Thursday, August 28, 2008

Jabberbox!







She is jabbering her head off in all the pix except the bottom one! It was early in the morning and I had to cover my head with a pillow to sleep because she wouldn't stop jabbering! lol I jabbered for a while with her, but there's only so much to jabber about at the crack of dawn!
ha ha

Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Thinking back

At this very moment, 8 weeks ago, I'd been a mommy for 2 hours and 18 minutes! I can barely think back on it because it's so overwhelming. The feelings I felt...I didn't know my heart and my mind was big enough to embrace something so huge.

Monday, August 25, 2008

All dressed up for church 8/24/08











8 weeks already

Ryleigh is something else! She already jabbers her head off and she mimicks me saying "Hi"!! I nearly passed out the first time she did it! It's as clear as a bell.

Tomorrow it will be 8 weeks to the day that we went to the hospital, almost before daylight, anxious about her delivery, wondering what was in store for us; wondering if we really would come home in a couple of days with a baby or if we'd come home empty-handed.

These past 8 weeks have been...the best time in my life and one of the hardest times as well. I've cried more these 8 weeks than I have in ages. Tears of joy, exhaustion, love, grief as I see our birth mom grieve, tears of frustration as I try to absorb all the advice I get and put it into action so that I can please everyone; tears of relief as I realize I know my daughter better than anyone and while I appreciate advice, the realization that going with my gut instinct is OK even if it makes someone else mad. Tears of brokeness as I realize just what my Lord has done for me in answering this over-a-decade-long prayer that I've prayed. Tears of humility as I think of how I don't deserve this awesome answer to my prayer. Tears of frustration as Fred & I find ourselves in new roles after 15 years of marriage and trying to figure out how it all fits together.

With each new day, I'll find a little more of my footing in this journey of motherhood.

Friday, August 22, 2008

Diva at 7 weeks old!

Could I get a lemonade over here, please!?

Hurry! I'm reeeally thirsty!

The service is terrible around here!


I give up!



Could someone pleeeeeease get me a lemonade???

I feel much better now! Thanks!

What are you looking at??

Can't a diva have some privacy??

I'm hungry! Can I get a hot dog? And another lemonade??

Drama queen in the making. lol



Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Pure contentment




THE big day!!

Just had a bath, getting ready for the big day!



Waiting outside the courtroom. Grandma Patti, me & Ryleigh and Grandma and Grandpa Peterson
Grandma & Grandpa Peterson


Jabbering with Grandma



From left: Attorney Rebecca Bruce, Grandma Patti, Grandma Peterson, Fred, Ryleigh, me, Grandpa Peterson, Judge Fieck



Proud first-time dad and proud first-time Grandpa!!






Balloons floating high!

I bought pink balloons and made tags for each balloon that read "Thank You, Lord for our precious miracle~Ryleigh Ema Jane Peterson. Once the adoption was complete, when we went outside, we released the balloons towards Heaven, clapping our hands and thanking God for His blessings! Everyone but me expected the balloons to pop quickly, especially since it's almost 90*, but the balloons soared towards the heavens, eventually floating all the way above the clouds! They were all so surprised but I said, "I'm not. I knew God would accept our praise!!"
What a miracle that this adoption is totally finalized and Ryleigh's only 7 weeks old! She's no longer "Baby Girl M*****" but

RYLEIGH EMA JANE PETERSON!!!

Tag on each balloon


This is Ryleigh after the big events of the day! She was SO good!! Never made a peep in the courtroom!

We had to stand right up front in front of the judge and she was so fascinated with him! She stared wide-eyed at him! I think he was tickled by that.

Our attorney had to ask us questions and I had to respond and I cried through nearly the whole process! Then our attorney was choked up too so we were quite a sight! lol

We all went out to eat afterwards, celebrating our blessings!




Monday, August 18, 2008

BIG day!!

Tomorrow is our big day...in 15 hours we'll be in court, finalizing the adoption.


I feel overwhelmed, thankful, scared, relief, did I mention overwhelmed? lol


Just a day or so ago, I told my hubby that sometimes, when I hold Ryleigh I look at her, startled, in disbelief that she's really mine. It feels like I've been on one long babysitting gig and someone will soon come and take her away.


I've cried more these past 6 weeks than I have in a long time. A friend, Kim S., who has also adopted X 2, said it well, "It's a lack of sleep and the overwhelming feelings of love" that cause the weepiness. One minute I'm just dandy and the next, I'm squalling and bawling! lol


But, I wouldn't trade a minute of it for all the gold in this world. Not one minute.
Thank You Lord for my beautiful, perfect blessing!


Thursday, August 14, 2008

GREAT NEWS!!!

Our attorney called a couple of days ago to let us know that she has received word from the Putative Father Registry that no father has come forward for Ryleigh during the required 30 day wait...SO....our final court hearing is Tuesday, August 19 in the Muncie City Court!!!!!!

She said to bring a camera and invite family and friends as it will be a special event for us!!!!

After Tuesday afternoon, Ryleigh will be 100% a Peterson!!!

Thank You, Lord!!!!

Mommy & me

8/6/08
Singin' with mommy!
8/12/08

I liked that song, mommy!



Oops! I hit a wrong note!
Or was it mommy??

Nothin' like a cloooose up!


Mommy & me







Sunday, August 10, 2008

Family

Mamal 'Nita (my mom Anita)

Ryleigh with her proud Aunt Karen and Mamal 'Nita
(No, my mom doesn't have a white streak in her hair. It was
light coming in the slat blinds at @ the Mexican restaurant.) lol

Friday, August 08, 2008

Test Results

The DR tested Ryleigh's ear 3 times and she passed ALL 3 times!!!! PTL!!

Tuesday, August 05, 2008

Hearing test

As a newborn, Ryleigh failed 3 hearing tests on her left ear in the hospital. She failed two tests on the right ear, finally passing on the third try.We were sent to an audiologist last month to retest the left ear. There were no ear drum vibrations whatsoever. The DR said she thought it was still too early for all the fluid to be gone from Ryleigh's ear from the birthing process.We go back in two days. I'm anxious to see what happens.

Daddy's Girl, even in the middle of the night


Monday, August 04, 2008

Cuties

These two cuties belong to a friend here in Indiana

This little guy is a brand new nephew to my friend Kim in Montana. =)

The Peterson Family