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

Hoo-Ray for H.oughton College!

Looks like my niece is H.oughton bound! The fun part about it is that's where I went to College. I am so happy for her! Check out the memento she brought back for Samuel:

Smile!

Daddy caught a smile on camera!

I love..

I love...

Hanging out with my boy, Samuel Riley! :-)

My child is all I ever dreamt he'd be. Masterfully created by God, he is so precious .. so perfect.

Knowing him, loving him and being his mom is amazing.

We are a family now. We feel completely blessed.

At 4 weeks old, his personality is developing. He's calm, sweet, laid back and loving. A very gentle soul.

I am astonished by his presence.

The Journey of Many Hearts

In that moment, quiet surrounded me. It was as if time actually stood still. My breath caught. My heart stopped. Slowly, gently, I wrapped you in my arms. I felt the steady rhythm of your heart next to mine. Softly, I pressed my cheek to yours, closed my eyes and exhaled... In the stillness of that quiet miracle, I held you, my son, for the very first time. In that moment at last, the journey of many hearts beat as one. And you were home.

- Author Unknown

Samuel's First Couple of Days Home

Samuel's first few days with us were "trial and error" ... but considering the life changing event "he and we" went through, we all did phenominal, really.
It seemed none of us slept that night, literally. Since I hadn't actually slept much since "The Call" on Thursday, I was rather wiped out.

I was falling in love with Samuel and feeling over the top overwhelmed! Brian and I had gone from a couple to a family in just a few short days. Well wishers meant well, so well ...
everyone was falling in love with Samuel. But, I went through a day of feeling smothered, tired, worn out and I just needed some time to gather my thoughts and get some rest.
My brother and sister-in-law were here from Cleveland. They stepped in and managed the home, baby, phone, etc. while we attemped to catch some rest. Notice I said "rest" because I don't think I truly ever went to "sleep".

Since then it's been all up hill. We couldn't be happier. Samuel is a good baby - I mean so good I feel guilty! ;) He's pleasant, happy, smiley (for real, not gas, ha), content.

I have experienced "Mom instincts" I didn't expect. So surreal. I find myself wanting to protect him and love him FOREVER! We spend alot of time bonding. We sing, cuddle and kiss as much as we can. I can honestly say there are absolutely NO bonding issues, as a matter of fact, I find it to be quite the opposite.

Samuel is a miracle from God. Our wait was long and painful, but I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. I can see now, God was busy perfecting our son. I thank God every day for this baby. . . we have been richly blessed.

More On Placement Day

Once Samuel was introduced to us we were given a few moments quiet time. We fed him, changed him and prepped for the ride home. I had taken a special newborn layette outfit, but it was TOO big for his tiny little body.

The ride home was great! I sat in the back with Samuel while BT drove. From the moment Samuel was placed in my arms I felt fine, great actually. No more tummy ache. So our first stop was Wendy's drive-thru for a single burger and diet coke!

We stopped at a service area for gas, and to feed, change and hold him. The drive home seemed to take forever. Baby slept... I spent time texting pix to family who were all waiting for his arriveal home.
When we arrived home, Samuel was greeted by a stork on the lawn and a sign in the window.


Inside our immediately family was waiting to meet him. Everyone was so happy, so excited, so in love. I wish there were words to describe the emotions!

My sister decorated the inside of our home for Samuel's homecoming. Everyone stayed for dinner. We had Olive Garden lasagna, tossed salad and garlic bread. My mother-in-law brought a cake from Wegmans. So fun and so yummy!

Samuel "Asked of God"

March 3, 2009 - Placement Day

At approximately 12 noon, Baby Samuel Riley was placed in my arms.

I'll do my best to explain how the moments enfolded . . but I know my words won't come close to the joy we experienced.

Barely able to sleep the night before, we were up promptly at 6 AM, with plans to leave for the agency by 7:30 AM. All the stress, nervousness, etc. caught up to me and I got a nervous stomach that not only caused us to leave late, but required a few unexpected stops on the New York State Thruway. Our appointment was for 10 AM. We were late. I felt horrible. But the ladies at our agency were great.

We were greeted at the door and taken back to the counseling room to read, review and sign necessary paperwork. I vividly remember trying to sign my name for the first time. My hand was so weak and shaky! Once the adoptive parent worker went over everything with us, the birthparent worker came in to talk to us.

She told us about Samuel's birthmom! She's a brave, strong, loving woman who wanted the best for Samuel. Her plan was solid. She wanted him placed with a couple who waited a long, long time and had no other children. She chose not to have contact of any kind. No phone calls, letters, cards, etc. We loved all the things the agency shared with us regarding her life, wishes, future goals, etc.. I can't stop thinking about her and the gift she gave us. I may never be given the opportunity to thank her myself, but she will forever be in my thoughts and prayers.

One thing the worker stressed over and over was how much she loved Samuel and that we should always assure him of her love.

Then it was time for Samuel's foster family to bring him in! I remember the room quickly filling with people and camera flashes all over the place, but what I remember most was this image of the foster mother walking into the room with our boy.

Once Samuel was placed in our arms, things were pretty quiet as we all shared a loving, emotional moment. Samuel's foster Mom talked to me about his likes and dislikes.

Once things calmed down everyone stood in a circle holding hands as a prayer was offered.

Samuel squirmed and made his presence known during the prayer (too cute).

I am so glad we had the opportunity to meet the family who cared for our son for the first two weeks of his life. They're a fine, Christian family whom I am sure took very good care of him.

I must admit, my heart went to my throat as they said their "good-byes" and I heard one of them whisper to Samuel, "Have a good life" with such sincerity.

1 Samuel 1:27

A verse of scripture found in 1 SAMUEL reads, "For this child I prayed; and the LORD hath given me my petition which I asked of him".

The name SAMUEL means "Asked of God".

What better baby boy name could I ask for?

Our little boy will be known as "Samuel Riley"