What a Blessing!

After several years of trying, we have been blessed with the birth of our son, Hunter Andrew Lee Stevens.  He was lovingly placed in our arms through the miracle of adoption on October 8th, 2012.  His sweet birth mother, Stacey, has truly blessed us.

Here are a few pictures of our journey these past two months:

 We met Stacey for the first time about 2 months before Hunter was born

Leaving the hotel for the hospital on the day Hunter was to be born

Only a few minutes old

Happy Daddy!

Mommy holding Hunter for the first time.

There has never been a big brother more excited!  Brandt stayed at the hotel with Grandmom during our time at the hospital

Hunter was born on October 8, 2012, in Pensacola FL, with a birth weight of 5 pounds 14 ounces.  We left for Pensacola a few days before he was born to spend time with Stacey and to make sure we were there when it was time.  After he left the hospital we settled in for our stay in Florida while we waited for ICPC to clear and we could go back home.

We didn't know it at the time, but we were not going to make it home until a month later due to complications with the ICPC process.  While it was not the ideal situation, we were so happy to be together as a family and to love on our new son.

Our first family picture together

Brothers

Brandt was a big helper, always wanting to hold Hunter, feed him a bottle, or help change a diaper.

Brandt is such an awesome kid.  He found such joy in sleeping in/on his sleeping bag for the duration of our stay in Florida.  Always a smile on his face even with such big changes.

He wanted his little brother to sleep with him.  We told him that when Hunter is bigger, they can have bunk beds together

During our month stay, we took several opportunities to visit with Stacey and let her love on Hunter. 

We ended up being in Florida for Halloween, so we found a neighborhood close by for Brandt to Trick or Treat. 

Beach Trip Fun!

In May we headed to the beach and got to spend four days enjoying the sand, sea, and cousins. Rheanna's sister, Deborah, and her brother, Mark, and their families went too.  Going to the beach is a family favorite for vacationing.  

 Brandt and cousin Spencer looking for critters. 

 The mom's even got adventurous and for a spur of the moment girls day out, we went parasailing. We all loved it, and felt accomplished by the end of our quick 8 minute trip up in the sky.  The banana boat ride, pulled by a jet ski, out to the parasailing boat was almost the most adventurous part of the trip.  We were hanging on for dear life and thought we were going to get tossed out to sea.  Hanging from the parasail was a breeze after that.

 Brandt and cousins Rachel and Sarah jumping the waves. 

 

Spring Campout

 We love camping and always try to go a couple times a year.  Brandt is always happiest when he is outdoors and free to run and play, so camping is a great experience for everyone.  Brandt also really loves 'sleepovers'. Which basically means he doesn't have to sleep in his bed.  It can be on the floor in our living room, at a hotel, at grandma's, or camping.  Just as long at he gets to use his sleeping bag he is thrilled! 

Easter Time

We had a fun Easter.  We had a great time together, getting to spend so much time with family.  Brandt loved all the egg hunts he got to do and of course playing with all the cousins.

 

Getting into the spirit of spring and playing with baby chicks!

Decorating easter eggs takes a lot of concentration.

The crew at Grandmom and Grandpop's house (Rheanna's side of the family).

The Crew on Andrew's side. (missing a couple)

 Dixie and Brandt (best doggie ever!)

Kentucky Vacation

We had a great vacation to Kentucky and got to hang out with Brandt's Jessi and Grandma Christine.  We had an amazing trip and were able to make some great memories.  We all Love when we get to hang out.  Here are a few of my favorite pictures from the trip.  

We feel blessed, can I just say that!!!!!!

 And how much do you LOVE the tiger hats Jessi's sister made them. I love them a lot!

More of February.

February seemed to fly by.  We have been very busy doing some of our favorite things, and visiting some new places. 

 Valentines day was celebrated, and considered a success. Cards were given and received. 

 We also had some family come into town for a visit, and we went to the Space and Rocket Center.  We had never been there as a family, and it was a great experience!  Brandt loved all the rockets, and fun activities he could do.

 Also, now that the weather is warming up we get to spend more time outside at the Zoo.  That is probably still our favorite place and if it were up to a little 3 year old, we would go every day.  We do probably make it at least once or twice a week.

Day to Day

Here is a little snap shot of what has been going on with us the past month. 

 Hanging out with friends at our "mom's" preschool.  Making the Letter O.

 Finding the turtle hiding in the pond at the zoo..Oooh, there it is. 

 Mommy and Brandt after a fun day at the Zoo. 

 Can't decide which Toy Story character to be...go with both...introducing Woozzz (Woody and Buzz, for those that are not Toy Story enthusiasts)!

 Andrew went and helped with Tornado Clean up, after it went through an area North of us. 

 Daddy and Brandt coloring together.   Brandt loves to color a lot right now. 

Talking to his sweet little cousin Abigail.  This boy LOVES her.