2007 Christmas letter

Dear Friends and Family,

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.

Alexis turned 2 on August 25^th and we had a Hello Kitty birthday party for her.  She is affectionate, smart, energetic and extremely stubborn.  She has changed our lives in so many ways.  Everything about our daily lives has changed and we love every minute of it.   We will be extremely happy when (and if) we can adopt Lexy, and change her last name to Gary.  There is still a long road ahead of us, but we plan to do everything in our power to make her a forever member of our family.

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 after the baby is born.  The good thing about that house it each child can have their own room, and daddy move his office out of the garage.

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)