Some Holiday Photos from Kyle's side & Baby News

Hi All,

This past weekend we had an impromptu visit from Kyle's side of the family. We were all supposed to get together Christmas night and Friday but my brother-in-law was sick so we planned a last minute shindig at our house on Saturday. I have several pics to post. Some are better quality than others b/c they were on my phone. I really want to buy this new camera that our Niece Alyssa got for Xmas. It is super small and also does videos. If I get it, the photo quality on our blog will improve immensely.

OK, the first picture is of Rosie with her favorite Xmas present from Uncle John. It is a stuffed Bison. How cute is she???

The 2nd picture I had to take because I just can't resist how darn cute she is!!!! As some of you may know, our living room and dining area are one big room. Whenever I go into the kitchen and Rosie is lying on the couch she always peeks her head out to see what I'm doing and if it involves food!!!! You can also get a pretty good shot of our new TV and the new stand. We LOVE our new TV. I must say that I am enjoying just as much as Kyle. The picture quality is amazing.

The 3rd picture is our niece Alyssa and Rosie. Alyssa Loves Rosie. She brought her Wii with her

and we had fun trying out different games.

Ok, the shot to the left is of Kyle's mom, Caryl. Kyle's sister and her daughter Alyssa made Caryl this awesome breast Cancer ribbon fleece blanket. It is so soft and cozy. I want one!!!! I guess they have all different patterns at Michael's so I may just have to check them out!

The last photo is of Rosie chowing down on her Christmas candy cane from Heather and Alyssa.

Baby News

On the baby front, we are still holding out until we make the "official" announcement but we were notified b4 christmas that we are going to be parents!!!. Once we get the first ultrasound, I'll feel a little more comfortable telling people. I have not told work yet. We are just very cautious b/c there is always the risk of the birth mother changing her mind up to 12 hours after the delivery.

What I can tell you is that the baby is due on 5/11/09 in Kansas. We will have to go to Kansas for about a week. We don't know the sex but we will find out. We have talked to the birth mom on the phone and the conversation went well. She seems very strong in her decision to give her child up for adoption.

I need to vent for a minute about something!!! If one more person asks me, "are you sure you want a baby and not a toddler" I am going to snap. We want a baby. We want to experience all the stages of development for our child. I think some people think that b/c I am disabled I won't be able to care for an infant but I am determined to prove them wrong. I am a fighter and when I put my mind to something I can do it. There is a ton of adaptive equipment out there and I plan to utilize it! We plan to modify a crib and buy other things that disabled mothers have suggested. I know many women with less function that me that have raised multiple children. I am also blessed to live near family and they will be an amazing support system. Will there be limitations? Yes, of course. I realize that the first year will be the hardest and that I most likely won't be able to go anywhere alone with my baby but I am ok with that. We want to be parents and we will do whatever we need to. Sorry but I needed to vent. I just get tired of the prejudice out there. If I were able to have my own child would people still say these things?

Please continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers. We have so much love in our hearts to offer a child.