You did what??!!!

Wait, wait, wait!! You mean to tell me that the entire 3 weeks you were in Florida, and I was at the dog sitters (whom I do love, by the way) you decided to add to our family??? Weren't we just fine as a family of 4? Another girl? Why did no one consult me on this?? At first I didn't know what to think, when I walked in the house so excited to greet you from your travels and there she was....another pint sized, little thing taking up space in the house. But I'll be honest...it didn't take me long to realize that she is cute as a button and as sweet as pie. It was easy for me to love her too. AND...more importantly, I realized that my meal-plan in this family will soon TRIPLE!!!! Woooohoooo....I'll put up with the crying and the doting on her and the sleepless nights, if it means I get to eat my way through life that much more!!! So really, what I meant to say, was THANK YOU for bringing Esmee into our family!!! The more the merrier!!!! Love, Walter

Daddy and his girls!

Close Ups...2 Weeks!

Esmee is as cute as can be....and we are all IN LOVE with her!!! We couldn't ask for a better addition to our family! Millie is just crazy about her.....hates to hear her cry and always wants to help with "esmee duties!" Whew....hopefully this lasts :) She's just over 2 weeks and growing and changing by the minute. Still hasn't figured out the whole sleep thing, but we'll let that slide...for now :) She eats like a champ and rarely fusses...did I mention how lucky we are??? We LOVE YOU, Esmee!! xo

(update: a few additional photos from Daddy's iPhone!)

Best Buddies

To say that we are thrilled the girls have become such great pals so quickly would be an understatement. But to say that we are surprised wouldn't necessarily be accurate. After all, they have boatloads in common: both from Orlando, both born on Thursdays, born to birthmothers from the same neighborhood, and both have parents that love them dearly (not to mention their big bro Walter...but more on him later :)

Thanks 'DayDill'

Like each one has been, our recent trip to Florida was an amazing one. Jaimeson's Florida-contingent parents, Jay and Jill, aka "DayDill" as Millie prefers to call them, were fantastic supporters of our adoption to say the least. But each time we tried to thank them, they would only thank us. After all, they said, its not every day they get to spend time with us and their Grandchildren. Nevertheless, we still can't thank them enough for being there for all of us, and letting us sack their place for nearly 3 straight weeks. From baseball games, to hotels, to boats, beaches, "dodonuts" (coconuts), squirrels, road trips, tennis matches, swimming pool sessions and lessons, and all the fabulous dinners and bottles of wine, you guys ROCK. Next its our turn. Can't wait to see you in Seattle this Fall. xoxo

Millie saying 'Esmee'

Millie learned to say "Eh!meee - Staaawr" early on, and loves to say it. Especially when we put her down for naps and she thinks Esmee can come get her out!

Welcome, Esmee Star

May 6th, 2010 was the best day in the history of Julie, Millie, and my collective existence: the day Esmee Star was born.

Thanks to the selflessness of an exceptional, loving, principled birthmother here in the state of Florida, we now have a beautiful second daughter, and Millie has a sister to grow up and old beside.

The journey to bring Esmee into our family was a clandestine affair even amongst our family and best of friends. To those that are just learning this news, thanks for your understanding. To the few who have been part of this experience with us each day, we cannot thank you enough for your love and support.

She may only be 4 days old, but we’re already recognizing signs that Esmee is a very special girl. Amidst the chaos of visitors (a couple of them under 2 years of age and full of energy), the constant poking and prodding of the many nurses, and arriving into this world almost a week late, she demonstrated a patient tolerance, and mainly slept. Through the chaotic moments of our adoption finalization, she proved to be a remarkable little soldier, and again, slept. Now on our final leg here in Florida before heading home to Seattle, she seems quite content to sleep some more.

There are moments in life that give one pause, and surely the birth of a child is one of them. In Esmee’s case, the love and fortitude of a birthmother singularly committed to the happiness and well-being of her only daughter has been remarkably inspiring. This commitment took several forms during the past months, but was particularly moving when Julie was given the opportunity to be present in the delivery room with our Birthmother and Esmee, and was allowed to be the first to hold her after the birth.

Esmee is a name that Julie and I have loved since we learned of it on a visit to Spain last summer. When the time came to do more investigative research on its background and meaning, we were overjoyed to learn that it means, “loved.” Therefore, from our perspective, it is and will always be a perfect name for our daughter. Esmee is loved by her Birthmother, her mother, her father, her sister, her doggie (right, Walter?), and we know, by all of you as well.

Welcome, Esmee. We all love you!