Best friends

We spend about 75% of our time with the Patterson family. We met them  about 8 years ago when they moved in next door. Alex and their sons Cole and Trey are the same age end enjoyed playing together. Through the boys friendship, we became friends. I can truly say they are my best friends. Crystal and Rodney have been there for us the bad times and good. We share so many laughs together. We spend holidays, cookouts, dinners and vacations together. We know we can always count on them no  matter what happens. We were there when they announced they were pregnant with Braxton and have been involved in his life pretty much every day since he was born. They were there for me when I cried tears of sadness during our long wait for Jenna, and they encouraged us to keep on fighting for her. They were one of first people I called to share the news we had been matched and they were waiting at the airport for us when we arrived home from China. Since then I can't hardly think of a day that we don't see each other. Braxton and Jenna share a very special relationship, they are truly like a little married couple. They laugh, play and love each other so much, it's the cutest thing to see them together.
Crystal and Rodney are now expecting a baby girl Brooklyn Diane, any day now. Crystal has asked me to be in the delivery room with her, I feel very honored. We are as close as sisters.

We are very blessed to have them as our neighbors and best friends. Over the years they have even become more then best friends, they are now our family. We love you guys and the time we spend together. We can't wait to welcome baby Brooklyn to our family.

My Middle Child

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The many sides of our Alex.

Today I decided to make my whole post about my middle child Alex. Alex was our baby for 10 years before losing his title to his little sister. Over all he handled the transition very well. He did go through a spell of jealousy, but after spending some one on one time with him, he took on his new role as big brother and loved it. Now don't get me wrong his relationship with Jenna is much different then Adam and Jenna's relationship. Adam and Jenna are more like father and daughter, as Alex is more like normal big brother stuff, loves to tease and pick at her. But when she is hurt or learned something new he is always there to give his love and praise. They have many silly times together and at night they have a special thing of laying in his bed and watching TV cuddled up together. He is a very big hearted young man. Alex has many wonderful traits, such as hard worker in school, very smart, athletic, loves his family, sensitive and has always showed compassion to everyone he meets. He is growing up so fast, just seems like yesterday he carried around his blankie and loved to be snuggled. From time to time you can still get some snuggling out of him. He is a good boy and we are proud to have him as our son. We love you Alex!!!

It's been a nice weekend. Not looking forward to work in the morning. Yesterday Jenna and I spent the day with my friend Crystal and her aunt buying gifts for baby Brooklyn's arrival. We had a great time. Looking at all those babies clothes made me wish Leah Grace was here now. Jenna would show me things she wanted her baby sister to have. She is going to make a great big sister.
We have had many people say Jenna won't like sharing her attention with anyone, but Jenna is a very loving and caring little girl. I know she will welcome her sister with hugs and kisses. Sure she will have times she will be jealous, that's only normal. But she knows how adoption works and is ready to share her family with a new little girl who needs one.

Adam and I have been having a lot of heart to heart talks lately. To be a 17 year old teenager he still finds time to get some hugs and share some laughs with his mom. He told me that he is going to try to spend more time with his great grandma and his grand parents since he will soon be moving off to college. He said I hope my senior year goes by slow so I can be with my family as much as possible. Needless to say I was in tears, the thought of my baby moving out and away from me breaks my heart. I've never been so proud of him and the man he has grown to become, but I will miss our time together and I will cherish every moment until he goes off to college. Time flies, enjoy your kids now, the good and the bad times. I'm so thankful to be a mom!!

Adam's car purchased with his own money!

So true....

"The best and most wonderful things in the world can not be seen or even touched, but are felt in the heart."

When I read this it made me think of our long wait for Jenna Leigh. For years we could not see or touch her, but the love in our hearts made her real. This is how we already feel for Leah Grace, we can not see or touch her, but that does not keep us from loving her now..

Where to begin?

We have been blessed in so many ways. My husband and children mean everything to me.

My husband Scott is my best friend. We have been together since we were 14 years old. He is a hard worker, dedicated father and my soul mate.

My son Adam will be a senior this year. He is a hard worker, smart, handsome, loving, and responsible young man. He has plans to go to college, we are so proud of him. We will miss him so much as ventures out into this big world.

Alex is going to be a 7th grader this year. He is a funny, smart, handsome and big hearted boy. He enjoys life and loves to eat! He cares about everyone and everything. I know Alex will do great things with his life.

Jenna Leigh, our baby girl. We adopted Jenna from China in 2008 when she was 3 years old. She has a heart condition called Tetrology of Fallot. She had her repair surgery in China, but will require another surgery has she grows. Jenna is a spunky, smart, confident, bold and beautiful little girl. We have only had her for two years but she grew in our hearts for many years before that. Jenna is so ready to become a big sister.

Leah Grace, we don't know anything about her at this time. We officially decided on the her name a few days ago, this helps make her real. We pray for her health, safety and happiness. We know God will unite her with our family when it's the perfect time, his time, not ours. This is a lesson learned from our first adoption. She will be loved beyond words and we can't wait to see your face in 2011.