Eight Years

Warning...Cheesy Post Ahead:). Eight years ago today, I was blessed to marry my best friend and high school sweetheart. We reminisced this weekend over our celebratory date (Bob's and Batman) about how instantly we fell in love. We had the best time dating through high school and college. I will always remember our first year of dating especially. My mind is full of memories that include Stars games, Wendy's runs, walking around Lakeside, movies, passing notes in the hall at Trinity, high school dances, and dates at Macaroni Grill with Nana. Yep, my Nana often came along on our dates...she was that amazing. She would always sing with the singing waiter and draw funny pictures on the table. To recap, Kyle proposed to me the summer before my senior year of college. We went to San Antonio to celebrate our dating anniversary, and he popped the question during our dinner at Biga on the Banks. I will never forget sitting in a booth nestled in the back being so excited to spend time together. We had spent the summer apart and were happy to see one another. Kyle did not act himself at all...didn't eat much, seemed quiet. He excused himself to the bathroom and while sitting there alone it hit me that he really might be proposing. I was so nervous that I broke my wine glass! He returned and shortly after a man delivered a huge vase of red roses. I opened the card and it said "Look behind the vase". I looked around and saw a ring box. Kyle then got down on one knee and proposed. I do not remember his exact words but I remember feeling overwhelmed and humbled. We got married a year later after graduation and fast forward eight years to now. In those eight years, we have moved three times, changed careers, both gone back to school and graduated, experienced the death of a loved one, seen our siblings and friends become parents, been blessed with Max, and journeyed through a long adoption process. The biggest thing I take from the past eight years is that God blessed me far more than I deserve. I could not have asked for a better friend, father, and husband. So cheers to my guy! :)

Photo Book

I made Max's third year photo book a little early due to our upcoming busy month (fingers crossed!). I am not the best at taking pictures but luckily shutterfly helps out!

Click here to view this photo book larger

Create a gorgeous, high quality wedding photo album at Shutterfly.com.

Potty Training

This may seem like a "gross" post but potty training has been a big part of the Scott house as of late. Like all parenting decisions, the mere mention of potty training elicits various opinions and advice from others. I chose not to attempt early training as I really did not mind changing diapers (I only have one kiddo), and Max did not seem ready. I also wanted to get him moved into his big boy room...one big change at a time. In June/July something clicked with the little man and I knew it was time. I will say one half of the process has been easy-breezy...the other half not so much. I am sure you get the meaning of this. I will forgo details but this has not surprised me one bit. Max is generally sweet and easy going...but can be very stubborn about particular things. I have no clue where he gets this from:). Anyway, some of his stubbornness has reared its head and I have had to be very creative (major bribes). We made some progress today thanks to my new iPad and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. Hopefully we can get this process completed before we leave for Taiwan (still no word). Parenting is an adventure for sure...never a dull moment:).

Nursery Photos

Thanks to Kyle, his mom, and my mom...the nursery is mostly finished. We are waiting on a picture to come in that will go above the dresser, and I am going to add two wall photos of Cora. I am grateful to have a functioning nursery that is ready to go. My favorite parts of the room are the lanterns, sconces, and wall color. Hopefully Miss Cora will love her room too!:).

Cellphone

I feel like my cellphone has become a permanent part of my body. Unfortunately. I keep it near me 24/7 and frankly we need a break from each other. I am waiting for the BIG call...the one where we hear Cora is legally our daughter and find out our travel dates. There are several calendar events that will have to be shifted based on this information thereby affecting others. Come on phone...ring! :). I feel like the more I watch my phone, the less likely it will happen. For now, we are going to separate into other rooms. This adoption process has made me a phone junky and it is not healthy. :) A little confession.

First Nursery Picture

I have been shopping and ordering it up to get ready for Miss Cora. I am using the name Cora more and more. I feel better about our court process in Taiwan now that we know it has progressed. Amen! Still in shock over here. Below is a picture from Etsy that I will be hanging in her room. Cora's room will be a combo of aquas and pinks. We wanted to include something that is meaningful in the Asian culture......the elephant is a symbol of happiness, good luck, and longevity. Shopping for a girl has been so much (too much) fun. We are expecting our final ruling any day and should travel a few weeks after. :)

Happy S.H.O.C.K.

S.H.O.C.K....That is my emotion right now. It looks like we will be traveling to Taiwan in 2-5 weeks! I just cannot believe it! Here is what we thought the timeline was going to be: Civil Hearing: April 25th, Civil Ruling: July to August, Final Ruling-August to October, Travel-September to November. What actually happened: Civil Hearing: April 25th, Civil Ruling: June 4th (We did not know this!), Final Ruling-any day to 3 weeks, Travel- In 2-5 weeks. I feel like a hamster on a wheel right now. So many thoughts and emotions going through my head. I am not even sure how to make a to do list for this. Some immediate things we will need to do is finish our adoption training, get Cora's nursery ready, iron out "Max watching", and get our paper work triple checked. I will also be shopping for some baby items as well (poor me!). Kyle is going to have to figure out his paternity leave and other work related issues. And yes, I am a lucky mommma that my husband has paternity leave! Overall, I am just in awe of God's blessings. His ways are bigger and better than my ways. He is in control and for that I am exceedingly grateful. Your prayers are always appreciated. We are praying for Cora's transition into her new home and family, our own transition especially Max, for safe travel, and for Cora's foster parents and her birth family. I know that this will be a very difficult time for them. Until next post....I am off to make a huge "to do" list with a smile on my face!

We love you Cora Chieh Scott!!!