Richards Family of Three...For Now

Well, we are beginning our second adoption journey! We are excited to see how the Lord will complete us into a family of 4. We are working with the same wonderful adoption agency that we used for Michael, APO (Aggieland Pregnancy Outreach). We have a home study scheduled for April 13, and should be an "actively waiting" family by May. We are making a new lifebook and had a super fun photo session at Stevenson Park to capture some great pics for the life book (and to frame too!). We covet your prayers for this new journey as we prepare our home and ourselves for a new addition. Michael will be two in September and our hope is that he will become a big brother some time when is two. We will see how the Lord unfolds His plan for our precious family. We want to be on HIS timeline, not ours.

Allergy Testing

My poor baby has some major allergies. We were pretty certain, but after seeing the Allergy and Asthma specialist he wanted to confirm with testing. I am so glad Adam went with us. Michael is so strong, I don't think I could have held him down and still as well as Daddy did. The nurse said that Michael is the strongest child she has ever had to do the allergy testing on. Michael screamed the whole time. :( Even if the doctor or nurse came in just to talk, as soon as they opened the door Michael would yell, "No, No!" Thankfully, kids are resilient and bounce back quickly!
Michael has a severe allergy to peanuts and is also allergic to egg whites, sesame seeds and ash trees. We just happen to have a HUGE ash tree in our back yard (sigh)! We carry two Epi-Pens and Benadryl with us at all times. Michael can have food items with egg whites in them, just not as the main ingredient (omelets, french toast, pie meringue, etc...).

Results of the test


Mommy's "Bag of Tricks" to help


But, the sucker helped most of all


Brunch at The Egg & I afterwards


See, all better!

Seven Year Anniversary

February 11, 2005...the happiest day of my life aside from the day Michael was born. I married my soul mate, my best friend, my everything. God blessed me that day and is still blessing me daily. Thank you Jesus! We enjoyed a quick, yet fabulous, get-away this past weekend at The San Luis Resort in Galveston. Adam surprised me with a room on the penthouse/VIP floor AND spoiled us with 90 minute in-room massages. I think I'll keep him! ;-) We had an elegant, romantic and extremely delicious dinner at their award winning restaurant, The Steakhouse.
On our way home we stopped at the shooting range to shoot our pistols. Yes, you read that right, I went shooting and I LOVE IT! I hit the target on every shot too. Alert to all bad guys...you do not want to come in this house, I will shoot you!
Michael was in great hands with a very sweet and special gal. He did just super, didn't cry not once and charmed her the whole time no doubt. Very proud of my big boy.



Our beautiful view




Our room

January 2012 update

Happy 2012! January has been unseasonably warm around here so we have been able to spend a lot of time playing outside ~ Michael's favorite activity!




New Words: Go-Go (usually in reference to the car or to go outside), Meow (When you ask what does the kitty cat say?"), Blue, Help.

Michael could be the official greeter at HEB or Target. Every single person we pass by Michael greets with "Hi or Hey!" He brings joy to so many. Love my boy!

Michael still loves books. He will often bring me a book, sign "please," crawl in my lap and listen to the whole story. Precious moments that make my mommy/teacher heart smile!

No eggs or peanuts for Michael...He is allergic! We now have an EpiPen to carry with us at all times and are seeing an asthma/allergy specialist. Michael will have further allergy testing on February 21.


New table and chairs...a big hit! Comes in handy for craft time, snack time or just to bring a book and sit.




I made a "practice" discovery box for Michael. It is practice because of the size. In the future it will be a much larger box, but for now I just wanted to see how well he did with the concept..He loves it!!! More discovery boxes in our future!



This was a neat idea I found on pinterest for Michael to practice his fine motor skills. He will spend about five minutes rearranging the pipe cleaners into different holes in the colander. Productive and cheap activity - mommy loves it!


We made a fun trip to the Houston Children's Museum's Tot Spot and will be going again soon...So Much Fun!!

The Christmas Tree

The first morning Michael saw the tree (up, but not decorated)...he took his morning smoothie and sat down in front of the tree drinking his smoothie and staring in awe.


Michael would frequently bring a book to read or a toy to play with in front of the tree.


Michael thought our tree needed one more decoration.


I was very proud of Michael. He never attempted to harmfully touch the tree or ornaments...such a good boy!

Merry Christmas

Santa came!



A surprise from Santa for Mommy!