Upon returning from Gatlinburg, my family had a little mini celebration in honor of my 29th year of life!  My birthday was Tuesday, December 14, and I turned 29.  You know what that means... Next year will be the big 3-0!  I'm feeling so old...yet still feeling like a high school kid finding my way at times.  Don't we all?

We had a low-key celebration since those of us who traveled all day were worn out.  Millie Janalee was the main attraction anyway.  Ha!  We ordered pizza, visited, and watched Millie Janalee perform the rest of the night.

Yummy pizza!

Lee and Kristin

Paw Paw showed Millie Janalee how to play with spoons.  Maw Maw was drumming and singing while Daddy was clanging them together.  Pretty soon, I was sure we would start our own family Vontrapp band.

She's so happy!

"Ooooo, I can see myself in this toy!"

It was a lovely day spent with family.  Oh!  I also got a few great gifts...clothes, jewelry, and money always fits!  I would say that this year has been a big one.  The biggest year yet.  I would even go as far to say that this has been my favorite year out of all 29!

Happy Birthday to ME!  Here's to many more!

26 Acts of Kindness

I'm sure you are like me.  You saw the news coverage.  You gasped as the wind was knocked out of you.  You sat dumbfounded as images of frantic parents scrolled across the screen.  You watched as the initial reports came in...children killed.  Babies.  20 six- and seven-year olds taken from this world. 6 adults.  You tried to understand, but you couldn't.  Tears filled your eyes as the gravity of it all landed on your heart.  You looked at your own children...young and old...and hugged them a little tighter.  You thanked God for his protection over your own children, and you prayed for comfort, strength, and mercy for the victims' families.  You were silent...unable to find the words to express how we feel.

As I watched the news coverage on December 14 and the following days, my mind went back to my days teaching third and fourth graders.  When I decided to teach, it was because I love children, I loved school, and I love seeing those faces light up when they finally understand it!  I loved (almost) everything about teaching!  I loved my school, and I was proud of my profession.  Your mind never goes to that place.  The place where you are faced with a situation where YOU are the protector.  The only one to help these little ones. 

I remember the day one of our three-year olds let a man in our building.  An 18 year old scared male...armed.  He raced through our hallway until our principal happened upon him and chased him out of the building.  Now, this young man was not in the building to harm us.  He was hiding from the police.  He was being chased after robbing a family of their weapons...or robbing them at gunpoint.  I can't remember the specifics.  I just remember the announcement.  The "code" announcement that tells us there is an intruder in the building.  We have had drills several times before.  To us, it was nothing more than the usual drill.  Children giggling as they huddled in the corner or in the closet.  Teachers covering their windows and locking doors in a routine manner. 

Until we saw police and deputies racing through our hallways and walking around our building with rifles and other weapons.  Texts began coming in to the teachers from loved ones and friends who saw the report on the news.  There was an armed man in or around our building.  At this point, he was hiding in one of our courtyard areas.  (These areas had doors leading to each classroom connected to that courtyard.)  It was at this point that we (the teachers) realized, WE had to calm, direct, and protect these children.  All 20 of them.  The young man was caught, and another weapon was found in the woods behind our school.  I can't remember, but I think there was someone else who was later caught.  We were on lockdown the rest of the day.  Free to continue school...just with all doors (including our classroom doors) locked.  It was a day that caught the attention of the local news, and scrolled across the bottom of large news networks.  It was a scary day.  Our principal was hailed a "hero" for chasing the man out of the building before he could even think up any kind of "hostage" idea out of fear.  Our children were all safe.  Parents raced to pick up their children, and we were left with a handful of students by the time school let out.  We were all thankful for the ending.

Nothing like Newtown, Connecticut.  I couldn't begin to imagine what those children saw, felt, or feared.  I can't imagine the fear and responsibility those teachers and administrators felt.

I didn't blog about it, mainly because I wasn't sure what to say.  I couldn't find the words.  But, now...thanks to a Facebook friend, I can ACT.  I can SHOW honor to these fallen babies and the teachers and administrators.  #26Acts was inspired to spread good in the world after such a tragedy.  People across the country are coming together to honor those 26 victims by doing random acts of kindness.  One act of kindness for each life lost.  These acts can be as simple or as involved as you like.  Millie Janalee joined me this afternoon as we began our 26 Acts of Kindness.

Quarters left at the vacuum pump in honor of Charlotte.

Unused newborn formula taken to the local crisis pregnancy center in honor of Daniel.

A Christmas "happy" to one random Target shopper in honor of Rachel.

Chik-fil-A gift card to the pharmacy drive thru worker in honor of Olivia.

Last minute gift wrapping supplies left at my neighbor's door in honor of Josephine.

If I can brave this in the freezing cold with a five month old, maybe you can too!  If all of us do just ONE random act of kindness in honor of these victims, just think of what we could do.  Encourage others to pass it on!  I've had lots of people asking where I got the cards from.  The link is here, the blog post I read to get started.  I've got several ready to go tomorrow...free RedBox rental code, baby wipes at a random changing station, $5 Walgreens gift card, and more.

Let your children lead the way, give ideas, and join you as you show kindness to others along your path.  If you are traveling to celebrate with family, show kindness along the trip!  What a wonderful way to spread good and light in a dark world!  Be creative!  And share your best ideas with me, because I'm racking my brain trying to think of some more.  Ha!

"Be ye doers of the Word and not hearers only.  For ye are blessed in the doing!"

ACT now...once or 26 times!  Honor these precious lives by showing goodness.

Five Months

Hey everyone!  It's Millie Janalee again letting you all know that she is FIVE MONTHS OLD!  I can not even comprehend the fact that she is getting so old!  Tuesday was a special day for us on all fronts.  Millie Janalee turned five months old and became our daughter forever in the eyes of the law.  It was a lot to take in!  It's a good thing my family was around to help share the joy.  Otherwise, we may have been overwhelmed.

Millie Janalee is SO. MUCH. FUN. these days!  We spend so much of our time laughing or smiling as we think about things she has done each day.  It is an absolute JOY to be a part of this journey!  I know I say that all the time, but it is so true!

Let's see...we are wearing 6 months clothes now comfortably.  I was afraid all her Christmas clothes would be too big, but they are just right!  She still wears size 2 diapers, and I think we'll be there for a little while.  Our baby girl is tall.  We have to watch out when she wears pants to be sure she isn't flooding.  Ha!  Our growing girl still eats 7 ounces of formula every four hours during the day and sleeps 12 hours at night.  This has been such a blessing, I know!  We started oatmeal cereal recently, and we are taking it slow.  She doesn't seem to mind it.  Millie Janalee is her mama's girl, because she loves snuggling in bed for a while before getting up each morning.  Millie Janalee goes to bed after her last feeding around 8:00-8:30.  We've started putting her down and letting her put herself to sleep some nights.  Other nights, she may fall asleep eating.  And, yes, she still sleeps in our room.  In her bassinet.  Don't judge me.

Millie Janalee is SO fun at this age!  She is really getting her cute little personality!  She loves to smile, giggle, cackle, squeal, and laugh.  Especially at Auntie Kristin.  She is working on sitting up with a little assistance.  I carry her around on my hip these days, and I love it!  She loves to make that "cluck"ing noise with her tongue, and her most recent fetish is blowing raspberries.  That's how I woke up this morning...complete with spit landing on my face!  Ha!  She is really working on rolling over from her back to her front.  This girl loves a good party!  She is at her best around groups of people.  As long as she's not tired or hungry, she doesn't want to miss a thing!  Last week, we hosted a Christmas party, and she went two hours over her feeding time without a fuss.  We finally just fed her because she needed to eat.  She still loves playing with her little hands.  She holds them together right in front of her face and just folds her fingers together or watches them go up and down.  This week, she has really taken to sucking her thumb.  I know it may be a bad thing, but it is so stinkin' cute!  She sucks her little thumb and puts her pointer finger over her nose for a grip.  LOVE. IT!  She really enjoys holding anything - toys, hair, paper, earrings.  Anything!  When Millie Janalee gets tired, she rests her little hand on her head and sighs.  So cute!  She's still a spa baby and loves her bathtime.  She enjoys looking at people while they talk to her or sing to her.  Such an observant little thing!  She keeps a handle on those little feet constantly.  This means most of her time is spent rolled up in a little ball so she can reach them.  I know I'm leaving so much out...but we are having a blast!

It is true what they say.  Every stage is precious.  And every stage is fun in its own way.  Yes, I miss that 6 pound 13 ounce itty bitty baby.  But, OH, how I love this 15 pound baby doll!  I cannot imagine how much better things can get, but I look forward to the changes...in their own time.  I'm not rushing a thing!

We love you, Millie Janalee!  More than you will ever know!  Happy Five Months, sweet girl!

Ending our Mountain Christmas Vacay

The last couple days of our mountain vacation were very low key.  It was just my family of three and my mom, so we did some relaxing...some playing...and some shopping.  Wednesday morning, I decided I was ready to see what Millie Janalee did with oatmeal cereal and a spoon.  It took some prep...you know, getting all the cameras and video cameras and cell phones ready for the big event.  Ha!

She was very interested in this bright colored object heading towards her mouth.  Since she's started sticking EVERYTHING in her mouth, she didn't mind it at all.  What she wasn't prepared for was that white stuff that stayed in her mouth.  It was so funny!

We only got to maybe the third spoonful when Millie Janalee decided this was not fast enough, and it was time for a bottle!  Oh well.  It was fun for a minute or two.  Now, I know to feed her a bottle first.  I'm learning as I go...

We decided to spend a little time driving up into the mountains on this very chilly day.  We eased into it by laying around until after noon.  Then, we loaded up and headed toward the mountains hoping to get a glimpse of snow.  Remember it had snowed the day before.  We did see the trees dusted with snow once we got high enough, but there was no snow on the ground.  No icy streams.  It was beautiful nonetheless!

After our little scenic drive up the mountain, we headed in the direction of the outlet mall to finish up some Christmas shopping.  Russ and I also bought one thing for ourselves each.  Merry Christmas to us!  We had a delicious supper at the Old Mill restaurant in Pigeon Forge before heading back to the cabin for a relaxing evening watching Christmas movies in our pajamas.

Thursday, we spent the day in downtown Gatlinburg strolling.  It was a beautiful day!  We started with lunch at Bubba Gump's and strolled along stopping as we liked.  Russ had been wanting to visit the big outdoor store at the end of the downtown area, so we strolled our way over.  One thing I learned: this store is terribly unequipped for handicap access...or stroller access!

Inside, there was a beautifully decorated sleigh next to a large, cozy fire.  The enormous Christmas tree was perfectly decorated for the atmosphere.  While the rest of us enjoyed shopping and picking up a few Christmas gifts, Millie Janalee enjoyed her sleigh ride photo shoot.  The girl loves the camera!  Haha!

Friday morning, we woke up for an early departure.  Millie Janalee is not the best traveler after sunset, so our goal was to get home before dark.  We made one stop in Knoxville at the Melaleuca store.  Melaleuca is a wellness company we have been shopping with for 10 years.  My mother is an Senior Director 9 with the company, and Russ and I just enjoy being customers.  We love knowing that our home is free of toxic chemicals from our laundry detergent and bathroom cleaner...to our toothpaste and deoderant!  It was a fun little stop along the way!

By the time we reached our final destination, we were all exhausted!  Millie Janalee is always happy, happy when she gets out of her carseat.  The rest of the family enjoyed her happiness while Russ and I rested and watched.  It was a wonderful vacation...with lots of memories made!  Thank you, Mama, for planning such a relaxing getaway!

Family

I interrupt our vacation posts to bring you good tidings of GREAT JOY for our little family!

July 18th our world changed forever.  Five months later, we celebrate our Forever Family Day as Millie Janalee legally became forever a part of our family.  Today we watched on as the judge signed the Final Judgment and Decree of Adoption.  Today we applied for her birth certificate that will forever list Russ and me as Millie Janalee's parents...just as if she were born to us.  Today was a special day filled with joy, tears, and one happy little girl!

We traveled to Jackson last night and stayed with our dear friends, Pat and Felicia.  We woke early this morning and prepared for a day that marks the end of a journey.  And the beginning of a new one.  We arrived at the Chancery Courthouse around 8:30...thirty minutes early.  We walked through the metal detectors, handed over our bags to be checked, and were allowed to bring our camera for the big event.  We walked into Courtroom 3 with Karen (our Bethany worker and friend), my family, and our attorney once everyone arrived.  When we were called back to the judge's chambers, our entourage followed.

Judge Owens went straight for Millie Janalee.  She introduced herself to Millie Janalee, held her hand, and talked to her.  Then she met the rest of us.  She was so happy to see so many family members joining us as we celebrate such an important day.  Our attorney asked us all the official questions, and Russ answered them quickly and concisely.  Judge Owens looked at me and asked two things: 1. Are you sure you don't want to change your mind? (Ummm...no!  Hurry and sign before YOU change YOUR mind!  Ha!)  2. Forget about the education fund! Have you started saving for the wedding??  Everyone started laughing loudly, and Millie Janalee let out the loudest cackle she's ever made!  Perfect timing.  I wish we had it on video, because it was the most delightful moment! This was such a personal time for our family, and I appreciate Judge Owens making it even more wonderful.  After reading through the attorney's paperwork and Bethany's paperwork, she did it!  She signed the papers!  No turning back.  Millie Janalee is legally and forever ours!

There were a few tears, but mostly smiles all around.  This long awaited journey came to an end.  A perfect closure as we begin our new journey of parenthood.  As we all got up to leave, Judge Owens asked..."So, I'll see you back here this time next year?"  To which I answered..."As soon as Russ says we can!"  Haha!   Judge Owens walked around her desk and reached out for our daughter.  Our daughter with our last name.  She held her, talked to her, introduced her to a few other ladies, and walked around her office with her.  The whole time, I was praying Millie Janalee didn't spit up on her.  Ha!  Success!

Me, Judge Owens, Millie Janalee, Karen, and Russ

Judge Owens and the whole crew! (Notice the spit up on my shirt.  She saved it for me!  Thank you, Lord!)

Karen, Paul (our attorney), me, Millie Janalee, and Russ

 After our processional out of the courtroom, we gathered in the lobby to visit, hug, and take a few more pictures.  Paw Paw and Susu presented Millie Janalee with a very special gift for her very first Family Day.  Russ and I have been talking about how we can celebrate this day in a special way, and Susu and Paw Paw read our minds! 

They presented Millie Janalee a beautiful gold chain with a single dainty pearl.  Each year, on December 18th, we will add a pearl to her necklace to celebrate this day.  The day we legally and forever became a family.

My heart is overwhelmed!  Russ and I are so blessed to be a part of this journey.  We are so thankful that God chose us to parent Millie Janalee...this precious angel.  We are so grateful for our family who traveled hours and canceled plans and took off work to join us on this day.  We are overwhelmed with love for family.  No matter how God built it. 

Millie Janalee was sacked out after such a big day!  As she lay her little head on my shoulder and my chest, I thanked God for this little life.  This little life that was perfectly planned.  This little life that has changed hearts and homes.  This little life that has wrapped us around her tiny finger.  Thank you, God for your beautiful blessing and answered prayers!  To Him be the glory FOREVER!

To us, family means putting your arms around each other and being there.  

~Barbara Bush

Thank you to our families for putting your arms around us through this journey.  Thank you for being there in person and in heart.  We love you and we love your love for us.  We are so grateful for the love you have for Millie Janalee and our little Party of Three!

Mountain Christmas Tuesday

Sadly, Dustin and Sheila had to leave Tuesday.  So we got up super early...8:00 am...for a yummy breakfast at Pancake Pantry.  I say "early" because we slept in every day and moved at our own pace during this mountain vacation.

This was our first cold morning, and it was snowing!  Millie Janalee saw her first snow of the year already...have you?  We bundled her up in her cutest little hat and gloves with thick blankets all around.  Probably a little overkill...but, hey...how often will we have snow?  She seemed pretty cozy as we headed to our favorite downtown Gatlinburg spot.

Helping She She pick out her pancakes.

After a breakfast full of conversation and laughs, we walked around downtown and did a little more shopping.  Some Christmas shopping and some shopping for ourselves.  We enjoyed browsing the art galleries and souvenirs as we strolled through the cold air.

Millie Janalee is a great shopping partner! She just took everything in while she stayed wrapped nice and cozy in her carrier.  Just look at that precious face...

Eventually, Dustin and Sheila decided it was time to travel.  We all took a little break at the cabin and enjoyed a little downtime, and Russ took a quick nap.  After a refreshing rest, we made plans to drive through the Gatlinburg Arts and Crafts Community.  We had a couple of places in mind that we wanted to revisit from our February trip.  Russ was up for it, so we loaded up!

We made a delightful stop at one of the antique stores!  The clerk just loved Millie Janalee, and as we left empty-handed, we thanked him for allowing us to browse.  He said, "Oh, thank you for sharing her with me!"  So sweet!  The world needs more people like that!  A pure delight!

Russ was very into this old truck.  He took a few very fun pictures to edit.

Our final stop was well worth the trip!  Santa's Claus-et was the place.  It is the real Santa working in his real toy shop!  At first, Mama and I left Russ in the car with Millie Janalee.  Then, we saw him.  Walking around with a toy in hand...getting ready to fix it.  The for real Santa!  I immediately ran outside to grab my sweet baby girl.  Russ was so thrilled. [insert sarcasm]  Until he saw him too.  He agreed...it was the real Santa!

I politely asked if he would take a picture with Millie Janalee.  After getting over the initial shock of such a long name, he agreed.  To get Santa real excited about the chance to hold her, Millie Janalee spit up all over his wood floors.  After Russ and I cleaned the floor and our daughter, I cautiously placed her in his lap.  I was praying, at this point, that she kept all spit up inside for now.  And she did!  It was such a sweet time!  She just looked and looked...and laughed a little.

After our photo shoot with Santa, he wanted to know if Millie Janalee had been naughty or nice.  NICE of course!  Santa pulled out his Nice book to write her name in it, and I quickly motioned for Russ to take a picture.

This is the point everything went downhill.

I felt it first.  Warm all over my hands.

I looked.

Yep.  She did it.  She spit up.  A lot.  I quickly pulled her to me hoping to catch it all on me.  And I thought I did.  Until I looked down.  All over the carpet!  Santa looked up and suggests I move to the wood floors so it won't get on the carpet.  Then he looked down.  Too late.  Everything is quite a blur.  I know it involved a sweaty mama, a wet baby, a shocked Santa, and a polite daddy.  I ran outside to shake my hands off until Susu could get there with a cloth.  By the time we got all cleaned up, I decided to go back inside to continue our experience.

This is the part where Russ shows me how Santa gave Millie Janalee an ornament with her name on it and signed by him.  I say, "Aww" just in time for our final showdown.  Yep.  Again!  At this point, I raced out to the car to clean us both off again and sit until Susu finished.  I opened the car door...

...and the car alarm began.  Yes, we have all come to the Santa Claus-et.  And we have come in a blaze of glory.  I sat inside the car...alarm steadily beeping...while Russ frantically finds something to purchase for all our trouble.  Susu and Russ come to the car laughing hysterically as Millie Janalee and I sit there covered in formula from head to toe.

It was quite an event.  As is everything we do.

Millie Janalee wasn't bothered at all!  In fact, she had a ball.  These are the days I want to look back and remember.  These are the days I have waited for!  These are the days...no matter how stressful they may feel at the time...I am thankful to experience.  These are the days of being a mother.  These are the days!