The wait is over. KIeley finally made her grand appearance. Derek and I were extatic! Things couldn't be better for us right now.

I am sure y'all want to know about her, so here are some details about her. Kieley was born on July 22 at 2 :44. She weighed 6 lbs 1 oz and was 18 inches long. She had a head full of hair and is just so beautiful! She is a great sleeper and loves to be held, and kissed. She enjoys being sung to, and loves to get fresh air.

I will post some pictures of her as soon as I get to a computer that will allow me to post to MSN.

Has she changed me? Yes. Has she changed Derek? Yes. Both of us are so overjoyed at her presence and take life one minute at a time. She's in no rush, why should we be? Not to mention that we are becoming stronger individually and as well as a couple.

The day she was born was crazy! I cried and cried. Then later, I cried some more. Being there was harder than I though it would be.

Two days before Kieley was born. my "little sister" Sarah had a baby and I got to be there for her Son's birth. It was hard to watch her, yet so exciting. But watching Megan deliver Kieley was totally different.

Everyone I have talked to says that I felt Megan's labor stronger because of Kieley. I am sure they are right, but wow. Talk about overwhelming. It was really hard to watch Megan give birth knowing that it should have been me doing all the work and not her. I wish it could have been, but I am grateful for what Megan and Danny have done for Derek and I.  

Kieley joining our family has made our family whole. There's no longer that missing link, we are complete.

The girls threw Kim and I a baby shower today. It was really nice. Just the 6 of us and Kim's Mom and Daughter.

I got a lot of cute things for Kieley. A few blankets, some onesies, some toys, and a few outfits. Those girls are always so sweet!

Barbra even made a cute stroller out of a watermelon, she is so creative. Not to mention the creampuffs, and keish.

It only lasted for about an hour, but I had a blast! It was a lot of fun and I enjoyed spending time with everyone.

Well I am off to get the house organized. Bye for now!

Oh I added some pictures from the baby shower.

Today was an interesting day. I got up this morning went to work as usual, and got off as usual. After my reguler work day I went to a staff meeting; this is the interesting part. So we all sat around and talked and when it was all over I suddenly lost it!

I just started crying! Balling my eyes out. The girls whom I love, (Kim, Shannon, Kara, and Barbara ) all gathered around and really just let me cry and vent. I babled on for a while and finally got to the point.

I am so excited, happy, joyful, scared and full of love all at the same time. There are so many things to look forward to and anticipate and adore about this beautiful baby girl that we are going to adopt that I just can't stand holding in all the emotions. I want to shout from the roof top and tell the world, but I don't want to end up in jail. I am sure that doing so would break some local law.

Anyhow, on top of that there is the fact that although I get to talk to Derek on the phone, it's not the same as having him here next to me. We are both so excited, and minus the three days I saw him last month, we haven't been able to share that joy together. I know that in a few weeks we will be together again and we will be anxious to await Kieley's birth, but I have no one to share the joy with now! At least no one that is standing right here in front of me and  I am sure if I went to work and jumped on one of the girls they wouldn't quite understand like Derek would.

So tonight after I gained some self compsure and tried to find my dignity, I had along talk with Kara in the parking lot. I really opened up to her and had a good long talk. About my joys and fears and happiness in being a mother.

I also told her about how I thought that Danny and Megan were somehow angels in disguise. I then told her more about them and how they not only are a blessing to Derek and I, but to another family as well.  After I told her she said, "Well I believe that everything happens for a reason." Needless to say, I couldn't agree more.

I will be very proud to tell Kieley about her Birth parents. How unselfish and loving they were. Not only to her but to us as well. And Kieley will be so blessed. With such a large and extended family.

I posted some pictures tonight of the shelves I made for her room. They are really darling. I can't wait to get them hung. They took a while, but I think that they were worth it. Just like Kieley, she took a while but is worth  the wait.

Megan had a doctor's appointment today, they said everything looks good and the baby has a strong heartbeat. YEAH!

Well all, I am off to bed. Talk to y'all later.

Okay, so we are about 7 weeks out now, and I can't wait! Things are going so good for Derek and I right now. We have been so blessed in the last few months and weeks.

Derek met a fantastic guy named Mark. Mark is a very devout Christian and has really helped Derek to further his own relationship with God. Derek and I are planning on going to South Carolina sometime in the future to see Mark and his family. Ironically Mark lives just about an hour from my Aunt.

Derek and I are also planning a trip to Disney World in the fall. More or less it is a retreat with some other Christians, including Mark and his wife. Derek and I have never been there, individually or as a couple. And yes we are planning on taking Kieley even though she will only be about 6 months old then.

But why not??? Can you imagine the look on her face at all the colorful and fantastic sights? And for those of you who have already lectured me on taking an infant to Disney World, I still agree that yes she may get overwhelmed and tired, but the memories are fantastic.

School is finally over YEAH! I am so happy. I think I got a B in my English class and an A in my politics class. But I deserce the B in English since I forgot I had a midterm and didn't bring any of my notes and well.... I had to do it of memory.

 Other than that things are well. I got a part time job at Pottery Barn Kids. I am so excited. It is only one Saturday a month and I still get the discount. And believe me when I say that the discount is worth it alone.

Derek and I can't wait to see each other. There is so much that we want to do together. Of course we can't wait to see Kieley either. We have so many plans.

Well, I am off to bed. I have to go to work early. Take care and I love you guys!

Well I celebrated my 24th Birthday yesterday. The girls at work bought me a cake and we had a little party with the kids. It was fun. Then I came home and relaxed the rest of the night. The highlight of my day??? Getting flowers from my husband. He sent me my favorite... star gazer lilies. They are so beautiful. When I get my camera hooked back up to the computer I will post the pictures.

I added a picture of Danny and Megan and also of me and Kaleb. They were taken a few weeks ago when I was back home.

Speaking of home, I can't wait to get there.

Just a few more weeks now. Nine weeks and Kieley will be here. Yeah! I can't wait. I have been making final preparations here for when we bring her home. I haven't bothered to wash anything yet, that would be pointless. But I have really started to get organized.

The girls at work are throwing me and Kim, (One of the girls I work with) a baby shower on the 11th of June. She is having a boy and is due the beginning of August sometime. His name is going to be Connor. They are inviting all the staff from St. Bethlehem, one of our sister stores we all worked at.

The girls at work are awesome. All of them are christian and have such positive attitudes that I just feel right at home. I couldn't ask for nicer coworkers.

One more week of school and I am done for the summer and most of the fall. Finals are next week though, so if I don't write  that's why. Everyone take care this week and God Bless.