Landrie's Birth Mom's Graduation!

Oh my!  I can't believe the day finally arrived.  Just a little over 3 years ago, we met precious Brianna, a college student who selflessly chose us to be Landrie's parents.  I remember being with her in hospital as we waited for Landrie to be born.  She said that she wasn't worried about falling behind, because she was already several weeks ahead of schedule on all of her classes.  With Landrie's open adoption, we've gotten to see Brianna's HARD WORK and determination as she has worked multiple jobs, raised her daughter Brynn, and done an outstanding job at school.

Saturday, we were all able to CELEBRATE Brianna and all that she's done as she graduated from MSU!  Do you see those cords on her shoulder?  Yup, she graduated Magna Cum Laude!  She missed the award for the highest GPA in the whole college of nursing by only 0.01 points!  We are so proud of you, Brianna!

Mark, Landrie, Tatem and I watched with Brianna's daughter Brynn, her husband, parents and in-laws.  She had quite the cheering section!  We had lots of stickers, toys and snacks to keep everyone busy, but that didn't stop Landrie from throwing the world's largest fit EVER.  I didn't have a watch handy, but I'm pretty sure it lasted 17 hours.  It was such a proud moment as a mom.  haha!!

Brynn, Brianna and Landrie!  

Brianna and her husband, Brian!

We went out to lunch afterwards, and of course these cuties had to sit together.  I love watching them grow up together!

So, what's next?  Well, there's no rest.  Brianna is going on to work as an RN and starting her coursework for her masters next semester!

Visit with Brianna!

We kicked off our summer with a visit from Landrie's birth mom, Brianna!  Of course, Brianna brought her daughter Brynn, but this time we got to meet someone special too!

Landrie was so excited to see Bri-nana!

Brynn and Landrie just played and played!!  Landrie's latest obsession is this set of Dora puzzles.  We do the set of 3 probably 10 times each day. :)

Tatem was right in the middle of the action too!  She got passed around and showed off her beautiful grin. :)

Brianna read some books, which always makes Landrie happy!  

You girls are so silly!

Congratulations!!  Brianna and Brian got married a few weeks ago!  We got to spend lots of time talking while the little ones played, and we are so exited for them!  She deserves someone amazing, and they are so happy. :)

He even took a picture for us. :)  Next time we'll have to have a waiter or someone take the shot so we can all be in it!

We are so happy for you, Brianna!

Happy GOTCHA DAY Anniversary!

It was just 2 short years ago that we went to court, early one Tuesday morning to finalize what we had known in our hearts from the instant we knew of Landrie...she is ours FOREVER!!!  Read about that beautiful day here. :)

We don't ever want to forget what a precious gift and amazing sacrifice Brianna made when she created an adoption plan for her baby.  Want to hear Brianna talk about it?  Our adoption agency made some videos, and Brianna and I are in one!  Click here, then look at the very bottom of the page.  If it's not a picture of Brianna and me, click the words "See more videos."  

To celebrate this April 27th, Mark took the day off, and we had a family day at the zoo!  

Sisters in the "bus" and ready to go!!

Landrie didn't ride much.  She liked climbing up on the rails and checking things out!

Tatem was happy as a clam checking things out from her cushy spot in the stroller.  :)

Landrie was in awe at one of the first exhibits.

Yes, Landrie, that is the real Baby Jaguar from Diego!

"I lub my daddy!"

This year she was a little skittish when the animals were really close and she wanted to be held.  You don't have to ask me twice!  

BIG!

Landrie thought this bear was hilarious!  Well, half hilarious half terrifying!  :)  He was eating a zoo brochure and she is still saying, "That silly bear eat paper- just like TayTay!"  It appears we have a little goat-baby.  If it's paper, Tatem will find a way to get her hands on it and eat it!

ROAR!!!  

We stopped for a picnic lunch and Landrie shared my chips.  She LOVES them and kept saying Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm, so I joined in too.  I love her!

So funny!

Tatem didn't get any chips, but she happily chowed down on some peas.  I only started solids about 2 weeks ago, when she was 7.5 months!  She was out like a light as soon as I wrapped her up.

What??  I get to ride THAT?!  

Last year's Gotcha Day celebration and this year's!

 So happy!

Watch out for those teeth!

Family of four!  

(with one out like a light!)

We love you!!

The Long girls waiting for the train!  This was one of Landrie's favorite parts!

Kisses for Tay-um!

This guy was just on the other side of the glass!

 And my guys were enamored with him!

Tatem had a ball at her first trip to the zoo!

Last year she was a lot quieter, but she did do a lot more flips!

Oh, and this year, on our way out, she discovered that she can conveniently reach her sister and torture her from the backseat!  Do you see her squishy little cheeks just grinning?  

One more attempt at a family self-portrait...I love that there are too many of us to fit in the frame!!

Once again, 

Thank you, God, for turning our LONGING into LOVING!!! 

Jump for JOY- It's your birthday!

At the beginning of March, we got to go to Brynn's birthday party!

What a cute one!  I love how Landrie stopped for a picture, but didn't release her death grip on that DumDum sucker!  

Brynn had her party at a JUMP house place.  Landrie had a ball!

She even convinced her daddy and mommy to go down the slides a few times. :)

The birthday girl and her sweet momma!

(If you're new to the blog, Brianna is Landrie's amazing birth mom, and Brynn is Landrie's bio half-sister!)

Landrie was a bit wide eyed from all the excitement and sugar at this point!

We had such a great time, and Landrie was out like a light just a few minutes into our trip home.  That's the true measure of a great party, right?  :)

Before Landrie's birth mom Brianna started back to school (she's got less than a year left before she's an RN!), we got to spend the day together!  We usually meet  at one of our homes and go out to eat.  Last time was a BIT crazy so we decided to just hang out at our house for the day.  We had 3 very happy little girls!  It was much better than trying to go to a restaurant with a 4 year-old, 2-year-old and a 4 month old.  Whew.  That makes me tired just typing it!

I borrowed this one from Brianna's facebook page because mine, well...  I got the girls all set up making their cupcakes.  They were sharing a chair so they were tall enough.  Landrie stands in that chair all the time to help me.  I'm sure you've already guessed the end to the story.  Brianna took this picture, and I came around the counter to take one too.  Who wouldn't want that adorable shot??  I asked for a hug, and in total slow motion they started to lean and scream.  It was awful!  I tried to reach across and catch them and couldn't!  I've never seen Landrie cry so much.  Both girls got bumped and bruised.  :(  

All that trauma made the after-lunch cupcake decorating that much sweeter!!  Landrie scooped the frosting off her plate and into her mouth as fast as I could put it on the plate.  I think Brynn ended up with more sprinkles than frosting!

The girls love to play together and had a ball in the backyard!

They blew tons of bubbles...

...shared a ride on a purple unicorn...

...and even watched a little Diego while Mark watched some football. :)

Wow!  Look at those three beautiful girls!  As always, we love our visits with Brianna and Brynn!  We will never have to have "The Talk" and reveal the secret of her adoption.  We have talked with her about it since she was a baby, and as she grows and understands more, we'll be able to talk about any questions she may have.  For now, Landrie's just happy to have more people who love her!!