What a wonderful year!

What a sad look in her eyes

Not any more! One year ago I saw our beautiful daughter for the first time. I immediately fell in love with her and each day our bond grows stronger. Thank you God for such a beautiful blessing.

Summer Fun Pics

This is a 4 week old racoon my sister is hand raising...So cute!

My silly girl! She loves hugs!

Fun at Disney

Her favorite part of Disney is splashing in any puddle of water she could find.

She wasn't sure about Mickey and enjoyed him more when he was at a distance.



My little niece was able to go with us and she is having a ball!

Reunion with Friends

Our beautiful girls! This is our "Tan Couch" photo!

Jaden, Allie and Julianna chowing down.


I was in heaven playing with the girls.

We had such a wonderful time seeing our friends today. We were able to reunite with our travel buddies Delaine and Georgette and finally get to meet our friend Beth and her absolutely beautiful daughter. She actually travelled to China about a week after we left.

The girls played, laughed, ate and had a great time. It was nice to share stories of our trip and share stories on what the girls had been up to and how they were adjusting. It is so wonderful to have a connection to these families and be able to see them and see the girls.

Summer Fun

The kids were watching a Coast Guard rescue mission at the Potato Festival


The kids with their cousins.

I'm hot mommy!


We had a really good time yesterday at the Potato Festival. This is a local event in the downtown waterfront area that offers a potato peeling contest, vendors, bands and entertainment for kids. It was really hot though. Allie did well and was only interested in drinking her Gatorade. The Coast Guard demonstrated a water rescue and that was really interesting. The best part of that demonstration was the cool spray they were creating. All I could think was that in a few weeks I would be out in the hot humid weather for a week when we go to Disney....not looking forward to that at all!

Hard days at work.

I often find myself thinking of my baby throughout my work day. I wonder if she is crying, laughing, sleeping, eating or missing me at day care. She is so excited when I pick her up in the afternoon that she literally shakes with excitement. I remember when the boys were little and how I missed them each day I went to work but this is very different. I think it's being an experienced mother and knowing that this precious time doesn't last long. And just like with the boys, she too will grow up and have her own interest and friends. On several occasions I have left work early just to go pick her up and give her a hug and kiss. Allie is very affectionate and I couldn't be happier. I feel so complete when I am home and I see the boys playing with her and making her laugh. Motherhood is the best job in the world. I love my children deeply and passionately but this little girl has really showed me what that means.

I even find that I am more patient with the boys. They have turned into such great big brothers and I am so impressed at their "nurturing" abilities. Just the other day, Allie fell over something in the playroom and started to cry. Brian immediately scooped her up and he started to cry as well. He was so upset that she was hurt over his toys being in her way.

I thank God everyday for all he has blessed me with.

Ice cream after school.

I picked Miss Allie up from school early on Friday and decided to treat her to my favorite treat...Nu Quality Ice Cream. She looked so cute enjoying her ice cream that I couldn't help but snap a few shots. The only thing Allie could say after each bite was MMMMMMM!!!