1995

Andrew and I are doing awesome at keeping our Weekly Dates up.

We've been having SO much fun and are feeling really, really in sync with each other.

The only problem we've run into is you can only see so many movies and going out to eat gets pretty routine.

This week we both wanted to get adventurous and try something new.

Andrew did some research and presented me with 3 options.

And I have no idea why, but I went with Option 3.

Which was a flashback to my Middle School Days.

Yup, we seriously went downtown and rented Rollerblades.

I'll be honest.  

I was nervous and not so subtly tried to get out of it on the way to Piedmont Park.

But Andrew seemed so excited I ended up letting him strap on the blades.

He's just too cute for me to say no to!

Please don't let my smile fool you.

I was miserable.

I'm sure I gave all the Park Goers an excellent show.

Between whining and screaming that I couldn't stop I'm sure I was quite the sight.

I swore I was going at least 20 MPH down every tiny hill.  Andrew assured me I was barely moving, but I still don't believe him.

After what felt like 3 hours, Andrew suddenly sat down and said it was time to call it a day.

Turns out he absolutely hated it to!

He kept saying over and over, "I used to Rollerblade all over the place for hours!"

I kindly reminded him that was at least 15 years ago!

Times have changed.

So our adventurous date was a total flop.

But we laughed so hard that it's a day that I will never forget!

Oh, and what felt like a 3 hour jaunt around the park was actually about 35 minutes.  

Half of which was spent trying to figure out how to stop!

We ended up going to eat huge burgers and see a movie.

Much more our speed!

Reason To Be Happy

Our sweet little boy's been very happy lately.

With good reason to.

We got great news about his future last week.

We had our monthly home visit with his caseworker and she very nonchalantly told me that she has turned in the Termination Paperwork.

Did you hear me people!?!?!

Termination Paperwork!

Turned IN! 

I'm pretty sure she thought I already knew based on the way she told me, but my jaw hit the floor and I'm pretty sure I was smiling as big as Big Fat Baby is!

She told me that after FOUR positive drug tests, no proof of income, and unsuitable living conditions she just feels that Gabriel is exactly where he needs to be.

And we couldn't agree more.

So what exactly does this mean?

Good question.

We go back to court on May 6th to extend DFACS custody another 6 months.  This is routine and required since the 12 month custody order will be expiring in June.

We will be going to that hearing and technically the Judge could grant termination at that hearing, but it's unlikely since the paperwork was just turned in.

What we're really waiting for is a Termination Hearing Date.

That could be anywhere from next week to 4 months from now.  Just depends on the court docket.

At that hearing, the entire case will be rehashed.

And based on where the case stands now, we will get termination!

Of course, there is still a chance that the Judge could decide Baby Mama needs more time, but I'm confident that won't happen.

We have been assigned a CASA Worker (a person who will advocate soley on Gabe's behalf in court), but we haven't heard from them yet.  I'm giving it another week before I contact them.

They will pull a lot of weight in court and I am SO happy that he is getting this service!

After Termination is granted, Baby Mama's rights are totally, completely, 100% severed.

She has 30 days to appeal the court's decision, which is very unlikely.

After that time is up, we will get the adoption paperwork written up and wait for an Adoption Hearing.

Then, this whole ordeal will be over.

Gabe will be Gabe.

For real.

And that's a real reason to be happy! 

We still covet your prayers.

May 6th will be a big day and we are also praying that we are granted a Termination Hearing very, very soon.

What I've Been Wearing

Dear Brother, Thank you for my tripod.  I can now take pictures of myself without holding the camera.

Wednesday - Day @ Home & Church

Cardigan - Target Clearance

Tank - Banana Republic

Shorts - Wally World

I ended up wearing jeans to church, but you get the idea!

Thursday - Shopping Day

Shirt - Target

Shorts - Banana Republic

We had a Fish Death in the family so we had to make an emergency trip to Walmart and by the time we got home all light was gone.  Boo to poor lighting.

Friday - Babysitting @ The House

Teal Tank - Old Navy

Capris - Target

Sunday - EASTER!

Dress - Forever 21

Tan Cardi - Target

Josie's Dress - Simply Southern

(Monogram by my buddy Ashley!)

So there ya go.

Maybe next week I'll figure out how to focus on my face!

First Fruits

It's Strawberry Picking Time here in Georgia!

Every year, Spring surprises me.

It feels like Winter will never end, and then BAM, 85 degree days hit us.

My internal thermostat seems to be stuck in Northern Mode since I've been here for 11 years and still hate the heat.

But with that heat comes bright red, ripe, juicy strawberries.  They help ease my sweaty self.

Amy and I loaded up the girls and Gabe and headed out to fill our buckets.

We went early so it wasn't too hot and we had a great time.

Well, maybe Gabe didn't have the best time since his stroller wouldn't fit down the row so he had to just sit there and watch us.

Poor Baby.

And Poor Matalie.

I asked Josie to put her arm around Mat for a cute little picture.

Which she apparently heard as, "Grab Matalie by her face and drag her over to you.  Make sure she falls right in a mud puddle too Sweetie."

Everyone recovered fine and I stuck with pics of them by themselves!

Sweet Summer Goodness.

Such a fun Spring Day!

And since we've already eaten nearly all our berries, we're headed back again this week!

Adorable

I love Parent Watch Night at ballet.

There are few things as adorable as a bunch of 4 year olds in twirly skirts dancing their hearts out.

This is Josie's second year of ballet and the difference between last year and this year is insane.

She actually knows what she's doing!

I cannot wait for the recital in May!

Oh how I love this little lady!

Happy, Dancing, Beautiful Butterflies!