Grandma Outfit

Emma was the lucky recipient of an adorable outfit handmade by Nancy, her grandma. I can't even imagine having the patience to finish a project like this. The color is perfect for Emma and I'm sure it's something she'll always treasure.

Aren't the flowers so cute!
Of course, the model is also cute.
I think she loves the camera!

Life As We Know It Just Changed a WHOLE LOT!!

After a whirlwind ride, Matt and I are finally able to claim the title "Parents." That Thursday morning, we didn't know anything about little Emma. But our lives were about to change. Friday morning, a few phone calls and a couple of photos later, we were told that we were chosen to adopt a little girl that had been born late the previous night. Saturday morning we hopped a plane to Florida and Sunday morning we met our little miracle.

It all started in this hospital room in Titusville, Florida on January 14, 2010. Emma was born late Thursday night, weighing in at 6 pounds, 8 3/4 ounces and 18.5 inches long. We spent a few hours in the hospital with her Sunday and got to take her home (to the hotel) from the hospital that afternoon. We had to stay in Florida until we had clearance (12 Days!) to take her home, but we had our baby girl!!

This is Matt holding Emma in the hospital. Look at all that hair!! We love it!

Here is our caseworker and a nurse signing papers that released Emma into our custody.

Here we are about to leave the hospital for Emma's first ride in a car. She sure looks tiny in that car seat!

Since we had Emma with us, we really didn't get away from the hotel much. This is pretty much the only site-seeing we did while in Orlando. We passed this one day and I made Matt turn around to take a picture.

How tragic!

Emma at one week old. This proves to be a pattern. Emma always has her hands up by her face and often looks like she's posing for a photo. I guess she's just starting early.

While in Florida, Matt and I celebrated our 9th Anniversary by ordering take-out from Olive Garden and eating in the hotel. No complaints here. We loved having Emma with us and it didn't really matter where we were.

We arrived home to find that our friends and family had prepared our house for us. Matt's brother-in-law and sister gave us their crib and other essentials. They even took down the old bed and set up the crib in Emma's room for us! Matt's other sister made an adorable sign for Emma in her room and some of our friends decorated (mildly, thanks!) to welcome Emma to our house.

We soon settled into a sort of routine, which of course included a Sunday afternoon nap! Emma is an angel baby and doesn't fuss a lot, which makes for a happy mama and papa! She's a good eater, a good sleeper, and a great cuddler! Did I mention that she's SO ADORABLE?!!

Emma is 6 weeks old today and slept through the night last night. We are so spoiled. She's just barely big enough to sit in her Bumbo and likes being in it.

DATE NIGHT!!!!!

Those of you who know Matt, know he's totally awesome!!! Sometimes I tease him a little, so I thought I'd poke a little fun at myself!!! Here's a couple pictures of my friend and me getting ready for a date with our hubby's.

Matt's ALWAYS watching.

You can't get away with anything. Matt will see you.

The Ten Virgins

Just before Christmas, I was fortunate to be part of a group that performed a musical retelling of the story of the Ten Virgins. The songs were amazing and although our background fell down during the second song, I felt a great spirit in the room--a sense of peace. I'm grateful for opportunities like this one to help me slow down and think about the important things in life.

We had a wonderful group of ladies in the cast. It was a lot of memorizing (at least it was a lot for me!), but well worth the effort!

Only Sissies Cook on Low

For Christmas, my friend made me a sign that says, "Only sissies cook on low." I love that she knows me well enough to know how appropriate that is! Or maybe she was trying to tell me that I should start actually cooking...

Either way, thanks, Kiirstin!

A Fresh Start

I've had enough people tell me to update my blog that I'm finally motivated enough to do so...barely.

Christmas vacation was a blast with TWO WEEKS OFF SCHOOL!! It's sure nice to have the income, but it's also very stressful teaching. Forcing information into the mind of an unwilling middle school student isn't always the easiest thing to do. I suppose that's why we're paid the big bucks!

I loved having family around. I haven't been able to spend as much time with them as I did before school started. It was great to catch up and play tons of games and just be together.

We spent Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with Matt's family and ate way too much good food. The Holgates definitely know how to do Christmas dinner!

The 26th belonged to this little guy, my nephew. Most of my family gathered for his blessing. My dad even came up from Arizona. And the snacking and game-playing that followed was in true Clark fashion.

Can you tell that my favorite part of Christmas is the people? I love gathering with some of the best family and friends a girl could wish for and just feeling the peace and joy of the season.