7 months later...

Ready to go to her first St. Louis Cardinal game.
She's got her cheerleading outfit on that Nana
got her for Spring Training earlier this year.




Go Albert!




A big girl.



What is this thing on my head?




Family fun at great grandma's house.




Determined to catch some bubbles.



At the bottom of the slide... need to figure out
where mommy is and make sure she isn't far
away.


So, here we are. We have had Alia home with us now for 7 months. As I look back on the road that we travelled... I would do it all again in a heartbeat! Brad and I can't believe how much joy she has brought into our lives and the lives of those around us.



Alia's first play day at the park.


Alia on the scale at the hospital the
day cousin Landon was born. I could
only get her to hold still by putting the
hand foam on her hands. She loves that
stuff.

The other day Alia and I were looking at pictures and videos from the time that we spent with her in the baby house. I just can't even believe that she is the same girl. She has changed so much. She is growing (very well), talking, walking, very animated and fun. I remember that little girl that could barely sit up at 7 months and was very cautious about who she shared a smile with and when.



Daddy and Alia at great-grandma's house. Alia
really wanted to play in the sprinkler (we forgot
to take a swimming suit), but did NOT want her
feet to touch the grass. She even held her feet up
sitting in his lap so that no grass would touch her.

Anyway, what a wonderful 7 months! Again, thanks for sharing this time with us.

Another very cool story...

So, we all know that drama, events, craziness, ups, downs, heartaches, joy, etc. that Brad and I went through to reach this point and have our daughter here with us. Each step of the way, God has shown us how much He loves us and provides for us. We can look back now and see how perfect His plan was for our lives. Every day I thank Him for the miracle of Alia and being able to hold her in my arms each day and hear her call me momma.

My sister had a baby today and he was another miracle. There were some pretty tough problems that caused her to be on bedrest for most of her pregnancy. The doctors were unsure that he would be fully ready to come out and meet the world today. However, once again... God provided. My sister gave birth to a beautiful baby boy who weighed in at 6 pounds, 13 ounces (which is MUCH bigger than everyone thought he would be)! Mom, dad and baby are doing well. Alia loves her little cousin and even very softly (which isn't quite normal for her) gave him a kiss on the cheek.

Intoducing... Landon!


Alia and Evalyn - waiting to meet their new cousin
(someone is NOT stepping on Alia's hand even
though it looks like it)


Alia really liked to be close to him and look at
him. She even wanted to hold him, which I
thought was pretty interesting that she even
cared. She loves babies. (oh, and... there is
nothing wrong with his cheeks, the light was
hitting his face funny through the blinds). :)


Amazing... yet again, God is SO good. Just when you start to wonder what in the world is going on, you look in the face of a beautiful baby and are so thankful that you aren't the one in charge... and that the ONE who is... has it all under control.

With that, I'm going to bed... love you all!
Steph