Dream Come True

Thanks to ESTEFANÌA for the beautiful picture!

Hello friends,

What a fabulous - but very busy week we have had . . . with the boys starting school and adjusting to a baby in the house!

Allie is a dream baby - and she has found her spot in our family - fitting in perfectly with all of the craziness in our house. I can't even begin to tell you how much we all love this baby girl. She sleeps through the night in her crib and takes 2 naps a day. She loves her bottle and started some solids for the first time this week - which was quite messy but loads of fun! She loves to swing and will giggle the whole time. She loves to swim and get her bath each night. She loves to be thrown up in the air - and she is quite loud as she loves to squeal to get our attention. She loves to blow raspberries and she only cries when she is hungry. She loves her daddy and her face just lights up when Donnie comes home from work. She loves to snuggle and be held and rocked and she is just pure sweetness. Allie has so much personality and is just so much fun. We have all enjoyed playing with her this week and I don't think she will have any trouble keeping up with the boys! :)

Of course, Allie is so good because she had a wonderful foster mother - one who loved her very much. She taught Allie how to trust and love and that has certainly carried over to us. Yes, we are convinced that Allie's foster mother is an angel on earth - a true hero. It takes a very special person to do what she does - with so much love and compassion. We will always let Allie know how much she was loved by this amazing woman who means so much to us.

Meeting Daddy for the first time!

First ever family photo!

All 4 of my boys have a strawberry birthmark on the back of their necks - right above the hairline. Do you know that Allie has the same exact birthmark in the same spot on her neck?? Donnie and I couldn't believe it when we saw it! And well - we like to think that spot means that she has been kissed by one amazing angel! :)

The boys also got settled into school and seem to really enjoy it so far. They all love their teachers and have slowly caught up on all of their missed work. Of course they are all so excited to see Allie at the end of the day - and she is just as excited to see them!

First Day of School

I am behind on everything this week - as I have been soaking up every minute with Allie! My house is a mess, I have 187 unanswered e-mails and the laundry is piled up - but it has been one fantastic week - filled with so much happiness and love! It is truly as if Allie was meant for our family - she is such a blessing. And not a moment goes by that we don't thank God for choosing us to be the parents of this very beautiful, very special little girl. She has already brightened our days and filled our hearts.

I might not be updating as much for a while as I can't seem to tear myself away from my baby girl during the day and I have been way too tired at night! Keeping up with the boys and a baby wears me out! :) But I have so many pictures from our trip to share so I will try to do some "picture posts" next week while Allie is napping. And please know how much we appreciate all the comments and e-mails. I know that I have been terrible at keeping up with e-mails and comments but know that our family reads them everyday and it truly doubles our joy to share this time with all of you. Your prayers and support have carried us through so much and we will always be grateful!

Now I will leave you with some cuteness from the week! I have such a hard time choosing which pictures to post because I take way too many! :)

This is how Allie wakes up - with a big smile on her face. And she has to sleep with a stuffed animal in each hand. Too cute!

Allie blowing raspberries - which Kyle thinks is hilarious!

Allie loves to snuggle in bed with the boys. I just love this picture - how she is touching Kyle's face.

This is the face she makes when Daddy comes home! (Ignore the messy bib - we were trying carrots for the first time. :)

Checking out Minnie

Also - during our 8 hour layover in Ft. Lauderdale - I was able to meet a prayer warrior from Jacob's site. Amy has supported us for many years and sent us so many beautiful gifts. She is a true angel and it was great to finally meet her and her adorable grandson. She has pictures on her site - Amy's Blog.

And please don't forget about the walk for Childhood Cancer . . .
Cure Kids Cancer Challenge on Sept. 29th.

We are walking in memory of our son, Jacob and you can visit our fundraising page . . .

AMAZING JACOB TEAM PAGE

Thanks so much to everyone who has already donated! This cause is so close to our hearts and every dollar helps bring us closer to a cure!

Ending with a scripture . . .

"But let all who take refuge in you rejoice; let them sing joyful praises forever. Spread your protection over them, that all who love your name may be filled with joy."
Psalm 5:11

Filled with JOY,