Our Next Step

Pre-Max, we talked a lot about adoption. It didn't seem like the right time, but now that we've started thinking about a second child, we know it's time. So we've begun the process of becoming foster/adoptive parents. We've completed a series of training classes and are waiting for our home study to be completed.  After that, we should be licensed. We're hoping for a child younger than Max.  It's already been quite a journey - we've had to do so much just to prepare to be licensed. But we feel very peaceful in all of it. We both feel like this is God's plan and that He has a child who needs us. We can't wait to meet that child, whether it's in a few weeks or a few months or even if it takes longer than that.

Spring Break

We went to Port Aransas for a much-needed spring break getaway.

We stayed in a condo (pictures courtesy of Max).





 
 
It was too cold for me at the beach but Max LOVED it (the water at least - the sand not so much). He would be shivering with his teeth chattering and not want to get out. I think we will be taking more trips to the beach this summer!

Our condo was just over the dunes from the beach, but we also went to Padre Island National Seashore.  Matt really just wanted to see how the Outback performed on the sand.

Other than the beach, we found every playground in the town and visited some of the birding sites as well.  One evening we ate at a restaurant right on the water, and Max liked watching the boats.

On our way home, we stopped at the Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. The only wildlife we saw was a turkey but we had a nice picnic and enjoyed driving through.

We went over the weekend and came back Tuesday so it was nice to get away but still gave me time to get some things done the rest of the week. Too bad spring break isn't 2 weeks long!

Things in Max's Bed

We started putting books in Max's bed when he was old enough to look at them by himself when he would wake up in the mornings to keep him entertained. He's also always slept with a little blankie I made him and a creature he calls "Feet-Feet" from Dr. Seuss's The Foot Book. However, things have recently gotten out of hand. Currently his bed is also occupied by Elmo, a puppy, and a teddy bear, along with about 4 books. When we put him to bed tonight, he asked for Thomas and Percy, so they are with him tonight too. I'm fairly certain he had a couple cars with him at naptime that were left in there too. So if you're keeping track, that's at least 13 items...oh and there's also his pillow and a blanket in case he gets cold. Is there room for a boy in that crib?!?

Snow Day!

Icicles - check!

 

Cold weather gear - check!

 (I think Max had on 3 shirts, a fleece pullover and his jacket - also, it's difficult to put gloves on a toddler!)

No work - check! (only half day for Matt - sorry babe!) 

Hot chocolate - check!

But wait....there's something missing....

Can you tell what it is?

Oh yeah... 

NO SNOW!    (boo)

TWO

Max, you're two! Well, you have been for like 3 weeks now, but you know mommy is a little slow with the updates sometimes.
Stats: 28 lbs 10 oz, 35 3/4 in.
You have been talking like crazy since around Christmas. You say at least one new word every day and you've been making more sentences, most of which involve telling us what to do - "sit mommy here", or telling Annie what to do - "Annie go pee-pee" (as in wanting to her, the dog, to use the potty).
You would play outside all day if you could.
Your favorite food is pizza and I'm pretty sure your second favorite (other than dessert) is canned peas or green beans.
It's so fun to watch you play and interact with other kids now.
It's such a time of growth and learning, and we are constantly amazed at things you figure out or remember.

 

The sweetest words we hear are "I love you Mommy" and "I love you Daddy". 

We love you too buddy!

When did this happen?!

I'm not sure when it happened...
But this is my baby...

I don't know who this 2 year old little boy is or where he came from!

Okay, I like him too. He can stay.

Texas Bowl

Baylor finally made it to a bowl game and luckily for us it was here! It was fun to go to the game and enjoy the atmosphere.  The game itself was another story but we put it behind us and we're focusing on the fact that they did actually play in a bowl game this year.  We decided to make a night of it since our anniversary was last week too. We got a room at the Hotel ZaZa, a hotel that's too cool for us. Our room had a great view of the pool, although this picture doesn't do it justice.

Thursday morning we stopped to see a movie (True Grit - we highly recommend it) and ate popcorn for lunch before heading back home to the baby (okay...toddler, boy, guess I can't call him baby anymore). So regardless of the outcome of the game it was a fun night out and thanks again to Nanny and Great-Nanny for babysitting!