Top 10 events that involve Carson in 2007

10.Carson had his first 3 1/2 hour car trip and did unbelievably well.
9. As of December 31, Carson has 11 teeth.
8. As of December 30, Carson has a vocabulary of 10(plus)words.
7. Carson had his first cut at Danny-Rose hair salon in November.
6. Within a month of arriving from Guatemala Carson adjusted to his new home so well, that he is sleeping soundly through the night.
5. Carson started walking in October.
4. Carson was dedicated to the Lord in August.
3. Carson has had no serious health issues.
2. We celebrated Carson's first birthday on September 6,with family and friends.
1. The Lord placed Carson in my arms on June 4.

Dear Carson,
This has been one of the best years of my life since you were placed in my arms. 2007 was filled with many laughs, tears and new experiences as a first time Momma. There were so many small moments that were memorable that I was I could have captured them all. As I look into your big brown eyes I am so thankful to have you in my life. Your smile melts my heart. Your laughter tickles my soul. And each day you never cease to amaze me.

I love you sweet baby boy.

Love,
Momma

Favorite Foto Friday

Carson hanging with his Pop.


Carson loving it up with his Mommom.

Merry Christmas!

Favorite Foto Friday

Carson was dedication to the Lord in August 2007. What a joyful day!

Thank you Tracey and Levin!

I never realized how hard it is to clean with a 15 month old active little boy running around house. So, tonight Carson's Aunt Tracey, Uncle Levin and cousin Ali took him out shopping while I stayed home and cleaned.
Tracey and Levin,
Thank you both so much for the love and support you give Carson and I. It is greatly appreciated and Carson always has a great time with both of you.
Love you both!

What a cute little....

Batter up.

Carson thinks anything round is a 'ball'. So he decided he was going to practice pitching while the photographer attempted to take his Christmas pictures.

How You and I became a family

Dear Carson,

I went through a very difficult time in my life where my days were very dark and nights were extremely lonely. After a few years of suffering from heartache, I had to move on with my life. Every day if the weather was nice I would walk Kyndle(our dog) a few miles and talk with the Lord about where and what he wanted me to do with my life. Adoption kept coming to mind. At church one Sunday in 2006 we sang one of my favorite songs.."Here I am Lord". By the end of the song with tears streaming down my face I said, 'Yes, Lord I will adopt.'

I started researching different countries. After much prayer, research, discussions with different adoption agencies, and of course my relationship with Holly who is also from Guatemala, I decided...Guatemala it is.

I began the adoption process single and alone. There were mounds of paper work, finger prints, personal essays, letters of references, and family photos that needed to be completed before I was approved to adopt. Halfway through the process I thought, 'I can not do this... I am single, selfish, and becoming set in my ways, how is this going to work?' However, the Lord had a different plan.

September 29th, 2007 I was visiting your Great Grandmother at her home in Egg Harbor Twp. She was suffering from end stage Alzheimer's disease. As I was sitting on the edge of her hospice bed, while rubbing her head, I told her she was going to be a Great Grandmother again. I proceeded to tell her very slowly that I was going to adopt a baby from Guatemala. She responded in a very soft, "That's great".

September 6th, 2007 you were born in Guatemala City, Guatemala. Your birth mother wanted to give you a better opportunity in life. So, she made a conscious decision to give you up for adoption.

October 11, 2007 your Great Grandmother went home to be with the Lord. Two hours later I received your referral via telephone and saw your face for the first time through email. My emotions were mixed. I was in the beginning stage of grieving the loss of your Great Grandmother, and just received your referral which I had been anticipating.

On October 14, 2007 after a comprehensive review of your medical records from a family pediatrician, and much prayer, I accepted your referral.

Each month thereafter, I would receive updated pictures of you, and a medical review from your physician in Guatemala. Once I received your updated pictures I would send a bulk email to family and friends so they could see how much you were growing. Family and friends all grew to love you quickly.

While you were living with your foster family I would send you a box of clothes, toys, etc. each month. I was given the opportunity to visit you in Guatemala before the adoption process was finalized, however, I opted to wait. I made the decision to wait based on the fact that I knew it would be extremely difficult for me to bond with you for a few days and then hand you back to your foster mother until the adoption was finalized, and what if your birth mother had a change of heart.

While you were in Guatemala with your foster Mother, I was busy at home preparing your new bedroom, and preparing myself for 'motherhood'. Family and friends hosted a beautiful baby shower for me. I received many, many gifts from diapers, to clothes, a stroller, and tons more. I was blessed beyond measure.

The adoption process had numerous policy and procedures to follow before finalization. Each policy and procedure could have taken anywhere from 1 week to many months. There were many peaks and valleys during the wait. However, I was extremely fortunate, because the date of your referral to finalization was only seven months.

On June 4 2007 at 10:00a.m. your Aunt Tracey and I waited anxiously outside the Marriott Hotel in Guatemala City for your arrival. I had butterflies in my stomach. I was completely nervous and excited all at the same time... (I am sure your Aunt Tracey will tell you more).

After about 1/2 hour of waiting outside the hotel a small green taxi pulled up. A tall, beautiful lady holding a tiny little prince, and young boy stepped out of the car. Carson, I knew it was you from the moment I saw you. I can remember that day as if it were yesterday. I could not take you out of your foster mothers arms fast enough. You and I both stared at each other for a few minutes. I could not stop kissing and hugging you.
Your foster mother did not speak English and she did not understand my broken Spanish all that well. So, we sat and smiled at each other in hotel lobby until the attorney arrived.

Once the attorney arrived I had at least another dozen papers to sign. The attorney translated between the foster mother and me. Your foster mother loved you very much. Every time she talked about you she would cry. Before we said our good-byes your foster mother asked for a few minutes alone with you. She hugged you a million times, kissed you and said many things to you in Spanish. It was a very touching moment I will always remember.

The next morning we had our embassy appointment which was like waiting in the DMV. At the second or third counter I had to swear under oath an adoption statement which was very emotional for me. While I was saying the oath I began to cry. Carson you took your little hand to wipe away my tears. When the embassy appointment was over I felt as if the world was lifted off my shoulder. We were officially a family.

I love you sweet baby boy!

Desperately seeking traditional Guatemalan clothing

I am on a search (yes, last minute) to buy traditional Guatemalan clothing for Holly. I have searched google for the last four nights trying to find a store that sells little girls (size 8) traditional Guatemalan clothing (skirt and shirt). If you have any suggestions or know of a web site please shoot me a comment.
Thanks for you help.

Why buy toys?

Yesterday after Carson walked in the snow he decided to look through our cabinets. And guess what he found? Yep, pots! He played with the pots until it was time for bed.

Its snowing...

Today was Carson's first time in the snow. He seemed to join walking in the light snow covering over the grass. How in the world did he know to put the snow in his mouth when he took it out of my hand? Thank God I did not pick up yellow snow!

Its December already?!

Wow, 23 days until Christmas. This is Carson's first Christmas at home and I want it to be "perfect". I have been struggling with not going over board with Christmas presents. Carson has almost every "material" thing a 15 month old little boy could dream about. So, what do I get him? What will he enjoy the most? What will he remember about his first Christmas?
Is anyone else struggling with this area?

Goodnight my Prince...

Before Carson came home I use to look inside his crib and dream about him sleeping. I would wonder: what does he look like when he sleeps? does he move all round the bed? does he sleep with his eyes open?

Dear Lord,
Thank you for your love and forgiveness. Lord, Thank you for allowing my dreams to come true. I love watching "your son" Carson sleep. Lord, please give Carson a peaceful rest, watch over him, and please keep him safe. Thank you for all you have done for Carson and I.
Amen.

Leaves, Leaves and more Leaves weekend recap.

Saturday "all day" Jonathan and I raked leaves. Ok, Ok, he raked and I used the leaf blower. I dumped three truck loads of leaves at the horse stable. Carson had his first experience playing in the leaves. At first, he was really unsure what to make of it all. Once he saw Jonathan and Kyndel (my dog) laying in the big pile, he wanted to join in the fun. He loved sitting submerged in the sea of leaves. That evening my sister Tracey volunteered to take Carson to the Christmas parade in Stone Harbor. Jonathan and I went to Atlantic City with my girlfriend Kelly and her fiance' Ryan to see Jay Leno and then to Buddahkan for dinner to celebrate my birthday. I thank God for allowing me to hold steady at 29 (;-). Sunday, Essie (my Mom) cooked a smorgasbord of food. Thanks Essie-it was scrumptious. I received great gifts for my birthday. Thanks everyone. I love all of you.

Happy Birthday mommy

'Hi mommy its me Carson your son. Today is your birthday and I want everyone to know what a special mommy you are and how thankful I am to have you as my mommy. Everyday you take care of me and give me lots of love. I love when you come into my room in the morning and I see your beautiful smile and you say good morning to me. You make me happy inside mommy. I love when you hold me and read to me and play ball with me. Even when you're not in the room with me and I hear your voice I get excited inside. That's because you're my mommy and I love you. You feed me and dress me each day with cool clothes and change my diaper and give me a bath and let me splash in the tub. You hug me. You sure do love me mommy. And you pray with me too and read me stories from the bible. I love that. I think God loves that too. I thank God for you mommy because you're so special to me and my life is so great because of you. You chose me mommy and give me love everyday and you are teaching me to be thankful. You taught me to say cat and ball. I love the cat. One of these days I'm going to catch him. He is too fast for me right now :-). Thank you for taking me to church too. I like to clap my hands and try to sing with everyone. I am learning about Jesus. You are the best mommy in the whole world. Have a great birthday mommy. I love you and I always will. Love, your son, Carson.'

written by: Jonathan for Gret's Birthday.

Thanksgiving dinner

I am not sure if my Aunt Jeannie reads my blog, however this entree is dedicated to her.

My Aunt Jeannie hosted the Thanksgiving dinner tonight. She made a wonderful meal with all the traditional Thanksgiving fixing. As we were sitting at the dinner table, my Dad asked Aunt Jeannie when did you start preparing the meal she replied "last night". Wow, she dedicated a few long days of her holiday to cook for the family.
Aunt Jeannie,
Thank you for your hospitality. The Thanksgiving dinner which you prepared was fabulous. I truly appreciated all you did for the family. Also, thanks for the heart to heart talk we had in your bedroom. I always enjoy talking with you.
Love,
Gret

If any of my blog friends cooked for Thanksgiving hats off to you!

Thankfulness

With Thanksgiving just a few days away I've been searching my heart for what I am truly thankful for. The Lord completed my search this afternoon and relieved to me....Carson's birth mother. Carson's birth mother give me (my family) a royal gift of life, my son. I am thankful for Carson's birth mother's willingness and unselfishness to give her biological son a new opportunity in life.

I always remember you in my prayers day and night. And I thank God for you in these prayers.
2 Timothy 1:3

God's faithfulness

Have you ever stopped to think about God's faithfulness?
I remember dreaming about " seeing Carson through the rear view mirror while I was driving." For the past five months guess who I see throught the rear view mirror?




That's right Carson.

God's faithfulness is amazing!

The mall trip!

Uh! What a day at the mall. All week I was planning on going to the mall on Friday with Carson to get alot of my Christmas shopping done. The car ride to the mall was perfect. He was listening to music and drinking his bottle. While I was going over the Christmas list in my head for the 1ooth time. We found a great parking spot and I thought "let the shopping begin. " Well, Carson had another idea... he was going to have a melt down. He did not want to sit in the coach. Each time I attempted to put him the coach he started crying and shaking his head No. Finally, after 10 minutes of crying he sat in his coach and we began to shop. We were going into our third store and the melt down started again. This time it was 10 times louder and he would not stop crying. Needless to say, I bought a few things a bath and body, and one gift card.

Where is pickle?

One of Carson's favorite things to do is..."hunt for Pickle" our cat. Carson will look everywhere for pickle. However, we are trying to teach Carson how to love on pickle instead of hitting her or pulling her tail, so far it is not working. Any advice?

Pickle where are you?

There you are.

I am coming to get you pickle

Guess what is in my hand?

Yup, the kitty scooper.

Uncle Joey is home.

My favorite brother Joey came home tonight for a short visit. Joey is a pilot and lives in Va. so we do not get to see him very much. So, each visit with Joey is very special to the whole family. Carson had a great time playing with his Uncle Joey.

Walk down sunny lane

Its starting to get cold in New Jersey. So, I thought I would post a photo of a warm, sunny memory. One of my favorite things to do in the summer time is "walk the boardwalk." The photo above is the first time Carson rode the train on the boardwalk. The little girl with us is Holly, she too is from Guatemala. Holly is a very special girl to me. I have been taking her to church every Sunday for the past four years. Its amazing to watch her grow in her faith. Holly and Carson have an amazing relationship.

Dear Father,

I praise you for who you are. Thank you for bringing Holly into my life so many years ago. I ask that you will watch over Holly and Carson as they grow. Please keep them healthy, safe and protect their hearts. Thank you for bringing these two amazing children together. I also pray for all the families waiting for their children to come home, and all the children who are already home please help them adapt to their new environment. Lord help me walk closer to you.

In your name,

Amen

Carson

Weekend recap

Wow, were did the weekend go? Friday was our second post adoption visit which lasted an 1 hour and 40 minutes. I believe it went well. Our final post visit is scheduled for June of 2008. Yea!! Friday afternoon Carson went for his first hair cut. He sat for 15 minutes while Rose Mary cut his hair. My Mom and I took turns looking through books with Carson and giving him puffs while he sat like a big boy during his hair cut. Late Friday night, Jonathan, Lily and Noah came down for the weekend.
Saturday morning Carson went to gymnastics where he is learning to do hand stands and forward rolls. Saturday evening was a family dinner at my home which is always a great time. Sunday was church, bell practice and preparing for the week.