I am officially an aunt!

Little Lindsee is officially Lindsee Porter! The adoption papers are signed! We couldn't be any more excited! There are many monumental moments in little Lindsee's life right now. On Tuesday, April 28th, she will be ONE! Unbelievable! Our families celebrated her birthday last Sunday. (Pictures coming soon....I am currently at my in-laws and I don't have my USB cable with me) That evening, Larissa calls me crying, telling me that Lindsee's took MULTIPLE independent steps! She has been pulling herself up for some time and walking herself along furniture, but has soon as she realizes she is on her own, she slowly lowers her body to the ground, the safe zone.

On Thursday evening, Lindsee got to enjoy the circus with Mommy, Grammy, and Aunt Shaya for the first time. I, personally, watched her more than the circus. I can't help it!

As I have been thanking God for our Lindsee, I have also been praising God for beautiful Bella McBride. Proud parents are Ross and Crystal (Taylor) McBride. God brought Bella into this world on April 16 weighing 6 lbs 6 oz. As many of you know, early in the pregnancy, it was revealed that Bella has spinal bifida. There were many unknowns, but the McBrides were chosen by God to be a witness. A witness, indeed, they have been. When Laura, Tab, and I visited them at Riley last Saturday, the entire family was praising God for every triumph.

Baby Bella has since endured surgery, various tests, casts placed from her precious thighs to little toes. On Friday, the McBride family: Ross, Crystal, big sister, Amaya, and Bella made the trip home together.

Continue to keep the McBrides and Baby Bella in your daily prayers. Their journey may be long, but their faith is even stronger.

I hope I am not alone in this, but sometimes I feel I keep my prayers too general. I find myself saying, "God knows the situation, He doesn't need every detail."
But here lately, I realize, that statement couldn't be further from the truth. God wants every detail of our lives shared with Him. The worries, fears, hopes, desires, praises, triumphs, etc. I now am more specific when I pray. If you find yourself in this "Prayer Routine," I encourage...no, I challenge you to be specific, to share every detail with our listening Father.

Okay, well I guess Smith Family Fun Night is coming to a close at Marc and Marilyn's..first sign...Jared has asked the infamous question, "Are you ready?"

Tonight, we grilled out, took a walk in the park, played games,watched TV, and caught up on reading blogs. In my opinion, this has been an enjoyable, productive evening with the in-laws and my favorite sister-in-law, Kristen.

I hope to post again before the two week mark! Until then, savor each step!