Smiling Faces

Here are some glimpses of family and friends as they get their first peek of Maximus. 

It has been amazing to hear, see and feel the excitement in the air. I had no idea. No. Idea. How many people have been praying and believing for a family for us. Max is not only our dream come true, but the dreams of so many. 

What true joy we have experienced this month as we have shared little Max with everyone!

Grandma [my mom]

Partners in Grace [PiGs] Prayer Group

Grandma & Papa

GG [short for Great Grandma] & GGPa

Auntie Marie [my cousin]

Ouch!

OK, funny story.  

I have caught Max doing this twice now, so I thought it definitely required a blog entry.

Out of nowhere, I hear Max let out this big howl! I mean, he is completely content one minute and then all of a sudden...he is wailing! I rush over to see what is going on and the little man has his hair in his fist. He is tugging and pulling, trying to get free, but just can't. Each time he tugs and pulls, he lets out a louder wail! I have to literally pry his fingers out of his hair for him and calm him down.

Now, how many 3 week olds actually have enough hair that they can wrap it around their fingers and yank on it?

Not many.

Sports 101

Here is Max all dressed up in his Nike gear for his afternoon of sports with daddy. They are watching a little b-ball and I am sure Sam is already explaining the rules of the game to little Max!

Wake up little buddy...daddy has some very important things to teach you!  

Best Buddies!

Max met his cousin, Elijah, today for the first time! Eli is only 9 days older than Max. I can only imagine the fun (and trouble!) they are going to get into together.

Who Wants to Meet Max?

Grandparents. Aunts. Uncles. Cousins. Neighbors. Friends. Co-workers. Everyone wants to meet Max! 

I don't know if any other little boy has ever been more loved! 

Photo above is one of my favorite moments. My sis-in-law Kristen and her four kiddos meeting Max for the first time. I don't know who was more excited...Aunt Kristen or the cousins Maddie, Abby, Lauren and Gabe!

We Made It Home!

This moment is finally here. We arrived home. With Max.

I feel like I need to pinch myself right now. This was one of the most incredible faith walks of my life and I feel like we have finally arrived in the land of the living. The God of promise turned into the God of action on our behalf. 

"I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living."

Psalm 27:13

No Hablo

We received word that we can head home to Ohio. Sam is still out on business, so my girlfriend, Becky, flew in so she can help us pack and drive home.

She arrived with a fab gift for the little man.  Thanks Auntie Bex for the sweet pacifier!

Can Max Come?

We are still in Tennessee and Sam has to leave for business for a few days. He wanted to pack Max in his suitcase for the trip. :)

Mother's Day

Where do I even start? This Mother's Day all my dreams came true. It was truly a day I have longed to celebrate, with a baby in my arms, for years.

Emily asked me several days ago if I would celebrate the day with her and her family. Of course I said YES! We went to church as a family. We stood together when the pastor asked for the mothers in the room to stand. I can't imagine a better way to celebrate this special day...next to the girl that helped make me mom to Max.

Thank you Emily. You are one amazing girl. One amazing mom.

Tubby Time

I had to capture this moment! Max's first bath...and he loved it!

Baby Moses Basket

Max's first night in his baby moses basket.  Sleep tight.

Home From the Hospital

Sweet photos of Maximus getting ready to leave the hospital. Adorable!

We have a wonderful home to take Max to while we wait for the paperwork to be approved. We will most likely be in Tennessee for a couple of weeks.

Priceless

We have spent hours and hours at the hospital. The time has been both precious and memorable with Emily, her family and course little Max.

Colton and his mom came to town today. This picture is priceless to me. All of Max's parents in one room, in one photo. I know this is going to be one of Max's favorite photos someday.

It is already one of mine!

Thanks Just Isn't Enough

The woman that made it all happen. Yvonne.

Need I say more?

Love at First Sight

Our first glimpse of little Max. He is perfect. 

Sam and I arrived at the hospital together. What an amazing experience. Knowing that you are about ready to walk into a room and meet your son for the first time. I was so excited and anxious I was shaking. This was the moment I have waited years for. 

And let me tell you, it was love at first sight.

Maximus, you are absolutely perfect.

I am undeniably and unashamedly overwhelmed at God's faithfulness.