Reflecting on the last year

I don't think anything could prepare me for what the last year or so has been like for us. From losing 2 pregnancies to the news of getting Micah we have been all over the place emotionally.

Recently I got on my calendar on my computer to see if I had done anything on the weekend Micah was born. Something, anything that I could think of that I might remember that day since we didn't know he existed until he was 2 days old. And at the time I didn't think what was I doing 2 days ago...the day he was born. It was such a high speed ride, I could only think of what I had to get done in about 24 hours so we could leave and go meet the 2nd man in my life. Expecting to see nothing and have nothing to remember, I was surprised by what I saw. That weekend was the women's retreat at my church. Babbie Mason had been in town, we got to sing back up for her, that was fun! But she brought me to my knees and the tears flowed. I had been in such a dark place. Asking God why hadn't he given me what I 'deserved.' Knowing full well we deserve nothing this life has to offer us. I was not in a happy place, even though I knew how to put on a happy face and pretend. I am happy that I saw something on that calendar. A reference point.

I know what I was doing that weekend that a young girl in Florida went into the hospital with no plans for the baby she carried. She was led on an emotional trip by a nurse that wanted her baby, but she knew it wasn't right. The social worker at the hospital got her in contact with an attorney's office. She made an appointment and decided this was best. The attorney got in contact with a matching agency up north and during an ice storm they made a special trip to the office just to be able to pass on some families and get this baby a home. Baby was born on Sunday January 30, 2011. Mom checked herself out of the hospital on Monday, to take a test for school, still with no plans. Tuesday middle of the day February 1, 2011, I got a phone call about a baby boy born in Florida were we interested. I said yes, but didn't even call Brian, he was at work and I can't get him all that often, and by this time I couldn't put any emotion into it and I knew we would just move on to the next scenario. They called back after lunch and said they needed my home study so I sent it. Yeah yeah, whatever. I did know that since baby was born it would be a quick decision, and they hoped to decide by the end of the day or the next day. Brian came home and I filled him in on the phone calls and off we went to Core group at our church. I kept my phone with me...just in case. Well the phone rang and I ran out...I knew this could be life changing. And it was. This little boy was ours. We needed to make some phone calls that night and I asked if I could take about 30 minutes and call back. So I went back in, gave Brian a grin and let people finish. We told the BIG news and out we went.

A phone call to this person and that person and then the birth mother. I have never been so nervous. She was so nice and I think just wanted to hear that we were excited. Immediately they all wanted to know how quickly we could get there. So we asked if we could have Wednesday to pull everything together. We then skyped my mom, called Brian's parents and my brother, sister, and Brian's sister. So Wednesday Brian spent planning to be away for a week from his classroom and I was on the phone all day. Before I went into work I ran to Wal-Mart (b/c they were open) and got some essentials, ran the clothes home and threw them in the wash and went to work. I got home finished packing and waited on Brian to get home which was around 6pm. He packed his bag, we left around 7:00, went to Babies R Us, and hit the road to Tallahassee. The main question people would ask us was what is his name. We hadn't had 2 seconds to think about that. So in the car on the way down that was our first order of business. We got in around 2am, put the stroller together and signed some papers. Got in bed around 4...didn't sleep much.

Thursday morning...the day we would meet our son, Micah. We went to the attorney's office and signed our life away. There was no trumpets or warning, but like all of a sudden I turned and there he was sleeping in a car seat. As much as I wanted to squeeze him I left him there to sleep. Then the social worker was like get that baby out! Hold your son! Never touch a sleeping baby right? Well maybe not in this case. He was the sweetest and Brian has been the most amazing dad. Jumping into changing diapers and playing with him all the time. Being a parent (which is still weird to call myself) is the most amazing title ever to be handed out. Wife and Mom are the ones I am most proud of.

We spent 2 weeks in Tallahassee. Some finger print issues and a trip to Tampa...it was crazy to say the least. After coming back we found out the dad was going to fight us and that tore my heart out. But looking back I knew he was ours. Too many little things coming together...God wasn't going to take him away. We did meet the birth father and he was nice as well.

At 2 months we were sent on the seizure journey. Mostly controlled now and hoping to stay that way. A few sicknesses here and there but we are just living day to day life now. And I couldn't be more excited! Micah is such a good baby. Sleeps well, eats well, behaves well (for the most part). We are truly blessed and we thank God for his life everyday!

Monday we celebrate the day Micah was born and Friday we will celebrate the day he came into our lives forever!
We love you Micah Henry!
Happy Birthday Sweet Boy!

Micah's first Christmas

Well this year was Micah's first Christmas and we decided we would stay at our house and spend it there. It was nice not to leave the house at all. My mom spent a few nights with us and then Brian parents and sister and her husband came over to eat with us Christmas day. I was a little stressed that day with cooking so I think next year we are going to have soup. Or something much easier.

We knew Christmas was going to be a rainy day (and it was) so we decided to let Micah try out his wagon on Christmas Eve. And he loves it!



Christmas Eve night we went to church and then headed to Brian's parents house for dinner and to exchange gifts. Micah is well loved that is for sure!




Christmas Day




Mobile for Christmas with the Taul side
Fun with Aunts and Uncles

Aunt Allison


Aunt Whitney was getting Micah to laugh


Uncle Freddy

A Little catch up...

I feel like that is all I do in the blog world. Here are some pictures to see what we have been up to.

We went to the Pumpkin Patch

Trying to climb on the pumpkins


He was very interested in the hay


Micah and Brian about to pick out some pumpkins


All the kiddos and spouses went to Nashville with our Dad to see the Rockettes.


Rudolph made an appearance :)


Micah loves to eat just about anything. Bananas are about the only thing he doesn't like to eat.

Christmas coming up next...

Catching up...September

September:
Well September was fast and eventful. Brian did a triathlon at Gulf Shores and some very dear friends of mine let us stay at their house on Ono Island. We are so thankful for that and had a lot of fun!


Bright and early before the tri started


Exiting the swim


Biking


Running


My bestest friend, Amy came to hang with me during the race. So thankful for her!


Micah's first sink bath


Sunset from the porch, love the orange behind the Auburn flag :)


playing in the pool

We have gotten 2 teeth

showing off my pearly whites

And then of course no fall in the south would be complete without some football. And we are a house divided, so Micah supports both sides.


Roll Tide!


War Eagle!

7 Months:

Catching up...August

August:
We finalized Micah's adoption and we couldn't be more excited. We are so glad we can move on with life knowing we are Micah's forever parents and that there is nothing more to worry about. We had family and a few friends over to celebrate.



With our judge in Tallahassee



We went back to the Ronald McDonald House for a new picture



Micah with his Cookie Cake to celebrate. And yes we even gave him a teeny smidge of icing. (no judging)

We are in the swing of going to work for me and MDO for Micah. I am so glad Micah doesn't have separation anxiety yet. So far he loves to go to school and his teachers love him too.



First day of School



7 months

6 month photos

I had been wanting to get some professional photos of the 3 of us for awhile now and we finally got the chance. We did it the week we got back from Florida to celebrate the finalization of Micah's adoption. I also wanted to get some photos of Micah in his dedication outfit before he outgrew it. I was excited for one of my friends from high school to photograph us. Check out Laine Williams Photography.








My Personal Favorite...I wish I remembered what he was doing.

Florida

Brian, Micah and I have been in Florida for a few days. We got to meet Micah's birth father and that went really well. He was very nice and easy to talk to. He and Brian talked sports and he held Micah pretty much the whole time and even fed him a bottle. He also brought him a Build A Bear. Very sweet. We took Micah to the beach on St. George island and to some very cold springs at Wakulla Springs state park. We have had a great time and can't wait for tomorrow as Micah will be legally ours!

I was hoping to be able to post some pictures as tomorrow unfolds but I guess I will have to do that through Facebook. Picture post when we get back!