Hannah's Baptism

Papa, Mimi Jo, me, Hannah, Aaron, Nana and Mimi Jane

Pastor Dale with his "Hannah B. Bananer"

Here is the only picture of Hannah in her matching bonnet!

Hannah was baptized last Sunday.  We were honored that the Rev. Dale Smith baptized her- he has been such a special person to both the Gentry family and Hannah's birth family.  The session approved Aaron to give the sermon.  It was more of a testimony to God's wonderful providence and faithfulness in our life and specifically in Hannah's adoption.

We were also blessed to have my parents, Evette and Aaron's grandmother there with us.

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving!  Here are a few pictures of Hannah as she turned 9 months old on Tuesday.

A Dose of Reality

I once heard a sermon about "being real and transparent" (thanks Joseph Wheat!).  He talked about how he was always reading blogs and updates about perfect families, perfect vacations, perfect everything.  I know I don't always put perfect pictures of Hannah up on this blog, but I do most of time. 

So, here is my contribution to "being real."  Hannah is not perfect, I am not perfect, Aaron is not perfect and we certainly don't have a "picture perfect" life full of roses and sunshine all the time.  Life is messy:  Hannah cries, screams, throws temper tantrums.  I lose my temper, Aaron forgets to tell me important things, we are both too sarcastic.  Our house is an absolute disaster and I am not confident that things will be all ready for visitors this weekend.

But my love for Hannah and Aaron grows more every single day.  And I try, try, try my best to create a good home for them- even when I fail, they still love me.  So we will continue on with this charge from Ephesians 4:1-3: I urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.

Fun with cousins

Malorie looks on as Chloe enjoys Hannah's pack-n-play

Daniel and Hannah had lots of fun playing together

Looks like Daniel is trying to get his high chair back!

Hannah had so much fun exploring Daniel's room and playing with Mimi

Here are a few pictures from our quick trip to Mississippi.  Hannah had lots of fun with her cousins!  We are so thankful that Robyn and Morgan opened their home to us for a few days.  We even got to see Mimi and Papa.  Lots of fun. . . can't wait to show you all of the Christmas card pictures we took!

CCA Football

Aaron's first event as the CCA Alumni Relations guy did not go off as planned due to thunder storms and tornados in the area.  But come nightfall, the football game was finally played.  As you can see, Hannah was absolutely thrilled and completely exhausted about the whole day!

Hannah's room

Here are a few shots of Hannah's room.  It is still a work in progress- there are still things to be made to be put on the walls.  And we are getting a glider/rocker this weekend to add to the mix.  Enjoy!