Merry Christmas

Samuel at 10 months

It's official....I've becomes a terrible blogger. Funny how things changed when SRT came into our lives. Priorities change, interests change... everything changes. And now, it's Christmas.. all around us. I'll be back to post Christmas photos. For now, here's my BOY at 10 mths.

Halloween

Try double clicking the collage for a better view!

Fall 2009

I need to blog. It's been a while since I've paid attention. And.. I need to keep up a better connection to all my Blogging friends. Although my life is rather busy right now, I will try to take a few moments here and there to up-date you all on the happenings in the life of Samuel's Mommy ;) Who, BTW, will be 9 months old very soon.

For tonight I'd like to share photos from our day at the Pumpkin Farm and Park. What a fun outting it was for all 3 of us.

Samuel's 6 Month Photos :)

I know I've been a terrible blogger lately. Soon I will submit a post of showing you all what I have been up to! In the meantime, I would like to share some of Samuel's most recent photos.
Being his Mom is the best! I love him sooooo much. Enjoy!

I long more for Heaven than I ever did before...

On Sunday, August 9, 10:13 PM...

My Dad went home to meet Jesus face-to-face after a lengthy illness. There was great relief in knowing he is now pain free, seeing his life clearly in ways only you and I can imagine. A man who hasn't stood on his own 2 feet in 15 months is walking streets of gold. Praise God for this time a celebration. A time to remember his life, his journey here on earth as a son, husband, father, grandfather, uncle, friend, etc...

A quiet man, with a generous heart. Always looking out for others. That is how I will remember him.


BUT, it still hurts. Bad. He will be deeply missed. Losing a loved one is never easy, never.
Losing a parent is in a class of it's own. It gives death a new meaning, gives life a new meaning, the aches reach the depths of our soul.


Dad fought the good fight. The battle wasn't easy .... and yet I never heard him complain. Instead he greeted all visitors with a smile. Nurses often remarked on how much they enjoyed his presence.

I am thankful beyond measure Dad met Samuel, once he even held him in his arms. The smiles the two exchanged as I held him over the bed will never, ever be forgotten. See, Dad was our # 1 fan when it came to adoption. He often reminded us we'd get a baby boy.. something Dad always knew deep in his heart.

As I write this, I can't help but think in less than 6 short months, I received the biggest blessing of my life, my son Samuel and felt the great loss of my life, the death of my Dad. It's hard to understand right now, but I know God makes no mistakes and I am thankful for these few short months.

Dad's in Heaven now.. a place I long for more than ever before. Jesus has overcome.

5 months ago tonight ...

5 months ago today we were preparing for our trip to pick up our baby from the adoption agency. Since then our life has been all about Samuel . . .our beautiful, healthy, happy, giddy adopted baby boy. He's quickly become the focus of our days .. and has made our lives complete.

Samuel is doing great. He's on target with everything, really. He sleeps like a Prince. . up to 11 hours a night (waking once for a quick bottle) and naps 2 - 3 times a day.

Although Samuel needed special "colic" formula for his first few months, we've recently reintroduced S imilac S ensitive and it's working out just fine! He also does very well with rice cereal and butternut squash! This week he start sweet potatoes. I can't wait til we start fresh fruits ... like avacados and bananas! :)

I am back to work. Samuel loves going to work with Mamma! He is so happy there ... and loves being in on the action. I see him frequently throughout the afternoon. Some days he stays with Grandma, too. They are such good buddies! And, I think it's good he spends some time with her.

So, all in all ... our little man is doing wonderfully! What an answer to our prayers!

Sunday, July 26, 2009

It took 2 posts to show you some of my favorites so be sure to read the previous post as well.

And a few taken today . . .

Full

My life is FULL ... of joys! I realize I need to start blogging again. And, I will ..soon. We are feeling blessed beyond measure and cherishing every day with Samuel! In the meantime, some "favorite" pix of Samuel.

Time flys when you're having fun...

2 months old and ours forever!

Samuel turned 2 months old on Monday. It was 6 weeks ago Tuesday he was placed in our arms.

Our hearts are full and running over with love for our little boy. He is so precious! It has been so wonderful to watch him grow. He's gained 3 lbs, 7 oz. since birth. He does great with holding up and turning his head, following voices and people as they move around, responding to Mommy and Daddy, smiling, etc.. His first "real" smile was at about 6 weeks; his first laugh at 8 weeks.

We've put away the "preemie" and most "newborn" clothing .

Overnights were tough for the longest time. Samuel would try so hard to sleep, but obvious stomach discomfort made sleeping very hard for him. After a few changes in formula, we've found one that is much gentler on his system. He takes 3 -4 ounces of S.imilac S.ensitive every 3 -4 hours during his waking hours. The past few nights he slept 5-7 hours without waking for a bottle. Following the advice of our pediatrician, we give him a small dose of gas drops 1 hour before each feeding. I also keep G.ripe Water on hand .. which can be very calming. We also add 1/2 tsp. of dark K.ayro syrup to each bottle to help with bowel movements.

So, all in all, we have a smiley, happy baby we are totally in love with!

I don't believe I mentioned this in earlier posts, but Samuel's birthmother signed a "ex.tra-judical surre.nder" which granted her 45 days to change her mind, once that 45 days was passed, the adoption would become irrevocable. On Easter Sunday we celebrated the 45th day!
We are rejoicing and thanking God he is ours FOREVER!

Samuel's First Easter 2009