We are SO blessed.

Oh the things I could write about the events of the last month.  That would be totally redundant, however, because Bekah has chronicled it beautifully on her blog.  See list to the right.  But I am going to write down a couple of my reflections about Ruby and Cassie and Tyler and Bekah and post a picture or two that haven't yet been posted.  (Nothing like the one week ones Mary Jordan took.)

The past month seems like something of a blur.  It started with such excitement and anticipation which led to the usual waiting and wondering when that baby would finally arrive. Now nearly three weeks later it seems like there was never life without Ruby and all the waiting, worrying, wondering, nervousness, excitement,waiting, worrying, elation, pain, waiting, sleeplessness, waiting, happiness, yes the entire mix of emotions we all went through are somehow kind of fading away and have been replaced by pure joy.  We are all new to adoption and it is going to take some adjustment and possibly some blundering to make sure we always express what we mean the correct way.  Are we sensitive about such things as people asking "How is her mother doing?" Yes we are because unless you are referring to Bekah I think you meant to say her "birth mother".  None of us had ever really considered what was proper adoption etiquette before but we sure are now.  We will learn.

I know this picture is terrible quality but it was the very first time I ever laid eyes on her I was so excited.  Debbie and I were waiting outside for Tyler and Bekah and Ruby to show up...it took a long time.  The anticipation was a killer but the end result was AWESOME.

 Cassie asked Bekah if she could buy Ruby something to wear home from the hospital.  Of course, she wore it home and quickly pooped all over it.  It cleaned up perfectly and Bekah is going to keep it to show Ruby what Cassie chose for her some day.  Cassie is such a sweet and thoughtful girl.

 So excited.  Tyler couldn't quit touching her and looking at her skinny little legs!

 Love those cheeks.

 Chase and Lauren were so excited that they were up in Utah when Ruby arrived!  They had gone for a friends wedding but Lauren said she was mostly there for Ruby.  They loved to hold her. (Look, my baby holding Tyler and Bekah's baby!)

We have felt the love and prayers of so many and have added our prayers for Cassie and Jeremy (b-dad).  The gift they gave is unbelievable and yet it was part of the plan and always meant to be.  Every time I see Ruby she has changed a little and looks more and more like her mom and dad.  Oh how grateful we are for the opportunity we have ahead of us to watch that little girl grow up.  We love her so much.  I asked Dennis how long it took for him to feel like she was totally ours.  Immediately.  Never any doubt.  She was always meant for our family.  I feel the same way.  We all love her right to pieces and will FOREVER be grateful to Cassie and Jeremy for their selflessness and for their love for little Ruby.  I know they could not have done it if they hadn't loved Ruby totally and purely.

What seems like the end of a chapter is actually just the beginning.  Now we get to begin watching her grow and develop into the beautiful little gem that we all know she will be.  We are so blessed.