Time is flying by!

We are loving every day with Raegan and time is sure flying! I can't believe that she was born 12 weeks ago! She is growing so fast and it is so amazing to see her changing and exploring more and more of the world around her every day! She likes to try to hold her bottle now. She is not a big fan of tummy time but when she is on her tummy she is pushing herself up really well and getting so strong. She is really starting to "talk" and she is starting to laugh a lot! We are really enjoying every moment with her. Every morning when i go in to get her out of bed she smiles so big and laughs, it makes my day and she is such a reminder of how I should act. I should just be happy every morning because I am waking up and it's a new day, a new morning! Children are such a gift in so many ways! And while I am working every day to teach Raegan new things about the world around her, I think I am learning even more about the world. God continues to teach me so much about life through Raegan. Here are some more pictures of our fast growing baby girl...!

In Rememberance

Today I dressed Raegan in a Virginia Tech outfit, not because I am trying to influence her school choice at a young age although I wouldn't mind if she decided to be a hokie...just kidding Josh.. I promise I won't pressure her. I dressed in a VT shirt and dressed Raegan in a VT outfit today to honor the 32 victims and their families of the Virginia Tech tragedy that happened a year ago today. I remember vividly that day as the events unfolded and remember thinking, life really is so precious. You just never know what each day will bring. I look at Raegan today and I am so thankful for her life. A year ago I didn't know if and when we would ever be parents. We were going through infertility diagnosis at the time and we knew if we couldn't conceive children we were going to adopt but we also knew that adoption could take a very long time. We are so blessed that not only did the adoption process go quickly for us but that when we did adopt we were given the most beautiful, happy baby i have ever seen ( and yes I am bias) but we are truly blessed. There have been so many events in my life over the past year that have really strengthened my faith and my belief that life truly is in God's hands. It has been freeing to realize that. To realize that life is not in my control. Life and death is not in my control and so therefore i should just live life every day to the fullest and try to glorify God in everything I do. I have been freed of much of the worry and anxiety that used to plague me every day. I still worry and have anxious thoughts but I have been freed from much of it. God has taught me so much about life through the life and death that I have seen. Today I think about the VT victims who were Christians and glorified God with their life and their death. There are so many stories I have read about their lives that just make me want to be a better person. I think about them today and thank God that they are in heaven. I think about their families who are still here and long for them to be here with them, I pray for peace for them. I also think about my dear friend who recently lost her daughter and now her daughter too in is heaven. I think about how she longs for her daughter to be with her but who is deciding to honor her daughter by glorifying God with how she is dealing with her death. I pray for all who are hurting today. I pray that every day I use every opportunity God gives me to glorify Him and that I can be a comfort to the many people I encounter every day who are hurting. I thank God for how He has blessed me.

Showered Again!

This past weekend we traveled to Winchester for another wonderful shower for Raegan given by Josh's mom. We enjoyed our visit with Josh's family and Raegan enjoyed meeting more family and friends! The shower was beautiful and we were blessed again with lots of wonderful gifts for Raegan! And it is official, Raegan now needs a walk in closet for all of her clothes! ( better get to work dad!). We have been blessed in so many ways and we are so thankful for all of our wonderful family and friends! We certainly know that Raegan is very loved! Here are some pictures from Raegan's "party".

Raegan giving mommy a hug before the festivities begin!

Raegan looking on with Grandma Barbie as Mommy opens up all of her presents!

Raegan with Grandma Alma

The Smith Family

A Visit From Friends

Over the weekend we were blessed with a visit from good friends. Raegan got to meet our friends Mary and David (and dog Baxter) and Mike and Roshan. Raegan got lots of attention and enjoyed being held by our friends. Kona and Baxter became instant friends as well despite the disparity in size. We had lunch together on saturday at our house and then Mike and Roshan had to leave but Mary Lauren, David and Josh and I ordered some Z Pizza for dinner and then Mary and I left Raegan and the "dog kids" at home with Josh and David and we went out for a little shopping. We really enjoyed having our friends visit and we look forward to seeing them again soon! Here are some pictures of our fun weekend with friends!

Raegan with Mike. She liked being held by him because she got to see things from a whole new height!( Mike is very tall!)

Raegan getting some love from Mary and David!

Mary and David with their wedding present from us which we have had for 2 1/2 years! happy anniversary? well better late than never!

Kona with her new little friend Baxter! Who says opposites don't attract!

" Bye friends! Thanks for visiting me! I can't wait to see you again soon!"