... what a mess ....

...counting my blessings...

The second week of being back at work has come to an end. I so look forward to the weekends because I know that it is a time for me to reconnect with my beautiful little family. I had gotten so use to bring at home with Britton and having lunch with Kyle that it is difficult not to be able to do such small things. I actually miss watching "Handy Manny" with Britton, having to eat at CeCe's Pizza at least once a week and getting to cook dinner. I am thankful though that going back to work has been a smooth transition for me. I am back in sixth grade which is a big plus, although I am teaching 3 subjects that I have not taught before. I find that almost everyone at work seems to be stressed or annoyed by things and that has not hit me yet. I'm thankful to have a job even if it does mean that my precious baby boy has to be in daycare. I'm enjoying being back in the classroom and coaching I had missed that feeling of having an impact on middle schoolers.

Kyle and I have been discussing adopting from Jamaica more in depth these past few days. The process seems very reasonable and possible to do. We are going to start saving money a little at a time and hopefully by the time Britton is 18 months we can begin the paperwork. I have randomly come across things pertaining to adoptions and I have to think it is His way of speaking to me and my heart. Rather it has been e-mail about how to start the adoption process or a blog that I started following of people I have never even met! ( You should check it out: www.weloveourlucy.blogspot.com ) That blog gave me the final little push and tug at the heart that I needed to get this ball rolling. What a gift it is to be able to take a child into your home, love them, give them a second chance and in return have a sweet blessing to call you "Mom and Dad." I can not wait for that moment. I look forward to the process for Kyle and myself and especially for Britton. There is so much I want him to be able to experience in his life. What a gift for him.... a brother, despite the race or his birth mother or his home country. The following verse has been speaking to me so much this week. Each morning this week when I have gotten to school I pull a piece of paper out that is in my car with this verse on it and say a prayer of thanks for my perfect son and then I follow it with a prayer for my future Jamaican son. " I will not leave you as orphans. I will come to you." -John 14:18  Such a beautiful and fitting verse!

On a much different note, I came across through many different friends and their blogs a family who I believe live in NC. Their names are Jeremy and Lindsay Jones. They suddenly lost their 4 month old baby boy this week due to SIDS. It happened while baby Ayden was at daycare. I can not imagine getting that phone call and all that proceeds it. I read her blog today about having to have a funeral for their baby. Their faith is so strong and obvious simply from reading I can see that and even feel it. I must say that after reading that he had passed away while sleeping on his stomach I felt a pull in my stomach. Britton sleeps on his side or his stomach at night. I know that Britton is older and can roll over, but just the thought of losing our son is more than I can even bare to think about and this family is experiencing it. I ask for your prayers for the Jones' family. Only He can provide comfort for such a tragedy. How blessed Kyle and I are to be able to wake up each morning to such a beautiful and happy boy who we love so much.

To go along with the above a student from my school passed away yesterday. He was a life skills student and had seizures now and then. Apparently he had not had a bad one in quiet a while. His parents called the school yesterday to tell the Principal and his teachers that their son, Michael, had had a seizure in his sleep and in the morning they could not wake him and learned he had passed away. He was an 8th grader this year. I called Kyle and told him about Michael and how horrible I felt about it not only because he had passed so young, but that I had a thought about having a child like that only on Tuesday. When we were outside for a fire drill at school all of the Life Skill kids were beside me, behaving wonderfully. I happened to look at Michael and think to myself, "I don't know if I could handle all that comes with having a child with disabilities. Thank you God for giving us such a miracle." How I regretted feeling that way just yesterday. I can't help but think that Michael is now a perfect boy with no life skills class, no disabilities and is in Heaven running like he never could. Such a perfect time he will have now and such a bittersweet thought as his family is suffering the loss of a child and brother. 

So many things have happened all in one week to remind me to be thankful for what I have...a loving husband who is an amazing Daddy to our perfect, happy and handsome son. We may be a small family but God has blessed me with a healthy family. I'm just more thankful than I have the words to express. I big thank you to all of you who have shared your encouraging words as I struggled with leaving Britton to go back to work. Although it is difficult I am so excited to get into my car and drive home to see him and treasure every moment I get to spend with him.... even if it is because he is sleeping in our bed and taking up all the room! Hug and kiss your kids and tell them how you love them, you just never know what tomorrow brings....

Britton helping do "chores."

PIctures of Britton

Check out the two cute and funny pictures of Britton on my sister's blog....

www.reneecrowley.blogspot.com

Our silly boy!

Britton has learned how to play in his crib until he falls asleep. Sometimes though nap time turns into play time. I just happened to catch him one day and had time to get my camera and record him in the act!

Sorry it's sideways, I'm not sure how to flip it! Britton thought that Kyle saying "WHOA!" over and over was too funny!

playing catch up....

through pictures and short captions :) and then some more!

Two days after he turned 6 months he decided it was time to use a sippy cup!

This was how I found him during a "nap." Turned sideways and playing!

The next time I came to check he was pulling up to stand in his crib...scary!

Bath time is now play time as he only wants to sit and splash!

He loves the mirror at Dr. Chambers! This was for 6 1/2 month shots and 

check-up, he was 28 1/2" long and weighed 20 lb 2 ozs!

Today was Britton's first day at daycare.......and Mommy did well. :) I started back to work on August 6th, but there was not an opening for him until August 17th. Thankfully Renee, my sister, flew in and kept him while Kyle and I were at work. I think this helped prepare me for this day I hav been dreading for 6 1/2 months! I was okay until I came home and got the "report" from Kyle. He was told that Britton was shy and quiet and cried a few times. :( I'm hoping that in a week or two Britton will be use to going and have a routine there. I'm glad to be back teaching, I actually missed it, but at the same time I miss being with him all day. For right now we need my income, hopefully one day we won't! :) I can always wish and hope.

Britton before leaving for his first day of daycare

I did however have a great time with Britton these past two weekends. The weekend of August 7th we (Renee, Britton and myself) drove to Bristol, Tn and Bakersville, NC. Kyle had to stay behind and work on Saturday. WE went to surprise my grandfather, P, since it was the church decoration of the graves. Being that my grandmother, M, passed away last May we knew it would mean a lot to him if we could make it. He was glad to see Renee and myself, but THRILLED to see Britton. It was a very long drive, but a good visit. 

(These are pictures of Britton drinking water out of a plastic cup....one of his new favorite things!)

This past weekend Renee was still in town and my Mom came up as well. Kyle had a weekend trip planned with some of his faternity brothers. We went to Rainforest Cafe on Friday night and Britton was in awe. We were seated right next to the monkeys. Ever time they went "off" Britton's eyes became huge! He didn't cry and seemed to enjoy it. The rest of the weekend we spent time just playing with Britton. Renee and I went to the Titans game on Saturday while Mom kept Britton.

I think coming home from work now and weekends will be more savored on my part. I know he'll be fine after awhile of being at daycare... let's just hope I adjust soon too! :)