I Love Toys & Hate Tummy Time

Hope has a new bouncy seat that she loves! It plays music and she can touch each piece!

We are working on tummy time, its important but its not her favorite part of the day!

A Royal Outfit for Her Special Day

Hope displayed her crown well at today's celeration of life with our church famiy! The ladies had a round white crib with curtains and bows hung to protect our little girl. The popparrotzi was able to flash photography to their hearts content as Hope layed there and took in the lights, sounds and celebration. She could not have been more content and happy as she she kicked, coo'd and smiled the day away! It was a precious time!

Hear Ye! Hear Ye! Announcing the Arrival of the Long Awaited Princess Hope Victoria

Today, Our church family blessed us with a Celebration of Life for baby Hope! The outpouring of love was overwhelming! We are thankful for our staff wives and friends who particiapted in making this a Royal Celebration and perfect in so many ways! Thank you for celebrating her life! You all are precious! God causes many to stop and rejoice in Himself for the great miracle of baby Hope and its amazing how He can testify through a sweet little life already! Thnak you!

A Flower in Full Bloom!!!

"Mommy, Let's Get Down the Box"

As we prepare Hope's nursery, I am in the process of organizing her clothes into age appropriate tubs. Tonight, I packed up 0-3 months and found myself tearing up over a thankful heart that we have baby Hope and a bit saddened that our baby is getting big so fast. She has added a new joy into our hearts and home. She captivates us with those big blue eyes and smiles like no other.
I have a special box with significant little things in it pertaining to Hope and our Adoption story. This evening I reserved my favorite little outfits for that box. The ones that remind me of what we did the day she first wore them...you know, the ones that tell a story that will be special for her to hear one day. I imagine when Hope is ready that she will frequent this box and want me to tell her the story time and again,"A Story of Hope".I look forward to those sweet times when I can share what a gift she is and the priceless treasure God has entrusted to us. I learned long ago to never be afraid to share your story...it may be life changing for the one listening.

OK Mommy, Enough Shopping!!!

Yes Mommy, Let's Go Shop for My Princess Dress

Responding to Daddy

Happy 10 Week Birthday

Hope Victoria Nicely, our little piece of HVN is 10 weeks old. She's outgrown 0-3 month clothes and is wearing strictly 3 months without feet in it!! She is 24 1/2 inches long and extra sweet! This past week she realized that she has control of her hands and licks those fingers like lolli-pops! A smile rarely leaves her face, we've found her to be cooing and chuckling earliear than suppose to. She is evidence of God's handy work and we are eternally grateful for her life!

Adrienne & Chad Married on Our Anniversary, September 20th

Adrienne is one of our former students, we love her dearly. It's been a real joy to watch her grow in High School; then off she went to Liberty and we continued our relationship. She graduated this year and a few months later married Chad, the special man she met during her internship.
Adrienne and Chad's wedding was a first for Hope, she thought Adrienne was beautiful. The worship music before the ceremony sent Hope right to sleep and mommy enjoyed the service as Daddy took part in it.
As I reflected during the service I was reminded of how good God really is and what blessings He has already bestowed upon His bride. He loves us with an unconditional love, He wants to lead us, protect us and care for our every need. Amazing!!

All Dressed Up & A Special Place to Go

Hope is a wonderful traveler! Putting her in a car seat is equivalent to rocking her to sleep. She enjoys the view and plays with Mommy, then off to sleep she goes until its time to eat!

Here she is all dressed up for Adrienne and Chad's wedding! She was the only one as pretty as the bride!!

We're B-A-C-K!

We've had a very busy last week with cold's and Doctor visits then to SC for sweet wedding!!!

A Night at the Park

Daddy's Little Princess

A Day of Renewed Appreciation

This past week, Rick and I hosted my nieces (3 and 18 months). They are two super smart, cuddley, precious little girls. I had no clue what it was like to have three that close in age for a week. I found a new appreciation for my husband as he was in it with me. He knew exactly what they needed and when. I treasured that time with them and managed to hug and kiss on them as much as they would allow.
As I woke up last night with Hope I realized just how much I missed giving her almost all of my attention. I held her close and didn't want to put her back down. Her big blue eyes stared back at me with conversation only a mommy can read. We got back to our morning routine of waking up to Kids Worship and me doing her morning stretches and she laughing out loud...as if to say "I'm so glad to have Mommy all to myself again"!
It has been a day of renewed appreciation for our little one and the quiet moments God is gifting us with. Moments that will not return, therefore we aim to make the most of our time...loving our little girl, one another and being committed to our family...which shows our love for an Almighty God.

A 13 lb Bundle of Love

Hope is a bundle of love and kisses. She loves to cuddle and coo! It's such a blessing to watch her and think she was created for us...we are enjoying each day with her. Its so hard to believe she is 9 weeks old.

She weighed in at 13 lbs and .05 oz today and she's 24" long! She may be taller than me one day!

She'e been recognizing our voices for a while, however now she will light up as soon as she hears us talking to her! It's precious!

Trying to Figure Out What Mommy Is Up to Now

My First Youth Night

Hope had her first night at Youth Night with the big kids last Wednesday when she was 8 weeks old. "Daddy wanted camo and mommy had to prissy it up with pink socks and pearls! Thank you Dr. Smith, Ash and girls for my pearls!"

Baby Einstien is the Best

Hope is so very alert and loves her new play gym! It actually wares her out right before nap time! She is reaching and hitting the toys, however I don't think she realizes just what she's doing yet!

Peek-A-Boo

I love to play peek a boo with my towel!!

Thank you Miss L & Miss B for My Outfit

I'm L-O-V-E-D, I'm L-O-V-E-D, I know I am, I'm sure I am, I'm L-O-V-E-D!

All American Girl Enjoying A Vacation Day

Not Even Thinking About Going to Bed!!

Wide eyed and not wanting to sleep!