July 28th!

Today marks the one year anniversary of our knowledge of Ross. After 3 years of waiting and wondering if we would ever have children, we decided that if we hadn't gotten pregnant by the time we bought a house, we would begin the adoption process. On July 28th, 2009, I awoke and took a pregnancy test. It was a dud--no answer. I didn't have time to take another one as we needed to head to the bank and close on our house. Once we returned home from the closing, I took another test and it said, "Pregnant." I slapped my cheeks like Kevin in "Home Alone" and exclaimed, "Oh, Lord Jesus!" We spent the next couple weeks in shock and near disbelief.

Today, exactly one year later, we celebrate the day we found out about God's precious miracle of Ross William Whitley and His mercy and grace on us in allowing us to be parents. We remember what a trial it was not knowing if we could have kids and are now so thankful that we were able to go through that trial that brought glory to God. I recall telling a friend of mine a couple years back that we were not taking fertility medication to get pregnant. She asked me how then, we were going to make it happen. I prayed then and there that God would let us conceive a child so that my friend would see and understand that He is the one who makes these things happen. What a gift it has been for us to have had the opportunity to be part of God revealing His Might, Power, and Glory! July 28th--oh happy day!

"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well."

Psalm 139:13-14

Mullet Removal

Ross has had what could be called his first haircut. Really, all that happened was I removed an inch off the back of his hair and trimmed a little above his ears. With his hair falling out, there was just some touching up to be done. And the mullet he was born with was truly getting out of control. Ross William is a classy little guy and the mullet just didn't suit him.

Independence Day

We went to the local fireworks in Anna for the 4th of July and it was really fun! We had a picnic supper on a blanket on the golf course. We set it up just a few feet from our car in case the noise scared Ross and we needed to leave. Quite the contrary--he seemed mezmorized by the lights and watched in silence right along with us. We took a photo with the fireworks behind him to prove he was there. :) He looks scared but trust me, he wasn't. It was a fun first Independence Day as a family.

3 Months!

Our little boy is a 3-month-old and I still can't believe my eyes when I put him in clothing with tags that say "3-6 months." Those clothes seemed gargantuan when he was a newborn! Here's a few things we now experience with Ross at 3 months:

1) Rolling Over--for REAL! Tummy to back so far--he's only made it onto his side from back to date.

2) Bubble Blowing! I now understand what little bibs are for--catching all that drool! I really didn't know why we were owners of like 20 infant bibs when he only consumes breastmilk. The light has turned on!

3) Chattering up a storm! He loves making the "ooh" sound with his lips and his favorite "words" seem to be elpa, oy, ahoowah, aira, and all the "Ng's" (ngee, ngah, ngoo).

4) Outgrown Magnum P.I. shorts (note the pic). These were SOOO cute but were really starting to show quite a bit of thigh, so we retired them. Much like Tom Selleck and his 80's tv detective days.

5) Size 2 diapers! Ross weighs in at a hearty 15 pounds now...could it have anything to do with the DQ blizzard of the month?

6) Hair Loss. It's been hard to see those cute locks disappear! But we do see some precious little blonde hairs coming in underneath. Maybe he will be blonde for awhile like me when I was a kid. The hair and the eyes are the only thing I can claim with this daddy look-alike! (Well, maybe those chunky thighs). :)

Jonathan's Birthday

Jonathan finally caught up with me and turned 31. We talked about how old we feel because we're not just 30 anymore--we're in our 30's. Ross and I made Jonathan a cake, and dinner consisted of his mexican faves. We also discovered that Daddy's knuckle serves well as a suckling device when Mommy is otherwise occupied.

Father's Day!

Jonathan celebrated his first Father's Day on the 100th anniversary of Father's Day. Ross and I surprised him with a new wedding band--he had lost his backpacking a couple summers ago. We went to lunch at a crepe restaurant that was fantastic! I got to dress Ross like his daddy in plaid shorts. :) We were also able to be with Grandpa on Father's Day this year. Ross wore a shirt that said "My dad is king of the castle" and I have to say, we do think his dad is pretty spectacular!