January 29th is a very special day for Katie and I. And today it became even more memorable. As we celebrated our second anniversary of marriage we learned that our wonderful friends Ryan and Courtney had a baby girl!! We don't know the details, but we couldn't be happier for them and excited for Avery to have yet another girl to grow up with... even if they do have to be "pen pals" for a few years.
Two years. Seems like a short time, but in the last 760 days Katie and I have grown quite a bit and our life together has undergone some major changes. From potentially moving to Florida, to being parents of an 8 month old beauty, it's been a great two years. Through all the changes, one thing has remained constant - Katie is the most beautiful girl alive... although as of 8 months ago, she has some pretty stiff competition.
Blessings,
Adam
Monday, January 29, 2007
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Keep on dreamin...
The dust (or confetti rather) hadn't yet settled on the Colts victory in the AFC Championship game one week ago today when it hit me. So many dreams coming true. Right here - right now. In one building, in one moment, in one isolated hundred yard parcel of the universe countless dreams became reality right in front of my eyes. Not only for the 53+ players on the Colts sideline, but also for their families, the people in the front office, the city and the fans. Tony Dungy dreamed of having his son James stand alongside him at the Super Bowl, and while James Dungy is no longer with us, Tony will live out that dream with his youngest son Eric at his side... and James undoubtedly looking down from heaven. Jim Irsay dreamed of stepping out from his father's ominous shadow and putting his own stamp on this franchise. Bill Polian, the mastermind of the jigsaw puzzle that is the Colts roster over the last several years, dreamed that he could once again raise a team from the ashes and create a group of men that would guide him to his sixth Super Bowl, and perhaps actually win that elusive championship. Peyton Manning dreamed of besting Tom Brady and Bill Bellicheck, Marlin Jackson dreamed of making the game-ending interception, Joseph Addai dreamed of starring on a global stage. Many of those guys in blue and white just dreamed of having the opportunity to play in a game of that magnitude.
Fans dream too. Before the AFC Championship the game ball was presented by the very first group of season ticket holders from the Colts first season in Indianapolis, 1984. Think those guys haven't been dreaming of this day for awhile? When the clock struck zero and the comeback was complete, confetti rocketed out of the RCA Dome sky and covered the exhausted and elated fan base. Grown men cried. Strangers hugged. Kids stood on their seats (okay, so did I) to celebrate with this group with whom we had gone through so much. Dreams were realized. Fans dream of that day. That moment in history. People will talk about that game when I am an old man. Since I was little I often dreamed of being able to just be at a game like that. I have been incredibly blessed with many opportunities to attend amazing sporting events, mostly thanks to my parents and some friends. And now I am lucky enough to be able to say I was there for the Colts 2006 AFC Championship. A game that tops them all.
For those that don't understand, it may sound silly to say that a game can transcend a city, but never has it been more true. For the next seven days Indianapolis will continue to be consumed with the spectacle in South Florida. Spirits will soar and this event, this game, will take our city to the next level. Watch as dreams unfold before the world. Dreams of the players, the coaches, and the fans. Our city is living a dream. And the dream is alive...
Adam
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Smittens
I just have to share this quick story mostly because Adam tried to convince me not to... which of course fueled my desire to blog about it.
Adam and I decided to take a walk today after he got home from work. Just a quick walk around the block to get some fresh air since Avery and I have been homebound for the last couple of days as she fights off a cold and through what I can only think is a case of teething. Anyhow, we bundled everyone up, including putting Bella's petticoat on her so to ensure she was also warm. Just as we were shutting the door behind us, I was reminded of a gift we had received from Santa and ran back inside to grab it. As we walked down the sidewalk I pulled out the "Smittens". Smiling, Adam said "oh no, not the Smittens." Smittens, for those of you that aren't familiar (which is probably most of the US population) are specially designed mittens that allow you to hold hands (skin to skin) with your mate while still wearing mittens. So if you can imagine...both people have one "normal" mitten on and then the other mitten has two holes that both people stick their "hand holding" hand in... its like one giant mitten. In other words, it is this super cheesy mitten contraption we received from Santa.
But, I thought today would be a great day to pull it out and give it a whirl. Since we are creeping up on our anniversary I am trying to bring the romance back and what better way than to share in the Smitten experience together. Adam reluctantly agreed to participate in the fun and slip his hand into the giant mitten and hold hands with me. The humorous part was that each time we passed someone or he even thought we might be passing someone, he quickly pulled his hand out and tried to play it cool. It was funny and we had fun. Maybe I will have to keep the Smittens close by for our next walk.
Cheers,
Katie
Adam and I decided to take a walk today after he got home from work. Just a quick walk around the block to get some fresh air since Avery and I have been homebound for the last couple of days as she fights off a cold and through what I can only think is a case of teething. Anyhow, we bundled everyone up, including putting Bella's petticoat on her so to ensure she was also warm. Just as we were shutting the door behind us, I was reminded of a gift we had received from Santa and ran back inside to grab it. As we walked down the sidewalk I pulled out the "Smittens". Smiling, Adam said "oh no, not the Smittens." Smittens, for those of you that aren't familiar (which is probably most of the US population) are specially designed mittens that allow you to hold hands (skin to skin) with your mate while still wearing mittens. So if you can imagine...both people have one "normal" mitten on and then the other mitten has two holes that both people stick their "hand holding" hand in... its like one giant mitten. In other words, it is this super cheesy mitten contraption we received from Santa.
But, I thought today would be a great day to pull it out and give it a whirl. Since we are creeping up on our anniversary I am trying to bring the romance back and what better way than to share in the Smitten experience together. Adam reluctantly agreed to participate in the fun and slip his hand into the giant mitten and hold hands with me. The humorous part was that each time we passed someone or he even thought we might be passing someone, he quickly pulled his hand out and tried to play it cool. It was funny and we had fun. Maybe I will have to keep the Smittens close by for our next walk.
Cheers,
Katie
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Goin To Miami
What a game!!! I must admit that I only know from watching the replays after every major Colts drive. I was too nervous to watch the game during critical moments... and so I turned the station to Desperate Housewives (a show I absolutely despise) and then turned back to the game when I knew the play had to be over. I know... STUPID, especially coming from someone who has played sports before, but after the Colts began their comeback, I thought I better stick with what was working. And so, as I said, I watched most of the game through the magic of instant replay.
My husband, however, had a bird's eye view of the historic win. And being the nice husband he is, he decided to call me on numerous occasions during the game so that I could "get a listen of the atmosphere inside the Dome." Bless his heart, but all it sounded like to me was static and so I hung up the phone after about 10 seconds each and every time he called. But you gotta love that he tried to "include me" in his experience.
He arrived home at about 12:30 having absolutely no voice and still beaming from excitement. I can't blame him. I was pretty darn satisfied with the Colts and Indianapolis as I went to bed Sunday night, and I wasn't at the game.
For all you Bears fans... let the friendly wagering begin.
Go Colts,
Katie
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Its Been Awhile
Wow. It feels like it has been a while since I sat down to write. I guess time flies when your having fun!!!! Before I launch into the updates on life here with us I must share a wonderful thing God has been doing in my life over the course of the last few months. My introduction to this email reminded me of just how He has been working and so I must share.
For a number of different reasons last Fall/Winter was a very rough time for me. Not only had I just begun a horribly stressful and demanding job, I was also struggling with what seemed to be a never ending case of morning sickness. Constant stress, tension and the urge to vomit seemed to consume me on most days. Throw in the typical ups and downs of any marriage and the stringing together of about 120 gray Midwestern winter days and I was what many might call "down on life." Unfortunatley, I was one bitter and cynical woman for a good 9 months or so. I couldn't seem to find the blessing in anything and I certaintly didn't believe that there could be joy found in the monotony of one gray day after another.
Thank heavens that God is patient with us and restores our spirits. What has grown up out of all that misery and unhappiness??? Someone seeking to find joy in the small things and someone thankful for the strength to combat some of the negativity of this world with more of an eternal perspective. Praise God- for I myself could not have so radically changed my own heart.
So all this to say that when I opened with "time flies when your having fun" I chuckled and smiled and thanked God that I was able to write that and mean it. Life, even in the midst of these gray days, has been fulfilling, rewarding and wonderful.... and I am thankful for this renewed perspective.
The big news coming out of this household, however.... a few things really.
First off, we became Aunt Katie and Uncle Adam. Adam's sister and brother-in-law welcomed twin girls into the world during the wee hours of the morning on Tuesday and we are absolutely thrilled for them. Lucy and Addison are healthy and now home from the hospital and we are eager to head over there this weekend to get a good look at the cuties ourselves. And being that we are the ONLY Aunt and Uncle these little ones will have, we have a lot of pressure!! So, I took it upon myself to do a little (or a LOT) of shopping for the little beauties. That's what Aunts do, right???
Secondly, our family (insert Adam primarily) is over the moon that the Colts are playing in the AFC championship this weekend. And through the generousity of two of the men in our bible study (who also happen to be on the team) Adam has snagged a coveted ticket to the big game on Sunday. So we'll both be cheering on the horse on Sunday; Adam will just be doing it from a much better seat :)
And last but not least, we joined the local YMCA here in town. As I mentioned, it has been my goal to get back in shape in time to run the mini-marathon here in May. And I am proud to say that I am off to a pretty good start. The only minor glitch right now- I think my mind is stronger than my body. After all those years of soccer and three knee surgeries, my body seems to be failing me a bit. But all is not lost, I just might have to back off the running until my body catches up with my willing spirit. And maybe a trip in to get my knees looked at isn't such a bad idea either!!
So another week of winter is behind us and I am eagerly looking ahead!!!
Cheers,
Katie
For a number of different reasons last Fall/Winter was a very rough time for me. Not only had I just begun a horribly stressful and demanding job, I was also struggling with what seemed to be a never ending case of morning sickness. Constant stress, tension and the urge to vomit seemed to consume me on most days. Throw in the typical ups and downs of any marriage and the stringing together of about 120 gray Midwestern winter days and I was what many might call "down on life." Unfortunatley, I was one bitter and cynical woman for a good 9 months or so. I couldn't seem to find the blessing in anything and I certaintly didn't believe that there could be joy found in the monotony of one gray day after another.
Thank heavens that God is patient with us and restores our spirits. What has grown up out of all that misery and unhappiness??? Someone seeking to find joy in the small things and someone thankful for the strength to combat some of the negativity of this world with more of an eternal perspective. Praise God- for I myself could not have so radically changed my own heart.
So all this to say that when I opened with "time flies when your having fun" I chuckled and smiled and thanked God that I was able to write that and mean it. Life, even in the midst of these gray days, has been fulfilling, rewarding and wonderful.... and I am thankful for this renewed perspective.
The big news coming out of this household, however.... a few things really.
First off, we became Aunt Katie and Uncle Adam. Adam's sister and brother-in-law welcomed twin girls into the world during the wee hours of the morning on Tuesday and we are absolutely thrilled for them. Lucy and Addison are healthy and now home from the hospital and we are eager to head over there this weekend to get a good look at the cuties ourselves. And being that we are the ONLY Aunt and Uncle these little ones will have, we have a lot of pressure!! So, I took it upon myself to do a little (or a LOT) of shopping for the little beauties. That's what Aunts do, right???
Secondly, our family (insert Adam primarily) is over the moon that the Colts are playing in the AFC championship this weekend. And through the generousity of two of the men in our bible study (who also happen to be on the team) Adam has snagged a coveted ticket to the big game on Sunday. So we'll both be cheering on the horse on Sunday; Adam will just be doing it from a much better seat :)
And last but not least, we joined the local YMCA here in town. As I mentioned, it has been my goal to get back in shape in time to run the mini-marathon here in May. And I am proud to say that I am off to a pretty good start. The only minor glitch right now- I think my mind is stronger than my body. After all those years of soccer and three knee surgeries, my body seems to be failing me a bit. But all is not lost, I just might have to back off the running until my body catches up with my willing spirit. And maybe a trip in to get my knees looked at isn't such a bad idea either!!
So another week of winter is behind us and I am eagerly looking ahead!!!
Cheers,
Katie
Friday, January 12, 2007
A Talent
As I mentioned a couple of days ago, we had some professional photos taken of Avery for our own photo albums by a dear friend, Jessica Strickland. Just this morning she posted just a sampling of the pictures of Avery on her blog. All I can say is that Jess is truly gifted. The photos she took of our daughter are absolutely gorgeous and we feel so lucky that she agreed to photograh her. I have posted one of these photos on this blog... however check out the rest and other beautiful work Jess has done by going to :
www.jessicarstrickland.com/blog/
She is certainly gifted and we are in awe of how beautifully she captured the essence of Avery.
Blessings,
Katie
www.jessicarstrickland.com/blog/
She is certainly gifted and we are in awe of how beautifully she captured the essence of Avery.
Blessings,
Katie
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Photo Shoot
Avery has a photo shoot today..... we are getting some pictures taken of her for our own albums.
She's been in the tub all day getting ready and practicing her poses.....
She's been in the tub all day getting ready and practicing her poses.....
Sunday, January 07, 2007
The Heart of a Child
With the introduction of solids into Avery's diet so also came the advent of actual "meal times." Avery sits in her big girl chair three times a day to enjoy the splendor of everything from applesauce to pureed carrots. Katie has done her best to ensure that Avery learns table manners (at least as well as any pre-toddler can) and maximize the amount of food that goes in Avery's mouth instead of on the floor. While I must say she's done a remarkable job, my favorite lesson Katie is bestowing on Avery is to take time before each meal, hold hands and thank God for the day and the food He has provided. When listening to some of their latest prayers, and when praying with Avery during our meal times I have been struck by our own words when speaking to God. So incredibly simple. So loving. So pure and innocent. I can't help but think that those prayers are much closer to what our maker desires of us in lieu of our lofty daily requests and petitions that I know I am guilty of on a weekly basis. "God, thank you for this food and for this beautiful day. Thanks for my mommy and daddy and puppy. Thanks for my grandparents, aunts and uncles. Help me to grow up and learn to follow you." Done. The End. Simple. Yet no doubt more profound than any complicated soliloquy I might spew out after a long day.
This weekend we had a wonderful dinner with our great friends Greg and Christie and their four children. When it came time to pray two of the kids volunteered and it went something like this:
Wesley: "God, thank you for this food and bless it to our use, Amen."
Elizabeth: "God, thank you for this day, and for being able to spend time with our friends. I hope this is the funnest night ever, Amen."
I imagine God smiles wide when he hears prayers like these. And I can't help but think that He desires these simple prayers from even the most veteran followers.
There is so much we can learn from children. Just look at a baby with her mother or a young child playing with his dad. Smiles. True happiness comes from the simplest of pleasures. Avery got scores of Christmas presents and found the most joy in the ribbons. An unashamed love of others. Kids embrace their parents and aren't afraid to say "I love you" no matter who's listening. They don't judge anyone they encounter. They simply smile and love everyone equally.
The heart of a child is one of the best examples we have of how to live and love. I can't help but think that God intended us to have those hearts a lot longer.
Blessings,
Adam
This weekend we had a wonderful dinner with our great friends Greg and Christie and their four children. When it came time to pray two of the kids volunteered and it went something like this:
Wesley: "God, thank you for this food and bless it to our use, Amen."
Elizabeth: "God, thank you for this day, and for being able to spend time with our friends. I hope this is the funnest night ever, Amen."
I imagine God smiles wide when he hears prayers like these. And I can't help but think that He desires these simple prayers from even the most veteran followers.
There is so much we can learn from children. Just look at a baby with her mother or a young child playing with his dad. Smiles. True happiness comes from the simplest of pleasures. Avery got scores of Christmas presents and found the most joy in the ribbons. An unashamed love of others. Kids embrace their parents and aren't afraid to say "I love you" no matter who's listening. They don't judge anyone they encounter. They simply smile and love everyone equally.
The heart of a child is one of the best examples we have of how to live and love. I can't help but think that God intended us to have those hearts a lot longer.
Blessings,
Adam
Tuesday, January 02, 2007
A Year in Review
Katie and I thought it would be fun to provide our own "year in review" and look back at some of our favorites from 2006. Obviously, with the birth of our first child it was a monumental year for us and one that we will not soon forget. That said, we were blessed with countless other special memories as well. Taking the time to look back at the past 12 months reminded us both in our own way just how much we have to be thankful for.
It also reminded us just how much we have in common. We originally set out to provide two separate lists of favorites and Best-Of's. After discovering that our lists were practically identical however, we decided to remain married for another year and to share one master list of Wright Family Favorites from 2006...
FAVORITE CD: Rascal Flatts "Me & My Gang"
FAVORITE BOOK: (tie) The Kite Runner (atw) & The Glass Castle (kaw)
FAVORITE MOVIE: (tie) The Pursuit of Happyness and You, Me & Dupree
BEST DATE: Dinner at Nora Cafe and movie - our first "date night" after the baby
FAVORITE MOMENT TOGETHER: Canoeing in Brown County on Katie's birthday
BIGGEST CHANGE: Umm... take a wild guess! :)
FAVORITE AVERY MOMENT: Each morning when we go to wake her and she greets us with an intoxicating, angelic smile and outreached arms.
FAVORITE BELLA MOMENT: When she defended her brand new baby sister Avery from her wild and crazy cousin dog Lily. It was then that we knew Bella had assumed the role of ultra-protective big sis.
FAVORITE EVENT: Colts vs. Titans - A great game and a special chance to see two friends playing in the NFL.
FAVORITE FAMILY MOMENT: Picking pumpkins at the pumpkin patch in October.
SIGNIFICANT EVENTS IN THE LIVES OF FRIENDS/FAMILY:
(What an awesome year! We are so blessed to have such wonderful friends and what an exciting time for all of us. These are just a few of the highlights...)
Kevin & Chase get engaged.
Ben & Michele get engaged.
Mike & Gail get married in Fla.
Valerie & Jeff get married and start a blog.
Andrew & Lisa get married in DC.
Ryan & Courtney announce they are preggo.
Nick & Liz announce they are preggo.
Amanda & Scott announce they are preggo... with TWINS!
Katie moves to Philly and takes over the town.
Chris & Fran move south to Goshen.
Barb retires from the library.
Babies Jack T, Tyler S, Abby H, Kane M joined the world.
It also reminded us just how much we have in common. We originally set out to provide two separate lists of favorites and Best-Of's. After discovering that our lists were practically identical however, we decided to remain married for another year and to share one master list of Wright Family Favorites from 2006...
FAVORITE CD: Rascal Flatts "Me & My Gang"
FAVORITE BOOK: (tie) The Kite Runner (atw) & The Glass Castle (kaw)
FAVORITE MOVIE: (tie) The Pursuit of Happyness and You, Me & Dupree
BEST DATE: Dinner at Nora Cafe and movie - our first "date night" after the baby
FAVORITE MOMENT TOGETHER: Canoeing in Brown County on Katie's birthday
BIGGEST CHANGE: Umm... take a wild guess! :)
FAVORITE AVERY MOMENT: Each morning when we go to wake her and she greets us with an intoxicating, angelic smile and outreached arms.
FAVORITE BELLA MOMENT: When she defended her brand new baby sister Avery from her wild and crazy cousin dog Lily. It was then that we knew Bella had assumed the role of ultra-protective big sis.
FAVORITE EVENT: Colts vs. Titans - A great game and a special chance to see two friends playing in the NFL.
FAVORITE FAMILY MOMENT: Picking pumpkins at the pumpkin patch in October.
SIGNIFICANT EVENTS IN THE LIVES OF FRIENDS/FAMILY:
(What an awesome year! We are so blessed to have such wonderful friends and what an exciting time for all of us. These are just a few of the highlights...)
Kevin & Chase get engaged.
Ben & Michele get engaged.
Mike & Gail get married in Fla.
Valerie & Jeff get married and start a blog.
Andrew & Lisa get married in DC.
Ryan & Courtney announce they are preggo.
Nick & Liz announce they are preggo.
Amanda & Scott announce they are preggo... with TWINS!
Katie moves to Philly and takes over the town.
Chris & Fran move south to Goshen.
Barb retires from the library.
Babies Jack T, Tyler S, Abby H, Kane M joined the world.
Waiting On The World To Change
I couldn't help but post these pictures from tonight. Avery and her dad sure made the most of the few hours before she hit the sack. It appeared that every time I left them alone, they were finding new ways to make each other laugh. I already know I am going to have my hands full with these two!!! Tonight I walked into the room after folding laundry to find them with pants on their heads. And just hours later, they were singing to John Mayer's Waiting On The World To Change using wooded spoons for microphones.
I can't help but smile as Avery is one lucky girl.... what a great dad she has.
Katie
I can't help but smile as Avery is one lucky girl.... what a great dad she has.
Katie
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