Day 15: My Sister, S

It's my sister S's birthday today. She and I shared a room growing up which means there was ample opportunity to share secrets, make plans, unite against our parents (haha!), and of course bicker and fight. Even if we weren't getting along, I knew she had my back and I had hers. She was my maid of honor... I couldn't picture anyone else in that role. She's the funniest person I know. When I had my surgeries, she had me laughing to the point where I quite literally thought I was going to pop open my stitches! I admire her tremendously for leaving a career she didn't like, to go back to school and start something new. She's now a post-partum nurse, and is the sister that really lead me to consider adopting. She even "picked" our agency as it was AFTH that I first looked at... even before DH and really began talking about it. She LOVES baby C. She is an awesome aunt!! While on the drive down after we got "the call", she gave me tons of advice. Well, at least for the first 3 days. That's when they send their babies home at the hospital. After 3 days, she said I was on my own. :) And yup, she's the one who gave me the best advice for baby C.... aim down. :) Isn't she beautiful? I LOVE her!!!

Day 14: Lots of GF options

Yes, yes, I know. A GF cupcake is not paleo. It's not even remotely close. That didn't stop me from devouring the lemon meringue one I purchased at a local GF bakery this afternoon. I thought I could eat half for lunch and save half for dinner. Not even close. I may have licked the wrapper. Don't judge. You would have too.

The only question remaining is... can the salted caramel one last til dinner?

To be determined...

Day 13: My Godmother

Today is my aunt's --- my Godmother's -- birthday. She is such a wonderful woman. She's always been a second mom to me. A favorite Christmas tradition with her was when she made peanut butter balls. She would invite my sisters and me over to help her dip them... it took a few hours, but we'd order pizza, have snacks, and enjoy dipping those little morsels of delight and usually a hockey game, or a Christmas movie would round out the night. She's a big hockey fan, just like me, and I always loved hearing her stories of the old-time players! She's also been a great example in the faith. I pray I can be as good of an aunt to my nieces or nephews that come along as she is to me!

Day 12: Pumpkin :)

I love fall.... it gives me many options for this wonderful little guy:

Pumpkin pie.
Pumpkin roll.
Pumpkin cheesecake (LOVE this!)
Pumpkin spice latte.
Pumpkin soup.
Pumpkin cookies.
Pumpkin pancakes.
Pumpkin scones...

I love them all. :)

Day 11: The military

Happy Veteran's Day! I'm thankful today for those who are serving and who have served our country so faithfully, especially my DH and my Grandpap! God Bless America!

Day 10: My sisters

"Oh, your poor Dad!" is something I've often heard when I mention that I have 4 sisters. I mentioned in the previous post that I'm a Daddy's girl. We all are. I am so blessed my parents were open to life. I cannot imagine life without each one of my sisters in it. It's hard that we don't live in the same city and I miss them tremendously, but text messages and phone calls keep us close. They are all different, but so special to me. They were all so understanding and supportive when DH & I were dealing with infertility. They were beyond excited when C came into our family. We have SO much fun together. The inside jokes... the memories... I wouldn't trade them for the world. I love my sisters!!!

My sister V's wedding this summer

Days 8 & 9: My Mom & Dad

I couldn't figure out who to put first for days 8 and 9, so here's the combination. My parents. 

My mom is a SAHM. She was always available when I came home from school and had a bad day. She drove me to piano lessons and recitals and band and choir rehearsals and Tae Kwon Do classes. Never missed a concert. Attended as many football games as she could. She was a "band parent." She was there for my black belt test. She was there when I was sick - for doctors appointments and all 5 of my surgeries. I don't know what I'd do without her. She's the most generous and amazing woman I know.

Father-Daughter Dance

I've always been a Daddy's girl. I knew the only time I would cry at my wedding was the dance with my Dad. I was right... Growing up, I remember waiting excitedly at the window when my Dad would come home from work. My sister S and I would jump on the bay window seat in the living room or in the kitchen. (I think he preferred the kitchen... we left a few marks on the window seat. :)) When I was little, my Dad built a swing set in the backyard for my sister S and me. We have our handprints in the cement. When my 3 youngest sisters were older (M, V & R), my Dad put up a basketball hoop for them... their handprints are in it. He taught me how to drive... backwards first actually. He told me if I got stuck somewhere, I'd be able to drive backwards home! He's funny... goofy a lot of the time and he has a great sense of humor. He loves to tell jokes. He can talk to anyone and everyone. He frequently calls to check in and I love it. I'm the oldest and I'm his "#1".

The only thing better than having them as my parents is C having them for his grandparents.

I am blessed!!