Like many of you, much of my time has been spent watching or listening to the news coverage of the Boston marathon bombing.  Most of you that follow us on Facebook or know us in real life, already know that this bombing was more to us than a tragic event in our country.  This bombing was more personal.

You see, Russ's brother and his wife and several of their friends ran the Boston marathon this year.  Roan and her family are very dedicated, and I have watched and listened to her strategize as she spends so much of her precious time training for this marathon.  The Boston marathon is a big deal, and you must qualify to run.  It's the "holy grail" of marathons, I've heard it described.  So on April 15th, shortly after 2:50 pm, my heart began to pound as I saw the Breaking News coverage interrupt our channels.  I had been tracking Roan throughout the day and picked up my phone to track her again when I saw it.  I immediately began texting Roan's best friend, Lynn, to see if she knew anything.  She did not, and she was freaking out with me.  I knew that Jimmy had finished the race, but I had no idea if he was standing on the sideline near the finish waiting on Roan.  I called Russ to fill him in after several minutes of failed attempts trying to find out any information, and I texted Russ's sister.  For the next hour, we all texted and called and checked social media for any update from any of the runners we knew.  All this while news commentators described the scene and the injuries.  I couldn't sit down.  I was pacing with a fussy baby on my hip.  I passed Millie Janalee off to my mom for a nap while I frantically tried to find out anything...even though there was no news.  We did eventually get word by a third party that all our runners were safe.  But, it wasn't until I received a personal word from Roan that I felt completely at peace.  It was a frightening day for our family.  But, as frightened as we were waiting helplessly imagining the worst and praying for the best, I cannot imagine the chaos and fear that our family and friends felt in the midst of it all.  Russ's brother had just finished and was only 300 feet or so away when the first bomb exploded.  He could feel it.  Another good friend of theirs was also very close.  Roan was stopped at mile 25.8...that's 0.4 miles from the finish.  It would be over an hour before she would find out if Jimmy was okay.  Please please please read about her experience here.  She was also interviewed for their local news.  Click here to see that.

We are all so thankful for their safety and God's protection over them.  We are still praying for peace and nights of uninterrupted sleep for them.  The images, sounds, and experiences of that terrible day still haunt them.  Our hometown put together a Runners United Run for Boston event on Monday evening.  When I told Russ that I would probably travel to support them, he expressed an interest in going as well.  He really wanted to just see Jimmy and Roan and visit with them since their return.  So, Russ drove up after work on Monday to support the runners and see his brother and wife.  We all did.  I was so impressed by the turnout.  This run began as a very informal event for the group of local runners, but the support by the community and those neighboring communities was outstanding!  There were many who didn't run, but came to cheer on the runners.

Russ's sister, Russ, and Millie Janalee

Elle, Will, Jeff, Millie Janalee, and Russ

Avery, Lynn, me, and Millie Janalee

I am no runner, although I tried it briefly once.  But, I am always inspired by runners.  If you have never watched a half- or full marathon, go do it!  Stand near the finish line and be inspired as you cheer on those amazing athletes who trained tirelessly and are emotionally, mentally, and physically drained.  I cry every single time.  I am surrounded by friends and family who inspire me by their running and dedication.  And I'll cheer them on again!  And again.  And again.

The local Boston marathon runners

Jimmy with our hometown running Koach (Yes, with a K)

The runners uniting for Boston!

Before the run, the local Boston runners were honored and recognized.  The mayor spoke about our hometown and how proud we are to be a part of this event and these runners' lives.  One of the ladies in charge read a letter to Koach Kenneth from one of their local running buddies.  Tears were shed.  We all prayed together and shared a moment of silence before the whistle blew for the start of the run.

The runners were instructed to run as much or as little of the Coke 10K route in order to return to the starting spot by 7:30.  There were runners of all ages, shapes, sizes, and paces!  I loved watching runners, racers, bikers, strollers, and walkers coming together to show their support!  And don't forget us spectators!  We had a blast visiting and cheering on the runners as they neared the finish.

Daddy, Millie Janalee, Kristin, Mama, and Mrs. Joan

Kelly and Russ

Elle, her mom, and Jenny

Kristin sporting her blue and yellow for Boston.  I also think the sign in the background is hilarious!

It was such fun watching families run in together.  Friends jogging in.  Runners preparing for the Coke race coming up in two weeks.  Ladies enjoying a walk for a good cause.  Spectators cheering  and clapping as participants passed.

At 7:30, there was something special planned.

After I found out that Jimmy and Roan were okay, I turned to my mom and said, "Do you even know how hard and long Roan has trained for this?  How much time she whittled and carved out of her busy life to train for this marathon?  And she didn't even get to finish?!"  I realize that sounds trivial when compared to the loss of life and limb and emotional distress felt by many or all who were there.  But, it is a big deal.  I've never trained for a marathon.  But, I've seen the pain and tears and dedication and sacrifice of those who have.  I've seen the weeks and months spent sore, scheduling huge blocks of time for long runs.  I've also seen my sister-in-law...my friend...survive breast cancer only to train again for bigger and better goals than ever before.  Including a Boston marathon!  THIS...the finish of a Boston marathon...was also stolen that day.  It was stolen from Roan and from Koach Kenneth, who had knee problems and was running a slower pace than normal.

I am so glad that the organizers of this run prepared a special "Boston finish" for them! 

The spectators, runners, and walkers lined the street as they came running in together.  We cheered them on with tear-filled eyes.  Or maybe that was just me.  Ha!  Jimmy presented his medal to Roan while Heather (Roan's friend) let Koach borrow hers for his finish.  This was Koach's 12th Boston marathon maybe? (I know he has run the Boston marathon several times)

Jimmy presenting Roan with her medal

Roan and Jimmy

Based on Roan's face in the pictures I have, I think she was fighting back tears.  I know I was crying.  Roan hasn't said a word to me about not finishing or her disappointment in it.  But every runner, after the pain and tears of the journey, wants the high and the exhilaration of the finish. We are so thankful to have our friends and family back home safe and sound!  We are also thankful for the group of people who organized such a special event...even down to the details of a Boston finish.

Roan and Heather

Heather is Roan's friend who also ran that day.  She was the first word we got that Roan and Jimmy were okay.  You can read her story here.

After the run, we walked down to Russ's parents' home to visit and enjoy pizza.  It was good to have the family (and a few friends) back together again.  All safe.  All thankful.

Millie Janalee, Anna Kate, and Seth

And in two weeks, these runners will run again in our local famous Coca-Cola 10K.  And I will watch from the finish.  Will you?

Taking our Little Monkey to the Zoo

Since my little hiatus from blogging while we celebrated Pops' life, I've returned to find many blog posts drafted that I had forgotten about.  This is one of my favorites that I can't believe I forgot!  On Monday of last week, Russ was off after working the night before.  Since we rarely have days off together, we made a plan to take our little monkey to the zoo for the first time!  The weather has been so beautiful, and I couldn't wait to dress Millie Janalee in one of her fun spring outfits and watch her reaction when she saw all these creatures.

Notice that Easter egg is always close by...

We pulled up to the zoo and got the stroller out with my organized bag packed with Millie Janalee's lunch, snacks, juice, and her lovey for a little nap on the go.  When I opened the car door excited to show our daughter one of the great wonders for children young and old...I could tell she was just ecstatic.  Hmmmm...or fast asleep.  Ha! 

I carried my sleeping girl through the parking lot, and she began to stir as the sunshine hit her sweet face.  When she saw the people and all the fun sights that surrounded her, she woke up ready to go!  I was probably more excited than she was!  I absolutely love going to the zoo.  Russ and I have gone several times when we were dating and even since we've been married.  Russ enjoys taking pictures and reading the signs.  I just enjoy the whole "zoo experience," which includes purchasing an ice cream bar at one of the sidewalk vendors. 

Upon entrance, we realized this would be a perfect zoo trip!  First of all, all the older children are in school.  The weather was beautiful!  And the zoo was very low key with stroller babies and older adults touring for the day.  There were no crowds.  It wasn't too hot.  It was just delightful!  We took our time, and enjoyed the day as a family of three.

Before we began at our normal starting place - Cat Country - Millie Janalee decided it was time for a diaper change. We found a little spot near a trash can and took care of business right there.  Ha!  Now, we were all fresh and ready to see the lions, tigers, and bears!  Oh my!

Russ trying to show Millie Janalee one of the leopard-looking cats.  I can't remember exactly which animal this was.

Cheetahs always amaze me...and freak me out a bit.  Their faces are almost human-like!

Many of the cats in Cat Country were napping or hiding in the shade.  I thought they were a little difficult for Millie Janalee to spot.  The lion, however, was easy for this girl to find!  She watched him like a hawk, leaning over the fence to get a closer look.  It was at this point that my day had been made.  It was so much fun watching her reaction to the animals she saw!

She spotted the lion!

Mama, Millie Janalee, and the lion

We stopped after Cat Country for a lunch break.  I got my regular slice of pizza while Millie Janalee ate her oatmeal, fruit, and veggie.  She drank some juice to stay hydrated in this sun.  Then it was off to the next attraction.  The bird house isn't the best attraction for an 8 month old since she probably didn't spot many of the birds hiding amongst leaves and trees.  But, Russ and I certainly enjoyed it.  Ha!  We walked through an area that Russ and I had never visited.  It was like a mini-carnival area.  Stingray Bay was also located here, but you had to purchase a ticket to enter.  No, thank you!  Maybe when Millie Janalee is old enough to understand and want to pet the stingray.  We walked through the carnival area, which was closed on this day.  Maybe because it was a low attendance day?

We had the best time goofing around with each other and Millie Janalee.  Russ and I laughed and laughed at her poking that little noggin through the scuba diver hole!  Obviously, I was standing behind holding her in the most awkward position.  But, she looks like she's just happily standing with her head in the hole.  I love it!  Ha!

We stood her up next to the measuring fence to see if she was tall enough for the ride.  Sorry, sweetheart!  Maybe next time.  Ha!  She didn't care that she didn't meet the three feet requirement!  There was music playing through this area of the park, so it was a perfect time for dancing in the streets with Mama!  And we did.  We both cackled and giggled our way through this area of the zoo before heading to another section I thought she would enjoy for sure.

The farm is mostly a petting zoo type area.  I knew the animals would be much closer than the rest of the zoo, and I was anxious to see how Millie Janalee enjoyed being up close and personal with these animals.  I love how she peeked through the fence posts to watch this sheep.  Though dirty he may be!  We did not touch, for the record.

Millie Janalee watching the sheep

"Look at that donkey, Daddy!"

It was fun watching the chickens just walking around us.

Daddy and Millie Janalee

This was the biggest and hairiest cow I had ever seen!

It was nearing naptime for our little one, so she spent a few minutes strolling as Russ and I looked for a vendor who sold ice cream bars.  It turns out, the vendors are few and far between on Mondays.  Hmmm... Maybe that was a negative about our timing.  Ha!  Russ finally found a restaurant that would give him change so that he could get an ice cream bar from a vending machine.  Except the vending machine didn't work either!  So much for the ice cream bar.  I settled for a huge ice cream cone.  It was very good...even if it wasn't my first choice.

This bottle served for lots of entertainment.  Ha!

I think we were standing near the flamingos when I peeked inside the stroller to find this...

The second I handed her the bunny lovey, she gripped it tightly and placed it next to her face.  Seconds later, she was out!  She slept straight through the monkeys, bears, and wolves.  That's okay.  Russ and I took this time to enjoy the zoo together.  We sat down and visited for a while too.  It was a nice little break while she enjoyed a 45 minute or so nap.

She woke up just in time for my absolute favorite part of the zoo!  I LOVE the African Veldt!  I am mesmerized by the elephants, zebras, and especially the giraffes.  Millie Janalee was too.  I sat her on the sidewalk to watch the elephants through an open section of the fence.  She waved and waved to them. 

The giraffes recently welcomed a baby girl giraffe.  I think her name was Mia.  She is three months old.  Millie Janalee spent some time watching these long-necked animals walk from side to side.  I would love to know what was going on inside her little head.

Millie Janalee was so into the giraffes that we stayed a while and let her stand to watch.  She waved and talked to them too.  You can see in the picture below that they got fairly close to her, so I'm sure she loved it.  As much as she loves watching Farley run around throughout the house, I just knew she would enjoy watching these gigantic animals walk around.

She did.  She enjoyed her trip to the zoo!  So much that she was fast asleep the second we drove out of the parking lot.  That night, she slept until 9:30 the next morning!  Wild animals are exhausting!  Russ and I have purchased a zoo membership, so we can enjoy many more zoo visits this summer without spending a fortune!  These are the times I've dreamed about, and they are even more fun that I imagined!

Bethany Picnic 2013

This past Saturday, our little family of three attended the Annual Bethany Picnic for adoptive families.  It also ended up being the day of Pops' funeral.  At first, I decided we would not attend.  But, it was important to Mama that we go.  We had a few special friends we had planned to meet, and Mama didn't want us to miss this opportunity.  She won.  We made a game plan to get to the picnic at the 10:00 starting time and stay for only an hour or so.  That would give us time to get back to the hotel, feed Millie Janalee, let her sleep a few minutes, and head to the funeral home by 1:00.  Most of our plan worked out...

Karen and Millie Janalee

I know I've mentioned before how much I love Bethany Christian Services!  They made our adoption experience so special, and I have no doubt that every decision they made for us was prayerfully considered.  We also happen to have some special friends associated with Bethany...and the special friends we've met along the way.  So visiting the agency from time to time is a complete JOY for us!  I can't imagine how exciting it is for the Bethany staff to keep up with their adoptive families as well.  There were tears shed, lots of hugs given, and a great time had by all!  I hope to attend this event as often as possible in the future.

Jennifer, Russ, me, and Millie Janalee

We met Jennifer at the picnic.  Actually, Jennifer already knew me.  She was the flower girl in my parents' wedding, I think.  Something like that.  I was the flower girl in her sister's wedding...and lifted my beautiful flower girl hoop skirt over my head during the wedding too!  Anyway, I had no idea she worked with Bethany.  She and her family foster Bethany babies during the transition time between birthparents and adoptive parents.  As you know, Russ and I brought Millie Janalee home straight from the hospital.  That is not the most common thing I've been told.  Some birthparents don't sign their rights away after the mandatory 72 hours.  They need more time, or maybe there are other reasons.  Either way, Jennifer and her family foster these babies until they are ready to join their forever families.  What a joyful and rewarding experience! 

I asked her several questions about fostering these children including "Is it hard to let them go?" or "How often do you foster?", and she joyfully answered each one.  They foster babies about every three months on average.  She also homeschools her four children (and others I think).  She and her husband brought the reptiles and huge bunny rabbit to the picnic for the children to see and pet.  It was so fun watching her reunite with babies she had fostered and watch her and the parents cry together.  What a special act of love for these families and babies!

Petting the huge rabbit

Watching the rabbit hop around in his cage

Millie Janalee was very mild mannered during the morning.  Her eyes were half mast, because it was her naptime.  She is always a trooper, and we trudged right along.  Thankfully, she loved all the animals and was very content to sit and watch them.  She stuck her little fingers inside that cage a few times reaching for the turtle and the rabbit.  The rabbit's fur was so so soft! 

Watching the turtle

She also made some new friends.  This little girl was about two years old I believe.  She was very kind to Millie Janalee and visited with her for a little while.  They watched the bunny together and got in trouble together for shaking the cage.  I'm sure there are many more "No no's" in our future with our Little Miss Priss and her friends.  It was so precious watching her interact with new little friends!

I am petrified of snakes.  Real or not.  Russ's parents have a fake snake in their house that the grandchildren play with a lot.  When Russ and I lived with them, one of the grandchildren left the snake in the sunroom.  I actually made Russ's mom come pick it up, because I wouldn't touch it.  Like, I'll probably dream about snakes tonight just because I'm talking about it now.  Millie Janalee's birthparents actually have a pet snake.  Her birthfather has had this pet snake for over seven years or so.  So, Russ and I wanted to get Millie Janalee's picture with the snake to send them.  There was NO WAY I was going near that thing, so Russ volunteered to take care of our daughter and stand next to the snake.  I instructed Russ to not let her touch it.  Ha! 

It was an absolutely beautiful day in Jackson on Saturday!  The picnic provided a welcomed distraction from such an emotional time for our family.  I'm also glad we went early, because I failed to lather Millie Janalee in sunscreen!  Her pail skin did suffer a pink tint for a day or two, but nothing major.  Thankfully.  I was feeling pretty guilty for the rest of the weekend. 

The best part of this annual picnic is the opportunity to connect with other adoptive families.  It's a great way to connect adoptive parents and children who were adopted year after year.  I have several blogs I follow and Facebook friends who have adopted through Bethany over the last two years.  Russ and I were so excited to meet some of them in person for the first time, and we were excited to connect with those we already know.  We enjoyed sharing stories, asking questions or advice, and just catching up on regular life with these miracle babies.

Marcie and I have followed each other's blogs long before we were matched.  Her twin girls are adorable!

Alison and I have become Facebook friends, and it was a joy to meet this special family in person.

Angie and her husband were in our adoption training class.  Angie and I have seen each other a few times since we were all matched, and it's always good to see them.

My sister designed the Bethany t-shirts this year, so I made sure to run over and purchase a couple before we had to leave. 

Millie Janalee was fading fast, and I knew we needed to hit the road if we would be at the funeral home by 1:00.  We said our goodbyes and shared hugs all around before loading this sleepy babe into the car.

I am so thankful for Bethany's efforts to minister to their families even after adoption.  We call it one big "Bethany family!"  We are blessed to be a part of this family!  I also had those waiting families on my mind throughout the day.  I know they are longing for the day they are matched and bringing their little ones to this picnic.  And, I look forward to the day we can share this time with them!  All in His perfect timing! 

Nine Months

It's true.  Our little 6 pound 13 ounce bundle of joy is now NINE MONTHS OLD and weighing in around 20 pounds!  How did this happen?  Part of me is so excited about the coming weeks and months, because of all the summer fun headed our way.  The other part of me is digging my heels in the ground as time drags me on, because I don't want this sweet girl to get so big so fast.  I love that Millie Janalee is growing strong and getting her own little personality, but I know that I will never get this day again.  She will never be this young again.  It's bittersweet, and if I dwell on it too much I'll get depressed and miss out on this day.  And the next day.  I have a looonnng 18+ years ahead of me!

One thing is for certain, Millie Janalee is "hands-on" everything!  Gone are the days of sitting nicely next to our sign and smiling at the camera.  The first picture was the only one I got.  And I was sweating by the time it was over.  Ha!  Things are getting lively around here!  Millie Janalee is into whatever she can reach or get to.  We still aren't full out crawling yet.  It's so funny to watch babies at this age, because they are all over the place as far as development.  We have a friend who is 5 weeks older than Millie Janalee, and he is walking.  Then we have friends who still have no teeth and showing no signs of crawling.  You just never know!  I've heard from friends whose babies walked before they crawled, and friends whose babies never showed much interest in crawling...describing them as "fat and happy", and friends who started crawling at 4 months!  So, I'm not worried.  I'm soaking in these days before we both start running all over the place!  Ha!  Even though we aren't all out crawling, Millie Janalee is scooting around.  She scoots backward, and she "crawls" forward with her legs...leaving her face scooting across the carpet.  It's the funniest thing!  I warn everyone that if you see carpet burns on the side of her face, it's because she spent her day "crawling."  Ha!  This morning, I walked in to pick her up from her crib and she was trying to get up on all fours.  She did for a split second before burying her little head in the sheets.  It won't be long!

We are still eating our homemade baby food, and she can eat some food!  We've been traveling A LOT the last couple of weeks, so we've had a mix of homemade food and "fake" baby food (Gerber or Plum brand).  We've tried lots of new things, and I'll try to list all the foods we've tried: apples, pears, peaches, bananas, avocado, zucchini, squash, sweet potatoes, carrots, broccoli, spinach, green beans, peas, turkey, plums, prunes.  Mango and pumpkin are up next!  She sits in her high chair at restaurants and dinners at home, and I give her crackers, puffs, or Baby Mum Mums to feed herself while we eat.  Occasionally, I give her little bits from my plate too.  I don't do it too often, because she isn't reaching for it much.  She's content with her little finger foods.  We've also broken into the juice much more this last week.  I was giving her a water/apple juice mixture in her sippy cup during meals.  She started spitting up again a little after drinking, and I thought it was because it was so thin.  That may still be true, but she's drinking a water/pear juice mixture now and doing fine.  She's guzzling it down and hasn't spit any up yet.  It may be a coincidence...or maybe it's milder?  Who knows.  Either way, she's getting the hang of the sippy cup.  Especially if I recline her high chair when she drinks.  We have trouble figuring out how to turn the cup up when you need to drink more, so reclining assists her.  We're still taking 7 ounce bottles in the morning and before bed.

Miss Millie Janalee is babbling all over the place!  My favorite time to listen is when she's talking to herself during playtime.  If she doesn't know I'm around, she just talks and talks with lots of different inflections and volumes.  It's as if she's having such a deep conversation with her baby doll and penguin.  Ha!  Russ and I like to sit around and try to interpret what she's saying.  Some of the things we heard her say: "Butterfly!" "Bubble bath" and "Where you goin'?"  Ha!  It will be so fun when she can actually tell us what she's thinking.  Russ and I are dying to know what's going on inside her sweet noggin.  My brother and my dad swear that they heard her say "PawPaw" this weekend.  I don't doubt them, but she hasn't said it again since.  Of course, after she said "PawPaw", my dad asked her what kind of car she wanted.  Haha!  She was very smart about whose name she said first.

Our stats are perfectly healthy.  I think I listed them in a previous post since we went for our 9 month checkup at a random time.  She is 90-95% in length and 50-75% in weight.  A++!  We are wearing 9 month clothes, although some of her 9 month clothes are a little snug.  Brands just run differently.  She's still in size 3 diapers and will be for awhile since they last until 28 pounds.  Bathtime is a new playtime, and her bath toy collection is growing.  Russ bathes her many nights, and I love to hear them talking to each other.  That's his Daddy time.  She still goes to sleep...nap and bedtime...with her lovey rubbing against her cheek or nose.  It's so cute!  I know many moms have trained their babies to lay down in their cribs and go to sleep by themselves at this point.  I have not.  Because I don't want to.  Ha!  I enjoy rocking her to sleep until she drifts off.  I spend that time staring at her perfect little nose and her sweet face.  I pray over her and listen to the music playing on my Pandora Lullaby Radio station.  I think about our day, and I thank God for this life.  I'm not giving that up.  At least not yet.  And, to be honest, I may not give it up at all!  If she's 13 years old and still sitting in my lap to go to sleep, I'll be blessed! (Although, I feel quite sure that at 13 years old she will be rolling her eyes at that idea!)

Something new this month is a little development of some fear and anxiety.  I told you how much we've traveled lately, and Millie Janalee is a superb traveling partner!  We pick up at a moment's notice and hit the road many times.  All of a sudden, Millie Janalee developed some anxiety in an elevator.  I don't know where this came from, but it is funny I admit.  She grabs my shoulders with her little hands and squeezes my waist with her legs.  She makes a little whimper and buries her head on my chest.  She's gotten a little better, but she still stiffens up a little.  She has also developed a fear of changing her diaper in the car on the seat.  I guess she realizes that her feet don't have anywhere to lay.  She grabs her changing pad with a white-knuckled grip.  It cracks me up!  Bless her!  Stranger anxiety isn't too bad if she has time to stare at you and warm up to you.  Then, she'll talk your ear off and let you carry her anywhere!  I'm glad about that, because I always hated when babies cried when I held them.  I also hated when parents would run to grab them from me.  It always made me feel like their babies just didn't like me.  Now, I know that wasn't the case, but I work hard to make sure Millie Janalee doesn't make anyone feel that way.  I want her to be pleasant.  Now, she may not stay this way...but I'm working on it.  I keep her social and let others hold her whenever I can...even though, secretly, I don't want to let her go!  I love holding this girl!

These last nine months have been the most fun months ever!  I love this baby girl, and I enjoy every stage of her sweet life!  Happy Nine Months, sweet girl!