Almost over...

Here is the latest update from Amy (my sister-in-law....not me...):

"We are still waiting on termination papers to be signed. We are hoping that a social worker will not have to go (since the dad is willing to sign after getting the letter from the mom)- and that the jail will just have him sign there. We (Emma and I) have been hanging out having some great bonding time. Emma is a great sleeper. So far she has been sleeping in 5 hr. stretches at night which is awesome!!! She is up to 3 oz. of formula at a time and eats about every 3 1/2 to 4 hours. We are very excited that Michael will be coming down after work on Sat.!! I am very anxious for him to come, but also very anxious to get home. We are hoping that we will be able to get to court early next week and be home some time next week. So please keep praying that everything will continue to go smoothly. God has answered our prayers so far!"

Love,
Michael, Amy + Emma

-am

Sooooo Cute!

Just wanted to update everyone on Emma's progress. As far as we know, the social worker from Illinois said that the birthfather is willing to sign over his rights as long as he gets a letter from the birthmother saying that this is what she wants. (Keep in mind, the birthfather is in jail so this process is even more difficult to finish).

We are all still very excited to welcome Emma into our family and we can't wait to see her. Hopefully I will be able to go to WI to see the fam at the end of June. I just can't wait!

-am

Festival of Arts

Saturday we were downtown at the Festival of Arts with Dana and Katie. We noticed it was starting to rain, so we walked over to an awning and stood under it. All of a sudden, the heavens opened up...and as rain and hail dropped down, hundreds of people came running at us hoping for a spot under OUR awning.

You would be surprised how many people can fit under an awning that is about 10 feet long and 3 feet deep. Since we were there first, we were pressed up against the building while others pushed up against us just to get out of the rain. One lady even gave us her baby to hold while she rescued her toddler from the storm.

That day, we learned that Grand Rapids is all about community. The people were friendly, funny, and not afraid to stand REALLY close to a stranger...and even hand them their baby.

-am

What a Babe!

Introducing...drum roll... Emma Grace Cottrell!! She was born May 31st, weighs 8 lbs, and is 21" long. We still ask for prayers for the adoption process to finalize, also pray that they can locate the birth father to sign away the parental rights. This whole process was only started a month ago... well not the baby part... but the adoption process, which normally takes quite a long time. Please be in prayer for Michael and Amy... (Amy's brother and sister in law). Thanks... I think this blog is just going to announce births. :) jk.


rm.

"Build a Bonfire" by Jason Harrod

Friday we went over to Dan and Noelle's to burn off some branches that fell in this springs ice storm. We also got to see the amazing gazelle dog... what a jumper! It was fun to hang out with chris and lacey, chad and cristy, dan and noelle, and adam and becca. Sure is nice that bonfire season has returned to Michigan! Oh... and Smores season...

Anyway - ya'll are great bonfire hosts!

rm.

Keeley Kay Cappon

Welcome to the world, Keeley!! Joe and Nina- Thanks for passing her around during Sunday School class today. Did you notice the looks on everyone's faces!? She's so precious! Nice job!!

-am

Frog Dog

Well Mom- you asked for a picture of the dog...and here he is...in his usual position (other than the position he taught the cat). Someday maybe we will have picture of friends, kids, us....but until then, all you get to see is our pets.

-am

Fat Cat

Well, look who I caught doing absolutely nothing... while I was doing guess what?!?!... yup you guessed it - absolutely nothing. Say hello to Arwin. Our dog Frodo taught her (and us) to sit like that... but only when it's a steamy 75 degrees here in Michigan (or above - which is rare). Looks like I will be able to get recent photo's up with my camera phone. Anyway - I know you wanted to see this. Whoever you are!

rm

First Time

First time Skating Backwards... First time Blogging (Amy is the only one going forward... the rest of us are going backwards... including the camera man - thanks DJ)
Anyway...
Hey World! Now you can catch all the latest happenings with us (Russ and Amy). We're not quite sure how to work this yet, nor do we have a digital camera...
And - to warn you... because of a couple of friends we have named Lost and Alias... not much has happened with us lately.
Since Lost is over and Alias is nearly over, we'll hopefully have more to post about in the near future.
We promise our next posting won't be as pathetic as this one...
and bye the way, can you believe Michael and Walt just left? Do you think they'll come back and help? And what was with Desmond's girlfriend answering the phone?!?!
I know... we're dorks... at least we're not Idol-aholics... but we were glad Taylor won.

Now to find a life... we'll get back to you on that...

r.