progress

The upstairs' progress: the wood floor has been refinished and stained, and wainscoting panels are up, ready for the next steps of putty, sand, prime, and paint.

The basement's progress: we passed inspection! Insulation went in today, now ready for drywall. We are now accepting suggestions (and donations) for carpet, paint, and furniture.

Lillian's progress: 4-month shots have been received, and she is now mastering the skills of sitting up and rolling over.

Baby girl's progress: we are now 19 weeks 4 days along- half way there! I'm showing on the outside and feeling her move on the inside.

As for Dave and I, our marriage just progressed past its 5 year mark, which made us question how the time goes by so fast and wonder where the next 5 years will take us.

And that's the Watkins family progress report.

who would have thought...

Who would have thought that our journey to parenthood would take the course it has? Looking back on the past three years, we have experienced quite the roller coaster of emotions and experiences. Through our journey I have spent time in many new and unexpected lands including fertility treatment, multiples, infant loss, miscarriage, high-risk pregnancy, still birth, and adoption.

Who would have thought I would learn so much and meet so many people because of these paths we have walked? At times when I felt so alone, people seemed to come out of the wood work with support, love, encouragement, and stories of their own experiences that gave me hope for the future. My relationships with both the Lord and with Dave have been strengthened beyond understanding, giving me faith, patience, and a deeper meaning of Love for every member of our family. These trials have helped mold me into the person I am today and I hope that this new version of myself is more kind, understanding, sympathetic, faithful, prayerful, and strong.

Who would have thought that adoption would bring about such miracles? It has been a beautiful journey, full of happiness, answered prayers, deepest appreciation, fulfillment, and joy. Each experience in the past has led me and prepared me for the next, creating a better mom for Lillian than I ever could have been before. Our world has changed for the better over the past 4 months as we have learned first-hand that adoption truly is about pure, unselfish love. Lillian is our pride and joy, the love of our lives, the sun and the moon. She knows her 3 older brothers and older sister in Heaven, and we are counting down the days until we can take Lillian to the temple and have her sealed to us for time and all eternity.

Who would have thought I would get pregnant again? Without procedures, needles, or ultrasounds. Trust me, nobody is more shocked than myself. We are expecting a baby girl in January, and couldn't be more thrilled!! Having two girls will be so much fun- I know how close I am to my 2 sisters and can think of no greater gift to my daughters than each other. Lillian can't wait to have a little playmate to share life with. Saying I'm nervous, scared, and worried is an understatement. But I'm coming to the realization that I don't have much control concerning this area of my life; I can only do my best and leave the rest up to the Lord. So please send your prayers, luck, and positive energy our way for the next 5 months!

Who would have thought life would be so interesting?

on the deck

One of my favorite parts of summer is spending time on my parents' deck in the evenings. You can always find lots of shade, laughter, and homemade ice cream.

Besides her own home, Lillian gets more love here than any place else. From 3 to 83, family of all ages are constantly wanting to hold her, and Lillian eats up every second of it.

The double-fist maneuver has been perfected. Those two thumbs have helped FOUR teeth break through, with the help of a lot of drool. When I see those teeth I think of two things: 1) she's growing up so fast! and 2) thank heavens I'm not breastfeeding.

Spudman

1/2 mile swim + 33 mile bike + 10K run + no training = Dave's amazing race! He did incredibly well!

The weekend was amazing, with a special thanks to Annie for the transportation and conversation and to Tiffany and her family for letting us stay with them and making all sorts of delicious food for us. If you think Idaho is boring, you haven't stayed with the Duncan's!