laughing

Dream Come True

OK, going to get a little sappy and sentimental for this post... because I can. Because I am so thankful.

This Christmas I am especially thankful. For years in the past Christmas was always a bitter sweet holiday. Dan and I both found ourselves wishing and day dreaming about what it would be like to have kids and do the special things we do at Christmas with them. To be honest, when we started our adoption journey, we both honestly did not think we would have been matched or even have a child at Christmas. I think we were both mentally preparing for another year... of just us. However, as we have learned through our marriage, God ALWAYS is in control and ALWAYS loves us and knows our hearts desires. 

Well, in August he gave us our hearts desire plus. This year I am so blessed. This year, Dan and I get to start "family" traditions and we aren't missing any opportunities. 

I am so thankful for a God that loves us and blesses in ways we could never imagine or dream. This Christmas as I decorated our house.  It was so much fun. It was fun because we had a little guy that I was doing it for. HE LOVES LIGHTS. However, I think it finally hit me that we really were a family when this came in the mail. 

I know you might be thinking that is silly, but honestly, there were times when I never thought I would see this in my house. It is the most beautiful thing. Something I cherish and smile every time I look at it. It says to me

 FAMILY

So as I decorate our home this year I think about how God sent his son to earth for me. He gave us what was most precious to him. I also think about Colton's birth mom and what a loving sacrifice she made so that we could be a family. There are no words or things I could do to ever express my gratitude to her. 

I have been so lucky to be able to be home with our little guy. I am savoring the last month and a half left before I go back to reality. I am loving all the toys, messes and lack of sleep because it means something... it means we have a son.  Don't get me wrong there are days that are long and days when we wonder what the heck we are doing, but then I look at his face with that great big smile and all is right in the world. 

I hope that during this busy time of year, you have a moment to reflect on what Christmas really is all about. 

Merry Christmas from a grateful heart.

I love my GG

Colton is so lucky to have such a wonderful great grandma. She was the first one to play peek a boo with him and he has loved that ever since!!  We were able to see her along with many other family members at Thanksgiving. We wanted have a few pictures of him with GG. I think they turned out great!! 

Looking forward to seeing you soon!!!

Ready for the snow

Well, it finally happened. My parents have been warning me about this white stuff coming. I didn't seemed to bother by it till mom got out this funny outfit for me to wear. 

Check me out, I am ready for the MN winter weather. I'm pretty excited!! 

Bring on the snow!  

Playing with my daddy

 This morning my mommy and daddy gave me a new toy to play with that I got from some very special people that were mentors to my mommy growing up. I was so excited to play with my daddy! 

Deep in thought trying to figure out how it all works (check out his tongue)

Hey Dad, when can I get my own cell phone

Thanks Kim and Kathy for such a fun toy!! I know he will get LOTS of use out of it!!! 

jumpin for wednesday!

hope you all are having a good week.

Just Hanging Out

I like to hang out and be able to see my parents pretty much all the time. They are getting very creative trying to keep my attention while still being able to get things done. One of my favorite places to play while mom makes dinner is my highchair. 

This bumbo seat my parents keep trying to get me to like... 

This might not be that bad.... 

15 seconds later.....

OK.... MOM I AM DONE!!! 

Our little Monkey

Hard to believe that we have Colton sometimes. He is getting such a personality and is so fun! We dressed him up as a monkey and he sure didn't mind. He was very happy to help pass out candy and watch the kids and lights this year. We never got around to carving our pumpkins, we will have to do that with him next year! 

This year Colton stayed in with us to pass out candy, but we did go trick or treating to grandpa and grandma's house.  

With a face like that, what's not to love! 

Play Hard

I put Colton down to play with his toys while I was putting his clothes away. He was playing and then it got pretty quite. I looked over and saw this....

The GREATS visit

This past weekend Dan's uncle Tim and Aunt Bev (AKA: THE GREATS)  came along with their son Billy and his wife Kara. We had not seen Billy or Kara since their wedding because we had to cancel our weekend trip to the Dells because some little guy came!! 

We had a great time and always look forward to spending time with them. Friday we headed to Stillwater to take in the shops and go out for dinner. Saturday we went shopping and then Colton went to our friends house to hang out while the adults went to a Wild hockey game. I (Kate) was super excited about this as I LOVE hockey. We had a great time and ended the night by playing dominos into the early morning. 

Colton with his GREATS

Billy, Kara and Colton

Kara got Colton to FINALLY take a nap! 

We had such a nice time and can't wait for Thanksgiving!! Thanks for making the drive and spending time with us!!