Officially Introducing...

Emeline Elise SIMPSON

For the last 3 months, Gladney has been a managing conservator of Emeline and at that time we had no legal rights to her.  However, we were able to make all medical and personal decisions regarding her care.  This part of the process usually takes 6 months, but any family Gladney feels is ready to finalize their adoption early is allowed to do just that.  The process happened so quickly, but we were always fully aware of how very lucky we are to be finalizing our adoption in only 3 MONTHS!  It's definitely not the norm.

On Friday, September 14th, we completed the final step in adopting Emeline and our journey to our daughter is now officially over.  She's ours in every sense of the word.  On Friday, September 14th, a judge declared us a forever family and Emeline Elise became what we have always know her as - a Simpson.

It was an overwhelmingly emotional day for me.  I cried tears of joy when we met with our attorney before the hearing, I cried tears of joy for every family I watched complete their adoption process and of course those tears were flowing as we made our promises to love Emeline forever.  We've all been through similar experiences and we've all fought harder than we've probably fought for anything else in our lives, to bring home our child.  To see this process complete and these families become whole is just such an awe-inspiring, amazing experience.

That Thursday night I had a special surprise planned for Kris. 

His parents had not yet met Emeline and we have not seen them since January.  So...

I planned a surprise trip for them to come see us and witness our adoption finalization!  Kris was shocked and so happy to have them there!

Friday morning we met with our birth mom for breakfast.  She hasn't seen Emeline since she was 5 days old. 

We witnessed such sweet moments between them.   It's always so good to see or hear from our birth mom.  She's family to us and we just love her so.  Without her, none of this would be possible. 

Emeline and Grandma Belinda

Emeline with both her Grandmas - she is one loved baby!

It was Adoption Day at the courthouse and the court room was decorated with lots of stuffed animals - at least one for each child.  

A look at Adoption Day

The start of our hearing!

I think we are both in shock that this moment is finally happening. 

She's always aware of the camera.  That's my girl!

Me staring at Emeline so no one sees my tears as Kris promises to be her daddy and love her forever. 

My turn to make my promises.  Let's just say it was hard to mutter the words...

Forever Family - 9.14.12

 The Simpson Family

Even Emeline was thrilled to become a Simpson!

She started sucking her thumb that day.  So sweet!

Celebrating lunch at Reata with our family and friends. 

Every time we went to Dallas/Fort Worth during our adoption process, we stayed at the Adolphus.  During our final stay, my sweet husband surprised me with flowers to commemorate the occasion.  

And again, every time we went to Dallas/Fort Worth, on our way home, we stopped for some homemade ice cream at Coopers.  Of course we had to stop again and bring Emeline.  Last time she was here, she was 5 days old coming home from the hospital. 

Such good memories. 

Finalizing Emeline's adoption was one of the single most important days of our life.  We are so thankful to our family and friends who made the trip to Fort Worth to be apart of our special day.  Each and every one of you are near and dear to our hearts and we are just so blessed to have had your support throughout our journey to Emeline.  It was a long difficult road, but our dream was realized and we couldn't imagine life without our Emeline.  I would walk that road a thousand times over just to bring her home.  

3 Months Old

Dear Emeline,

Here we are again...  One month older, one month wiser.  As far as we can tell, you are a wise old soul trying to grow up way before you should.  Slow down little one.  This time is precious and so are you.

Your personality is developing more and more every day.  And let's just say; you are a riot! You keep Daddy and I laughing all the time and well, when we laugh, you laugh.  Our quiet moments at home are no longer quiet, but they are filled with laughter just as a happy home should be.

Here's a peek into your world at 3 months old:

• You've mastered tummy time and have moved on to rolling over once I place you on your tummy.  If you don't roll over, you just hang out on your tummy, drool, drool some more and check out the sights.
• Speaking of drool - wow, do you like to drool!  And blow bubbles and put anything and everything in your mouth.  
• You starting sucking your thumb this month and it pretty much melts my heart the way your grip your nose and suck away.  I'm thankful that you finally found your thumb and we are no longer constrained by the paci. 
• You have to be one of the happiest babies I have ever met.  I know, I know...  I'm your mother and of course I think that, but really - I mean it.  You laugh, smile and squeal in delight ALL the time.  And well, as your mother, that just makes me want to squeal too.  When you’re happy; I'm happy.  That's just how it works. 
• You are quite the talker.  You have a voice and want to be heard.  You are also very passionate about whatever it is you might be trying to tell us - facial expressions and all.  You are still in the copy-cat phase and when daddy or I say something you try to say it right back in your own way.  Between your laughing, cooing and squealing, you are one loud little lady!  And we wouldn't change it for the world.  We love hearing you become your own person. 
• You are now able to grasp most anything I put in your reach.  Rattle, toys, blanket, mommy's necklace, mommy's hair (that one hurts!), etc.  You seem to have control over handling whatever may be in your tiny fingers too - straight to the mouth!
• You still love to stand and every day you get a little sturdier on your own.  I'm pretty sure at this rate you may run before you walk.  Your legs are just so strong.
• Every night we have a routine and the whole family seems to love it.  You and mommy splash around in the bath.  Daddy dries you off and changes you.  From there, we mosey our way on upstairs and all of us, even Oskar and George, cuddle up on the chaise lounge in your room and have story time.  Bed time is usually around 8 and we wake you up around 11 before we go to bed for one last feed in hopes of you sleeping through the night.  Sometime it works and sometimes it doesn't.  If you do wake up, you wake up at 5am for a bottle and you go back down until ~8am.
• Nap time has still been our biggest struggle, but I consider us so very lucky for this to be our only struggle.  You take 3-4 naps and they seem to last 30-45 minutes.  It's tough to get anything accomplished, but I sure try!  Besides, if you slept for too long, I would miss you!
• You are now eating a whopping 6oz every 3-4 hours.  And since we made the switch, boy have you grown!  Those 0-3 month clothes are quite snug in length.  Your weight however is still mostly stored in those adorable cheeks, but those thighs are starting to resemble the Michelin man.  I just want to eat you up every chance I get. 
• At 2 months, you were all about your hands.  Putting them in your mouth and sucking on those fists and fingers.  At 3 months however, you are all about those feet!  Grabbing those piggies or at least staring at them all the time.  Maybe it's those fancy shoes you tend to wear...
• You are fascinated by Oskar and George.  Staring at them for as long as they sit still.  You've begun to pull their hair, hit them with your spastic moves and they just take it.  They are quite fond of you too.  George just can't wait any longer for you to throw 'Mr. Squirrel - he still lays him on top of your head in hopes that you have mastered that skill.  They realize you are part of the family and they protect you just as they have Daddy and I all this time.  In fact, I think they are even more protective of you.  It's really sweet the way they have grown to love you and you them. 

At 3 months, you weigh ~13lbs. 

Thank you for being the light in our lives that we were missing.  You've given me purpose and you make our family whole.  I vow to never say, "I just can't wait" in hopes of savoring each stage of your life.  This stage is a special stage - you discovering you.  We will never get these moments back and I cherish each one.  I'm forever indebted to Daddy for allowing me to stay home with you.  This way, I won't miss a beat.  

We love you more than life itself,

Mommy and Daddy

(and Oskar and George too!)

I love you so

via Etsy

Emeline found her feet today.  Don't you just want to eat her up?!  She's irresistible...

Happy Anniversary!

Four years ago today, I promised to walk through life hand-in-hand with this handsome man. 

You are my lover and my teacher,

You are my model and my accomplice,

And you are my true counterpart.

I will love you, hold you, and honor you,

I will respect you, encourage you, and cherish you,

In health and sickness,

Through sorrow and success,

For all the days of my life.

I am yours

You are mine

Of this we are certain

You are lodged in my heart

The small key is lost

You must stay there forever.

And in those four years, we have experienced immense happiness and even deep sorrows.  But amidst our sadness, we found our sweet moments became even sweeter.  I can't imagine being on this adventurous life with anyone but YOU.  Our life story seems more beautiful by the day and I'm honored to share this life with you, Kris Simpson. 

Four years ago today was simply the best day of my life.  And everyday since has been a dream come true. 

Always and forever my love,

Ash