hope fulfilled!

And he looked pretty stinkin' handsome in it too, if you ask me!

Sunday, July 17, 2011

4 months

Monday, July 11, 2011

Beemer Painting

My amazingly talented friend, Melanie painted this for Ben's room.

I am SOOO blessed to have such a gifted friend!

First plane trip

Over the 4th of July holiday weekend, we went to visit some family in Atlanta. It was Ben's first plane trip PLUS he had his first ear infection and was on antibiotics. I was pretty nervous about how he would do on the plane. So, I made these little gifts for the passengers around us:

Thankfully, Ben was a perfect angel and I did not have to even give them out. Well, on the trip out there, he was an angel. The way home was a little bit more stressful, but we survived! :)

I had prayed for the passenger that would sit beside us, that it would be someone who would be understanding and patient. Actually, I specifically prayed for a grandma. It's funny how God even cares about those little details.

This was "Nana", the passenger that sat beside us and begged to hold Ben and love on him!

Ben meeting "Dada"

(my uncle Jim)

And "JoJo"

(my cousin's daughter Jordan)

with Pierce and Jordan

Ben and "Uncle Doug" were wearing their matching shoes!

Puling Pierce's hair was a fun game!

With "Mimi D"

(my Aunt Dixie)

Ben and the ladies.... Sally, Lexie and Lauren

In the "chill room" with his Beats!

Uncle Shug and Sally are FUNNY!

Ready for the pool!

Ben and "Auntie Marlee"

Meeting "Grandma Pounds"

Happy July 4th!

Ben was a big fan of the gyro bowl!

Thank you, Lord for a family that loves us so much!

Thursday, July 7, 2011

RETIRED!!!!!

I turned in my badge and keys and officially retired from my career as nurse! I am now a full-time, stay at home mom!

I have only worked a few shifts since Ben was born, so it isn't going to be a huge shift as far as my routine, but it is still an adjustment. For so long, being a nurse has been a huge part of my identity and part of what defined me. So, walking away from that is a bit weird.

But, I am very excited about this new adventure and am thrilled to have the opportunity to be a part of Ben's every day!