This is the first letter of this kind that I have ever in my life sent out. Our family has so much happy news this year, I decided to jump at the opportunity to share it with everyone.
The year began with Monty
and I going through the process of becoming foster parents. Since Monty and I began our life together we
knew we wanted to adopt out of the foster care system. The most logical first step to do that was to
become foster parents. We also were very
open the possibility of having our own child, God willing of course.
At the end of March I turned
30, and my friends and family threw me a glorious surprise birthday party.
Fully expecting to spend the next week wallowing in being old. I was quite
surprised that very next morning when I received a call from the foster
care-licensing agency. She told us that
our home had been approved, and the possibility of an 18-month-old baby girl
needing placement. Alexis arrived that
afternoon. She was very beaten up, but
she came into our home smiling and hugging and she has been doing it ever
since.
To our surprise a month
after Lexy was placed in our home I was pregnant. We have a baby boy due the first week of
February. We have chosen the name Rayne
Michael, after my dad. Pregnancy is not
quite as much fun as I anticipated. Of
course we are all thrilled about the new addition, but I will be particularly
happy to have him in my arms and out of my belly.
Business has been great for
Monty, he has even tossed around the idea of hiring someone else to help
him. What a great problem to have too
much business.
We still own both homes, but
are planning to move to the one in Safety
Harbor
We feel particularly blessed
this year, not only for the obvious reasons, but for the continual love and
support from all of you.
Hugs,
Amanda (Monty and Lexy)