A Year Already?!

I've been meaning to write this post for a while now, but every time I sat down to write, the words just wouldn't come. Eden's birthday week was very emotional for me. I really can't believe it's been more than a year, and that makes me somewhat sad. My little, tiny baby girl is gone, and we may never have another little one. And besides that, all the emotions came to the surface about the whole process, even the infertility that led us to adoption. I wasn't prepared for all these feelings!! They weren't all bad. Some wonderful thoughts and memories were part of the mix, too, and they were welcome in my mess of a brain! I think I've mostly gotten past the sadness of her first year being gone since the Lord graciously reminded me of our future together. She does get to STAY!! I still may sniffle some here and there, though.

The precious girl had two birthday parties---one here in Baton Rouge and one at my parents' house in the country. Here are a few pictures from all the fun!

I think the wagon was her favorite present!

 These are from the birthday party at my mom and dad's (first day with new camera, too):

Uncle Willie

Eden and Uncle Matthew (my brother)

Being messy is FUN!

She made a royal mess!!

More presents for me?!

Cleaning up

Trying Out the New Camera

Mark surprised me on Mother's Day with a new camera. We've been playing with it a LOT, going all over the place taking pictures. These were taken at Grace Episcopal Church in St. Francisville this past weekend. I think we took some okay pics---more practice is needed, though. Don't think we'll have any trouble with that!!

Eden's First Easter

Our Easter was very sweet, with a family get together on Saturday and then church on Sunday, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus. Without that, what do we have to celebrate?! Anyway, here are a few pictures.

Cousin Kennedy with Eden

Her first Easter basket







LOVE this dress!!!



Crawfish and Swimming

We went to our first crawfish boil of the season and we got to swim. Great fun, and spicy, delicious bugs and oysters! YUMMY! Eden loved the water after she got over the initial chill. I'm not sure she remembered swimming from last year... Did she eat crawfish? Well, we fed her two little bites, but they were WAY too salty and spicy for her. It won't be long, though! ; )

Chosen

One year ago today I walked in the kitchen, sniffling and blowing my nose, and found a huge vase of flowers and LOTS of wine. Am I a wino? Not at all! But there's one particular wine I sort of like and can actually drink about an inch of (hahaha) and Mark went crazy buying that brand!! It was our anniversary but I was miserable at home with a cold. It wasn't just any anniversary either, but our TWENTIETH! Quite an occasion, huh? Another big reason to celebrate was just about to happen....

On the same day a precious young woman was reading and looking through several adoption profile books. She was about to make a decision that would change lives forever---hers, ours, and a precious baby girl's. When we had almost despaired and given up the dream of ever parenting, someone we had never met was imagining her baby in our arms while she turned the pages of our profile. One of her main reasons? Our strong and long lasting marriage!

So today we celebrate being chosen. Chosen by each other, by Eden's birth mother, and by God, who orchestrated all of it. Happy Anniversary to my family!!

She can't wait to join in!

My brother had a family get together at his house this past weekend. They kids played outside since the weather was perfect. We all sat on the deck eating, talking, and watching the kids. And watching Eden watching the kids. She followed their every move. It was so cute, her little head turning from side to side, making sure she didn't miss anything they did. You can see by the look on her face that she can't wait to join in---running, jumping, wrestling, playing ball....whatever! 

They did let her play computer games a few minutes!

My Girl

We didn't do much for Mardi Gras, but I did take a few pictures of Eden in this Mardi-Gras-looking, fun tutu.

 Then today the weather was so warm and my azaleas so perfect, we decided to take a few outdoors. She really just wanted to eat the leaves...