evie's 1st birthday party

On Saturday, we had a very small family party for Evie's 1st birthday. It was short and sweet and simple and I think she enjoyed it.

My first pink kids' birthday party with pink cupcakes.

 Opening gifts

Oh, the girl loves attention!!!

Some cousins

 She loved when we sang Happy Birthday to her but she wasn't too interested in the cupcake.

Meeting Aunt Laur-Laur for the first time.

She loves her big brother Elijah soooo much!

Playing with a gift and cousins being crazy outside!

She had a very big weekend. We had her party, family pictures, she met a lot of new relatives and finally got to spend some time with my mom. This is my mom's first time to hold her. I think they like each other.

memorial day weekend

We are slowly getting out and doing more with Evie. She handles everything really well but her friendliness is why we are still keeping her close. This was her busiest weekend yet and she did great! We went to Gainesville for the day on Sunday when Jason preached at his parents' church. While there we went to Lavender Ridge farms.

The boys had a lot of fun with their cousin Solomon. In December, they will welcome another little cousin to the mix!

I think Evie was a little sleepy here. She didn't get her morning nap but she handled it pretty well.

Drinking lavender lemonade. It was yummy!

The boys checking out the alpacas.

I think she was in Nana heaven here! We are letting family hold her for a few minutes at a time, as long as we're close by.

Elijah got a wooden sword and shield. Judah got a bow and arrows.

Monday was great! Who doesn't enjoy a relaxing holiday at home with their family? No schedules and nowhere to be. We also took the kids to see Epic. I re-learned the lesson of not bringing a one year old to the movie theater. I hardly saw any of the movie, but the boys enjoyed it! Only a week and a half until summertime and we can't wait!!!

second week with evie

I can't believe that tomorrow will mark 3 weeks home for Evie. Things are going really well. I am physically tired and tired of being cooped up in the house most of the time, but things are great! I feel like attachment and bonding are moving right along and it seems like she's just meant for our family. We love her to pieces. Of course everything is not perfect. She is a girl which equals drama and she is very good at throwing fits when she doesn't get her way! :-) But that is so minor because she is eating well and sleeping well and wants me to hold her all the time - all good things! She has gained weight since she got home and gotten two shots which completely catches her up! Here are some pictures from the week!

Is there anything cuter than a clean baby in footie pajamas?!?!?

And just check out those beautiful curls! They have gotten longer since she got home.

She can make a MESS at mealtimes!!!

She went for her first ride in a swing and loved it!

She loves bathtime! Yes, we have her in laundry basket so she doesn't slip and hit her head. A friend suggested that and I thought it was a genius idea!

This is what we call her "stinkeye" and we see it quite frequently!

I also took Evie on the last day of school for a quick visit to meet my preschool class. They were so cute and excited and asked me a lot of questions! Judah also got to show her off to his class.

She is a ham and just loved the attention!

The boys have been busy as well, I just haven't captured a lot of photos lately. Last night they went to a Ranger's game with their Daddy and a friend. They had a lot of fun!

Judah is done with preschool now, Elijah just finished up his soccer season and has 2 more weeks of school before summertime - can't wait!!! We've been to birthday parties and helped with our big Orphan Sunday at our church this past weekend. So excited that this is now an annual event! Jason and I are taking turns staying with Evie. We've had a lot of visitors to meet her and meals delivered to our house, which we are so grateful for! We are just in awe that this is now our life and she is home forever. God is so good and so faithful. More later.

blog makeover

Thanks to my wonderfully talented sister-in-law, my blog is now up to date to include Miss Evie! :-) I'll be working on the tabs and getting everything finished up soon! Thanks Lauren!!!

fitting right in

So things are going really well with Evie right now. The first week was stressful as we started a new routine, figured out her sleeping & eating habits and got to know her better. This week is going MUCH better! She is feeling more and more like my daughter each day. I have a lot of random pictures from the week that I wanted to get on here.

I wanted to note that Judah is very particular about his hair. I find him on a regular basis looking in the mirror, wetting his hair down and brushing it.

This was the final product and he said, "Now I look good cause I look like a grown up." Not sure which grown-ups he's comparing himself to but I'm thinking Eddie Munster? :-)

My friend Lori brought dinner over the other day and this was the first time for Evie and her future BFF Lily to play together on the floor for a few minutes. They were so cute!

These next three are just some cute shots from Mother's Day that Nana took.

And last but not least, this is Judah today on his very last day of preschool ever. He has been at YCW two days a week since he was a baby, but after today he is a kindergartener.