Our new big adventure...

Lovin' those sweet potatoes!

She's a toe sucker!

Her first 4th of July...she loved the fireworks!

Her first vacation (one month old)...Monterey, CA

Her first St. Patty's Day!

Her first time in her new car seat. Look how tiny she was!

The first time we met. She was one day old and came with only a onesie, a receiving blanket and a few diapers.

The first time she met her Daddy.

The first time she met her big brother...

Here is our "big new adventure"!

As most of you know, Rich and I are foster parents. In the last year, we have helped to parent four children, in addition to our son, Zack. What a ride that has been!

As we have said before, we went into foster parenting to help out families while they are in transition and to assist families in need of some time to get back on their feet. We knew that if a child was in need of a permanent home, and we felt that it was a good fit for our family, we would pursue an adoption.

Well, that's exactly what happened! Back in February, we were asked to take a one day old baby girl, who we will call "Lil' Baby". She weighed 6 lbs., 15 oz. and we had 20 minutes notice of her arrival at our home. She came with only the onesie on her back and a receiving blanket. She has been a joy from day one! She is so incredibly laid back and gentle. She loves to be cuddled and just goes with the flow.

I had always said, since having Zack, that I would be completely content only having boys. Oh boy was I wrong! Goodness gracious, this little girl has us wrapped around her little finger!

She is now 5 1/2 months old and we've been able to experience all of her "Firsts" so far. She now rolls over and scoots all over the floor, she got her first tooth this week and started eating big girl baby food, she smiles and laughs (which just melts my heart every time), and has become quite attached to her big brother Zack.

Speaking of Zack...he is doing very well! He loves being a big brother and always tells me, "Oh look! I'm such a big helper!" He is good with Lil' Baby, but we do have to watch and make sure he is gentle with her...he's two :) He will be celebrating his 3rd birthday in September. Man, how the time flies!

Catching up on pics...

He decided to make his own bed on the floor for a while. Guess he got bored of his bed. I thought it was sweet that he made sure to tuck in "Rabby" and "Table Hair" (teddy bear) as well :)

Our niece Shea dressed him up as a princess...how lovely.

Our beautiful niece Maddie (same age as Zack)

Me and my sweet Emmie at her birthday party.

A few weeks ago, we had a picnic at Bidwell Park in Chico to celebrate Barnes' graduation.

We had lots of rain in May!

He loves to do airplane!

He always says, "Look mom! I'm FILING!" (flying)

Heather took us to the train museum in Sacramento for the day. After which, Zack insisted on going to bed like this for about a week so he looked just like the "ductor" (conductor).

It finally heated up enough to set up a pool.