Happy Birthday, Alivia!

Today, Alivia Kaitlin Gantt Williams is going to enter the world. My good friend, Alexa, is in labor as I write. Hopefully it won't be too much longer. I will add all the details later and post a picture.

Welcome to the world, Alivia! You have a great Mom, big brother, and Pepaw.


Update: Alivia was born at 4:14 p.m. She weighs 7lbs 3 ounces and is 21 inches long. We can't wait to meet her tonight.

More Pictures

Beach Photos

Last night, Maribeth took some pictures of us on the beach. Even though it is hard to get my crazy bunch to smile and cooperate at the same time, I think she captured some good pictures. The goal was to capture a couple that we could send with our post placement report to China.

My dream is one day to have professional ones done on the beach. Of course, I would like to lose 100 lbs before doing that.

Happy Birthday, Renee!

My very first friend is turning the same age as me today. We were destined to be friends before she was even born. My Mom met her Mom in the grocery store after I was born but before she was born. We lived in the same neighborhood until I was in
5th grade. At times many miles seperated us but we have always remained friends. The last couple of months have been really tough for her. Her grandmother passed away on May 21 and her grandfather joined her last month. She was very close to both of them. My heart goes out to her and her family. I hope she can find some way to enjoy the day.

It seems like just yesterday that Renee and I were running around the neighborhood following our brothers. Oh,the fun we had... Neighborhood kickball,riding in the canoe after lots of rain, spotlight,playing in the sandbox,catching ladybugs and lightning bugs, and so much more. I wish my children had a childhood like I did. Neighborhoods aren't like they used to be. Great memories with a great friend!

Happy Birthday, Renee!

Happy Birthday to Julia!

My oldest daughter turned 6, today. This is her 4th birthday in the U.S. I don't like to even think about what her life would have been like if God hadn't led us to her. She is such a funny little girl.

Last night we celebrated with my family. I have never seen such a large princess cake. When I ordered it by phone I had no idea what I was ordering. Needless to say Julia loved it.

While I am visiting my parents today, Dallas took the kids to putt-putt.

Tonight we are going to Burger King for dinner. Julia's choice not ours. She loves the playground there. My friend Alexa and Nijel are meeting us there. Julia doesn't know it but when we go back to our condo we are going to have a Hannah Montana cake. She loves Hanana Montana and all she wants for her birthday is a Hannah Montana doll. I wonder if she will get it.

Happy 4th!

Post Placement Report

When you adopt internationally , a social worker comes and writes a report after you are home. How many and when depends on the country. With Julia we had to do one at 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years. China only requires two, one at 6 months and one at 12 months. Our wonderful social worker came last week to complete our final requirements for Grace. They have to be done a little early so they can reach China by the anniversary date. So we are done with social workers unless we decide to adopt again. The report is no big deal it is just great to be done. All I have to do is prepare a couple of picture pages, attach it to the report and send it to our adoption agency. We are officially done at that point.