Sawyer Kaleo Carter

Sawyer was born Friday, August 1st. He was 5lbs, 15ozs and 19 inches long. We didn't get to see him at the hospital but we sent the birth mother flowers and through the agency we were sent the following text: "He's beautiful. Healthy. He's got 2 sets of parents that love him and he's gonna have a great, happy life. So it's worth the pain". Amazing!!!! Birth parents are so awesome. 

The birth parents signed the papers that Sunday and we got to meet with the agency director and meet Sawyer for the first time. Of course it was love at first sight. He was perfect; this tiny little bundle of joy.

Because of Maryland law, the birth parents had 30 days from signing to revoke their consent and take him back, no questions asked. Since we already had kids, our agency would not let us have him for those 30 days and he had to go to what is called Cradle Care. He stayed with an agency approved woman for that time. The 30 days was rough. Being away from him and knowing that at any second he could be taken back.....
The good news is that we did get to visit him. The first visit was to his first doctors appointment which happened to be August 4th. He had lost a little weight, which is normal, down to 5lbs, 8ozs. I got to feed him for the first time in the waiting room.

After the dr visit, we were able to spend more time with him at the agency office. It was so wonderful just to hold him and love on him. 

Look at how tiny he is!

Our next visit was August 13th and he weighed in at 6lbs, 5ozs. He was much more alert and even awake for a little while. 

We got to see him twice more in that 30 days. 

Sleepy smiles

Then it was just a few days left!!!!

First Grade

The week before school started we got to go to sneak a peak at Laneah's school to find out who her teacher would be, meet her teacher and see her new classroom.

 And the best news? Laneah and Ezra are in the same class this year. They were so happy.

 Laneah was so excited for her first day. Nervous too, but knowing Ezra would be in class with her helped. 

 We met up with Ezra so they could walk together to school. 

 First grade seems so grown up compared to Kindergarten! I love this smart and feisty, beautiful girl.

July

The first week of July, Jason and I had a break from the girls. Kathy and I worked on the nursery for a few days and then Jason and I went to Mrytle Beach with his dad and step mom. It was so great to be on the beach and be able to lay out, read a book and just relax. I only took one picture, can you believe it?! 

We were there for the 4th and it was cool watching the fireworks on the beach. We had to leave super early on Saturday so that we could get back in time for my flight to St Louis. The girls and I got back from St Louis on the 12th and Laneah had her American Girl Broadway Dance camp the following week. She loved it and tried ballet there and wants to do more ballet in the fall. At the end of camp they had a little mini dance recital and Brooklyn, Megan, Anthony and I went to watch. 

We went to a science/magic show at the library and one of the tricks was getting spoons to stick to you. Brooklyn thought it was the best and practiced at home until she could do it like a pro. She does it all the time now. 

I worked a few times and when I work at weddings I always bring home lots of beautiful flowers. 

My friend Lea called me one night and asked me if I wanted to go to a Justin Timberlake concert for free. Umm...heck yeah! It was a great concert. I love spontaneous things like that. Our seats were amazing and he is a really good performer. 

We went to with Amanda and her kids to Sandy Point Beach. There weren't any jellyfish this time which was great and the kids splashed and swam and played in the sand to their hearts content. 

Jen and Blake invited us to Six Flags. It might have been the hottest day of the summer. But that worked out because we spent most of the time at the water park. For the first part of the day I took my girls and Kenny's youngest girl to the kids section where they could ride everything. And then we met up at the water park. 

Dance party with Tweetie Bird. 

The girls both loved Six Flags and have been dying to go back. Maybe we'll have to get season passes next summer. 

We had our adoption fundraiser yard sale. It was a lot of work, but we raised over $1000 so it was well worth it. 

My sister came for a surprise visit and it was so nice to see her and my sweet nephew. 

We finally squeezed Watkins Park in. We went with lots of friends so it was extra fun.

And since it's already mid September, I know I'm forgetting things, but I think I got the best things:)