Alyssa and I were required to stay in Virginia (where she was born) until both Virginia and North Carolina signed an interstate compact, allowing us to go back to North Carolina. It took awhile for Virginia to sign it, and I was getting very nervous that I was going to be stuck in Virginia through the weekend. With hurricane Irene coming, I really wanted to be home with my family (plus we had spent most of the last three weeks being separated as a family, and it was getting old). Thankfully, at 4:30p on Friday I got the okay to head home. Alyssa and I (with the help of David and Rachel - Thank you!) packed up the car, made a quick stop at Alyssa's birth mom's house to say goodbye, and then hit the road. I was really nervous the traffic was going to be awful. Other than a two mile stretch getting on I-95, it wasn't bad at all. The towns were doing a good job moving traffic through quickly.
We are so glad to be home and together as a family. We are praying that everything goes smoothly with the adoption. I think it usually takes 6+ months to finalize everything.
This has been a crazy, emotional roller coaster. It has been very stressful, and wonderful, at the same time. And, this has probably been the most spiritual experience of my life. I am so thankful for a loving Father in Heaven who made this all possible. I am also thankful for the love, support, and help of family and friends who made this possible. Thank you!
Kevin and Alyssa
Jenna, Kevin, and Alyssa
Kevin and Alyssa (eyes open!)
Jared and Alyssa
The girls - Amanda, Alyssa, and Jenna
Jenna and Alyssa
Sleeping (Don't worry, we weren't actually going anywhere, which is why she isn't buckled in)
She was all wrapped up, but she is really good at getting that arm out
Getting more alert every day
Kevin and Alyssa
Alyssa
Sisters - Jenna is so excited to have a sister
Alyssa
She looks so little when Derek holds her
Loving her daddy
I LOVE this picture. Nothing like a sleeping baby.
Jared and Alyssa
Tummy Time
Jared keeping Alyssa company during tummy time
Relaxing
Hanging out with dad. (He had been feeding her, and was actually burping her)
She curls up into this position a lot, and I think it's cute.
Our burrito
Jenna and Alyssa
She got both arms free this time. :)
Very alert
9 comments:
She is beautiful! Congratulations! I'm really happy for you and we love the name, of course! Our Alyssa always brings a lot of joy into our home and we wish the same for you!
She is really cute Amanda! Adoption is a wonderful and spiritual experience...and it's so fun to see as they grow...that they were meant to be in your family all along. I hope that everything goes smoothly over the next few months until finalization. The BEST thing is taking that baby to the temple to be sealed to you for eternity. That will be such a wonderful experience for you and your cute kids. The other kids look SO BIG! Congratulations to you all!
Congratulations! She is beautiful and I'm so glad that you were able to adopt and have this great experience!
Oh Amanda! She is so sweet! I love all of the pictures, esp. with her big brothers and sister. Jenna looks just so proud in every picture she is in with Alyssa. I bet she's the best little helper. The photo of "The Girls" is precious. Congratulations again!
I think my little girl and her look a lot alike! And I think they are both awfully cute! :-)
CONGRATS to you & your whole family! Your kids are all getting so big, and Alyssa is beautiful! Looks like she'll be getting lots of love from her brothers & sister! :)
She is so adorable!!! I'm so happy for you all.
Soooo congratulations! she is beautiful just like her big sis, who obviously gets it from her mama! two and two, perfect! :) (And side note, can I just say the white is kinda hard to read on the light tan back ground) :) I totally follow your blog and think that every time, then realized would I realize it on my own blog? prob not. . . LOVE you guys! cant wait for that adorable Christmas card!
We need more pictures of a 3 month old Alyssa!!! Please :)
--Julie
Post a Comment