Love Is In The House & The House is Packed

Sliding with Abby

2010-10-30T21:50:00.000-07:00

Sliding is Abby's favorite thing in the whole world so enjoy taking a ride with her at the Greenway!

More of our home tour!

2010-10-29T11:33:00.000-07:00

Finally getting around to taking pictures of finished projects!

Remember this?

It now looks like this!

We love our laundry room and couldn't be more pleased with how it turned out! The only thing left to do is replace the flooring which should happen this spring!

Because of space issues, we bought stackable front loaders which are worth every penny! We added a shelf above the dryer to store things like light bulbs and bulk paper towels but added a decorative curtain as who wants to look at that?!

Having a nice & organized space definitely helps to make laundry a little more pleasant!

18 months old!

2010-10-29T05:37:00.000-07:00

We cannot believe that Abby turned 18 months old on Wednesday! Time flies!

Here she is sleeping in her big girl bed! We have an actual toddler bed on the way (even though the crib was suppose to convert to a toddler bed, its still too high for our comfort level).

We had her 18 month check-up yesterday and she is 30" tall and 23lbs. So she is right in the 25th percentile on both! Our little peanut! Poor thing had to have 5 shots so we spent the rest of the day snuggling and watching movies. The next time she will have to have shots (outside of flu shot) will be when she starts school. Ack! Don't even want to think about that!

Here is some other info about where Abby is at 18 months::

Personality: Abby is wide-open! She loves being silly and laughing but she does get shy around someone new.

Eating/Sleeping Habits: She loves all kinds of food except eggs! Even spicy food! she loves a wide variety of veggies (much more than her Mommy or Daddy). She is sleeping in a toddler bed now and has done really well with the transfer!

Comforted By: Music, snuggling, reading, walking, singing, and VeggieTales

Developmental Milestones: There is definitely no concern for developmental issues! She is such a smart little girl! She runs all over the place! She talks all the time. Every day she seems to say a new word. She is big into imitating so she likes to do whatever she sees us doing (which makes us have to be really careful - lol). She loves to play with her babies or in her play kitchen! We got the chance to observe her playing at daycare this week (for a few minutes anyway before she noticed we were there) and she does so well playing with others! She has her buddy in class that she loves to play with who has been with her since she started!

House Update! Abby's Big Girl Room

2010-10-28T08:11:00.000-07:00

To refresh your memory, here was the before:

Here is the finished product:

Here is her big girl bed (I think I was holding the camera crooked):

Her cute door sign:

The only things we have left to do is adding closet doors and a rug!

Will post more updated pictures soon!

Abby's Hayride & Pumpkin Patch

2010-10-26T09:05:00.000-07:00

Abby's daycare always does amazing special events for the holidays and today they had a hayride around the church grounds and had a pumpkin patch set up on the front lawn! She had such a great time!

Enjoying the hayride

Abby said, "Cheese Mommy"

Abby finding her pumpkin!

We can't wait for Halloween!

Forever cousins

2010-09-17T12:14:00.000-07:00

Last weekend, Abby & I (Jamee) drove to VA for a family reuninion which provided the perfect opportunity for us to finally have Abby and her cousin, Dorothy Anne, together for pictures!

Feast your eyes on this cuteness!

Believe me, it was not easy getting these cute pictures! Both of the girls were not in a very picture-taking mood when we arrived so we were thrilled with how awesome they turned out! I am sure the photographer was too since then she knew that we would drop a lot of cash1

All weekend Abby called Dorothy her "babY' and loved to give her kisses! We can't wait to get the girls together again!

We apologize for the hiatus!

2010-09-07T05:51:00.000-07:00

To make up for it, we've got two videos full of cuteness to share with you!

We promise to do better about posting! We will also give you a tour of our new house! So many changes!

Updated House Pics!

2010-06-06T14:51:00.000-07:00

Slowly but surely we are making progress on our new house (see the before pics here)! Move-in is in less than 3 weeks!

Abby's room! Color is Valspar Martinique Dawn

Another view of Abby's room!

The master bedroom - Color - Valspar Drizzling Mist

Another view of Master

Guest Room - the Glow in the Dark stars are finally gone! Color - Valspar Voyage

The person that writes all over public bathroom stalls former lived here.

The Living Room also Valspar Voyage

Worlds Ugliest Light Fixture & also Most Likely to Give You a Concussion

The Kitchen - obviously a work in progress - the cabinets will be painted white & we will also get a new countertop

World's hottest painter

The Dining Room - Valspar Voyage

The future laundry room!

Videos from our first family vacation!

2010-05-31T08:19:00.000-07:00

We took our first vacation to Myrtle Beach and had a fabulous time! We came home with tons of pictures & videos! One of the highlights of our trip was our visit to Ripley's Aquarium! Here are two videos of our underwater explorer :)

Pictures to come!

Abby's 1 year stats

2010-05-09T16:49:00.000-07:00

Birth: 7lbs 7oz - 19.5" long
1 month: 8lbs 13oz - 21" long
2 months: 10lbs 6oz - 21" long
3 months: 12lbs 6oz - 23" long

4 months: 12lbs 15oz - 23 3/4" long

5 months: 14lbs 15oz - 24 1/2" long
6 months: 15lbs 2 oz - 25" long
7 months: 16lbs 14 oz - 26" long
8 months: 17 lbs - 26 1/2" long

9 months: 17lbs 15oz - 26 3/4" long

Oops!

12 months: 20lbs 12oz - 28" long

Personality: Abby is such a ham! She has turned into quite the priss pot too! She loves being silly and smiling and laughing!

Eating/Sleeping Habits: She still loves to eat! There still isn't much she won't eat. She is definitely a veggie lover (much more so than Mommy or Daddy!). She has now started to make the switch to whole milk from formula! She basically eats 3 solid meals plus a snack and drinks 4 6oz bottles.

Comforted By: Music, Rocking, Singing, Going for Walks

Developmental Milestones: She is now walking like a champ and is about to tackle running! She has taken quite an interest in the stairs so we are thankful to be moving soon! She has 6 teeth and is working on her first molar (ouch!). She babbles a lot and really tries to communicate (especially through pointing). Its amazing how much she has developed in the last couple months!

Pics from Abby's First Birthday Celebration!

2010-05-09T16:44:00.000-07:00

Better late than never right?

Getting ready to party!

Bring on the food!

Yum!

Cake time!

Not sure what to think!

Hmmm......

Not a fan!

We are homeowners!

2010-05-07T13:15:00.000-07:00

It finally happened! We closed today at 3pm on our first home! Here is a "tour" of our humble abode :)

The outside! Definitely need some curb appeal.

Not the best lighting but this is the den.

Dining Room

The lovely kitchen (don't you just love the veneer backsplash?)

The new addition which will be the playroom

Another view of the playroom

This will be Abby's room (I think that is nail polish on the wall)

The office/guest room and I know this may surprise you but we are not keeping the electric turquoise color

We will have to add pics of the master bedroom, bathroom, and back yard.

This is our lovely work in progress! We hope to be moved in by the end of June!

Happy Birthday Abby!

2010-04-27T05:50:00.000-07:00

Today is our little girl's first birthday! It just does not seem right saying, "I have a one year old." From now on, I won't be able to say, "she's about to turn one...or she's almost one..." She is officially one...woh!

I am so grateful for God blessing our lives with Abby...I can not describe in words how much she has my heart and how much I truly love her. Today however, my mind is on another person...Abby's birth mom.

Abby's birth-mother made one of the most difficult decisions (if not the most difficult) that a woman could ever make...she for various reasons wanted to place Abby for adoption so that she could have some great opportunities in this life...I have to admit, I can think of no greater sacrifice a person can make!

When we entered the adoption process, we knew someone would have to face loss/grief from the get-go in order for us to be parents. This is humbling...on one side, Jamee and I will always have this "loss" to deal with in that we are unable to have children, and we knew whoever placed their child for adoption one day, would face "loss" for the rest of their days. Yet amidst all of the grief/loss involved in this process, we are over and abundantly blessed!!! We are blessed because of one woman's decision to place her child for adoption, instead of having an abortion, or instead of trying to take care of her and being unable to do so...

I know I may ruffle some feathers by bringing up "abortion," but I am beyond thankful that this woman made this decision...had she not, we would not be as blessed as we are...without someone making this gut-wrenching decision, we would NEVER be parents.

So to Abby's birth-mother...thank you for the ultimate sacrifice and sign of love. Our thoughts and prayers are with you today, and we pray that God will bless you and remind you He truly loves you and is with you...

Curls, Curls, and more Curls!

2010-04-26T16:38:00.000-07:00

If you haven't noticed from recent pictures, Abby now had a head full of curls! So we have begun to research different hair products for her since obviously her hair is quite different than ours! After getting different recommendations, I decided to check out curls.biz as the whole line of hair products is designed for multi-ethnic women, girls, and babies! Here is a link to all of their baby products (which I have placed an order for and will post a review after using them!)

They also have other great resources such as this article on Caring for Your Child's Biracial Curly Hair:

Caring For Your Child's Biracial Curly Hair

Article by: Mahisha Dellinger

Caring for your angel’s biracial curly hair can be a daunting experience, but it doesn’t have to be. Armed with the proper education, the right technique, and, most importantly, the right products – you can master the art of caring for her curly hair.

For as long as I can remember, I have been fascinated with hair. Because my hair was easy to manage, I began styling my own hair at an early age. Using my long locks, I taught myself how to french braid and soon became a hair styling expert (or so I thought). As I matured, my interest in healthy curly hair peaked. I learned which hair care ingredients were good for my hair type and which ingredients were not, what products were best for my hair, and what products were not. I learned how to shampoo, condition, and properly handle my hair. Most importantly, I learned to love my hair. With the proper care, your child will love his/her hair too!

Over the years I’ve read, seen, and experienced unbelievable acts of ignorance regarding ethnic hair care. It is my attempt to provide a few basic tips and tricks so you will avoid common pitfalls

A Few Things You Should Know…

Naturally curly hair is extremely fragile. A gentle touch is required to avoid unnecessary breakage and hair loss. Therefore, always use a wide tooth comb or pick when combing the hair. Avoid fine tooth combs as they snag and pull out curly/kinky hair. Invest in a quality brush; natural boar brushes are the best for the hair.
Curly hair needs moisture, moisture, and more moisture! Consider this when purchasing hair care products. Avoid drying products such as hair spray, mousse, holding gels, etc. Opt for moisturizers, leave in conditioners, and styling lotions.
All products are not created equal. Just because a product claims to be created for “curly hair” doesn’t guarantee that it will be suitable for ethnic curly hair. Products created for Nicole Kidman’s curly hair may not work for Angela Bassett’s. Caucasian hair tends to produce more sebum (oily secretion created by the sebaceous gland) than Black textured hair; therefore, curly hair requires more oil. Read, no, scrutinize the ingredient list. Look for natural oils and quality ingredients. Remember, the ingredients are listed in order of volume.

This week is National Infertility Awareness Week!

2010-04-26T09:39:00.000-07:00

Check out resolve.org for ways to get involved! Obviously this is an issue really close to our hearts! I took the liberty of adding in some of my own thoughts in the parenthesis

Infertility 101: Get the facts

Myth: Infertility is a women's problem.

Fact: This is untrue. It surprises most people to learn that infertility is a female problem in 35% of the cases, a male problem in 35% of the cases, a combined problem of the couple in 20% of cases, and unexplained in 10% of cases. It is essential that both the man and the woman be evaluated during an infertility work-up.

Myth: Everyone seems to get pregnant at the drop of a hat.

Fact: More than 7.3 million people of childbearing age in the United States experience infertility. When you seek support, you will find that you are not alone. Join RESOLVE, a support group, or talk with others who are struggling to build a family, so that you won't feel isolated.

Myth: It's all in your head! Why don't you relax or take a vacation. Then you'll get pregnant! (if only....)

Fact: Infertility is a disease or condition of the reproductive system. While relaxing may help you with your overall quality of life, the stress and deep emotions you feel are the result of infertility, not the cause of it. Improved medical techniques have made it easier to diagnose infertility problems.

Myth: Don't worry so much -- it just takes time. You'll get pregnant if you're just patient. (This is right up there with the "just relax" statement)

Fact: Infertility is a medical problem that may be treated. At least 50% of those who complete an infertility evaluation will respond to treatment with a successful pregnancy. Some infertility problems respond with higher or lower success rates. Those who do not seek help have a "spontaneous cure rate" of about 5% after a year of infertility.

Myth: If you adopt a baby you'll get pregnant! (hahahaha...yeah right)

Fact: This is one of the most painful myths for couples to hear. First it suggests that adoption is only a means to an end, not an happy and successful end in itself. Second, it is simply not true. Studies reveal that the rate for achieving pregnancy after adopting is the same as for those who do not adopt.

Myth: Why don't you just forget it and adopt? After all, there are so many babies out there who need homes! (this is always said by someone who knows NOTHING about the adoption process. Of course we were blessed through the miracle of adoption but holy cow, its not an easy decision to make and not an easy process!)

Fact: For many, adoption is a happy resolution to infertility. But choosing how to build your family is a very personal decision. Learning about all the ways to build a family can open your eyes to options you may not have thought of as a possibility. Education is key to finding resolution.

Myth: Maybe you two are doing something wrong! (what is suppose to go where? huh? maybe that was our issue...LOL)

Fact: Infertility is a medical condition, not a sexual disorder.

Myth: My partner might leave me because of our infertility.

Fact: The majority of couples do survive the infertility crisis, learning in the process new ways of relating to each other, which deepens their relationship in years to follow.

Myth: Perhaps this is God's way of telling you that you two aren't meant to be parents! (Please don't ever say this! You may get hit - maybe by me!)

Fact: It is particularly difficult to hear this when you are struggling with infertility. You know what loving parents you would be, and it is painful to have to explain to others that you have a medical problem.

Myth: Infertility is nature's way of controlling population.

Fact: Zero population growth is a goal pursued in a time of world overpopulation, but it still allows for couples to replace themselves with two children. Individuals or couples can certainly elect the option to be childfree or to raise a single child. Infertility, for those who desire children, denies them the opportunity to choose.

Myth: I shouldn't take a month off from infertility treatment for any reason... I just know that this next month will be THE one!

Fact: It is important periodically to reassess your treatment and your parenting goal. Continuity in treatment is important, but sometimes a break can provide needed rest and renewal for the next steps.

Myth: I'll be labeled a 'trouble maker' if I ask too many questions.

Fact: The physician/patient team is important. You need to be informed about what treatments are available. What is right for one couple may not be right for another, either physically, financially, or emotionally. Don't be afraid to ask questions of your doctor.

A second opinion can be helpful. If needed, discuss this option with your physician.

Myth: I know I'll never be able to stop treatment until I have a pregnancy.

Fact: Pregnancy is not the only pathway to parenthood. You may begin to think more about parenthood than about pregnancy. You may long for your life to get back to normal. You may consider childfree living or begin to think of other ways to build a family.

Myth: I've lost interest in my job, hobbies, and my friends because of infertility. No one understands! My life will never be the same!

Fact: Infertility is a life crisis -- it has a rippling effect on all areas of your life. It is normal to feel a sense of failure that can affect your self-esteem and self-image. You will move through this crisis. It is a process, and it may mean letting go of initial dreams. Throughout this process, stay informed about the wide range of options and connect with others facing similar experiences.

Ladies & Gents, we have a walker!

2010-04-03T07:34:00.001-07:00

Original Video - More videos at TinyPic

Abby's New Favorite Game

2010-03-27T17:36:00.000-07:00

Original Video - More videos at TinyPic

Abby's First Easter Egg Hunt!

2010-03-27T15:50:00.000-07:00

Original Video - More videos at TinyPic

Original Video - More videos at TinyPic

Original Video - More videos at TinyPic

Abby says Good Morning!

2010-03-24T05:13:00.001-07:00

Original Video - More videos at TinyPic

Faces of Abby

2010-03-19T11:29:00.000-07:00

This is just a glimpse of some of the many faces of Abby:

She has already mastered "the look." Just like her mommy :)

Abby & Her New Toy

2010-03-14T12:06:00.000-07:00

Original Video - More videos at TinyPic

Original Video - More videos at TinyPic

Dear Mia

2010-03-09T06:43:00.000-08:00

Dear Mia...

You saw the light of day for the first time last year, and I was there to help welcome you into the world after you'd been in it for a few hours. I remember instantly feeling an overwhelming sense of love for you when I laid eyes on you...I remember you had a FULL HEAD of hair...I remember the little feeding tube you had in your nose...I remember the excitement I felt when I drove to see you during that week...

I know things didn't work out and your mom decided to keep you after all...but I just want you to know wherever you are, that I have not forgotten you. I wonder what you look like now...I wonder where you are...I wonder how big you've gotten and how much you're getting around now...I wonder what life would be like if you were still with us...I wonder...

You've always got a place in my heart...I pray the best for you and your family...I pray that God is placing people in your path on a daily basis that will offer you love and show you that He cares about every aspect of your life...

Wherever you are...

JOHN/JAMEE

Have to add this one too!

2010-03-07T14:48:00.000-08:00

Original Video - More videos at TinyPic

July 23 2009

Kickin' It Old School

2010-03-07T14:34:00.000-08:00

I was trying to post new videos of Abby from Grammy & Popie's last visit but somehow my computer has "misplaced" them (grrrr.) But I came across this blast from the past! Abby probably wasn't quite 4 months old in this video! She is so tiny but so absolutely adorable! It makes me sad seeing how fast time has gone! Enjoy!

Original Video - More videos at TinyPic

A funny new parent freak-out

2010-03-05T16:28:00.000-08:00

I guess freak outs are a part of every new parent's life for the first year (or two or eighteen). But this was too funny not to share.

Last night, Abby was in a fantastic mood. She was gabbing and playing with her new walking toy. She was chasing the dogs and being her usual adorable self. As the time grew closer to 8, we knew it was coming close to bath time. She dropped a bomb (seriously this chick can clear a room) so we moved bath time up a bit.

As I was undressing her to get her ready for her bath, I see this bright pinkish-purple "rash" under her chin to her neck. I freaked. Holy cow, my daughter was pink! I started screaming (yes screaming) for John to come upstairs. So he comes running and I quickly show him her "rash." His immediate response was to take her to the ER. I think we need to call the doctor first. So we talk back and forth meanwhile Abby is happily playing with her toes and enjoying her naked time. We just didn't understand. She was in such a great mood, what could be wrong?

So we make the decision to at least start by getting her in the bath. John could bath her and I would call the pedi's after-hours line. As John starts the bath water, I take a wipe and start wiping underneath Abby's chin just to see how she responses. She was still happy as a lark. But I look at the wipe. It is pink. The more I wipe the pinker the wipe gets and then I notice the mystery "rash" is disappearing.

I started to laugh. I called John in to show him. Abby had been wearing a hot pink shirt. Where she was teething and drooling like a mad lady, her shirt had gotten wet which caused her chin area to turn pink. I felt so stupid. We had a good laugh about it and were thankfully that we were able to save our pride instead of showing up at the ER or calling the doctor raving like idiots.

Just think of the fun the ER nurses would have had with us had we taken her in! Oh the joys of new parenthood!

IT'S OFFICIAL!!!!!!!!!

2010-03-03T09:53:00.000-08:00

We just received word today that Abby's adoption is FINALIZED! We are now officially and legally a family of 3! Not that we needed a piece of paper to tell us that but boy does it feel good to have everything finalized! We have been counting down to this day for the last 8 months. I always wondered how we would feel when it was over and I can say that I am completely overwhelmed with emotions! I cannot even say "our adoption is finalized" out loud without crying! We are just so thankful and grateful and blessed. God is so good! Words cannot express our gratitude towards God and towards Abby's birth mother has given us the honor of parenting such an amazing little girl. We are just amazed! Thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers along this journey and will continue to cherish them on the journey ahead!

Abby's Dinnertime Antics

2010-02-11T16:13:00.000-08:00

Never a dull moment in the Miller house!

Original Video - More videos at TinyPic

9 months old!

2010-02-08T07:46:00.000-08:00

Let me tell you how hard it has been to get Abby to sit still for pictures these days! So this isn't her best picture but you can see how big she is getting!

Birth: 7lbs 7oz - 19.5" long
1 month: 8lbs 13oz - 21" long
2 months: 10lbs 6oz - 21" long
3 months: 12lbs 6oz - 23" long

4 months: 12lbs 15oz - 23 3/4" long

5 months: 14lbs 15oz - 24 1/2" long
6 months: 15lbs 2 oz - 25" long
7 months: 16lbs 14 oz - 26" long
8 months: 17 lbs - 26 1/2" long

9 months: 17lbs 15oz - 26 3/4" long

Personality: Abby's personality has definitely begun to develop! She is a very silly girl and very much a ham! She loves to smile and laugh (when she is not cutting a tooth!). She loves making silly sounds too!

Eating/Sleeping Habits: She still loves to eat! There hasn't been a food she hasn't liked. We have gotten the ok to start some table food! She loves pancakes (without syrup of course!). She loves feeding herself and drinking from her sippy! She is now sleeping in her crib in her room full-time now. As long as she's not teething she sleeps great but these days it seems that she is always working on cutting a tooth!

Comforted By: Music, rocking, being read to, and cuddling

Developmental Milestones: She now has 4 teeth and I think she is already working on the next set! She crawls 90 miles an hour and loves to chase the dogs. She can pull herself up to the standing position (so she loves to stand whenever possible!) and has started "cruising." I think our little girl will be walking before her 1st birthday!

Here are some more recent pics showing the many faces of Abby for your enjoyment!

abby and chloe

2010-02-01T07:36:00.000-08:00

caught this video of abby trying to get to chloe---funny stuff

Abby standing!

2010-01-06T17:12:00.000-08:00

Abby surprised us tonight by pulling herself up into the standing position all by herself! So seriously in the last 2 weeks she has started crawling on her hands and knees, sitting up by herself, holding her own sippy cup, saying "ma-ma," and now standing!

Original Video - More videos at TinyPic

Abby playing peek-a-boo!

2010-01-03T14:23:00.000-08:00

Please excuse the cheezy voices. But it was too cute not to share!

Original Video - More videos at TinyPic

8 months old!

2010-01-03T09:24:00.000-08:00

Sorry that this post is about about two weeks late!

Birth: 7lbs 7oz - 19.5" long
1 month: 8lbs 13oz - 21" long
2 months: 10lbs 6oz - 21" long
3 months: 12lbs 6oz - 23" long

4 months: 12lbs 15oz - 23 3/4" long

5 months: 14lbs 15oz - 24 1/2" long
6 months: 15lbs 2 oz - 25" long
7 months: 16lbs 14 oz - 26" long
8 months: 17 lbs - 26 1/2" long

Personality: Abby is very very active! She loves to be on the move and she "talk" all the time!

Eating/Sleeping Habits: Drinks 6oz every 3 hours. She still loves to eat! She eats solid meals three times a day. She is starting to eat puffs and loves to feed herself! We plan to start trying some table food soon! Sleep has been a challenge over the last month. Teething disrupted any sleep routine we ever had. Now sleeping through the night is hit or miss.

Comforted By: Music, rocking, being read to, and cuddling

Developmental Milestones: She is now has her first two teeth! She is crawling on her hands and knees. She can sit up by herself and can hold her own sippy cup! She says "da-da" and is almost saying "ma-ma." She is growing up so fast!

Abby Meets Santa!

2009-12-05T17:04:00.000-08:00

Abby met Santa for the first time today and she did great! No fear of the man with the white beard! We were so glad to get such a beautiful picture! What a great start to the Christmas season!

7 months old!

2009-12-01T16:11:00.000-08:00

Don't you just love her expression? This was about as good as I got! But then again she is cutting two teeth and fighting an ear infection!

Birth: 7lbs 7oz - 19.5" long
1 month: 8lbs 13oz - 21" long
2 months: 10lbs 6oz - 21" long
3 months: 12lbs 6oz - 23" long

4 months: 12lbs 15oz - 23 3/4" long

5 months: 14lbs 15oz - 24 1/2" long
6 months: 15lbs 2 oz - 25" long
7 months: 16lbs 14 oz - 26" long

Personality: Abby has really come out of her shell (especially outside of home!) She loves to babble and loves experimenting with the range of her voice! She remains a very laid-back and happy baby!

Eating/Sleeping Habits: Drinks 6oz every 3 hours. She now eats a wide variety of solids (purees) and honestly I don't think there is a food that she doesn't like! Sleep has been an issue for the last several weeks as she wakes up for a feeding somewhere around 4am but as you can see, she has hit a growth spurt between 6 and 7 months!

Comforted By: Music, rocking, being read to, and cuddling

Developmental Milestones: She is working on cutting two teeth. She can get up on her hands and knees and rock but hasn't figured out how to move forward. Instead she has her own form of army crawling to get where she needs to go!

November is Adoption Awareness Month!

2009-11-02T06:00:00.000-08:00

There are a lot of ways to celebrate National Adoption Awareness Month (information found here):

Support Adoption Foundations
Lifetime Adoption Foundation is a non-profit charity that assists the women choosing adoption, both with their physical needs and their futures, through educational scholarships. It also offers grants for families open to adopting hard-to-place children. Donations received go directly to funding both of these programs.
Write a letter to your local newspaper about the blessing of adoption
For ideas and stories, click here to visit websites about adoption.
Read an adoption story as a family
Read stories about Lifetime Adoption's most recently adopted babies and children, and updates on previous adoptions.
Ask your local library to display adoption-related books.
Adoption expert Mardie Caldwell has written several books on adoption including AdoptingOnline.com, Adoption: Your Step-by-Step Guide, So I Was Thinking About Adoption... and The Healthcare Professional's Adoption Guide.
Learn more about positive adoption language
Using positive adoption language will help end the myth that adoption is second best. By using positive adoption language, you’ll reflect the true nature of adoption, free of stereotypes. Click here to read some examples of positive and negative adoption language.
For creative ideas on how to celebrate the blessing of adoption and to increase adoption awareness, click here to view our National Adoption Awareness Month calendar.

Back in the Saddle Award!

2009-11-02T05:10:00.000-08:00

We were nominated for the Back in the Saddle Award by a wonderful friend Sarah of Bunches of Burches!
Background: This award is given to bloggers that are "Back in the Saddle" of life. This may be someone who is undergoing medical treatments, restarting his/her life, resurfacing after a tragedy, or someone who is just trying to sport a new attitude. Recipients have an attitude of a fighter, strive to be a winner of the battle, and show determination.

Rules: Post the award's graphic, background, and rules on your blog. Explain how you are "Back in the Saddle" again, and then pass the award on to at least four other bloggers who are "Back in the Saddle" just like you. Make sure you let them know that they have been given this award, and ask them to pass it on.

Our nominees for the Back in the Saddle Award go to:

Janna - Janna is one tough cookie! Despite the challenges the infertility and chronic illness have thrown at her, she has more grace and strength that anyone I know and now through the miracle of adoption has TWO beautiful baby girls! Only 5 1/2 months apart! I told you she was tough!

Allison - Allison is a true Endo Warrior! Her strength is amazing and now she is on her way to becoming a mommy! Yay!

Kate - I'm not sure I have the words to describe Kate. She has overcome more challenges than any ten people I know and keeps pushing forward. She greatly inspires me to keep moving forward when I want to quit.

JRS - If you need to be inspired or want to see what a heart of gratitude looks like, you need to check out her blog! She is truly amazing!

Abby's First Halloween

2009-11-01T16:01:00.000-08:00

Abby had quite an eventful first Halloween! We began the day at the ADA Walk for Diabetes in Charlotte. Here is a picture of us with G-Nanny and Paw-Paw:
That evening despite the rain, we had Trunk or Treat at church (indoors of course!) and I must say that Abby made the cutest cheerleader ever!

As you can see, it is very hard work being so cute! Halloween was definitely very exciting for our Abby. So much so that she didn't sleep! Hopefully that means we will get a good night sleep tonight!

6 months old!

2009-10-28T13:35:00.000-07:00

We are a day late posting but she had her check-up today so now we know her stats! Here are some pics!

Birth: 7lbs 7oz - 19.5" long
1 month: 8lbs 13oz - 21" long
2 months: 10lbs 6oz - 21" long
3 months: 12lbs 6oz - 23" long

4 months: 12lbs 15oz - 23 3/4" long

5 months: 14lbs 15oz - 24 1/2" long
6 months: 15lbs 2 oz - 25" long

Personality: Abby continues to be a happy baby! She is learning so much! She has definitely developed a temper if she doesn't have her way. She doesn't show it very often but when she does look out!

Eating/Sleeping Habits: Eats 6oz every 3 hours. She LOVES eating solids. She has tried sweet potatoes, green beans, carrots, green peas, pears, and plums. Her favorite so far is green peas!
She is still a great sleep 6 nights a week. She boycotts sleep on Sundays.

Comforted By: Music, rocking, being read to, and cuddling

Developmental Milestones: Still no teeth but she can roll both directions and is now sitting up by herself!

Favorites/Likes: She loves her jumperoo and continues to be fascinated by the dogs.

Dislikes: Her carseat.

Abby's new favorite toy

2009-10-12T16:25:00.001-07:00

We finally invested in a jumperoo (thank you craigslist!) and she loves it! Here is a video of her playing:

Meeting the extended family!

2009-10-11T13:15:00.000-07:00

Abby finally got to meet her extended family this past weekend! While the drive was an interesting one (Abby decided to boycott her car seat), it was all worth it! Abby and I both wish that John could have joined us! Here are a couple of pictures!

Help Support the Adoption Tax Credit!

2009-10-08T08:41:00.000-07:00

Full article can be found here:

he federal adoption tax credit has helped thousands of families say "Yes!" to adopting a child. It's vital that this financial support stay in place to help families offset the costs and fees associated with adopting a child. Unfortunately, the tax credit is set to expire in December 2010 unless Congress votes to continue it. It's time to take action!

The Adoption Tax Relief Guarantee Act of 2009, H.R. 213 , will keep the adoption tax credit from being repealed, and may make the tax relief measure permanent. It only takes a few minutes to email or call your senators and congressmen it's important for them to hear from families impacted by the tax credit.

Currently, there are 76 State Senators and Representatives cosponsoring H.R. 213. However, there are 16 states that currently have no sponsors of this bill, including eight on the East Coast* (one of the largest areas of the US with internationally adopted children). H.R. 213 is currently in committee, where most bills die. It imperative that adoptive families, and all friends of children waiting for families, act now.

It only takes a few minutes to write, call, or email your representatives. Please do so today!

Email Representative: https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml

Email Senator: http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm

Currently, the following states have no cosponsors or commitments of support for H.R. 213:

West Virginia
Delaware
Connecticut
Rhode Island
New Hampshire
Vermont
Massachusetts
Maine
Idaho
Oregon
Nevada
Montana
South Dakota
New Mexico
Arkansas
Hawaii

The two states offering the greatest support are Texas & Georgia with 6 cosponsors each, closely followed by Pennsylvania with 5. Honorable mentions: Florida , Indiana , Illinois each with 4 sponsorships each.

Pass this on to friends and family, and ask for their help in writing, calling, and posting on blogs and facebook. To gain momentum, we must have an absolute ground swell of families lifting their voices together for the well-being of children throughout the world.

Giggles with Daddy

2009-10-05T07:42:00.000-07:00

We just had to share this video of Abby giggling with Daddy!

Correction to 5 month stats!

2009-09-30T15:12:00.001-07:00

We had a followup appointment in Char.lot.te today so we got an accurate height & weight (I did an estimated weight by weighing her and I together and then me by myself and subtracting, etc). But I was shocked when they put her on the scale! She weighed in at a lovely 14lbs 12oz! My chunky monkey is growing big! Cereal has really beefed her up! And she was 24 1/2" long. They had to do bloodwork and we were amazed by how strong our little girl is! She didn't cry at all and didn't even flinch! I think she was more aggravated that I was holding her still than she was that they were sticking her! She definitely took it better than Mommy and Daddy!

5 months old!

2009-09-27T12:37:00.000-07:00

Birth: 7lbs 7oz - 19.5" long
1 month: 8lbs 13oz - 21" long
2 months: 10lbs 6oz - 21" long
3 months: 12lbs 6oz - 23" long

4 months: 12lbs 15oz - 23 3/4" long

5 months: 14lbs 12oz - 24 1/2" long

Personality: Abby continues to be a happy baby! She is so alert and bright. We are amazed by how much she is learning every day!
Eating/Sleeping Habits: Eats 6oz every 3 hours and has also started eating solids! Right now she is eating rice cereal and sweet potatoes! Green beans are next on the list! She continues to be a great sleeper 90% of the time!

Comforted By: Music, rocking, being read to, and cuddling
Developmental Milestones: She can now roll from her back to her belly so she is constantly in motion. She has also begun teething and we think within the next week she'll cut her first tooth!
Favorites/Likes: She loves her bouncy seat and being on her blanket on the floor. She LOVES Charlie and Chloe! She smiles at them from across the room and loves to pet them. She also loves going for walks and being outside.

Disklikes: Having to wait for food and not being able to see what is going on.

Sweet Potatoes

2009-09-26T17:39:00.000-07:00

I sucessfully made my first batch of baby food! Sweet Potatoes! It was so easy! I found the recipe here. I bought 3 large potatoes. After washing, poke holes in potatoes with a fork and wrap in aluminum foil and bake at 400 degrees until soft (approx. 45 minutes). Once they are done baking, remove skin and put appliance of choice (I used my food processor). Then I added enough water to be able to create a smooth puree. I then distrubed the sweet potatoes into these Baby Cubes for freezing. They are 1oz individual containers which make it easy to thaw just what I need for a meal. When I was doing the math, I was able to make roughly a week's worth of baby food for around $2. Not shabby huh? And the best part is that Abby loved it! I definitely think that she enjoyed the new flavor over plain cereal! The next food on the list is green beans!

Oh how things change!

2009-09-25T13:09:00.000-07:00

Someone this morning asked me what exciting plans we had for the weekend. So I responded without thinking "grocery shopping." Yes, I count that as exciting. I would never have counted John or I as the "party type" (shocking I know) yet I never thought grocery shopping would constitute the highlight of weekend. I think a part of the reason I am excited about going is that we are starting VEGGIES this weekend! Its so crazy! Abby turns 5 months old on Sunday so we are going to start adding more flavors into her diet (as I am sure rice cereal gets boring). I am going to be making her baby food to save money as well as keep her food as organic/natural as possible. This website is a wonderful resource for any one looking to do the same! It has tons of great information! I will be sure to post pics!

Ladies & gents, we have a roller!

2009-09-15T05:32:00.000-07:00

Abby finally figured out how to roll from her back to her belly! She has been going the other way (belly to back) for a couple weeks but she previously hasn't been able to figure out how to get over her arm when trying to get to her belly! We were so excited! And thankfully we were able to catch it on film!

Abby's first taste of cereal!

2009-09-09T10:06:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe she is already old enough for cereal! But we made sure to get her first bites on camera! She wasn't sure what to think at first but then would fuss if I didn't get the spoon back in her mouth quick enough! In a couple weeks we will start veggies!

Abby's First Trip to the River

2009-09-09T07:10:00.001-07:00

We took Abby for her first "hike" at the Broad River this past weekend! She absolutely loves being outdoors! We tried out a few new carrys with our new mei tai as well! I think she likes the back carry the best so that she can see everything!

step out to cure diabetes

2009-08-14T16:19:00.000-07:00

At the bottom of this blog there is a link where you can donate/contribute to a GREAT CAUSE! I (John) have had Type 1 Diabetes for 18 years. Diabetes impacts over 23 million people (MANY of them are children/teenagers). I have worked at a camp for diabetic children now for over 10 years. I am the director for the "explorers" program...my group works with the 3rd-5th graders (our entire camp works with kids up to seniors in high school). Helping children understand that as diabetics they can live a normal life and accomplish their dreams like everyone else is really important to me. If you would, please consider giving to this awesome cause. Thanks!

updates on abby

2009-08-11T13:23:00.000-07:00

it's been a while since we've posted anything...jamee's at work, and abby's currently playing in her bouncy seat...so i thought i'd update you on some great stuff:

*Financial Stuff---God continues to use wonderful people to provide for us. Our church for instance gave us over $1000 from food/drinks they sold from their concession stand during softball season! We officially owe UNDER $1000 (this is HUGE given the figure STARTED at $24,000)!!!!!

*Noises/Smells/Etc---Abby's diapers are amazingly gross...enough said. She's really learning to grab a hold of things, and is discovering her hands/feet...and not to mention she makes all kinds of noises (i've not learned to translate all of them yet, but i'm getting there!)

*Love--- I'm learning a ton about God's love through Abby. For instance, we've been passing around a cold/cough at our house. I so badly didn't want Abby to get it, but she did anyways. I kept thinking to myself, "I wish I could take it from you so you wouldn't have to deal with this." (I have the cold anyways!!!) I feel like I'm tapping into how God has always felt about us...and how He proved it through Christ's sacrifice on the cross (I'll take this weight for you).

I can have the WORST day in history, but when I pick up Abby and she smiles at me, it wipes away everything bad that happened that day...I know it sounds cheesy...but it's true.

There's so much more...but this is just a brief updateon how things are going.

3 months old!

2009-07-29T13:55:00.000-07:00

Birth: 7lbs 7oz - 19.5" long

1 month: 8lbs 13oz - 21" long

2 months: 10lbs 6oz - 21" long

3 months: 12lbs 6oz - 24" long

Personality: Abby is such a happy baby! She smiles and coos all the time! Unless she is hungry and then it is on until she gets her ba-ba!

Eating/Sleeping Habits: Eats 6oz every 3 hours and is sleeping through the night!

Comforted By: Pacifier, music, and cuddling

Developmental Milestones: Becoming very aware of her hands; Can roll from front to back when she desires

Favorites/Likes: She loves her swing and playing on her activity mat! She also loves music and being read to!

Disklikes: Having to wait for food.

To show how much she loves her activity mat, we've included this short video! Please excuse the goofy mommy voice in the background! I think she may be a soccer player!

Everything Is Sacred

2009-06-28T08:53:00.000-07:00

I have always loved Caedmon's Call's music but this morning the song "Sacred" hit very close to home so I thought I would share!

Sacred

Words and Music by Randall Goodgame and Andrew Osenga

This house is a good mess

It’s the proof of life

No way would I trade jobs

But it don’t pay overtime

I’ll get to the laundry

I don’t know when

I’m saying a prayer tonight

'Cause tomorrow it starts again

Could it be that everything is sacred?

And all this time

Everything I’ve dreamed of

Has been right before my eyes

The children are sleeping

But they’re running through my mind

The sun makes them happy

And the music makes them unwind

My cup runneth over

And I worry about the stain

Teach me to run to You

Like they run to me for every little thing

When I forget to drink from you

I can feel the banks harden

Lord, make me like a stream

To feed the garden

Wake up, little sleeper

the Lord, God Almighty

Made your Mama keeper

So rise and shine

Rise and shine 'cause

Everything is sacred

And all this time

Everything I’ve dreamed of

Has been right before my eyes

Some new pictures of Abby!

2009-06-28T08:45:00.000-07:00

the wait is over

2009-06-24T17:20:00.000-07:00

In case you haven't heard...the wait is over for Jamee and I! We picked up our DAUGHTER (Abby Elizabeth Miller) this past Monday! I won't even try to explain all of the emotions we've felt over the past few days...but the main one is JOY. We'll be putting up more posts as time goes...but just wanted to make everyone aware!

JOHN

Thursday Reflection

2009-06-18T09:03:00.000-07:00

As I was driving to work today, the song "Mighty to Save" came on the radio. As most of you who know me know that I absolutely love, love, love that song! However when I listened, some of the lyrics spoke to me in a much different way. The 2nd verse goes, "Take me as you find me. All my fears and failures. Fill my life again. I give my life to follow. Everything I believe in. Now I surrender." If you take the time to truly take those words in, you will see that those are pretty powerful statements to make! And if we say them with honesty and follow through actions, we may face situations that we never invisioned and we may have our faith tested. It is not a part of my theology to think that God caused my disease or that God desired to bring me the pain of infertility, BUT I believe that as these trials began He wanted to see how I would react. In all of it, it would be very easy to blame God for all of the pain and suffering in my life and turn and run away. The world we live in today seems to promote bitterness so I think that I probably could have gotten along by joining the "Bitter Betty" group. Or I could chose to look to God for strength, security, and refuge. I could chose to stand on faith. Now of course this is never easy and there are times where my faith has wavered and I could not see past all of my questions but I think it is in moments like these where we can stand and say "Take me as You find me" and He will provide all that we need to get through any trial we may face. The bridge of the songs says, "Shine your light and let the whole world see. We're singing for the glory of a Risen King." I think that it is once we've walked through these trials we are truly able to shine our lights and share with the world how God is Lord over all and He is our Savior and Redeemer and all of His promises hold true. These words may not speak to anyone else other than me today but I am thankful the my God is mighty to save and I know that throughout our adoption journey, He has been right there and for that I am thankful to be able to shine my light and sing for the power of a Risen King!

In Christ,
Jamee

Weaving Families: The Magazine Summer 2009

2009-06-03T06:56:00.001-07:00

This is an absolutely wonderful magazine & I encourage everyone to take a look! Weaving Families is an awesome ministry and this is their new publication! There is a wealth of information among these pages! Enjoy!

Weaving Families:the magazine Summer 2009

Shared via AddThis

Next Appoitment Date is Set!

2009-05-22T08:44:00.000-07:00

Our next (and hopefully final!) appointment is set for June 24th! It feels like forever away but we are so excited that there is light at the end of the tunnel! John has been busy in class all week (poor guy had a "speed week" class that has run him ragged) and I have been trying to keep myself busy around the house and getting back into some type of workout routine! We were able to enjoy a nice weekend away last weekend at the All-Star Race at Lowe's Motor Speedway (Sprint hooked us up with a fabulous weekend & I got to ride in the pace car!) so God has definitely gone before us to make the wait a little easier!

Jamee

Waiting

2009-05-17T20:50:00.000-07:00

Waiting...if you were to look up the word in the dictionary, you'd find a picture of Jamee and I...seriously!

We still can't give out details...but as you know we've been matched and are just waiting for one more step to be finalized. However, the timeline is beyond our control (shock shock!). I'm learning we've never "had control" of any of these things. It's funny: our concept of being in 'control.' The best way to be in control is to realize you're not in control, and all you can do is trust the only One who's in control (this being God of course).

Time is out of our control---and so we wait, with anticipation, with anxiety (hard not to be), with hope, with a longing inside to love a child we believe God has and will match us with. Keep praying... We are hoping that around the end of June/early July things will be done...but again, time is not in our hands...:D
Until next time...

Match #3!

2009-05-02T17:06:00.000-07:00

We have been matched! We can't give alot of details at this point but we are really crossing our fingers that the third time is the charm! We will know more within the next couple weeks! There are A LOT of unspoken requests on this one so please keep us in your prayers!

God Continues To Provide

2009-04-27T08:20:00.001-07:00

So this past weekend was slightly BUSY! We had a yard sale for our teeangers to raise money for their mission trips (in which we made about $1,000!). However, this is not what I wanted to blog about today. During our yard sale a couple from our church gave us some cool news. Our church has a softball league every year, and during their games they sell food/drinks for everyone. Jamee and I were informed that all proceeds made during the entire softball season will be donated to help us with the adoption process! God continues to provide in so many ways! Slowly but surely, the huge cost of adoption continues to get smaller and smaller!

I do not pretend to understand why everything is happening the way it is. I still question why Jamee is not allowed to ever be pregnant...I still wonder "what if..." about many things...but amidst all of this God continues to put the pieces together, and the picture is only getting clearer as time goes on...I look forward to seeing the "final picture" once it is complete...

*John

God Provides!!!

2009-04-12T19:31:00.001-07:00

We got some great news in regards to the financial part of adoption this week! We recieved two interest-free loans totaling $10,000 this week! We will pay these back in full when we get our "tax credit" next year, but the adoption agency still needs to get paid before then...so this helps a lot! Now we've only got under $6,000 to go!

No other news to report in addition to this really. We are still waiting. God has really helped us continue to heal and move forward since our last experience (see "tough news" blog below). Again we know things will work out in God's time...and we eagerly await that day. Until next time...

*JOHN

Moving Forward

2009-03-26T08:55:00.000-07:00

Yesterday as I was driving in my car I heard a song by Steven Curtis Chapman called "Cinderella." I don't like/dislike the song honestly, but I think it's a beautiful song from a father to his daughter (if you don't know the story, you should check it out). I was singing along and automatically had thoughts of the baby girl Jamee and I thought we were going to adopt, so I turned the radio to another station. I am not "ignoring" these thoughts but I honestly just couldn't listen to the song at that moment.

As I was praying this morning I prayed for this child and thanked God for the healing He has brought to Jamee and I. I prayed that God would provide for her in a way that honors Him best. We truly have made good progress as far as moving forward. Only with His strength and the loving support of family/friends are we able to do this!

Keep praying for us---we are in touch with some companies about grants/non-interest loans to afford adoption. God continues to provide for us financially, spiritually, emotionally, etc... He cares about every part of who we are...we are living proof. I know deep in my soul that the day will come when we become parents and when it happens, we will be able to look back over what we have gone through and be in awe of how God has guided us throughout this journey. Until next time...

*JOHN

Tough News

2009-03-11T08:57:00.000-07:00

Jamee and I wanted to let everyone know about what's happened over the past week or so (though it's hard to summarize). We were matched with a birthmother last Thursday (March 5th), meaning she picked us to adopt her daughter. She then gave birth on Saturday, March 7th to a baby girl named Raylee. Things were moving fast! Monday the 9th, we along with the birthmother signed papers that said after 7 days the child would officially be ours and would take on our last name. The mother is given a 7-day window where she can change her mind and revoke the papers.

We have been back and forth to the hospital (in Morganton-45 minutes away) each day since Saturday spending time with Raylee; helping feed her, change her, etc... (she was born 5 weeks pre-mature so she was in the special care unit being watched). However we were informed last night that the birthmother has changed her mind, and will be moving out of state to join her family who will help assist her in raising Raylee.

So now you know why we've been non-existent over the past week :) We ask for your prayers through this difficult transition. We know that God has a plan for us and cares for us...we know God is great deep in our hearts, regardless of what happens. We obviously have heavy-hearts and are grieving through this process and just ask for your prayers...thank you.

*JOHN

Indescribable

2009-03-10T12:02:00.000-07:00

There are no words that we could come up with that would be any better than the words of Chris Tomlin:

Indescribable

From the highest of heights to the depths of the sea

Creation's revealing Your majesty

From the colors of fall to the fragrance of spring

Every creature unique in the song that it sings

All exclaiming

Indescribable, uncontainable,

You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.

You are amazing God

All powerful, untameable,

Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim

You are amazing God

Who has told every lightning bolt where it should go

Or seen heavenly storehouses laden with snow

Who imagined the sun and gives source to its light

Yet conceals it to bring us the coolness of night

None can fathom

Indescribable, uncontainable,

You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name

You are amazing God

All powerful, untameable,

Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim

You are amazing God

Indescribable, uncontainable,

You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.

You are amazing God

All powerful, untameable,

Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim

You are amazing God

Indescribable, uncontainable,

You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.

You are amazing God

Incomparable, unchangeable

You see the depths of my heart and You love me the same

You are amazing God

Need prayers tomorrow at 10am!

2009-03-04T08:19:00.000-08:00

We have a very big meeting scheduled tomorrow with our agency! We can't go into too many details (we don't many to start with) but we would greatly covet your prayers that everything goes smoothly tomorrow! It is also John's birthday so we're hoping for a really good birthday surprise!

Trying to stay occupied

2009-02-19T13:24:00.000-08:00

In order to keep from going crazy (or, um, crazier) I have thrown myself into researching cloth diapers and oh my word there are such cute ones out there! They have come a long way since I was a kid! So I am really looking forward to using them! And thanks to sites like this one it makes it more affordable to start our stash! We've also shopped here and here and found great deals! We've also shopped at Etsy.com also has the cutest custom covers and other accessories (if you have never checked out etsy.com before you are totally missing out!).

Besides researching cloth diapers, nothing major has gone on in the adoption world. We have sent in grant applications so we are waiting to hear back from those. We also got word of when our spring workshop will be. Other than that the last week or so has been really frustrating as the wait has been pretty draining but we know that it will all work out in God's time. It's just tough to not be anxious sometimes but thankfully our Sunday school class has been doing a study on choices and the last one was making a choice to trust and not be anxious which has helped. Hopefully we'll hear some good news soon!

New Blog Page

2009-02-17T10:55:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone...just wanted to put in a plug for my own personal blog page. It's just a place where I reflect on how my faith interacts with my everyday life (which obviously includes parts of our adoption process!). Check it out sometime: www.johnzbc.blogspot.com

Adoption updates...honestly we're just waiting. If you are into praying, please pray that we do better at having patience:) Easier said than done...we realize it's out of our hands and that God is in control of all things...however, it is still a difficult process

Great day!

2009-01-31T17:11:00.001-08:00

We just got in from our parenting conference in Concord and it was great! Well, 3 out of the 5 sessions were great. The other 2 weren't horrible. The information was good but the speaker was a bit of a snooze. So we felt really great about the information that we picked up from this conference.

Today was also a great day because we registered at Babies R Us! It was so much fun! Completely overwhelming but still great! We are making the move to become more eco-friendly so it was important for us (me mostly) to look for organic or otherwise eco-friendly products. We are also leaning towards doing cloth diapers. They have come such a long way from when I was a kid! So I am very excited about learning all of these things!

And the last piece of awesomeness of the day was that we received our wall art to go over the crib! We were looking for something to go above the crib and I asked a friend of mine if she had any ideas of what we could do as she's very gifted (she's getting her website up and running so soon you'll be able to check it out here!) So we got our package yesterday and we got it put up today! It is so amazing! I almost started crying when we got it all put up and I sat on the bed looking at it. She is an amazing artist & I can't thank her enough for helping us create the nursery for our baby!

The economy affects adoption too

2009-01-30T05:58:00.001-08:00

We had recently sent in our application to ABBA fund that provides adoptive parents with a 0% interest loan for adoption expenses. In short they provide the money upfront for the pending tax credit and once the tax credit is received it is given back to the ABBA fund. Anyways, it seems that the economy has hit them too and currently they are not able to provide funds for any adoptions. They said that they would give us a call when everything is back up and running and they also made sure to tell us that if we get a placement to call them back and they would take our case back to the board in hopes of being able to help us out. So, we have felt a little defeated the last day or two. It seems that we are stuck on a treadmill--we are working really hard, just not getting anywhere. So we spent last night filling out grant applications in hopes to receive at least a little help with the remainder of the costs.

On the good side though (as there always has to be at least some silver lining), we completed our online courses through Adoption Learning Partners (http://www.adoptionlearningpartners.org/) and they were amazing. We took the Journey of Attachment, The Conspicuous Family (transracial adoptions), and Missing Pieces (dealing with the grief and loss associated with adoption). We really enjoyed them and felt like we learned alot plus they provide great lists of resources.

We are also attending a parenting conference this weekend in Concord, NC put on by Weaving Family Adoption Services and are excited to get away, even if its just for one night. We will definitely post what we've learned when we get back!

Oh and just in case you didn't see the note above, we have reduced the cost of our tshirts to $10!

Updates

2009-01-27T07:53:00.000-08:00

So we've been a little slack about posting updates because we're basically just "waiting." However we do have some updates...

We sent our photobooks off to the agency---this is what the birthmothers will be looking at as they consider who they want to adopt their child. We also finished some online adoption courses as a requirement from our agency. These were very insightful and helped us gain even more wisdom to become the parents God wants us to be. AND...we are within weeks of being able to pay our placement bill (while is several thousand dollars)...God has truly blessed us and provided for us!

ALSO---IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN PURCHASING T-SHIRTS FROM US please let us know...we have PLENTY of shirts we need to get rid of...we can even negotiate lowering the cost ($20)!

Until next time...

Let Me Sleep A Little Longer...

2009-01-07T10:58:00.001-08:00

Last night I had a dream...it was the typical dream where not a whole lot makes sense, you know? Anyways, I was on my way home in the dream and Jamee had a surprise for me. When I arrived home, she was holding a baby girl in her arms...it was our adopted child. I went over to the child and could literally FEEL the emotions in my sleep flow through me...then I woke up.

I woke up wishing I could have slept just a little bit longer. I woke up wishing my dream were true...I know in good time it will be.

Updates: we have finished our photo album for our agency (though we have some editing and re-ordering to do). That's exciting! The birth-mothers will view this when they start looking at our agency. And Jamee and I are both back in school for the semester, so things are busy! I'm already looking deep into what I have to do this SUMMER...where has time gone! Man!

Until next time...

Nursery Progress!

2008-12-18T18:20:00.001-08:00

Here are the pictures so far:

We are still on the search for some pictures and things to go on the walls but other than we're really happy with the way it has turned out!

In other news, we have also finished up our profile and it is currently under review by our agency and it we get the ok, all systems are go towards getting our profile book into the hands of potential birthmothers! So we are still working on filling out grant forms and selling our tshirts. I can't believe we've come so far already!

Beautiful Video

2008-12-17T13:23:00.000-08:00

**Warning: This is a tear-jerker so have some tissues handy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhqJYOYcnAU

This song was written by Christian recording artist, Mark Shultz, who was adopted, for his birth mother. I hope that one day our child will be able to say these words!

Our homestudy is APPROVED!!!

2008-11-19T05:37:00.000-08:00

When I checked the mail this morning, we had a letter from our agency saying that our homestudy was APPROVED!!! Yay! The end is in sight! Next up will be getting put on the waiting list and having our profile put on the website for potential birthmoms to see! In order to do so, we have got to pay the program fee ($5000) so if you know anyone who would like to buy one of our tshirts, please let us know!

Jamee

Our almost placement

2008-11-10T06:35:00.000-08:00

Exactly 12 hours ago we got a call from our agency stating that they had a baby that had just been born this weekend and they thought we were the perfect match. So of John & I of course went crazy trying to get things ready as we were suppose to drive to the agency this morning and meet up with our caseworker before driving to the hospital. We kind of got a muffled voicemail late last night (like midnight) and the only part we could understand was that the mom was having a really hard time. This was confirmed this morning. The mom changed her mind and decided to parent (which in all reality can be a very good thing--even though it may not feel like it). My heart is broken and I feel so empty. I would have never imagine that I could feel so much joy and so much hurt within a 12 hour span. John & I cannot even begin to imagine how much more it would hurt if we had been any more emotionally invovled, as in being matched for several months and then having the mom change her mind. So we are still taking the day off to be together. If anything we now have our crib. Its also a good thing that walmart does returns (now we can take this stuff back and still search for things we love instead of things we just need to have. More than anything, we are so glad to know that God is still in control and He still has a plan. This baby was not the baby that He has chosen to be OUR baby. While it hurts, we feel comfort that only our Father can give. We are also thankful that the call came this morning before we were on the road or even worse, that we had not gotten to see or hold the baby before the mom changed her mind. So we are going to take the day to reflect, cleave to one another, and praise God for being our Comforter, Guide, and Provider and rest in the knowledge that our child is still out there. We continue to appreciate everyone's thoughts and prayers.

Jamee

Our house is a wreck

2008-11-07T06:46:00.001-08:00

But I am so loving that it is because we are making progress turning our office/guestroom into a nursery! Holy cow! We have moved our desk/computer downstairs to the living room so its crazy to see that space open knowing that a crib will be there shortly! We still have some stuff in there that we are hoping to sell on Craigslist but hopefully that won't be there too much longer (if anyone is interested in a PB coffee table or dresses let me know! LOL). We are purchasing our crib mattress this weekend. My parents are bringing down our crib at Thanksgiving. Every day I am just amazed at how God is working to make our dream of parenthood a reality! As stores have started pulling out all of the Christmas items it has really hit me that this will truly be our last childless Christmas! We've had the same wishes for the past three years but unless something goes crazy wrong, this is it! We will have a baby Miller by this time next year! Words can't express all of the emotions I am filled with! Psalm 37:4 states "Delight yourself in the LORD; And He will give you the desires of your heart" and I am learning more and more each day how God holds fast to this promise!

Updated Tshirt Information

2008-11-01T19:16:00.000-07:00

We are overwhelmed by the awesome response & support we have received from our family and friends in regards to our tshirts! If you are interested in purchasing a tshirt, please send us an email at 517butterfly@gmail.com and we can hook you up :) We are asking for a $20 donation and if you would like us to ship your tshirt to you, we ask for an additional $5 to cover shipping costs. We currently have these shirts in sizes S, M & L. If you would like an XL please send us an email and we can work with getting these shirts made! Again we are so incredibly thankful for your support throughout our journey and we are so thankful that God gave us such an amazing group of family & friends!

T-Shirts are here!

2008-10-31T04:57:00.000-07:00

We were very excited to be able to pick up our t-shirts yesterday! They turned out better than we even imagined! When we designed these, we not only wanted to bring in adoption awareness, but also how at the heart of our adoption is the knowledge that through Christ's precious gift on the cross, we are able to say that we are proudly adopted into God's family through His sacrifice. If you would like a t-shirt, we are hoping to sell them for $20 (we could also ship for an additional $5). Again, we thank you for your continued support & prayers!

Tears in Walmart

2008-10-27T04:55:00.000-07:00

We finished up our homestudy on Saturday with our home visit. It went great and she let us know again that she felt like our placement will come alot quicker than others who have been waiting for several months. We talked about the workshop and I mentioned how we were told to start buying the basics to keep on hand. I asked her when we needed to start doing this such as after our homestudy has been approved or once our names have been put on the waiting list. Her response was "If you are going shopping today, I would pick up some diapers and formula!" We were a little shocked (and excited!) so yesterday when we were in Wal-mart we made a trip to the baby section and stood and stared at all of the choices of diapers and formula! So we picked some out and put them in our cart and we both froze. We were actually buying diapers and formula for OUR baby! So we both got a little weepy eyed and we hugged and took in the moment. It was a very special moment and probably one I will never forget.

Jamee

Workshop #1 Complete

2008-10-21T08:27:00.000-07:00

So this past weekend was slightly busy...I had my individual interview on Friday, then Jamee and I had an all-day workshop on Saturday from 9am-3pm. This is one of two workshops that is required for us to complete through Christian Adoption Services. So, we're making progress! It is starting to really hit me that we're moving along, and I am beginning to "daydream" a lot more about being a father...scary and exciting! I am beginning to wonder about the basic things like how patient will I be? How much sleep will we get? :D How will school impact all of this? etc... I am really wondering especially after a comment our social worker made to me during my interview. She said, "I have no doubt that it will not take long to get you guys a placement." Meaning, she doesn't think we will have to wait long for a child to come....which could be in a few months, or another year...again, it is out of our control, and is solely in the hands of God....

So we are making great progress. Again, if anyone wants to simply donate a few thousand dollars, feel free to do so:D

COMING VERY SOON...we are in the process of making T-Shirts to sell to help raise money for this process of paying for adoption. Check back soon...

John

Homestudy News!

2008-10-04T16:58:00.000-07:00

John & I had our first homestudy meeting yesterday at CAS! By lunchtime I thought I was going to hurl from being so nervous! We were both definitely anxious as we drove to Matthews and searched for the agency but we made it in one piece (thankfully). Our caseworker immediately made us feel completely comfortable. She let us know to not be nervous and that they are not on a witch hunt or asking questions merely to judge us but instead are asking questions to get to know us better in order to make the best match possible. The meeting lasted longer than I expected (2 1/2 hours) but was very beneficial. We went over all of our forms and answered any questions that she had about our responses as well as had casual conversation about various topics that came up throughout the interview. She answered alot of the questions we had about open adoption and legal risk. We also scheduled our remaining 3 visits! I go for my individual interview this coming Friday (Oct 10) and John has his individual the following Friday (Oct 17) which is right before our parenting workshop so it works out good since we're spending the night in CLT anyways! And then our home visit is Oct 23 and our homestudy will be over! I had absolutely no idea it would go so fast! I was expecting 2-3 months not 4 weeks! She asked how quickly we would be ready to be matched and that definitely made it all sink in! She gave the example of if our homestudy is approved by Halloween and by some remote chance we received a placement by Thanksgiving if we would be able to take it! I think my heart stopped when she said that! Of course, the only thing that would be stopping us would be finances (you have to send a $17k check once you except placement and we aren't quite ready for that yet!). So we are both overwhelmed and completely excited! We could officially be "paper pregnant" by the end of the month! We will keep you posted (as usual)!

Jamee

Kleenex Please...

2008-10-01T09:12:00.000-07:00

So I came into my office this morning and noticed a box of "Kleenex" tissues on my desk. I thought, "I don't need these on my desk," so I put them in some drawer. I'd need them sooner than I thought...

I got a call just a few hours later from a woman I've never met, encouraging me and praying for Jamee and I through the adoption process. She heard me speak this past Saturday at Upward Soccer and got my work number from someone (I spoke during halftime and shared the struggles Jamee and I have been through, and how we're trusting God through it all). I find it funny that here we are, two days away from my first home study, and I have so many thoughts running through my head about planning, finances, etc...and God gives me a simple reminder: "I've got your back."

So I got my Kleenex tissues I stashed away earlier because you know when you get emotional, our noses do lots of fun stuff (grooooooss)...:D

Thank you God...you don't have to encourage me like you did today, but you did. I am so easily distracted and so easily run off course...yet you stay consistent and never leave my side...how can I not love a God like that!?!?

-john

Very Exciting Day!

2008-09-29T19:03:00.000-07:00

Today has been a very exciting day for John & I! For starters, we ordered our nursery bedding last week and it arrived today! It is even better in person than in the pictures! We are so excited! I can't wait until we are able to start getting everything set up! Our other exciting news is that our homestudy starts this week! On Friday we have our first meeting with our case worker! HOLY COW!!! I am just overwhelmed with how good God is and how He's already got everything all planned out! Thank you God for being so amazing! We will be sure to update at the end of the week after our meeting! Keep us in your prayers on Friday at 4pm!

Another Step Behind Us

2008-09-22T20:27:00.000-07:00

As of today, we sent off our 2nd round of paperwork:D Hopefully this means that after our class in October, a month or so after that we'll be preparing for our HOME STUDY. Sweeeeeet! I can't believe that by the end of this year, we could be that far along in the process. Too bad, too bad:D (note sarcasm)...

Time truly is flying by. We've been so busy with school and work lately...by the time I take notice of the calendar it's time to change to the next month! Yikes! Anyways...I will attempt to sleep now. Fantasy Football has been keeping me up later than usual (and making it difficult to pay attention in class!)...

john

God is so awesome

2008-09-13T16:12:00.000-07:00

I was posting about this experience in my personal blog today and felt led to post it here as well. Today I talked to a dear friend about the miracle of adoption. John and I both coached her son in Upward Soccer (he was on my team one year and John's the following year) and her husband is also a pastor and has worked with us in different ministry opportunities and they are just amazing people. John and I both feel so blessed to have crossed paths with them. After they had their son, they spent many years trying for a second child unsuccessfully. Last soccer season, we talked together many times about the heartache of infertility as well as adoption and in April of this year her husband was telling us about their journey after a youth event. Well, I saw her in Wal-mart today so we stopped and chatted. She let me know that they had a new daughter! They went through DSS and were shortly matched with a little girl! They picked her up from the hospital and she is now 4 months old! I was so excited for them! But here is where the story is just too awesome for words. She said that after church one Sunday a man in their congregation came up and said that he just felt led to pray with them. So after they prayed he said that he had something on his heart but didn't know if he should tell them. They urged him to proceed and he said, "I've just had this constant urging that you are going to have a little girl named Faith." They thought it was a pretty name but they had really wanted to use the name Isaac for a boy and Elizabeth for a girl (as the name Elizabeth with symbolic of their journey to adoption). So time goes by and they get a call from DSS saying that they have got a baby coming into custody and they asked if they would take her. Of course they said yes so she and her friend ran to Walmart real quick to pick up some necessities and her friend told her that she just knew that they were going to have a girl named Faith. And here is the amazing part--they called from the hospital letting them know that they could come pick up the baby and to ask for baby FAITH ELIZABETH!!! Is that not crazy?! I was completely covered in chill bumps from head to toe! God is amazing how everything is so perfectly worked out. Even when people made bad choices, He can still use them to bring to bring blessings. As we are drawing close to the end of the paperchase and to the start of our homestudy, I am so encouraged by this and completely know that God will work out a miracle for us just as He was done so for this wonderful family. I am just filled with every emotion. GOD IS SO GOOD!

Jamee

my provider

2008-09-04T17:42:00.000-07:00

God: my provider
Just one of the many names for God that means so much to me. I know we have a ways to go with adopting, but already I am blown away by how God is providing for us! Jamee mentioned in her message that we have our first "class" next month (on her b-day oddly enough!). Financially I'm always wondering "how are we going to do this?" Yet slowly but surely, God is giving us the means to save up in our adoption account (for instance, we're set to pay for the home study! and we're putting aside funds monthly to save up)...I know years from now, I'll be able to look back and say, "wow, look at how God did this and that." I can't see but so far down the road, but I don't have to...because my God has the plans all mapped out, and I just have to keep walking...

Ok, I'm done blabbing...I'm in class again...I need to blog more while I'm in class on Thursdays to stay sane, so stay posted:D

JoHn

First Workshop Scheduled!

2008-09-01T12:06:00.001-07:00

We got the news this weekend that our first adoptive parent workshop is scheduled! Yippee! So I will be spending my 27th birthday learning how to be a good mommy :) John and I are just so excited to see progress! We have sent in almost all of our supportive paperwork. John is finished with his autobiography and I am almost there! I was holding a baby at church last night and I couldn't help but think that we could be holding ours next year!

Jamee

Random Thoughts

2008-08-20T09:36:00.000-07:00

So I'm in my office at this very moment, and this whole adoption process is taking up space in my mind (as it does often). To my surprise, I believe I am being very patient through this whole process, because it truly is a long one. I got an email today from a fellow staff member of the diabetic camp I work at, and she has an adopted daughter from Peru (she's beautiful). Looking at the pictures of this little girl from Peru just got me thinking and really has my emotions stirred up today. Even as I type this I can't explain it, I feel tears filling up my eyes!!! I heard a quote from a movie called Facing the Giants that really describes how I feel best: "How can you miss someone so much that you've never even met?" This sums up how I really feel...I long for the day to be here where I finally get to meet this child, but until then, I will be patient...because that's all I can do. I'm learning so much about patience and trusting God, because often times that's all there is left to do.

Just thought I'd babble how I was feeling on here, since Jamee usually does the "blogging" thing :D For the record...my wife is amazing also :D

Formal Application going in mail today!

2008-08-20T07:10:00.000-07:00

Our formal application is going in the mail today as well as the bulk of our required paperwork to start the homestudy process! The only things left to send are our official birth & marriage certificates, my medical form, and our autobiographies! We are moving right along! So exciting!

The joys of the paper chase!

2008-08-08T10:06:00.001-07:00

John and I have found ourselves waist-deep in paper work but its so nice to say that there is progress! We should have our formal application and all our "support documents" in the mail to our agency by the end of next week! Yay! Next up with be the homestudy!

hooray!

2008-08-01T13:29:00.000-07:00

I know Jamee posted something already, but just wanted to add how freaking excited I am about our news today! Our first application was approved, and we now have 30 days to complete the next one in line! This means we're basically in the "system" at Christian Adoption Services! One step closer to being a Dad...scary, humbling, but the most exciting thing I look forward to ever! I know the road is still very long, but this is one "mile marker" we can put behind us...

If you're reading this please keep us in prayer...I finish my job at my current church (Calvary) this Sunday and begin working at another church here in Shelby Aug. 10th (next Sunday). So we have a lot of changes occuring around us while at the same time, trying to stay organized and focused on adoption stuff. Pray for us...we appreciate it

until next time

John

Our preliminary application was approved!!!

2008-08-01T11:16:00.000-07:00

We got our letter and formal application today! We are so excited! The application is huge and definitely leaves no stone unturned! We are very excited to move onto the next step! We will keep our blog updated as we move through our application!

Preliminary Application mailed today!

2008-07-09T13:08:00.001-07:00

Yay! We mailed off our preliminary application to our adoption agency today! Within 14 days we will know if we have been approved to move on to the next step! After the preliminary, there is the formal application followed by the homestudy. I can't believe this is really happening!

Link to our newspaper article!

2008-07-07T15:12:00.001-07:00

Here is a link to our story featured in the Shelby Star!

http://www.shelbystar.com/news/adoption_32208___article.html/couple_jamee.html

1st fundraiser a success!

2008-07-05T16:12:00.000-07:00

We were worried about the weather but God heard our prayers! The yardsale went great and we raised over $1500! We are so excited! We are now funded through the homestudy process (and once that is complete we can start applying for grants)! So about $2500 down, $21500 to go!

And a HUGE thank you to all of our volunteers that helped out today! We cannot express our gratitude enough!

Jamee

Finally...

2008-07-05T15:41:00.000-07:00

So, I decided to finally add something to our blog page (I'm a slacker...my bad)
This journey has been an interesting one. One of the ways I like to get through tough times, vent, etc... is through music. I was actually asked to write a song about "letting God be God." I thought...mhmm, this seems like a topic that's been on my mind a lot. I say this because with all of the choices Jamee and I have had to make this year, this is all we can do...let God be God, and trust Him. I have learned the meaning of Proverbs 3:5-6, when it says to not lean on our "own understanding, but to trust God with all our hearts." I have learned that I can not get very far with all we've gone through on "my own understanding." All I can do, is trust God...so...the song below is exactly about this line of thinking (in addition to Isaiah 55:8...go read it!!!)
ENJOY...

BIGGER THAN YOURSELF

so many questions, no easy answers
the future seems so far away
so many emotions, on this rollercoaster
I can't seem to get off, no matter what i say

bridge:
this burden is too great
give me your hand, i'll carry your weight

chorus:
my thoughts are not your thoughts, so why keep trying?
my ways are not your ways, so try dying
to yourself and let go...to yourself and let go
of your own understanding

i've tried to lean on, my own understanding
only to wind up on my back
i think it's time, to take hold of a new plan
to embrace these plans you have

you need something bigger than yourself
stop leaning on yourself
you need something bigger than yourself
throw your understanding to the shelf

by John Miller

Until next time...

Change of Plans!

2008-06-30T16:03:00.000-07:00

Our original plan was to pursue international adoption but we keep hitting road blocks. The more international programs we research the more problems we face. The three factors affecting us right now are: 1) age (alot of programs require parents to be 30), 2) marriage length (some require 5 years of marriage instead of 3), and 3) health requirements (we are sometimes disqualified becaues of John's diabetes or me being on anti-depressants for my fibromyalgia). So with alot of soul searching and alot of prayer, we have decided to puruse domestic adoption for baby #1. We hope we are lucky enough to be able to adopt a second child and by that point we should be able to fulfill more countries' guidelines for international adoption. A part of me is sad but I know it is all a part of God's plan and He has our child picked out especially for us. We are filling out our preliminary application this week! Yay!

Yardsale Fundraiser!

2008-06-23T14:33:00.000-07:00

Miller Adoption Yardsale Fundraiser!

Calvary Baptist Church

320 Old Boiling Springs Rd

Shelby, NC 28152

Saturday July 5, 2008

7am-Noon

Items will be sold by donation!

Drinks & baked goods will also be for sale!

All proceeds will help us achieve our dream of parenthood

as we embark on our international adoption journey!

Favorites from our Adoption Photo Shoot

2008-06-13T19:18:00.001-07:00

Here are a couple of our favorite shots from our pictures done at Daniel Stowe Botanical Gardens! We had to get some recent pictures done to include in our applications & dossier! Enjoy :)