collage from yesterday

Adoption Day

Today we finalized our adoption. It was a fabulous day for Shelby and we could not have asked for better weather. She got to visit with her five grandparents. More photos to come... but here is just one.

I love that my baby is clapping. I will blog more later but for right now we are spending a few days hunkered down just being a family.

the something fabulous I told you about

Do you remember over my Spring Break when Shelby and I were working on something fabulous that I couldn't show you yet--- well, here it is. These were the invitations for her adoption finalization tomorrow where she will officially be given our last name, and all that comes with it. I took the wording off but wanted to share the cuteness.

We are going to have a busy couple of days of getting ready for all of the families to arrive tomorrow, court in the morning and a luncheon for Shelby. What a wonderful day ahead of us!

Shelby's first cookie

Of course, on the eve eve of Shelby's big day she would come down with a cough, runny nose and all the yuck that comes with allergies combined with teething. Tonight she was particularly miserable and Daddy gave her a little feel better treat.

I am sure I don't even have to tell you that she was a big fan.

After some concern was expressed I feel I must make it clear that she did NOT eat that big cookie. It was broken into much much smaller pieces. She was simply holding to for the photo op.

she loves it

Here is a picture from last night when Shelby was playing with her new toy. This is how she loves to play... up on her knees whenever possible.

Mama's Baby likes to save some money

Cute pic huh?? Now imagine only seconds later when I am desperately trying to get the dollar off Cheerios coupon out of her hand and mouth. This kid has go-go-gadget arms and can reach anything in a blink of an eye. Anyway, like many others I have decided to try my hand at couponing. I mean how hard can it be to clip the coupon, take it to the store and give it to the cashier. I DO NOT want to be like the people on TLC's Extreme Couponing who have racks and racks of supplies. I simply want to save a few bucks on items we already use. I am also trying to be more vigilant of the sales in my area as well.

Friday night, Shelby and I went on our first couponing adventure armed with coupons for gum, Mr. D.'s razors, diapers, wipes and formula. Total savings: $16.60. Not bad for stuff we needed.

Yesterday, I noticed that ToysRUs had Shelby's Earth's Best Baby Food on Sale 20 jars for $10 on stages 1 and 2 and 10 jars for $10 on stage 3 foods. So on the way home from work I stopped in. It was fairly picked over but I was able to get 20 stage 1/2 and 10 stage 3. Then, while I was there I noticed that the Little Tikes toys were buy one got one free. So..... Shelby also got this

And this too.....

The total savings there was $34.98. Later I stopped to return the Redbox movies and ran in to the store and used a $5 off Similac coupon. I have several Similac coupons but you can only use one per transaction so anytime I am at the store I go and buy just one. With the coupon I get the quart of formula for only 50 cents. So far I have saved a total of $56.58 and I haven't even been grocery shopping yet! I will keep you all posted on how my couponing is going!

Mr. D. at 8 months