Promised pics and NB update

I think this picture might just be what I've always imagined when someone says 'sleeping like a baby'! Peaceful, isn't she?This is Adeline with her four-legged cousins Max (black dog), Lucy (fat dog), and Wrigley (adorable chocolate lab puppy). Max and Lucy live at Mom's house and Wrigley belongs to my brother and sister-in-law, Chris and Julie. Fun fact: Adeline and Wrigley are only two days apart in age!! Cool, huh? We all enjoyed being outside last Sunday afternoon when it was so beautiful. The last time we were all together was the middle of the night when Adeline was born! So, I did get my scores and found out I did not earn enough points to pass National Board certification this time. I was really sad yesterday when I found out, but have had several people help me keep things in perspective about what is really important. Like I said earlier, the process has helped me grow in many ways and I am thankful for that. My identity does not come from pieces of paper that have passing scores, but it comes in the fact that I am certain that I am fulfilling God's purpose for my life in being a really good teacher -- and now a mom! Adeline is certainly my greatest accomplishment ever!! I can choose to redo some aspects of the process...I will think about that later.

It's Thursday again!

It doesn't seem possible that it is Thursday again! Whew! We took Adeline to the doctor yesterday for her six week check up and shots. She is now 10 lbs. 11 oz. and 22 1/4 inches long. Yep -- she's growing! Her pediatrician was pleased with how she is holding her head up when she is on her tummy. She is very alert and once again displayed her lung capacity as she cried when she got her shots-- but thankfully, it wasn't for very long. She is so brave! I need to download some pictures from the camera and then I can share some other pics.

Until then...I am thankful that:
1. my brother, Kevin (Adeline's Uncle Kevin), has accepted a job as a musician with Carnival Crusie Lines. We are thankful that God has opened this door for him! He leaves mid-January to sail out (although he reminded me that cruise ships don't have sails!) of Miami. I think he said this boat's itinerary rotates between the Bahamas and Western Caribbean. What beautiful places to see!
2. Ben just walked in the door after a busy day at work. I appreciate how hard he works to take very good care of our family! He is a blessing!
3. the wait for National Board Certification scores is about over; they will be posted tomorrow. Many of you know that I spent last school year completing the process to become a National Board Certified teacher. It was one of the most challenging things I've done, but I learned a LOT about myself and my teaching. We'll see what happens tomorrow...

Thankful Thursday

Oops! I meant to include this a moment ago and forgot. I'm borrowing an idea from my sweet friend, Jennifer, who writes about thankfulness each Thursday. (Jennifer is one of my former youth group kiddos who is a cool grown-up now!) I always enjoy reading all of her posts, but especially her Thankful Thursdays because I am usually reminded to offer God my prayers of thanksgiving, too.

On this Thursday, I am thankful for:
1. the lunch date Adeline and I had with Tyna and Jennie.
2. the beautiful fall leaves blowing all around us.
3. Uncle Kevin's job possibilities (more on that to come).
4. four more weeks to spend at home with Adeline.

God, you are gracious in all that you give to us! Thank you for providing all I need and even giving me the things I want.

Six weeks and counting

Well, Adeline is now six weeks old! In my perfect world, I would have posted this on Tuesday as that is the day she really turned six weeks old. In fact, she and I were awake at 12:01 am for me to wish her Happy Birthday. Before she was here, so many people remarked how quickly time would pass and it is so true! While I know we can't always tell, I know she is growing every day. We are starting to get more smiles and little giggles from her, which just makes you smile. She is definitely following things with her eyes more and especially likes to look at a Van Gogh print we have on the living room wall. Maybe she will be an artist one day...

Happy six week birthday, Adeline! We love you!

A few pics to enjoy...

A new beginning

Life is full of "firsts" right now as we enjoy life with our little girl, Adeline Jane! Over the years, my friends' blogs have been a great way to keep up with their families. I especially enjoy the times they have chronicled some of the amazing and funny things their kids say and do -- those things we always say we want to remember! Their blogs have been a great place to hold onto some of those memories. So, we've decided to to join the blogging world, too. Hopefully, we'll capture many things we want to remember and share them along the way!

Adeline and Daddy's first picture!

Adeline's first hat!

Going home for the first time in the outfit Daddy picked for her!

Her first sponge bath at home!

Her first outing to hear Uncle Kevin play at Sauced!