Emeline is FOUR!

Emeline,

I can’t believe 4 years ago I was blessed with becoming a mother – your mother. It’s been the greatest journey I’ve experienced yet and I firmly believe these are the best years of my life. I could never, ever thank your birth mom enough for this amazing gift. I’ve never been happier or more fulfilled in my life and it’s because of her loving choice. You and your birth mom helped me find my place in this world. Motherhood was my calling - it’s been my greatest adventure. I’ve grown more and loved deeper in these last four years. You and your sister have been and will always be our absolute biggest blessings.

You, my little girl, are so amazing in every way. You are just a little bit different than all the rest. Just a little bit more special. You are full of life and energy, you exude love, wisdom and sometimes maturity far beyond your four short years on this earth. Your teachers, admins and founder of your school have all pulled me aside to tell me how much they love you, the conversations you have shared with them, and how you have touched them. Actually, you touch someone new every day. Even your dance teacher teared up telling me of a conversation you shared with her about your life aspirations while she took you to the bathroom. She told me, “Emeline wants to “get big”, become an adult, get married, have a baby in her belly, grow old and one-day (a very long time from now) die so that she can go to heaven.”. I teared up and beamed with pride as Miss Jessica told me this story and I had to document it for you.

You love learning. Sometimes when you get overwhelmed in social situations with too many people around, you sit back, watch, play alone and/or help someone in need of help. I find in these moments you are learning and growing in ways I could never teach you.  You love writing your letters, reading and learning any fun facts we are willing to teach you. You know some really funny tidbits like how a chicken lays an egg and where on an animal’s body your dinner that night has come from. You recognize your letters, knows theirs sounds and say you are teaching yourself how to read. Ha! I asked you if I could help and you said, “no thanks Mommy, I’ve got this”. You actually say that a lot. You have become so incredibly independent these day. And for that, I’m proud (and thankful!).

At almost four, you understand the circle of life, the difference between heaven and earth, and you have Jesus in your heart. Your school has really been an incredible resource for you in growing your faith. You have grown so much in this last year, it’s hard to truly comprehend. One minute your thoughts, conversations and wisdoms are so profound at such a young age and the very next you are running, barefoot and wild, oftentimes squealing, while playing with your sister.

You love deeply. Already kissing boys and telling friends you love them. Your love for me when you were born was something that felt so surreal I almost didn’t believe it, but as the years go by, your love runs deeper and our love for one another is something I’m proudest of in my life. I think, hope and pray we are forming an unbreakable bond that will surpass any hardship we may face together as you grow. You tell me you love me 100 times a day and when I least expect it, you kiss me and hug me often, and you still love to be held and cuddled. 

You look up to your Daddy and admire him in all the ways a little girl should. You love waking up early with him for your special alone time making breakfast before he heads off to work. And you love helping Daddy ‘work’ around the house. You really just love to help others. And that quality of yours makes you the sweetest big sister. 

Giselle admires and adores you and that adoration is mutual. At first I thought that was just how all sibling relationships looked like, but again, your love seems to run a little bit deeper. You two are thrilled to see each other first thing in the morning, give each other kisses on the lips before bed and as for during the day, you never part whether by my side helping me or playing. Somedays I feel like I’m raising the same child. If you love something, so does Giselle and if Giselle is interested in something so are you. I suppose that makes my job easier! You have made us proud with how loving and doting you continue to be with Giselle. You have become Giselle’s protector, always looking out for her safety (Giselle is clumsy!) and best interest. You two are truly best friends.

At four years old, you still love to make people laugh, you enjoy singing and dancing, playing with your friends, dressing yourself in your own style, princesses, PJ Masks (superhero show), picnics, park trips, ballet and tap, gymnastics, swimming, crafting, baking with mommy, reading and playing anything under the sun with your sister.

In my opinion, you are the best of everything good in this world and I love everything about your fiercely. I’m forever blessed to be able to share life’s ups and downs with you, show you the world and impart any and every wisdom I know onto your heart. I’m doing my very best and always will, in your birth mother's honor.

We love you more than you will ever know. And we couldn’t be more proud to be your parents.

Love you more,

Mommy, Daddy and Giselle

(Oskar and George, too!)

Giselle is 18 Months Old!

Giselle,

I wrote this letter to your birthmom and I think it's the perfect letter to save for your 18 month update. A dedication to your birthmom; the one who chose me to be your mommy. You and I wouldn't have this incredible bond if it weren't for her. Every day, for the rest of my life, in good days and bad, I will be forever grateful to her. I love you way, way more than you know, baby girl. But, you already know that. 

Love,

Mommy, Daddy and Emeline

(Oskar and George, too!)

Shelby,

I can’t believe 18 months ago you blessed me with becoming a mother of two. I’m an only child and because of your loving choice, my dearest dream became my reality.  Motherhood has been the greatest journey I’ve experienced yet and I firmly believe these are the best years of my life. I could never ever thank you enough for this amazing gift. I’ve never been happier or more fulfilled in my life and it’s because of your decision. Thank you for helping me find my place in this world. Motherhood was my calling - it’s been my greatest adventure and hardest challenge all at the same time. I’ve grown more and loved deeper in these last few years. Your loving choice has been and will always be our absolute biggest blessing.

Giselle has been such a gift, such a rare treasure. She radiates joy with everything she does and everything she is. This attribute of hers reminds me of you. We met once. And it was brief. But the sparkle in your eyes that I saw on that day, is the same sparkle I see in Giselle’s eyes every day. We know in our heart of hearts that she will grow to be a perpetually happy, joyful and positive person. Just like you.

She brightens every day with her mischievous grins and deep belly giggles. Everything is funny to our sweet girl. Tickles (really only slight touches) and her sister give her the deepest, uncontrollable giggles you can imagine. That sound is heaven on earth to me.

Giselle is still her Mommy’s girl and you will find her most often on my hip with those chunky thighs clinging on for dear life. I actually still wear our 27 LB baby in a baby carrier. She loves it and gives me the sweetest hugs while doing so. I may just carry her until she’s three if she keeps that up!

Giselle has a very timid side, but also a very silly side if you are lucky enough to witness it.  She only has a handful of people who she is truly is at ease around and will let look, talk and touch her comfortably. This number is growing quickly now, but we aren’t forcing her to interact in situations that make her uncomfortable. When she is shy, she hides that sweet face in my chest and we walk away if we can. If she’s feeling silly, she makes the cutest smashed faces on the other side of my washing machine door, she’s a mean dancer, the messiest eater I’ve been blessed to clean and a total klutz from the moment she started walking.

Giselle is one verbal baby. She’s only 18 months, but she can say up to four-word sentences already and has been for 2 months now. She has great communication skills and she’s a girl who knows what she wants! Oftentimes you will hear her yelling her requests, but with the sweetest ‘peas’ (please) at the end. And upon receipt, she always says, ‘tank you, mommy’. I remember her first four-word sentence was, ‘I wan caakie (cookie), mommy.’. You just can’t say no to that! She may be able to say four-word sentences, but our sweet girls still can’t say ‘yes’. Everything you ask her, she replies with a nod and a ‘no’. She’s a mess!

She has a fierce determination to learn. She repeats after me her ABC’s pronouncing every letter but W correctly. Repeats after me 1-10 saying every word correctly. She pretend plays already, has mastered her shape sorter, stacks all kinds of things around the house and loves to color and paint. I’m hoping soon we can start color sorting together. She knows all her main body parts now and absolutely loves to read. It’s one of our favorite things to do together as a family.

She wants to desperately be ‘big’ like her sister. Giselle admires and adores Emeline and that adoration is mutual. At first I thought that was just how all sibling relationships looked like, but their love seems to run a little bit deeper. They are thrilled to see each other first thing in the morning, give each other kisses on the lips before bed and during the day, they never part whether by my side helping me or playing. You’ll often find them holding hands while walking or riding in the stroller. Somedays I feel like I’m raising the same child. If Emeline loves something so does Giselle and if Giselle is interested in something so is Emeline. I suppose that makes my job easier! They are truly best friends.

Giselle is loving – so incredibly loving. She will stop what she is doing, run over to us and give us the biggest hugs that just melt you into a puddle. She gives kisses on command and keeps on kissing even when you ask for 5 in a row – guilty! Our laps and our arms never seem to be empty because our sweet girl loves to cuddle and we wouldn’t have her any other way.

Giselle loves playing babies; she the sweetest little mommy to all her dolls always kissing and cuddling them just as we do her. She enjoys swinging and sliding at the park, going on long walks/runs, loving on our dogs Oskar and George, reading, playing with musical toys, dancing, singing, playing dress-up and Barbie’s with her sister, Minnie Mouse, Elmo and eating – that might be her favorite pastime of all.

Giselle has such a kind heart and loving disposition – two characteristic of which remind us of you. We met you briefly, but those moments and those memories are imprinted on our hearts forever.  In my opinion, she’s the best of everything good in this world and I love everything about her fiercely. Mother-to-mother, I thank you immensely for choosing me to be her mother. Because of you, I can share life’s ups and downs with her, show her the world and impart any and every wisdom I know onto her. I’m doing my very best and always will, in your honor.

We love you more than you will ever know.

Happy Birthmother’s Day to you! I hope you feel loved, honored and celebrated, because you are. Everyday.

Love,

Ashley, Kris, Emeline and Giselle

Giselle is 15 Months Old

Dear Giselle,

Here we are... 15 months now... Daddy and I have been talking and we both agree that this age is our favorite age. You are so sweet and loving and nothing makes us more proud than to see the pride in your eyes as you discover and learn new things. Thankfully, we are blessed enough to teach you new things, support your interests and witness that glimmer in your eyes daily. 

You brighten every day with your grin and deep belly giggles. You are mommy’s girl, have a timid side, but also a very silly side if someone new is lucky enough to witness it, have a fierce determination to learn and be big like your big sister, you're a bit clumsy, a walking talking parrot repeating so much of what we say and above all you are loving - so incredibly loving. You will stop what you're doing, run over to us and give us the biggest hugs. Our laps are never empty and my hips seem to always have those sweet chubby legs around them. You still idolize your sister. She’s your absolute best friend. Anything Emeline is doing, you try to mimic. You love playing babies - you're the sweetest little mommy to all of your dolls, always kissing and cuddling them just as we do you. You enjoy swinging and sliding at the park, going on walks, loving on Oskar and George, reading, playing with musical toys, mastering your shape sorter, playing dress-up with Eme and eating - that might be your favorite pastime (still). You have such a kind heart and loving disposition that we know without a shadow of a doubt, you will be an incredible role model and big sister one day. I say that, because this month we submitted our application for our next Baby Simpson! One day, in the not too distant future, you will be a big sister. That baby will be so blessed to have your love and affection one day. I know we are. 

Here is a peek into your world from 13 - 15 months old:

• 13 Months, your favorite word was 'happy'. You would say, 'happy', 'happy', 'happy' over and over and over. That heart of yours is pure and joyous always. 
• 13 Months - As of December 14, 2 days shy of your 14 month birthday, you became a full fledged walker. A very clumsy walker that is, but an adorable marching baby girl. You have had a few spills, one in particular where your sweet nose kissed the concrete on a walk, but you are okay and have learned your body more and more each day. The doctor said you will be a little clumsy for awhile as you learn how to control your body. You are so tall and top heavy to boot, so it's a little harder for you sweet girl. I do my very best to support and protect you, but you are also striving to be so independent so it's a delicate balance for us both. We've got this!
• 13 Months - you can sign, milk, thank you, please, more, and eat. I think we'll leave it at that, because you are a talking toddler now. 
• 13 Months - You met your first crush - he was tall, dark and handsome like daddy. You even blushed when he approached you after noticing you were staring at him. It was hilarious!
• 13 Months -You love princesses and pulled off the most beautiful Cinderella I've ever seen for Halloween. 
• 13 Months - You love reading and be read to so much. I often find you sneaking away to your book basket and searching for the perfect read for that moment. When you want me to read to you, you say, 'a book'. We have books in every room and some in the car too because you are always perusing them. 
• 13 Months - you yell 'MAMA!' all day every day and honestly there was a time I never thought I would be a mama, so I embrace it and love every single 'mama' that comes out of you and your sister's mouths. 
• 13 Months - before you could walk, you grabbed onto my legs and held on for dear life as I walked around the house. I was your walker. 
• 14 Months - we celebrated Thanksgiving and your favorite part of the day aside from the yummy food was the Pie In The Face game. We have the cutest video of you getting a 'pie' in the face and you thought it was hilarious. It was. 
• 14 Months - You and your sister have been sharing so sweetly. She needs a little talking to every once in awhile, but you share with her every single time. That heart of yours...
• 14 Months - You met Santa and you were terrified. Absolutely terrified. You had hives from crying. Sorry baby...
• 14 Months - We saw lots and lots of Christmas lights this year and you were mesmerized. I loved seeing the magic in your eyes this holiday season. 
• 14 Months - Your second Christmas flew by in a flash, but it was so magical. I loved watching you figure out how to open presents and I so loved seeing the joy in your eyes as you loved every single present. Especially your babies. 
• 14 Months - The day after Christmas, we took you to California to see Daddy's entire family for the first time. You were timid and didn't really embrace them, so we made sure to have fun times with just the four of us while we were there so that you felt comfortable. I really thought you might open up to them, but you didn't. No pressure. Next time hopefully you will because they sure love you. 
• 14 Months - you had your first dentist appointment. You hated it and cried the entire time, but you did walk away with a healthy pearly white smile and clean bill of health.
• 14 Months - you are really loving learning animal noises and you can makes the cutest lion roar. It's raspy and deep and so adorable. You can also 'baa' like a sheep, 'hee haw' like a donkey, 'moo' like a cow, 'meow' like a cat and 'woof' like a dog. 
• 14 Months - You absolutely love sliding down slides with mommy. Even the steep ones we fly off of. The steeper, the faster, the more fun for you. You giggle with glee the whole way down. 
• 14 Months - You love playing dress-up with sister and you choose a princess outfit and tiara every time. Surprisingly enough, you keep the tiara on for a long time. Every time it falls, you have me put it right back on. 
• 14 Months - You have a favorite baby and it's the absolute creepiest baby I've ever seen, but you love her so. This baby sucks a paci and open and closes her eyes and even says 'knock knock' to which you repeat her. Of all the babies you could love, you choose her. We'll just go with it and let you be you. 
• 15 Months - You have learned to really not like the doctor. Those visits are hard for both of us. You cry uncontrollably from the moment we are put in a room until the moment they leave you alone. As soon as the doctor is done messing with you, you bury yourself in my chest and all is finally well in your world. Those are tough moments on my heart. You were kicking and screaming when you were being weighed and measured, so we are unsure of the accuracy of your numbers, but here they are - Weight - 25 lbs Height - 32"
• 15 Months - When you want to be held, you say, 'I want dow' and when you want down, you say, 'I want dow'. You can say up and hold me, but you prefer, 'I want dow'. I won't argue with you. You're right. I get you. 
• 15 Months - you have mastered your shape sorter and can put every shape in it's corresponding hole. We are so proud! You love this toy too!
• 15 Months - Your bond with Oskar has been strong from the beginning. One of your first words was 'bubba', then quickly went to 'Ockie' at 13 months and then a week later, you could pronounce a perfect sounding 'Oskar'. You yell his name from all over the house when you are missing him and he actually embraces your love and cuddles when you find him. 
• 15 Months - we baked jam together just the two of us for the very first time and you absolutely loved it. I try and make you and Emeline a part of my cooking as you both love it. Thank goodness to whoever invented the learning tower so that you can help at my level!
• 15 Months - your favorite word is 'no'. It's your answer to every question even when you mean yes. 
• 15 Months - You are my biggest helper in everything I do. You pull clothes out of the dryer for me and you put your silverware in the dishwasher already. You also mess up folded clothes and take everything out of the dishwasher, but the point is, you are right be my side as I complete every chore around here. You even like to wipe down the table with wipes. 
• 15 Months - Every time we give you positive reinforcement, you throw that little hand of yours up for a high five. It's my favorite and I hope you never stop. 
• 15 Months - you learned how to climb up the steps and go down the slide all by yourself at the park. Press repeat 15 times and that is our day at the park. 
• 15 Months - Giselle Laine, you have started quite a habit. Just about every time you take a bath with your sister or shower with me, you poop in the water. I will say, I'm ready for that phase to pass...
• 15 Months - Your speech is unreal. The amount of words you can say must be in the 50s. It's unbelievable how well you can articulate and how much you can say. Here are just a few, 'baby', 'bye-bye now' (don't know where you got that one), 'cheese', 'cheers', 'Eme', 'Mommy', 'Daddy', 'Oskar', 'Gee' (George), 'cockie' (cookie), 'sissy', 'up', 'hold me', 'milk', 'I want...', 'peas' (please), 'thank you', 'hi (insert mimi, poppa, mommy or daddy', 'uh-oh', and so so many more words. Will update as I can, but you are waking from your nap.
• 15 Months - You can now put two and three word sentences together and your favorite phrases are, 'I want milk', 'I want down', 'I want more' - you get it, you are quite demanding. But you do end your demands with a 'peas' and 'tank you'. 

I'm going to kiss your sweet 15 month face and count my blessings because you are one of my biggest and most treasure blessings in this life. You always will be. If you only knew the depth of my love...

Love you more,

Mommy, Daddy and Emeline

(Oskar and George too!)

Giselle is ONE Year Old

Dear Giselle, 

We made it. Can you believe it? Our baby girl is one year old today. I have huge lump in my throat and tears streaming down my face as I write this. My heart is just so full of love and gratitude for you and your birth mom. She chose us. We had the most beautiful year because of your birth mom. Because she entrusted us with your life. Watching you grow, learn and thrive day after day on this beautiful journey has been nothing short of incredible. You are such a gift. Such a rare treasure. You've been the best baby. Always sweet, always loving and truly always happy. 

I don’t want this time to pass. I don’t want my baby to grow up, but you must. I haven’t let a day pass me by that I don’t stop, breathe you in and think of your birth mom. It’s far too early for you to understand, but when we talk about adoption with Emeline, we tell both of you your story too. Emeline knows of your adoption story and she knows of your birth mom. And soon enough, you will be proud of your story just like your big sister is. We will always love and honor your birth mom in our home.We love her so much and think of her every day. We have this incredibly gorgeous and silly reminder of her tugging on our legs to pick you up daily. You are still happiest in my arms and I often think of your birth mom when holding you and when you feel an extra squeeze it's just for her. 

If I could summarize with just one word how this last year has been, I would simply say - joyful. You radiate joy; with everything you do and everything you are. You brighten every day. I know in my heart of hearts that you will grow to be a perpetually happy, joyful and positive person. Actually, your heart and soul very much remind me of your birth mom. We only met her once, but I feel like I've always known her. And from what I saw, I can only hope you grow to have her demeanor and outlook on life. 

And now, here’s a peek into your world at 12 months old:

• You LOVE music.  I read recently that babies were born to love music.  Putting your music on in the car instantly soothes you. You move to the beat, bob your head and clap.  We have recently started a Tiny, Tots and Tunes class and you have been having a blast. You bang your sticks to the beat like a pro, shake your shaker and wave your scarf around like the big kid
•  You are a bit shy. People love to approach you, tell you how beautiful you are and how big you are (we look ridiculous when I’m carrying you). Every time they do, you tuck your head into my chest until they leave. You’ve done this for months now and I don’t see you growing out of it anytime soon. 
• You are still a little explorer with a mischievous side - opening drawers that aren't baby proofed, playing in the dog bowls, unrolling the toilet paper, digging around in the snack basket of the pantry and picking things up off the ground you aren't supposed to have.  If you have something you aren't allowed and I take it away, you open your arms out wide, wave them up and down and smile because you think it’s all just a big game. 
• When I ask you for a kiss, you kiss me.  That big wide open mouthed kiss that I hope you never grow out of. Many times, I ask you to kiss me over and over and over and you are sweet enough to oblige. My sweet little baby.  
• You love playing with musical toys and anything your sister likes.
• You love and admire Emeline like nothing I’ve ever witnessed. The connection the two of you have and had from the moment you met is something I’m most proud of in this life. I know it will happen, but I just can’t imagine the two of you fighting. There is just so much love between you. 
• You are so great at mimicking us.  Whether it is a body movement, a noise with our mouths or even a word, you are so interested in everything we do and often times mimic us perfectly.  
• You have only six teeth still and have for 2 months now. Trust me, I’m not rushing this! But, you do have the most precious gap between your top two teeth that just melts me when you smile. 
• Some of your favorite activities besides exploring include: Swinging - it instantly soothes you and even puts you to sleep. We have this great spot for your swings under an old oak tree at our new house that we just love. Being tickled - you giggle, squirm and give us that look for more. Bath time - it’s always been a favorite for you and your sister. It’s part of your bonding time to splash about and play together.
• Your first word was ‘mama’, but you can now say, ‘dada’, ‘bubba’, ‘hi’, ‘hey’, ‘more’, ‘mimi’, ‘eyes’, ‘sissy’, ‘nigh-nigh’, ‘bye-bye’ and ‘mommy’. I can’t believe how early and how much you have been saying. Our house is never quiet with your ‘Chatty Cathy' sister, so I can’t be too surprised.
• You can walk while holding on to our hands for balance.  I don't think it will be long before you need no assistance.  You are obsessed with your walker right now and can push it all around the house.  You just need some help when you run into something.  
• You have been a mommy’s girl from the beginning. And I secretly hope you always will be (don’t tell Daddy!). Our bond and our secrets run deep. 
• Your favorite song is If You’re Happy and You Know It and your favorite game is Pat-a-Cake. See the trend? You love clapping. You even clap for yourself when you’ve done something commendable. Smarty pants. 
• You can also high five. We clap and high five for every new accomplishment. 
• You and Daddy have your own game of him blowing in your hair. We get the biggest giggles out of you when he does this. Makes my heart swell. 
• We have our own game too. Sometimes, I will be gazing at you being you and you look at me, lean forward and we bump heads. You’ve loved this for months and do it with Mimi too. It’s our moment of connection saying, ‘I get you’ during the hustle and bustle of our days. 
• Another game you play with Mimi and I is throwing your head in our chests. You think it’s hilarious. And it goes without saying, but so do we. 
• You love books and being read to. You’ve even started pointed at objects with me. You are especially interested in the books that teach facial features. You already point and say, ‘eyes’, but I know nose and mouth are coming soon. I have to say, you enjoy finger puppet books the most. Especially when ‘they’ tickle you! 
• You drink 2-8 oz bottles of formula a day, 3 finger food meals and 2 snacks.  You are such a great eater.  I think you eat as much as I do sometimes!  You will literally eat or at the very least try anything I put in front of you. Even those cauliflower mashed ‘potatoes’ daddy fed you the other night that came right back out. I don’t blame you with the texture on that one baby! I would say you favorite food is chicken. You love your meat!
• You sleep from 8:00 pm-7:30 am. Your nap schedule is still the same.  Your morning nap is 2 hours and your afternoon nap is 45 min to 1 hour.
• You are in size 18-24 month clothes and size 4 diapers.  
• Weight - 24 lbs 6 oz 
• Height - 30.5 in” 

I'm forever thankful for you and for your birth mom choosing us to live out the best days of our life with our sweet girl. We look forward to celebrating each day with you and watching you grow into the Giselle you were were always meant to be. You are pure joy. We couldn’t possibly be more in love with you. We love you more than you’ll ever know. 

Love forever and always,
Mommy, Daddy and Emeline
(Oskar and George too!)