And the waiting begins!

Today we met with our social worker/adoption counselor to discuss "plan B." I went into the meeting with a very positive attitude however came out with my spirits crushed just a little. We discussed how to get the word out about our adoption efforts. The meeting ended with me being a little discouraged, because in my mind I have done what I know how to do to get the word out. Andrew has some other ideas that he knows of to help promote the adoption so we will work on those this week. As usual, Andrew had a very positive prospective of the meeting. I was wondering if we were in the same meeting, but sometimes he hears things a lot different than I do. I tend to pull out the negatives of a conversation where he hears more positive things. I'm just wanting things to move a little faster than they are and that's where my impatient side starts kicking me down.

I spoke with my sister after the meeting briefly and she reminded me that the waiting part of the adoption process is the hardest part. Not knowing what's going to happen and when it is going to happen is very hard. It's like driving a car without a steering wheel, you have no control what so ever. That is where faith comes in. "Now FAITH is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." I just have to keep going, keep praying, and keep the faith that my all powerful God will take care of everything even when hope seems so far away.

We would appreciate your help in spreading the word. Please feel free to send any emails, twitters, facebook messages/status', etc. out to your friends, coworkers, church and family members. We are hopeful that someone may see it that knows of someone who could possibly help us complete our family.  I have posted a new email address on the blog for those that want to send a message in private. We will be checking regularly and will respond as quickly as possible. Thanks you for your help!

"My" Little One---by Leslie

I love you little one even though I don't know you.
I love your smile and the way you smell.
I love the way you look at me with your little eyes.
I love you little one even though I don't know you.

I love you when you sleep so sound in my arms.
I love the way you cry the way I did when I prayed for you.
I love your sweet kisses and your tiny little toes.
I love you little one even though I don't know you.

I love your small personality that will one day be big.
I love your warm heart that shines through your eyes.
I love everything about you and your bright shining light.
I love you little one even though I don't know you.

I love that God knows exactly who you are.
I love that He's forming you above all the stars.
I love that your waiting to be in my arms.
I love you little one even though I don't know you.

I love that He hears me when I pray for you.
I love every moment that I will spend with you.
I love that you will come to me at just the right time.
I love you little one even though I don't know you.

I will wait for you little one while the angels hold you.
They sing to you so sweetly and give you such love.
God knows when to send you to live on this earth.
I love you so much little one now and forever.

Moving Forward

Many of you may have known, but many I didn't tell, that we had a potential birthmom that was due at the end of this month. She made the decision to keep her baby. We found out yesterday morning that she had made this decision. I honestly can not blame her as I can't even fathom what a hard decision it is to give your baby up for adoption. I know I wouldn't have the strength to do it. I love the fact that God has allowed her to keep her baby and raise it. I will continue to pray for the little one that God will provide for her and her mother, being a single mom. We knew about this possiblity early on but I never allowed myself to get attached or even excited that it may happen as I knew that adoptions don't always end the way you want them to.

 So, as God continues to test my patience, we head back to the drawing board. We are suppose to meet back with our social worker to discuss what the next steps will be. This makes it a little harder for me knowing that we potentially have a long wait ahead of us. I had a little smidge of hope knowing that we had a potential birthmom but I should have known it wasn't going to be that easy. God has tested my patience for the last three years and I'm more than ready to pass His "test" and see what He has in store for Andrew and I and our family to be. After another upset, I will pick myself up and dust off the dirt and keep moving forward, not dwelling on what could have been. Please keep praying for peace, understanding and for our family. I know God is faithful and doesn't want to see us hurt and has great plans. I just wish He would reveal them sooner than later.

Throw Me Something Mista!

Today we had the best time celebrating Mardi Gras Shreveport style at the Highland parade. Andrew and I headed over to Lynn and Matt's house after church to get ready for all the festivities. We loaded up ourselves and Michelle and headed out to the parade. Once we got there it didn't take long for the parade to start. All the music and floats were really fun to listen to and look at. Michelle was the winner as far as collecting beads and stuffed animals. There is something about cute babies that people just love. She was raising her hands to catch all the beads she could. Every time she got a stuffed animal she would give it a big kiss. Such a sweet site for her Aunt Leslie. Michelle was kind enough to share her stuffed animals with her cousins, Noah, Ava and Bryce who didn't get to come to the parade.  It seemed like the parade lasted forever because there were so many floats. The Krewe of Highland is a very family friendly parade so there were lots of families and kids out ready to celebrate.

Andrew and I usually ride on the South Shreveport Rotary float, but this year we were on the receiving side of it. I like it both ways. It's entertaining while riding on the float to see all the people jump up and down for beads, but it's also fun to be that person jumping up and down to catch the beads. My most favorite throws are the mini moon pies. I was so excited to get one on the very last float that came around. What a treat! I don't know why but moon pies just make the parade so much better to me. I hope you enjoy the pictures below of our fun experience at the parade. And, always remember....LAISSEZ LES BON TEMPS ROULER!

Here we are waiting on the parade. Michelle is sporting her shades as well.

Michelle loves her Uncle Andrew!

Michelle, Lynn and I waiting on the parade to start.

Andrew and I at the start of the parade. No beads as of yet.

The beads are starting to pile up!

Yay! I finally go my Moon Pie!

Birthday Party Fun

My older sister, Laura, celebrated her 32 birthday yesterday. All the family got together to celebrate and had such a good time. Andrew had to miss out on the fun because he was working down in New Orleans. He also missed out on the Monjuni's spaghetti and strawberry cake my mom had specially made for Laura. Oh well, maybe next year. 

I got to spend time with my 4 nieces and nephews playing in the back yard. They are all getting so big, I wish they would stay small forever. I had a system going on the swings where I would go down the line and push 3 of them at a time (we only had 3 swings so the 4th child had to sit out). They had such a good time.

After the party was over we got to hang out and watch this TV show called "Cake Boss", I think? It was about this guy who makes all kinds of cakes. He made a crazy denim cake for a baby shower where the lady was obsessed over denim. She was even naming her child Denim; now that's true love of denim. Just hope she doesn't get tired of denim and move onto another type of fabric. Anyway, the cakes that he made were very original and fancy.

I love my family so much and take every opportunity to spend time with them. We have the best time together. I am so glad that God blessed me with them and can't wait until Andrew and I can share them with our baby.  I know my nieces and nephews will look forward to another play mate. I'm still praying for my precious miracle.

I don't have a picture of the birthday girl. She wouldn't let me take her picture because she didn't have on any make-up. Really????



Michelle, Ava, and Noah playing in the backyard.



Two of my favorite boys, Noah and Bryce.



The kids love their cousin Koby and love to chase him around the yard.
Koby is such a good sport.



Ava and Noah gave Michelle a big hug when she got there.
They were so excited to see her.