Checking in

It has been a busy day around here. I've been working on my paracord stuff, chasing Lizzie around, trying to whip up dinner, and applying for jobs.

We've decided to renew the homestudy. Nate was the deciding factor on this one. He was horrified at the thought of quitting. "But...what if a mom is having a baby...and she wants to give it to us?" Well, try to explain THAT to those big, brown eyes! We have always wanted him to feel involved in the adoption process, and this is the first time he has expressed a strong opinion about anything involving it (besides wanting a brother, lol). I'm not thrilled at the thought of searching for another year . . . but at this point, we're so used to it, what could it hurt?

Song of the day, since it's been a while . . .

The video itself makes me motion sick, but the lyrics are perfect. "I'll kneel down, wait for now. . . I will wait, I will wait for you."

The world according to Nate

Time for some choice words from my son, gathered throughout the past few weeks and compiled here for your enjoyment and his embarrassment...

On my driving habits:

"I wish you wouldn't say those things, Mom."

"You shouldn't rush the other drivers! They're doing the best they can."

"You make me sad when you talk like that."

To the dogs:

"Lady, not EVERYTHING is about YOU!"

About food:


"I'm the guy who has to try all the pancakes."

"I love rootbeer. But it makes me burp a lot. But I still love it, cuz it has lots of air in it!"

"Look at this tummy! It is totally. EMPTY!"

On hair:


"I hope I NEVER have bald hair!"

"I want to have a mustache. And a beard. I'm going grow it next year."

On himself:


"I'm NOT cute! I am HANDSOME!"

"I have really big stomach muscles."

"I ran so fast, you have no idea."


What a joy Nate is in our lives! Such a dynamic, sweet little man who thinks deeply about life and the world around him. He makes me laugh, he makes me cry, he makes me nuts. :) We can't imagine life without him!!

Best Valentine's Day EVER!

No, it wasn't today. heehee

The best Valentine's Day ever is (and will always be) the Valentine's Day Nate came home! Nate was passed into my arms for ever and always on Feb. 13. "The best Valentine's gift ever," I told Andy as we drove home with our little boy in his car seat making little baby noises. I remember calling my mom and holding the phone up to Nate so she could hear his little noises. "Oh," she said, crying, "he's wonderful." And he is.

Nate the Great!

When we found out about Nate's...well...existence, we went about finding a name for him. We liked the name his birthmom had given him, but it as very similar to a couple relatives' names, and we just thought it was too confusing. So, we decided to use that name as his middle name and find a new first name that suited him. Oh my! We went through every single name on the AOL Baby Names list, from A to N...right down to Nate. It took us hours upon hours! But as soon as I read aloud, "Nate" we both went, "Huh...yeah..." It didn't take any time at all for his cousins to start calling him Nate the Great.

I must say, he lives up to the hype.

Kind, thoughtful, an attentive brother and caring friend, Nate reminds me every day of what I should be striving to be. I am so proud to be his mom.

Here are some pictures of Nate the Great. No words exist that can describe how much I love this kid!

With Lizzie on the first day of school.
See the protective arm around her shoulders?

Soccer! His new love!

With his baseball awards!

My precious, precious son! He is growing so quickly. I can hardly wait to see the man he becomes.