Please Vote for MY COUSIN!

I have the most amazing cousin yall! I mean, really, she's someone that I have always looked up to from afar (like thousands of miles apart). Nonetheless, I remember when her first two books were published and though we got the paperbacks at the house for mom (I was probably too young to be reading them then anyhow), I stole the books and stayed awake at night reading her words. As someone who always loved reading and writing, I marveled at the fact that someone I knew, my cousin, was actually an author--had her words in print in a book! At a time when Af-Am lit was not that relevant in my world, she opened doors to me that I still enjoy today.

Fast forward years later and I am still amazed by this woman. We share the bond of both making the decision to become adoptive single mothers. And I think we'd agree that we have two of the best sons on the planet. So long story short, my cousin has a way of saying (or writing) things like you wouldn't believe. Her words give life to the thoughts we all try to express.

So here it is, she's entered a contest...and we need you to vote. Click the link and submit your vote. It's that easy!!!!

VOTE HERE
Thanks and goooooooooooooooooo Nef :) (her full blog is at www.mommiejonesing.com)

Wondering if he sees....

Something about looking at my boys brings me back to my dad. It's been 19 months since I last heard his voice but that day plays in my mind like it was yesterday. At that point you wonder how you will ever move on and continue living--or breathing for that matter. The thought of facing life without my dad--my hero, my biggest supporter, my confidant--was just too much to comprehend. But alas, we have no choice. And like I have told many of my friends, I couldn't take things one day at a time back then, I had to take them one step at a time. I knew that things would never be the same for me, my brother or my mom. In the months after my father died, I not only had to deal with my grief, but also try to make sense of Pawpaw's absence to a very inquisitive three year old who didn't understand the finality in death. Of course, that compounded things for me, but again, one step at a time...so we live, we move, we breathe and we find a new since of normality...

Fast forward to today when I look into the eyes of my two week old and I wonder if my father sees him. As I rock the baby in my arms, I just think of my dad and how I know that he would give anything to hold him and spoil him endlessly. I imagine my dad imparting his knowledge on my sons, encouraging them to move toward success and letting them know that they are destined for greatness.

The faithful part of me wants to know that his spirit is here, that he's watching over us and that, as I told my friends, my sons couldn't have a better guardian angel! Days like today when I want to feel down and sad, that gives me comfort. I am also comforted by the fact that my dad was here. Sound strange? Well, I know that my dad lives through me. I hear him in my words and I see him in my actions. So though physically he has departed, yeah, he's still around...and he's happy...and he's proud of me and proud of these boys. Nothing gave him greater joy than to be called Pawpaw, so I know that he's still proudly wearing that badge!

So dad, we miss you more than words. I commit that my boys will know you and will continue to walk out the legacy you laid the groundwork for. (and tell my Pawpaw we love him too :))

Trying My Hand at This

When my first was born, I started a Babysite to document every minute and every milestone so that my family and friends, near and far, could share everything with us. Fast forward four years and lots of changes later, I am going to try this blogging thing to see how it works. So where do I start?

This blog will keep you guys updated on our family life...specifically, updates on J and his progress, my job, random stuff...AND an introduction to the newest member of our family--Baby B!

New baby=new blog! So check in on us, let me know what you want to hear about and we will keep you updated.

Here's where we are now:

J--a fiesty four year old who is enjoying his time in Pre-K. He's into cars, the Cars movie series, monster trucks, baseball, basketball, football...all things BOY! He definitely keeps us on our toes at all times. J is a big boy (about 65 pounds now, size 7/8) but he's still my baby and I love him to pieces.

B--wow...B is the little one who made his debut into the world two weeks ago. The time is already passing so quickly. B is already a smart baby who will not hesitate to "speak up" to let you know what he needs. He's a great eater (4 ounces every three hours) and sleeper (though we are still working on that whole day/night thing). B has already gained a pound from his birth weight, and is 8 lbs 12 oz and also grew two inches, now at 21 inches tall! He's the sweetest baby and loves his big brother.

I think that's all for now. How's that for a first post? Once I figure out how to put up pictures, I will do that too! #newblogger :)