Hope's 1st Time in the Pool

We knew she would enjoy the indoor heated pool since she loves bath time. She displays a very serious look while she is figuring things out, then she's all screams and smiles.

A Beach Vacation in December

We are enjoying the holidays with the Nicely side of the family at the beach. Hope's grand parents, cousins, Aunt & Uncle and friends are all here with us. We've shopped, went to see Marley & Me, enjoyed the pool, walked on the beach, hung out and Hope is loving it! More than that everyone is loving on her and really enjoying her personality.

Our Gift Arrived Early This Year

Merry Christmas from our Family to Your's!
As we stop to reflect on the beauty of God's grace we are extremely grateful to Him for our Gift that arrived early this year, Princess Hope Victoria.
There is not a gift under the tree that compares. Her picture actually sits under the tree as a reminder to us and others that she is a "Gift".
We are especially grateful to our birth mother and the choice she made to give Hope life. Her gift of life has blessed so many and we could never thank her or love her enough for the blessing of our child.
Many times over we have read the Christmas story to Hope this December in expectation that God would give her a heart to know Him at an early age and that she would choose to follow and know His will for her life in the coming years.
The smile in this picture reflects the joy in our hearts, however words could never express our gratefulness for her and the honor it is to celebrate Christs' birth together on Hope's 1st Christmas.
Blessings from the Nicely's!

Such a Happy Baby

As long as she's had a nap in her own bed! She loves her bed!

Utter Shock!!!

"I think I heard something...or maybe its all the bright lights that stun me!"

Up On the Roof Top...

"Did you know that Santa's coming to my house tonight??"

All I Want for Christmas is My 2 Front Teeth

We've been thinking that Hope would get her "Two Front Teeth" for Christmas. She is steady nawing that her hands, feet and anything that fits in her mouth goes there!

Look at That Sweet Dimple!

Back to Tummy

Hope and Mommy were playing on the floor this past Monday, Dec. 21st. Mommy was drawing Hope to her and loving on her neck. When Mommy let go, Hope rolled back for more 3x.

Another defining moment in the Nicely home.

Mommy's Favorite Christmas Outfit

A Present?????

"Yes, I would love to have a present!"

"Now, what do I do with it?"

"Ok, I knew it would be good for something!"

Ok, I Really Really Love This Thing

Not So Sure What I Think of this Thing!

Christmas Came Early

Daddy's putting together my early Christmas present from Grandma and Grandpa Nicely!

Caught'cha Suck'n that Thumb Again!

Busy with the Bumbo

Does this look like a teether or what?

Hope does well in her Bumbo and sits like a big girl with the tray on!

Rock'n Around the Christmas Tree

"Really Mommy, everyone's coming to my house for Christmas?"

"Is Santa coming, too?"

"That will be so much fun!"

Mom & Dad's Best Present Ever

This shirt could not have been a better pick for our little Hope! The tag states, "Mom & Dad's Best Present Ever" and that she is...a true gift!
Our attorney called today and the other attorney would not agree to leave the paternity test out of the court room. Therefore he advised us not to allow the test to take place.
Our hearts are heavy and although we trust, there are days like today that we fight the tears at the thought of anyone trying to steal the gift that God has given to us!
The questions beginning with "Why" continually fill our minds. However, we know that we know that we know...God directed our path in bringing Hope in our hearts and home. As we acknowledged Him each step of the way He directed and answered. We did not make a single decision without Him!
We stand on Psalms 62:5 Trust, O my soul, in God alone...yes God alone is who we trusted then and who we continue to trust to finalize Hope as a part of our family for life!

2 Thessalonians 3:3
The Lord's faithful and He will strengthen and protect you...

Those Are the Eyes that Melt Ricky's Heart

We think she's praying here, "Jesus, Christmas is coming and I've been good all year...just ask Mommy!

This is one of the last days Hope would stay on her tummy...she is now officially rolling away from tummy time!

Although we will keep trying since its a huge part of her developing "brain power"!

Behold....the long awaited 3rd Stocking!!

So many years we longed to hang that 3rd stocking and here little feet going "pitter patter" on our floor. We deeply desired to lavish our love on a special child. This year, God has seen fit to answer those prayers and grant us our hearts desire in Hope Victoria.
As we hung the tree and decorated the mantel Hope was quite vocal singing and stating her opinion if she liked our choice in ornaments or not!
As we decorated we celebrated... again and again we acknowleged Jesus for being the Savior of our hearts and the Savior who answers prayer! Amen??!!!

Adoption Update

Dear Family & Friends

Thank you for your constant prayers and enocouragement!

Almost seven weeks after our initial call informing us of the Paternity suit we have received the following update:

The attorney (Peggy) representing the possible birth father wants a DNA test. Our attorney has written her a letter to challenge her on representing this guy since Peggy and Mike (our attorney) serve on a board together that do their best to keep adoptive children with their adoptive parents.Mike is angry as to why she would represent this guy on something she does not normally stand for nor believe in. So, Mike wants to wait for her response and has advised us not to do a DNA test until they agree not to use the test results in court.

Our prayer all along has been that this guy is not the one! More importantly, we serve a God that directed our path after we acknowledged Him every step of the way while pursuing our little Princess! We pray that He does not allow His gift to us to be taken away!

Please continue to pray for God's will and pray that our attorney will go forth boldly as he speaks for us.

We love and appreciate you!

Michelle & Rick

"Prop Me Up"...beside the Christmas Tree!

"I love my pretty pink tree"!

"Do you think I could eat this, too?"

"I'm not sure I really like the feel of this!"

She's Singing...O Holy Night....

Decorating Hope's Christmas Tree

I really think she loved watching me as much as I loved decorating for her!

Hope's tree is pink decorated in silver and baby's first Christmas ornaments and topped with none other than a silver Tiara!

She loves to laugh!!