Ema's 2 year old pictures

Anyone who lives around here knows the name Phil Ramsey. He is the most awesome photographer I know. If you have ever taken your child somewhere to take their photo's yourself, you will soon know how good he is. It takes patience and a lot of creativity. I always get frustrated because Ema wont smile or she wont sit still and phil still ends up getting awesome pictures. If you haven't already plese visit his blog and watch the video of Ema. It was at the zoo and like he said it was HOT that day. Ema has on her Vietnamese outfit that we bought while we were in Vietnam. It was a lot of fun and the pictures turned out GREAT! Now I just have to choose which one I want. We would love to hear your suggestions!

Happy Fathers Day BA

Sunday was Kirk's first fathers day. I had a special weekend planned for Kirk and Ema. Yesterday Kirk and Ema got all dressed up and went to Marlo's. I had made them reservations just for the two of them. Kirk was so surprised and had a great time. Ema had picked out a card with Minnie Mouse on it and he opened at the restaurant. I thought this might be the start of a tradition for the two of them. This morning I had got him the picture from our first photo session with Phil Ramsey. It was one with Ema and Kirk, the way she was looking at him just melts my heart every time I see it.

Kirk,
Thanks for being a wonderful husband and father to us. Ema absolutely adores you! Thank you for all of the hard work you put into the adoption process. You worked so hard to get Ema here and she has added so much joy and excitement to our lives. Thanks for all you do for us! We love you very much! Happy Fathers Day!






Emily and Ema

The Lord has Great plans for me

Most of you know that I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis almost 5 years ago. This was one of the first life changing moments that Kirk and I experienced together. We had just gotten married, I had just graduated nursing school, and had just started working as an RN at Baptist. I was really just getting my life started (i thought). I was terrified of what my life was going to be like and how Kirk and I would deal with the outcome of having MS. After about a year, I learned that if you try not to think about it, it might not be real, so that's what I did. That worked until I had to have my first MRI, and the MS progressed (got worse). This is when I got angry, at MS and at God. Getting angry at God was something I had never experienced. I wasn't sure if you were allowed to do that. After talking with my preacher and getting wonderful advice from the BEST neighbor in the world, I realized that you CAN get mad at God. He is BIG enough and wants you to tell him your frustrations. The hard thing to grasp is, he wants you to tell him and he wants you to place your trust in him that he is BIG enough to handle the situation. It may not have the outcome that you want but ultimately it is the outcome that is best. That was the hard part for me to swallow. It took years for me to get to where I am today. MS is no longer troubled waters for me. I look at MS as a stepping stone for my ultimate purpose that God has planned for me. MS has allowed Kirk and I to draw closer to the Lord, it has allowed us to travel to Vietnam and see a part of our giant world that I would have never seen without it. Most of all it has allowed us to FINALLY meet our beautiful baby girl. I would NEVER change my life. God has blessed me with MS and he continues to bless me everyday with some new experience. I am able to tell my patients about living with a disease that is disabling. I relate to them in ways that most nurses couldn't. This year I was asked to speak at Dyersburg State and tell my story of living with Multiple Sclerosis and how The Lord plays a huge role in my life. The blessings are never ending. I said all of that to say this........I had my MRI Wednesday a week ago. I got my MS treatment this past Wednesday and.....DRUM ROLL PLEASE! One of my lesions was gone!!! Absolute miracle from God. I give him all the glory for that. I was amazed when Dr. Stein said " you MRI showed no progression however the lesion on your brain stem is no longer visable." That was the most awesome feeling to hear that. I cannot wait to add that to my speech next year! :)



Thank you Lord!
Emily

Phillipians 4:6-7
Do not be anxious about anything. Instead, in every situation, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, tell your requests to God. And the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Ema's first Rainbow

I realize this is way out of order but posting on my blog just isn't as easy as it use to be. I am having to play catch up. These pictures were from a few months ago when it stormed and afterward there the Lord provided us with a BEAUTIFUL rainbow. Ema had never seen a rainbow and she was amazed. She talked about this rainbow for weeks. She would point up where it was located weeks later and say .... bain bow, bain bow?? Afterwards, we had to jump in puddles, what little girl doesn't like to jump in rain puddles?

All Girls love Lipstick

I decided to take off work with Ema Friday while Kirk was out of town. Ema and I had a great day going to Memphis, having lunch together, and of course going shopping. On the way home Ema fell asleep. I thought, here is a great time to clean out my car while Ema is asleep in her car seat. So that's just what I did. About 30 minutes into my cleaning, Ema woke up and decided she would pretend to drive and talk on her cell phone like her mommy. I obviously was not paying attention because she got out with the cell phone attached to her ear and with her lips/face painted in my favorite lipstick. She had eaten half of it and that why she is making the funny face.

Summer Fun

We took Ema to the pool for the first time this past weekend. Ema wasn't real sure about the pool at first but after gradually introducing it to her she loved it. Ema especially loves splashing and getting everyone else wet.

Ema's first Birthday Party

Can you believe it, Ema is 2! We have known Ema for 6 months and she's 2 already. Words cannot describe how happy we are to get to spend this day with her. Last year we celebrated her 1st birthday without her but this year we are celebrated it with a BANG!!!
Ema got a beautiful swing set from Dee Dee and Pops! Her birthday party was centered around this. We also had a giant princess bouncy thing (thanks Adam). Ema had the best time with her friends and family.

Turning 2

I cannot believe I am the mother of a 2 year old. This time last year we (Dee Dee and Pops, Kirk and I) were hoovered around a beautiful birthday cake WITHOUT our birthday girl. Ema was still living in Vietnam and as we blew out the birthday candle we wished that we could be united with Ema. Kirk's bank had Kirk a shower but it was mostly a birthday party for Ema. There are times that we still cannot believe that Ema is here. Here is a picture from Friday! Happy Birthday Ema!! You have brought more joy to our lives than you could ever imagine. We have only known you for 6 months but it feels like we have had you forever. There is not a day that goes by that you do not make me smile and laugh. You always have a way to brighten my day. I am so happy that the Lord picked you out especially for us. You are an amazing little girl and I pray everyday that the Lord has something BIG in store for you. I pray that the Lord will help your Ba and I raise you to Love the Lord and place your trust in him in everything you do. We love you so much and are very proud of you! We hope you have the best birthday ever!



(getting a 2 year old to smile is hard and this is the best I could do! Maybe next year)