The Baker Journey: September 2009

Sunday, September 27, 2009

A dinner celebration for our completed adoption!

Last night we went out to dinner in celebration of Anna! It was very nice to have a get together for such a joyous occasion! I know that reflecting back just a year from now, Matt and I would never imagine being where we are today. We have been blessed with the most amazing child and have been able to have an adoption situation that we never dreamed of. We are truly thankful to the people at Bethany Christian Services for guiding us during each step of the way. We also love our family and friends with all our hearts because without their constant support and love our adoption journey would not have been the same. We are also thankful that we were able to "keep the faith" throughout these past two and half years and know that God was in the lead even when the times were almost unbearable. We knew last March when we got "the call" that he had been in control all along. It was confirmed the first time we held sweet Anna Kay in our arms. :)

Anna getting her beauty rest on Daddy

Getting dressed up

Sitting at Olive Garden....in her booster seat

A strange angled group shot :)

Mommy and Anna

I think she was eyeing the breadsticks ;)

A toy will have to do

She's trying very hard to feed herself these days

Friday, September 25, 2009

USC Game and Court Date

Today was an exciting day for us in the Baker house! We had Anna Kay's court finalization this morning and it was fantastic. The judge was so nice and not intimidating at all....which was good because we were nervous. Neither Matt nor I had ever even been in a court room before. :)

Matt's parents, Matt, our Judge, Pam, Anna, and Joann

A family shot! Anna was intrigued with the balloons her grandparents brought her!

A picture with Gran and Grandpa!

mmmm balloons..... :)

I also have to make mention of last night's Carolina Gamecock game.....Anna's Uncle Chris gave Anna her first Carolina cheerleading uniform and she sported it last night when they had their big win over Ole Miss. She was so cute in her garnet and black!

Cheering on the defense....

What?? That wasn't a touchdown???!!!

Mommy's sweet girl....representing her college!

Monday, September 21, 2009

Back at training!

Today's run:

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Picture Updates!

Here are some newer photos of Miss Anna!

Trying to get the dogs....

There they are.

They are so good with her.....notice Patches tongue. :)~

Sweet Cheeks!

Baby feet.

Capturing a moment.

She wasn't ready for the picture...

Now she's ready!!!

Playing in the bathtub!

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Prayer Request

I just wanted to take a chance to ask all of my "readers" to say a little prayer for our family. Matt's grandfather is in the hospital and is need of prayers. We spent a few days up there with the family and are so thankful that we were able to get up there. Anna is absolutely the best baby ever....having spent four days in an ICU waiting room and being a perfect angel the whole time. She was definitely a bright spot during a difficult time.

Here is a picture of Anna all bundled up in her hoodie as we were heading into the hospital. The weather there was much cooler than it is here.

To Jennifer and Jean: I cannot tell you both how thankful I am that you are babysitting Anna for me while I go to work. I love you both bunches....and I know Anna will love getting to spend the day with you!

To our family I leave this poem:

Family is the strong tie,
That holds you to the ground.
When it seems that you have lost,
All that you had found.
They are the rock that holds you down,
When you start to float away,
And they can turn your life around,
When you go astray.
They are the friends that you are born with,
They are with you 'till the end,
And when life treats you rough,
Your broken heart they will mend.
Although sometimes you may fuss and fight,
And may not always agree,
In the dark, they are the light,
That shows the path so you can see.

~by Michelle Peters Relationship Poems

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Here are the latest photos of Anna and her new toy.....the Bumbo seat! I also caught a video of her laughing today with her Daddy! It is the sweetest sound. :D

Anna and Grandpa

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Posting Finally!

Sorry for taking so long to post. I am only averaging about one post a week these days due to working too. I'm going to try to be better about that. ;) I have a ton to share in this post. This week has been pretty busy. We tried a two new foods with little Anna Kay this week. She tried sweet potatoes first and LOVED them. Then, yesterday she had pears for the first time and we have discovered something she doesn't particularly care for. She made the most HILARIOUS faces.
Friday Anna went to her Gran's decked out in her Steeler's cheerleading outfit in honor of their Thursday night victory. Her Daddy could not have been more pleased to see her cute self in his team gear. We even had to take pictures of her at 6am before we took her to Gran's. :)

Then, Saturday we had a great day visiting with friends and family. We headed to Camden to visit my Nanny (Anna's Great grandmother). I was so pleased that Anna was finally getting to spend some time with Nanny. When we got there, Nanny surprised us with the most AMAZING gift. She had made Anna a whole bedroom set.....a quilt, window dressings, and even a bear! My grandmother is one of the most talented seamstresses I have ever seen. She made all of my baby dolls when I was little, and now she has made Anna one too! Anna loved it! Nanny even made it with some of Anna's (and Mommy's!) favorite colors after one their fav designer Lilly!

Then we headed over to Lake Wateree for a visit with the Gibson's! We had such a great time! Anna got to take her first "real" swim in water. She handled the infant life jacket pretty well. She didn't cry or scream when we put it on her. She played in the water for quite a while in it, then we decided to take it off of her and let her move around a little more. Then she LOVED the water. Collins and I took turns playing with her in the water. She was very intrigued by water splashing. She even hit the water herself a couple of times to make it splash. She was absolutely perfect! I think she is going to be a water baby like her Mommy! After a long swim, Anna Kay needed a nap and the adults sat and visited. The Gibson's made us a fantastic beaufort stew with homemade bread too! Thank so much to Collins, Parker, and Dumpy for having us over!