Comments Fixed?!?!?!

I have to admit.  My self-esteem was plummeting.  I mean I announce our baby's name and get NO COMMENT?!?!?!  I was ready to throw in the blogging towel.  Then my  mom informed me that my comments weren't working.  After many days of frustration I THINK I may have fixed the problem!  So comment away.  And if it doesn't work please send me a quick email @ shandevol@yahoo.com to let me know!

Thanks and God Bless!!!

What's In a Name?

So many of you have asked, "what's his name?!?!?!"  that I think it's time to answer.  First let me explain why we haven't answered yet:  I have decision making issues.  Seriously, sometimes I contemplate what I should eat for breakfast so long that by the time I decide it's lunch time.  I have issues people.  That being said, I didn't commit 100% with our other kids names until they were born.  I was "pretty sure" but I never wanted to give up the name until the baby was born.  What if I changed my mind?!?!?!? (which of course I never did)

So I'm taking a big risk, going out on a ledge and telling our little dudes name!  Daddy picked his first name.  In fact Daddy picked his first name 18 months ago when we applied to adopt:)  His middle name is where we hit a bump.  On one hand we wanted to keep his Ethiopian name.  It's part of who he is.  When we finally get to bring him home we aren't leaving behind Ethiopia.  Ethiopia is the beginning for our little dude.  On the other hand our other children all have family names as their middle names and we never wanted him to feel left out!  He is 100% a part of our immediate and extended family even before we have held him in our arms.

Well, here's the great thing about making decisions.  Sometimes it's hard.  Sometimes you have to decide between brownies or ice-cream.  BUT sometimes you can just say, "what the heck!  I'll take em both!!!  And while you're at it throw some whip cream and a cherry on top"  So that's what we decided to do!  That's right little dude will have 2 middle names.  So here it is. . . . ..

our little dudes name. . . ..   

Ezekiel A**** Sterling DeVol

(in case you are worried about our sanity the **** are just to represent his ET name which we can't share until we pass court)

Introducing. . .

Anna Marie Hotalen!!!!

Little 7lb Anna gave Tara run for her money.  She was induced a week early due to pre-eclampsia and because of the meds she was on, delivery was ROUGH.  She looks great though for all she went through doesn't she?

When we arrived at the hospital after 14 hours in the car I got the great news that I was staying the night to take care of Anna.  Wohoo!!!!!  Tara had to take a sleeping pill in an effort to lower her blood pressure so I got to stay and bond with Anna all night long.

We had a great time and then Tara and Anna came home today!  

Thanks to everyone who prayed!  Everyone is doing great!

AUNT SHANNON:)

Ok, I promised I wouldn't post a name or photo until Tara updates her blog but I need to brag a little!!!  I mean I'm not on Facebook to brag so I need to brag here that I have my first niece!!!!  She is a tiny little blond curly headed ball of loveliness who I think looks like Tara.  Friday morning Dad, Rebecca, and I will make the 12 hour drive down to Georgia to love on her.  I CAN'T WAIT!!!!

In the meantime check out Tara's blog to hear about why she was a week early and to laugh at her:) (love you Tats!) It's a Wonderful Life

Also, please pray for Tara.  She was a trooper but that tiny little thing put her through the ringer!!!!  It was a rough time and she could you use your prayers for a miraculously quick recovery of her body.

by the way, did I mention  I'M AN AUNT FOR THE VERY FIRST TIME?!?!?!?!?  :):):):)