Indiana Baby Shower

On December 26th we had our Indiana baby shower. It was held at the Sheridan United Methodist Church and hosted by many of Justin's female family members. They did a wonderful job and everyone had a super time! We are so thankful for the love shown to us and our baby girl! White cake
Chocolate cake

Diaper cake :)

Mommy and Daddy

Guess the baby game

Gifts

Each table had an ADORABLE centerpiece

Cousin Kelsie won the "how big around is Tara game"--she is wearing the ribbon around her neck :)

Guessing who each baby is

LOVED this outfit from Auntie Lauren

Peeking around the swing--thanks, Grandma Deanna!

Unpacking my new Vera Bradley diaper bag :)

One of the gift tables

Clothes from Nana Evoy--all of them!

Me, Aubree, Lauren, Kelsie, Allison and Kylie

30 Weeks 1 Day

We took our 30 week photo a day late as we were traveling to Indiana on Thursday :) This picture was taken at Grandma and Grandpa Stowers house on Christmas Eve.

Michigan Baby Shower

We had our Michigan baby shower on Saturday, December 18th. My cousin Tennille and sisters Chandra and Juliann hosted the party and we all had a great time! It was wonderful to catch up with friends and family! We appreciated everyone who made it to our shower on the Saturday before Christmas :) All pictures were taken by Tennille's daughter, Taylor--she did a great job! Baby girl decorations

Pink and green party punch :)

Kids playing games

Cousin Jen and her daughter Danni

The three lovely hostesses :)

AliJanna and Madison

Opening gifts

Mommy and Daddy to be

Baby girl got a lot of great gifts!

Playing games

Addasen

Cake

Mommy cutting said cake :)

Tennille and I

Belly shot--29 weeks 2 days

The photographer Taylor and I

29 Weeks

Here I am at 29 weeks! Only 11 more to go??!! I remember thinking 40 weeks was an eternity...

We haven't forgotten about you, Indian babe

It's something that people have been asking us--whether or not we are still adopting now that we are pregnant. The answer is yes, of course. Our decision to adopt has never been about infertility issues, although we have come to discover that this is most peoples' assumption. This used to sort of offend me, but now I am using it as an opportunity to educate. Infertility, although a great reason to adopt, isn't the only reason people choose to adopt. For us, the reason to adopt is simple. There is a need for families for children without them. It really is that simple. Justin and I strive to live out our Christian walk and believe that God has called us to adopt.

Of course adoption is not the ideal situation, but it is a necessary one. Ideally, all children would stay with their birth families and in their birth countries. Unfortunately, this is not the reality. There are many reasons that this is not possible--but in a vast majority of cases, it is NOT because the birthparents don't love their children--most times it is exactly the opposite. There is a major need for those of us who are able to be the hands and feet for Jesus. To love and reach out to others, just as He did for all of us. We are beyond excited, albeit nervous in some ways, to grow our family through adoption. We are not naive in thinking everything will go perfectly smooth--but neither will raising our biological child. But we will be a family who is up for the challenges that are ahead. I love the truth that is, "if God is with us-what can stop us"?

To our baby in India--you probably haven't even been conceived, but already we love you. We pray for your birth parents and for you daily. Things won't always be easy for you, but we can promise you this: we love you and will be the best parents we can be for you. You will likely be born in about a year and if it is God's will, we will be united as a family the year after that. You are always a part of our thoughts, prayers and conversations, just as your big sister inside my tummy is. Looking forward to the day we get to bring you home!

Love always, Mommy and Daddy

28 Weeks

Here I am at 28 weeks (last Thursday)--only 12 to go! I know I've said it before, but this pregnancy is flying by! I am beyond excited to meet our little girl, but in a way I will miss feeling her little kicks in my belly :) I have been so blessed to have had a pregnancy that is enjoyable--I've heard the horror stories!

I got my haircut earlier in the day and before leaving the salon I scheduled my next appointment. And then it hit me, I'll only have one more haircut before my daughter is here!! I better also schedule a pedicure and manicure because I know there won't be much "mama time" after she arrives :)

After we took this picture Justin and I went to a Chris Tomlin Christmas concert--it was amazing! We loved thinking that baby girl could hear everything and hoped that she felt the presence of God in that place like her mommy and daddy did. Next Christmas will be so special with her here!!

The Latest on Baby Girl

This is what we learned at our 27 week 4 days ultrasound today:

1. She weighs 2 pounds 5 ounces--46th percentile
2. If she continues to grow at this rate, the doctor estimates she'll weigh 7 1/2 pounds at birth
3. She is STILL head down...here's to hoping she is super comfortable and stays that way :)

27 Weeks

Woo hoo!! We've made it to 27 weeks and the THIRD TRIMESTER!!! We are so excited to have made it to this milestone :) I continue to feel pretty great--but am feeling more sleepy during the day because I am not sleeping as well at night. The lack of sleep is just preparing me for life with a little one, right?

People have been telling us lately that they think baby girl is going to be born a little early. I guess we'll see. I prefer she stays right where she is for as long as she needs to be ready for the outside world.