The Garner Family

New blog is finally up

2011-03-14T14:46:00.003-04:00

Visit us and learn about our new baby at http://pilgrimheirs.blogspot.com/

Heads up - blog change coming

2010-05-03T15:53:00.004-04:00

First of all, a picture of Abigail and Hannah that isn't months old! Abigail is four (and four months) and Hannah is fifteen months old - and they are the sweetest of sisters (except when one wants what the other has, of course).

And, our blog will be "relocating" soon - new address to be announced. Once it's set up, I'll post the new address here for awhile and then close down this blog (we do plan to make a blog book though!). If you'll send me your address, I'll be sure to send you an invitation - juliapgarner AT gmail DOT com. Thanks!

Baby Skylar (and cousins) - 12/29/09

2010-05-02T16:38:00.006-04:00

Bing and Andy's daughter Skylar was born while we were on our way home from Pennsylvania (with Lai, Bing's sister!). A week later, the girls and I got to visit the happy family along with Lai and family (from California). What a fun visit! Thanks, Bing for putting up with five extra little girls in your house. Isn't she beautiful?

Buddies Rose Marie and Abigail were delighted to see each other again!
Rose Marie with her tiny new cousin
Of course Abigail loved holding Skylar - and Autumn waited patiently for her turn.Our SIX precious little girls
Mommies too!

Late December - unpacking and settling in to the "new" house

2010-05-02T16:19:00.005-04:00

Water jug squats: At nearly eleven months, Hannah was pulling up on everything and "cruising," but not walking independently yet. She would use anything in reach. =)
Christmas (or after Christmas) baking. The girls loved helping!
Pretty as a picture? Some frames from Grandma J (made by Granddad) provided comic relief from endless unpacking.

Christmas in Georgia - now that it's April!

2010-04-05T13:44:00.005-04:00

Abigail was awfully happy to see Granddaddy when we arrived Christmas Eve!
And Hannah enjoyed Uncle Stephen, his keys, and her cousins.
Great Grandmother G and Patrick
Christmas morning: All the kids helped Grandmama make breakfast!
Sisters in front of the tree - Hannah's first Christmas!
Gavin, Lane, Patrick, and Laoise - Nathan's sister Talitha's four
Christmas afternoon we drove across the border to Grandmother L's for dinner with that side of the family. (Great) Grandmother and Hannah have always been close - we spent the second week of Hannah's life in Grandmother's home waiting interstate clearance to come home. Grandmother and her daughters - Mona, Kelly, and Donna
Talitha, Stephen and children
Trying to get a sisters Christmas picture!
Nobody was still, but there was lots of laughing. Merry Christmas!

Visiting Lydia and family

2010-03-24T21:47:00.005-04:00

On the road again December 24th! On our way to Nathan's family in Georgia, we stopped by Tom and Lydia's for a quick Christmas Eve visit. Little girl cousins enjoyed playing together (ours didn't want to leave!).

Aunt Julia and Lydee
Tom's game with Bella
Hannah thought her cousins' zebra was amazing
Cozy Christmas Eve morning

New baby Andre

2010-03-24T21:42:00.004-04:00

December 21 two dear friends had their babies: Bing's (Lai's sister) daughter Skylar was born and Ree's son Andre was born! On the 23rd, the girls and I got to visit Ree and Andre in the hospital - what a handsome little guy!
Abigail took this picture of Ree and me with our babies.

Finally south - at Grandma's (12/20-21)

2010-03-24T21:05:00.006-04:00

God granted us safe travel down to Grandma's and we arrived in time for supper Sunday evening. So glad to see her, though our visit would be short due to snow delays.
Uncle Tom, Aunt Janet and Landry squeezed in a quick visit after their church service that night
Abigail loves her Great Uncle Tom like I always did - he hasn't changed!
Grandma welcomed Lai (no strangers ever, least of all our good friend!) and had to show Lai her treasured picture albums. Lai was an interested audience, but sweet Havilah couldn't wait any longer to sleep!
Aunt Lucinda came by before work the next morning and brought gifts for the girls - to their great delight.
After many phone calls, Nathan was able to get a confirmed seat out for Lai and Havilah - back to the rest of their family. Though the plans were not ours, it was great for Grandma and Lai (and Havilah) to become friends.
Before we left for the airport and home, Lai and I managed to get a picture together - normally at least one of us is behind the camera. =)
What a trip - so many pictures and so many memories!

Snowed in - our lovely hotel abode in Philly

2010-03-23T22:17:00.004-04:00

We did enjoy our little "forced vacation" at the Residence Inn. Lai and I took the girls for a swim in the indoor pool (after Abigail and I returned from play in the snow - what contrast!) Hannah and Abigail discovered this great hiding place in our suite - cute little prisoners, aren't they?
Finally, three clean tired girls in pajamas! Just wish we had Havilah's sister's Rose and Autumn (and daddy!) with us too!
Auntie Lai Lai and Hannah - see the snow drift against the window?
Our three little girls in front of the hotel Christmas tree. Who said anything about looking at the camera?
18 month old Havilah
Finally ready to brave the roads - though no flights yet, so we took Lai south with us to try another airport!

Abigail enjoying Philly Blizzard 12/09

2010-03-23T22:08:00.004-04:00

We'd planned to leave Philadelphia the following day (Saturday, December 19th) after taking Lai and Havilah to meet their flight. However, during the night, Philly received 20 inches of snow. All flights were canceled and the roads impassable (since snow was still falling heavily). Thankfully, Nathan had won out over his frugal wife and chosen a very nice hotel suite for the six of us - we had two little bedrooms and a kitchen! We were grateful for our cozy little home (especially as we watched news reports of many people stranded in their cars). Of course, I had to take my little southern girl out to play in some real snow! Strange stuff - so cold and dry, we couldn't make a snowman or even snowballs. But lots of fun anyway!
And great for snow angels! Abigail had read about snow angels in a Little House book and was eager to try one. Of course, Mommy had to demonstrate first (oh, why didn't we bring snow clothes. . . surely we could've found room in the car) and the snow up my back and ankles was COLD. Abigail never noticed. =)

Does she look like she's having fun? Poor girl, I had to drag her in eventually. Thank you Lord, for the unplanned blessings of snow!

Cherith's wedding!

2010-03-17T16:49:00.006-04:00

We left Aunt B.A.'s after breakfast December 18 and headed towards Pennsylvannia - for Cherith's wedding that evening! Outside D.C., we stopped at IKEA (just the parking garage!) to meet my dear friend Lai (from California, but visiting another friend in Virginia) and her youngest daughter Havilah. After Nathan repacked the van (six people and three car seats plus lots of baby gear, snacks, coats, etc.!), we set off again. The trip got merrier - Nathan was patient with five chatty females as passengers!
Despite a time crunch and an unexpected detour, we arrived before the wedding began and were delighted to see Cherith briefly. What a story of God's gracious leading this beautiful bride has! She spent the previous year doing language work in Papua New Guinea and met her now husband providentially just before she left for PNG!
Precious friends - Lai, Cherith and I (Nathan too!) became close friends during college days. We loved, served and learned together through a neighborhood Bible club and small church and have rejoiced to witness each others marriages.
Newlyweds Cherith and Jason! They plan to return to PNG after Jason completes Bible translator school.
Little girls in plaid - Havilah (18 months) and Abigial (four) playing during pictures
So tired Havilah relaxing with Uncle Nathan.
Our girls were troopers through the evening wedding (even after a LONG day of travel) and the lovely reception. We were among the first to leave around ten. (A most delightful day for my 30th! Couldn't have planned a better party. =)

Heading north - family in Virginia

2010-03-17T15:26:00.007-04:00

December 17th we packed up and set off for a long weekend "northern" road trip including family visits in Virginia and the wedding of dear friend in Pennsylvania. That evening, Aunt Faye prepared a delicious meal and we enjoyed dinner with her and Uncle Chuck and Aunt Beverley Ann, Uncle David, and Emmalee too! The girls enjoyed lots of spoiling and gifts. What a special Christmas visit with my Dad's family! That night we stayed with Aunt B.A. and the next morning she surprised me with candles in a pecan ring - a fun start to a memorable 30th birthday!

Aunt Faye, Emmy & Aunt B.A. serving up pumpkin dump cake!
Abigail and Emmy
Hannah was captivated by those Christmas light earrings!
Getting reacquainted with "Unka Chuk"
Present from Aunt B.A.
In case you noticed the butterfly bandage and are wondering. . . A couple of nights before we left, Nathan and I heard a bang from Abigail's room just before midnight. She'd fallen out of bed (onto our lovely "new" hardwood floors) and split her chin. Ouch!

Abigail's fourth birthday!

2010-03-14T21:58:00.007-04:00

This birthday was much anticipated and much enjoyed! GramMee came on Abigail's birthday and took her out for lunch at Chick-Fil-A (Mommy was babysitting and so stayed home with the two littler girls). Can lunch get yummier than chocolate milk, french fries and chicken nuggets. . . oh, and chocolate milk?!?
GramMee also got her eldest granddaughter a fun pink ICE CREAM cake!
For the last year or so, Abigail has loved "dressing up," using anything she could find. Most of the time, she was a princess (surprise, surprise) or a bride (result of watching her grandparents' wedding video so many times!). So we decided to give her some "real" dress up clothes. Her wardrobe now includes a (generic) princess dress, a fireman's coat and hat (variety, please!), pink nurses scrubs and GramMee made a size four "wedding" dress. Daddy was the bride-doctor's first patient.
Ever seen a firefighter with ringlets?
Favorite picture of the evening. . . photography lessons with Uncle Caleb!
Hannah played peek-a-boo with Uncle Caleb. We love how she "covers" her eyes!
Babies at the party - love those cousins!
Abigail had long wanted her own umbrella and Aunt Lydia and Uncle Tom gave her a fun one! Think she looks pleased?

Happy birthday, our sweet, exuberant Abigail! How we thank God for blessing us with you four years ago! May you grow to love Him more and more!

Early December glimpses

2010-02-15T21:25:00.006-05:00

Breakfast in bed? For several weeks, Abigail enjoyed going into Hannah's room before me when Hannah woke up and climbing into her crib. One morning the happy noises were due in part to the cereal Abigail sneaked in. December 2nd, we had our first big rain and decided that "drainage" should be added to our house-to-do-list. While I was out taking pictures to send Nathan at work, someone else was spying on me!Nothing like jumping in with both feet! We had our first overnight guests the second week of December. Seven of the eight H's stayed with us at some point during the week and Grace stayed the whole week to help me with moving in projects. She was almost 16 and Abigail loved having a teenage friend! (Interestingly, Grace is a triplet and I helped her mom when she had four very small children some 15 years ago.)

Hannah ten months old - late November

2010-02-15T21:10:00.003-05:00

Just back from Thanksgiving and enjoying life amidst the boxes - been in our new home less than a week!
Ladies from the Nazarene church (which hosts Special Link - our original adoption agency) knitted caps for the "Special Link babies" born in 2009. Hannah loves hers and enjoyed our little photo shoot. She pulled the hat off and kept trying to put in back on herself.
Our new backyard looks like fun - just need some warmer weather and less rain so Mommy will take me out!
"Hey, Mommy - I'm just getting a little snack!"
These girls do love each other! Hannah can clap by herself, but it's more fun with Sissy's hands too!"
Quick Hannah update: She loves to clap and to play peek-a-boo (actually gets at least one of her hands over her eyes fairly often now - too cute!). She pulls up on everything (the computer desk right now - trying to reach the keyboard to help me type =) and just learned to walk behind the push walker. She enjoys dropping things so she can say "uh-oh" and recently learned to say "Mama" (after two months saying Da-da).

Family pictures - by Caleb

2010-01-22T16:24:00.006-05:00

We also wanted a family picture for Christmas letters and "Uncle Caleb" took lots for us in the Mee's backyard! Thanks, Caleb!
Our pick:
Grown up Abigail - Three, almost four:
Hannah loving life - almost ten months: Abigail and Daddy (The blue eyes):
Hannah and Mommy (The brown eyes):

Thanksgiving & Hannah's first tub bath

2010-01-22T15:34:00.004-05:00

A few days after the move, we packed up and left the mess to spend Thanksgiving in Tennessee with the Mees. The three days we enjoyed together were lots of fun - most of our combined family was there and we did the annual photo shoot. One highlight for Hannah (other than all the attention of grandparents and aunts and uncles!) was taking her first "big tub" bath. She squealed and splashed and splashed and shrieked. Every now and then she paused to consider the water running down her face, but soon returned to splashing.

Our new home

2010-01-22T15:10:00.004-05:00

Hmmm. A little while later. Can I just say the last two months have been full with the move, Thanksgiving, overnight guests, Abigail's birthday celebrations, a wedding in Pennsylvania combined with family visits in Virginia, Christmas and more travels, more guests, babysitting, teaching Sunday school. . . oh, and unpacking and the more urgent home renovations (all with the help of our busy little daughters!)?
School (the last semester before graduation!) has begun again for Nathan and we're starting to settle into a routine. . . and the new house. Still plenty of boxes and organization to go. Then down with the wallpaper and up with new paint. And pictures. Eventually, we'll have to replace the moss in the front yard with grass, but in the meantime, it's sort of green and holds the mud down. And we love our yard and the neighborhood and all the space in our "new old house." Do come visit. And excuse the mess. =)

Christmas letter 2009

2009-12-23T16:13:00.004-05:00

Dear family and friends,

“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:9). Incredible. “The Son of God. . . divested himself of heavenly wealth and became an impoverished child so the fragile flesh of humanity could be taken up into God’s embrace” (Miroslav Volf). What lengths God went to to ransom His children—in the incarnation of Christ and in His substitutionary life and death. What joy to realize God’s adoption of us making us heirs with the risen Christ Himself!

Last year we told you of God’s leading us to adopt a child, and He indeed added to our family this year! February 3rd we learned of the five-day-old baby girl who would become our daughter. We excitedly gathered (more) paperwork, signatures, fingerprints, baby clothes and diapers and hurried to Alabama to meet our sweet Hannah Elisabeth (her middle name is after her mommy—Julia Elisabeth—and after her great, great-grandmother Mary Elizabeth Cole who persevered in faith through much adversity). The foster family placed Hannah in our arms February 7th and we stayed in Alabama (with Nathan’s Grandmother Lane who made her home ours) the next week waiting for interstate paperwork approvals. Finally, we brought our two little girls home and re-entered “normal” life with our precious new gift and a lot less sleep.

Abigail devoted herself to her long-awaited sister with much love and affection. The biggest challenge we had was keeping our grown-up three year old from picking up her infant sister whenever we turned our backs. She was really very gentle and careful, but three is not old enough to carry Baby up the stairs! By three months old, Hannah loved Abigail back and showered her with smiles and coos and the first real laugh. We were grateful to finalize Hannah’s adoption back in Alabama on May 11 (with several grandparents present) and soon afterwards to receive the new birth certificate for Hannah Elisabeth Garner—officially and permanently our daughter!

Last week Abigail turned four and was delighted to receive several “dress-up” outfits. She loves to pretend—especially that she’s a mommy or a bride. She has learned most of her letters and can write her name and Hannah’s. Hannah is ten months old and trying hard to keep up with big sister. She’s petite, strong and loves to pull up on things, clap, play peek-a-boo, bounce and jabber. We’re blessed with two exuberant, affectionate, and very funny little girls.

Nathan completed four more graduate classes this year and has just the MBA capstone class remaining for the spring semester. We’ll be celebrating his achievements, God’s grace, and more time together come May 2010!

Many of our activities and responsibilities have continued: Nathan’s begun his eighth year working at the airport. Julia keeps friends’ children part-time at home. We still teach the second grade Sunday school class and are involved in a Shepherding Group at Heritage Bible Church. And we travel—mostly to visit our families who live in four other states. Happily, Tom and Lydia and their eighteen-month-old daughters are back in the state after a job-related move to California.

Early fall we listed our townhouse for sale, hoping to buy a “real house” while interest rates were low. Two months later, we received a contract for the condo and scrambled to find our next home. After some disappointing searching, the Lord led to us the house we were hoping for—a roomy brick ranch in a quiet neighborhood. Of course, the repairs and updates it needs were what put it in our price range—and will keep us busy for several years if the Lord keeps us in town (Did Julia say she never wanted to buy a fixer upper?). We moved in three weeks ago and are excited to have another bedroom (for guests and future children), more living/entertaining space, and a back yard! Please e-mail if you want our new address (juliapgarner@gmail.com).

We hope to update the blog again soon. . .

May your celebration of Christmas be filled with the joy of redemption in Christ!

With love,

Nathan, Julia, Abigail & Hannah Garner

Buying, selling, and moving (but not far)

2009-10-13T15:53:00.004-04:00

Real time update: I'd love to fix the pictures that aren't showing up (thought it seemed so easy loading them through Picasa, but I must've done something wrong), but now's not the time. Last week we got an offer on our condo (for sale since August) which became a contract Saturday. We move out next month! So, we've been busily searching for our new home. The search had been somewhat discouraging until late yesterday afternoon when we found, saw, and put an offer on an older brick ranch on a nice yard (a place for children to play!) in a good location! Negotiating now. And lots of other stuff going on too - radon monitor placed and termite inspection here today (while babysitting =). Lots more to happen at both homes! We're excited to see what the Lord has for us and grateful to trust His sovereign care for His children!

Love those little people!

2009-10-07T22:34:00.003-04:00

"But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Allow little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God." (Luke 18:16)

In case anyone was concerned about Abigail suffering from withdrawal or loneliness after we took Laoise and Gavin home, relax. I immediately resumed child care and the next day Caeden and Tirzah were with us. Traded two five year olds for two one year olds.

Abigail is an amazing helper (when she wants to be, at least). She loves practicing her mommy skills on real babies.

Two babies up from naps playing with their babies

Life with four

2009-10-07T22:17:00.002-04:00

Our few days with Laoise and Gavin ended all too quickly. We loved having them with us at church Sunday. Monday morning Mommy Julia managed grocery shopping with four (we'd been gone a week so it necessary) and that evening we all made an ice cream run. In between and Tuesday we were home (did I mention mountains of laundry?) and I found out that we own way too many toys. They were ALL out.
Cousins on Sunday

We all scream for ice cream!

Our house - Yikes!

Seven months old and busy!

2009-10-07T22:10:00.005-04:00

That weekend (August 29) was the seven month marker for Hannah. Afraid it's a bit of a blur (hey, I'm not used to four kids yet!) so I'm glad for picture reminders.

Hannah loves her baths

That Sunday, Hannah pushed up on all fours for the first time. . .gonna crawl before long!

These chair pictures with the dolls are getting harder - she doesn't just sit and smile anymore!

Cousins and Carowinds

2009-10-07T21:54:00.004-04:00

On the way home from Grandmother Lane's, we met Stephen and picked up Laoise and Gavin for a few days (Lane and Patrick had a turn last year). The next morning, we headed out for the next adventure. The airport hosted a "family fun day" at Carowinds, all expense paid - an opportunity not to miss! Why not make it more exciting and take along some extra children so we could have two five year olds, a three year old and a baby? Craziness. But we survived - and had fun (though Nathan didn't get to ride any coasters. . . we stuck with the little kid rides, bathroom breaks and free drinks).
Carowinds here we come!

Flying jets is serious business

Lemonade break

Our crew

Hot and happy

Don't forget cheery Baby!

Abigail's first driving lesson

One tired Hannah

Georgia family

2009-10-07T20:55:00.006-04:00

After leaving Talitha's we drove across to Georgia and spent two nights with Mom and Dad visiting (Great) Grandmother Garner on the day between. The next day we drove south to see "Grandpap" Garner and Ann for the day and then back to East Alabama to spend the night with (Great) Grandmother Lane. Wonderful visits and food - all of Nathan's grandparents spoiled us with yummy meals! And spoiled our girls too, to their great pleasure. =)
At Granddaddy's upholstery shop

Little girls, little chair

Nose kisses with Grandmama

Fish hatchery

Fun with Granddaddy

Alabama family

2009-10-07T20:28:00.003-04:00

Last chance before MBA classes resume (hmmm. . . I seem to remember doing this last year)! August 23-27 we visited Nathan's parents, grandparents, and sister and family in Georgia and Alabama. First stop, Talitha and Stephen's farm. Lane, Patrick, Laoise, Gavin, Abigail and Hannah loved being together (parents did too) and "Aunt Julia" took lots of pictures (so what's new?). We celebrated Patrick's 8th birthday a couple of days early. Six children are definitely enough to make a party! =)

Sleeping

2009-10-06T16:04:00.003-04:00

Our girls sleep on occasion and I couldn't resist pictures of two recent unexpected occasions. Abigail has a "rest time" most afternoons during Hannah's nap time. Usually she reads books and plays quietly on the guest bed. One day I looked in and didn't see her. . . until I checked the narrow space between the bed and the wall. She was hiding and fell asleep (We'd been to the zoo and she was unusually tired).

And Hannah woke up "early" one evening fussing and so Nathan decided to hold her for awhile and she relaxed right back to sleep! So sweet.

Together again with our friends from California

2009-10-06T15:24:00.007-04:00

Our dear friends Brian and Lai and Rose Marie (4), Autumn (2), and Havilah (1) spent time on this side of the country in August. On the 11th, the girls and I visited them at Bing and Andy's "farm home." So much fun to be together again. . . and to see the goats and chickens! =) And the Sunday evening the 16th, our friends visited us. The girls had a blast together - and so did their parents. How we thank the Lord for His gift of friendship (Over ten years with Brian and Lai and six since we were in each others weddings! And five sweet daughters too!)

Lots more pictures (including the goats!) on Picasa if you follow this link.

Great Grandma Johnson's visit and Caleb's birthday

2009-10-06T08:55:00.005-04:00

Mom (aka GramMee) brought (Great) Grandma Johnson for a visit August 6-8 and we got to celebrate Caleb's birthday together! (Uncle) Caleb brought doughnuts to help celebrate the day and we all indulged. . . except Hannah who put forth a valiant effort.

Six months old!

2009-09-18T12:11:00.010-04:00

As of July 29! (Happy third anniversary to GramMee and Grandpa!)

At her six month check-up, Hannah weighed 14 pounds, 2 ounces and measured 24 ½ inches long. She’s tiny, but the doctor pronounced her strong and healthy. . . and commented on her enthusiasm and her evident love for her big sister. This month’s physical milestones include getting her toes into her mouth, cutting a third tooth, and sitting alone for few minutes at a time. Hannah finally decided she likes solid food since trying sweet potatoes and her tummy seems rounder (and, by the way, that umbilical hernia she had at birth, is nearly gone now). Our baby talks, sings, laughs (even while eating her peas at lunch today) and squeals lots . . . I think we’ll have another chatterbox. ☺
Love that grin! Hannah felt very big sitting in the rocking chair.
Hannah still LOVES to be on her feet! This was also her first time to wear blue jeans. (Thanks, Aunt Lydia!)We had a table full of little ones that evening (call it a six month birthday celebration!?). Since we're not experienced at keeping three children under one in addition to a two year old and a three year old, we opted for carry out pizza (along with all the baby food)! ☺
Watch out! Hannah can be rather fierce. She's got a mean growl for a fourteen pound baby! Of course, laughter (hers and ours) usually follows the growl and so she does it again.

Tennesee and Kentucky in July

2009-09-18T11:42:00.007-04:00

Julia, Abigail and Hannah spent three days with GramMee and Grandpa and family towards the end of July. Though we've seen them several times, this was our first trip to their home in a year! Abigail LOVED playing dolls with her Aunt Karen (six years older) and Hannah enjoyed the extra attention (or rather, attention from more people). Highlights of the trip (at least in the eyes of our three year old!) were swimming at the neighborhood pool with Andrew and Karen, attending Wednesday night church and Kids for Truth, eating a hot dog and pizza lunch at Sam's Club, and getting Bruster's ice cream with the whole family.

We made a day trip to Kentucky to visit Julia's long-time friend Rachel and her two boys. Noah was born a few weeks after we last visited two years and Milo was born a few weeks before this visit. So much fun to get together with my girls and her boys!

Raspberries for every occasion

2009-09-17T16:53:00.003-04:00

For several weeks, Hannah entertained us this way.

Abigail's first ride in a race car!

2009-09-17T16:38:00.004-04:00

The young man across the parking lot (three year old Nolan) took Abigail for a ride in his race one evening. She was quite impressed.

July 15 fun

2009-09-17T16:29:00.005-04:00

Random candid successive photos of my silly girls sitting on the kitchen counter "helping" Mommy one morning (before we "fixed" hair =).

Hannah five months old

2009-09-09T16:20:00.004-04:00

Hmm. . . she reached this milestone June 29th! But it was an exciting month and we got some cute pictures. =)
Hannah's developmental highlights from that time:
- Loves to stand on her feet
- Learned to roll over
- Blows lots of raspberries
- Graduated to 3-6 mo clothes
- Found toes 6/23
- Cut first two teeth 6/22
- Pushes up on hands
- Can sit briefly
- Baldness finally reversing! Her hair is beginning to come back in (probably since we discovered that her "cradle cap" was eczema and got it under control!)

Months ago. . .

2009-09-09T15:29:00.004-04:00

Almost two months since I've posted! Yikes, lots going on. But for now, I'll post the slide shows I made two months ago and then try for a quick overview update. =)

Towards the end of June we spent a few days visiting my family in Virginia. This was Hannah's first time to meet most of the family there! We stayed with Grandma Johnson and got to meet my cousin Jason and Melanie's newborn (11 days?) daughter Makenna while there. Abigail and Sherilan enjoyed getting reaquainted. Pictures of our four little girls were fun!

Later that day Uncle Tom and Aunt Janet (and Landry) had the whole family over for dinner!

That evening we visited Aunt Lucinda and Uncle Jan before putting some tired girls to bed! =) After church and naps the next day we visited Great Aunt Ruby and Great Uncle Dalton and then the beach (Hannah's first time!).

"Enroute" home, we visited Aunt Faye and Uncle Chuck and ate lunch by their pool. Afterwards, Abigail and Aunt Faye went swimming!

Quick visit from Mom and Karen

2009-07-14T15:46:00.003-04:00

We enjoyed having Mom and Karen (Julia's ten year old sister/Abigail's playmate aunt!) for an overnight towards the end of June. Mom and Dad had just returned from visiting Luke and Charlotte in Texas and Mom had met up with Lydia and Tom one day. . . and brought lots of baby things back from Bella and Lydee for Hannah. Abigail was delighted to have the "jumparoo" for Hannah to try (wanted to "help" her bounce). The girls and GramMee loved being together. =)

Teeth and toes

2009-07-14T15:08:00.004-04:00

Hannah cut BOTH lower centrals June 22! All that gnawing was not in vain. And around the same time, she found her toes. Great to have something handy to wrap your fingers around!

Father's Day

2009-07-13T17:10:00.004-04:00

Nathan worked first shift operations at the airport on Father's Day (getting up at 4:30 a.m. is a rough start to a day!) and we were excited to welcome him home that afternoon. (He was happy to get a nap on the couch while the girls finished their nap/rest time.) Abigail helped shop for Daddy's gifts this year and actually kept them a secret! So grateful for a husband/father who loves God and loves his family!

Ice cream and hayrides!

2009-07-13T16:15:00.005-04:00

June 19 we made a spur-of-the-moment (the most fun kind, and a rare treat when Daddy's in school!) run to a neighborhood ice cream parlor with our wonderful next door neighbors. Abigail and Sam kept us laughing and had a blast together. Abigail says she and Sam are "kid married" and prays for her "husband Sam" and their many kids - her dolls - every day. She's quite serious, but it's hard for us to be! In any case, we're a bit sad that Sam and his family just got a contract on their condo and will be moving to a "real house" one day soon. Happy for them though!

And the next day was our church picnic - complete with face paint(Abigail's first such experience), hay rides and great friends from the Heritage family!

Life in June

2009-07-09T15:43:00.009-04:00

Random fun pictures from the month! We got the girls matching turquoise shirts on clearance at The Children's Place and Abigail was ecstatic to wear them together. Abigail feels very grown-up to have "jobs" of her own to do each day: one of these is unloading the silverware basket from the dishwasher. Hannah really enjoys her play mat (thank you cousins Bella and Lydee!). It's great for exercising and as launching pad for blowing raspberries in the face of whoever's paying attention to her. =) One evening we got some fun pictures of sister time - with Hannah in her very silly green ladybug pajamas. Think the girls like each other? Bathtime is lots of fun these days - Hannah is facinated by the water and Abigail still loves bathing her baby dolls at the same time. And our baby "house finches" grew up! The first picture is of one at nine days old. A week later, I stepped out the front door and looked up to see a baby bird perched on the edge of the basket and was a little concerned about his falling out. Three minutes later, as I was buckling the girls into their carseats, Nathan watched another baby bird fly out of the nest with its parents close behind. Very shortly afterwards, it was an empty nest (excepting one egg which never hatched and caused Abigail great concern).

Hannah often sits in her Bumbo seat on the table when we eat dinner. Mostly, she watches and laughs at Abigail. But whenever she notices Nathan or me lift our glass for a drink of water she gets very excited and holds out both arms and tenses her legs waiting for one of us to share a sip with her. It’s quite funny.

Raspberries, baby birds and Uncle Caleb =)

2009-07-05T14:18:00.004-04:00

How's that for a combination?! Well, I'm a month behind on pictures and all three were exciting parts of the same week. =)
Hannah perfected a new skill early in June. She can blow some very wet and quite noisy raspberries when she's happy. We can't help laughing, so she laughs and does it some more.And our baby birds hatched June 6 (five laid between May 21 and May 25)! Here they are newly "born" and then five days later.

Uncle Caleb spent the evening of June 11 with us to the great delight of our eldest. He and Hannah are getting to be buddies now too. And all three enjoyed a game of hide and seek (quite amusing - since Abigail usually gives away her location and since there aren't many places for a 6'2" uncle to hide in the two rooms on the lower floor of our condo. =)

Hannah's four months old!

2009-06-23T09:47:00.007-04:00

Our sweet baby is growing so fast! She's cheery and chatty and blows some great drool bubbles.
Did I mention cheery? We love this grin and Hannah's not stingy with it!
The real baby has SO much personality!
And Hannah's way ahead of "Rosie" and "Stephanie" - she can stand up!
Love those little feet!

Hannah went down for a nap after pictures, and Abigail asked if I'd take pictures of her. Of course! =) (She really has done well with the jealousy issue.) So, we had some more fun and I took pictures of my beautiful big girl with her curls and bubbles and dandelions.

Growing-up girls

2009-06-23T09:00:00.005-04:00

While Mommy and Daddy were unpacking the van after the Gatlinburg trip, Abigail decided to read Hannah a book and to teach her colors. What a great big sister!
And Hannah paid pretty close attention - she adores Abigail.
Abigail loves to hold Hannah.
Hannah's getting more difficult to hold these days. . .she arches her back and starts sliding away. Of course Abigail squeals.
So big Hannah - she loves standing up!
Our happy baby!

Gatlinburg May 09

2009-06-22T15:35:00.007-04:00

Near the end of May, we enjoyed three days at a cabin with Mom and Dad Mee and Nathan, Andrew and Karen (several other family members had been through earlier in the week). It was a great change of pace and time with family. Thanks Mom and Dad! Ice cream downtown, a hike (easy - since we had a toddler and a baby!), a bear siting (yep, in our front yard), the hot tub (Abigail's personal pool), and a real nap (thank you GramMee for babysitting!) rank in the favorite memories listing. Check out the slideshows below for a full review. =)Four month old Hannah - "standing" in her new swimsuit
With the family in Gatlinburg

Hike

Black bear

Of baskets, birds and eggs

2009-06-02T15:16:00.003-04:00

On Mother's Day, Dad and Mom Garner's church in Georgia gave me this hanging basket (a prize for being the youngest mother present). When we returned home after Hannah's final hearing, we hung it outside our front door. A few days later, we noticed a bird building a nest in it! And a few days after that, we found three little eggs tucked inside.
Four days later there were more!
Now for the wait. Abigail is one excited little girl. What a fun science lesson!

Strawberry picking

2009-06-02T14:51:00.003-04:00

May 20 the girls and I picked strawberries with our friends Bekah, David and Will (two years in a row, except that Will and Hannah hadn't been born last year!). It was a happy reunion for David and Abigail especially (I haven't been keeping David and Will since Hannah's arrival), and the strawberries, though small this year, were delicious! Ask Will. Abigail did a very good job this year of picking only the red strawberries - and of putting and leaving them in her basket! She didn't eat nearly as many this time. . . probably because she and David were so busy having adventures!

Hannah's formal dedication

2009-06-02T14:50:00.004-04:00

Sunday May 17 we dedicated Hannah to our Lord publicly. We pray that God will pursue the heart of our little girl so that she might seek Him all her days. Pastor Sipe (our pastor of evangelism) held Hannah during the baby dedication while Pastor Brooks prayed for Hannah and Elyssa (the seven-month-old daughter of our friends Adam and Danielle, also dedicated the same day). Having GramMee and Grandpa present was an extra blessing. Immediately afterwards Grandpa took pictures of our family and of Danielle and I with our baby girls. (We weren't able to get pictures with the pastors after the morning service. During the afternoon's lunch with GramMee, Grandpa and Jennie Lue, Abigail managed a significant collision with the corner of a wall in our house, so the poor girl had a large bruise and lump on her forehead for pictures that evening. Now, two weeks later, the colors are nearly gone. Grateful God makes children so resilient!)

May 11 - Official and permanent!

2009-05-20T15:30:00.007-04:00

The finalization hearing for Hannah's adoption was Monday, May 11 at 11:00 back in Alabama. Three of her grandparents were able to come for the much anticipated event. . . which was amazingly short and sweet. Our attorney met us there and once Nathan and I were sworn in, he asked us few questions and then the judge said "All done, now for the fun part!" The judge came down from his bench and asked to hold Hannah and Mr. Whitmire (the attorney) took pictures for us. Then we ordered Hannah's new birth certificate - which will list her as Hannah Elisabeth daughter of Nathan and Julia! Afterwards, our family ate lunch together at Cracker Barrell, took more pictures, and headed home. We thank the Lord for placing Hannah in our family and for giving us a greater appreciation for His adopting us into His family!

May 9-10 with the Garners in Georgia

2009-05-18T20:31:00.002-04:00

Mom and Dad Garner held supper for us Saturday evening and we enjoyed grilled burgers with them and Grandmother Lane that night. The next morning, we went to church together (Dad Garner is the pastor) and then over to Aunt Connie's for Mother's Day lunch with Grandmother Garner and the rest of the family. We were a house full! After lots of eating, catching up, and taking pictures (that would be me), we headed back to Mom and Dad's to pack up and drive to Alabama. . . for a very important event the next morning.

May 8-9 with Mees locally

2009-05-18T09:25:00.006-04:00

Very full weekend begins! Congratulations, Charlotte!
Friday afternoon (during Aunt B.A.'s visit) my sister Charlotte's nurses' Pinning Ceremony took place. All the family in town met for a picnic supper that evening. It was great to spend time with Jonathan and Ellen (from FL) and Daniel and Jennifer (from TN) as well as Luke and Charlotte and Mom and Dad Mee and Caleb, Nathan, Andrew and Karen. During graduation (Gharlotte got her B.S.N.) the next morning, we packed our bags and car for the next phase. But first, a celebratory lunch at a Japanese steakhouse! We left immediately afterwards for Georgia. . .

Special visitors

2009-05-14T16:16:00.003-04:00

May 7 "Miss Carolyn" came for lunch. She and her husband Mack are good friends of ours from Maranatha (the small church we were part of for five years). It was fun to catch up on God's working in our families and for this sweet Grandma (several of her granddaughters used to be in my Sunday school class) to get to know my girlies.
And the next afternoon, my Aunt Beverley Anne (Dad's sister), Uncle David, and Emmy stopped for a visit (their first to our home!) on their way to Alex's graduation. What a special treat to have them here, even if only for an hour. Aunt BA was the first of my aunts to meet Hannah. (We're eager to travel to Virginia. . . but Nathan's got to get through this MBA independent study first!)
Umm. And Ian. Abigail posed one of her dolls and "borrowed" my camera so she could take Ian's portrait. I found 8-9 shots of him on the camera. =)

Sisters smile, Luke and Charlotte

2009-05-14T16:00:00.004-04:00

Love these girls!
Luke and Charlotte came for supper Tuesday night caught us up on God's leading in their lives. . . possibly moving to Texas the next week!
Abigail loved the time with Uncle Luke and Aunt Charlotte and they looked at albums of pictures from when our families first met nearly four years ago.

Sunday visit

2009-05-13T23:12:00.003-04:00

Sunday May 3 Ree and Desmirion came for an afternoon visit. Dez and Abigail were delighted to see one another and 19 month old Dez was amazingly sweet with Hannah. Afterwards, Ree took a family picture for us (it had been several weeks).

Fun with our friends

2009-05-13T23:11:00.003-04:00

May 1 the girls and I visited Marjeana and her boys Anthony and newborn Nate. Anthony and Abigail enjoyed riding trikes, swinging, pretending in the playhouse. . . and a tractor ride with Anthony's grandddad (also the former Dean of Men at BJU) who was working out back. This was Abigail's first tractor ride and she was beyond excited. =) Thankfully, baby Nate survived the attention of our two three year olds.

20 years

2009-05-13T22:29:00.004-04:00

May 5 (the date of my last post) marked twenty years since my (Julia's) dad died. A few recurring thoughts:
- I wish he could meet his sweet granddaughters.
- I wish he and my dear husband knew each other.
- I wish I could know him as an adult. . . my childhood memories are so fuzzy and simple.
- I'm so grateful that Dad loved and trusted Jesus!
- We will spend eternity together with our Savior (what are twenty - or fifty - years in light of forever?)!
- My eternal Father has been more than sufficient and completely faithful to meet all of my needs! Praise His name.

Hannah's three months old!

2009-05-05T15:06:00.004-04:00

April 29th marked three months since our little girl's birth - and Friday will make three months since Hannah joined our family! What sweet times the Lord has given us already with our precious baby!

Hannah's expressing her enthusiasm and joy in life and in those who love her much more these days. Her smiles come readily and are so broad we often have to laugh in response. She's also trying to talk and does lots of cooing. But when she's excited, those coos are more like calls and squeals. And she's found her hands! They're together or in her mouth (or both!) most of the day now. Enjoy these pictures from last Wednesday.

Curly heads at the park

2009-05-02T13:53:00.004-04:00

Last Tuesday we girls met up with DeAnna and her two girls for a picnic and play at the park. Abigail had a blast with her new friends Isabella (5) and Amelia (3), we mommies had fun watching them and talking and Hannah enjoyed all the "holding." Amelia was fascinated with Hannah who has the same color skin she does. =) You can read her DeAnna's account here.

Happy sisters

2009-05-02T13:42:00.002-04:00

From the last week of April. . . so grateful that our girls love each other so much!

Girls' lunch visit

2009-04-30T12:06:00.003-04:00

We celebrated "tax day" by having lunch with Jill and baby Tirzah at Jill's office. Julia and Jill met in 1996, spent a good bit of time together (mostly in Dallas) in 1997-1999, saw each other once around 2001 and then not again till last fall when we met randomly while now living in the same town! It's been so much fun to renew our friendship and enjoy each other's little girls too.

Russell Moore on Transracial Adoption

2009-04-30T11:58:00.002-04:00

When Your Parents Don’t Approve of Your Transracial Adoption

Posted using ShareThis

Resurrection Sunday 2009

2009-04-30T09:26:00.003-04:00

Christ is Risen!
"Death is swallowed up in victory!
O death, where is your victory?
O death, where is your sting?
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law.
But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."
(1 Corinthians 15:54-57)

After worship at Heritage Sunday morning, we took some pictures of the girls at home before Nathan brought Jennie Lue over for lunch. After eating and reading of Christ's resurrection, she and Abigail enjoyed an egg hunt together.

The Power of the Cross

2009-04-30T09:15:00.003-04:00

We sang this Sunday and our hearts filled with gratitude to Jesus. His sacrifice and victory are incredible!

Oh, to see the dawn
Of the darkest day:
Christ on the road to Calvary.
Tried by sinful men,
Torn and beaten, then
Nailed to a cross of wood.

CHORUS:
This, the pow'r of the cross:
Christ became sin for us;
Took the blame, bore the wrath—
We stand forgiven at the cross.

Oh, to see the pain
Written on Your face,
Bearing the awesome weight of sin.
Ev'ry bitter thought,
Ev'ry evil deed
Crowning Your bloodstained brow.

Now the daylight flees;
Now the ground beneath
Quakes as its Maker bows His head.
Curtain torn in two,
Dead are raised to life;
"Finished!" the vict'ry cry.

Oh, to see my name
Written in the wounds,
For through Your suffering I am free.
Death is crushed to death;
Life is mine to live,
Won through Your selfless love.

FINAL CHORUS:
This, the pow'r of the cross:
Son of God—slain for us.
What a love! What a cost!
We stand forgiven at the cross.

Words and Music by Keith Getty & Stuart Townend
Copyright © 2005 Thankyou Music

Saturday lunch at the park

2009-04-30T08:41:00.003-04:00

The girls and I met the Mees at a local riverside park for a pizza lunch. Then they headed off for Living Gallery and Abigail got to play in the park with Uncle Caleb for awhile.

Goodbyes at Caleb's

2009-04-29T15:07:00.006-04:00

Supper was at Caleb's (he's got more space than we do!) and Tom and Lydia stopped by there on their way home. We spent about an hour together and got a picture of Mom's three kids and our families (Thanks Dad Mee for thinking of that!) before saying goodbye to Tom and Lydia, Gabriel, Bella, and Lydee. Gonna miss them so much!

Then the rest of us ate supper, visited, played games and watched a nature channel (which made our sensitive big girl a big nervous - thus the fingers in her ears huddled under Daddy's arm).

Cousins and more!

2009-04-29T14:51:00.003-04:00

Good Friday, Tom and Lydia and children came to town (and our house!) for lunch and to spend the afternoon. They'd recently accepted a new job for Tom - in California! - and this was our last visit before the move. It was sweet to have the little girls together again and Abigail had a great time with Gabriel who seems like such a big boy. Mid-afternoon Mom and Dad Mee and Nathan, Andrew and Karen arrived and Charlotte stopped by too. Afraid the little people captured nearly all the attention. =)
and Mom and Dad Mee and kids came to town!

Three grandmas and Granddaddy too!

2009-04-27T22:11:00.003-04:00

April 6 was a special day indeed. Mom and Dad Garner and Grandmother Garner and Grandmother Lane were vacationing a couple of hours away (current weather conditions changed their plans/location) and came to visit us for the day! How often do two little girls have grandparents and two great grandmothers in their home spoiling them at once? Nathan took the day off and we all loved the time together. Near the top of the memories sits Granddaddy reading his version of "The Chipmunk at Hollow Tree Lane" to his "Kentucky granddaughter." The many edits included "tobacc-y seeds" in place of acorns -- to Abigail's (innocent) amusement. You never know what to expect from a preacher granddaddy! =)

Sunday afternoon with Jennie Lue

2009-04-27T14:32:00.004-04:00

For the last nine (!?!) years, Nathan and I have spent Sunday afternoons with Jennie Lue. It started as a several college students visiting her in her home and as we graduated, got married, had children, and she aged (now 82), the lunches moved to our homes. Then the other couples moved away, so it's just Jennie Lue and the Garners now! Abigail makes two associations with Sundays - church and Jennie Lue. How we pray that our dear friend's heart will soon be enlightened by the grace of our Savior!
Jennie Lue loves our girls and Abigail loves her (Hannah will, I'm sure!). It's an interesting relationship because Jennie Lue is deaf, but that doesn't slow Abigail's chatter to her in the least. On this particular afternoon, Abigail was convinced that Jennie Lue would enjoy a rousing game of Hi Ho Cherry-O.

Random smiles

2009-04-27T11:55:00.005-04:00

Abigail was exhausted when we got home from the zoo and I expected that she would fall asleep as soon as rest time started. However, an hour later, little feet pad into my room. . . It was impossible to be serious.

First sister picture with both girls grinning! So much fun. =)

Zoo trip

2009-04-27T11:46:00.002-04:00

The last day of March, we met friends (who returned to this side of the earth for the birth of their second son!) at the zoo. This was Hannah's first trip, but she was entirely unimpressed and spent most of the time sleeping in the snuggli. =)Seeing the animals together was fun as well as catching up with Aaron and Marjeana and watching Anthony and Abigail renew their friendship (We parents were in the same childbirth class 3 1/2 years ago and the children were born three weeks apart and together in the church nurseries for awhile).

Two months old photo shoot

2009-04-20T12:49:00.004-04:00

(Sorry this post wasn't "working" earlier. I tried to do a slideshow/movie of pictures via Picasa, but wasn't successful. Anybody have tips?)

We had fun outside - and Abigail was lots of help!

Hannah and the dolls

2009-04-20T11:40:00.003-04:00

Remember this picture of Hannah and Abigail's dolls "Rosie" and "Stephanie"? The first one was taken when she was about a month old - and all three babies were about the same size!
One of them has grown and changed quite a bit in the last month! =)
And one of them loves her big sister already!

Eight weeks old

2009-04-20T09:02:00.003-04:00

March 29, our baby reached the eight week milestone. . . =)

Sisters and cousins

2009-04-15T09:57:00.004-04:00

Tuesday, March 24th, the girls and I drove to Tom and Lydia's for day's visit. Tom finished 20 years with the Army this month and just got a new job. . . in California! So, we're making the most of opportunities to get together in these last weeks. We took the four girls to a nearby park and enjoyed a picnic and fresh air and then came back to the apartment and played with whoever wasn't napping or eating. Do you have any idea how hard it is to get a picture with three babies and a toddler all looking at the camera (when they're tired too!)? Sweet times with sisters and cousins!

Life at home

2009-04-15T08:53:00.002-04:00

Just a few fun pictures from home that third week in March.

Visiting Daddy at the airport

2009-04-15T08:48:00.003-04:00

The next day, we three girls packed up at headed over to "Daddy's airport" to visit him and his co-workers - who were eager to meet Hannah! They love Abigail too and have been very kind to all of us. Thanks you all!

Princess birthday party

2009-04-15T07:31:00.002-04:00

Abigail's friend Suzannah invited her to help celebrate her fourth birthday. All the little girls were instructed to come as "princesses." We haven't done "the princess thing," so it was a new concept to Abigail. . . which she embraced immediately. The girls took turns holding Hannah and being little mommies (as well as princesses =). Hannah received a very warm welcome into this group of friends (the real mommies included), two of whom adopted their little ones! And Abigail had a blast. Happy birthday, Suzannah!

Amazing thoughts "Beneath the Cross of Jesus"

2009-04-11T08:46:00.003-04:00

The last few times we've sung this newer hymn, my eyes and heart have been full. The second verse has become more signicant as we've sought to understand God's will in racial harmony and the whole is precious this weekend of remembering Christ's death (and resurrection!). Ponder. . .

Beneath the cross of Jesus
I find a place to stand,
And wonder at such mercy
That calls me as I am;
For hands that should discard me
Hold wounds which tell me, "Come."
Beneath the cross of Jesus
My unworthy soul is won.

Beneath the cross of Jesus
His family is my own—
Once strangers chasing selfish dreams,
Now one through grace alone.
How could I now dishonor
The ones that You have loved?
Beneath the cross of Jesus
See the children called by God.

Beneath the cross of Jesus—
The path before the crown—
We follow in His footsteps
Where promised hope is found.
How great the joy before us
To be His perfect bride;
Beneath the cross of Jesus
We will gladly live our lives.

Words and Music by Keith & Kristyn Getty
Copyright © 2005 Thankyou Music

Lydia, Bella and Lydee

2009-04-08T15:55:00.005-04:00

After the shower, Lydia (who had driven here alone - Tom was working - with the girls to be present) and the twins spent the afternoon at our place. Caleb brought lunch and we three siblings had a fun visit together. And took lots of pictures of the little girls, of course. (Lydee slept longer and so we didn't have opportunity for as many pictures of her as of Bella this time.) Abigail was in her glory - with three babies to dote on!

Baby showers for Hannah!

2009-04-08T15:45:00.006-04:00

February 18, our Shepherding Group from church surprised us with a diaper shower. . . but since we were thoroughly surprised, I didn't have my camera with me. We're so grateful for these friends and for the more than 600 diapers plus wipes they gave us!

March 14, my friend Rebekah hosted a shower celebrating Hannah's arrival. About 20 friends from church came and enjoyed a yummy brunch in Rebekah's beautiful home. And they all overwhelmed us with gifts - diapers, baby wash and lotion, clothes, etc. Our hallway was barely passable when we unloaded the car. So grateful for their love for our little Hannah and their generosity to us!

Apology: So sorry about the music that was attached to this slide show! I had no idea till my good friend Lai called and alerted me.

Just for smiles

2009-04-06T20:41:00.003-04:00

Nathan and I were married six years ago. Nathan's sister Talitha's daughter Lane was 3 1/2 at the time and was our flowergirl.

Abigail watched our wedding video on 3/25/09 and made the following comments very seriously:

“I wish I could’ve been there. . . and I could’ve helped little Lane. I would’ve dropped flowers and stood close to little Lane. I wish I could’ve been there. I would’ve run to Granddaddy and gived him a big hug.”

2009-04-03T09:34:00.002-04:00

Sweet face - first smile on camera

2009-03-27T09:21:00.003-04:00

Hannah was almost six weeks old when I took these pictures. . . reminiscent of a shot of Abigail pushing up on the Boppy at about five weeks. The spontaneous grin was a great surprise!

Former neighbors surprise us!

2009-03-27T08:18:00.006-04:00

Later the same afternoon, a surprise knock at the door announced the arrival of our former neighbors Stephanie and three of her four children. Gretchen and Lindsey used to spend lots of time in our home and often went to church with us. Timaria was a baby, but now she's four or five! They were all happy to meet our new daughter.

Playdate with Eva and Jude

2009-03-27T08:16:00.002-04:00

Wednesday, March 11, friends from church invited us to come spend time in their big backyard and have lunch together. Eva and Jude are a year apart in age and Abigail's in between them and loves them both! The three of them kept busy with the red car, the little playhouse, and the wagon. . . having a blast together (except when poor Jude was nominated the "bad guy" and run off). In the meantime, the mommies chatted and held Hannah (to her great satisfaction). I was refreshed and encouraged by the fresh air, change of pace, and conversation with Kerri who's also an adoptive mom. And Jude and Eva enjoyed holding their tiny new friend Hannah.

Friends come to visit!

2009-03-26T15:22:00.002-04:00

The next Sunday and Monday several friends visited in our home. We'd taken lunch to Jennie Lue's and eaten there, but this was our first Sunday lunch back at our place since Hannah joined the family. Jennie Lue loves our new baby (doesn't even seem to mind that she's a girl after all =)!
And on Monday Keren and her one-year-old daughter Hana Kate came to visit and brought us a diaper cake! It was fun to have our girls together again after several months.
That night, Bing (a real doctor now!) and Andy came to meet their new "niece" and brought pizza for supper. Stories of their backyard goats, chickens, and rabbits entertained us all.

Sweet sisters - Hannah five weeks old

2009-03-26T14:17:00.004-04:00

These pictures are from March 6 - a beautiful spring day in our back "yard."

Visitors from Illinois!

2009-03-25T13:49:00.004-04:00

The first Friday in March, we had a very special lunch visit from our dear friends who moved to Illinois last August. Seeing "Uncle Andy," "Tante Erika," Emmalein and Celia was great fun - just wish Nathan could've been with us and that they could've stayed longer! Four little girls between us so far (plus Lai and Brian's three little girls)! =)

Back in Georgia and Alabama

2009-03-25T11:34:00.006-04:00

Granddaddy Lane left earth February 24 and we headed back to Georgia and Alabama that weekend for the visitation and funeral. We are grateful that we'd been able to visit with him in January and then that Nathan got to see him again while we were in Alabama for Hannah's adoption. And we are more grateful that our hope is in not in this life, but in Jesus, the source of true life!
While "down south," we enjoyed time with Nathan's parents, Grandmother Lane and other family members. Many of them were delighted to meet Hannah for the first time (or to see her a second time). Mommy thought she'd never get a turn holding her baby!
After the meal for family following the funeral on Saturday, Nathan and Abigail skipped acorns into a new pond on the church property (lots of new bodies of water after four days of pouring rain) while Julia fed Hannah. The afternoon was beautiful, fresh, windy and soggy. =)
During the night, the one afternoon's reprieve from rain gave way to a Sunday snow storm! But snow doesn't stick in Georgia - especially on wet ground when it was 65 degrees the day before. Wrong. After four hours of heavy snowfall, even the ground and roads were covered and it kept coming. We were snowed in. . . in Georgia (no snow removal equipment there, plus the slush underneath had turned to ice!) with a good six inches on the ground! So, we built our snowman of the winter and had a quiet day with family. By late morning on Monday, the then ice had melted enough for us to return home.

GramMee's visit

2009-03-20T15:55:00.003-04:00

Julia's mom came for several days - to help out and to get better acquainted with her newest granddaughter (number four!). We had fun together and the help with laundry, dishes, and baby-holding was nice.

Three weeks old

2009-03-18T16:56:00.004-04:00

Back in the middle of February (boy, some catching up to do!) Abigail was delighted to introduce her new baby sister to her favorite uncle (Caleb), who was, in turn, happy to meet the youngest of his four nieces. One morning later that week (the same day Hannah reached the three week milestone), I got some sweet pictures of Hannah sitting up (supported only by one hand). And while I was feeding Hannah that morning, Abigail made her own milestone - she chose every article of clothing she needed from her dresser and dressed herself completely! Mommy was pretty excited about this accomplishment too! And before naptime, Big Sister asked to hold Hannah just one more time before sleeping and we got some cute sister pictures.

February 18, Hannah had her first check-up with our doctor! She weighed in at a full 9 pounds and 3 ounces and measured 19 3/4 inches long (she might be tall like me!) and was pronounced very healthy. We thank the Lord!

Hannah's first bath

2009-03-06T17:36:00.007-05:00

On 2/17, Hannah's umbilical site was finally healed well enough. . . and she got to take her first tub bath. She'd been protesting sponge baths as torture sessions and was actually quite content in the warm water. Still not too happy about the lotion rub afterwards though. =) I love the towel picture - Isn't she beautiful? And big sister was busy washing her baby too - with great delight. (Funny - I actually remember doing the same thing at the counter while my mom washed my baby brother some 27 years ago!)

First weekend at home!

2009-03-06T17:26:00.005-05:00

We got in Friday night and all enjoyed sleeping in our own beds. =) The next afternoon, Mom and Dad Mee and Nathan, Andrew and Karen came in to meet Hannah. After visiting awhile, we enjoyed supper out together with Luke and Charlotte. Sunday we all went to Heritage together and then ate lunch back at our house - for Charlotte's 23rd birthday! Lydia came for the afternoon with her girls (Tom had to work) and we had quite the double celebration - with lots of ice cream! The fourteen of us (including four little girls!) filled our condo. =)

Four days at Grandmother Lane's

2009-02-23T15:51:00.004-05:00

After meeting with the attorney in Birmingham, we drove to east Alabama. Grandmother Lane (Nathan's mom's mom) welcomed us into her home for the week while we waited for ICPC (interstate) clearance to take Hannah home.
It was such a relief to relax in a home, not be on the road, and not eat in restaurants! Grandmother made her home ours and we loved the time with her. Nathan's parents visited us twice during the week (since their home in Georgia is only an hour from Grandmother's just across the Alabama border) and Grandmother Garner came the first night too.
And Thursday evening, we got the call - clearance from both states! So, after packing up and one more visit Friday, we made the trek home. The four-and-a-half hour drive took us seven. . . guess I'd forgotten how long (and how many) stops are with a baby too! So happy to arrive home Friday evening!

Meeting extended family!

2009-02-23T15:02:00.003-05:00

After supper in Albertville with Amy and Anna, we went back to our "new" hotel room and enjoyed a visit from Nathan's sister Talitha and family. It was a joy to introduce Hannah to her Aunt Talitha, Uncle Stephen, and cousins Lane (9), Patrick (7), Laoise and Gavin (4) and to spend the evening together. Let me tell you, that little hotel room was a happening place with such a reunion including six children!
The next morning, we got up early and started down the road again - to meet with the adoption attorney in Birmingham (first business day since placement on Saturday). Nothing like a quiet, relaxed time to adjust to life with a new baby!

Words of wisdom

2009-02-19T16:22:00.000-05:00

Being a helpful big sister, Abigail decided to share some of her great wisdom with her new baby sister. Hannah didn't always enjoy our road trips between points in Alabama. One day (Sunday or Monday) she was protesting confinement in her car seat and Abigail did all she could to console her - assurances that she was okay, shushing, asking Mommy to try the pacifier again, and singing Jesus Loves Me at the top of her lungs. All to no avail. Finally, she delivered the ultimatum. We heard, "Now Hannah, you have two choices. You can be quiet. . . and Jesus Loves You" (not delivered as a choice at all). Guess she's been listening. Sort of.

Amy and Anna

2009-02-19T16:19:00.003-05:00

Sunday evening we met and ate supper at Santa Fe with Julia's long time "Alabama friends" Amy and Anna. We had such fun catching up and were delighted to introduce our new daughter to them. (Funny thing, they - and Amy's sister Bonnie - were the first people we met the day we were engaged nearly seven years ago!)

Family bonding times

2009-02-18T15:40:00.003-05:00

During the first part of our Alabama wait, we stayed in hotels. All of these pictures were taken in our room and we did the family picture with the timer. It was actually nice to have some opportunity to adjust and bond without the normal distractions. (Of course, the travels began the second day, and so then we started a new learning curve!)

Hannah's "Gotcha Day"

2009-02-18T08:30:00.005-05:00

Sorry for the lack of posts this past week - life has been busy! We were happy to return home last Friday (after waiting a week in Alabama for interstate paperwork clearances). The next day we welcomed family (Julia's side hadn't met Hannah yet!) and Sunday we celebrated Charlotte's 23rd birthday. And then the first couple of days of adjustment (and mountains of laundry!) with Nathan back at work. . . I'll try to catch up. We do have LOTS of pictures from the past ten days. =)
Let's back up. . . to Hannah's Gotcha Day. Though we had no idea until a few days before, our loving Father has always known he would add sweet Hannah to our family on February 7, 2009! After Hannah's two days in the hospital following birth, she spent a week with a private foster family in Alabama waiting for her "forever family." (Alabama has a five day period where the birthmother can change her mind following signing consents and so Angel Adoptions doesn't place babies with adoptive families until that time has expired.)
Saturday morning a week and a half ago we left our Alabama hotel very eagerly and drove to the Bartletts' home to meet and receive Hannah. Guess I told that story below. . . So, here are the pictures!

Tuesday pics of Hannah

2009-02-10T20:01:00.006-05:00

Hannah loves her pacifier! And she can strike some pretty dramatic poses (and put on a convincing act that diaper changes are cruel and unusual punishment).
We're grateful to be able to spend the next few days (while waiting for ICPC clearance to leave the state) with Nathan's grandmother. Homes and family are so much nicer than hotels - especially for life with little ones!