Noelle Dreams & Beyond

I can finally breathe a sigh of relief. This is the first time I've been pregnant beyond 13 weeks, and now I'm over 14 weeks. I still have some nausea, fatigue and headaches, but it's all getting so much better. We've had several ultrasounds, and things are looking great in my belly - we've already counted fingers on this tiny baby! We'll find out whether it's a boy or girl in 4 weeks, and I can hardly wait. Most are betting it's a boy, and that's what we always figured it would be because of the literal sea of males in Chris' family. Either way, we'll be thrilled. I've chosen to have my prenatal care at the local birth center, which is a half hour or so away, and that is where I'll give birth with the assistance of a midwife. I feel really good about this decision, and Chris does as well. I have a number of friends who have given birth there and had wonderful experiences. I believe the baby and I are in very good hands. I h...

I'm so excited for my dear friend Nesha and her husband Tod. They are on their way (or perhaps are already there!) to pick up their son, Minh, from the orphanage he has lived in for the first year of his life in Vietnam. It's been a long road since they got their referral last fall (and an even longer journey to adopt - they're on the same China timeline that we are). They've watched Minh grow in pictures, and now they will see him in person for the very first time. I can just imagine what they're feeling - their hearts must be bursting wide open. Wow. I can't wait for them to come back home! I wish I could give them all hugs right now. If you'd like to follow the remainder of their journey to adopt Minh, check out their blog here .

Well, it's the eve of the last day of 2007. I have to say I'm ready for 2008 and the hope that it brings. Of course this year has brought lots to celebrate, and we have ended it with a wonderful, busy, fun-filled Christmas with family. We're so blessed to have the love of family at Christmastime and every day throughout the year. I thought I'd share some of our joy in pictures: HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!

For children here and children-to-be and doggies and home and laughter and tears and sunshine and moonlight and rivers and streams and mountains and snowfall and parents and grandparents and vacation and weddings and sisters and brothers and rain and fertile soil and nieces and nephews and meadows and wildlife and trees and flowers and old friends and new friends and birthdays and holidays and long walks and talks and health and yoga and work and play and community and unity and spring blooms and autumn leaves and oceans and lakes and summertime and boat rides and dancing and dinners and peaceful moments and CHRIS and so much that I receive every day - for all of this and more I am thankful .

I got the best news from a local friend yesterday - she and her husband have received their referral from Vietnam!! They are also adopting from China on essentially the same timeline as we are (their log-in date is 8 days ahead of ours). They began their second adoption from Vietnam this past spring around the time we made the decision to become foster parents, so we are leading somewhat parallel lives relative to our parenting journeys. We are so glad we met them last year (I somehow found their blog and realized they live in our city, and the rest is history). We very much look forward to future playdates with our kiddos, along with sharing all the parenting lessons to come. Biggest congrats, Danesha and Tod! We couldn't be happier for you, and we can't wait to meet your little guy!

As I posted last month, my sister Jessica had her second baby, and just last week my friend Jessica had her first baby. Both are girls and both weighed 8 lbs. 6 oz. at birth! And they both have gorgeous names: Maia Soleil and Ilsa May They even rhyme! I'm in baby heaven. Now if only their future baby buddy would arrive. I wonder if it will be a boy or another girl...Any bets out there?

Many, many, many thanks to our friend, Danesha, who made this baby quilt for the child we will foster. We love it! Thank you for your thoughtfulness and generosity. I will have to think really hard to come up with as special a gift for you and your wee ones to come. Give me some time, OK?! XOXO

Look at this cutie pie! (Kat and Doug's Charlie) Our tow head (Nephew Ben) Sweet curls (Andrea and Banks' Miles) Hip 3-year-old (Niece Savannah) Beautiful bald baby (Niece Maia) Shaved head (Nephew Byers between his sister and cousin) And finally, my new do - Life is so much easier! No, I did not do Locks of Love, and I really regret this!! I had totally planned to ask my stylist, Maggie, about it, but I was late (shocker), and I didn't want to annoy her more than I'm sure I already had. But still - this is no excuse, and I promise if I ever have long hair again I will do it! I found out later that it's really simple, which makes me feel even worse. I'm admitting my mistake here as my penance. Click this link for more info.

(Daughter of Jessica, my sister, and Mark, and little sister to Ben) Isn't she an angel?!

A lot has been going on! First and foremost, we have some wonderfully exciting news: Our niece, Maia, came into this world on Saturday, August 18. She was born at home under the care of two midwives, and everything went perfectly. I'm so proud of my sister for following her heart and having the beautiful birth experience she envisioned. Everyone is doing great, and I can hardly wait to meet Maia this weekend. We have had quite a busy summer with trips to Colorado (vacation and friend's wedding), Ocracoke Island (long weekend getaway), Winston-Salem (cookout for adoptive families), Charlotte (visiting w/ sister and fam), Waynesville (visiting w/ sister and fam), Wrightsville Beach (friend's birthday day-trip), Atlanta (Chris-work and visiting w/ friends), Enfield (Chris' brother's engagement party) and Hyco Lake (visting with friends). We've had a blast, but I have to say I'm looking forward to sticking close to home this fall, and I think our doggies will be...

Children grow so quickly! Our niece Savannah is 3 going on 4 (or is it 13?) this October. Her brother Byers (the one with the short haircut) is 2. In this picture he's trying to tackle Uncle Chris - he's quite the little scrapper! Ben is 2 and will be 3 in November. He's such an independent fellow these days. Here he's watching Uncle Chris fly-fish. Pretty soon we'll be adding a 4th angel face to this crew - my sister Jessica (Ben's mom) is due with her 2nd baby (a girl!!) in two weeks! And the 5th (our 1st) might come pretty soon after that! We had our 2nd home visit with the foster parent licensing worker yesterday, and she thinks it will take another month or so to get everything finalized with the state. After that, we'll just be waiting for the call. It should be an exciting few months!