Story Time

Drew has recently developed a love for this book. We've read it about ten times today, which is fine with me because I love it too! (Don't mind my voice...I sound kinda dumb.)

One Year Ago

One year ago, I had some family out to visit for a football game.

One year ago today, my mom and I went shopping.

One year ago today, while in TJMaxx, Dan and I got a call from Brent, our caseworker with LDSFS.

One year ago today, I had tears streaming down my face in the middle of the store as Brent told us that there was a couple that was considering us to adopt their baby.

One year ago today, Dan and I learned about Johnny and Kaitlyn.

One year ago today, our lives changed forever.

I saw the number on my cell phone and knew it was Brent.

I was in the middle of showing my mom a coat I wanted.

Brent said Dan was on the line too and I knew instantly that it was good news.

I remember everything so precisely.

I remember Brent's voice so clearly.

He told us about Johnny and Kaitlyn - about how there was a baby on the way, due December 24, 2009.

I remember wishing December was the next day.

I remember going into the changing room with my mom and crying as I told her.

I remember her saying "this is it."

My mom grabbed a pack of onesies to celebrate - yellow and green because we didn't know if it was a boy or girl.

I remember rushing out of TJMaxx so Dan and I could email Johnny and Kaitlyn.

And so started the whirlwind.

A whirlwind I relive in my mind all. the. time.

A whirlwind that I LOVED every second of.

This year has FLOWN by.

I love adoption.

I love Johnny and Kaitlyn.

I love that I can't even think about all of this without crying happy tears.

I can't believe Dan and I are so lucky to have Drew.

He is spunky,

he is happy,

he is smart,

he is our forever family.

Busy Day

Drew had a busy, busy day today.

He worked on his look.

He rearranged the bar stools.

He feng shuied the diapers.

He recycled an old magazine.

He read some books.
He pulled himself all the way up to his feet for the first time.

And he still managed to have fun with Daddy at the end of the day...

Isn't he the sweetest boy?

Male Bonding

Today was Fan Day at the Oregon Ducks' indoor training facility and I decided to take The Little Man with me for some good ol' male bonding. I didn't think it would be too crowded, but it felt like the whole town showed up. There were long lines for everything both inside and outside the building. That's okay, we love our Ducks!

Meeting The Duck. The Little Man was fascinated with him.

They gave The Little Man a duck of his own. He loves this thing!

We also got to meet head football coach Chip Kelly. He was kind enough to pose in a picture with us, but I had some stranger take it and it didn't turn out that good. Oh well. Then, The Little Man got the attention of some girls...

The ONLY reason he looks upset is because he thought there would be more cheerleaders to pose with him.

In summary: Drew high-fived the head coach and flirted with cheerleaders. It was a proud day for me.

Surprise Visit to Utah

Since Dan had to go out of town for 4 days, Drew and I decided to surprise my family in Utah. I love surprises. I'm not so sure Drew does. :) I thought it would be funny to put Drew on my parent's porch in his carseat by himself. So I did that and had my sister, Steph, call my mom and ask her to come outside to help her with some stuff. So my poor mother opens the door, sees Drew, screams out of excitement (which I knew she would do because she usually does), and poor little Drew just cried and cried (which I knew he would - am I horrible for wanting the surprise at everyone's expense??). Drew recovered quickly and absolutely loves my mom. :) I had Steph record the surprise:

We were able to see one of my best friends, Angie, and her mom and sister, which was so fun!
Someone in my family cough*mom*cough took my phone and took random pictures. (I love my family!)
Gavin, Drew, and Ranen are 4 months apart. Drew was born in December, Ranen in February, and Gavin in April. So I thought it'd be fun to get a picture of them together. Gavin and Ranen cooperated. Drew just tried grabbing the other babies (poor Gavin's bracing himself), tried standing up when my mom tried holding his hands down (sorry, Mom), and tried scooting away.

We finally got a decent one with Gavin and Drew smiling. I'm not sure Ranen was thrilled about the whole idea. :)
My dad took our family to Incredible Pizza, which was so fun. Drew got to ride in this car that goes around on a track and he loved playing with the steering wheel.

Thanks, everyone, for a wonderful visit!