June 25, 2011

Bows for Life

A friend of a friend is trying to adopt a little girl from Ethiopia, and she and her family are raising money to put into the adoption fund. If you know anyone who had adopted a child from another country, you know that it can be a long, stressful, and expensive process, but SO worth it!

In order to raise funds, she is making and selling bows. I have seen some of the bows up close and they are very well made and absolutely precious. They stay in place really well, even in Madeline's fine hair.

If you have a little girl or know a little girl who could use a sweet bow in her hair (and what little girl couldn't?), please take a look at her website and consider adorning a pretty noggin for a worthy cause.

http://www.madetoorganize.com/bows-for-life/

June 23, 2011

A Fun Week With the Girls!

Since Dan was in Las Vegas for work, the poor soul, Madeline and I decided it was time for some quality bonding with the friends we left behind in Atlanta.

We enjoyed the hospitality of Jakki for four days. If you have never had the privilege of experiencing a stay at Hotel Jakki, you have missed out. She is so creative and really goes out of her way to make her guests feel like royalty. It was amazing to see how much Madeline and her friend, Aubrey, have grown in the past year. (Aubrey is Jakki's daughter, 3 months Madeline's senior.)

[caption id="attachment_1132" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Madeline and Aubrey, June 2010"][/caption]

[caption id="attachment_1133" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Reunited, June 2011"][/caption]

 We were also able to have a lunch date with Angela - Hannah's mommy, Daniel's wife, and a friend I wish I could see more often. She made a fabulous lunch and we had a great time catching up. I think Madeline enjoyed her time with baby Hannah, too. She's grown so much since the last time we saw her!



[caption id="attachment_1136" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Sweet kisses for her sweet friend."][/caption]

 

All these wonderful reunions happened on Monday and Tuesday, and Wednesday was a day of relaxation for Jakki and me as we released our inner girly girl and had a Jane Austen book discussion/tea party while the kids napped. What a fun way to relax!

We had to head back home today, but not before doing the traditional summer appetizer lunch with Jakki and Sheryl. It seems like we add a new kid to the lunch date every year, although Sheryl was not accompanied by her precious Andrew this year. I guess we'll have to catch up with him next time, unless Sheryl wants to hang out in Birmingham during her time off this summer. Hmmm, Sheryl?

Great week. Great friends. Great to be home with my favorite husband.

June 19, 2011

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Dad's Day to you, whether you're a biological dad, adoptive dad, granddad, stepdad, or anyone who has played the role of father figure in the life of someone who needs you.

 In particular, Happy Father's Day to my awesome daddy:



...to Dan's great dad:



...to Madeline's incredible daddy and the best husband God could have sent me:


 "Children are a heritage from the LORD, offspring a reward from him. Like arrows in the hands of a warrior  are children born in one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them."  Psalm 127:3 - 5 

(Oh, and if you read Cake Wrecks, "Happy Falker Satherhood!")

June 12, 2011

In Case You Missed It, I'm Having a Boy.

Some of you have already heard this rant, and you may feel free to skip this post.

Allow me, if you will, to clarify. I am having a little boy. I am thrilled about having a little boy. I really am. I think - no, I know it's going to be awesome.

But, I, who could have won a trophy for putting make-up on a Barbie head as a child; I, who have never played (or enjoyed) a sport in my entire life; I, who loathe heat, bugs, dirt, and all other things related to being outside; I, who instinctively roll my eyes at potty jokes because they are not even funny enough for me to fake a laugh; I, who have not left the house without mascara in 20 years (I wish I were exaggerating); I, who insist on good manners at all times and in all situations - I am having a little boy.

I'm the woman who has never understood why the Y chromosome makes a person have to reach up and touch the door frame EVERY time he walks into a room. I don't get the affinity for things that smell bad. I may never understand why male people have to mess with stuff. (Yes, it's loose/broken/off-center. LEAVE IT ALONE!)

I'm ecstatic, but don't you feel just a little sorry for the boy? (Not Dan, The Boy. The boy I'm currently incubating.)

My friend, Misty, once joked that my future children would come to me, whining, "Why do I have to wear these stupid bows in my hair?!" And I would respond, "Son, it's because your brother stopped letting me dress him."

I probably won't be quite that bad, but keep this kid in your thoughts. He has a very girly mom, and a big sister who likes her baby dolls and her tea set, and who brings Mommy bows to put in her hair. I'm picturing her trying to dress him like one of her baby dolls.

This is just another reason I'm so thankful for my incredible husband, who is also an incredible dad. If he can be the world's best daddy for a girly-girl, I can figure out this whole little boy thing, right?

Have I mentioned...

...how beautiful my sweet girl is?

 

 

June 6, 2011

It's a Boy!!!

This October, we will be welcoming a baby boy to the Head household.

Not only is he a boy, but he is also perfectly healthy and moving around quite a bit!

We are so excited and Madeline is going to be a fabulous big sister!!

Now comes the big challenge - naming this young 'un!