I love these pictures of Jonathan. He will ask for the camera, and will say "pose!" when he is ready for me to snap a picture. I have so much fun with him.

Today we watched a butterfly release at a nearby nature center. Jonathan enjoyed exploring the off-beaten trails that led to the butterfly garden. He is happiest when unrestricted. We like taking him to such places because he can usually run to his heart's content!

Introducing Elizabeth!!!!

{Elizabeth at 12 weeks}
{Elizabeth at 22 weeks}

Here is what our little girl looks like! The words of Psalm 139:13-14 rang in my ears as I saw her for the first time.

For you created my inmost being;

you knit me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;

your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

Rejoice with us in the wonderful work of the Lord that Elizabeth already is!!!!!

It's Official!!!!

We are now matched with a birthmom in Florida!!!!!!!!!!!!! To say we are excited is an understatement. Jonny and I are having trouble sleeping at night. We are beyond ecstatic. Our birthmom's name is Jennifer. She is due the end of October, so she is right at 23 weeks now.

And.....

it's a girl!!!!!!!!!!!!

We have named her Elizabeth Ashley. We can't wait to meet both Jennifer and Elizabeth when the time comes. Jennifer is Caucasian and Elizabeth's birth father is African American, so we are going to have quite a little beauty on our hands!

Please continue to pray for us as we move through this process. We have applied for two adoption loans through Christian agencies. We are trusting God to provide the finances to complete our adoption. Please pray for Jennifer and for a relationship to develop between us that would honor Christ. She is considering contact with us prior to Elizabeth's birth and definitely wants to meet us at the hospital when Elizabeth is born. Pray for Elizabeth's continued growth and health! We should be receiving sonogram pictures next week, and I will post them so you all can "see" Elizabeth too.

Jonathan claps his hands and says "Zizzie" when we talk about his new little sister. We are so thankful for the blessing of him, and now to be waiting for blessing number two makes us feel like our hearts are running over with joy. We are so grateful to the Lord for the life of this baby who is yet unborn and for the courage of Jennifer who is choosing to give Elizabeth life. Please keep all of us in your prayers.

The Beach!

We went to mom and dad's condo at St. Simons for the fourth of July holiday. Jonny and I couldn't wait to introduce Jonathan to the ocean. Our anticipation was rewarded by his excitement as soon as we got there. He ran straight toward the water and laughed in glee at the waves. After the first wave hit his legs, he said, "more!" He loved digging in the sand and making castles with Jonny. We had a wonderful time and can't wait to go back.

Pancake breakfast

Jonathan helped me make pancakes this morning! He is actually quite coordinated, and dumped all the measured ingredients into the bowl without any spills. He loved stirring. It was really fun. I used to do things like this with my niece and nephews and dreamed of the day when I could do these things with my own children. That day is here!

Lazy summer days

We've been spending lots of time at our neighborhood pool this summer. At first, Jonathan didn't like the water, but the more we keep taking him, the more he likes it.