First Christmas Joys

Anna's first Christmas was so much fun , she enjoyed every minute if it. She was so cute, she got so many new toys she didn't know what to play with first! I have to say her favorites are anything she can cuddle with, particular her Farmer Cookie Monster that was from her Aunt Emmie and fam.

It's official!!

Princess Anna Claire is officially a Bowen!!!!! YAH!!! Praise God! Thanks for all

your prayers, they certainly have been answered!

Its Christmas!!!

My precious Anna Claire is 6 months! I can't believe it, she is learning something new everyday.

Tomorrow is her party.... her First Christmas Tree trimming party. I can't wait she has the cutest little outfit to wear.

Happy Fall Ya'll

We took Anna "Pumpkin Pickin"........ How cute is she???

WOW!

I can't believe its been over a month since I have posted, sorry! Anna is of course as precious as ever....growing like a weed. She is so close to rolling completely over. In a way I want her to do this but then I don't because I know its just the beginning of it all....craling, walking..... oh my!

I went to my first tea party with my mommy

So Anna and I went this past Saturday to a tea party and fashion show fundraiser for Don Stiles, he is awaiting a liver transplant. We had a really exciting time. Anna was so cute, she stole the show and she knew it! Every time someone would comment on how cute she was she would flash a little smile that was like... yea, I know I am cute! She is such a blessing and I miss her like crazy now that I am back to work. I need to find a way to smuggle her to work.

I cant believe that it has been almost 3 months since we where blessed with her arrival. She is growing like a weed, learning something new it seems like everyday. She has found her hands, and is trying to copy noises we make. She is really filling out her size 0-3 month clothes now, so I am having fun playing dress up!! I can't wait to have her pictures made again, I hope we are lucky enough to catch her beautiful smile!!

Anna had a check up today

....and she weighs 10 lb 2 oz! My she is growing. She also is 23 1/4 inches long now. I can't believe she will be 11 weeks old tomorrow and that I return to work next week!! We had her baby dedication at church yesterday, she was so precious. After the preacher finished I read the poem to her and played Martina McBride's, In My Daughters Eyes for her. I think the whole church was crying..... it was a very sweet service. She of course was absolutely beautiful!

My big sis sent me this beautiful poem....

and I wanted to share it..... Thanks Angie!

Mother To Child

Conceived in my heart I earnestly prayed,
But never imagined you'd come so arrayed.
Not flesh of my flesh, nor bone of my bone,
Not under my heart, but oh, so deep in it sown.
I knew from the start since the moment we met,
When my eyes gazed upon you, destiny was set,
To enter but a short journey as mother and child,
With joy and sorrows, memories to be compiled,
A mosaic of beauty with many colors entwined,
The fabric so strong, with my Savior combined.
I love you sweet child, and in time you will see,
You're much more than chosen, but precious to me,
For God planted this yearning in me long ago,
To bring Him forth fruit, that together we grow!

Author unknown

Baby Dedication

This picture is Anna wearing her dress for her baby dedication this Sunday 8/9. My sister Emmie made the pics at her photo studio in Lavonia..... check out her blog link photo concepts.

Princess Anna goes camping...

...and she had so much fun! This is a picture of her sitting with Granny, watching her first camp fire.

Also, I am having so much fun!! I can't believe she is 9 weeks old today. Which is sad in a way, because that means I only have 3 weeks left before I have to return to work......I need to win the lottery! I think that knowing that knowing I am returning to work soon, its making me enjoy all the "little" big moments even more, so that's a blessing in its self. Like on Sunday she was so cute.... she found her tongue. She has been working that thing around her mouth. She is also starting to follow things and people with her eyes, she watched Todd walk across the room on Sunday and of course that tickled him to death that she was watching Daddy. She has slept 7-8 hours every night since last Sunday night. So wow, a full week of all night sleeping! She is getting so big, on July 10 she weighed 8 lbs 1 oz but I am thinking she is close to 9 lbs now. She loves her cereal baba at night. She has learned its bath time, by 9:00 then baba time..... you better not be late or she will let you know it. I joke and say we are on a 9:00 curfew now, because she knows when its time for her bath..... there isn't no making her happy if she isn't in the bath by 9 pm!

I am trying to catch her rolling over on video... I guess when she does that we will say that is her "first roll over" since the other time was 3 weeks ago, she was on the couch and hasn't done it again since.

She is cooing like crazy, talking to her best friend, "mr ceiling fan" is her favorite pass time. I wish I knew what she was thinking when she is lying on her quilt looking up at it. She also loves to watch videos, especially on CMT, her favorite is Zach Brown.. she just freezes when he comes on, I don't get it... now I could understand if it was Kenny Chesney or George Straight... ooh lala...not sure why him, it must be something in his voice she likes.

I tell you guys, I have never felt so blessed...... I love her so much! Being a mommy is way better than I could ever imagine. I can't understand why mom's harm there kids. I heard the worse thing yesterday of what a 33 year old mom in Texas did to her 3 1/2 wk old baby. (You'll have to Google it because I don't want to tell such horrible news.)

Anna Claire is just such a precious gift from God.

Anna updates....

Let's see.......

Anna is such a blessing y'all! I love watching her grow and change every day. I got a new camera that isn't slow so I have been able to catch that beautiful smile. She is so funny, she has learned what the camera is so every time I go to take a picture of her she automatically turns to the camera. As you may know our family and friends hosted a welcome party/shower for her this past Saturday... it was awesome, she is one loved little one! She stayed awake for the whole thing, like she knew it was all about her. Last Thursday was the TPR (termination of parental rights) hearing, and all went well. Both Lindsey and Brian where still in agreement in her adoption plan. Now all that is left is our finalization hearing which has been scheduled for 12/11. I thank God for this precious little princess everyday. I still can't believe it, that I finally am a mommy.... I have wanted it for so long that it almost feels like I dream and I don't want to wake up. God has really blessed us, he truly knew what he was doing!!

she is 6 weeks old tommorow and....

she rolled over from her back to tummy!!!! My baby girl is getting to big ya'll!!

that first real smile!

I got that first real smile yesterday. I was talking to her at church telling her how pretty she looked, and there it was... the biggest most beautful smile I had ever seen. I have gotten it 3 times since then and I almost cry everytime.

best buds

tummy time

daddys girl....

My princess is 4 WEEKS old today!!

I can't believe it, she is getting so big. These 4 wks have been the best of my life, it just seems like yesterday that we where sitting at the hospital with Lindsey waiting on her arrival. I really feel bad for anyone who says they don't want children....it is the most amazing thing in the world. God is so awesome and I could never thank him enough for giving me such a blessing. I loved being able to wish Todd a Happy Fathers Day, and watching his face light up when someone told him Happy Fathers Day. He is such a proud Papa!!

2 weeks old already!!!

I can't believe she was 2 wks old on Tuesday! At her check up she weighed 6 lbs 11 oz. I am enjoying watching her grow and change everyday. We are so blessed to have her, and I am so blessed to be able to stay home with her until August 19, that is THE day that my leave is up and I return to work....but we won't talk about that day now. Todd went back to work on Monday, he did good. We have had VBS all week so its been kinda busy, I stayed home with Anna last night, she was kinda fussy Tuesday night, didn't go to sleep until after 2 am. But she did really good last night and slept until after 8 this morning.

on Friday night I had my first tub bath

and I loved it. My Granny stayed and helped Mommy and Daddy because a newborn tub bath is something Mommy had never done before. But with my Granny's help she did a great job!

updates

Sorry I am so behind. For those of you who don't already know, WE ARE HOME!!! We came home on Thursday.. got here around 8 pm. Anna is setteling into her routine and doing pretty good I might add. She wakes up around 3:30 or 4:00 each night and then goes back to sleep, intill atleast 6 but has slept until 8AM. We went to church this morning, she was of course the center of attention!

How cute am I?

This was bought for me by one of my mommy's dearest friends, "Gamma Steph". I think I will be sporting these shades at my first birthday! Thank you Gamma Steph!

another hurdle over....

Today at 3:51 central time the 76 hours that Lindsey had to unconditionally revoke her consent came and went without any problems. I know today couldn't have been easy for her so please keep her in your prayers. Also our home study and paper work should have arrived in Des Moines this morning and hopefully they do their part and get it to Atlanta ASAP, so we can come home. I am so ready to leave Iowa and to see everyone but especially have everyone meet our precious little girl.

Happy 1 week b'day to Anna

so today I am One week old and I had my first dr's appointment. I weighed 6 lbs 12 oz and I have also grown an inch. The doctor said that I was absolutely perfect, which I am sure my mommy and daddy could have told you that.

Today I am 6 days old.....

and my belly button can finally breathe, mommy noticed when she was changing my diaper during the night that the umbilical cord stump had fallen off. I think she is going to save it, weird huh? Well gotta love her! Mommy took this picture this morning, as you can tell I was thrilled.

I loved my visit out side today

No, Daddy this is how you do it.....

Daddy's first midnight feeding. Only 4 days old and she is already bossing him showing him how to hold her baba! I guess its true what they say.... Like mother like daughter!! lol.

She did pretty good sleeping last night. I now know that her evening nap can't be 3 1/2 hours long though, she woke up around 11:30 and didn't go back to sleep until nearly 2 AM. But when she did go back to sleep she slept until 6 AM, so thats pretty good.

The owner here ended up putting the 4 guys who where going to be in this mini apartment, in 2 seperate rooms for the same price so we could stay here the whole time. She even had Todd come get a rocker off her front porch. She is such a nice lady. And a Grandma of 6, so that was comforting just in case I need her, since I don't have my mama here for hands on advise.

Just chillin' with my daddy

I am outta here pics.....

We didn't get to leave the hospital until around 10:00 last night so I am a little late posting pics. Doesn't she just look precious in the dress her Granny bought?

Prayers Answered

A little late posting but most of you know that Lindsey signed the papers yesterday. Now the next hurdle, waiting the 96 hours that she has to revoke the consent unconditionally. So more prayers answered and more sent up. Is our God awesome or what?? We have left Sioux City and are in a town called Missouri Valley at this little place that was suppose to be a "bed and breakfast" according the the internet site. But to say the least its not its just a old road side motel renovated. Our room was so tiny, I swear our camper is bigger, so I complained to the owner and asked for a refund, she said that was fine.. then when we where packing up she came and said she had one a little bigger did we want to see it, it was way better like a mini apartment, but it is only available for tonight. We took that way it would give us more time to search for something else, maybe closer to the Missouri line. I am so ready to get home!!! I will post pictures later on. Love all of you and thanks for the prayers and keep them coming!!

Daddy's little girl

Today is the day!

So today is the day that Lindsey is suppose to sign the papers and I know this is going to be the longest day we have faced yet! Please keep us in your prayers today, also please pray that God gives her the strength that she needs, and the comfort and peace for the decision she is making for her precious little one.

Our little princess Anna weighed in at 6 lb 1/2 oz today. She is still taking the sensitive formula really well, in fact she has drank the whole 2 oz the last few feedings. She is quite the little eater!!
Thanks for all the prayers and please keep them coming!!

My sleeping princess has the cutest of toes!!

I love my blankie......

Thank you Cousin Robin....... I just love my K.T. Duds blankie!!

She now weighs 6 lbs 1 oz. We made a trip to Walmart to get a few premie outfits and get a can of the formula she is on. We tried Enfamil w/ Lipil but that was just to rough on that tummy so we have switched to Similac Sensitve and so far so good for 24 hours. Luckily Parents Choice makes one so we saved about $10 a can. Todd did her bath today, he did so good. And he just changed his first diaper.

Just too precious for words...

So needless to say we are still in a state of AWE....... she is the most precious, beautiful, adorable, happy, content baby I have ever laid my eyes on!

her first bath from Mommy today.....

WOW!!

I can't stop staring at her. I need to join Baby Stalkers Anonymous. She is the most beautiful baby I have ever seen, such a dainty little princess. We are about to call it quits for the night, about an hour or so. But just wanted to post a few updates. Lindsey left the hospital around 4:45 this afternoon. I wasn't expecting to be so sad when she left. Todd and I both cried she was a true God send, we couldn't have picked anyone better to give us such a great gift. She is such a strong person, I ask that you all not only pray for our new family but please remember her in your prayers also. Little Anna is already spoiled!! I am surprised that yall can't smell her in GA, but I don't care I deserve to give her a little spoiling.... right? Anyways, love you all and keep praying for a super quick return home....

An awesome day

Just look at our beautiful princess.... is she not the cutest baby ever?? Ok, you all better say yes!! lol......This is just the most amazing thing I have ever done, a gazillion times better than I could have ever imagined. They have given us a room so she can room in with us during the day. The nurses here are amazing. They have even put us an "Its a Girl" sign on the door. As I type the Brahms lullaby is playing over the loud speaker, another precious one has just entered the world. Her tummy didn't like the formula so we are trying a sensitive formula, so lets pray that works. We love you all and keep on praying.

Introducing Miss Anna Claire Bowen.....

She is here and perfect!! She weighs 5 lbs 15 oz, 19 inches long. Can't wait until she is able to meet all of you. Sorry I wasn't able to post updates today. I'll try to do better. Thanks for all the prayers and keep them coming. We love you all!

We are here!!

Hi all! We are here! Now it is nap time!

Iowa road trip bound

Well guys, its finally time to hit the road. We will be leaving shortly. Please keep us in your prayers as we leave out to embark on the journey of a lifetime. Love you all!

and her b'day may be.....

May 26!! Lindsey called and said he told her to be at the hospital at 5:30 AM Tuesday morning. Hallelujah!! Praise God we got a date! I guess we will probably be leaving on Sunday sometime, so just keep us in your prayers guys and I will post updates as they happen!

Car seat installation for dummies

Oh my......Y'all should have seen Todd and I trying to install the car seat base last night, talk about funny! We tried everything and that sucker still moves, I sat in it, I got in it and tried using my knees, all while Todd pulled the seat belt, then we switched, Todd got in it and I pulled the seat belt. What is the trick? I know there has to be one, right? I know when we get it in place that sucker isn't coming out until we get the one we registered for.

update bummer :/

Just got a text from Lindsey (she is almost out of cell phone minutes again).... doc has decided to hold off on induction this week, she said he said he doesn't want to do it too early!! Frustrating!!! She hasn't dilated anymore but little bit is still moving around, just not as much. Now I am not sure what we should do, should we head out there to stay this weekend until she is born or should we just wait and see to hope we can make it there. I have emailed her lawyer and told her to get her a phone minute card asap!! I am so ready for this to be over and to have her in my arms!! Please pray for me that I don't go crazy and have to be committed before she arrives!

oh yea.....

Todd was talking about her while ago and he called her Anna Claire! He is coming around to using both names and not just plain old Anna... lol

waiting...patiently waiting....

Ok, just 2 days until we find out which day our little precious one will come. I think these next few days are going to ccrraaawwwwllll by! I am so excited, I feel like I am living a dream, but I don't want to wake up. I can't wait until I get a hold of her and but mostly I can't wait until I get to see Todd hold her. I can't wait.
I went to some consignment baby shops today, I am proud I only bought 1 little dress, its a Baby Gap dress that will be so cute in the fall. I also bought a boppy pooh play mat blanket and a book. I spent $8, yah! And it all looked brand new, go me! I am so ready for her to come, but I also want to see her make her grand entrance into this world. I talked to Lindsey yesterday, she said the doctor put her out off work because her feet where swelling, but her blood pressure is ok, he just wanted to make sure she had no added stress on her or the baby. I told her Todd wanted to know if he could cut the cord, and she said yes, that she wanted us to do whatever we wanted. She is being so great about it all, she will never know how much that means to us. **Please everyone keep her in your prayers too when you pray for us and Anna Claire, she deserves a blessing for the gift she is giving us.** Also pray that when she signs the papers on day 3 that we get the quickest court date in Iowa history, so we can come home sooner than the expected 3 wks.......

UPDATE!!!! :)

OK, so I just spoke with Lindsey... she had lost the charger to the prepaid phone the lawyer had gotten her!!!! I have never been so happy to hear about a lost item being found!!! Anyways.... her doc told her this morning that she was dilated to 2cm and that if she didn't go into labor before next Monday her would schedule the induction for Thur 5/21 or Fri 5/22....... So oh my goodness........ needless to say Todd and I feel like shouting from the roof top of my office building.....PRAISE GOD!!!!! Thanks for all the prayers and keep them coming!

ok, so I don't know what the heck is going on........

Ok, so we have not been able to reach Lindsey. We have not spoken with her since her lsat dr's appt 4/27. We have went longer without speaking to her but poor Todd is worrying himself sick and my father in law, who I do love dearly isn't makeing it any easier on him. ugh! I am getting so frustrated. I don't know what to think, what to feel, or what to do. I keep telling myself that it isn't over until its over and praying like crazy but I don't know............! Just please pray for us that we get through this no matter what the out come may be!

Ok, so we got really good news from our lawyer in Iowa yesterday. He went to visit the birth father who is in jail, and he said he agrees with Lindsey's adoption plan and he will tell his lawyer that he agrees with it and doesn't object to his parental rights being terminated. YAH! We had heard from Lindsey and her lawyer that he was cool with it but hearing it from our lawyer, is awesome! We are getting so excited, I can't help my self I am spilling the beans little by little. Just remember to keep us in your prayers!!

Induction??

ok, so doc said he would induce if she made it to 39 wks but he didn't want to before then.... so I guess we will have to wait until around May 20th unless little bit decides to come sooner. She said he checked her and she was dilated to 1cm and her cervix has started thinning out... so wow I guess we have to wait and see. I am going to have to stop looking at baby clothes, and forbid myself to stay out of Carters and Oshgosh! The cashier at Oshgosh told me today when I was checking out that they always except there coupons even after they expire and they will except anything you as a return even if its clearance item you bought last year... how awesome is that!! I think Todd is going to call them and have them ban me from the store...lol

and her name will be........

*Anna Claire*

I am about to be a mommy!!!

We had an amazing visit in Iowa this weekend. Lindsey, our birth mom, is such a sweet and beautiful girl. We got to meet her little boy, Peyton, also and he is super cutie! She has a doctors appointment today and is going to ask him about inducing her, so we may not be waiting until 5/27. She really wants us to be there for her birth, she doesn't want us to miss a single moment. We where able to feel her move. It was so cute we had went bowling and had asked if we could feel her when she moved or kicked. So later where siting at a table talking and she said "she is moving guys", Todd said "Really?' and he jumped across that table so fast to feel her belly I thought his chair would fly across the room. But it was so awesome to see Todd get to feel her moving around. Lindsey was so great about it, she kept mashing around on her belly to make her move more.
I am sorry to be just be letting some of you all in on on everything but the last time we told everyone and you all where so excited for us the so crushed afterwards that Todd and I had decided to wait until we felt comfortable to tell everyone. We are still not telling the world, just because its not over till its over, but we do want some special ones to know. Please keep us in your prayers and I will try to keep updates posted on here as I know them.

Iowa

OK guys, Todd and I are headed to Iowa this weekend. We are off to meet a baby mama! We have been talking with a birth mom who is due May 27 with a baby girl. We will be leaving bright and early tomorrow morning for a quick weekend meeting. I am so nervous and have a lot of what ifs running through my head..... what if she doesn't like us? what if she is disappointed I have gained 25 pounds since we created the profile last year? what if we say something that offends her? what if what if what if?? OMG. I am excited, scared, and nervous all at the same time. This is definitely what we have been praying for! Its insane how much baby girl clothes we have that are just waiting to be worn. Please keep on praying for us, we definitely still need them.

Man, am I glad tomorrow is Friday... today has been the longest week. I guess since I only worked 2 days last week, this one seemed extra long but it has been pretty good. When I weighed on Monday I had lost 2 1/2 more pounds, so that is good. The news this week has been so sad, 1st the man in California killing his family, himself and then today same thing in Ohio.. a man killed himself, wife and 2 kids. I don't understand it, there are a million people in the country who would have taken any of those kids. There is so much sadness in the world we live in today you would think every church in America would be busting at the seems, but it isn't happening. I guess all we can do is PRAY, PRAY and PRAY. I am just so thankful for my family and friends. I couldn't imagine my life without them.

my first day of being a blogger....

Ok guys, here it is... my first official post to our blog! So today was an ok day, turned out better than I thought it would be. We have close friends that we referred to the adoption consult we are using, and there precious baby girl was born Sunday morning at 3:03 am. The birthmom signed the papers this morning so now all they have to do is what on the Ga and Fl to get all there stuff together and then they come home. They email us pictures a little while ago, she is beautiful, a head slap full of black hair! We are so happy for them.
We got an email from our guy, Brock, that we are working with today of a new situation, unfortunately the b'mom isn't due until August and wants more $$ for monthly expenses than we live off of. Amazing, huh!
See we got connected with Brock thru a lawyer in Kansas that we where "contracted" with back in November when a b'mom saw our profile and wanted us to adopt her baby that is due in April, so just our luck a week after we paid him $8k she had a change of heart and decided to keep her baby. Luckily his $8k fee rolled over, but the bad thing is that was almost half of our adoption budget, so we are kinda "locked in" with him so to speak. I know in my heart that God has our baby Just keep us in your prayers....... well I am off to watch the bachelor, good night.

lil' info 'bout me

Todd and I try to keep everyone updated about how the adoption process is going. Most of our family and friends don't want to keep asking, so I figure a blog is the best way to keep everyone updated. I am so new to this blogging stuff, so y'all just have to bear with me.