Lindsay & and Chris' Wedding

I wrote a post last night but it disappeared!!

We had so much fun at Lindsay's wedding! It was perfect! We found out that Josiah is a party animal and loves to dance!! I think he is still recovering from dancing his bootay off!! He was such a hoot!! I didn't take any pictures with my camera but I did take some with my iPhone!

The day after

Ok I gave myself all day to have a little pity party!! My amazing aunt came and picked Josiah up so I could get a little bit of me time! At first I thought that was what I needed but it made me think too much and I was upset all over again. Josh took 1/2 day off which ended up just what I needed! We went and ate at Tokyo and then got pedicures! Yes, Josh got his first pedicure! He is probably going to kill me for telling y'all that!!! Ha! We went to pick up Josiah and headed to Target and TCBY!! I feel better about things! Don't get me wrong I'm still upset, but it has made me even more thankful for the people that are in my life! My family is my number one priority! If you are my friend you fit in this category because I would do anything for you too!! I am so thankful for my sweet husband that is my rock, my absolutely amazing son that could put a smile on my face no matter what else is going on and my little angel that will be born in a few months! I can't thank everyone enough for all the prayers, text and phone calls!

Just remember God is great all of the time!

Heart broken

I'm not even sure how to write this and I may not even post this. But today has been a very hard day. We were expecting a call from our agency telling us that our baby girl was born! The phone rang and I didn't recognize the number so I got super excited. I just knew they were going to tell us Ansley was on her way! But instead it was heart breaking news. The birth mother decided to keep her. It was a bittersweet moment. Bitter for us because we were losing a child that we were so excited about, but sweet because she is now able to live with her biological mother.

As adoptive parents We know there are risks that a birth mom could change her mind but we never thought it would happen to us.

When I got off the phone with our counselor I just cried! I asked Josh why God would put this baby girl in our path and then just take her away like that? Moments later he came back to me and told me he knew why. God knows that we have Josiah in our lives and Adalyn on her way so we have a lot to look forward to. Josh said that maybe God put us through that because He was trying to help another couple out that doesn't already have children, so they wouldn't have to hurt. I know God has a plan for every moment of my life. It doesn't make it easier because I have Josiah and Adalyn but I am so thankful for them and blessed that God has blessed us with them. I just continue to pray for that birth mom and baby. My heart hurts but I know this is the way it is supposed to be. We will grow stronger as a family because of this. I asked that you please pray for everyone involved.

Adalyn's ultrasound

Here are Adalyn's feet a few weeks ago!! Aren't they precious!! We get to see her again on ultrasound in a few weeks and I can't wait!!!!! The other pictures we got didn't turn out when I took pictures of them.

3 to 4 to 5 family members!!!!!!

Once upon a time there was a family of three. This family was about to adopt a sweet little girl in May/June which would make them a family of four! This family was so excited that couldn't believe it!b Well God had a little different script wrote for their lives and He blessed them with a number five member of their family! God really is amazing! I say that all the time I know! He has written our story and we are here on Earth trying to live by his ways. Keep reading to find out what God has in store for this family!

With that being said God has really been blessing us lately. As you all know we found out recently that we are going to adopt our sweet baby girl, Adalyn in May/June!!!!!!!!! We cannot wait for her arrival!! We are so blessed that we are able to experience this pregnancy! We get to go to doctor visits, see ultrasounds, and get details about our little angel! This is so special to us!

Since we are adopting in May we stopped being available to families at the agency we were going through. Since we were chosen by someone there was no reason to show our profiles to anyone. Well our plans are not the way to go...Gods plan is always the way.

The agency called us out of nowhere and said, we know y'all have already been chosen but we have a woman that is having a baby and we have no profiles to show her! She wants a semi-open adoption and the baby is bi-racial and we have no one to meet this criteria. I could NOT believe they had no one! I hung up with the counselor and I felt God tugging at my heart! I prayed and then talked to Josh. He said he felt the same way! We called the agency back to get more information because we knew nothing! I asked when the baby was due and she said "Wednesday"!!!!!! Oh wow!!!!!

We contacted Adalyn's birthmom and discussed it with her because she is our #1 priority and she was okay with it!

Did you get all that!? Whew!! We are having two babies!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And we can't be more excited!! They are going to be best friends!! Oh all the pink we will have to mix in with the blue, trucks, and tools!!! I asked Josiah how many sisters he wanted and he said Five!!!!!! (we had just went to eat at Five Sisters downtown!!). I told him lets start with two and we will see about the rest!!

I have a lot to get done!! The birthmom goes to the doctor today to see if she will be induced tomorrow! Please keep everyone in your prayers!!!!

It is such a God thing!!!!

Household Conversations

"Get those M&M's out of your nose" - Nicole

Josiah was crying the other night because he didn't want to go to sleep.  I say Josiah everything is okay just go to sleep now.  He said, "I can't mommy, I have tears all over my face." 

"Do NOT wipe your pee with your shirt, use toilet paper." - Nicole

"You eat your oatmeal and then it goes down your throat to your stomach and then it comes out as poo." A conversation I walked into between Josh and Josiah. 

Hearing Josiah tell the above conversation to a friend.  Hilarious.  Please Josiah don't tell that to a stranger...they may look at you a little wierd. 

Going through the drive thru the other day Josiah farted.  He said my booty stinks.  Josh pulls up to order our food and Josiah yells, "I FARTED!"  Oh boy, what have we created!!!!

Days Like Today

I love days like today.

We are still in our PJs!  It feels good when you have had a busy week and you get one day to just relax.

Josiah and I have colored, hammer nails, played with trucks and trains, cooked pretend food (and real food), cleaned up the kitchen and living room, and Josiah's favorite part...vacuumed!  Josiah's Pop-Up even stopped by to play with him!! :)

Days like today I try not to take for granted.  I try to play with my little man as much as possible because sadly enough...he will soon be way too cool to play with his momma! 

Are you enjoying your day?!

Bachelorette Party (2)

Here are some pictures of Friday and Saturday.

We had on the itinerary to play games Friday night since people were coming at different times of the night.  I printed out some Mad Libs for everyone to fill out.  Some of them were absolutely hilarious!!  I also made cute little cards for Wedding Pictionary.  We split up in two teams.  Team Bride and Team Groom.  Team Bride won!   I used words such as runaway bride, grooms cake, tying the knot, father-daughter dance, first kiss, preacher, bachelor party, etc. 

Here is Lindsay waiting on us to finish decorating!

Here are the girls playing Wedding Pictionary.  Something was funny!!!

Saturday we got up and Jenny and I made breakfast for everyone.  We jumped in the shower and got ready and headed to the malls in Destin.  We shopped literally all day long.  We ate some lunch at the Commons and shopped some more!  We were on a mission to find something to wear that night!

After shopping we headed home to get ready to go to dinner.  We had reservations at PF Changs at 7:30.  We told everyone they were at 7:15 though.....what can I say?  I didn't want to be late and with 15 girls trying to get ready it was bound to happen!!! :)  We were all ready and decided to take some pictures before heading to dinner.

PF Changs was delicious!  It was my first time eating there.  If you haven't eaten there go....NOW!!!  If you don't have one close to you....it is worth the drive.  Trust me!! 

After dinner we headed out on the town.  We went to a place called Howl at the Moon.  It has a little piano bar and it was a lot of fun!  They got Lindsay up on stage and embarrassed her a little!  I didn't want to take my camera in so I have no pictures...or maybe I don't want Chris (Lindsay's soon-to-be husband to see evidence)  Just kidding...we aren't that crazy...we are getting to old for crazy...

Sunday everyone packed up and headed home!  Except me and Lindsay.  Chris, Josh, and Josiah drove over and we hung out all Sunday and headed back home Monday afternoon!   :(  I was sad to see the weekend go by so fast, but that just means my bff is getting married REALLY soon!

This scripture was in a daily email I received and I thought I would share!

Bachelorette Party Decorations

This past weekend 15 of us girls packed a ridiculous amount of cute clothes/shoes, tons off food, and headed to Destin to have a fun time for Lindsay's bachelorette party.  We arrived to our beautiful house around 4:00.  Broke out all of our decorations and started putting things together to get the house a more bachelorette feel.  Here are a few of the decorations.  I had a few more pictures on my phone...but my sweet, sweet husband bought me an iPhone while I was away and I forgot to upload those pictures before I set up my new phone. 

I got these cute cups and put everyone's first initial on them with the cricut and vinyl.  They turned out super cute!  I thought this was a good idea so everyone would have their own cup the whole weekend!



We had cute signs on the front door and Lindsay's bedroom door.  I also had water bottles with labels that matched the wedding invitations.  They were adorable!!!  I will post a few more pictures from the weekend and give you the low down on where we went and what we did. 

Skinny Jeans

Give me the skinny (jeans). Just a few weeks ago I was saying no to skinny jeans. This was before my love for boots started. Pants were $10 at Forever 21 and then boots I got at Belk! Don't get me wrong I am loving the skinny jeans/boots but you will not find me in skinny jeans and flats. I cannot pull that look off!

Tuesday

Tuesday cannot get here fast enough!!

We are going to the doctor appointment to see baby girl!!!!  We are so fortunate that the birthmom is letting us go with her!!  God is amazing!!

Josh is going and so is my mom!! :)  It makes this experience even more meaningful than it already is (if that is possible) that we can be included in everything! 

For those of you that are curious...We are naming our sweet baby girl...

ADALYN GRACE

Josh and I have always loved this name and said when we had a baby girl we were going to name her that.  We talked it over with the birthmom and she said that Grace has a special meaning to her so we think it is perfect! 

Please continue to pray over all of us!  We cannot wait to see the ultrasound and see that sweet baby girl moving around!! :)

Addiction

I have mentioned this several times on my blog that I have an addiction problem. 

No its not to alcohol, or cigarettes or anything like that, its......

Chocolate

Ohh...its so good.  It just melts in your mouth.  I think about it all day long.  I think a lot of it is out of habit.  I am used to eating it so I eat it.  Does that make since?  Also, it runs in my family...if that is possible.  My mom's family loves sweets.  Sometimes I find myself eating it and think, this isn't that good.  Step away from the chocolate Nicole!

I gave it up in 2004 and didn't eat any of it until 2006.  I also gave up caffeine drinks in 2004 and haven't touched one since.  So why can't I quit eating chocolate.

I just want to stop eating eat. But I crave it!

Help!!!  Does anyone have any suggestions?  I will take any advice!! 

I think I may go eat some now....just kidding.  I already brushed my teeth and I am about to crawl into bed.  I have a busy weekend ahead of me!!



Wordless Wednesday

Here are a few photos I took on my phone the last two days!

Lindsay's Bachelorette Party Invitations

My best friend Lindsay is getting married in 18 days!!!!!!  This weekend is her bachelorette party that I am hosting with a few wonderful friends that are helping out so much!!!  I had to black out some of the information so it doesn't look as cute as it does in person.  I.ABSOLUTELY.LOVE the chevron design.  Click here to find out where on etsy I ordered these.  Erin did an awesome job on the invitations and was so sweet!  She had these to me so quick and I also ordered one other thing from her that I will show you after the bachelorette party!  Go check out her other invitations that she has!

We are headed over to Destin this weekend for a lot of girl fun!  There is 16 of us going!  There will be a lot of games, shopping, eating, and memories made!  Can't wait!!!  I will be posting more pictures and decorations that we made after the party, I don't want the little bride-to-be to see any of it before then!!!

Christmas Eve

I know I am late on posting about Christmas but I really wanted too, I just ran out of time!  Christmas works out perfectly!  We go to Josh's mom and dad's on Christmas Eve with all of the family!  This year it was even more fun than usual because most of his family is living here!!!  Here are the kids waiting patiently to get their presents!

Micha..

 Samantha

 Taylor

 Josiah (I think he looks huge in this picture!)

Cousin love!

My little family!

Josh's mom, grandpa, Aunt T and Aunt Charlie

We had such a great Christmas Eve if you missed our excited news we told our family click here!  Josiah loved opening presents and loved spending time with the family!  If my computer cooperates I will post about Christmas Day in a few minutes!!!



Big Brother

One of my biggest fears about adding to our family is Josiah feeling left out!   I'm not sure how he will be with me holding a precious little one.  Well, that was until last night. 

We took food over to our friends' house, Laura and Stan.  They just had the most adorable twins, Lilah and Colin.  We visited with them and Josiah played with their older son, Garrett.  The babies woke up a little while after we got there and Josiah was so interested in them.  It was so sweet!  He wanted to hold Lilah!!  He would softly touch her head and then kiss her forehead.  IT MELTED MY HEART!!!!  And gave me baby fever!!!!!!  I seriously almost cried...but I didn't want to look crazy so i held it in! Can't wait for our sweet girl to be here and see Josiah be a great big brother!

We are adopting AGAIN!!!!!

Josiah is going to be a big brother!!!!

As most of you know we started the process of adopting again a few months back.  We got the call and are so blessed be able to go through the process again!  God has a plan and it is better than we could have imagined!  We feel so blessed!!!!!

We thought Christmas Eve would be the perfect time to tell our families!!!!!  They are so excited for us!!

Here is Josh's mom and his whole family finding out

                                                   Here is my mom and dad finding out...

Here is my aunt and uncle and the rest of the family finding out on Christmas morning!!!

We are very fortunate to be able to go to doctor's appointments with her and get to see ultrasounds!  As of right now the due date is May 15th!!!!!!  This has been very hard to keep from everyone because we are so ecstatic!!! 

Please continue to pray for the birthmom, baby girl and our family!!!!!  God's timing is always the best and He knows exactly what He is doing!  As I always say...My God is awesome!!!!



Love him!

Im trying to figure out how to blog on my phone so please forgive the sideways picture!!

All About Josiah

• Favorite foods:  Noodles and soy sauce, rice and soy sauce, pears and peanut butter, peanut butter and jelly crackers (he loves to eat this with his daddy!), and lollipops.  Unfortunately for him, I try to be a good mom and he does not get this everyday.  We throw in a variety of foods.  This is just what he asks for every meal! :)
• Favorite Toys:  Mega Bloks, Hammer, and he is getting into coloring with crayons!  Coloring is my favorite thing..I may enjoy that more than he does and could possibly beg ask him frequently if he wants to color. 
• He is officially potty trained!!  Woohoo!  What a great Christmas present to us..and a raise since we don't have to buy diapers anymore.  He still has number 2 accidents every once in awhile but he is doing so good.  AND he still wears diapers to bed, but hopefully this won't last too long.  I will write a post on this later.
• He has been so good lately.  He doesn't throw major fits anymore just little ones.  Put it this way, I will actually go in a store now without the thought of me having to run out quickly because he is rolling around on the ground screaming.  Okay this probably only happened once, but it was once too many for this momma!
• He talks in full sentences and you can pretty much understand everything he says.
• He still is asking about Santa, Christmas trees, Christmas lights and baby Jesus!  It makes me so happy that he loved Christmas so much.  I look forward to next year!

Josiahisms

The other night we had a few friends over for NYE and we were all sitting around eating pizza.  Josiah stopped eating and said "mom, we forgot to say the blessing".  Nothing like a two year old putting you in your place!!!  He is the man!  So, we all stopped and said the blessing!

We have been talking a lot about baby Jesus around here since it was Christmas.  Well, once day I asked Josiah if he wanted a baby brother or sister one day.  He said "I want a baby Jesus!"

Today my mom and I were talking and I was about to say "shut the front door"  you know like the commercial says.  Well I didn't want Josiah to start saying it since he is Mr. Repeat these days so I said "close the front door."  He started saying "Shut the front door Granny, Shut the front door!"  It was too funny, but I think you had to be in the moment to realize how funny it was!

A few days before Christmas we were at Rachel's house baking with her family.  There were a few little girls 7-10 years old that played so good with Josiah.  He had so much fun!  Well, Christmas day Josiah went out to find his tree house that Santa brought him and he said the funniest thing.  It went something like this. "My girlfriends from Rachel's house come over and play in my tree house later?" 

Wait what?  Your girlfriends?

When did you start having girlfriends?  When did you start inviting them over to play in your tree house?

AND when did you start talking in sentences?

Please stop growing up so fast.  Can we have boys come play tag, and baseball, and football before you start having girlfriends over in your tree house?!!

Homeade Christmas Gifts

I decided to get a little crafty for a few presents this year.  I found both of these on Pinterest and change them up to fit my mom and Josh.

For my mom's gift I got a canvas from Hobby Lobby and painted it off white.  I then used my handy-dandy Cricut and cut out brown and red vinyl.  I loved the way this turned out!!

I found this cute idea and loved it.  You could make it way cuter but I started running out of time! (me a procrastinator? never!)  I bought 2 deck of cards at Target for a $1.  I used some extra ribbon I had to tie all of the cards together after punching a whole in each one of them.  I printed off my 52 reasons I love you onto address labels that I already had and then put the labels on each card.  Very easy and cheap but Josh said it was his favorite gift ever!

I know most everyone has Pinterest these days but if you don't, you don't know what you are missing!  Go now...check it out!