Auntie Krista!

Mackenna finally got to meet Auntie Krista! She came for a very short visit between flights from San Diego to the UK. I would have been on her flight to the UK too but we lucked out and got our Little M instead! I will try to write more later but will leave you with this picture.
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3 months old!

Mackenna was 3 months old yesterday! What a day it was, too!

Yesterday was my 'goodbye' party at church. It was a very emotional day with lots of tears but lots of laughter, too. I will grieve the incredible family that Bethel has been to me over the last 15 years but am also excited for this next journey in life.

I think, sadly, this is our first family photo since Mackenna joined our family.

I didn't get many pictures of Mackenna yesterday, but here's one with my dad.

Mackenna had another huge milestone besides turning 3 months old.

She rolled over for the first time from her stomach to her back! I have tried several times to upload the video but for some reason it's not working. I'll try later.

Some pictures... FINALLY!

Little M has changed so much in the last few weeks so I'll post some pics to prove it!

Mackenna with Nana. It's hard to get her out of Nana's lap once she's there! She's still got the touch!Jaden loves to read to Mackenna, especially her favorite black and white book. She could stare at those pages for hours! Time to get out the Wee See!

On Monday we went to the park TWICE! After such a rainy week we certainly were ready to get out. Mackenna slept most of the time and Jaden learned how to go down the 'not so scary' red slide!
I could kiss whoever invented the Woombie. Mackenna has slept for up to 8 hours a couple of nights the last week after we started using it at night. Now if we could just go to bed when she does life would be peachy.
Our little babushka, don't know the spelling on that. Disa made this awesome hat that matches Addilyn's. Next winter they will be sporting them in their snow suits! It's a bit on the big side now but will be awesome when it starts to get cold again.

Here's a video of Mackenna and Daddy as she has some tummy time.

Somebody stole my time.

Well everytime I take a picture of our sweet Little M I feel this guilty vibe. I should be updating this more! My time is being eaten up these days with WORK and more WORK but that will soon be a distant memory. I had my exit interview today and finally made it through one half of my office. My to do list is finally shrinking. The end is in sight. Mackenna is a happy camper after all that nasty similac got out of her system. Its crazy that I've got two sensitive kids and they aren't even biologically related!

Mackenna is smiling up a storm these days and almost laughing. She is quite the social butterfly! Today she went to her first MOPS event, a walk to the park. She did well except for a bit of projectile vomiting! I told you she was a sensitive soul! After MOPS we had lunch with Sarah H. It was her first official girly lunch date.

I will try to post some of the recent happenings in her life in the next few days! Until then...
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Poor Pumpkin

Little M is having a tough couple of days. Until brett finally got her down tonight about 8:30 she hadn't slept more than 15 minutes at a time since 6am. She has been extremely gassy and fussy. It might have something to do with trying to reintroduce the regular formula again since she had been doing so well. Bad idea. Its crazy what so little can do. Or at least that's what we think is going on. Time will tell. Should take about 4 days to get it out of her system. She was up last night at 10,12,2:30,4:30, and 6. I'm surprised I'm still awake enough to post.

Other than that things are going well. She had been pretty consistent with her naps until yesterday with a couple of short ones in the am and a good afternoon one. Not exactly 'baby whisperer' approved but it seems to work for her. She hadn't been fussy and was just much more content. Hopefully that will continue when she gets the formula out of her system.

I wanted to post this on Saturday but better late than never. The Saturday before Mother's Day is Birthmother's day so we were thinking of our birthfamily that day. I am sure Mother's Day and Father's day comes with a lot of mixed emotions for a lot of people but especially those who have made an adoption plan for their child. We are so grateful to both of our birthmoms and their families for their incredible gift.

I hope to update with some recent picks soon!!
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It's official...

Now that it has been officially announced to the kids, our leadership, and today in worship, I can finally say that I have resigned as Director of Youth Ministry at Bethel to pursue my new call, which is full time parenting.

It was a decision made with great sorrow and great joy. I will deeply miss those who have become my family over the last 14 1/2 years and yet look forward to being able to focus my care giving on my own children.

Each time they announced my decision at the services I was brought to tears by the overwhelming response by my second family.

Today was Music Sunday. All of our choirs and musical groups helped lead worship. One of my very favorite songs had a very special added meaning for me today. I will leave you with the lyrics.

My song will be for you forever. You, the music in my heart.
For your love is all around me and your goodness always here.
You have clothed me in your promise.
You, my love, my light, my friend.
You, the way and path before me. You will lead and guide me home.
My song will be for you forever, you the music of my heart.
You will hold me in my longing, all my hope in your embrace.
My song will be for you forever. You,the music in my heart.
With your voice you sing within me. You, the one who knows me well.
You, my joy, my life, and blessing. When you call you know my name.
My song will be for you forever. You, the music of my heart.
I will pledge my love forever. I will call your name out loud.
I will reach my hand out to you, and I know you'll reach for me.
My song will be for you forever. You, the music of my heart.
-My Song Will Be For You Forever by David Haas