Run With Scissors

Booty Buns!

2012-02-25T21:15:00.000-06:00

I am very excited to introduce you to Booty Buns One-Size Cloth Diapers, one of the newest (and in my opinion–best!) one-size cloth diapers on the block.TBooty Buns have some extra features and they are one of the very best one-size cloth diapers I’ve seen!

I can’t wait to tell you more about them.

One of the best things about Booty Buns as a company is that they give to charity! Shannon, the owner of Booty Buns, has a heart for giving to those in need. For every diaper they sell, one will be donated to a baby in need in a third world country. What could make you feel better about purchasing something than knowing that–beside purchasing a quality product–you are also helping to diaper a baby in a much less fortunate situation!!

Here is her statement from her shop:

What Made You Decide To Give Cloth Diapers To Babies In Third World Countries?

My husband, Sean, served a 2 year mission in Bolivia. He has often relayed stories of the poverty that exists there; each time he did my heart was deeply moved by these poverty stricken people. When I started researching cloth diapers & the money we could save by using them, he shared with me how most people in Bolivia don't even diaper at all. He said that most people there simply wrap their babies in old t-shirt or sheets to catch the solids. It makes me so sad to think about all those babies who don't have what we consider to be a basic need. I have several other friends that have shared their stories from countries like Honduras, Ecuador, Peru, and other South American and African countries that mirror Sean's from Bolivia. I have always had a deep desire to help people & have longed for a life filled with charity and service; so, I am excited that I have found a way to fulfill my desire through cloth diapers!

There are 5 rows of rise snaps on the Booty Buns diaper. Most one-size diapers only have 3. Combined with the lengthy row of waist snaps and the TWO crossover closure snaps, this makes for one fantastic one-size diaper.

The diaper snaps down incredibly small to fit preemies and tiny newborns and unsnaps completely to be huge, and I can truly see this diaper fitting from birth to potty training. There are very few “one-size” diapers on the market that areTRULY one-size, and I am very excited to say that Booty Buns are!

In my opinion, Booty Buns are one of the very best one-size cloth diapers available. All around, I definitely recommend them to anyone who is cloth diapering or would like to try it!

You can purchase Booty Buns One-Size Cloth Diapers

for $29 each directly at Booty Buns!

Make sure to stop by to follow them on Facebook and Twitter too!

xo
janel

P.S. Don't forget to vote :) All it takes it two little clicks.

oh hey!

2012-02-24T22:05:00.000-06:00

Oh hey Monday!

Sooo...I got an email today and our expectant mother will be induced on MONDAY and delivering on TUESDAY.

NO big deal :)

Want to know something else really cool??

Adam and I's anniversary is Tuesday as well.

I can NOT think of a better anniversary surprise.

I am on pins and needles my friends!!

prayers are appreciated!!

janel

P.S. Don't forget to vote :) All it takes it two little clicks.

friday.

2012-02-24T12:13:00.000-06:00

(a peek from inside my journal)

1. I am heading out of town for the weekend with my sister. I know the second we get to where we are heading (two hours away) I will get the phone call right?!

2. We are now accepting March Sponsors!!!

I have a feeling the month of March is going to be REALLY exciting here on Run With Scissors, so it will be a great month to advertise here. Check out the sponsor page for more information.

3. Our hospital bag is 100% packed and ready to go.

4. My husband's blog melts my heart. You should check it out :)

5. Check out the tracker ------>

$9,010.

You all are so incredibly amazing. I mean seriously words can't express my gratitude to you. Amelia is so lucky to have so many people out there who love her. Thank you!!! God is good.

6. I'm making really cute ceramic goodies to sell in my shop to raise money.

Look for them next week.

7. There are still some more quilt squares too!!! Go grab yours :)

8. I love you, all of you. you have no idea the impact you are making in my life.

janel

P.S. Don't forget to vote :) All it takes it two little clicks.

Twinkle Twinkle...

2012-02-23T19:23:00.000-06:00

Twinkle Twinkle Little Rockstar contacted me about advertising on RWS and asked if I would like to check out some of their lullaby CDs. Being the music lover that I am, I was more than game.

Music is so extremely important in my life and I know that it will be just as important in our little one's life as well.

I love the idea of Lullabies created from popular songs. I mean LOVE it. When I checked out their site, I was so blown away by all of the choices...

Grateful Dead to Wilco, to Jack Johnson, Adele, Britney, Paramore, Nirvana, and even classics like Pink Floyd!!

There are also groups from the 80's, Country Music, and even soundtracks (can someone say Twilight saga lullabies?)

I chose to review Adele and Britney Spears and I was NOT disappointed. Not only did I love listening to them for the review, I have loved listening to them many times since :)

The music is so calming and also so refreshing because of it's familiarity.

These albums are a great way to unwind. Perfect for yoga, mediation, and go great with a nice warm bath. LOVE these!

Check out TTLRS and all of their remixed lullabies today!

The best part about these albums is that you can download the entire album for only $6.99!!!

I have a list of like 10 more albums I want to get.

Visit http://www.ttlrs.com/. All mp3 downloads are just $6.99 per album. You can alternatively purchase the cd at Amazon for $13.99. A steal!

The best part about this is that TTLRS is offering one lucky reader the Britney Spears Lullaby CD!!! There are two ways to enter the giveaway:

1. “like” Twinkle Twinkle Little Rockstar on Facebook

2. Leave a comment on this post saying which artist you would like them to do a tribute to

This giveaway will end Sunday February 26th!!! Good Luck!!

Connect With TTLRS here :)

Twinkle Twinkle Little Rock Star on Facebook

Twinkle Twinkle Little Rock Star on Twitter

Twinkle Twinkle Little Rock Star @ Apple iTunes

CD's available at Amazon.com

janel

P.S. Don't forget to vote :) All it takes it two little clicks.

my husband...

2012-02-22T15:41:00.000-06:00

My sweet husband wrote this amazing post over on his blog and I just had to copy it over here because it spoke to my heart so much.

This is such a great picture of just one of the many reasons I love him so much and I can not wait to see him as a dad :)

Thank you Adam for being mine...

What Adoption Means to Me

by Adam

People often think that you would only ever want to adopt because you couldn't have your "own" kids. My adopted kiddo is going to be my own! I can't wait to hold her, tuck her in at night, and have that Superman stopping a speeding train feeling of "She is my daughter and the world can't stop us." Adoption has it's own period of waiting, hoping, worrying, and ultimately fruition as we wait for the expectant mother to come to full term. With the health issues (blood clotting) she has the baby could come any day, but she is scheduled to be induced on February 29th. Our social worker is probably going crazy because we seem to call every few days with the same questions. "When is she being induced?" "When is she ours" "Is this normal??" It's a hectic time and it's hard sometimes to put what you're thinking or feeling down to read because unlike a birth child when you have that feeling of completion, the birth of the baby doesn't signify "ours" yet. There is a lot more to do.

I have conflicted feelings about having a child taken from her birth mother. That bond will always be there and a part of me wishes it would work out for her because of it. Then the majority of me steps up and knows how much we can't wait to parent and love our child (that part wins.) Janel and I are excited to have an open adoption so that our baby knows exactly why her nose looks like that or why she likes Gloria Gaynor (from the womb lol.) I wish adoption weren't necessary, but it is, and I'm so blessed to be part of the overall tapestry and story that baby Amelia will create in this life. Our expectant mom wants a strong father figure in her baby's life, and the birth dad is a deadbeat. She will be going to school and working full time and wants a family where there aren't other children so that her baby girl can become the princess and star for a new family. No problems there! We've been prepping for 3 years now. Everyone says that everything will change. I feel the same way as I do every time I start a new job. You know that feeling when you walk by the folks in the lunch room and everyone is so strange. You walk through the building and you can't imagine ever being familiar there. The interview goes swell and you get the job but it takes a while before you are in control. Waiting for your child is kind of like that. Amelia, you're so much more worth it! Bring on the sleepless nights and the stinky diapers, I know that your smile will melt my heart. I'm waiting for that contented sigh while you nestle in to sleep. That twinkle in your eye that signifies you just made a mess. Baby girl, you are going to be trouble. But I'm ready for you. And guess what, I'm bringing backup. Let's do this sweet thing. It's time for you to join us.

When Janel and I first met through E-harmony back in March of 2008 (Our Match-a-versary is officially February 28th, and we were married the same day a year later) she asked me how I felt about adoption. I knew that I wanted kids "some day" but I wasn't knocking down the door looking for the stork to deliver that instant. It was an interesting question because my sister is adopted but I never really interpreted that as different. I know how much our family loves her and while her story is unique and she has been through a lot in her life she could show up on my doorstep tomorrow and I would give her anything within my power. Adoption is just as powerful a bond, if not more so, than birth, even when it happens later in life. Sometimes you have to work harder at communication, sometimes certain things don't come as easy, but it's no less family, no less rewarding. The best thing about adoption in my life is the victory in it for family. I love hanging out with my niece and nephew when we visit home. They are two of the best kids you could ask for and they wouldn't be in my life without adoption. Sign me up right there! And should my sister threaten to steal the whole spotlight, both my brother-in-laws were adopted too. I mean how cool is that? If there was ever a family where adoption was the norm instead of the exception it's mine. So when Janel asked how I felt about adoption it was easy to draw from a wellspring of love and answer easily, "Yes, let's do it!"

The last thing that I want to draw attention to is how greatful we are to all our friends and family for their support. In the first post you became aware of a financial need we have as this expectant mom came out of nowhere with a birth date in less than 4 weeks (we were expecting 4-6 months notice so we could utilize more normal fundraising methods.) When we got "the call" we were in shock for about a week. Then all of the sudden we realized, we need money! It's embarrasing to put yourself out there especially during a vulnerable time when your child literally depends on you being able to pay. It's tough. We give all praise to God that we have such great family, friends, church family, and readers who are ready to help! The provision is just pouring in left and right from friends I had in college, family back home, our amazing church family, Janel's awesome blog readers, and friends all around, it's so awesome! You have no idea how touched we are every time someone says, "This is for baby Amelia!" It all adds up and we are close to $6,000 raised in such a short period of time. Thank you, thank you, thank you for your help. Every one of you will be part of our daughter's story, and we can't wait to share her with ya'll.

Every time I worry about things going right with this adoption, I know it's time to pray. My favorite "don't worry" verse is Philippians 4:6. I also love 1 Corinthians 1:26-31, and I think it captures my heart and victory through adoption in Christ's family and trusting in the Lord's wisdom, not my own:

For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, "Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord."

Be blessed friends,

-a

Quilt Squares for Amelia...

2012-02-21T11:33:00.000-06:00

** This post will remain on the top of my blog for the rest of this month. Please scroll down for newer posts :) Thank you. xo **

Awhile back, I cam up with this concept for a fundraiser idea for adoption and it was a hit.

Our little tracker over there is inching it's way up but we do still have a ways to go.

I thought that it was time to put this little idea back out there for all of our new readers who may want to take part in our "Quilt Squares for Amelia" project!!

Here you go:

* I had been collecting vintage sheets to make a quilt for Amelia when she arrives.

This quilt is 10 squares by 10 squares so far.

That is 100 squares.

Here is the plan.

YOU can purchase one of these squares for only $10.00.

Why?

When you purchase a square, I will hand embroider your name onto it.

During our fundraiser, last February, we were able to sell 40 of these squares!!! It was amazing :)

There are still 60 squares left to fill!!!

I know that we can do this everyone!!

Each square will have a different name of someone who helped us bring our baby girl home.

Each square will be a lifetime reminder to her (and us) of all of the people who loved, and supported her, and brought us all together as a family :)

So, the goal is this...

Sell all 100 squares.

Have 100 names to add to Amelia's quilt

Thus, a keepsake to remind her forever of all of those who love her.

Click HERE to purchase your quilt square!!!

janel

P.S. Don't forget to vote :) All it takes it two little clicks.

February Sponsors!

2012-02-20T13:46:00.000-06:00

This month we have been so fortunate to have so many great sponsors!!

These blogs and shops are so lovely.

Please click on the photos below to head over and check them out yourselves. You won't regret it :)

Seriously they are adorable :)

Check them out.

janel

P.S. Don't forget to vote :) All it takes it two little clicks.

insta-life

2012-02-20T08:09:00.000-06:00

Here are a few peeks into my past few week via instagram.

I love Instagram because the photos are just of every day random things but it's a perfect little glance to into the realness :)

Don't you just love instagram?

Find me there so I can follow you @jmaclean

janel

P.S. Don't forget to vote :) All it takes it two little clicks.

week seven-project life

2012-02-19T16:47:00.000-06:00

Week seven was all about the pink and reds for Valentine's Day.

Which is kind of funny because besides my traditional dinner date to White Castle with my parents, we didn't really celebrate Valentines' Day besides cards :)

Love is for everyday around here!

This week was full of work.

It was the art show at my school that I had been setting up for weeks. We also had parent teacher conferences this week which meant really long days at work.

This week also consisted of a ton of sewing. I made a bunch of bibs, finished off all of the ones I started this summer, and worked on Amelia's adoption quilt.

This week I also wrote "E" a letter to tell her how much I enjoyed meeting her and how much she means to us. It was a letter that took me 2 whole weeks to finally finish (it's hard to put some things into words yeah?). I wanted a copy of the letter in here to remember it.

I know I say this every single week but I still LOVE this project so very much. A lot of you have commented about wanting to start this project next year but seriously you should just start it now!! Who says Project Life has to begin January 1?

My album is already getting fat (which I love) and it is only February :) I can not wait to see all of the treasures I am able to capture in this album this year.

Thanks for checking it out!!

janel

P.S. Don't forget to vote :) All it takes it two little clicks.

cutest bibs on the block

2012-02-18T08:21:00.000-06:00

I decided early on to make a lot of the things that will be a part of my baby's life. Her toys, sheets, blankets, pillows, dolls, burp cloths, etc.

We don't have much money to spend on frills plus the handmade aspect of things is one of my ways to show love.

Everything that I have made for her, has been made with so much love.

This week I have been working on bibs :) This past summer, my dad and I made a ton of cute vintage inspired burp cloths and some bibs. This week I worked on finishing a lot of those bibs, and making a few more...

In fact, the only bib that I have purchased so far is this adorable one that I couldn't pass up from Renegade a couple of years ago. June Craft is one of my favorite Etsy shops and this little bib is perfect!

I'm pretty sure the little one while have the cutest bibs around :) They will go perfectly with all of those adorable burp cloths too.

janel

P.S. Don't forget to vote :) All it takes it two little clicks.

lately...

2012-02-16T12:49:00.000-06:00

1. this week is parent/teacher conferences so I have been working 13 hour days.

2. we are off Friday and Monday which makes a four day weekend!

3. My classroom is full of clay dust from all of the clay projects we have been cranking out here.

4. You all have helped us raise almost $5,000 to help us bring home Amelia :) You are amazing and our hearts are so full. thank you thank you thank you.

5. We have had two amazing baby showers this past week and they were beyond amazing (I still have to blog about one of them)

6. I have been writing thank you notes whenever I have a free minute and my hand hurts :)

7. All of the clothes, sheets, blankets, wraps, swaddlers, towels and washcloths have been washed and folded and put away.

8. Everything for baby finally has a place thanks to Adam's "nesting" stage :)

9. We are all waiting and praying and watching our phones like crazy over here.

10. God is seriously so so good!!!

11. so are you :)

janel

P.S. Don't forget to vote :) All it takes it two little clicks.

week 6-project life

2012-02-14T11:58:00.000-06:00

Week 6 and I am still in love.

I think I fall more in love with this project every week.

I have already loved looking back on weeks 1-5 and seeing how 2012 has played out so far. I am so excited too, to have all of this documentation done leading up to our adoption.

This week included lots more washing and folding and organizing baby clothes. We are sterilizing all of the pacifiers and bottles and such as well.

I had two amazing baby showers this week!! My amazing art teachers threw me a surprise shower on Thursday.

My lovely church family threw me a HUGE shower on Saturday.

We are just feeling so blessed over here my friends.

Every morning I say to Adam, "This could be the last day of just you me and Catalina." I wanted to remember how it felt like to just be a family of us two and our sweet puppy.

I added another insert envelope to this week with all of the sweet cards and letters and shower memorabilia for a reminder. Seriously, how awesome is it to actually have a place for all of that?? I also have CD's with photos from both showers in their to look back at too some day :)

There you go, week 6!!!

janel

P.S. Don't forget to vote :) All it takes it two little clicks.

open for business

2012-02-12T20:39:00.001-06:00

Oh my goodness the donations are pouring in and my heart is pouring over with love.

You all are amazing.

I have re-opened my Etsy shop.

I am offering class spots to all of my past journal classes that I have taught at a discounted price.

As usual, all of the proceeds from these classes will go straight to our Amelia Adoption fund!!!!

I am super excited to be opening these classes again for you all.

Please, sign up here!

There are also custom portraits, survivor bracelets, and Adoption prints available as well.
This print is my favorite :)

You all are amazing and it is so inspiring to see God working through this process.

Adam started an adoption blog over here. Check it out. He's an amazing writer :)

Again thank you thank you thank you.

Also, if you would like to spread the word about our cause over on your blog, that would be AWESOME too. The more people helping out, the better.

janel

P.S. Don't forget to vote :) All it takes it two little clicks.

adoption costs money

2012-02-11T19:57:00.001-06:00

So, when you realize that you still need $25,000 for an adoption, you think that at least you have time to plan and save.
When you get a call about a baby that will be born in 4 weeks, you realize you don't have that much time AT ALL to come up with $25,000 that fast.

It's kind of heart breaking to be honest with you.

It reminded me of a ransom call, like in the movies, like how the heck do people find that kind of money so fast.

But in all honesty and seriousness, we are being faced with this.

$25,000 in a month.

My heart is actually breaking while I am writing this.

I could never be the type of person who lets money come in between me getting my child, but in all seriousness again, that is what it comes down to.

These are the days that I wish I could just be pregnant...

In order to try and raise some money quickly, I am going to be doing an online yard sale here on the blog. All of the money that we make will go right to our Amelia Adoption Fund.

Nothing is going to stop me.
I will sell this laptop if I need to :)

I'm going to add a little tracker to my blog, on the side, to keep you all updated on the progress.

God can move mountains my friends.

I am hoping to see him perform a miracle here.
During the "Push for Pita" event we saw it happen when all of our home study fees, initial adoption costs, and baby prep costs were covered by the generosity, prayer, and help from all of you. Now when it's time to cover the adoption placement fee, medical bills for the expectant mom, and assistance for her we are praying for help again. Everything is happening so fast, and we need help!

Today is going to be all about Elsie paintings.

Im sure you all know and love Elsie Larson from Red Velvet, she is an amazingly talented artist and I have been blessed to own some of her original art.

Today, they are up for grabs.

All of the shipping is already included in the price.

**First up is this adorable Pirate Ship painting.

(The one on the left)

Better photos are available, I am just trying to do this all quickly :)

It's huge, and beautiful, and can be yours for only $250.

**Next up, we have this gorgeous hand-drawn in pencil lovely lady on a vintage frame.

$50

Blue with rain

All of the paintings will be shipped securely and safely to your home upon payment. They are all signed and dated and ready to make your home super cute!!!

Also if any of you would like to make any other donations to our adoption, any little bit helps, I am going to be adding a donate now button to our side bar as well.

I hate even asking, but I am not going to be proud. We know when to be humble and when to ask for help.

Thank you for listening and supporting us and loving us.

We would appreciate any prayers during this crazy time.

janel

a surprise.

2012-02-09T20:34:00.001-06:00

Today we had a puppy shower for one of our fellow art teachers after school.

Our little team of art teachers is amazing and this was just one fun little thing we could do for our friend.

The whole room was decorated with baby shower decor and it was just over the top cute for a puppy shower :)

Little did I know, it was also a surprise baby shower for me!!!

I was shocked. Seriously and so excited.

I was not dressed up or looking cute or anything and I didn't have a camera.

You guys, my art teacher gals SPOILED me so much.

I will have the cutest dressed baby in town.

I feel so blessed and so loved.

This is my favorite photo that my friend Sara snapped with her phone :)

It's blurry but I love it and it captures the excitement of the entire party.

The cake was so cute too...

Apparently I say Omg a lot yeah?

Again, I feel sooooo incredibly blessed!!

Then when I got home my mom showed me the diaper cake that she had made for us!!

She purchased everything and her good friend put it all together.

Part of me wants to keep it like this forever and the other part of me wants to tear in it to see all of the cuteness that it's made of. This diaper cake is just AMAZING!! I can't get over it. Unfortunately, we won't get it until after our baby shower :)

Alright, I have a lot of unpacking to do and Adam wants a crash course on his diaper bag (lol) so I better run. Thank you all so much for your sweet words in the past few days and weeks, I love sharing this adventure with you all!!!

janel

Oh, and since I have gotten a few emails asking, Amelia is registered at Babies R Us and Target.

P.S. Don't forget to vote :) All it takes it two little clicks.

21 days.

2012-02-08T20:50:00.000-06:00

In college, I had the BEST roommate. We met when I yelled at her from my dorm window to say I loved her purse and the rest was history.

One of our traditions was making paper chains for countdowns. We had a huge paper chain from her birthday, December 8 that went all of the way until my birthday, April 5. We were seriously excited to rip a chain off every day and countdown.

We did paper chain countdowns for so many things.

Tonight she called me and asked me how many more days until Amelia.

She wanted to know if I had a paper chain happening.

Three realizations happened at that moment:

1. I couldn't believe I didn't have a paper chain happening and I couldn't wait to get home so that I could immediately make one.

2. I miss Suzie, she really is the best :)

3. That although I don't know the exact day our baby will be born, I do know that if she hasn't had the baby by February 29th, the birth mom will be induced.

Which brings me to this fact....I will be a mom in 21 DAYS or less!!

The paper chain is up, and I can not wait to rip a link off every day!!!

21 days...OMG :)

janel

P.S. Don't forget to vote :) All it takes it two little clicks.

little pins.

2012-02-07T19:05:00.000-06:00

Hello there friends and welcome to another edition of "Little Pins."

Here is another edition of Little Pins for you all tonight!

I am so in love with finding cute little things for the little ones in our lives.

Here are some of the latest little pins...

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

I hope you enjoyed the cuteness as much as I do!!

Have a great night :)

janel

P.S. Don't forget to vote :) All it takes it two little clicks.

thoughts.

2012-02-06T21:40:00.000-06:00

So that print is pretty much going to be a must have for the nursery :) I love that I can begin purchasing things now because I know it's going to be a girl. Before we found out, everything that I purchased was neutral and everything I made was for a girl.

In my mind though, those are chihuahuas not kitties :)

Tonight we washed and dryed and folded all of her little outfits into the drawers.

We began sterilizing bottles and pacifiers.

We got our diaper bags stocked and ready to go.

We are getting so ready.

I hate to even think about it but for real...what if this falls through?

This little baby is already mine in my heart.

Complete Happiness vs. Total heartbreak

These are the things that are constantly on my mind, running around in there.

eeeeek!

janel

P.S. Don't forget to vote :) All it takes it two little clicks.

week five-project life

2012-02-06T09:40:00.000-06:00

Week five is complete :)

Again, still loving this project so much.

This week brought on a TON of emotions for me, so there seems to be more journaling than photos but I still really like how it turned out.

I literally chased the light from one room to another to get these photos and ended up having to take the book outside for the best lighting. This resulted in a bit of a glare in some of the photos but hopefully you can look past that :)

Like I said, week 5 was an emotional roller coaster over here. All of it was good but it was emotional to say the least.

My sister found out she is having a boy! We met the birth mother for our baby and confirmed that we are having a girl :) I have my before and after feelings journaled from the day we met "E." I was able to journal on pages and slip them behind photos as well which is another reason I love this project. I put together our stroller and car seat for when we need it.

Our car seat came with a book called, "Heading home with your Newborn." It pretty much goes over everything you can think of from sleeping, feeding, crying, etc. I have been reading it and highlighting it like crazy. We started a new Bible Study on the book of Nehemiah and I am already in love. I registered at Target because my church friends are throwing me and baby an emergency shower this coming up weekend. I had a sleepover at my sisters and then we finished the weekend with a Pinterest Party!!

Good times.

I also added an extra insert page this week to showcase all of my photos from the January Photo a Day challenge on Instagram. I had a lot of fun doing the project and enjoyed my photos so I wanted to add it in at the end of January.

On the back of the insert, I added photos that I took these week while crocheting a baby blanket in the Hudson Bay style.
That's it!!
On to next week :)

xo
janel

P.S. Don't forget to vote :) All it takes it two little clicks.

a pinterest party

2012-02-05T17:29:00.000-06:00

Yesterday, I threw a little Pinterest party :)

I was such an AMAZING time.

If you all have the time, you need to get a group of friends together to do this!

We are thinking about doing one once a month.

This party consisted of delicious food...

goody bags...

great friends...

and awesome projects...

I am super happy with my new driftwood lamps for our bedroom...

I just need to put the shades back on and they will be perfection.

What a great day :) I was also blessed with some adorable baby girl gifts too that I will be back to share with you all.

All in all, this day was exactly what I needed to keep my mind moving through this crazy roller coaster of a week.

janel

(Thanks to Jamie for letting me swipe some of her photos :D)

P.S. Don't forget to vote :) All it takes it two little clicks.

love letters.

2012-02-04T20:40:00.000-06:00

I had this written but forgot to post it at the end of January.

janel

P.S. Don't forget to vote :) All it takes it two little clicks.

again.

2012-02-02T21:44:00.000-06:00

Just a short while ago, I decided to add this blog to the Top Baby Blog directory. With our adoption just getting started and my brain kicking into baby mode, I thought it would be fun to try out and to meet like minded bloggers.

Little did I know, my little blog would top the charts at #4 by the end of our first cycle on the list. #4 is pretty amazing considering the fact that there are almost 3000 blogs total in the directory.

There are no "prizes" for being on top, and there are no "perks" either. The one thing that I cherished from being on top was meeting so many awesome people, moms, and adoptive parents.

It has been a blessing for our little family.

I also enjoy the traffic that it brings to Run With Scissors and the sweet giveaways I am able to offer you all.

That is why I am asking you, just this once, if you could please hop on over and vote for us.

If every reader of this blog voted, just once, we would be #1.

All you have to do, to vote, is click on this link

http://www.topbabyblogs.com/cgi-bin/topblogs/in.cgi?id=jmaclean

and then the owl on the left.

That is it.

You can vote every single day if you want.

Each vote is appreciated. Each comment you leave, each message, each friendship...a blessing.

I can only imagine how great this blog will be once little Amelia has joined our family.

Vote for us!

Vote for Amelia :)

Thank you so much for blessing us and for taking a minute out of your day to do this.

janel

P.S. Don't forget to vote :) All it takes it two little clicks.

after.

2012-01-31T23:02:00.000-06:00

I got home from work and decided to run the curling iron through my hair again.

I re-applied my makeup.

Adam and I sat together and said a prayer of thanks.

We asked for strength, peace, and for His will to be done in this situation.

We arrived 15 minutes early to our meeting.

Adam wanted to wait in the car but I couldn't wait another second.

We went inside, and were asked to wait in a small room until our social worker came and got us.

5 minutes later, in walked our social worker.

I was super nervous and Adam was my rock.

The nerves were like "first date" nerves.

The, "I hope she likes me" nerves

and the "I want everything to go perfect" nerves.

Our social worker informed us the "E" was upstairs, and very nervous.

So nervous that she felt like she was going to throw up.

Me too!

That made me feel a little better.

We walked upstairs to our meeting room and my heart was beating out of my chest.

The second I saw her, my body was filled with peace :)

We smiled, we hugged, we admitted our nerves and it began.

The birth mother is lovely.

She's an artist.

She likes Sherlock Holmes

She reads the baby Tennyson and Byron.

She's so sweet and soft spoken and we absolutely loved her.

We talked about music, faith, books, pets, everything.

Our birth mother was an adoptee as well so she knows exactly what a gift adoption is.

We talked about her delivery plans and where we would fit into to all of that.

We talked about how "open" this adoption will be.

After she left, our social worker informed us that "E" loved us so much and is very content knowing that we will be extremely loving parents for her baby; our baby.

After a few questions and answers with the social worker, she explained that the next time we would here from her would be when "E" delivers.

At that point, it hit me, this is FOR REAL.

I hadn't been sure before if we were the only family that "E" was considering or if she was meeting with other families as well.

No, we are the only ones.

The chosen ones.

The blessed ones.

Meeting "E" was a very special gift, one that I will treasure forever.

I am excited that I may be able to tell our baby that she "has her mother's eyes."

I am excited to share with her that I met her birth mother and that she loved her so very much. I can't wait to share with her how smart, and lovely, and courageous, and loving her birth mother is.

"E" is the women who will give us our heart's desire.

"E" is scheduled to be induced on the 29th of February, if she doesn't have the baby before that.

She is already dilated though and can literally go into labor any day.

It's happening :)

In the back of my mind, I know that things aren't done until they are done and that there is still a potential for things to go wrong. Right now though, I am only allowing myself to focus on the positive and the excitement of the moment!!

God is good.

janel

P.S. My sister is having a baby boy!!! She found out yesterday! (This has been an exciting week for baby news).

Double P.S. The reset the votes over at Top Baby Blogs. We would really appreciate your votes to help us get back on top :) We ended the last round at #4 out of over 3,000 blogs which is so amazing and 100% because all of our awesome readers.

All you have to do is click on this link

http://www.topbabyblogs.com/cgi-bin/topblogs/in.cgi?id=jmaclean

and then click on the owl on the left.

That is it, two little clicks.

Also remember that you can vote every single day.

Thank you so much!!!

P.S. Don't forget to vote :) All it takes it two little clicks.

before.

2012-01-31T07:39:00.000-06:00

Well, today is the BIG day, one of the big days at least.

A huge day for us.

Today we meet the woman who may possibly be making our dreams come true.

I'm not as nervous as I thought I would be although it's seriously all I can think about.

I went to bed with a huge headache and woke up with it this morning too.

I curled my hair cute.

I'm wearing my black pants, black sparkle TOMS and a cute shirt.

I have to go to work all day which is good because it will keep my mind off of our meeting.

I really hope everything goes perfectly and by the end of this meeting "E" is sure she wants us to adopt her baby.

This could be it!

Check back later for my after :)

janel

P.S. Don't forget to vote :) All it takes it two little clicks.

meeting

2012-01-30T21:44:00.000-06:00

Tomorrow afternoon, at 4:30 pm CST will be meeting the birth mother of a baby.

I am soooo excited.

I am full of nerves.

I am ready.

I would appreciate any prayers or happy thoughts sent our way tomorrow.

Thank you!

janel

P.S. Don't forget to vote :) All it takes it two little clicks.