Bought and Paid For

Last night was our third and final post-placement home visit.  Every two months, Mrs. Susie would come to see how Carter was progressing under our care.  The visits weren't a big deal, but for days before I would stress out.  Travis too would pitch in to get the house in tip-top shape.  Looking back now, it is funny how out of hand we really were.  The first visit, I had Travis going around every single baseboard with the vacuum attachment to pick up the dust bunnies that could be there.  My pantry was organized in breakfast/lunch/dinner fashion from largest to smallest.  Nut cases....

Once Mrs. Susie was in our home, I found myself completely at ease-proudly showing off all of Carter's new "tricks."  If you haven't picked up on it yet, I am one proud momma! 

Well, last night the last payment was made and Carter is officially bought and paid for (if this offends you, I promise I say it jokingly).  In addition to being emotionally taxing for both sides, adoption is PRICEY!  I am proud and extremely greatful to God for providing us with the means to save, and save, and save until we were able to finally start (and complete) the adoption process.  I have begun to wonder if this was the reason that God opened up the door for my second job. Do we want to, or will we be able to adopt again?  I don't know.  That's up to Him!

I am sad to report that I start school in less than two weeks.  I had a difficult time thinking about this last night while I rocked Carter to sleep.  At first I thought I was meant to be a working mom, but my heart is telling me otherwise.  Taking him back to daycare full-time now will be harder on me than when I took him at 6 weeks old.  He's just so cute and cuddly....

This is the blog that never ends....

WARNING!  This may or may not be the longest post ever, so wait until you have plenty of time to take part in our small adventure.

Let's see...where to start?

I guess I can start by telling you that I love my second job!  I am the youth director at our church, which puts me in charge of the Jr. and Sr. High groups (among other countless things).  It was this job that has helped to continually grow my faith.  The faith that helped me through the waiting period before Carter.  I LOVE being able to share my thoughts and feelings about God (mixed in with a good game of ping-pong or garbage ball!)  When we got word that Mr. Carter would be joining our family, there wasn't a doubt in my mind-he would officially become the youngest member of our youth group.  And that he has!!!

Travis and I took 10 (out of 25,000 teenagers) to a youth conference in New Orleans.  We rode a bus for 33 hours total.  Yes, a bus.  With a baby.  Are we crazy or what?!  Lucky for us, we have the greatest baby in history. 

My sister, Kearstyn came along as the 1/2 nanny.  She watched him during the morning and evening activities and did a FABULOUS job.  I was/am so lucky to have her.  THANKS AND I LOVE YOU!

 

The rest of the time, Carter rode around in his stroller and watched the chaos around him.  He really enjoys "people watching," as do I.  There were certainly plenty of people around to do that.  He also really enjoys loud noises and music.  There were plenty of noises around, too.  He napped when he was supposed to nap, ate great, and laughed the whole week.

 

The youth on the trip kept him quite entertained.  They have officially nick-named him "Baby C" which I think they will continue to call him even when he is 20 years old.  The boys in my group especially love him and can't wait to babysit. For real!  One even wanted the experience of changing a diaper.  Way to go, Mike! 

 

There were two points in time, in the middle of all the fun and laughing, that I had to hold in the happy tears.  The first: The boys had just finished breaking a relay record and each one of them picked Carter up to get a congratulatory hug from him.  Another example of how loved this little man is....

The second: At the conference, each day ends with a Mass Event.  It is like a huge concert with skits and speakers, music and dancing.  I was singing the songs and holding Carter, who was trying to fall asleep.  The song that was playing was Chris Tomlin's "Indescribable."  These lyrics touched my heart and had me thanking God for all that Travis and I have gone through.  Not just the past 6 months...but all of it.  The tough times had to happen in order for the joy to follow.

Indescribable, uncontainable

You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.

You are amazing God.

All powerful, untameable

Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim

You are amazing God

Even though we had a blast, we were all glad to be home.  Travis and I especially.  We think Carter is missing all the attention and action, though.

Happy half-birthday to youuuuu!

Six months ago-today, I laid eyes on the man  baby of my dreams. Six months ago- yesterday, Carter came into this world.  The time has flown, the memories have been constantly imprinting themselves on my heart and mind.  I adored the time with Carter as a baby.  Cuddling with him.  Watching him yawn and smile (when really it was gas.)  Having him look at me and over time figure out that I was his mom.  I have to say though, I am enjoying him at six months old WAY more.

We celebrated yesterday with a small celebration after dinner.  Okay, let's be honest here.  Don't start engraving my Mother of the Year award just yet. For days I knew his half-birthday was coming up, but it wasn't until his Auntie Pam mentioned it at church that I remembered.  So, back to the celebration.  Carter got a small spoonful of whipped cream with half a burning candle.  After three tries (1. Carter put the candle out with his hand.  2. Carter threw the plate on the floor....) we sang him "Happy Birthday," let him eat, and that was that.

 He did get two new books for his massive collection.

Knowing that some of you live and breathe this blog (HA!) here's a heads up.  Carter and family will be having an adventure, so the next update will be in two weeks.

Late, but Not Forgotten

Yes, this post is late.  Monday seems to come so quickly and in my defense, it was a holiday weekend.  I have been busy.  So busy I feel like I should forego sleep and work on things-busy.  And to think that I find time to do it all during the school year....

Enough about me.  On to the not-so-little guy.  Have I mentioned that I am head over heels for him?  I think back to last summer when we were waiting so desperately for "the call."  I spent hours at the lake: on the boat, in the sun, thinking and praying that God would make our family an actual family before the school year started.  Well, He had other plans, and I couldn't be more joyous about the difference between last summer and this summer.

This week we found out that Carter LOVES fireworks.  I am still amazed at how fearless he is.  Big noises don't phase him at all!

Mr. Carter went to his first birthday party.  His BFF Grace turned 2 (an older woman, I know).  Carter picked out a doggie chair/lounger for her.  She was nice enough to share.

Carter still really loves the lake and the boat.  I picture him next year wanting to jump over the creek with the big kids and saying things like, "fish" and "swim."  Can't wait:)

We both enjoy bath time.  He is almost strong enough to fully sit-up in his big boy duck bath.  We splash and kick and play with bubbles.  I don't think he found this amusing though.

Last, but most importantly, we got to visit with Rachael again tonight.  Not only her, but her parents, grandparents, cousins, and aunt.  Watching them shower him with love and attention warmed my heart.  We had a really great time (with really great food-thanks!) and hope to see them again.

In just a few short days, this guy will be half a year old. Amazing!