A Dream (FINALLY) Come True!

We'd all dreamed about this moment for over six years, and this weekend it finally came true. Our dear friends, Julie and Michael, finally became parents! They received a call on Thursday that they'd been selected by a birth mother, and they had a little baby girl waiting for them. The 10-day waiting period was up, and she was officially theirs! So, with the addition of "Avery Hope," they became a happy family of three. So, today the "BFF" had lunch at our house and Avery was the guest of honor. It was so exciting to meet her! We were like the paparazzi, flashing pictures from the moment they drove into the driveway until the moment they took her home. She is a stunningly beautiful baby, and so peaceful and alert. It was so amazing to see Julie and Michael with their daughter. I cry every time I think about it. I cried all over again this evening, when I went to the adoption website and saw "Placement" on their profile.

It is truly amazing how God works. I believe He meant for Julie & Michael to become Avery's parents. She was worth the wait, and we all fell in love with her instantly. What a beautiful, selfless gift Avery's birth mother gave to both Avery and to Julie and Michael. Wherever she is, I thank her for making my friends' dream come true.

The new family of three!

Avery Hope

The cake "before"

The cake after Annalise & Jordan got into it when nobody was looking

The "Class of 2025" babies!

Julie, Avery, Me, and Ryan

Julie, Michael, Ryan, and Avery

The "BFF" & babies (Jordan and Annalise were not up for pictures)

Big Week for Ryan

Ryan is nearly five months old and he's had a fun week! We brought the Exersaucer out of storage and let him try it out. He's still getting the hang of it, but so far, so good! (I think Annalise is having more fun with it than he is.)

Also, Ryan tried rice cereal a couple of weeks ago, but he wasn't a big fan (who can blame him?). So today I gave him a taste of peas. I think it was a big hit! I have a feeling that this guy is going to LOVE baby food.

What the heck is this?

Hmmm...I think I like it!

So Far Behind!

Wow, I've been a slacker on updating this blog this month. I'll try to catch up a bit...

I just returned from a weekend in Washington D.C. with Kelly (pics coming soon), and while I was gone, Ricky had his workers pull out all the horrible azalea bushes along the front of the house. They are pretty about two weeks of the year when they bloom, but otherwise, they were contributing to us having the worst yard in the neighborhood. Bad advertising for Ricky's business, that's for sure! So, anyway, it was a happy surprise when I got home. Right now it's just pinestraw, but we're working up a plan for it. Anyway, the day I got home from my trip was such fun. Annalise and Ricky enjoyed planting new flowers in our pots, followed by us trying to teach Annalise to play badminton. Ryan had fun just watching the world go by. Here are some pics!

Our house "azalea free"

Annalise "breaking up the soil"

Annalise & Daddy planting Carlos Lantanas

Look at those dirty hands!

Ta-da!

Trying to teach Annalise to play Badminton

Ryan happy as a clam

Braves Opening Weekend

Last weekend we went to the Braves vs. Mets game. Of course I didn't watch a minute of the game. I was too busy chatting away and taking silly pics with Julie, Kelly, and Leslie. Ricky probably watched some of the game, but he was also busy having fun with the hubbies. I just can't get enough of my friends - they are the best! Thanks for the fun time, everyone!