With Riley's adoption, we were given the option to stay in touch with his grandmother and great-aunt. Ideally, it could be beautiful and wholesome. Realistically, it could be messy and hard. Brian and I decided quickly that we would absolutely take them up on their...
Adoption
Adoption – Update Part Eight
Eight months. I'm sitting here with a smile on my face just thinking about that. Brian woke me up this morning to show me his phone. (Not terribly unusual - except that it usually has to do with the latest happening with the Texas Aggies - Whoop!). This morning he...
Adoption – Update Part Seven
Today, Riley has been with us (living in our home) for seven months. This update seems harder to write than the past updates. We were sure that the adoption would be finalized by now. Everything is ok, but due to some law changes, we are taking additional steps with...
Adoption – Update Part Six
On the 12th, we passed six months of having Riley in our home. It gets better every single day. He has a new laugh that he is showing us. I wonder if this is his true laugh and we are just now hearing it. Nate has become this amazing caretaker. He invites Riley to go...
Adoption – Update Part Five {or Riley my new art director}
I was just trying to get a cool, artsy photographs of a peach. You know - because it was a Thursday. I had given Riley a Popsicle because that is what you snack on when it is eleventy million degrees outside. He pulled up a chair and studied everything I was doing....
Adoption | Bonding and Attachment
Bonding and Attachment... I think I had heard of these terms before meeting Riley, but they are now (slowly) taking on an entire new meaning. First of all, I thought they were interchangeable. Now I know that they are a little different. Bonding refers to a parent's...
Adoption | Update Part Four
Would you believe Riley has been with us, in our home, for five months?! We are nearing the finish line for the process. It feels like it should be done already, but I know we are so blessed. There are many people on similar journeys that would think five months as a...
Adoption | Leaning In
A few weeks ago, I posted a picture on Instagram and Facebook about it just being on of those days. My sweet friend, Amy, who I will meet in real life someday, replied, "When it is one of those days, lean in. Lean in to Him." These words absolutely meant the world to...
Adoption | Update Part Three – Questions Answered
Bath-time might be my very favorite part of the day. He likes to sing in the bath - and oh, that makes me so happy  He also loves bubbles, which makes everything better. So here we go - how about a little Q&A.... Q:  If you are fund-raising for his...
Adoption | Learning Each Other
Some days it feels so strange to have another little in the house. Some days it is so much fun. Some days it is hard. Two years old + boy = a tired momma sometimes. I learn so much from Julia and Nate. They are so loving to Riley. They have taken him into their lives...