#12 December date

December's date was a day trip out to Skaneateles to enjoy the Dickens Christmas Festival.  We went last year for the first time when I had already planned this date as part of his Christmas present and Col surprised me with spending the day there for my birthday.  We were excited to bring Ephraim along this time and he happily snoozed in the Bjorn while we walked around.  It was busy but we enjoyed the shops and festivities, along with a stop at Mirbeau for the free cookies and cocoa.  A fantastic date to finish off the year!

2 months

turning 28

While nothing extraordinary, this birthday was so much better than last year's.  I was depressed as I turned 27 because we had recently had our failed match, and the timeline where I saw myself at that age was not reality.  It's always hard for me to let go of my own plan, and so it wasn't easy for me to have another birthday without knowing when we would become parents.

This year however, we had our Bubs!  Since I'm on leave, I enjoyed the morning with him, my friend and her son at breakfast.  Then I hung out at home until Col got out of work, and we went to Olive Garden for lunch.  Ephraim slept the whole time, and it was nice to get out and enjoy each other's company.  In the evening after he went to bed, we had ice cream sundaes and watched Elf.  I was reminded how I need to always remember that we'll never know where life will take us in a day, week, month, or year.  Could I have pictured spending my 28th birthday with a 2-month old babe in my arms?  Never!  So this year, I am so thankful that God sees the future and I can rest in that truth.  Instead of worrying, I need to just enjoy every day that I'm given!

Parent Child Dedication

We were beyond excited and blessed to be able to participate in Parent Child Dedication at our church this year.  I love this Sunday once a year when I can see the beautiful pictures of children and their families and witness the parents' commitment to raise their children up to love and know God.  As much as I love it, I have to admit that the last few years it brought tears to my eyes while I grieved our infertility, failed match, and adoption wait.  But this year, we were up there!  We invited some family and friends to the service to witness our commitment and had breakfast with our family afterward.  What a special day, one that we never thought would happen this year!

Christmas tree cutting 2014