Charlotte's 1st Birthday

Charlotte Jane,

You, our sweet baby girl, have made our lives so complete. This time last year, we were meeting you for the first time. And we instantly fell head over heels. 

It is amazing how life can change in just an instant. In eight very short days, our lives were miraculously changed for the better. A phone call from the agency, a flight to Tallahassee, a beautiful birthmom, YOU, and back home again to get settled into our new family routine. 

God is so incredibly, incredibly good.

We all have been smitten with you, my love, since the moment we laid eyes on you. You have been doted and loved on, as all princesses deserve. You make a single peep, and you have an entire household wrapped around your teeny tiny fingers. You smile and giggle, and we all light up. You cry or get a little bump, and you have your choice of arms to fall into for comfort. Little one, we absolutely, whole-hearted, adore you. 

Charley, we can't wait to see your destiny unfold! We already know God has big things in store for you. We support your 

desires and your dreams and want the front 

row seat of watching them come true. 

Hugs and kisses from your biggest fans.

Mommy, Daddy and Maxi

Hard to choose which birthday photos to post, so I did just about all of them!

A Fish Called...

Mr. Sushi.

Yes, we officially have a name for Max's pet fish. Thanks for all your help and all your votes. Just remember, you CAN make a difference.  ;)

Vote-Off

We need your help! Sam and I are unable to agree on a name for Max's new goldfish. 

[Note: If you are just stopping in, the little man received a pet fish as a birthday gift].

We asked for your help in naming our new family member [see this blog post for details] and y'all rose to the challenge. Just some of the names entered include: Wanda, Alice, Bling, Nemo, Jervis, Speckle, Speedy, Gordon Ray, Mr. Sushi and many more creative suggestions.  :) 

Here is what we have it narrowed down to, and we are counting on YOU to cast your vote and help us name this fish.

1. Bling

2. Mr. Sushi

You've got 48 hours so please don't delay. Cast that vote!!!

Happy 1st Birthday Max!

Maximus turns 1! 

He woke up to this surprise waiting for him in the family room:

A Radio Flyer Wagon!

Checking it out

Trying it out

Lovin' it!

Then, off to breakfast with daddy and mommy [a tradition we plan to keep!]:

Dig in to that blueberry pancake buddy

Up next? A playdate and lunch with Max's Aunt Kristen and cousins:

Icing cupcakes for dessert

One very special cupcake for Max

Remember the birthday cake? 

Yep, still not interested.

Max getting lots of birthday love from his cousins

And then an afternoon stroll in his new ride:

Strollin' the hood looking for chics

in his pimped out ride

A surprise package at the front door from his birthdaddy [Colton] and birthgrandma [Tonya]:

That's right Max

all those gifts are for you!

One of his fun new toys

a big hit!

To wrap up our eventful day, we decided to give the birthday boy one more chance at dessert. Third times a charm, right? Wrong. The icing on his face is actually from us smearing some on him to make him lick it and like it. Didn't work.  Maybe next year, huh buddy?

This again??!!

Still not interested guys

How many times do I have to show you?

And to our Dear, Sweet Maximus,

You are so precious to us, little man. You have made our world complete this last year. We can't possibly imagine life without you. 

You are our constant reminder of God's faithfulness. A living and breathing miracle to us. 

We love you!

Daddy & Mommy

Sneak Preview

Max and his 1 year photo shoot. 

Here is a sneak peek.

Birthdays, Fire Trucks & Goldfish

Max's first birthday celebration has officially begun! His actual birthday [April 30] is still a few days away, but we kicked off the big event early by hosting a joint birthday party with his cousin Eli [who celebrated his first birthday on April 21].

Birthday Boys

With fire trucks as our theme, we [and about 40 of Max and Eli's friends & family] started out at the local fire station for a tour. What a hit for the kids AND the adults! The kids loved clamoring on the fire trucks and trying on the equipment. The adults loved taking turns riding up eight stories in the bucket [you know, the big ladder that goes up in the sky to rescue people!]. Now, I am not one for heights, but you better believe Sam tried it out! And the grandma's too!

Happy 1st Birthday Max!

Max the firefighter

About ready to take the truck out for a run

Adventurous grandma's!

Seriously, look how high!

Off to the park [did I mention it was the most beautiful day EVER? Thank you Jesus!]. No first birthday is complete without cake. So Max and Eli dug in. Or should I say, Eli dug in. Max wanted NOTHING to do with his cake. In fact, he kept trying to push it off the tray. Maybe I have been feeding him too much organic cuisine? Mister didn't want anything to do with all that sugar [that's my boy!].

Getting ready for cake time!

Ahhhh...their first birthday cake!

Hmmmm...not so sure 

Eli, on the other hand...

Max wanting NOTHING to do with his cake

And this birthday update would not be complete if I didn't share with you that Max officially has a pet. A goldfish. Cousins, Maddie [8] and Abby [6] came up with the idea that Max and Eli needed goldfish for their birthdays! Talk about a memorable gift. The boys were quite intrigued at first glance. Eli kept trying to put his hand in the bowl to get the fish, Max stayed a bit more reserved and just peeked over the edge.

Max and his new pet fish

Eli's hands in the fish bowl!

We do need a bit of your help. Naming our new pet fish! Please submit your favorite name and I will post the winner in a few days. And a prize? Still thinking about what it should be...but a new pet fish could be in your future if you are selected. :)

All in all, it was a memorable day! Thanks friends and family for joining us as we celebrated these beautiful boys!