The Martin's

Happy Easter (2 weeks late!)

2011-05-15T15:41:00.005-05:00

The "official" Easter pictures that were taken a week and a half after Easter at our friend Carly's church. These were taken the day it rained so much (I think Francie has seen more snow in her 16 months than rain - seriously). In the last picture I think she is watching the black clouds quickly approaching wondering what in the world is going on!

Here's our little bunny (or Boo, or Bugsie, or France, or Frannie Fran, or Baby, or Sugar ... just depending on what mood strikes!) on Easter. She's chasing the bubbles that came in her Easter basket.

The one and only family picture we managed to get....

Modeling her new longhorn tee....

Finding lots of neat things in her basket...

and wondering what in the world side walk chalk is.

Easter tradition

2011-04-23T10:00:00.002-05:00

I recently asked for Easter tradition ideas on fb and this is one idea - love it!

Annie's "Resurrection Cookies" - Also known as Easter Story Cookies~
This is a great recipe to teach your Children the REAL story of Easter. That the Lord Jesus Christour Savior is not dead but has Risen. We serve a Risen Savior......
This activity can be done as a "family" or for Sunday School. Of course the Sunday School option mightbe to hand it out to the class with a note to the parents. Grandparents might consideringdoing this with their grandchildren this year too!!!
So Grab your Apron and Let's Get Started!!!!!!!

You will need:
1 cup whole pecans
1 teaspoon vinegar
3 egg whites
a pinch salt
1 cup sugar
a zipper baggy
1 wooden spoon
scotch tape
Bible
Instructions:These are to be made the evening before Easter. Preheat oven to 300F.*** (this is very important --- don't wait until you are half done with the recipe).Place pecans in zipper baggy and let children beat them with the wooden spoon to break into small pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested. He was beaten by the Roman soldiers. Read: John 19:1-3
Let each child smell the vinegar. Put 1 teaspoon vinegar into mixing bowl. Explain that when Jesus was thirsty on the cross He was given vinegarto drink. Read: John 19:28-30
Add egg whites to vinegar. Eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His lifeto give us life. Read: John 10:10&11
Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand. Let them taste it and brush the restinto the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers,and the bitterness of our own sin. Read: Luke 23:27
So far the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add 1 cup sugar. Explain that thesweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us toknow and belong to Him. Read: Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16
Beat with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes until stiff peaks are formed. Explain that the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sinshave been cleansed by Jesus. Read: Isaiah 1:18 and John 3:1-3
Fold in broken nuts. Drop by teaspoon onto waxed paper covered cookie sheet.Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus' body was laid.Read: Matthew 27:57-60
Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven OFF.
Give each child a piece of tape and seal the oven door.Explain that Jesus' tomb was sealed. Read: Matthew 27:65-66
GO TO BED!
Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight.Jesus' followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed. Read: John 16:20&22
On Resurrection Sunday (Easter) morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the crackedsurface and take a bite. The cookies are hollow! On the first Easter Jesus' followers were amazedto find the tomb open and empty. Read: Matthew 28:1-9

"Nana's Great Escape"

2011-04-12T18:58:00.004-05:00

My mom recently took our entire family to Disney World over Spring Break. We had so much fun! Thankfully we are a family that enjoys each other's company, so the whole big group thing worked out really well.

Hollywood Studios Epcot

Animal Kingdom

Magic Kingdom

Birthday party

2011-03-05T10:50:00.003-06:00

Charlotte and Francie - checking things out!
Waiting for Mr. Jon to open the music!!

Cake was yummy - not too sure about the icing!

Fun times!

And now for the culmination of a great birthday weekend - the party! Lots of fun playing with sweet friends Charlotte, Maddy, Ainsley, cousins - Anna Carson, and John Paul!

Birthday weekend part two

2011-03-03T11:40:00.003-06:00

Nana, Papa, Aunt Christy, Anna Carson, and John Paul got to come for the weekend of Francie's birthday. We were so excited! We picked them up at the airport and went to Home Slice for lunch. JP got a kick out of watching the guys throw up the dough. Lunch was delicious - one of my favorites in Austin. Bitty got to open a few presents - it was a fun start to the weekend!

Francie's Birthday weekend

2011-02-28T09:28:00.003-06:00

So now that Francie is 13 months old I suppose it's time to add some birthday pictures! Her big 1 year birthday started with an early morning breakfast at Kirby Lane. Since God finished making Francie with the Paris Texas platter (as we went there every single week after our appointment with Dr. Hart for the last month of pregnancy!) we decided it was a fitting place to begin her birthday celebration. Mr. Mott was always our waiter, so a new blueberry pancake tradition begins...

Francie's 1 year slide show

2011-02-02T14:22:00.001-06:00

http://cozyimpressionsphotography.com/Francie1/

2011-01-31T09:02:00.005-06:00

Checking out what Santa brought!
Snow on Christmas in Mississippi - very rare!

Watching for Santa!

Christmas Eve service (she's wearing a sweater my mom made when we were little - so cute)!

More Christmas...

2011-01-31T08:52:00.001-06:00

Christmas in Dripping Springs

2011-01-03T09:01:00.003-06:00

Since I am a little behind I will start with our Christmas activities from the top! This is a fun day we spent in Dripping Springs at their little Christmas fair on Mercer street. This is the fateful day Francie met Santa.

We had fun riding a train that was pulled by a lawn mower - and Francie even got a pony ride! Those two fun things helped to minimize the trauma of Santa!

Meeting Santa...

2010-12-05T15:54:00.005-06:00

Yesterday we got all dressed up - Francie was going to meet Santa for the first time! I dressed her in the cutest Christmas dress is her closet, put on her gold shoes and red hair bow - she was all set. She was the sweetest little angel as we stood in line waiting to meet Santa. Once she was handed over - the screaming began! Her cousins had been to see Santa in MS the weekend before...apparently Francie had gotten an fb message from them...

Fun with Cousins

2010-11-12T09:24:00.002-06:00

Last week we had a house FULL of girls! Mom, Kimberly, Mary Laurel (4), Ellie and Bella (18 months) came to visit. Francie's little world was rocked! It took her a little while to get used to all of the chaos. Bella loves to give hugs and kisses - of which Francie wanted NO part for the first couple of days. Then she realized if she would give her a quick one maybe she would go away. By the last couple of days she would love her back. Ellie and Bella chased her around the house saying "Baby Francie", pulling on her ears saying "ear", and poking her! Francie's quiet surroundings were totally turned upside down - and it was so fun! Oh and this bath - lasted all of about 30 seconds! This was early in the trip - Francie sat quietly for a few seconds watching the other girls until they discovered she was in there with them. Then it was all over! Francie wanted no part!

9 month appt

2010-10-30T20:46:00.004-05:00

Francie's 9 month stats:

28 inches long (50-75%)

18 lbs 12.8 oz (50%)

Head - 44.5 (50-75%)

She is such a great little eater and sleeper. This week she had cheese and yogurt for the first time. She LOVED the yogurt. Since she only had a couple of bites of cheese I'll have to try it again. This morning she tried oatmeal - jury's still out on that one. She is so proud of herself for being able to pick up her Cheerios. Once she figured it out - that's all it took! Now she's my little human vacuum. Yesterday alone I took three things out of her hand just before they went in her mouth.

She's still doing great sleeping through the night. She's an early riser (many mornings our wake up call comes around 5:30!) I'm hoping that will soon start to get a little later. She loves people - she leans toward just about anyone who will stop and pay her a little attention. She's not crazy about getting her pj's on at night or getting her diaper changed when she first wakes up. She will take a bottle (if I am not in the same house!), but it's definitely not her favorite. Greg and I were reading the other day about signs that baby will give you when they are ready to give up nursing - clearly Francie is not ready! She loves playdates - play of any kind for that matter. She plays alone really well, too.

I'm sure you can't tell from the picture above :)...but we really are having the time of our lives!

Everywhere!

2010-10-30T20:36:00.002-05:00

As you can see our little miss is everywhere! It's so much fun playing with her - and watching her learn her way around. She is certainly fearless.

Night 6....

2010-10-17T09:07:00.002-05:00

She did it again! Hooray for Francie - 7:00 pm to 6:30 am!!! Thank you ... "The Sleepeasy Solution"!! Now just pray it continues during our trip to Mississippi this week!

Night 5....

2010-10-16T07:30:00.002-05:00

I am so excited to report Francie slept ALL NIGHT LONG - from 7:00 pm to 7:00 am without a peep!!!!

Night 4...

2010-10-15T08:52:00.002-05:00

I'm happy to report each night is getting better! Last night she went to sleep at 7:00 and didn't make a peep until after 3:00 - over 8 hours! She was awake for about 20 minutes - Greg only went in once. Then she woke again at 5:30 and was awake about 30 - 40 mins before going back to sleep - again Greg only had to go in once. She woke up at 7:00.

Night 3....

2010-10-14T13:25:00.002-05:00

Last night Francie went to sleep at 7:00. She cried out once or twice at 10:00, but never woke up. She woke up at 1:00 - Greg went in once. She was awake for about 20 minutes. She woke again at 4:30 and was awake a good 45 minutes before finally settling herself enough to get back to sleep.

I hope to report a solid nights sleep soon!!

Sleep training - night 2

2010-10-13T09:08:00.004-05:00

Last night was better. I put Francie down at 7:00. She cried out at 10:00, but never woke up (normally she would completely wake up and eat at this time). She woke up at 1:00 - cried for a minute until Greg came in and told her everything was ok. He left her room and she was asleep before he was back in bed. She woke again at 4:00 - was really restless for about 40 minutes - only cried enough once for Greg to go in. Once she fell asleep she didn't wake up again until after 7:00. The last couple of weeks she's been waking up a little before 6:00. Improvement all around!

The lights are never all green...

2010-10-12T09:07:00.002-05:00

As with everything in life - I have realized that the lights will never be all be green at the same time when it comes to sleep training. For the first six months of Francie's life I kept hoping that she would naturally start sleeping through the night on her own. Her pediatrician was happy with the amount of sleep she was getting, so I didn't feel the need to do any "official training". After her six month birthday past she was waking up only once in the night - I could work with that....until we went out of town for a week and that totally threw her off. She woke up every single hour while we were away. Then we came home and she was sick for over a week. From there things just went down hill. From teething, travel, colds, etc there was just never a good time to devote to teaching her how to sleep through the night.

So - this week we decided in was time - despite the fact we will be spending a week in MS next week. Last night was the first night. She went to bed at 6:30 and woke up the first time at 9:00. I nursed her and put her back down. She slept for an hour before waking up to play in her bed for about 45 minutes (this part isn't normal - it's like she knew something was strange). Then she woke up a little after 1:00. Greg went in to tell her we were near by, but that we weren't getting up. She screamed. Five minutes went by and he went back in to tell her we were close. More screaming. Then he waited 10 min, then 15, then 20, and before the 25 minutes were up she was asleep. First training - just under an hour. She woke up at 4:00 and didn't make it past the first 5 mins before falling back to sleep. Then she woke up at 6:00 - her first night without nursing at least once! Night one down - I'll report back tomorrow!

(This was at Nana's a couple of months ago...had to post!)

First day of Bible Study Fellowship (BSF)

2010-09-29T11:49:00.003-05:00

Two weeks ago was our first day back at BSF. This year we are studying Isaiah - it's a new addition. Now there are a total of 8 studies. In January of this year they added the "under 2" program. In the past they only offered classes for children 2 and up. It was perfect timing for us! Even in the under 2 program they are taught a lesson, sing songs, pray - so sweet!

Mississippi trip #3

2010-09-21T09:30:00.001-05:00

John Paul pulling Francie in the wagon.
Four generations!

First four wheeler ride!

Visiting with cousins!

Ready to board!

Sweet Friends

2010-09-07T11:41:00.000-05:00

Maddy and Francie

Charlotte and Francie

Francie loves having play dates!

First Swim!

2010-09-01T09:59:00.000-05:00

We spent some time with our friends Kent, Carol, and Lincoln this weekend. Mr. Kent took Francie for a swim - she had a great time. Her little legs were kicking like crazy!

Cowgirl Practice

2010-08-23T18:51:00.001-05:00

I'm thinking of becoming a Cowgirl. I've been getting lots of practice. My first event would be calf wrestling. My practice comes every night - in the middle of the night - when Francie's diaper is soaked before her feeding. It's like wrestling a little calf - I'm holding ankles with one hand, holding a little body down with one elbow - all the while changing a diaper and then snapping what seem like 10,000 snaps! (Do the little calves cry lots and lots during this event?!)

My next event I've just started practicing. It would be the greased pig event. This practice started recently when I began using aquaphor on a few little eczema spots. I only use it after Francie's bath - before her pajamas. So now I'm doing the whole ankle thing while she's greased up ... I'm thinking it could be a successful new career for me! I'm searching on-line for a fancy costume as we speak....

Ride 'em Cowgirl!

2010-08-18T08:53:00.000-05:00

Francie meets her first horse!
Longhorns!

Little donkeys!

Ride 'em Cowgirl!

Thank you, Ms Sally and Mr. Joe!

MaaaaMaaaaa

2010-08-14T12:15:00.000-05:00

Last night Greg, Francie, and I were rocking on the front porch (part of our nightly routine). I was asking Francie "Where's Daddy? Where's Mama?" After we played that for a little while we were just quietly rocking and she said, "MaaaaaaMaaaaaa" in the sweetest little drawn out Southern drawl you could imagine! Greg and I were speechless for a minute before the cheers and clapping began!

Mississippi Trip

2010-08-09T11:37:00.001-05:00

Whew! It's tiring visiting so many people!
Aunt Kimberly and Francie

Gramme, Francie, and Poach

In the highchair at Nana's house.

Pooped from a great trip!

Mississippi Trip continued

2010-08-09T11:26:00.000-05:00

Grandaddy and Francie relaxing after our fish fry.
Ellie and Francie

All the cousins!

Grams and Francie

On the plane - ready to go to Mississippi!

BIG developmental week!

2010-08-04T14:38:00.000-05:00

Two weeks ago Francie started eating carrots - which she loved (made her gag the first time - you can tell from the picture she's not real sure... but she ate every bite)! Last week we added pears - not as crazy about them unless they are mixed in with her cereal.

She LOVES giving kisses - big wide open mouth wet kisses!! Papa is the recipient in this picture. Most of the time she wraps her arms around your neck and hugs while she's kissing - with a big grin on her face.

This is the day she figured out how to get up on her knees. Before this she would lay on her belly and her arms and legs would be moving like she was trying to crawl, but her belly wasn't off the ground. Now she's got the belly part figured out - as well as the leg part, just not quite moving the arms yet. She still manages to move all around! She head dives where she wants to go.

Last week we were in Dallas when she was learning all of these new things. I put her down on a pallet with some toys. I walked by her a few minutes later and she was sitting up! She's such a big girl!

Francie's 6 month slide show

2010-07-26T15:18:00.000-05:00

Check out Francie's 6 month slide show - Tanya did another amazing job!!

http://cozyimpressionsphotography.com/Francie6Months/

Fun times

2010-07-22T11:09:00.000-05:00

We have lots of fun with with BeBe and Papaw recently when they came to spend the night.

Papaw hung up Francie's swing - she loves it!

Francie's first rainbow.

And her first time to play in the rain!

Cereal!

2010-07-02T15:37:00.000-05:00

Francie loves her cereal! These pictures are of her eating it the first time on Sunday. I mixed it pretty runny. She was slurping it - couldn't eat it fast enough. She was grabbing with her hands, so I finally just turned up the bowl and let her drink it. Since her first time I mix it thicker and she just loves it.

Sleeping Beauty

2010-06-30T14:55:00.000-05:00

How sweet is this? We are so excited - it's been 10 days without her swaddle and she is doing great! Still wakes up (usually) twice in the night, but she's getting there. Last night after she went down she cried out for a little while at 10:00 before getting herself back to sleep, and then didn't wake up to nurse again until 4:00. She went right back to sleep and slept until 7:30. Let's hope this just keeps getting better!

Sitting up!

2010-06-26T08:22:00.000-05:00

Time with Nana

2010-06-22T12:04:00.000-05:00

Mom was working in Dallas last week, so Francie and I took a quick road trip to spend the night with her. We had a great visit!

Happy Father's Day, Greg!

2010-06-20T19:56:00.000-05:00

Thirteen years ago today Greg and I met. Debbie set us up on a blind date. We went to an Italian restaurant in Columbus, MS, where we talked and laughed the date away. Who would have ever thought exactly 13 years later we would be celebrating Greg's first Father's Day?!

Greg is an amazing dad. I thank God daily that he is the father of Francie. She loves her daddy! They are definitely two peas in a pod. Happy Father's Day, Greg! I cannot wait to celebrate for YEARS to come!

And the answer is....

2010-06-04T08:34:00.000-05:00

HOORAY!!

Blog poll of the day...

2010-06-03T15:00:00.000-05:00

OK - here's the blog poll of the day. I've been doing a little yard work :) The first Friday of every month our sanitation trucks pick up yard refuse. The poll is - will they pick all of this up? OR will it still be sitting here tomorrow afternoon? Cast your vote and check back tomorrow!

Fun in the Sun!

2010-06-03T11:02:00.000-05:00

Meeting the neighborhood ducks

2010-05-24T11:24:00.000-05:00

...just like Christmas!

2010-05-22T16:39:00.000-05:00

The thought occured to me today - every morning at our house is just like Christmas! As Greg and I wake up we look over at the monitor and watch Francie play for a while. Then when we can't stand it any longer we hop up to run in her room. If one of us needs to do something before we go in her room the other (im)patiently waits. Then we go running in like it's Christmas morning and we can't wait to see what's under the tree. Only now it's better - we know exactly what's there!

4 months old!

2010-05-21T11:08:00.000-05:00

It's so hard to believe that 4 months ago we were in the hospital waiting for Francie. Here are her stats from her appointment today:

Height - 24 1/2 inches (50-75%)
Weight - 14 lbs. 1 oz. (50 - 75%)
Head - 41 1/2 (75%)

She's proudly rolling over every chance she gets. She laughed out loud last weekend when her Papaw was playing with her. She's getting to be such a big girl!

First sink bath!

2010-05-19T14:45:00.000-05:00

This weekend we were in Abilene to visit Greg's mom. Francie had her first sink bath! It reminded me of going to my grandparents house when we were little. We always took our baths in the kitchen sink - such fun memories!

Happy Birthday, Grandaddy!

2010-05-15T09:18:00.000-05:00

"If it weren't for that red hair people couldn't tell us apart!" -Grandaddy

I was so excited Francie finally got to meet Grandmama and Grandaddy in MS. Grandaddy just loved talking about how much she looked like him! The two things I heard over and over were about them looking just alike and that he had looked and looked and couldn't find anything wrong with her! Happy 87th Birthday, Grandaddy - We love you!

First Mother's Day

2010-05-12T16:18:00.000-05:00

I had a wonderful first Mother's Day! In the past Mother's days were always nice because I got a chance to celebrate my mom. I never felt left out because I wasn't one - I just enjoyed celebrating those around me. This time it was so sweet having Francie - I never knew what I was missing! Not to mention that Greg really spoiled me!

Charlotte and Francie

2010-05-10T16:10:00.000-05:00

Charlotte and Francie had a big time during a recent playdate! (Yes, Francie slept through most of it, but she was so excited to meet Charlotte!) We are thrilled Sam and Carly are moving back to Austin. Starting in August Carly will be new pediatrician in town. If any of you are looking for one - she's your girl!! Congratulations, Carly! We look forward to lots of Thursday playdates!

2010-05-07T10:57:00.000-05:00

2010-05-07T10:49:00.000-05:00

Mississippi Travels

2010-05-07T10:40:00.001-05:00

Happy Anniversary, Greg!

2010-04-24T14:16:00.000-05:00

Eleven years ago today Greg and I got married. We were fixed up on a blind date by Debbie Wade. I was finishing my education degree at Mississippi State and Greg was the head men's golf coach there. I had always prayed that God would send me a Godly man who would be my best friend - I have no doubt that Greg is exactly who God had for me. Thank you, Debbie, for allowing God to use you! Oh what fun we've had over the last eleven years - LOTS can happen in eleven years! Who would have imagined 11 years ago that this year we would be celebrating with a precious 3 month old! Happy Anniversary, Greg! (You'll ALWAYS be my Boo!)

Mississippi Friends

2010-04-17T13:58:00.000-05:00

Aunt Mary (r) and Aunt Di (l) came to visit last week from Mississippi. We had so much fun looking at wild flowers, shopping, and eating! Diane's husband, Adair, made Francie this fabulous crib! I can just imagine all of the fun she will have climbing in and out of it with all of her babies!

2010-04-15T15:44:00.000-05:00

Bluebonnets!

2010-04-05T17:21:00.000-05:00

Happy Easter!

2010-04-04T17:50:00.001-05:00

All about Daddy

2010-03-29T15:22:00.000-05:00

Daddy's favorite time of the day..

2010-03-29T14:29:00.000-05:00

This is Greg's favorite time of the day - when Francie first wakes up. She just smiles and smiles - he loves being home when she wakes up. This morning was his day off, so I brought her in to our room when she woke up to have a little daddy time.

Francie's first trip to the zoo!

2010-03-28T15:48:00.000-05:00

Visits

2010-03-24T14:51:00.000-05:00

Visiting with Gramme and Poach from Mississippi, "Aunt" Susie from Mississippi, and BB and Pawpaw from Abilene!

Many firsts...

2010-03-06T12:02:00.000-06:00

...playdate (check out Maddy holding Francie's hand!), snow, and stroll!

Francie's first snow!

2010-02-23T15:42:00.000-06:00

Francie's photo session with Tanya of Cozy Impressions Photography

2010-02-08T10:14:00.001-06:00

Here is the much anticipated slide show!

http://cozyimpressionsphotography.com/Francie/

Video of Francie

2010-01-30T16:50:00.000-06:00

Good sleeper girl!

2010-01-27T15:58:00.001-06:00

I am so proud of our good sleeper girl! Last night we put her down at 9:00. She woke up 3 1/2 hours later to nurse. Four hours later I woke her up to nurse. And then 4 hours later I had to wake her up again! We feel like new people getting so much sleep last night. Let's hope she keeps up the great work!

Weight check

2010-01-26T19:27:00.000-06:00

Today was Francie's weight check appointment. She weighed 6 lbs 10 oz. when we left the hospital on Sunday. Today at her appointment she weighed 6 lbs 14 oz. Dr. Jolet literally did a double check when she saw that she had gained that much in less than 2 days. She was so proud of Francie! She has a very healthy appetite!

Francie is here!

2010-01-25T11:31:00.001-06:00

Francie Grace Martin
January 21, 2010
7 lbs 2.9 ounces
20 inches long

We are so excited Francie is here! Here are a few pictures....

Thursday, January 21 10:20 pm

With Daddy and BB (Greg's Mom)

With Nana (my mom)

With Aunt Christy (my sister)

With Aunt Kimberly (my sister)

Going home!

2010-01-19T11:56:00.000-06:00

39 week update...

2010-01-19T11:44:00.000-06:00

We just got home from the doctor and have progressed a small amount. I've gone from 1 cm to 2 cm and am 60% effaced. Dr. Hart says she fully expects to see us at our regular time next Tuesday. Still no contractions, haven't dropped - no other signs. We did go ahead and set an induction date just in case for Wednesday, February 3 - which would be 41 weeks.

Updates - nursery, shower, doctor...

2010-01-12T13:07:00.000-06:00

Thank you so much to my precious church shower hostesses: Jessica, Amy, Beth, Beth, Amy, and Gayle!

My Mississippi girlfriends who got to come - Aunt Mary and Diane!

It was like Christmas! We had so much fun playing in all of Francie's new things Saturday night!

Nursery update....

Sorry I do not know how to turn pictures so you can see them the right way! Beth helped me get the shelves upstairs all put together and cute!

We added this darling frame from our friends Pat and Dan underneath Francie's hats!

This green and cream frame came from Celebration Village in Tupelo, MS. The precious "F" in the background on the right was made by my friend Christy.

Update from the doctor: no change! She is still happy and comfy where she is with no thoughts of movement! We'll see what happens next week...

Snug as a ....

2010-01-05T14:30:00.000-06:00

Today was our 37 week appointment. Apparently Francie is 'snug as a bug in a rug'! There has been no change since last week. I've had this feeling she might be a little late - since I've had no indication that she may be even thinking of getting ready to come. (Though sometimes it does feel like she packing her bags in there as much as she moves)! Dr. Hart agreed and said she wouldn't be surprised if we have an early February baby.

I was 21 days late myself - if she's thinking about being like her momma in this area she can forget about it! Dr. Hart said we would look at induction around 41 weeks if she wasn't here yet. She said the decision was pretty much up to us, though she definately would prefer we not go past 42 weeks.

36 week check up...

2009-12-30T16:05:00.000-06:00

Yesterday we went for our 36 week check up with Dr. Hart. She said things are right on track. I'm 50% effaced and dialated to 2 cm - which she said was normal for this point in the pregnancy. She is estimating that Francie weighs just under 5 lbs and isn't expecting her to get much bigger than 6 lbs. before delivery. We are far enough along that it will be no big deal if I got into labor anytime between now and her due date (easy for her to say! :). We go back next Tuesday for another update!

35 weeks + 2 days

2009-12-26T10:40:00.000-06:00

Here it is - the 35 week picture I've been promising my out of town friends. SO hard to believe we have 4 and a half weeks to go! We go back to the doctor on Tuesday - which starts our once a week visits. Ready or not......

"For this child..."

2009-12-23T09:23:00.000-06:00

In October I ordered a tackle box necklace (has little tags that have been stamped with different things). The one I ordered has a tag with Francie's name, one with a "M", and one with this verse.

Last week this was in a baby gift from my friend, Kathy. It couldn't be more fitting!

We are 35 weeks today! Only 5 weeks to go...

Francie's Room!

2009-12-14T11:07:00.000-06:00

It is so exciting having Francie's room all finished! Thank you so much to Mom and Beth for all of your hard work in helping me!!

So Delinquent

2009-12-07T12:25:00.000-06:00

Ok, I know - I'm such a delinquent blogger! What in the world am I going to do when Francie gets here if I can't even keep up now?! To give you a little update .... For the most part I am pretty comfortable and feeling really good. I'm getting bigger by the day! She is certainly growing - and moving lots and lots. I'm nervous she's going to be a rounder (like her Daddy!). Her little friend Maddy just lays in her carseat - sleeping or sitting quietly. I'm afraid Amy and Jon will dread Francie coming over! Maddy is setting the bar quite high!

We are 7 weeks and 2 days away from our due date (that's 51 days if you were wondering :). Time is flying! Mom is coming in this week for one last kid-free hoorah before Francie comes. I have an agenda full of manicures, pedicures, massages, shopping, movies, and all of my favorite restaurants in Austin. I can't wait!

Cowgirls and Lace just called to let me know her bedding is finally ready. Hopefully I will be able to post pictures of her completed room soon!

Funny for the day

2009-11-01T13:40:00.000-06:00

I saw this the other day and just had to laugh! For all of you Moms out there - I am sure you remember these days! I think my belly has doubled in size in the last two weeks. It's so fun to watch grow! Only 12 and a half weeks left....

Coming home dress

2009-09-19T16:39:00.000-05:00

Last weekend I went to Mississippi for the first time since I've been pregnant. It was so good to see everyone - this is the longest I've gone between visits in a long time. Mom had this pink Feltman Brothers dress for Francie to wear home from the hospital.

It's a ..............

2009-09-01T15:26:00.001-05:00

GIRL! Everything looked healthy so we were thankful for that. What a fun morning! As we were riding up the elevator heading to the office Greg said, "Today is a life changing day we will remember forever!" He is right.

After laying there for 20+ minutes I really started to think we were going to leave there not knowing. The tech had me turning all around on the table trying to get her to uncross her ankles (which she seemed to be "sitting" on) and to get her to move her hands - she was very modest! Greg said, "Let's hope she stays that way until she is 36!". She finally moved just enough for us to get a very clear picture that she was a girl.

From there we went to Nordstrom to get a few pink things! Now we can hit the ground running with nursery planning!

Baby Bump!

2009-08-27T18:24:00.000-05:00

See - I DO have a baby bump! I'm not even pushing it out! This is at 18 weeks - 4 1/2 months. It's hard to believe we are almost halfway there. On Tuesday I felt the baby move for the first time that I knew for sure that's what it was. I was laying on my stomach for the first time in a long time and could feel flutters all around. I can't wait for Greg to be able to feel the baby move. All of this is so surreal! I am sure after Tuesday when we know if we are having a girl or a boy it will start to become very real. (This is my swimsuit top!)

17 weeks!

2009-08-19T09:19:00.000-05:00

It's hard to believe we are already 17 weeks. The last couple of weeks we've been able to see a little baby bump. Greg was saying this morning - as he was rubbing the little bump - he was disappointed it hadn't gotten bigger this week - he was just sure it was going to grow a lot this last week. I'm not in maternity clothes yet, but the dress I wore on Sunday has probably seen it's last showing for this year anyway! Thank goodness there are lots of high waisted, flowing dresses and shirts out now - maybe I won't have to buy too many things that I'll only wear a few months.

The gender countdown is on! We had to push it back a little because of a work trip Greg is taking. September 1 is the day - less than two weeks! I've been threatening to go buy a gender predictor kit. Saturday he was doing some work on the computer and as I heard him coming back to our room I yelled, "It's a Girl!" He came running in there saying, "Let me see!" He's as excited about finding out as I am!

Greg was filling in the older ladies at church on Sunday - how far along, belly's growing, etc - and one of them said, "I think he's more excited than you are!" We're both pretty excited!

"How did you tell Greg?"

2009-08-04T18:55:00.000-05:00

HOORAY!!! I am finally feeling better! Tomorrow we are 15 weeks and the horrible 24 hour nausea is finally gone! I will be keeping you all much better posted now (if I could only figure out how to do pictures on this new computer...)

Lots of people who know I love surprises asked how I told Greg that I was pregnant. I suppose I need to start from the very beginning. We've been seeing a fertility specialist for a while now. She had told us that going in for special treatments to help overcome our issues we had a 10% chance of getting pregnant. It had been a while since we had gone in for a treatment - I wanted to wait until all of the adoption paperwork had been submitted so I could be as stress-free as possible. We had decided we would go back for another treatment in May. We had to wait until the beginning of the new cycle for the treatment.

We kept waiting and waiting for that cycle to begin. Finally after two weeks or so of waiting the thought occured to me - "surely I'm not pregnant". I mulled over that for a couple of days before finally deciding to take a pregnancy test. I had tests at home in the ovulation kit I have to use when we go for a treatment. I took it early one Friday morning - while I was waiting I pulled out the paperwork so I would know what the test said - and it didn't match the stick! Now I didn't know what the thing meant. Later that morning I bought another that read "pregnant" or "not pregnant". I took it and it read "pregnant". I called our fertility specialist and was told to come pick up paperwork to take to another facility to have a blood test. By the time I had driven all over town it was 5:00 and I figured I wouldn't get the results until the next morning.

Greg got home about 7:00 and I had wrapped up a onsie I've been saving for this day. For almost the entire time we've been married we've called each other "Boo". Eight years ago I found a onsie that says "Baby Boo" on the front. I put the positive test in with the onsie. He had no idea what was inside. When he opened the tissue paper and saw it he said, "What does this mean?" I said, "I think it means we're pregnant!" The words "What a mighty God we serve" has come to mind several times over the last 10 weeks - He didn't need the fertility specialist help!

Full Circle

2009-07-12T16:56:00.000-05:00

It seems we have come full circle. On Friday we received our dossier back from our agency - almost a year from the time we started this journey our file is officially closed. It truly feels like it has been a journey - one that has lead us back to the exact place we started. Where the first 7 months were filled with forms, trips, seals, notarizations, excitement, etc. - the last 4 months have been filled with heartache.

As time has gone by the heartache has eased, but I do believe it will be with us always. Just this morning at church we saw the cutest little Asian girl - it brought tears to our eyes. Thankfully we are getting to the point we can smile through the tears. We both felt so strongly that this was the direction God was leading us - I am still holding out hope that something will happen in the future that will allow us to continue pursuing this dream.

Isn't it so how sometimes during the deepest sorrow joy springs new and exciting things happen. As this door was closed for us - God certainly opened another. We found out 6 weeks ago that we are expecting a baby - a miracle gift from God!

Thank you for all of the prayers you've prayed on our behalf - and continue to pray! I look forward to keeping you posted on all things baby....

Remember that missing pkt?

2009-04-07T13:41:00.000-05:00

....well it arrived yesterday! Yes, the one that was lost back in November. The envelope was all torn up, but those important papers we prayed over were intact! If only they could help us now...

For an update - there's really not that much to report. We are still praying for clarity and waiting on Him to lead us in the direction He wants us to go.

Adjusting...

2009-03-17T12:12:00.000-05:00

As you have prayed for us in our joy of announcing in August that we had been approved to start adoption proceedings in China - I ask that you continue to pray for us in our sorrow of that door being closed. We need those prayers more now as we grieve the "loss of our China baby". When we first started thinking, talking, and praying about the prospect of adopting we felt that God made it abundantly clear that He had a baby for us in China. As we researched and learned more about those abandoned "lost daughters of China" we fell in love with these children.

The Chinese have an ancient belief - the red thread ("An invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet, regardless of time, place or circumstance. The thread may stretch or tangle, but it will never break.") Adoptive families have taken this story to heart - that there is an abandoned baby in China with a red thread connecting them together - that will eventually bring them together. I can't tell you the strength of this "red thread" and the major emotional attachment we had to our baby already. We - and our families - have truly been grieving this loss.

Mine and Greg's picture of our family for the last 7 months has been with a black haired little girl with almond shaped eyes - the number of other children in the picture would come and go - but she was always there. As I was walking through the airport last Tuesday I realized that seeing pregnant women, women with babies or small children had no affect on me what so ever. It was seeing the Asian babies that would take my breath away and bring the tears once again.

Our faith is strong - and this has not affected that. We know that God has a plan for us - and we want that more than anything. Please do continue to pray for us as we adjust to this new picture of our family that is missing the black haired little girl.

From bad to worse...

2009-03-09T16:01:00.000-05:00

Well, the news we got today was not the news we had hoped for. The skin cancer issue from 2005 was malignant and the doctor had to notate it as such (I had in my mind that it was benign - that must have just been wishful memory). We were hoping it could be worded in a way that was both truthful and that would pass the Chinese govenment's "watchful eye".

After speaking with the agency today there are two options - one is to completely pull out and the other is to continue with the process - push it through and hope for an exception. It could be two years or more before China gets to our dossier in the pile of backlog to even make a decision. She said that only one case in all the ones they have dealt with was accepted - and it was a skin cancer that had occured years ago. She gave an example of a guy who had thyroid cancer about 20 years before and no longer had his thyroid - clearly he would never have thyroid cancer again, but was still denied. For years our agency has tried to get their government to change their stance on this. I truly have no idea what we will do. It feels like the wind has been knocked out of us.

Thank you for your prayers - please ask that God will guide us in His will for us as we make a decision.

Big Snag - Please pray!!

2009-03-06T11:26:00.001-06:00

OK - We have reached our second snag of the process - and this one is pretty major. There are two minor health things that is causing a major hold up in our process - in fact our agency is considering our file closed at this point. Our doctor has a new form right now and is working on completing it with new phrasing that will hopefully be acceptable to China. Please pray with us that everything will work out and the agency will be able to open our file again and proceed with sending the dossier to China. Thank you!!

God's Speed - Dossier!

2009-03-03T08:34:00.001-06:00

A week ago last Wednesday our final document came from the Houston Consulate. I got home around 3:00 and there was a postal slip on the front door. They will not leave it without a signature. Our mail usually comes around 2:30, so I grabbed the slip and raced around the neighborhood hoping our postlady was still there. God answers even crazy, highspeed prayers! I got the packet from her and raced home to get everything together to send to Colorado the next day. I was leaving the next morning for a meeting in Dallas. We took the last 4 "group" pictures we needed that Wednesday night, so I got them developed Thursday morning and everything was complete! What a huge relief!

I picked my mom up at the airport in Dallas and we went straight to the Post Office to overnight the dossier to our agency in Colorado. On Friday we got this...

Greg & Casey,

Congratulations! Your dossier has arrived at our office! J

Your dossier will now go through the following steps:
Check-in: Your dossier package is checked to ensure all necessary dossier items are present. If your package is missing any item(s), we will let you know. If all dossier items are present, we will begin the review of your dossier! Please do not be alarmed if your fees are not checked-in immediately; they are handed to the Accounting Department and are processed on a different timeline than the rest of your dossier.

Critical Review and Translation: Your dossier will be here for 9-11 business days if it is complete and problem-free. During the critical review process, your dossier is looked through another 3 full times for any mistakes or errors. This review includes a careful inspection of the document in terms of content and format, possible translation problems, and dates. A thorough check of the notarization, certification, and authentication pages are also made at this time just to make sure all is in perfect order. We will notify you once this step is complete.

**PLEASE NOTE: Precedence for review is given to complete dossiers so that we can get them off to China as soon as possible. Incomplete dossiers may be reviewed within this timeframe, however it cannot be guaranteed. The 9-11 business day timeline for critical review and translation begins once your dossier is completed.

Once your dossier is complete and the critical review is finished, a summary translation of your dossier is completed, making sure the most important information is easy to locate when your dossier is received by the China Center of Adoption Affairs (CCAA) in China. This also helps decrease the chance this important information is mis-interpreted during the full translation of your dossier in China.

Binding: Your dossier is bound together in a very professional red folder, with photos being mounted and documents carefully lined up and ordered according to the CCAA’s preference.

Mailing: Lastly, your dossier will be carefully packaged and sent to China via international express mail!

Remember, we are as anxious as you are to get your dossier to China and will keep you posted every step of the way!

Francie Grace

2009-02-17T14:46:00.000-06:00

This darling photo album was given to Greg and I by our precious friends - Pat and Dan Robison. If you look at the picture really closely you will see it says "Grace" - then look to the right going down the cover it says "Francie". How darling is that?!

2009-02-08T17:16:00.000-06:00

I heard this song today - it brought tears to my eyes. Maybe one day I can figure out how to attach it so you can hear it, too...

What Now? By Steven Curtis Chapman

"I saw the face of Jesus in a little orphan girl
She was standing in the corner on the other side of the world
And I heard the voice of Jesus gently whisper to my heart
Didn’t you say you wanted to find me?
Well, here I am, here you are
So, What now?
What will you do now that you found Me?
What now?
What will you do with this treasure you’ve found?
I know I may not look like what you expected
But if you’ll remember this is right where I said I would be
You’ve found me
What now?"

Oh how we can't wait to find Francie!

Great news!

2009-02-02T17:19:00.000-06:00

Friday we received the final document to replace the pkt that was lost. This morning we went to the bank to get them notorized. I decided to hand deliver them to the Secretary of State office since it is here in Austin. It would relieve me a little not having to worry about the possiblity of it getting lost on the way (once bitten...). When I called to find out if I needed to bring a self addressed return envelope today I was told that they would certify the documents while I wait - hooray!! That saved us a least a two week turn around - and possibly another lost packet!

After I took the documents to the SOS office I went to the post office - only to realize I did not have my purse. SO - I will head back to the post office later this afternoon and send them on to the consulate in Houston. We should get them back with the Chinese Consulate seal of approval within the next two weeks. The last thing is immigration and then we are ready to submit it all to our agency for critical reveiw. Hooray!

...from a magazine?

2009-01-25T14:45:00.000-06:00

My sister, Christy, has our niece - Anna Carson (8) and our nephew - John Paul (4). When Greg and I were home for Christmas I was watching a movie with them. My other sister, Kimberly, is pregnant with twins due in early May. With those two babies on the way - and our baby on the way - there had been lots of baby talk.

John Paul looked up at me during the movie and said, "Aunt Casey, why can I not see your China baby in your belly?" So I tried to explain in 4 year old terms about adoption. It went something like this... "there is a family somewhere in China and the mama was going to have our China baby in her belly, but when the baby is born they will realize that they will not be able to take care of the baby. Uncle Greg and I can take care of the baby, so we will adopt it." There was a little bit of a pause and then he said, "Do you and Uncle Greg live in China?!"

About a week later apparently he is still trying to wrap his mind around the whole situation. He ran into Christy's room and asked her, "Mama! Will Aunt Casey and Uncle Greg get their China baby from a magazine?!" Hmmm - apparently I have a little more explaining to do!

Francie's first baby!

2009-01-18T13:03:00.000-06:00

When Greg and I went back to Mississippi for Christmas Mom had our 11th trimester gift waiting for us! December 9th marked the beginning of our 11th trimester. Francie has her first baby - an American Girl Bitty Baby!! She even has almond shaped eyes - just like her "mama" will!

A couple of weeks ago I caught up on the CCAI website on how things were looking time wise. For those who have submitted their dossier the current wait time is 34 months. The very next sentence said "prepare for the wait to get longer". We are about 2 months away from submitting our dossier. We have about 5 documents that are somewhere in the sealing process - should take a couple of more weeks to get all of them back. The rest of the wait is because of immigration.

We went to San Antonio on Thursday of last week for our "biometrics testing" at the Homeland Security office. It turns out that biometrics is fingerprinting! It's nice to know that the ball is rolling with immigration. We are very hopeful that we will get our approved I-800A within the next two months. Once we get that we will be able to submit our dossier to our agency. Once they receive it, they go through all of the documents with a "fine toothed comb" - 3-4 times to catch anything that may hold it up down the line. Once it is approved it is binded and partly translated into Chinese. Then they mail it to China! We are getting closer!!

Francie's bloomers

2009-01-02T14:30:00.000-06:00

Several months ago I helped Kimberly with her booth at The Christmas Affair in Tupelo for several days. She gave me a bucket full of gifts for helping her - this pair of bloomers with Francie's name on them was part of the gift. When I unpacked them I showed Greg and he said "Great! I'm going to put them right here with her dress - they'll be here when she gets here!" Francie's blue dress and bloomers are currently on a chair in our bedroom. I'm trying to figure out a place to put them before the "Francie shrine" gets of out control! :)

We received our first packet from immigration on Monday. This is very exciting because they are the ones who are backed up about 4 months - and the ball is rolling! We have our "Biometrics" test on Thursday, January 8 at 2:00 in San Antonio at the Department of Homeland Security. Biometrics - seriously?! That word is not even in the dictionary!! Unfortunately cameras of any kind of strictly prohibited - I guess I'll just have to tell you all about it without the proof of pictures! There's a note at the bottom of the "Appointment Notice" that says "If you have open wounds or bandages/casts when you appear, the USCIS may reschedule your appointment if it is determinded your injuries will interfere with taking your biometrics." Interesting...

11 Trimesters to go!

2008-12-19T03:39:00.000-06:00

December 9 marked the beginning of our eleventh trimester! Lots has happened during our first trimester and - with the exception of the one (still) lost packet - things are going smoothly! The first one went by pretty quickly - hopefully the next 11 will as well.

Currently we are waiting to receive our first packet from immigration - which will be instructions on how to get fingerprinted by the FBI at the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services office. That should arrive soon. We've been told that immigration is backed up by about 4 months, so we are looking forward to hearing from them.

As far as the lost packet from the Secretary of States office - I made a second call to them on Tuesday and was told again that nothing had been returned and there was no tracking number. We are still praying it will show up, but are also compiling that paperwork once again just in case. Yesterday we received our Home Study back from the Secretary of State. We will send it on to the Houston Consulate for final sealing after Christmas - I do not want to take a chance of it getting lost in the Christmas shuffle at the Post Office. Seven Chinese Seals down - 5 to go!

Lost!!

2008-12-14T18:59:00.000-06:00

Our first major snag happened this week. For over a month we have been waiting on our final packet back from the Secretary of State. It had four documents inside - they were the last to be sent because they have been the hardest to get completed. For example - my health physical exam form sat on my doctor's desk for a month. All four documents are things like that.

I called late last week to check with the SOS office to find out if there was some kind of problem. The check had cleared a couple of weeks ago, so I knew they had received it. She looked up our account number and told me it had been mailed priority mail back to us on November 17th. The SOS office is in Austin, so we should have received it on the 18th or 19th. She then checked to make sure it had not been returned to them - it hadn't. I called the Post Office and was told there was nothing they can do without a tracking number - and it was not in a holding box in our name. I will call the SOS office back tomorrow and ask if they have a tracking number.

In the mean time - please pray with us. God knows the location of the packet. Worst case we will have to start back at square one and get those four forms filled out again - because they have to be originals. Thank you so much for all of your support. It means so much to us when you ask how things are going - and to know that you are praying for us!

...and it's off!!

2008-12-06T15:03:00.000-06:00

HOORAY! We mailed off our immigration paper work on Thursday! We are told that immigration is back logged by about 4 months - it's such a relief to get that mailed off and get the days ticking off. My goal was to be completely finish with the entire dossier process finished by December 15. With the back log that is not going to happen. I do feel good that all of the paper work is at least finished and at some point in the sealing process.

Please pray with us that all of the paper work that is currently out will get in the right hands and get back to us quickly. Thank you!!

Milestone!

2008-11-19T21:39:00.001-06:00

We reached another milestone today!! We were so excited to get this e-mail...

"Greg and Casey,

Good news!!!

Just wanted to let you know that I have completed several reviews of your Home Study Report and just today, have issued the notice of final approval to your social worker. Please check in with your home study agency for details on when copies of this final report will be released to you so that you may file with USCIS (along with the home study certificate of approval) and begin the sealing process for this dossier document.

Please let us know if you have any questions!
Kim"

HOORAY!! The next step is to wait for the certificate of approval to reach Charlie - which he will give us along with several copies of his home study report. As soon as we get that we will submit for immigration clearance!

The Red Thread

2008-11-15T10:20:00.000-06:00

A couple of months ago I read about the Red Thread...

"An invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet,regardless of time, place, or circumstance.The thread may stretch or tangle,but it will never break."- an ancient Chinese belief.

It is said that this invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet. The bond that Greg and I feel to our baby already is amazing. In all likelihood he/she has not even been conceived yet, but we feel this incredible bond. We can't wait until that "red thread" gets shorter and we are brought together!

Four more Consulate seals!!

2008-11-12T16:47:00.000-06:00

Hooray!! Today we received four more documents (both of our police reports, our adoption petition, and finacial statement) from the Houston Consulate! Four more documents that we can completely mark off our checklist. Our checklist is getting more check marks by the day! We are at the point that everything - with the exception of the Home Study - has been notarized and either sent to the TX Secretary of State - or completely finished with the whole process.

Our Home Study should be complete by the end of the week. We have gone over the first draft and made the needed changes. Charlie called with one last question this afternoon. Our prayer is that we will get it in our hands this week. Once we get that we will be able to submit for immigration. We are sending positive thoughts and prayers that the four and a half month wait has disappeared - that they have been able to get completely caught up. Thank you for praying with us!!

Prayer Bracelet

2008-11-06T18:36:00.000-06:00

Here is a picture of my prayer bracelet. I got this from the CCAI (our agency) website. My mom and I have passed a friendship ball back and forth for years. It's a silver, hollow ball that you can put a little treasure inside and then hide it somewhere for the other to find. I've had it for a while - it's been my turn to pass it back. I got her a prayer bracelet, too. We will wear our prayer bracelets until the baby comes (or until they "rot" off!) - hopefully the first!

It's a great reminder for me when I get discouraged or feel like things are taking too long to pray.