Hey Everyone,
Sorry for the long silence! I am so excited to tell you that we are back in Georgia and busy getting adjusted to our new home and daughter! Sadie is doing GREAT and gaining weight steadily. She now weighs 5lbs 9oz! She is really filling out! I thought you'd like this updated photo of our little bundle of joy : ) Click on the picture to zoom in!
Our trip home to Georgia was pretty uneventful, but it sure was good to cross the state line! I have never been so happy to be back in Georgia in my life. As we were approaching Atlanta, the one weird thing for me was turning onto 285 to go to Alpharetta instead of continuing on 75 south to our old home. It suddenly hit me that I was not going to see my old house again. Surprising to me, I became very emotional about it all! I think I finally realized how much I had missed being away for so long and how much closure I missed out on during the move. It was really hard for me. We had a LOT of really great memories in our Atlanta house and it was definitely a labor of love. I wish that I had been able to be here for the transition. I never really got to say "goodbye" to the house since I left in such a hurry. I still get teary-eyed thinking about it! But, as we started up 400 north to make the trek to Alpharetta, I got excited about my huge master bathroom and closet : ) And when we got to the house, I was surprised to see how much my dear friend, Ainsley, had managed to unpack for me. It already looked like a home when I got here!
So, Jeff and I are still busy getting boxes unpacked and furniture moved into the right places. It has definitely been a crazy time around the Scholen household! But, the Christmas tree is up and the kitchen is organized. We are so grateful for the big AND small things!
I have spoken with Janie several times over the past few weeks and she and Michael are doing well. They have done some much needed renovations to their home with the money they received from several generous people and have bought some Christmas presents for the kids. I just shipped Janie a ring with Sadie's birthstone in it for a Christmas present and the book "What's So Amazing About Grace?". I think she will really like the ring. I bought the same one for Sadie as a remembrance of her birthmom that I will give to her at the appropriate time. The rings are actually "stackable", so I will also get Janie's birthstone ring for both Janie and Sadie for a future gift next year. I was excited to find them at James Avery! I want some for myself now!
Here are a couple of pictures of time with family. They all sure love Sadie! Granny with Sadie and a BIG stretch after a long car-ride!
My niece gave Sadie an "Ellie" - the same elephant stuffed-animal that she has had since she was little. They had to find it on Ebay as they don't even make them anymore! It was a big hit.
My brother, Randy, and my sister-in-law, Starr, with Sadie. Starr has been a great support and resource as we have been going through this ordeal. She was quick to send gifts and food while we were in Kentucky!
That is it for now! We are grateful to be home and mostly through this ordeal. Sadie is the most precious gift we could ever have hoped for. Truly. I can't wait to get to know her better as she continues to grow!
