Four Months

Do you see the bandaid on her finger? We had just had a traumatic experience with the nail clippers before this photo was taken. :( Then the next day, I took her to her four month appointment...which included shots. The next 48 hours were consumed with a feverish baby who just didn't feel good. :( :( Her head size was in the 50th percentile. Her weight was in the 50th percentile. Her length was in the 20th percentile. Her eyes are still hazel...sometimes they look brown, sometimes they look green, and everything in between. I love this girl so much! She is such an amazing child! Thank you, Lord....how could I ask for more?!

Three Months

Two Months Already?!

Seems pretty impossible, if you ask me.... I love that she is growing and thriving, but she's getting big so fast! Here is a picture that shows her at one day old and two months old... The last time we weighed her, she was at 10.6 pounds. Her arms and legs were so long and thin when she was born, so now they are getting some chub...so cute! Her cheeks have been chubby from the beginning and continue to be very kissable! Being 1/4 African American, we thought her hair would be curlier and her eyes more prominently brown, but when she was born her hair was honey brown and completely straight. Her eyes, of course, were dark blue. Now, her hair is a shade darker and barely curls at the ends...I hope she has curls (sigh!). Her eyes are greyish. I think they may end up hazel...Can't wait to see! She is very calm and relaxed most of the time, but don't let her fool you! Especially when it comes to food! She HATES having to stop to burp. She stiffens up and gets mad when you take that bottle out to burp her. It would be easier to just give her the bottle back, but I'd rather suffer thru her tantrum than to deal with her upset tummy from gas later on. She can be a strong willed and determined little lady! At some point, that may be frustrating to me, but it makes me remember those qualities about her birth mom. Those qualities, her having a strong will and determining to focus on the bigger picture, were some key qualities that allowed us to be Masie's parents. We are so thankful......

Masie Pictures

These pictures were taken right after she ate. She was wide awake, alert, and bright eyed! :)

She loves her WubbaNub (aka Lambie). She has the sweetest hands that refuse to stay swaddled and usually end up somewhere around her face...just like in some of her sonogram pics. Love those Elvis lips!

Practicing to be a cheerleader?! I laid her down to change her and she had a good ol' time talking and stretching and moving....then I opened her diaper. Oooooo-weeeee! :)

Road Trip!

Our trip to Lubbock the 20th was extra special because not only was it Masie's first road trip, but it was our first road trip as a legal family! She did so well during the drive. It did take a little longer than usual, of course. Normally, we can make it there in 5-5 1/2 hours. This trip it took about 7 hours. We had to stop for a feeding time once as well as a couple of diaper changes. Overall, it wasn't bad! Nana, Papa, and Katie were patiently awaiting our arrival...they couldn't get her out of the carseat fast enough! ;) Not too long after we got there, Aunt Kristi came out to give Masie some love, too. The next day was a special treat. Kristi, Patti, Betty, Angela, and Sue blessed our family with a baby shower/meet Masie party. Masie was a hit! Most everyone got to hold her and love on her. She loved every minute of it! In fact, the only time she cried was when I took her out of someone's arms! haha Her dress had come up in the back, and my cold hands touched her skin...she did not like that one bit! Other than that, she was a perfect angel. Many friends from different times of our lives were able to come meet Masie and celebrate this special time. She received many special gifts. Masie Lauren is one loved little girl! Sunday we went to church with Mom, Dad, Stacy, Heath, and Katie, then Dad had smoked a brisket for lunch afterward. Delicious!!! We didn't want to leave, but work and school waited for us back home on Monday. :( The tricky part was getting everything in the car. It was a bit cramped, but we did it!

Meeting cousin Katie for the first time

My BFF Kristi and our daughters! Kenzee is 10 years older than Masie.

Aunt Stacy and Masie. She made a bag FULL of bows like this in all different colors...including two Texas Tech bows and a Texas Rangers bow! SCORE!

This picture does not accurately show how full that car was!

We did not want to say goodbye to Nana and Papa!

...And now it's LEGAL!

Around 10 pm Tuesday, April 17, we were having coffee with some friends who were meeting Masie for the first time when Dan got a text from our lawyer that said that all the remaining paperwork was in and final motions were filed. Did we want the final adoption hearing to be Thursday or Friday? Thursday, please! So, 8:00 Thursday morning we were stuck in traffic to Fort Worth because an 18 wheeler had overturned. Traffic was terribly backed up. We were late...along with everyone else, so we had to wait for an opening in another courtroom. We didn't care how long we had to wait. When we went before the judge, our lawyer asked me some questions, then asked Dan the same questions. He turned it over to the judge, who said, "Up until now you have had the moral responsibility for caring for this child. After today, not only will you have the moral responsibility for this child, but the legal responsibility as well. Do you accept this responsibility?" "YES!" "Then this adoption is granted....Do you have a camera?" "YES!" "Then come on up!" One of the best days of my life. She is forever and ever ours. Thank you, Lord!!!

The Official Post

Masie Lauren Elliott was born March 31, 2012, at 9:50 PM.
She weighed in at 6 pounds 14.5 ounces and was 18 1/2 inches long.
She is absolutely beautiful and has forever changed our lives.
Here are a few pictures...

Our last picture of just the two of us


She's here!


"Are you ready to meet your daughter?"


First family photo


Proud Daddy