Maisy Leigh Nowlin 06.28.22

June 28, 2022 was an amazing day! The day we had been waiting for. The day we thought at times might never come. The day Maisy legally became a Nowlin. It was a sweet day surrounded by family and friends celebrating the culmination of this crazy journey we've been on. 

My only regret is that I didn't hire a photographer to take photos at the adoption party so a) I could have relaxed and not worried about getting photos and b) so I would have more photos of all the friends and family that were there to love on us. There are SO many that aren't pictured. 

Feeling overwhelmed with gratitude for our village. Tis a village that loves us well. 

(not so) Patiently waiting to go back for the adoption via Zoom

Photo session to help pass the time

Hearing via Zoom (dumb Covid protocols still preventing in-person court)

It's a done deal! First official photo as a (legal) family of 5

Pre-party warm up

PARTY TIME! 

The book FOREVER provided the inspiration for the party theme of polar bears

The Journey Concludes (for now)

This part of our journey with Maisy has come to a conclusion. On September 3 (after 2.5 hours of testimony), the court awarded us custody of our Maisy girl! She is officially out of DCS custody (they have NO more say) and is living with us all the time! Whoohoo! We are so excited! 

The next step in the process is moving forward with her adoption so now we transition from our custody attorney to our adoption attorney and officially start that process. We know it won't be a quick process so are trying to set our expectations accordingly, but we can wait (mostly) patiently knowing that she is with us and we have total control over all decisions concerning her health and wellbeing. 

She's also officially 6 months old and got a glowing report at the pediatrician. She's nearly on the normal growth chart (maybe by 9 months) and is growing and developing exactly as she should be. A whopping 12 lbs.! She's now sleeping through the night like a champ and getting stronger by the minute. She's recently discovered her feet and her voice, jabbering all the time! Not sitting up quite yet, but it's on the horizon. We did get the all clear to start solid foods and have tried some baby oatmeal. She's not a huge fan yet. We will keep working on it. She's also not a fan of napping anywhere but in the comfort of someones arms. She might be a bit spoiled. We are working on that too, although not super hard. 

Maisy, you are the happiest smiliest baby ever!  We love you!! 

Not too sure about this solid food business ... 

The Journey Continues (Part III)

We still can't get enough of our Maisy girl! This month we started school at Little Harding and promptly got the stomach bug and then RSV. It's been a bit of a rough start but she is the happiest sick baby we've ever seen. Hoping for a bit of a break from all the things so we can rest and recover fully! 

This is a big week in our case ... we have a custody hearing on Friday, September 3 and are praying that the judge takes her out of DCS custody and places her with us. We can't wait to bring this girl home to stay for good! 

First time running with mom on the greenling

Looking too cute in a new outfit from Aunt Callie

First day of school - Little Harding Infant 1 Room

Second day of school (first day for big sister)

First week of school got us like ... 

Meeting cousin Will on his way to Vandy

Cute RSV baby