Celebrating 1 year since our referral...

From this picture one year ago today....



To a thriving little boy who has forever changed our lives...






It really is true when they say parenthood fundamentally changes us forever. Whenever I take time to reflect on the past year's journey-- I find myself still filled with the exhiliration and excitement to bring our son home. I find myself still smiling about our entire experience. If I knew then what I knew now, I certainly would have worried less and enjoyed more (isn't that the title of a book?!).

Family Day- Father's Day

The best part about special days like Father's Day is that we get to spend more time together as a family. When we got up this morning, Nate had a special present for his Dad- a card and a laminated poem with his footprints that he made at school.

The poem read:

"Please walk slower, Daddy,"
said Nathaniel so small.
"I'm walking in your footsteps
and I don't want to fall."

He said, I've been following
You Dad, isn't that cool,
I'm an atom from your own soul,
I wanna be like you
And eat all my food and grow
as tall as you are
We like dreaming things,
and holding Mama's hand
Yeah, we're just alike,
Hey, ain't we Dad

Dad, I wanna do everything you do-
So, I've been following you.
Love, Nathaniel

Our weekend with Nanny and Auntie MoMo

It was definitely an all girls weekend! Last weekend Nanny and Auntie Mo Mo made the long drive to PA from NH- they visited for 3 days. We had such a fun time- we laughed so hard I think Nate was probably wondering what was wrong with us!

Nate LOVES to go out to eat and really do anything where he can see new things. We went to dinner, had a BBQ one day, and went shopping one afternoon!

Nathan is doing wonderful. He is almost on milk only. He's just doing one formula bottle before bed- which I plan to stop next week. He is not eating anymore baby food! He loves chicken, veggie burgers, and fish. He drinks perfectly from a sippy cup. He also has a particular liking for shredded cheese.

Today was SO incredibly hot we bought Nate a mini pool. I wish we had a real one in the yard...but this was definitely the next best thing. It's shaped like a frog with two big eyes and is just the right size. The water was freezing but he went in no problem and splashed and smiled. He is definitely a mommy's boy in that regard- we both love to swim! I am so excited that he will be starting swimming lessons soon.

Here are some pics from last weekend

Late Memorial Day Pics

I know, I have been so negligent in posting...we have been busy as usual. Actually, things have been so hectic- just balancing everyday life is keeping our schedules packed. Thankfully we've all been healthy. Last weekend Grampy, Juanita, Kate, and Great Nana came to visit. We had a great time! Nate had his first visit to Hershey park- and the verdict. . . he loved it! We went to the 3D show and on the famous chocolate ride...he was totally mesmerized. He loves to play with Kate and is almost walking. Did I say walking?! Wow...I can't believe my little boy is almost taking his first steps.

As you can see from the pics, the sun was out, and Nate's red hat was on all weekend. This weekend Nanny and Auntie Molly visited so I will have more pics to post soon. It was a beautiful weekend here.