tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68928673836112389812024-03-12T21:01:55.571-07:00Creating While WaitingWhitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03073181050222573360noreply@blogger.comBlogger250125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6892867383611238981.post-62140780076869799582013-03-18T20:06:00.001-07:002013-03-18T20:27:45.564-07:00John and Lora are Hoping to Adopt!<p><a href="http://johnandlorablog.blogspot.com/"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Screen Shot 2013-03-01 at 10_27_38 AM" border="0" alt="Screen Shot 2013-03-01 at 10_27_38 AM" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_vsf06LLb_o/UUfWOaBk0oI/AAAAAAAACaE/1TgGIsvxISw/Screen%252520Shot%2525202013-03-01%252520at%25252010_27_38%252520AM%25255B5%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="640" height="121"></a></p> <p>Lora is Spencer’s cousin and she and her husband John are some of the kindest people. When we were first beginning the approval process, they had us over for breakfast and we talked about adoption for a couple of hours. John and Lora were blessed to find their sweet little Maya through adoption. </p> <p>We learned so much from their perspective and experience when we were first starting out on our own journey. Now, John and Lora are hoping to adopt again. </p> <p>Please take a moment to <a href="http://johnandlorablog.blogspot.com/">visit their blog</a>, <a href="https://www.itsaboutlove.org/ial/profiles/25536075/ourMessage.jsf">take a peek at their adoption profile</a>, or maybe share their information. </p> <p>Lora is hosting a <a href="http://johnandlorablog.blogspot.com/2013/03/media-blitz-bonanza-2013.html">month long adoption bonanza</a>, where she will be sharing adoption information, factoids, and challenges. So far she has written about: their families adoption journey, adoption etiquette, and all of the requirements to be approved for adoption. </p> <p>Lora is an excellent writer and I think you will learn a lot by reading her words. I asked her if I could interview her about her adoption experience, and she graciously agreed. </p> <p>Could you give us just a quick intro about your family? <p><em>Quick intro: John and I have been happily married for seven years. He always tells people he fell in love with me at first sight and then took a year to convince me. :) John is a black belt in Taekwondo and works as an engineer at a Utah-based company. Lora taught elementary school for five years before staying home with Maya. She loves scrapbooking, photography, blogging, and reading (you can literally always find a stack of books on her night stand). Maya is our energetic three-year-old. She loves to play with friends, run, jump, and be a mommy to her dollies. We just started her in Taekwondo, and I do believe that she is the cutest Little Dragon I have ever seen, ever!</em> <p>What were the hardest moments when you went through the adoption process the first time? What were the best? <p><em>I think the hardest moments during our first adoption was the waiting. Always the waiting. There is no control in waiting. The best moments were meeting Maya's birth parents and then then having them choose us while her birth mother was in labor. We had two days to get ready for a new baby, and they were the craziest, busiest, happiest, most exciting days ever. It was like taking nine months of pregnancy and condensing it into two days (crazy emotions included).</em> <p>What was something you didn't know about adoption, or maybe a misconception you had about adoption before you adopted Maya? <p><em>Before adopting Maya we were crazy, stupid scared of open adoption. We just couldn't fathom how it would be ok to still have contact with the birth family after placement. Now that we have Maya, we understand. The birth family is an important part of who she is, and we wouldn't want to loose that. It's also fun to see traits that Maya shares with her birth mother and father.</em> <p>I'm always on the hunt for good adoption literature, do you have a favorite children's book about adoption? <p><em>I don't actually have any children's books on adoption. *Gasp!* I am hoping to write one myself. :)</em> <p> <p>You talked a little bit in one of your recent blog posts about adoption etiquette; how do you encourage others to use positive adoption language (especially in front of your daughter)? The older my kiddo gets, the more I think about ways to respond to inappropriate adoption questions. I would love to hear your input.</p> <p><em>I think the best way that we can encourage positive adoption language is to talk about it, blog about it, and use it ourselves. I also go to local high schools and middles schools to give an adoption presentation in connection with FSA, and that is one of the topics that we discuss. I love it! I get to teach for a day about a subject that I am passionate about. I think the best solution that John and I have found to deal with inappropriate adoption comments is a sense of humor. I am pretty sure that 99% of the time people say something inappropriate or offensive it is unintentional because they aren't familiar with the intricacies of adoption. I just know that we are going to encounter comments, situations, and conversations that a typical family wouldn't have to deal with (especially since Maya doesn't look like us). We also plan on being very open with Maya about adoption, so that she can grow up understanding her story and how to respond to comments she might get.</em> Describe your open adoption relationship. <p><em>There is a whole spectrum of openness. Some adoptive families only correspond annually, while others see each other on a weekly or daily basis. John and I enjoy an open adoption with Maya’s birth families. We e-mail them frequently, post regularly on our family blog, and visit in person a few times a year. When Maya's birth parents come to visit, their parents (Maya's birth grandparents) usually come too. This girl is very loved.</em> <p>Do you have any adoption role models? <p><em>Adoption role models? Hmmm? I admire any adoptive couple that can stay positive through the hard moments and the waiting. I also really admire our friends and family who have embraced this new culture along with us and have tried to understand our sorrows and joys connected with adoption.</em></p> <p>Thanks so much for sharing, Lora!</p> Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03073181050222573360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6892867383611238981.post-17140240352747763132012-10-01T14:55:00.001-07:002012-10-01T14:55:37.904-07:00Pick Your Pumpkin<p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KMbSTCHPIcA/UGoQ3qI67lI/AAAAAAAACXw/L9326JlsPZQ/s1600-h/013%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="013" border="0" alt="013" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-sT91bSEKIOI/UGoQ8IEmgmI/AAAAAAAACX4/EO3YtzVRCU0/013_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="427"></a></p> <p>I decided that we needed some new fall decorations, so I made a happy little batch of pumpkins and dressed them up with tulle, doilies, and pearls. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-fGVFYk_sg2M/UGoRAZdqctI/AAAAAAAACYA/hqu4pSoOJsE/s1600-h/015%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="015" border="0" alt="015" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-aFpNidEPsl0/UGoREeNFTCI/AAAAAAAACYI/FKI8FAZ2kAw/015_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="427"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-iNutmX4vev8/UGoRG8V9KtI/AAAAAAAACYQ/M-Fy9xbsTFA/s1600-h/017%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="017" border="0" alt="017" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wtfwHavD2iI/UGoRI3AHGVI/AAAAAAAACYY/LCQ_UK4sAq8/017_thumb%25255B10%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="427"><br><br></a>Right now they live on top of our piano. Which still needs some work to get it up to its full festive potential. But it’s a start. <br><br><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-38KMp0_AMr0/UGoRND7YrRI/AAAAAAAACYg/6XX6Zyz0FlU/s1600-h/011%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="011" border="0" alt="011" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Cdt8duvYkfY/UGoRPSwYeOI/AAAAAAAACYo/PucjAUXkn5U/011_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="427"></a></p> <p>My punkin’ with the punkin’s. <br><br><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1kSiyVcnwek/UGoRSUfYMcI/AAAAAAAACYw/bWrNUgrSReE/s1600-h/003%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="003" border="0" alt="003" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vTBMXn3YWcc/UGoRVafWS9I/AAAAAAAACY4/5drDYsVDO30/003_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="427"></a></p> Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03073181050222573360noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6892867383611238981.post-22287503139050302062012-09-05T12:37:00.001-07:002012-09-05T15:40:57.561-07:00Help Them Find Their Baby: Daniel and Christy<p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5tCfZT7KsUo/UEepT8fswsI/AAAAAAAACVQ/qKKFXu8-9Jo/s1600-h/IMG_0089%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="IMG_0089" border="0" alt="IMG_0089" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-uLae9iU4Dlw/UEepWhSgDGI/AAAAAAAACVY/3Bmd8-7T4Kc/IMG_0089_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="427"></a></p> <p>If you wander around Daniel and Christy's house you'll find some big clues about what it is they love and do.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1SGb64xwn9I/UEepXgOmE7I/AAAAAAAACVg/ao4cfm68MfE/s1600-h/0903122%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="0903122" border="0" alt="0903122" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8noUwZJciCE/UEepYuq_f-I/AAAAAAAACVo/aH6dOfE80rc/0903122_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="221"></a></p> <p>You'll find TONS of books, many of them seem to feature Star Wars, drawing, and photography. Up in a cabinet, sit a stack of 12x12 scrapbooks that chronicle the last nine years of their life together with everything to camping trips, family get-togethers, and Disneyland adventures to photographs of quiet moments and journal entries about life's big questions.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-EXcxvBGAuMc/UEepd58RwEI/AAAAAAAACVw/Vybwy819c30/s1600-h/0903121%252520%2525281%252529%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="0903121 (1)" border="0" alt="0903121 (1)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ntrlR9CSIJE/UEepiPs8K5I/AAAAAAAACV4/3AZeFT4oPJ0/0903121%252520%2525281%252529_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="327"></a></p> <p>In the hamper, you'll likely find a lot of running clothes in exactly Christy's size. Running shoes are tucked under the left side of bed.</p> <p><br>There's a green bag that usually hangs out near the living room couch with sketch paper, pencils, and watercolor paints. Some of the best drawings have Daniel's initials and the date in the lower right hand corner.</p> <p><br>In the hallway there are tennis balls rolling around and sometimes a few muddy paw prints near the back door.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-K8EhDJv3MEw/UEepjjCDL8I/AAAAAAAACWA/Rkx8CHyPWVg/s1600-h/0903124%25255B14%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="0903124" border="0" alt="0903124" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-O-Pf3uFtXD8/UEepkf1huWI/AAAAAAAACWI/mNl4EpsKWeo/0903124_thumb%25255B21%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="281" height="333"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FdJz2kODsAM/UEep23v5xDI/AAAAAAAACWY/BBkMDuHH-Tc/s1600-h/0903121%252520%2525281%252529%25255B22%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="0903121 (1)" border="0" alt="0903121 (1)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-kKYG77cU3Eg/UEep3n72-jI/AAAAAAAACWg/h3oFhlPS5EY/0903121%252520%2525281%252529_thumb%25255B27%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="285" height="310"></a></p> <p>You'll also find a nursery. It has children's books with colorful illustrations on a shelf and little onesies tucked away in the dresser drawer. There's a rocking chair with a handmade quilt hanging off the back near the window. It is perfectly still, no evidence of used burp rags or an runaway pacifier. It's clear this room is waiting for someone special.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-AdEFkl0WSiU/UEep4ax1RWI/AAAAAAAACWo/TfFR28bR9Sc/s1600-h/0903126%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="0903126" border="0" alt="0903126" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XxpCBngX8Jg/UEep5eAbMFI/AAAAAAAACWw/XKeC8txXkKU/0903126_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="221"></a></p> <p>Daniel and Christy are eagerly waiting for the blessing of adoption in their lives. There are so many things that this family loves, but they would love nothing more than a sweet little baby to welcome home. Daniel and Christy can't wait to see what new little clues will be left around the house as that little one grows!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-y1M91uMEhb4/UEfU624arzI/AAAAAAAACXU/UcAnG5pEkCg/s1600-h/dc_adopt_web%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="dc_adopt_web" border="0" alt="dc_adopt_web" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4r8aCAohc4I/UEfU9pwQssI/AAAAAAAACXc/7-612qaw3oU/dc_adopt_web_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="237"></a></p> <p>Please stop by their adoption website <a href="http://amalg.us/">here</a></p> <p>Or take a look at their profile <a href="https://itsaboutlove.org/ial/profiles/26470857/ourMessage.jsf">here</a> </p> <p>Their adoption video is SUPER cute, so be sure to check that out while you’re visiting their website. </p> Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03073181050222573360noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6892867383611238981.post-42552388738365605892012-07-10T20:31:00.001-07:002012-07-10T20:33:35.329-07:00Our Wish Come True Page<p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-soIzgTrnWCo/T_zzXOU5saI/AAAAAAAACVE/QfF2iY6He3I/s1600-h/004.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="004" border="0" alt="004" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-udRBTf6ycG8/T_zzYSJ4PuI/AAAAAAAACVI/r1MEXY7l9v4/004_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="550" height="552"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FOwB3m4Flp0/T_zzZWCea5I/AAAAAAAACUk/yvSvKsVF8Y4/s1600-h/0076.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="007" border="0" alt="007" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qePzQ6huBDE/T_zzaV5pEUI/AAAAAAAACUs/bV4Y7_kum4w/007_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="650" height="433"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3Vt89tpsdgM/T_zzdFhMv7I/AAAAAAAACU0/LLWbtW-Lnec/s1600-h/005.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="005" border="0" alt="005" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-s0fpvPkxY6Q/T_zzgzlpHNI/AAAAAAAACU8/DBRSKt9Gnmc/005_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="650" height="430"></a></p> <p>Here’s another page from Mason’s baby scrapbook. </p> <p>Believe it or not, we actually got those fortunes the day Mason came home from the hospital. Crazy huh? It had been the longest, most amazing, spiritual, difficult, beautiful, joyful, EMOTIONAL day ever. I’ve decided not to share too many details beyond that about placement day.</p> <p>But I will say that when we left the hospital with Baby Boy, we were elated. I rode home in the backseat so I could look at him for the entire car ride. He was perfect. </p> <p>We stopped and got dinner before going to Spencer’s Mom’s house (where we were staying until paperwork cleared and we could return to our home in Idaho). I had been too excited to eat much all day (I’ll be honest, the past couple of days) and we were both starving. So we grabbed some Chinese food. </p> <p>I am not superstitious. I don’t believe in fortunes. But I do believe in tender mercies. And I did find the messages to be a happy little coincidence. We HAD Just witnessed a miracle. The greatest of our lives. And our dearest wish HAD <strong>finally</strong> come true.</p> <p>And now here we are three months later, and I’m watching our little miracle sleep. Our family is so blessed. </p> Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03073181050222573360noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6892867383611238981.post-17251145229240255672012-06-14T16:23:00.001-07:002012-06-14T16:23:28.103-07:00April Page<p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-SwdBkbmiLzk/T9pyQkxSBII/AAAAAAAACTs/tbPcLMuFXPA/s1600-h/April%252520best%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="April best" border="0" alt="April best" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7VbtWUcd5MU/T9pyU4bH7UI/AAAAAAAACT0/lIAlZKq1QRQ/April%252520best_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="607"></a></p> <p>Another page for my little guy’s baby book! I love the photo on his announcement where he is winking because he does that ALL the time! Often and especially when he’s eating he’ll just open one eye. Silly boy. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-1udYw3RmYtY/T9pyYXM_v_I/AAAAAAAACT8/7-l_y82A9vg/s1600-h/april2%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="april2" border="0" alt="april2" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-z-9KqoVJqRw/T9pybQjmvMI/AAAAAAAACUE/8CNCqPbg8_Q/april2_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="427"></a></p> Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03073181050222573360noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6892867383611238981.post-74934425559331640212012-06-11T19:53:00.001-07:002012-06-11T19:53:21.221-07:00Photo Booth<p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-BrdRZP3FHLo/T9avEnOC0RI/AAAAAAAACTY/U4C2Gj4RHI4/s1600-h/photobooth2%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="photobooth2" border="0" alt="photobooth2" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-b8uDVA5kGvs/T9avHz6AufI/AAAAAAAACTg/k_0YTtFUgUo/photobooth2_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="200" height="931"></a> </p> <p>I love love love a photo booth! I am probably the last person in the world to discover this website, but it is super cool! I think my friend <a href="http://www.the-red-kitchen.com/">Katie</a> shared it on her blog a while back, but I couldn’t find the exact post it was in. Sorry Katie! I have been having waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too much fun playing with it since. So in case you were living under a rock like myself, I thought I would share it here too. <a href="http://laphotocabine.com/">Go take pictures!</a></p> Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03073181050222573360noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6892867383611238981.post-36765105111675341432012-06-10T20:46:00.001-07:002012-06-10T20:46:56.084-07:00Exquisite<p>You may or may not remember this photo. It was posted on this blog a long time ago (<a href="http://misswhit-tany.blogspot.com/2010/12/up-and-up.html">here</a>), but was taken long before that. In fact, it was taken over three years ago at this point. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XHNuHMnBQEs/T9VqDLhqXII/AAAAAAAACQI/_86gE8nfEYQ/s1600-h/up%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="up" border="0" alt="up" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-WXLiPmt7-cM/T9VqEXpRGnI/AAAAAAAACQQ/ScMy78DFsEU/up_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="427"></a><br>{<font size="1">Photo by <a href="http://www.lynleyj.blogspot.com/">Lynely</a></font>}</p> <p>I love it. It reminds me of my dear friend, Lynley. One of my most favorite people in the whole wide world. We have been through some pretty rough times together. In fact, when we had the above little photo shoot, there were a lot of hard things going on in both our lives. At that time, Spencer and I were just in the beginning stages of discovering that we may never be able to bear children. It was a heartbreaking time for me. </p> <p>But my sweet Lynley and I adopted a little motto to get us through. “Things are looking up!” We would repeat our mantra to each other every day. Even though sometimes one or both of us was hurting, we would remind each other that things would work out. We were going to be happy. Heavenly Father had good things in store. </p> <p>Fast forward three years. Spencer and I had just adopted our little boy. And as we drove around the town that I had called home some years earlier, I couldn’t help but marvel at where life had taken me. When we drove past the cheerful wall that had been such a symbol for Lynley and me, I begged Spencer to stop so we could get out and take a few pictures. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OUaqb3nU5fs/T9VqGck_fmI/AAAAAAAACQY/wRmW7oLP-SA/s1600-h/hot%252520air%252520balloon%252520wall%2525202%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="hot air balloon wall 2" border="0" alt="hot air balloon wall 2" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OU1qBIvheAk/T9VqHWq3J1I/AAAAAAAACQg/27MQSEPVigM/hot%252520air%252520balloon%252520wall%2525202_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="427"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7Ahyhs3yxqk/T9VqJ3Qmj7I/AAAAAAAACQo/VRGsaSzugLM/s1600-h/hot%252520air%252520ballon%252520baby%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="hot air ballon baby" border="0" alt="hot air ballon baby" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HEnXKsLKL68/T9VqLdbFDrI/AAAAAAAACQw/q-2jjd7BnNg/hot%252520air%252520ballon%252520baby_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="433"></a><br><font size="1">(Clearly Baby Boy was just as delighted as I was to be taking a picture in front of the hot air balloon wall :))</font></p> <p>I could have never known during my times of sorrow what joy awaited me. </p> <p> </p> <p>Just recently, I had two different friends share the same scripture with me. They were truly both inspired to have shared the same thing, because it is something that I have given a lot of thought to since. Thank you, both of you, for sharing your thoughts along with this scripture. </p> <p>Alma 36:</p> <p>19 And now, behold, when I thought this, I could remember my <sup>a</sup><a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/36.21?lang=eng#">pains</a> <sup>b</sup><a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/36.21?lang=eng#">no</a> more; yea, I was harrowed up by the memory of my sins no more.</p> <p><a name="20"></a><font size="3">20 And oh, what <sup>a</sup></font><a href="http://www.lds.org/scriptures/bofm/alma/36.21?lang=eng#"><font size="3">joy</font></a><font size="3">, and what marvelous light I did behold; yea, my soul was filled with joy as exceeding as was my pain!</font> <p><a name="21"></a><font size="3">21 Yea, I say unto you, my son, that there could be nothing so exquisite and so bitter as were my pains. Yea, and again I say unto you, my son, that on the other hand, there can be nothing so exquisite and sweet as was my joy.</font> <p>I had never before thought of this scripture in the context of my struggle with infertility. And now I will never be able to read it without thinking of my experience. <p>Exquisite. There couldn’t be a better word to describe it. <p>And I daresay that I could never have felt such pure happiness had I not experienced the years of sorrow first. The lows make the highs that much sweeter. <p>Of course I would have been happy had my little boy and I found each other right away. But I do think there are fewer moments together that I take for granted. Every single second together is a gift. <p>I think often of my friends who are still waiting. I wish I could tell you when your patience would be rewarded too. I feel like I haven’t talked as much about waiting lately. I wouldn’t want my words to sound trite because my wait is over. I realize that it is easy for me to say from where I stand now that things will work out. But keep looking up! They will! <p>Elder Holland <a href="http://www.lds.org/general-conference/1999/10/an-high-priest-of-good-things-to-come?lang=eng">said it best</a>. <p>“Some blessings come soon, some come late, and some don’t come until heaven; but for those who embrace the gospel of Jesus Christ, they come.” <p>And when they come, I know that you too will remember your pains no more. Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03073181050222573360noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6892867383611238981.post-38915578099557139502012-06-05T21:07:00.001-07:002012-06-05T21:07:33.462-07:001 Week Old Page<p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-tE1gRbMzErw/T87XO8M5EiI/AAAAAAAACNc/vRR7by3HReY/s1600-h/1%252520week%25255B21%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="1 week" border="0" alt="1 week" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-StVR9lJmPA8/T87XRN01OeI/AAAAAAAACNk/IO-VJmShrwM/1%252520week_thumb%25255B12%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="622"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6uQPFaYhtqY/T87XS7X3ZDI/AAAAAAAACNs/SjGBVTUOqoM/s1600-h/008a%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="008a" border="0" alt="008a" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rPdovQoTlPo/T87XUXrWFJI/AAAAAAAACN0/EeWDougTI8A/008a_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="427"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PYanH6nmn50/T87XWvwChzI/AAAAAAAACN8/6Y50jsPmAVI/s1600-h/009a%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="009a" border="0" alt="009a" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-CUKaxOXhPvo/T87XX80V8MI/AAAAAAAACOE/nWFKBu4Ns9A/009a_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="427"></a></p> <p>I have been having SO much fun lately working on my little guy’s baby scrapbook! I haven’t had lots of time to sit down and work for long stretches of time, so I’ve been stealing away to my craft room here and there when I get the chance. </p> <p>I still kind of really hate my handwriting. I don’t know how the heck my handwriting still looks like a sixth graders, but I am trying my very hardest to get over it because my family will probably one day appreciate my imperfect handwriting more than a perfect typed up journaling spot. That’s what I keep telling myself anyway. </p> <p>The other night I stayed up way late to work for a while, because I was having so much fun I couldn’t stop. </p> <p>It sure helps that I have such a cute subject matter to scrapbook.</p> <p>And he has continued to perfect that impish little smile of his. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5gPEoHVx8UQ/T87XZ8fyG-I/AAAAAAAACOM/27Esgpfl__Q/s1600-h/mason%2525201%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="mason 1" border="0" alt="mason 1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-R7D-3IxOxRM/T87XbC-up1I/AAAAAAAACOU/fQ3FUPHopDM/mason%2525201_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="427"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-86r0FIyT8_w/T87Xc9MrGdI/AAAAAAAACOc/qV5zwvMNNe8/s1600-h/025%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="025" border="0" alt="025" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-LMVQoTelVAQ/T87XeFtlMQI/AAAAAAAACOk/fI1SNd4oJUI/025_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="427"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-h7HLNMAB3aY/T87Xf_YU-eI/AAAAAAAACOs/py0QrAIrZVU/s1600-h/031%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="031" border="0" alt="031" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-krhHfb4zoas/T87Xg7aLL6I/AAAAAAAACO0/XGp53OJQRBQ/031_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="427"></a></p> <p>He’s getting pretty darn good at it. </p> Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03073181050222573360noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6892867383611238981.post-14174803449381799732012-05-21T16:48:00.001-07:002012-05-21T16:48:25.962-07:00Brian and Amanda: Help Them Find Their Baby<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-VVFMZ_MpuS0/T7rUAJNxS3I/AAAAAAAACMo/zkkfMdPPJKM/s1600-h/ba1%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="ba1" border="0" alt="ba1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HTkFZ_dv3gg/T7rUDMr-oFI/AAAAAAAACMw/S8pNYGo97iQ/ba1_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="700" height="468"></a></p> <p>Brian loves... chocolate chip cookies, browsing in a bookstore, taking drives through the country, nights with pizza and popcorn, breakfast for dinner, listening to music, drawing, playing tennis, the first day of the year that really feels like fall, when it snows on Christmas, and going out to eat with Amanda. </p> <p>Amanda loves... baking, pinterest, finding cute clothes for an awesome deal, Sunday naps, checking things off of a list, her beautiful cat, the smell of TIDE, getting a mani/pedi, diet coke with ice, a deep tissue massage, and going to the movies with Brian. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DrlUg9LYoKE/T7rUGaRrjnI/AAAAAAAACM4/xhWWx6opIYU/s1600-h/ba2%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="ba2" border="0" alt="ba2" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kw_2v5JmkR8/T7rUJSrSEuI/AAAAAAAACNA/75D8eOWgs4Q/ba2_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="576" height="768"></a></p> <p>We have been married for 8 1/2 wonderful years. We love and adore children and can't wait to have a family of three! After five years of trying to have a baby, our hearts are turned to adoption. We dream and pray for a little baby to come to our home. We know that through adoption, our dream will become a reality. We pray for our potential birth parents as well. That you may find peace and strength in whatever decision you make. We know that our perfect match is waiting for us. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nNcOiEWlEC8/T7rUPAq4IDI/AAAAAAAACNI/Xe3WFz95-9E/s1600-h/ba3%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="ba3" border="0" alt="ba3" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NZBeLTSYv2Q/T7rURlBwIwI/AAAAAAAACNQ/OAr58BzzuLQ/ba3_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="428"></a><br> <br> <br>our ldsfs profile: <a href="https://www.itsaboutlove.org/ial/profiles/27029319/ourMessage.jsf%20%20%20">https://www.itsaboutlove.org/ial/profiles/27029319/ourMessage.jsf%20%20%20</a><br> <br>our adoption blog: <a href="www.wewouldlovetoadopt.blogspot.com">www.wewouldlovetoadopt.blogspot.com</a><br> <br>our email: brianandamanda03@hotmail.com </p> Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03073181050222573360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6892867383611238981.post-52790083854250281222012-05-15T11:36:00.001-07:002012-05-15T11:36:46.205-07:00Family Photo Shoot: The Satkos<p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-DOw3rkgapBs/T7Kh1ksxeiI/AAAAAAAACK0/Uqu5KS3A-dw/s1600-h/s1d%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="s1d" border="0" alt="s1d" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6CdcoeLh6FA/T7Kh23RPsoI/AAAAAAAACK8/TxUvtpqPnlc/s1d_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="750" height="500"></a></p> <p>Take a look at this cute family! My sister and her family came to visit us for a few days. It was so fun to see them! Of course we had to take a few family photos while they were here. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-LkWAm5-kgb4/T7Kh4ZSogcI/AAAAAAAACLE/KeETQQ85tqU/s1600-h/s2b%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="s2b" border="0" alt="s2b" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2oMfqjZw0tI/T7Kh52mAwKI/AAAAAAAACLM/Y1NHkHBzPH4/s2b_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="700" height="467"></a></p> <p>My sweet little niece, Evelyn has discovered her toes. She kept poking her foot up in every picture. I love it though! It is so her! </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ok3OlECNrb4/T7Kh8I3BMpI/AAAAAAAACLU/5-FF-xbJtRY/s1600-h/se1%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="se1" border="0" alt="se1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XfSapVOHIzw/T7Kh-Ys80mI/AAAAAAAACLc/Abs49sMn1PM/se1_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="512" height="765"></a></p> <p>I love her dress. It’s so fluffy I’m gonna die!!! IT’S SO FLUFFYYYY!!! (10 points)</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jMyiBEyXVPk/T7Kh_-EoQfI/AAAAAAAACLk/kc5mJCp__as/s1600-h/se2%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="se2" border="0" alt="se2" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-v5XabYbYUCo/T7KiBB5CMrI/AAAAAAAACLs/HecGu7sTOXY/se2_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="427"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-22LkNGvHzs8/T7KiCZ2qeUI/AAAAAAAACL0/F9v6pC6HopU/s1600-h/me1%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="me1" border="0" alt="me1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hetgo1LCn_k/T7KiFrwxMfI/AAAAAAAACL8/bjUvng__4Ls/me1_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="512" height="768"></a><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4ZkkcoPDsRo/T7KiIdukwaI/AAAAAAAACME/3QX679v45Xc/s1600-h/s3a%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="s3a" border="0" alt="s3a" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-PQm061SUfIg/T7KiJ0MBZeI/AAAAAAAACMM/dA5IOzoa23E/s3a_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="427"></a></p> <p>I adore her smile. Pretty much, for Ev, smile = open your mouth as wide as you possibly can. Cutie. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-shn8zVk7f6g/T7KiMXTiIiI/AAAAAAAACMU/rzH67HXXj5M/s1600-h/s3b%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; margin: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="s3b" border="0" alt="s3b" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Tw4mppG3LN4/T7KiO6M7oXI/AAAAAAAACMc/nBEWufQdc3k/s3b_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="427"></a></p> <p>Thanks for coming to visit guys! We miss you already! </p> Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03073181050222573360noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6892867383611238981.post-60555530928527313302012-05-11T14:00:00.001-07:002012-05-11T14:03:46.583-07:00Little Artist<p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jZIYspVaXtU/T6193Wg-OEI/AAAAAAAACKo/gPE96HEWwF8/s1600-h/lil%252520artist%2525204%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="lil artist 4" border="0" alt="lil artist 4" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Un11jOZEGus/T6196GDMhLI/AAAAAAAACKs/kphBSWZCD90/lil%252520artist%2525204_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="427"></a></p> <p>I sure hope that one day he enjoys creating as much as I do. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-KStDvLa54R0/T6197yhoYsI/AAAAAAAACKY/7iRqHegzDMg/s1600-h/lil%252520artist%2525205%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="lil artist 5" border="0" alt="lil artist 5" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--f21MTUrCqo/T6199HPZ5jI/AAAAAAAACKg/Zp6VVcavR28/lil%252520artist%2525205_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="400" height="600"></a></p> <p>Oiu. </p> Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03073181050222573360noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6892867383611238981.post-31454976893693640172012-04-28T21:03:00.001-07:002012-04-28T21:03:07.698-07:00Don’t Ignore Infertility<p>So this week is National Infertility Awareness Week, and <a href="http://www.resolve.org/">RESOLVE</a> (an organization which promotes infertility awareness) is sponsoring a <a href="http://www.resolve.org/national-infertility-awareness-week/home-page.html">blogging challenge</a>. This years theme is: Don’t Ignore Infertility.</p> <p>I actually feel like <a href="http://www.misswhit-tany.blogspot.com/2011/04/infertility-myth.html">what I wrote about last year</a> was in line with this very topic. And as I re-read it, I have had a difficult time coming up with what I wanted to say. I sometimes worry that I harp too much on the best way to approach someone struggling with infertility. I wouldn’t want to seem bitter. Nor would I want to seem like I sit around waiting for people to say the wrong thing. I’m not. I don’t. </p> <p>I do think that infertility is just one of those trials that is hard to approach. Because it involves a couple’s intimate life, the subject becomes somewhat taboo. For that reason, lots of people don’t approach it at all. This makes it a very isolating experience. My hope is (by sharing my perspective as a woman who struggles with infertility) that I can help others who don’t have to experience this trial first hand know how to reach out to those who do. </p> <p>Infertility is excruciating. It is so hard to lose the baby you hoped for. It is hard to lose your fondest dream of becoming a parent, of creating a child with you sweetheart. Imagine it: one of the greatest gifts that God has given his children is to procreate. And you are not able to participate. </p> <p>Along with the obvious pain of being unable to conceive, there are more subtle losses as well. Those who struggle with infertility may struggle with identity issues. I was raised knowing that the most important role I would ever fill would be that of mother. Particularly within the church, parenthood is emphasized strongly and constantly. Rightly so, for there is nothing more important in this life than families. Of course the principles of righteous parenting should be taught frequently. But when you are unable to be the person you thought you would be, it can be difficult to know where you fit in. You are reminded continually that what you so desperately desire is just out of reach. And you worry that no matter how hard you try, you will always fall short of the person you were meant to become. </p> <p>And there is the loss of relating with your peers. Should you pause and really listen, you might be surprised to note just how often topics such as breastfeeding and toilet training come up when a group of women get together. Naturally these things would be discussed. When you are mother whose world revolves around her children, of course they would be the topic of conversation. I’m not saying that they shouldn’t be. But I am saying, I know what it feels like to sit and smile politely because I don’t have a labor story to swap. I know what it feels like to melt into the background when the conversation turns to how many children to have and when to have them. </p> <p>Infertility is a lonely road. The kindest thing you could possibly do for a friend who is struggling with infertility is to walk with them. Please don’t ignore them. Please don’t ignore their pain.</p> <p>Maybe you could remember to give them a hug on mothers day. </p> <p>Maybe you could tell them in a private, quiet setting that you are expecting baby #3. </p> <p>Maybe you could be mindful of the blessing you have been given to carry children. I think one of the most heartbreaking things a person struggling with infertility has to bear is listening to others complain about being pregnant. I understand pregnancy is difficult. By all means complain to your husband, mother, and other fertile friends. But please, oh please do not complain to someone who’s infertile about weight gain or morning sickness. I would give anything for that, and so would many others like me. Complaining about being pregnant to someone who struggles with infertility is like complaining of a broken leg to someone who is paralyzed from the waist down. </p> <p>Maybe you could tell them you are praying for them. </p> <p>These gestures are simple to offer, but HUGELY appreciated. No one likes to be ignored. </p> Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03073181050222573360noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6892867383611238981.post-59500938725675797142012-04-24T21:31:00.001-07:002012-04-24T21:31:05.838-07:00Where I’ve Been<p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VABxdCZgLvw/T5d97r_EMeI/AAAAAAAACJo/IjOwSwXH8C8/s1600-h/WB1%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="WB1" border="0" alt="WB1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5f1-NPWvZRE/T5d99bOWGaI/AAAAAAAACJw/rlZZibe1SN4/WB1_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="700" height="467"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-uprLTH2DWig/T5d9_dFqgdI/AAAAAAAACJ4/xSN6euRhOKY/s1600-h/WB2%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="WB2" border="0" alt="WB2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-m6ShIhzxJrU/T5d-CIVQxuI/AAAAAAAACKA/nXDKyc4DqOk/WB2_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="700" height="467"></a><br><font size="1">(Recognize </font><a href="http://misswhit-tany.blogspot.com/2012/03/chevron-table.html"><font size="1">those ‘shrooms</font></a><font size="1">?)</font></p> <p>Lately I have been snuggling with this little gnome. </p> <p>There simply hasn’t been time for much blogging. You see, the most alarming thing has happened. Since the moment he was placed in my arms, time has sped up. I can’t believe he’s three weeks old already. </p> <p>There doesn’t seem to be enough hours in the day to smooch that double chin and play with those little toes. Every time I look at him he’s different. </p> <p>All that waiting for his arrival has made me really want to relish each moment we have together. I have been really trying to focus on being present. On giving him my full undivided attention when I feed him, burp him, change him, or hold him. On enjoying the moments he’s wrapped up tightly in my arms or making cute little slurpy noises while I give him his bottle. Because I know they’ll be gone all to soon. </p> <p>Creating quilts or scrapbook pages or clothes will have to wait. Right now I’m creating memories. </p> <p>Things might be a bit quiet around this little blog for a while. But I do hope to write a post for National Infertility Awareness Week (which is going on right now). And I have been trying to record all of the details surrounding our sweethearts birth. You can read all about that <a href="http://www.spencerandwhitneyadoption.blogspot.com/">here</a>. </p> <p>I feel like I say this a lot, but I really do feel so grateful to all my friends who have shared the journey with me. We have felt so much love and support for our little family these past weeks. The well wishes, sweet little gifts, and encouraging words have meant the world to us. We just feel nothing but gratitude. Thanks so much for celebrating with us! </p> Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03073181050222573360noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6892867383611238981.post-49753763673092831222012-03-27T18:17:00.001-07:002012-03-27T18:17:32.478-07:00Chevron Table<p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kIwTDUtDf3g/T3JmbgeSM3I/AAAAAAAACH4/hNZLH7gvH4I/s1600-h/table1%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="table1" border="0" alt="table1" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3P2qOY94oT0/T3Jmc3XWlZI/AAAAAAAACIA/03Dbu3uoDuM/table1_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="600" height="900"></a></p> <p>So my sister gave me this cheerful little yellow table. I think she got it at a consignment sale, but decided it was taking up more room than it was worth. So I delightedly took it off her hands. </p> <p>It was originally solid yellow. The paint job was deceptively easy to do. I had the masking tape and leftover white paint from our <a href="http://www.misswhit-tany.blogspot.com/2012/01/hot-air-balloon-nursery-reveal.html">baby’s changing table and rocking chair</a> on hand. </p> <p>I made a couple quick charts to hopefully help you get what I’m talking about. So to create these stripes I started by drawing a light pencil dot in the very center of the table. I wouldn’t just eyeball it; I would measure. Then I created a grid pattern by spacing several more dots about 5 inches apart from each other. Like so:</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-DdUmu22zfIw/T3JmdUFWDkI/AAAAAAAACII/AeXaWCkYdyw/s1600-h/table2%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="table2" border="0" alt="table2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-nhfOOIoLlIs/T3JmeGTNOXI/AAAAAAAACIQ/adG_YaJPvFE/table2_thumb%25255B11%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="475" height="480"></a><br>It’s important that you start from the center so that your stripes are centered when you’re all finished. </p> <p>Then connect the dots with masking tape making a zig zag. Like so:</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xXCi68a13HM/T3Jme60Bl2I/AAAAAAAACIY/Dv_o76y5NV0/s1600-h/table3%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="table3" border="0" alt="table3" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qzils7-zO3Y/T3Jmf2A-1FI/AAAAAAAACIg/DgFjqiAevTw/table3_thumb%25255B7%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="482" height="480"></a><br></p> <p>Then, just fill in every other stripe. Keeping in mind that what is covered will be yellow and what is yellow will be white: </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Mhdp3Lzav7I/T3JmhUuy17I/AAAAAAAACIo/2FWqvLRNDFw/s1600-h/table1%25255B11%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="table1" border="0" alt="table1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-uf01Hc-GXsE/T3JmiTb79tI/AAAAAAAACIw/3bG0U_SAi_4/table1_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8WGhVZxdyVM/T3Jmj7bJ0zI/AAAAAAAACI4/8kJusE74G80/s1600-h/002%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="002" border="0" alt="002" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BVNq5_J_1bA/T3JmkopVhcI/AAAAAAAACJA/ICi-B09ajBc/002_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="480"></a><br></p> <p>I know the colors all wonky. I took this at night in my garage. But you get the idea. Oh, and I taped up the sides of the table too. The legs detached thank goodness. </p> <p>Paint. Paint. Paint. Un-tape. Enjoy. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4W1-9vuyubM/T3Jmmcz0Y1I/AAAAAAAACJI/ZzRmyAt9ZYc/s1600-h/table2%25255B17%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="table2" border="0" alt="table2" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rZB1TvbvCS0/T3JmnlHpdaI/AAAAAAAACJQ/AVyMZGiTjV4/table2_thumb%25255B18%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="700" height="467"></a></p> <p>Cute, no? </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WkIRTVQqxS8/T3Jmply4eQI/AAAAAAAACJY/pgnVVmfO_OY/s1600-h/shroom%25255B9%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="shroom" border="0" alt="shroom" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0piThVFyBEc/T3JmqZhON1I/AAAAAAAACJg/ZQT37Kd6_kY/shroom_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="427"></a></p> <p>Oh, and how do you like them ‘shrooms? I sculpted those for a little project I have coming up. But for now they look pretty cute just chillin’ on the table. </p> Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03073181050222573360noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6892867383611238981.post-14615688427167648522012-03-22T18:15:00.001-07:002012-03-22T18:15:16.875-07:00Hard At Work<p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-guxHKmfZPVU/T2vOiQqW-4I/AAAAAAAACHo/fDXso6mvU9U/s1600-h/006%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="006" border="0" alt="006" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HlG2MBCjiFc/T2vOoooizzI/AAAAAAAACHw/UAxX4w8aSM4/006_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="450" height="675"></a></p> <p>I have been SICK SICK these past few days, but am finally on the mend and excited to finish up some projects I’ve started. </p> <p>Spring is finally here and I’m so happy I can’t stand it. Laying with my humidifier and trusty ole bag of throat lozenges was pure torture when that sunshine was streaming through my window begging me to come outside and play. </p> <p>Lots of exciting things coming up, I can’t wait! </p> <p>In the meanwhile, here’s a picture of my man and my pup. Cutely sitting on the craft room floor probably reading about football or dinking around on Facebook. </p> Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03073181050222573360noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6892867383611238981.post-64138919309611001462012-03-20T09:51:00.001-07:002012-03-20T09:51:23.493-07:00Three Little Words<p><font size="3">Hi, everyone.</font></p> <p><font size="3">There are a couple things that will change your initial blog-reading thought process. First, this is Spencer, posting as an (I hope) honored guest. Second, this is not a gushy post about the phrase “I love you.”</font></p> <p><font size="3">That being said, I’m aware the small band of valiant readers who made it to this paragraph is a tiny minority of the group who started to read this post. I mean, what three words could a man possibly want to talk about? “Let’s watch football?” “I am hungry?”</font></p> <p><font size="3">No, the phrase is much less superficial than that. And actually, it’s one that <em>this</em> man has <strong>never</strong> said. But I have heard it come from others. Usually they’re women, and usually they are or have been pregnant.</font></p> <p><font size="3"><font size="1">(If you are thinking this is turning into a rant against pregnant women, please continue reading. This post is not meant to be anything of the sort. I would never do that).<br></font></font><font size="3"><br>Picture it now: a pregnant woman laboriously walking up stairs, or throwing up, or standing on the scale. Or maybe she’s watching a video of what exactly happens during childbirth. After an uneasy sigh, she looks at her belly and declares, “<em><strong>If</strong></em> I ever have any more kids after this one, I swear</font> <strong><em><font size="5">I’ll just adopt.”</font></em></strong></p> <p><font size="3">I’ll <em>just</em> adopt?</font></p> <p><font size="3">Really?</font></p> <p><font size="3">Have you ever heard anything sillier? I’m sure people don’t mean it in a rude way, but it’s not very amusing, either.</font></p> <p><font size="3">Obviously, the word that makes all the difference in the phrase is “just.” Saying you’ll “just” adopt implies at least one of the following 3 things:</font></p> <p><strong><font size="3">1. Adoption is easy.</font></strong></p> <p><font size="3">Clearly, anyone who thinks this has never had much experience with adoption. They have never made it through the approval process. They have never even begun the paperwork. They have never really researched the cost of an adoption. I dare say these people have never <em>seriously </em>contemplated the adoption process.</font></p> <p><font size="3">If anyone <em>has </em>done all those things and still thinks adoption is easy, they’re probably a multi-millionaire celebrity with their own lawyer and agent ready to do anything for them at the drop of a hat. And most of these stars are probably too old to be getting pregnant without serious health risks, anyway.</font></p> <p><font size="3">Should the false notion that adoption is easy pop into your mind, consider also that the constant emotional, psychological, and spiritual agony of infertility often accompanies the adoption process. Not always, but often. Especially among LDS couples. And even adoption can’t take that pain away.</font></p> <p><strong><font size="3">2. Adoption is easier than pregnancy.</font></strong></p> <p><font size="3">I will not sit here and say adoption is more difficult than pregnancy, I could never make that claim, seeing as how I have never been pregnant and never will be pregnant. My wife joins me in the NBPC (Never-Been-Pregnant Club), and could very well join me in the other category, too (although I hope that won’t be the case). To argue that adoption is harder than pregnancy or vice versa would be silly of me, if not absurd.</font></p> <p><font size="3">The exact same standard, however, applies to those who have never adopted. After picturing me sitting on my male butt and saying, “Yeah, I could be pregnant. No biggie,” can you also see how ridiculous it would be for someone who’s never entered the adoption arena to say, “I’ll <em>just </em>adopt”?!</font></p> <p><font size="3">It certainly isn’t a contest between pregnancy and adoption, and I’m not trying to out-martyr anyone here, but if we want any opinions on which one’s easier, we’d have to check with someone who has both been pregnant and adopted. Those women alone have the right to form an opinion on that or to refute someone else’s. (On a related note, I have read the writing of one such woman, who said she’d take pregnancy over adoption any day. Her thoughts, not mine).</font></p> <p><strong><font size="3">3. Adoption is in some way less fulfilling than pregnancy.</font></strong></p> <p><font size="3">This interpretation would come into play when the word “just” takes on the meaning of “only.” Examples of such usage are found in sentences like “I can’t afford a new car, so I’ll <em>just</em> buy a used one” or “They’re out of steak, so I’ll <em>just </em>get a salad” or “Redbox didn’t have a copy of Harry Potter, so I’ll <em>just </em>check out Twilight.”</font></p> <p><font size="3">Could one method of bringing a precious child of Heavenly Father into your eternal family possibly be inferior to another?</font></p> <p><font size="3">Even if it were true – if adoption were less fulfilling than getting a baby who has mommy’s nose and daddy’s eyes – I’d love to hear someone explain that to their adopted child…</font></p> <p><em><font size="3">“Sammy, I love you more than you know. You are the best part of my life. But let’s be real. You were just adopted. Your older sister came out of my womb and has my chromosomes. As much as I love you, you’ll never beat that.”</font></em></p> <p><em><font size="3">“Jessica, I wanted you to come be a part of our family so badly. I yearned for you for years. But I couldn’t bear the thought of actually carrying you around for nine months and dealing with morning sickness again, so we just adopted you.”</font></em></p> <p><font size="3">I think you catch my drift. </font><font size="3">Other instances where the “just” really bites are similar, but applied to other people.</font></p> <p><font size="3">“They had trouble getting pregnant, so they just adopted.”</font></p> <p><font size="3">Or every infertile couple’s <em>absolute favorite</em> thing to hear: “Why don’t you guys just adopt?” Hopefully you can see these phrases in a new light.</font></p> <p><font size="3"></font> </p> <p><font size="3">As a clarification, I am aware that many couples, whose families have already grown through the miracle of pregnancy, also feel guided to adopt another child/children, too. <strong>That is perfectly wonderful.</strong> I praise and respect those couples for listening to and acting on the promptings they receive, even when they may sound strange at first. The act of adopting after having biological children is not what bothers me. It’s the flippant manner in which adoption is tossed around by those who aren’t truly considering it.</font></p> <p><font size="3">Now, to all of you women who have given birth or who one day will (and to the husbands who stand faithfully at their sides), you are rock stars. Truly. I mean that.</font></p> <p><font size="3">But so is my wife.</font></p> <p><font size="3">And she and I are “just” adopting.</font></p> Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03073181050222573360noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6892867383611238981.post-50452931778608417912012-03-12T19:00:00.001-07:002012-03-12T19:00:58.513-07:00Quilt in Aqua and Ruby<p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-x8aXFi0YBJo/T16qLTxGhhI/AAAAAAAACG4/Spc8dtDi5Sg/s1600-h/quilt%2525203%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="quilt 3" border="0" alt="quilt 3" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QsAypWKfBzY/T16qNAHzCPI/AAAAAAAACHA/Aj65qPewbVw/quilt%2525203_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="700" height="467"></a></p> <p>I had never tried this pattern before, but thought it turned out just lovely for this baby quilt I gifted recently. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--5jm4KeWPt8/T16qO8mkO4I/AAAAAAAACHI/jq4sYAgjeyc/s1600-h/quilt2%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="quilt2" border="0" alt="quilt2" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-E_Vgi1BJDJE/T16qQzUr4tI/AAAAAAAACHQ/O5_-cceGjio/quilt2_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="512" height="768"></a></p> <p>I had been eyeing this fabric (Ruby from Moda) for a long time and finally found the perfect project to use it on! I mixed in a few additional fabrics of my own. I like to use fabrics that coordinate, but aren’t tooooo machy machy. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Uyt30dybTCI/T16qUWutXZI/AAAAAAAACHY/qbyOaVlUO2g/s1600-h/moda%252520ruby%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="moda ruby" border="0" alt="moda ruby" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-UhggObN3bmE/T16qWO82euI/AAAAAAAACHg/1tphJYANU-w/moda%252520ruby_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="429"></a></p> <p>It wasn’t part of my original plan to include the appliqué hearts, but I think It was just what the quilt needed. I have never used a blanket stitch to appliqué on a quilt before, but I think I turned out really cute! It seemed to fit the overall feel of the piece. </p> <p>Also, I learned a fabulous little trick. Did you know that you can use used drier sheets instead of interfacing? I decided to try it out in a pinch, and it worked beautifully! It even made the quilt smell really nice and fresh. </p> <p>I should have snapped a picture of the cute baby on the cute quilt… but alas. </p> <p>Next time for sure :). </p> Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03073181050222573360noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6892867383611238981.post-71575721604835042702012-03-11T18:46:00.001-07:002012-03-11T18:46:27.203-07:00If You Give Your Niece a Tutu…<p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-AnCUWM5aJ9w/T11VH1-apfI/AAAAAAAACFY/xgmLbFa4oOo/s1600-h/Ev1%25255B10%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Ev1" border="0" alt="Ev1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-EU9jcj2ppcM/T11VJWpwA1I/AAAAAAAACFg/1ioOY2wAGIQ/Ev1_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="512" height="768"></a></p> <p>I’ve been waiting and waiting to share these. I made the tutu for her a while ago, but you can’t very well share pictures of a gift before it’s given. I had the most lovely time visiting family last week. And it was especially fun to meet my new little niece! She is just a doll. I am so smitten. </p> <p>She was very patient with Aunt Whitney trying to take her picture every two seconds. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZsKxNFtkgz4/T11VKZrnZPI/AAAAAAAACFo/C6FkzI3ab4k/s1600-h/Ev2%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Ev2" border="0" alt="Ev2" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-9CC6VkmMYH4/T11VLhP3ELI/AAAAAAAACFw/0NR4rvfQGZ8/Ev2_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="450" height="675"></a></p> <p>Actually, she seemed to kind of like having her photo taken. Well, she liked the camera which was really fun for me. As soon as I started snapping she started grinning. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-VT6pi9bly5Y/T11VT4zhvzI/AAAAAAAACF4/2Jrd09ov5zA/s1600-h/Ev3%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Ev3" border="0" alt="Ev3" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7PlUEPZgNx8/T11VUyjFcAI/AAAAAAAACGA/qOs13H4onCg/Ev3_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="300" height="450"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qPqQuSAS8Cs/T11VWAkw8DI/AAAAAAAACGI/rgdnG-56p_8/s1600-h/Ev4%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Ev4" border="0" alt="Ev4" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rh9GMRIoE10/T11VW4lMquI/AAAAAAAACGQ/_N0LAXaV4Mo/Ev4_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="300" height="450"></a></p> <p>It was so special to be able to be at her blessing. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-WgOcznJmiPg/T11VX9xrkhI/AAAAAAAACGY/vAlBzxDuOXE/s1600-h/Ev1%25255B12%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Ev1" border="0" alt="Ev1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hrHcvQ5ciSc/T11VY0r1GWI/AAAAAAAACGg/p-FK8BXpk3k/Ev1_thumb%25255B6%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="427"></a></p> <p>Please ignore my no-makeup-ness and weird hair and focus on that cute little stinker in my lap. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mTpfGkR2Lbo/T11VbCiSZ0I/AAAAAAAACGo/ef5NwIlk4V8/s1600-h/babe1%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="babe1" border="0" alt="babe1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-o1wZ2lJfdpI/T11VcDXwT-I/AAAAAAAACGw/CTmgx97D1AY/babe1_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="427"></a></p> <p>I miss that little girl already. </p> Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03073181050222573360noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6892867383611238981.post-51182211826369960752012-02-27T23:01:00.001-08:002012-02-27T23:01:15.194-08:00The One Where I Completely Overuse The Word, “Cute”<p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-NuIC23FRZoY/T0x7tJce8WI/AAAAAAAACFI/iTymAfka0nU/s1600-h/photo%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="photo" border="0" alt="photo" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qK9qJCY2z70/T0x7uFjf7EI/AAAAAAAACFQ/3-QiemLdRBQ/photo_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="360" height="480"></a></p> <p>I don’t know if you remember when I showed you <a href="http://www.misswhit-tany.blogspot.com/2011/11/infertility-sensitivity.html">this little outfit</a>. But here it is on my sweet niece! Isn’t she the most precious thing of your life? She looks so much like my sister when she was a baby it’s crazy. </p> <p>Even the cutest little baby outfit looks ten milling times cuter on a cute fat baby! In our house, cute and fat is the highest compliment ever. I love to gush over this cute and fat baby or that cute and fat owl or perhaps another cute and fat hedgehog or maybe a cute and fat little whale. It’s just what I say: cute and fat. Why? I suppose because all babies are cute and fat. Is there anything more adorable than chunky baby thighs or chubby baby cheeks? Nay. </p> <p>One time I accidentally called Spencer cute and fat. I meant to tell him that he was cute, but the “and fat” just kind of popped out after from habit. He pretended to be real offended, but he knew I didn’t mean it. He is cute though, that’s for sure. </p> <p>Speaking of cute, I can’t wait to see that little cutie pictured above! I am so excited I can’t stand it! After all, can you blame me? I mean look at her! </p> <p>She’s cute :)</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>And fat. </p> Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03073181050222573360noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6892867383611238981.post-34892154209199339692012-02-14T09:33:00.001-08:002012-02-14T09:33:36.900-08:00Analogy<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-QrA6bUrv6qg/Tzqa6-qWk1I/AAAAAAAACE4/7OZQPfoHeWY/s1600-h/tulips%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-right-width: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="tulips" border="0" alt="tulips" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-CA80zVmO5dg/Tzqa79PyE8I/AAAAAAAACFA/8IAUvlCoAUo/tulips_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="667"></a></p> <p><font size="2">To be honest we aren’t the biggest celebrators of Valentines Day around here. GASP. I know. We don’t hate V Day by any means, we just don’t do a whole lot to mark the holiday. We’re not scrooges or anything, we just don’t go all out. </font></p> <p><font size="2">Since our family received our recent <a href="http://www.spencerandwhitneyadoption.blogspot.com/2012/02/we-should-be-in-texas.html">sad news</a>, it seems like infertility has been especially biting. And I was doing so well too! Most people have been so kind to us and sensitive to our loss. But there are always some that don’t understand. Some who don’t know how we could possibly mourn the loss of a baby that was never ours. </font></p> <p><font size="2">Let me assure you, we can. The pain we have felt over losing the baby we had waited for for three years and planned on for three months was very real. It was the loss of a dream. Again. Believe me, just because I wasn’t pregnant does NOT mean that our loss was any less excruciating. Please, please, do not diminish what we are going through.</font></p> <p><font size="2">So what does all this have to do with Valentines Day? </font></p> <p><font size="5">Valentines day: Singles :: Mothers day: Infertiles</font></p> <p><font size="2">Our recent family trauma has reminded me, yet again, of all the others who also wait. Waiting can be so hard. Reminders can be so painful. </font></p> <p><font size="2">It has been hard to wait for little ones to come to our family. But thank goodness I have my Spencer! I know so many wonderful, amazing, people who are still waiting to find their sweethearts. Who would love to be married and have a family of their own, but who have not had the opportunity. Their wait is difficult too. And I guess my mind is just on those sweet friends of mine today. </font></p> <p><font size="2">Love is a great thing to celebrate! I guess I am just mindful of those who don’t have someone to celebrate with.</font></p> <p><font size="2">I hope all my friends, especially the ones who are waiting, have a wonderful happy day! </font></p> <p><font size="2"></font> </p> <p><font size="2"></font></p> Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03073181050222573360noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6892867383611238981.post-81399071709335735122012-01-27T07:55:00.001-08:002012-01-27T07:55:11.802-08:00Infertility: The Board Game<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jdXPJ6FpNbc/TyLI0ud7lHI/AAAAAAAACEY/2jDV6oA32G0/s1600-h/board%252520game%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="board game" border="0" alt="board game" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ksSNYfrIaIg/TyLI3knX9cI/AAAAAAAACEg/837h0TvUvMY/board%252520game_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="650" height="842"></a></p> <p>I really was not bitter when I made this. Promise. I was just being funny. Just finding humor in the situation. That’s all. </p> <p>Thank goodness for Spencie. At least I don’t have to play alone. </p> Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03073181050222573360noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6892867383611238981.post-2113487867660917062012-01-24T22:26:00.001-08:002012-01-27T04:02:01.264-08:00Book Review: Delivering Hope<p>I am so excited to share an awesome read with you guys! </p> <p>I actually was contacted about this book several months ago and was waiting on pins and needles to get my hands on a copy. I was finally able to read it for the first time yesterday and it did not disappoint. This book was beautiful. Meaningful. Uplifting. Inspiring. I read the whole thing in one sitting. </p> <p align="center"><img alt="Delivering Hope" src="http://img2.imagesbn.com/images/140040000/140043330.JPG"></p> <p>I don’t want to give too much away, but here’s the synopsis:</p> <p> <p><strong>Olivia Spencer wants to be a mom more than anything else in the whole world, but years of infertility have wounded her soul and placed a strain on her marriage to Michael. Now, Olivia finds herself wondering if the life she has built will even survive.</strong> <p><strong>Allison Campbell is a recent high school graduate who discovers that a moment of excitement has led to an unplanned pregnancy and an overwhelming heartache.</strong> <p><strong>As the lives of these two women touch, we see that deep love can pave the way for sacrifice, and we all learn the true source of hope and healing.</strong> <p>I loved the parallels between characters and the beautiful way in which each woman's story intertwined. Olivia’s character resonated with me so strongly that at times it felt like I was reading about my own life. The characters may be fictional, but the emotion behind this book is very real. I truly connected with the characters through their heartache and rejoiced in their triumph. <p>I actually had the opportunity to meet the author at last years FSA. Jennifer Ann Holt is as sweet as they come. She is giving away a signed copy of the book to two individuals, and a singed bookmark and Delivering Hope magnet to five individuals. There are a few ways to enter:’ <ol> <li><strong>Become a follower of Jennifer’s blog: </strong><a href="http://www.jenshopefulwriting.blogspot.com/"><strong>www.jenshopefulwriting.blogspot.com</strong></a><strong> and leave a comment letting her know you stopped by!</strong> <li><strong>“Like” the Delivering Hope facebook fan page: </strong><a href="http://www.facebook.com/DeliveringHopeNovel"><strong>www.facebook.com/DeliveringHopeNovel</strong></a> <li><strong>Watch the book trailer: </strong><a href="http://www.bit.ly/peCixw"><strong>www.bit.ly/peCixw</strong></a><strong> and post a comment on the facebook page telling what you liked about it.</strong></li></ol>The winners will be randomly chosen at the conclusion of the blog tour and posted on both Jen’s blog and the Facebook fan page by 10:00 am on Saturday, February 11th. <p>Delivering Hope will be officially released on February 8th. I’m dying for you guys to read it so we can discuss! Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03073181050222573360noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6892867383611238981.post-80124570142548655142012-01-23T19:36:00.001-08:002012-01-27T04:02:51.351-08:00Hot Air Balloon Nursery Reveal<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-QNs6Ic4OlwA/Tx4mr0kXfHI/AAAAAAAACBo/m4dlYTKmfLA/s1600-h/best%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="best" border="0" height="768" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RjDxzK0EUCQ/Tx4mum0Me4I/AAAAAAAACBw/8nRCYbGJssM/best_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="best" width="512" /></a><br />
I know I have been taking about showing pictures of the nursery for weeks now. For the most part it’s been ready for a while, but to be honest, there are just a couple little tiny things I’m still working on, so I kept putting this off. But I decided that I will never get pictures up if I wait to have everything 100% just how I want it. So… here we are! Step on in, I’ll give you the tour. <br />
This is my favorite room in the whole house. <br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XrAoz5C2eHw/Tx4m0ewyjSI/AAAAAAAACB4/FTvCkvEn7ek/s1600-h/nursery2%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img alt="nursery2" border="0" height="427" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PhpIFfjcFHI/Tx4m2LPWEuI/AAAAAAAACCA/Rslcju_m_FQ/nursery2_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="nursery2" width="640" /></a><br />
There are going to be just a couple more pictures in that lovely collage above. We want to put a picture of Baby’s birthfather up, as well as a quote I love. You might recognize that picture of Tasha from my post <a href="http://www.spencerandwhitneyadoption.blogspot.com/2011/12/meet-tasha.html">here</a>. I made the “boy oh boy” wall art as well. I was so pleased with how it turned out! We have pretty much decided on a name for Baby (and no it’s not Lydio haha). But here’s a little clue: it does begin with L :). <br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8kvAROOKhiE/Tx4m3dN1GeI/AAAAAAAACCI/LtS7u8AMg2s/s1600-h/fave%252520quote%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img alt="fave quote" border="0" height="480" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-kNGcq2bERK4/Tx4m4tkgA3I/AAAAAAAACCQ/-MEoIh5w9_Q/fave%252520quote_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="fave quote" width="321" /></a><br />
I also want to put this printable I made up there somewhere, I just haven’t gotten around to printing it yet. If you like it, feel free to help yourself to a copy :).<br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-00MyVQXyB9Y/Tx4m6Yvwq4I/AAAAAAAACCY/moFnmsEIkfQ/s1600-h/best2%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="best2" border="0" height="768" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bSb_rFjr7PI/Tx4m8RO6-XI/AAAAAAAACCg/HOD1CN4Z49A/best2_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="best2" width="512" /></a><br />
We did a little bit of work on that changing table and were quite proud of the final outcome. And that lovely old luggage there…I found that at a garage sale for a couple of bucks months ago. I knew it would come in handy for photo shoots, or in this case for diaper storage. That little monkey fellow was mine when I was a little girl. I LOVED monkeys (still do actually) and collected a whole fleet of stuffed monkeys. It’s been fun to think of Baby Boy enjoying some of my childhood toys. <br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-WA3-uWjz_2M/Tx4m_N6USHI/AAAAAAAACCo/sspWKsjdRSM/s1600-h/hotairballoon1%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="hotairballoon1" border="0" height="427" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9puS6Bd8ZVE/Tx4nAlcPJtI/AAAAAAAACCw/FLCb6oC55wY/hotairballoon1_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="hotairballoon1" width="640" /></a><br />
I’m sure you remember these little beauties from my post <a href="http://www.misswhit-tany.blogspot.com/2011/09/getting-our-hopes-up.html">here</a>. They are perhaps my favorite thing in the whole room. I’m worked so hard to make them and was so pleased with how they turned out. We kind of based the decorations for the whole room on those hot air balloons. <br />
<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Gxurt2NYoqg/Tx4nDMYIK-I/AAAAAAAACC4/Z_z97GpN4KQ/s1600-h/nursery4%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="nursery4" border="0" height="427" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_xWo7R_B6iY/Tx4nEuc0w9I/AAAAAAAACDA/t3WXXkwXMD4/nursery4_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="nursery4" width="640" /></a><br />
B is for… balloons, bikes, Blake, baby, boy… I LOVE this little shelf. That little bike with a basket was a table decoration at my wedding reception! And I do love that owl baby with his balloon. <br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FSZMHtz4DiU/Tx4nGVHMWnI/AAAAAAAACDI/5otvRbr9Tac/s1600-h/nursery5%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="nursery5" border="0" height="768" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LbtUUW7NfT4/Tx4nH1HnMLI/AAAAAAAACDQ/E5w_fFXkM1A/nursery5_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="nursery5" width="512" /></a><br />
The bunting is a bit washed out in this photo, but we love that big window that lets in so much natural light. <br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-SU6EC93LtzI/Tx4nKhqQ2wI/AAAAAAAACDY/-UouD07S9-0/s1600-h/020%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="020" border="0" height="768" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cUugUCIIpGo/Tx4nNIK3ksI/AAAAAAAACDg/BwKrNc51qSA/020_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="020" width="512" /></a><br />
In the corner between the bookshelf and the changing table is the <a href="http://www.spencerandwhitneyadoption.blogspot.com/2011/08/its-never-too-early.html">rocking chair</a> that we refinished. Along with another one of the quilt creations that I made specifically to fit the theme of the room. The child is going to have quilts coming out of his ears, I tell you what. It has been SO fun to sew things for Baby. I kind of can’t stop. <br />
<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-M-Wbv4ynYRU/Tx4nQPn1fdI/AAAAAAAACDo/Yv_qq_rN2vM/s1600-h/quilt3%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="quilt3" border="0" height="427" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zTKbdK_teK4/Tx4nSbuwl7I/AAAAAAAACDw/BFhRnCmssxw/quilt3_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="quilt3" width="640" /></a><br />
Honestly, I don’t know how to make the bright colors NOT look funky on a computer screen. The quilt looks better in real life. Just trust me on this one. <br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-H1j4NVeAW34/Tx4nUC2bD4I/AAAAAAAACD4/NOq4vjeaO84/s1600-h/clock2%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="clock2" border="0" height="480" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TPIxbfZLA6c/Tx4nVdyS0XI/AAAAAAAACEA/mXXxMamK8S0/clock2_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: inline; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="clock2" width="324" /></a><br />
Oh, and Spencie gave me this clock as a Christmas present. Isn’t it sweet? He was so excited to find it. <br />
Well, I think that about concludes our tour. Hopefully the next time you see this room there will be a cute fat baby in there :).Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03073181050222573360noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6892867383611238981.post-21338781706738820082012-01-19T21:31:00.001-08:002012-01-27T04:05:09.100-08:00Missing This<p>Today I’m missing this place:</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wWWOtzYLs5o/Txj74T7QGFI/AAAAAAAAB_4/lwA2hhrZYzM/s1600-h/place%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="place" border="0" alt="place" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-OS7NgJm_tDE/Txj75i_y4SI/AAAAAAAACAA/SrgMBajlvmY/place_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="427"></a></p> <p>And these people:</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-WSxMz51rRIE/Txj76iPM4-I/AAAAAAAACAI/iBDDaE9UM5M/s1600-h/us1%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="us1" border="0" alt="us1" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TQoxVJQs-SE/Txj77gt_iFI/AAAAAAAACAQ/T97RrNrM62s/us1_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="427"></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rjdEa-sMVLI/Txj78QPuj0I/AAAAAAAACAY/iUgfiK1BqwI/s1600-h/chels1%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="chels1" border="0" alt="chels1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-IhpInFl74UQ/Txj79axhY7I/AAAAAAAACAg/hjiOlb448lk/chels1_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="275" height="412"></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VMsHEdchvaw/Txj7-g2OdMI/AAAAAAAACAo/NC9CRum64po/s1600-h/chels2%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="chels2" border="0" alt="chels2" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3Xbn2YCxasc/Txj7_ZkForI/AAAAAAAACAw/lwnZh_n9hfs/chels2_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="275" height="412"></a></p> <p>It’s funny how a just a couple of weeks ago I was wearing short sleeves and basking in the California sunshine. Now I’m wearing two pairs of socks, bundled head to toe in flannel, and watching a grey drizzle out the window. Sigh… I’ve never been the biggest fan of winter. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-sSxuifSrEwY/Txj8ArvgvFI/AAAAAAAACA4/VXWA7tIHNcc/s1600-h/whit1%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="whit1" border="0" alt="whit1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-pA0ibkaoi38/Txj8BtsumNI/AAAAAAAACBA/Aj2xIoiSg4s/whit1_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="433"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Jc0IXj_EUuI/Txj8C9NKMBI/AAAAAAAACBI/5KqtPQaeUcg/s1600-h/smooch1%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="smooch1" border="0" alt="smooch1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-dSWALJuvwig/Txj8DqEyCUI/AAAAAAAACBQ/CPKAo5hiBc0/smooch1_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="427"></a></p> <p>But editing these photos made me so happy! Sunshine’s always just around the corner. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-7n2AakcSwaM/Txj8FYPEtiI/AAAAAAAACBY/I0QadN2g8L0/s1600-h/005%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="005" border="0" alt="005" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Memsbiteu64/Txj8HMTRKRI/AAAAAAAACBg/8OfDFSmtWPk/005_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="427"></a></p> Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03073181050222573360noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6892867383611238981.post-41646711623512411332012-01-16T15:24:00.001-08:002012-01-27T04:03:08.133-08:00The Fords: Help Them Find Their Baby<p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-532uV_XQbE8/TxSxrvbTlOI/AAAAAAAAB_o/aUZF2vVzlnA/s1600-h/Kiera2%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px" title="Kiera2" border="0" alt="Kiera2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-sWkHAOeGeh8/TxSxvaiOaWI/AAAAAAAAB_w/Ou6JXwhPKsA/Kiera2_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="618" height="480"></a> <p>I had the pleasure of meeting Keira through blogging. Though we have never met in person, I have grown to love this girl so much. It wont’ take long for you to see why; she’s such a sweetheart! Keira has been a wonderful support to me through our adoption journey. She is one of those people that is very other-focused. She is always asking how we are doing and what is going on in our lives, even though she has a lot going on in her life as well. <p>I asked Keira to share a little bit of her story with all of you:</p> <p><em>From the first date that Steve and I went on I knew he was a keeper. He opened the door for me, took my jacket and was a complete gentlemen. He's always treated me with love and respect and is genuinely looking out for me. There are times where I seriously have to pinch myself because I always am thinking how did I get so lucky? Steve is my best friend. my better half and my eternal companion. We work hand in hand at everything and I'm grateful it's been that way from the beginning.<br><br>Steve and I found out last year that we have infertility. It was a big gulp to swallow. We had always thought that when we were ready to have children we would have children! We tried multiple procedures to help us get our lil' one but none of the tests worked. After prayers and discussing all of our options.We both decided that Adoption was the next right step for us.<br></em><br><em>The process can be overwhelming at times, but we know that its all so worth it when we as a family can be sealed together in the temple for the eternities. Infertility has helped me to gain a better understanding of God's plan and also of my own worth.<font size="3"> Adoption is such an amazing and humbling experience. We both know that we won't be getting just any baby, but we will be finding our baby through this process.</font></em></p> <p>I wanted to share Keira’s story with you for a couple of reasons. One, Keira is an amazing person and has a beautiful perspective on life. And two, I wanted to help Keira and Steve spread the word. Spencer and I have been so blessed by friends who have shared our story and our information. We have seen miracles in our life because of so much wonderful support. Could you please offer your support to my sweet friend too? </p> <p>Here is their family <a href="http://steveandkeira.blogspot.com/">blog</a>. Please stop by and say hello! </p> Whitneyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03073181050222573360noreply@blogger.com1