One month ago, Russ and I loaded our car as we left our hotel with a new addition to our family.  We stopped by the Bethany office that Sunday afternoon and drove the three hours home to our new normal.

One month ago, we walked through the doors of our apartment as a "Party of Three."

One month ago, we placed our little angel in her bassinet and watched her wide-eyed expression as she studied every detail.

One month ago, we introduced Farley to his new baby sister.  We watched him sniff her and run to her when she cried.

One month ago, we gave Millie Janalee her first bath.  It's all on video, and  she did not like it at all!

One month ago, our lives were changed as we began "life" with this new child entrusted to us.

One month ago, we were as happy as we've ever been!  And, today, we are as happy as we've ever been.  Thank you, Lord, for this journey and for your perfect plan!

Thank you, that one month ago, Millie Janalee was welcomed home sweet home!

Sip & See

This weekend, several dear friends and prayer warriors hosted a Sip & See for Millie Janalee in our hometown.  This was Millie Janalee's big debut, and she was amazing!  Wide awake, alert, and perfectly content the entire morning!  I think it's safe to say everyone fell in love with her...or maybe that's just "mommy talk." 

Me, Millie Janalee, and some of the hostesses

Everything was decorated so beautifully!  I would not expect anything less from these ladies.  Always the perfect hostesses with the perfect decor and perfect setting.  Thank you all SO much for such a lovely day!  And, a special thanks to Melinda for hosting Millie Janalee's Sip & See in her home...with her broken foot and all!

Most of the hostesses hadn't met Millie Janalee yet either.  We arrived nearly an hour early trying to time her feeding before the guests began to arrive, so the hostesses had lots of time to enjoy our sweet girl before "pass the baby" began.  Ha!

Neeley, Mrs. Kemp, Ginny, and Mama

After Mama and I "ooooh"ed and "aaaaah"ed over the decor outside Melinda's home, we walked inside to even more perfection!  Such a delightful touch!  I'm not sure who did what...or I would certainly give credit where credit is due.  But I noticed every sweet detail, and I loved it!  All the way down to the monogrammed cookies!

I am so glad Maw Maw has been able to enjoy every part of this new great grandbaby!  She was and is so proud of Millie Janalee!  She loves to show her off, and I can't blame her!  When Maw Maw arrived, she found a seat near Millie Janalee and grinned from ear to ear the rest of the morning.

Maw Maw and Millie Janalee

A little background on Ms. Melinda.  Melinda's daughter, Neeley, babysat us growing up.  I would go as far to say she was our "other mother."  In fact, she went on vacation with us, kept us without my parents needing her to, took us to pierce our ears, taught us how to shave our legs, and more.  Then, Kristin and I babysat her children when they were young.  Now, Millie Janalee is the third generation, I suppose.  Neeley and I had our tear-filled moment when Melinda brought out pictures of years past. I wish everyone could have had a "Neeley" growing up!

Neeley, me, Millie Janalee, Kristin, and Bennett (Neeley's daughter)

I was so excited to see Leah Saturday morning!  She and her husband drove in from Tupelo, and he sat in the car with their little one.  Such sweet friends!  I told you when I got a picture of Leah and Matt with Millie Janalee I would dedicate an entire post to them.  And I will!  I'm so glad Leah was able to see Millie Janalee again, and I'm glad it was captured on camera.  Thank you so much, Leah and Matt, for being such precious friends to us!

Leah and Millie Janalee

Lee's mom drove in from Jackson to meet Millie Janalee for the first time too.  Word on the street is that Rhonda has "Nana Fever."  Ha!  She had a ball loving on Millie Janalee, feeding her, and overloading her with gifts!  Thank you "Aunt Nana!"  We love you!

Kristin, Maw Maw, and Rhonda

Millie Janalee was excited to meet some of her cousins too!  Russ's cousins, Karen and Claire stopped by to meet our little one.  We are so thankful for loving family members who love with their time, energy, words, and hugs!  Thanks, Karen and Claire, for your love Saturday!

Claire, Millie Janalee, and Karen

I'm not even sure if I saw everyone who stopped by.  Neeley did a great job of trying to capture moments I might have missed.  If I didn't get a chance to personally thank you for coming by to show your love, support, and sharing a hug with Millie Janalee...THANK YOU!  I count my blessings daily and you all are certainly on my list!

It's always nice to go back to our hometown and visit with those who shaped us into who we are.  We rarely have a chance to really sit down and enjoy lengthy conversations without things to do and family to see.  I enjoyed our time Saturday!

Me, Ms. Melinda, Bennett, and Kristin

When things slowed down, you better believe Susu grabbed her one-on-one time!  There's not a whole lot of sharing happening with our families right now!  Ha!  One thing is for sure...Millie Janalee has us all wrapped around her little finger.

Millie Janalee and Susu

The hostesses took advantage of sweet time with our girl when people started clearing out too.  Thankfully, Millie Janalee is quite the social Southern lady.  She ate up all the attention.

Mrs. Kemp, Mrs. Freida, Mrs. June, Mrs. Sherrye, and "Auntie Mary"

The Newcombs stopped by to meet Millie Janalee too

Bennett was such a good helper all day!  She made sure I had a drink when I was thirsty.  She helped take things to the back room when I needed it.  She helped me change Millie Janalee when she was wet.  She helped hold the bottle so I could drink my mint lemonade.  She was patiently waiting to hold Millie Janalee!  And, I'm so glad she was able to have her first babysitting moments while we loaded the car and packed our things.  She was so sweet with her!

Bennett with Millie Janalee

Thank you again for all your love, support, and most of all your prayers throughout our journey!  We are overjoyed to share our sweet girl with you!  Thank you for coming by to love on Millie Janalee as she gets to know those who shaped her parents all our lives!  And thank you to those of you who traveled miles to see us!  We have been blessed, and you all are a blessing to our daughter already! 

One Month

Sweet Millie Janalee,

The last time I wrote you a letter, I had only the hope of you.  What a difference a month can make!  One month ago, your daddy and I held a precious treasure, a long awaited miracle baby, an answered prayer of hundreds of prayer warriors.  One month ago, God gave us YOU!

As I think back to my thoughts, feelings, and prayers over the last year...I am overwhelmed with thanksgiving.  Thankful for all the days we waited.  SO incredibly thankful for God's beautiful plan.  Amazingly blessed and thankful for you...all 21 inches of you!  As I sit here with you sleeping on my chest, I am tearful and joyful and full of praise!  What a great God we serve, sweet girl!  Only He could have answered our prayers so beautifully!  Only He could have created this Party of Three!

Millie Janalee, I stare at you all the time.  I stare because you are beautiful...like a baby doll.  I also stare because I want to remember every detail of your itty bitty body.  I stare because I don't want to miss a thing as you change daily.  I stare because I'm scared that if I look away, I will miss a part of your life.  Your daddy and I have waited so long for you and we want to be a part of everything you do.  I stare because I wouldn't believe it if I hadn't witnessed it myself...that we would be so blessed with such an angel baby.  Immeasurably more is what God promised He could do.  And immeasurably more is what he did for us!

I also pray for you, little one.  I pray for His protection over you as you sleep.  I pray for your health.  I pray for your future.  I pray that when Jesus comes knocking, you will answer.  I pray that you open the door and let Him in at an early age.  I pray that you allow God to use you...just as He already has...to change the world.  Even if it's your own little world.  I pray you let Him lead you and use you for His glory.  He has already used you to change my world.  And countless others.  You are such a special young lady!  God has used your story in amazing ways, and I am so proud of you and how you point others to Him.  I pray that you always walk in the light.  And when your little feet are weary, I pray you let Him carry you.

I promise, my love, that your daddy and I love you more than you could ever imagine.  As I watch you sleep with your little mouth wide open...my heart is so full it hurts.  And I know that no matter how much I love you...God loves you even more!  He knew you before you were born.  He knew we needed you...and I pray we are the parents He wants us to be.  I pray that God gives us wisdom as we walk through this life with you.  I pray that He guide us through every phase of parenthood.  My prayer is that we always be guided by our Heavenly Father...the one who built our little family.  After all, you belong to Him! 

I must admit that I'm traumatized by how fast time is going!  I absolutely love watching every change.  I love that you are more alert and awake during the day.  I love that you have started grabbing me when i feed you.  I love that you lift your head to look at my face when you are on my shoulder.  I love your facial expressions.  I love how you are filling out.  I love it all!  But, I also miss things already.  I miss your baby face.  I miss your newborn screech.  I miss your 6 pound 13 ounce weight.  I'm sure I will spend the rest of your life soaking up and loving every phase of your life!  And I'm also sure I will spend the rest of your life looking back with a smile and missing these baby moments.  I don't dare look too far down the road!  My heart begins to ache and tears fill my eyes when I think too far ahead.  I want to be here with you.  In this moment.  Forever.  I want to always be present with you and live every good, bad, and ugly moment to the fullest!  I will spend the rest of my days thanking God for every second of this life He has blessed us with!  Oh, sweet girl, I'm so happy!  To God be the glory!

I love you!
Mama

"Thanks be to God for His inexpressible gift!"  2 Corinthians 9:15

Other Special Introductions

Please excuse me while I rewind a little here.  We've been having so much fun with Millie Janalee and getting everyone caught up on her adoption story, I failed to talk about some other very special introductions!

Susu, me, Millie Janalee, and Pops

Most of you know that my grandfather is in a nursing home now.  It was too much for us to get him out and to the placement ceremony, and he would have been completely confused.  He has some dementia and it's gotten worse over time.  Instead, we waited until the next day.  Russ, my mom, me and Millie Janalee went to pick him up from the nursing home where the nurses bathed him, put on fresh clothes, and washed his hands.  We brought him to the hotel to introduce our girl.  He never even knew she was in the back seat the whole time!  It was a sweet moment for four generations to enjoy this new life.

Millie Janalee, Rachael, and Jimbo

We ended up staying a couple of nights in the hotel, so two of my college friends stopped by to meet Millie Janalee.  Rachael and Jimbo were both in our wedding.  They have a little boy, and they have prayed with us as we waited for Miss Millie Janalee.  Kelly was my college roommate.  She made Aaron stay in the lobby with her two boys, but we went down so he could see her too.  Kelly and Aaron were also in our wedding, and they have prayed daily for us throughout our journey.  Kelly actually knew a few days before Millie Janalee was born.  I think her text went something like this:

"Shut the front door!"
"AHhhhhhhhhh"
"holy cow oh my gosh oh my gosh!!"
"I have been praying so hard and waiting for this text! Sobbing like a little turd right now."

All in perfect Kelly fashion.  I would expect nothing less!

"Aunt Kelly" and Millie Janalee

Russ's mom had a stomachache and was not able to come to the placement ceremony to meet her namesake.  She came to our apartment a few days later to meet her.  She is certainly in love with our girl!  She keeps saying over and over that no amount of pictures can do her beauty justice.  Granmomma actually called the other day while I was home just to hear Millie Janalee's voice.  I was feeding her, so I took the bottle away and put the phone to her ear.  Granmomma just talked and talked to her...and Millie Janalee started yelling for her food.  Ha!  Granmomma wanted to hear her voice, and she certainly did! 

Granmomma, Daddy, and Millie Janalee

Granmomma with our Party of Three

Another special introduction was meeting Ms. Melinda.  Ms. Melinda has prayed and prayed for this sweet girl long before she was born.  Probably long before she was conceived!  She couldn't wait to meet Millie Janalee!  Melinda knew a little early too.  She and another family friend got our bassinet ready, and it is beautiful!  Millie Janalee loved it too!  She sleeps in it every night!

Millie Janalee and Ms. Melinda

Ms. Linda is Jamie's mom.  She was a great sounding board while we waited on Millie Janalee's birth.  You see, 29 years ago, Ms. Linda was in our position.  She knows the waiting.  She knows the last minute plans.  She knows adoption, and she always had great advice.  It was a joy to share our story and our girl with Ms. Linda!

Ms. Linda and Millie Janalee

A week or so ago, another college roommate made the trip to visit us and meet Millie Janalee.  Jennifer has three children now, and she and her husband have also prayed for us long before Millie Janalee was conceived.  When I texted her Millie Janalee's picture with our announcement, she called and left the most amazing voicemail.  I saved it.  She was in tears with joy!  She brought Millie Janalee a few gifts with a card that read, "Miracles do happen!"  I love this girl!  And she loves my girl!

Me, Jennifer, and Millie Janalee

There have been so many special introductions, and I hate I don't have pictures of all of them.  There are even more introductions to come.  Millie Janalee has so many waiting to see their answered prayer.  Waiting to see this miracle.  She is one special girl, and her story has touched so many!  I am honored, humbled, proud, and thrilled to be chosen as Millie Janalee's mama!

Four Weeks

Today, our baby girl is four weeks old!  Auntie Kristin even texted us this morning wishing Millie Janalee a Happy Four Weeks!  I guess I'm not the only one counting.  Time is steadily flying by just like everyone told us it would.  When I feed Millie Janalee or hold her, I find myself just staring at her sweet face wishing I could capture every detail forever.  Her face is where we notice most of the changes...and her weight.  She feels a little heavier for sure.  I wish I could bottle up every change and keep it on a shelf.  But, instead, I take TONS of pictures!  No surprise there, I'm sure.  Ha!

Today, we had our first post-placement home visit with our agency.  We will have three home visits during the six months leading up to court papers finalizing our adoption.  Our case worker, Elizabeth, came by this evening to talk to us, walk through our home, and meet Millie Janalee.  We talked with her together, and she talked with us individually.  I joked before she came that "I hope she lets us keep our baby girl."  Sounds like we are doing a pretty good job, and Millie Janalee will get to stay.  Hehe!

This week, we are noticing some of her newborn clothes are starting to fit a little snug.  Some of her newborn footies don't even reach her shoulders anymore.  We aren't quite to 0-3 months yet...but we are very close!   Is it crazy that I just want to freeze time?  Then some days I can't wait to hear her say "Mama."  That's where bottling up every change comes into play.  I think that's a great idea! 

This was a big week for Millie Janalee with our big road trip and visitors and all.  She's managed pretty well, and hopefully her pediatrician won't reprimand us too bad.  She is just the sweetest thing I've ever seen or met in my life.  I'm not even biased at all.  I promise!  I love those big sweet eyes staring into mine.  I love those dainty pouty lips.  I love her receding hairline.  I love her long fingers and toes.  I love her little belly...well not so little anymore.  Ha!  I just love this girl so much!

Happy Four Weeks, sweet girl!

American Idol Nashville Tour

You may remember that my mom bought our family tickets to see the American Idol Tour in Nashville back in June...for my dad's birthday.  This was certainly before we all knew about Miss Millie Janalee, but everything ended up working out perfectly!  This past Friday, Russ and I loaded Millie Janalee into the car for our first big road trip and mini vacay.  This was a test.  Could she hang with this crowd or not...

We only stopped once to feed Millie Janalee...and once for me.  Ha!  She made the trip wonderfully!  We actually beat the rest of the group to the hotel, so we had some time to relax and feed our sweet girl before the rest of our crew arrived.  The first thing we did was plop Millie Janalee on our big bed for a picture of her first vacation hotel experience at Loews Vanderbilt.  It was certainly not her first hotel experience, since she spent the first few days of her life in a hotel.  This was different.

She was dressed for a nice dinner, because we had reservations at Ruth's Chris downstairs at 8:30.  She wasn't quite ready for her filet, roasted asparagus, and potatoes au gratin like I was...so I fed her formula instead.  She was pretty excited about her menu...

Yay for formula!

When the rest of the family arrived, they went down to the restaurant while Millie Janalee finished her dinner.  I think it's safe to say she was the youngest one there.  She slept through most of our dinner, and when she awoke...we just passed her around the table. 

Millie Janalee LOVES to listen to Russ play the guitar!  On our way back to the room, we passed the "hotel bar," which was really just an area in the lobby.  The entertainment was a lady playing the guitar and singing.  We decided to stop for a while and sit while she played.  Millie Janalee never flinched...as is normal when Russ plays. 

The next morning, we woke up to a leisurely day with no strict plan...until our dinner at 4:30.  When we got up and ready, we decided to take a stroll to Pancake Pantry.  It was only a mile away, and it was a beautiful day!  The entire weekend was very pleasant.  Sunny and borderline fall temperatures!

Me, Russ, and Millie Janalee strolling the streets of Nashville

Kristin and Lee

When we arrived at Pancake Pantry, our little girl was hungry...and the line was all the way around the corner and down the sidewalk.  I found a little spot on the brick steps to feed Millie Janalee while Mama, Kristin, and Russ kept our place in line.

Our hungry girl

Mama and Kristin holding our spot for a party of nine!

Daddy and Lee kept me company while I fed our itty bitty.

Our breakfast was, as expected, delicious!  I had the Swiss Chocolate Chip Pancakes and Russ had some kind of southwest arrangement.  We were all stuffed and ready for our one mile trek back to the hotel.  The day couldn't have been more perfect for our leisurely walk!

Like mother like daughter!

Millie Janalee's first Pancake Pantry experience!

Susu and PawPaw strolling their grandbaby back to the hotel

We spent the rest of the afternoon, which was really only a couple of hours, resting and playing with Millie Janalee in the hotel room.  Russ and my room was the gathering spot, and we were fine with that!

Karen and Teri met us for dinner at Maggiano's.  Dustin and Sheila had a mixup on the dates of the concert and weren't able to come last minute.  Karen and Teri gladly stepped in!  If you have never been to Maggiano's, may I please make the suggestion!  Oh my!  So good!  When you order off their classic pasta section, the chef sends you home with another pasta order of your choice!  I don't have any pictures of our dinner, but I did manage to snap one of our new little obsession.

Following dinner, my parents wanted to keep Millie Janalee while Russ and I took a date night out in downtown Nashville.  We were excited...until we pulled into the parking lot where we were to be dropped off.  Millie Janalee was screaming and crying.  With TEARS!  And I nearly lost it!  I scooped that sweet baby into my arms, snuggled her, and fed her a little until she was completely calmed down.  Everyone was very patient waiting on this poor mama.  Finally, I turned her over to my parents and walked away.  I certainly felt a little different "going out" this time.  Tempted to pull out pictures to show every stranger I met in the bathrooms, sidewalks, and taxi.  Ha!

Since our dinner was so early, so was our night.  We started at Big Bang around 7:30, because there was no cover charge until 8:30.  We never left!  Ha!  We spent the rest of our night laughing, singing, talking, taking pictures, dancing, and having a great time! 

Kristin, Karen, Teri, and me

Dancing the night away! I look like I'm in pain.  Hmmm...

At some point during the night, Teri and Karen snuck a note onto the stage asking that they recognize Russ and me for being new parents to our 3 week old Millie Janalee.  Oh my!  They made the announcement...and called us on stage.  Why?  To do the Hokey Pokey!  I was dying!  I was stopped a minimum of three times on the way to the restroom for people to tell me how great I looked after having a baby.  Ha!  I only explained it once.  The other times, I smiled and said, "Thank you!"

On stage with bachelorettes, bachelors, and birthdays

Since we arrived so early, we had great seats for the night.  However, our favorite entertainment was that of the staff guy who guarded the stage.  He sang and provided motions to every single song played.  He deserved a raise!  Russ and I tipped him all we could afford...which was a whopping $4.  He gave us all bumper stickers and posed for a picture in response.  Ha!

I'm gonna guess that we left The Big Bang around 2 in the morning...at which time I was craving a funnel cake more than ever!  We asked the vendors and shops still open, but we came away empty handed.  A fun night nonetheless for sure!

Sisters

The guys held down the fort most of the night

Yaya TT and me

Ending the night with a BANG!

We caught a taxi back to our respective hotels.  Since we were unable to find a funnel cake, we dug into our complimentary pasta dishes from Maggiano's.  Millie Janalee was asleep and probably contemplating her 3 o'clock feeding when we all dispersed to our rooms for the night.  I would say our first date night out since Millie Janalee was a success!

Sunday, Rhonda and Michael invited us over for lunch.  Michael is a wonderful cook, and they love to entertain.  We were happy to enjoy a yummy lunch of hamburgers, baked beans, slaw, smoked chicken, and canned pears from their pear tree.  We spent our afternoon enjoying the weather outside on the deck, visiting, and of course playing with Millie Janalee! 

Lee introducing himself to the goldfish

Auntie Kristin, me, and Millie Janalee swinging

We planned to stay with Rhonda and Michael Sunday night after the concert, and Rhonda graciously agreed to watch Millie Janalee while we were gone.  Russ and I are so grateful to Michael and Rhonda for taking such good care of our little one on her first night with a babysitter!

Rhonda and Millie Janalee

Mama made reservations for us to eat the pre-show dinner at the Bridgestone Arena.  It was an all you can eat smorgasbord, and we all ate all we could!  So yummy!  A great start to the evening!

Daddy, Mama, Teri, and Karen

The birthday boy!

Lee and Kristin

Me and Russ

After dinner, we headed over to our seats.  We had wonderful seats!  Oh, and the girl behind me was chowing down on a FUNNEL CAKE!  If I hadn't been so stuffed, I would have jumped up to grab one for myself.   Now, I guess I'll have to wait until I visit some sort of fair grounds.  Hmmm...

Karen, Teri, Mama, and Daddy (biting his lip in anticipation I'm sure! ha!)

Lee, Kristin, me, and Russ

As the lights dimmed, we were excitedly waiting for our American Idol favorites to hit the stage!  My favorites...Colton, Skylar, Joshua, and Philly Phil of course!

The concert was great!  The energy was high.  And the crowd was thrilled to welcome Colton home to his hometown of Nashville, TN!  All my favorite idols performed to my expectations.  Joshua is unreal in person!  And, Elise knows how to entertain too!  Great show!

Top 10

Colton Dixon

Skylar Laine

Joshua Ledet

Our American Idol...Phillip Phillips!!!

Thank you, Mama, for always planning trips and experiences of a lifetime!  Thank you for taking charge to create memories!  Daddy...in Russ's words, "We're so glad you were born!"  Ha!  We had a blast!

There was just one place I couldn't wait to be...

Snuggled up next to my sweet girl!  Perfect ending to a perfect weekend!