The Pittstop

Potential house 1

2009-08-06T16:37:00.004-05:00

Dining Room Table and Chairs

2009-07-20T20:00:00.001-05:00

FRIDGE

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2004 Energy Star Conquest
Model # GS2SHA
25.6 cu ft
69.75 H
35.5 W
35.75 D (with handle)

Three Years with Benjamin--February 14, 2009

2009-02-14T22:49:00.004-05:00

On January 19, 2005, our baby, Benjamin Eric Ruben Pitts, was born in Guatemala. We learned of him on March 8th, 2005, at 10:30pm. He came home to be with us on February 14th, 2006 after three years, three plane rides, and we then became a family of three humans and two loveys.

We began our adoption of Benjamin almost 3 years before he was born, so it seems appropriate that I write this about him today, on our 3 year anniversary of his homecoming.

Benjamin has been absolutely one of the best gifts God has given us. We weren't looking for Benjamin, but from the minute we met him, we knew that he had stolen our hearts forever. He knew us and we knew him that moment in the lobby of the Westin Camino Real in Guatemala City, Guatemala. He was so little! Just 21 lbs--but already walking and he already knew so much! Our little munchkin, as we called him, especially back then.

God places extra responsibility on those who are called by His plan and His purpose to build their families through international adoption. Our baby Benjamin was such a presence in our lives from the moment we first laid eyes on him. It was also in that moment that we had to begin fighting for his very life; to bring him home from Guatemala.

It took us almost a year to get him home, and even when we did finally go to Guatemala on February 2, 2006, we lived at the Westin with him for 2 weeks, trying to get him out of the US Embassy and home with us. We faced a lot of corruption through our agency, our attorney, and a few other people, but we knew that we had this little baby boy and we were not leaving the country without him.

God was so faithful to our prayers and the prayers of so many around the world who supported and surrounded us during that time! We would email as often as we could from the business center in the hotel as to our status updates. That was when we learned we had sold our Iowa home and were going to have to find a place to live in Georgia almost immediately upon returning to the United States! Amazing, God's grace and timing.

From February 14th, in which we took 3 planes to leave 80 degree weather and return to 20 below degree weather, to March 20th, when we slept on the floor of our home in Suwanee, GA for the first time, we crossed many milestones.

We became insta-parents! Two weeks in a hotel, and then off to figure out a place to live and get moved! From Guatemala City to Dallas--we took Benjamin through airport security and arrived in customs with a top-to-bottom blow-out diaper. As the guy in customs argued with us about his citizenship status, we finally offered to let him change the diaper. When he refused and then let us through, we had 20 minutes to make it to our Chicago gate!! We flew from Chicago to Cedar Rapids, where everyone on board welcomed Benjamin home. He loved the airplanes...still does!

Then, we spent 3 days in Iowa, 4 days in Indy, and then flew to Georgia to meet with our wonderful realtor, Barbara, who helped me through 20 + houses with a "new" (to me) baby! We bought one of the very last houses we saw...nothing like a little "homeless" pressure to get you to choose a place to live!

Then it was back to Iowa to clean out, back to Indy for another short visit, then the very long car ride with Benjamin, Molly, and Sammy in the back. We had a little travel DVD player, and played Lady and the Tramp the entire 12 hour ride from Indy to Suwanee!! When we finally settled in the house, we had no furniture, so while our scared little Benjamin slept, we watched Lady and the Tramp on our laptop!

And so our journey as Benjamin's parents began. Benjamin is my very special boy. I have loved him my whole life, and as I am often quoted as saying--I could never love him more than if I had given birth to him myself. He is an extension of me. He is my very pride and my utmost joy. I love him with my whole heart, and I love to see how God will use him someday.

Now, if we could get him to quit eating his blankets...

Thank you, Jesus, for knowing better for us than we do. Thank you for the Benjamin gift we have enjoyed for 3 years. We look forward to a lifetime of Benjamin joy.

2008-12-12T19:23:00.000-05:00

Make a Smilebox greeting

My boys (and Molly) at Christmas...how cute they are!

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How do these things work?

Better yet, how do they taste? :)

Molly and Michael...hanging out on the pillow...Benjamin is too busy to pay attention!!

I love my bottle!!!

My Little Angel...

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Benjamin's Christmas program at school. What a sweet angel he makes! :)

Michael loves Christmas!!!

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Here are some pictures of Michael's first Christmas with us!!! :)

He loves the animated Snoopy and snowman that sing to him!

Terrible Tragedy in Guatemala--Please pray and help as you can!

2008-12-08T15:37:00.004-05:00

(All of the below is copied from their friends, but it is true and his incredibly close to home, as the family that Josi had been staying with were also murdered, and were closely related to our agency's attorney in Guatemala. This could have been our Michael under different circumstances...)

Last night, Carla got the phone call that terrifies every parent---her sweet, beautiful daughter, Josi, had been killed. They were close to bringing Josi home and are as heart-broken as any family can be. Josi's new birth certificate had just come through and according to Guatemalan law, she is considered their daughter and sister---but she has been their daughter and sister in their hearts for much longer than that.

We know that Josi is twirling and dancing and smiling in heaven right now without pain or hurt. She died knowing that a family loved her unconditionally and was preparing a place for her in their homes and in their hearts. What we didn't know was that Josi's Father was also preparing a place for her and she is in His arms right now. In the meantime, He needed someone with a big heart to love and care for Josi and there was no better woman for that job than Carla. She has a heart for parentless children like no one I have ever met. Please pray for Carla and her family.

Jocelyn--home with Jesus on 12/5/2008

The Azhderian Family still owe alot from the adoption of Josi. They just sent the last payment for Josi a few weeks ago of $12,800. This horrible tradgedy should never have to happen to any family and then have to end up paying for an adoption when their child will never come home to them.

If you are like me and want to do something for this sweet family and do not know what to do, here is a wonderful way to honor precious Josi. They have a chip in button on their blog you can donate any amount to in Josi's name. I am praying that God will help them not have to worry about the financial end of this with all that they are going through right now.

If you want to help me with the memorial fund for Josi please post this on your blog, or spread the word to all your adoption friends. I think together we all can show our love to Azhderian family in their time of crisis. Click on here to go to there blog. They have a chip in button on their side bar of their blog where you can give your donation.

www.azhderianfamily.blogspot.com

I know things are tight right now for everyone financially but any amount would help them I am sure. Hug your child tightly and forgo that pizza this week.

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas...

2008-12-07T20:59:00.002-05:00

Benjamin and his Christmas tree!! He is very proud of his tree...and if you notice (or even if you don't), this has become a tradition of ours--to take a picture of Benjamin next to (or underneath) the tree. This year, he has grown so much that he is half as tall as the tree!!! (No, it's not a terribly tall tree, but he has still grown quite a bit from last year!)

Benjamin decides to take a stab at being Santa...or at least an elf!

"Ok people...now you have all three of us sitting here, miserable because we either have or have had stupid items on our heads. Please stop taking pictures and let's get back to normal!!"

Benjamin loves his Sammy dog.

And, for those of you who wondered, yes, Julie and Steve CAN dress up. Please don't adjust your monitors, this is not a photoshopped picture--it is real (Ask Laura Reavis--she was our photographer!) This is us before Steve's corporate Christmas party. I have decided that I need much more comfortable shoes after last night!!! UGH! (And, thanks to my friend Becky, I purchased a top I would not have looked at twice, and Steve loved it. Thanks, Becky!)

(The conspicuous absence of Michael is due to his profound love of sleeping--we will try to get some new pictures of him up here tomorrow!)

The girls get ready for Christmas!!

2008-12-07T20:47:00.004-05:00

Every year, we do it. Every year, they hate it. It's the annual "putting on of the Santa hat and reindeer antlers for Molly and Sammy"...check out their reactions! Merry Christmas, girls! :)

They think this is cute? I look stupid. Please take these things off me!!

We are NOT happy right now!!!

Oh sure, give me a soft blanket to cuddle with and you think I will be OK with this? Are you kidding me??

PLLLLLLLLLLLLL..................!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Michael's first Thanksgiving!!

2008-12-07T20:34:00.002-05:00

Michael and Benjamin play at Nani and Papa's during Michael's first Thanksgiving weekend!

Michael plays with Uncle Brad--he loved his Uncle Brad!!!

Daddy and Michael taking a stroll around Nani's kitchen...

A close up of our baby boy...how sweet is he? :)

Michael tries on Benjamin's Indian headdress after the program at his school! He's not sure about it, though!

Benjamin's Thanksgiving program...

2008-12-07T18:52:00.002-05:00

Benjamin played an Indian at his school's Thanksgiving program. Can you believe how much has changed in the almost 3 years we have had him? Benjamin will be 4 next month--we are amazed at how God continues to bless us (even through the trials) with our little Benjamin!

Benjamin prays very hard for his meal before they are dismissed to go EAT!

Benjamin sees Daddy in the crowd!

This is Benjamin's little girlfriend, Caroline. She gave him his first kiss at this program, and his face turned all different shades of red! She told him she loved him and he told her he loved her back. (Of course, Caroline has some competition with another little girl named Gracie!)

Benjamin prepares for his program as they walk in!

We are thankful, indeed...

Michael's first birthday!

2008-10-29T14:03:00.004-05:00

Welcome to my first birthday! I'm glad you could stop by!! It's shame that most of you will miss out on spaghetti pie and cake, though! Oh well, more for me! Yipee!!!

WHEW! And this day has only JUST begun! :)

Peppermint Mocha!!!

2008-10-03T14:31:00.003-05:00

Now, I just need Jill..... :(

Michael and his family...

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Our two sweet boys...

Michael entertains Bob-Bob...

...and Grandma!

Here I am...come visit anytime! :)

Michael and Molly...and the yellow ball.

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It's the beginning of a beeeeaaauutiful friendship. :)

She loves him. :)

A day in the life of Michael...

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Doing a little light reading...

Having discussions with Molly...

Posing for a quick photo-op

Michael enjoying Benjamin's soccer game!!

Benjamin's First Soccer Game!

2008-09-18T08:53:00.005-05:00

Our big boy--going pro soon!!

Benjamin is running for the ball...kind of! And Coach Steve (that's right-Coach Steve!) is making sure he gets there!

Strategy meeting...

More strategy...

Too much strategy--must have beverage!

Benjamin is now old enough to play soccer, and guess who one of his coaches is?! That's right--Daddy!!! :) Here are some pics to enjoy!

Our Benjamin and his goofy-ness!

2008-09-18T08:53:00.004-05:00

Benjamin and Mommy (Mommy not looking her best!!)

Benjamin is afraid of the camera!

Benjamin's world is turned upside down--literally!

Goofy boy.

Benjamin and Molly pose for the camera. They love each other...see how they copy each other? This is true love! :)

BENJAMIN!! (Growing up so fast!!!)

2008-09-18T08:53:00.003-05:00

First day of pre-school...last year at pre-school! Next year, he goes to Pre-K...can you believe it?

Buddies forever--Benjamin and Molly...

Sammy, on the other hand, has to be bribed. :)

Goofy Benjamin pictures!

Problems with blogger...

2008-09-12T21:23:00.000-05:00

We are currently experiencing technical difficulties with blogger, and are not able to post pictures. Please be patient as we try to figure out why we can't post!!

Thanks!

Julie and Steve

New Friends Made and Our First Day Home...

2008-08-22T14:26:00.003-05:00

Benjamin and his friend, Roberto--whom we met in Guatemala with his family...

Michael--hanging in his stroller...

Roberto's mom, Mary Beth (my new friend!), and her daughter, Eliana--who is 3 days older than Michael, and his potential future wife (heeheehee).

Rob and Roberto--new friends complete!! We can't wait to see them again, as they live very close to "Uncle Bubba" and Auntie Jo!! Yay!!!!

At home on the couch with "my boys"!

Benjamin and Mommy comforting Molly. :)

Benjamin and his new John Deere. It's not motorized yet...but one of these days, maybe...

Michael (and Daddy in the background) in our room, hanging out for the morning news update!

Welcome Home!

2008-08-21T08:50:00.002-05:00

Michael in his new home...meeting Molly...eating at the table...and meeting his new friends in his bed! :) What a great first night!!!

Me and my little brother!

2008-08-21T08:18:00.002-05:00

While Benjamin has had a few issues with adjusting to his new brother, he is overall very happy and loves to help us with him. He loves his brother and loves to play with him. Of course, we will continue to work through some of his jealousy--but he'll figure it out! :)

Benjamin sightings!!

2008-08-21T08:10:00.001-05:00

Benjamin took some fun and goofy pictures--enjoy!! (He certainly did!)

Embassy Day!

2008-08-21T07:45:00.002-05:00

This was Embassy Day (Monday, August 18th)...so Benjamin and Michael wanted to dress alike! First; however, Michael had to pose with one of his new hats!

"Naked" Baby alert!! (diaper included)

2008-08-21T07:32:00.002-05:00

Some cute "naked" baby pictures of Michael, with a brief thought from Benjamin in the middle! :)

Benjamin and Nani love Baby Michael :)

2008-08-17T07:45:00.001-05:00

Stronger, FATTER, HEALTHIER BABY!!!

2008-08-17T07:37:00.001-05:00

Together at Last!!

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Here we are on our first day with Michael--he warmed up to all of us right away! He was exhausted from apparently not sleeping for a week due to his foster family's sorrow in losing him (he was their last foster baby)...so he slept a lot the second day! He even fell asleep in the pool with Steve holding him!!!

Benjamin loves his new brother except when I am paying attention to him. Then he gets a little jealous and starts acting up a little. We go to the Embassy tomorrow (Monday) at 7:15am (UGH) and pick up Michael's visa Tuesday. We are ready to come home already, but are very glad to be together...

More pictures to come...

FUN AT THE INDY CHILDREN'S MUSEUM

2008-07-11T15:52:00.002-05:00

Our friends, Laura, Bailey, Joel, and Cierra at the Children's Museum in Indy!!

Benjamin helped out the dinosaurs by watching their eggs...

Benjamin and Joel hang out with Curious George

and a miscellaneous squirrel!

Bailey and Benjamin have deep discussion over "ice cream".

Laura, Cierra, Joel, and Bailey, trying to maintain balance!

Joel and Bailey can't find each other!!

PLAYING AT THE PARK IN INDY...

2008-07-10T14:50:00.000-05:00

BENJAMIN GOES DOWN THE SLIDE!!

Uncle Steve (or Daddy), Aunt Julie (or Mommy), Nicholas, Sarah, and Benjamin

Mommy, Daddy, and Benjamin stop the fun for a photographic moment!

Back Home Again...in Indiana!!

2008-07-03T19:08:00.002-05:00

Steve, Julie, and Benjamin at the park

Benjamin with his cousins, Nicholas and Sarah! :)

Benjamin and "Auntie" Chele!

My cousin, Gwen, on her wedding day!!

Daddy and Benjamin at the park!

More from Guatemala...

2008-06-01T11:10:00.002-05:00

More...from Guatemala!!

2008-06-01T10:56:00.002-05:00

Good morning! Yesterday was a rough day for us here in GC...Michael slept a lot and cried a lot due to major constipation. He did sleep last night for 10 hours!!! But still no relief for him. He is in a better mood today, which is great for us! He has been smiling and laughing a lot today.

We have found; however, that he is severely behind in his gross motor skills and a little developmentally. He's still so tiny...but has definitely grown a little. He cannot sit up on his own--doesn't even try. He tries to grab things, but doesn't really care if he holds on to them. He won't eat anything other than a bottle. And, he won't hold the bottle. He evidently lies around until someone picks him up. He does NOT like any type of therapy...so he's in for a big surprise when he comes home!!!

Anyway--we are having a good time with Michael, although we miss our Benjamin and our lovies and wish we were all together. It's hard for us to believe that we come home tomorrow.

Please keep praying for Michael and for the rest of our family...we love you!

Julie, Steve, Benjamin, and Michael

Back in Guatemala...

2008-05-30T16:41:00.002-05:00

Here we are, alive and well in Guatemala! Michael is great--here are a few pictures to prove it! He loves his new "lovie" that Benjamin picked out for him--see how he holds it? He also thought (once he warmed up to us a little) that Mommy was funny and liked hanging out with Daddy...

These are a few of my favorite things...

2008-05-28T19:57:00.003-05:00

Thought you'd get a kick out of a few things you ONLY find down south...and a few things that you might find anywhere! :)

"These will be Jesus' hands someday..."

2008-05-22T17:34:00.004-05:00

Benjamin is on a new kick that has us a little concerned and curious. He has mentioned several times over the last week that "These will soon be Jesus' hands", or something to that effect...so we thought we would show you what those hands look like, in case you were wondering...

...because we are!

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Surprise! it's us!!!!!

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In case you wondered who is behind the scenes at the Pittstop--it's us!!! :) This picture was taken last weekend when we took a trip to Greenville, SC for a marriage conference, so it is about as recent as you get!!

(And yes, for those of you who have not seen us in awhile, the wrinkles and gray hair were not photoshopped in. They are real.)

Our little athlete...

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Enjoy a few pictures of Benjamin in soccer action at our local park... :)

Don't forget to hydrate...!

Benjamin's Spring Fling...

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Please pray for me to come home.

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Our Family 2008

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Just a few familial highlights...

Steve (Daddy) and Michael --Guatemala--January 2008

Steve (Daddy) and Benjamin--Summer 2007

Benjamin--Summer 2007--Smoky Mtns

Michael--March 2008--Guatemala

Benjamin--April 2008

Michael--March 2008--Guatemala (with Grandma)

Julie (Mommy) and Michael--March 2008--Guatemala

Julie--January 2008

Benjamin and Steve (Daddy)--Christmas 2007

Julie (Mommy) and Benjamin--Summer 2007

Molly Dog--anytime!

Sammy Dog--anytime

Julie (Mommy) and Benjamin--Christmas 2007

PINKING MY BLOG FOR CINDY, TRACY, AND ALEXANDRA!

2008-04-14T19:51:00.003-05:00

CINDY--HERE IS RANDOM PINKAGE FOR YOU, TRACY, AND ALEXANDRA!!! More to come shortly!!!!!! :) Enjoy!

Benjamin's friend, Joy's jacket...left at our house. Poor, little, pink jacket.

Neighbor's pink tree...

Random pink letters from Benjamin's easel...

Pink Lemonade from the fridge....

Benjamin and friends...

2008-04-14T15:54:00.003-05:00

It's been awhile since we have posted any Benjamin sightings...so thought we'd take this opportunity and focus exclusively on Benjamin! :0 ) He is growing so much and learning so much that we believe he will enter Harvard by the time he's 6! Ok, not really, but he is soooo smart (like his Daddy) and loves to sing (like his Mommy). He is also the best "pray-er" ever! He LOVES to pray--we hope this continues!!!

Benjamin turned 3 in January, and is finishing his second year of preschool. In just 2 short years, he will already be in Kindergarten--hard to imagine, huh??? He has the best sense of humor, and is the most sensitive, caring little boy you might meet. Some of his favorite words are:

"Hostible" = hospital

"Lellow" = yellow

"I do it?" = Can I help you do it, Mommy?

"What 'cha doin'?" = What 'cha doin'?

"Slamlich" = sandwich

He also believes that all coins are pennies, and that dollar bills are newspapers. :) He told someone recently that we put newspapers in his piggy bank ($3). He repeatedly tells us that if we eat poo-poo, we will go to the hostible, and that we should not do that.

He recently learned how to potty all by himself--no longer needs Mommy or Daddy to help with anything as long as there is a stool in the bathroom! He just goes in, does his thing, washes his hands, flushed, and comes out. Now if we could get rid of the night diapers.... :)

He is really strong and loves sports--especially baseball, soccer, football, and (believe it or not), golf. Gotta love my kid who loves golf!! :) He also likes to help dig in the yard, which is really good because it was Spring this weekend (it has turned back to winter for GA for the next few days) and he helped us dig a lot of rocks out of our yard! Well...he tried to help, anyway.

And, last but not least, Benjamin LOVES to talk. He does not really keep quiet--even in his sleep!! Wonder where he gets that from...hmmm....... :)

So--here are a few pictures of him with his friends Stephanie and Joy, and a few of him hamming the camera! Enjoy!!

(Are you done now, Mommy?)

You don't bring me flowers....

2008-04-11T15:34:00.002-05:00

CINDY---HERE ARE SOME BEAUTIFUL PINK FLOWERS FOR YOU...ALONG WITH A LITTLE SURPRISE AT THE END FROM BENJAMIN AND HIS FRIEND, JOY. HAVE A GOOD EVENING AND REMEMBER THAT WE LOVE YOU IN PINK TODAY!!!

I can only imagine....PINK!

2008-04-11T08:11:00.002-05:00

This is the extent of what I could find PINK in my house!!! (and one of them came yesterday in the mail) :) Imagining PINK for you, my friend Cindy, and praying PINK thoughts...

More pink to come!! ;):):):)

PINK, PINK, EVERYWHERE!!!

2008-04-10T18:56:00.002-05:00

OK--HERE IS ALL THE PINK I COULD FIND (that I'm willing to share!) FOR TODAY! :) Benjamin and I are having fun with the "find the pink" game!! :)

He has a great one for you tomorrow!!!!! Hee hee!!!

GO, CINDY, PINK, PINK, PINK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

PINK SNOOPYS FOR CINDY! 4/9/2008

2008-04-09T12:07:00.002-05:00

UNFORTUNATELY--they make EVERYTHING PINK, including poor Snoopy! You will note below, Vanna-Benjamin, displaying them for you to see! :)

Little Pink Houses for Cindy 4/9/2008

2008-04-09T07:44:00.004-05:00

Oh yes...I know where a very large PINK house is...just for Cindy!!! :)

(courtesy of my friend, Bridget, who lives in it, although she and her husband were not aware the siding was pink when they built the house until it was too late!)

So here's some more PINK for you, Cindy!!!! More to come....

New Pink for Cindy!!! 4/8/2008

2008-04-08T16:59:00.003-05:00

CINDY!!! Here's a pink tree just for you and Alexandra...still praying in pink for you!!!

Psalm 105:1 "Give thanks to the Lord, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done."

More pink to come... :)

PINK FOR CINDY 4/8/2008

2008-04-08T08:08:00.002-05:00

Cindy--here is my first PINK thought for you today...straight from God to your heart!! May God give you the desire of your heart in the form of a PINK SLIP today! :) Much love, Julie

Michael Pitts--March 2008 Update

2008-03-22T22:31:00.003-05:00

I will be 5 months old in just a few days...and here is my update:

I need more C-scans and blood tests to determine what is best for me and my long-term health. I still have a flat side to my head, and my soft spot is still not completely closed. I may still have to wear a helmet someday, although no one will tell Mommy whether or not that is true. I still don't hear well out of my left ear...if at all. I apparently have an Iron deficiency, although Mommy hasn't been able to track down how my foster family would know this and have me on Iron supplements. She's trying really hard to find out everything she can to make me well.

I still have issues with sleeping through the night, but that's because I'm still only 11.8 lbs. Thankfully, the doctor put me on cereal with my formula, and while it has caused some abdominal discomfort (big words for me!), it is helping me sleep better. That's good, because Mommy and Grandma were very tired because I wanted to stay up after I had a good bottle and diaper change!

My neck and back are getting stronger, but since I am not being forced to lie on my tummy, I don't get to work them much. I did; however, watch Mommy fall asleep while I layed on her belly in the middle of the night. When she woke up, I was right there, keeping an eye on her to make sure she was Ok. I held my head up high so she would be proud of me!

She made me do situps, too, which did not make me the happiest baby, but when she and Grandma cheered for me, I wanted to do it more!

Mommy and Daddy are not sure what will happen after I have all of my tests run over the next few weeks, but they are going to do their best to make sure I get the help I need until I can come home. Which reminds me...

I need the social worker to finish her report and turn it in so we can get into the last stage of my homecoming process, which is called PGN. Please pray for me so I can come home to Mommy, Daddy, Benjamin, and the loveys as soon as possible. I hear that Benjamin and the loveys are pretty cool, and I can't wait to meet them! And, I'm ready to sleep in my own bed so I can spread out!

By the way, I am in love with my hands and my feet. I just find them fascinating!!! And, I think my Mommy and my Grandma are soooooo funny!!! Especially Grandma. She's so goofy that she's hilarious!!

So, please pray that we will get through the Guatemalan processes quickly. My family needs me home. If you have any more questions, please ask Mommy or Daddy. They can tell you. Otherwise, I heard that Benjamin prays for me all the time, and I like that. I want to come home so I can steal his toys and pull his hair!!

Take a moment to look at my pictures...and you will see just how great I am! God made me sooo special that He gave me to Mommy and Daddy forever. It's time for forever to begin now!

Grandma, Mommy, and Me!

2008-03-22T22:21:00.002-05:00

Grandma, can we have a talk?

Grandma will never tell my secrets!!

Mommy and Me...aren't we sweet? :)

Trying to go nite-nite!

Off to the attached mall...time to have some fun!!! :)

I LOVE TO SLEEP!!!

2008-03-22T22:11:00.002-05:00

Don't be deceived...I kept Mommy awake ALMOST every night for hours!! But aren't I cute when I DO sleep?

Look at me!!!

2008-03-22T21:56:00.002-05:00

Can I help you?

I love my hand...it tastes very good!

I'm sorry...I was about to take a nap!

Hanging by the pool...oh cabana boy...where's my bottle?!

How old am I?

2008-03-22T21:49:00.002-05:00

Did you know that Peeps and Jelly Bellies can live for years and years? They may be a little hard around the edges, but they stay strong through the year tucked safely inside an Easter basket! Yes, that's right...these are leftovers from last Easter!!! (Oops...we forgot him!) Watch out Twinkies...Peeps may have an edge on you!!!!

Which One of These is NOT Like the Other?

2008-03-05T18:03:00.002-05:00

Martin the Quasi-Dog...

Sammy THE Dog...

VOTE NOW--WHICH DOG IS THE REAL DOG?

(Martin is a by-product of the marriage of Mom (Gloria) and Bob)

(Sammy is our youngest girl!!)

The Truth About Cats and Dogs...

2008-03-05T17:50:00.003-05:00

CHLOE THE CAT...

MOLLY THE DOG...

CAST YOUR VOTE NOW--WHICH IS BETTER (cat vs. dog)

AND WHICH IS PRETTIER? :)

(Chloe the Cat belongs to Michele...Molly the Dog belongs to none other than me!)

Trip to Guatemala...

2008-01-27T16:37:00.000-05:00

Michael thinks heavily while he sleeps...

SHHHH....I was speaking....

Look how long my hair is!!!

Ya gotta love a face like this...

Already a Colts fan...

Update on Michael...

Michael is a little character. The first night (Thurs), he didn't sleep ALL NIGHT LONG. At 6am, he fell asleep, and only slept for 3 hours, as we had to be at the Dr by 10am. (on top of this, Steve got food borne illness from airplane food) The rest of the day, we spent taking turns napping and trying to function with a clearly unhappy baby. He didn't cry the entire day, but he did cry a lot. We had to learn the difference between his cries for being wet/dirty and/or being hungry.

The Dr's appt went relatively well, although we still have a few concerns. We are not sure he can hear very well, so we may have him tested for that. His head is severely malformed due to his skull not closing properly, and he favors one side when he sleeps. I believe the FM lets him either lie on his back the entire time, or she carries him. I tried having him on his tummy a few times, and he REALLY hates it. So...in order for his head to get stronger (his neck muscles are not strong on one side, either), I am going to have the FM do some things differently. The dr believes his head will be fully healed by the time Michael is 6-8 months old. We are still considering having him see a specialist to determine this, but in the meantime, we have his C scans to bring home for our pediatrician to see and give us an evaluation.

Saturday was much better...he (Michael) was much happier and even smiled at us several times! We are both still EXHAUSTED...and I can't imagine if we had brought Benjamin! (Many have brought their older siblings...oh my goodness) Of course, he did not want to go to sleep last night...and actually only slept every two hours or so.

Today, he is really sick...running a fever...won't eat...all he does is sleep and cry today. Right now, Steve's holding him sleeping. We decided that we would give him back to the foster family today so he can be back in a familiar environment and get well.

Overall, it's been a good trip, just one with almost no sleep and one baby who has been thoroughly confused the entire time we've been with him. We are hopeful that the next time we see him, he will not be so nervous with us--especially since that will likely be when we bring him home.

It's going to be so hard to leave him and give him back to them tonight, but we are thankful that God has blessed us with a very good foster family. Both of us have cried today...oh, and Michael, too.

Thank you for your prayers--please continue to pray...more pictures when we return.

Julie and Steve

(More pictures below...)

Update on Michael (Jan 17, 2008)

2008-01-17T21:26:00.001-05:00

We received new pictures of Michael this week (see below), and we (Steve and I) go to visit him next Thursday through Monday. We are so excited to meet him for the first time and look forward to holding and playing with our youngest son.

We were told today by our agency that there is a slight delay in our adoption due to one piece of paperwork that has not yet been filled out or filed. This piece of paperwork can take up to 8 weeks to process, depending on the person doing it. That being said, we are scheduled to enter "Family Court" tomorrow, which is where they dissect us for the first time and also dissect the birth mother to make sure she really wants to give Michael up for adoption. The paperwork that is missing is critical to completing the Family Court process.

Second, we were given very bad news regarding Michael's health today:

"On another note, they say during the routine exam by the pediatrician he was concerned that Emanuel's fontanel was bigger then it should be at his age and his head is flat on one side. They will take him to a specialist on Friday for an exam and let us know the results ASAP."

This means that the"soft spot" on his head is bigger than they would like it to be. There are a variety of reasons as to why this might happen, and we are hoping they are able to figure it out at his doctor's appointment tomorrow. We are frustrated that we were not told before today, but are still very glad we can go and see him next week for ourselves.

Needless to say, Steve and I are worried and frustrated. Please take a look at his pictures below, and then pray...

Please pray that his health report will come back quickly, so that Steve and I can decide about getting him to Benjamin's Guatemalan doctor (who was trained in the US and is very good) when we visit next week.

Please also pray that the soft spot will be something minor, and will not cause any permanent brain damage for him. It could go either way. We ask that you pray for strength for us as we prepare for whatever the doctors determine is wrong and seek out treatment.

Above all, please know this (as we have already been asked): We ARE still adopting Michael, regardless of his health condition. He is our son, just as if I had given birth to him biologically. We will do what it takes to care for him regardless of the outcome. So please pray for our strength and our ability to handle whatever God's best is for us in this situation.

We love our youngest son and pray that you do, too. Please pray for him and for our family.

Thanks-

Julie, Steve, Benjamin, and Michael Pitts

More lovely pics of our bathroom destruction project!

2007-12-30T21:19:00.000-05:00

More pictures of the destruction of the most beautiful bathroom in the world!

(We did think about relocating the toilet to the shower...but we did reconsider.)

The bathroom is officially under destruction!

2007-12-30T21:09:00.000-05:00

Bill and Steve, destroying our beautiful bathroom. WAHOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Welcome to the Smith's!!

2007-12-20T11:49:00.000-05:00

Nicole

Uncle Steve

Aunt Paula

Breanna

and...

Tillie the Dog!

I LOVE SNOW!!!

2007-12-19T23:03:00.000-05:00

Daddy and Benjamin in the snow!!

As the Deer Panteth For the Water...

2007-12-19T22:42:00.000-05:00

...or snow, as the case may be. These deer came into the backyard in Iowa and just watched us...amazing and beautiful. This happened 3 days that we were there last week!

Snowy Iowa!

2007-12-19T17:56:00.000-05:00

Scenes from a winter wonderland....

Friendship Sometimes Requires Nametags...

2007-12-19T17:48:00.000-05:00

Here we are, my best friend from Iowa, Paula, and me at a Women's Christmas event we went to while we were back in Iowa last week visiting.

(and in case we forgot who was who, we used nametags!)

Updated Pictures of Michael!

2007-12-18T00:46:00.000-05:00

Hi everybody! It's meeeee!!!! Do you like me in the Christmas outfit my mommy picked out for me? The whale and the froggie are from my big brother, Benjamin!! Merry Christmas--I can't wait to meet all of you and I will be home very soon!!

Benjamin, Molly, Sammy, and Lamby...

2007-12-07T08:42:00.000-05:00

MY THREE...KIDS!

BENJAMIN AND SAMMY

MOLLY!

ZZZZZZZZZZZ (EXCEPT MOLLY KNOWS BETTER!)

BENJAMIN AND MOLLY!

LAMBY!!!

Elf sightings!

2007-12-07T08:22:00.001-05:00

Elfs Grandma and Bob-Bob

Elfs Grandma and Benjamin

Elf Grandma

Getting ready for Christmas...

2007-12-07T07:51:00.000-05:00

Martin is the Secret Santa...it almost looks like a mug shot! But, he is ready for Christmas with a little help from Bob-Bob!

Molly gets in the Christmas spirit, wearing HER Santa hat after she got it from Martin!

Santa Baby Benjamin!!

Benjamin thinks Christmas is HILARIOUS!

Benjamin introduces you to his Rudolph on the tree!

Benjamin just LOVES Christmas!!

Merry Christmas, Santa!

2007-12-01T15:30:00.000-05:00

Benjamin would not sit on Santa's lap, so the photographers had him sit on my lap and had Steve come around behind me. Needless to say, neither Steve nor I were planning to have our pictures taken today!!!

Of course, when we were finished eating the snacks they gave us and hanging out a little while (our realtor's office does this every year with Santa), Benjamin HAD to say goodbye to Santa.

He's still confused about the whole Santa/Jesus/Christmas correlation, but he likes lights, trees, and the Christmas music!

We drove around last night singing "Happy Birthday" to Jesus...over and over. He had a great time! :)

Anyway--our first attempt at Santa. More to come as the season begins!!

Guatemala "stuff"

2007-11-17T22:14:00.000-05:00

Hi Everybody!! Guess Who I Am??!!

For those who don't already know, I am Benjamin's little brother. Don't worry, I'm small now, but I will grow, although I hear that Benjamin is very excited about my arrival! Anyway, here is an update as to the progress on ME, as well as some other Guatemala-related stuff.

First, Mommy and Daddy have given me a name: Michael Blair Emanuel Pitts. Literally translated, it means "Of the Lord", "through the plain" "God with Us" "in the hollow".

PAPERWORK
Second, we have all of our paperwork in now. They are processing his DNA right now, and once they ascertain that he is biologically the child of the woman who gave him up for adoption, then we will move into Family Court in Guatemala, and Steve and I will be free to fly to Guatemala to meet him.

We are getting ready to send his first package (such TINY baby stuff!) to him. I only wish we could see him in his Christmas outfits...but hopefully next year we will make up for it! :)

LEGAL STUFF
As far as all the legal stuff goes, our knowledge at this point is that they moved the date to April 30, 2008 in terms of the cutoff date before we would have to be grandfathered in. We ask for your continued prayers as we strive to bring Michael home before April 30, 2008.

CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS
Speaking of Christmas, we are starting a new tradition this year in honor of our two boys, Benjamin and Michael. While Benjamin and Michael will have great Christmases this year, there are many Guatemalan families who will not even have food for Christmas dinner. It breaks my heart to know that so many of these amazing, loving, giving people will have nothing to give their kids.

If your budget allows, please go to http://www.mayanfamilies.com/ and donate $30 to give a Guatemalan family a traditional Guatemalan Christmas dinner. Here's more information for you to consider as I am reminded yet again how incredibly blessed I am...and that ALL of us are God's children. Anyway--here is the information we received that will hopefully help you understand their plight and will help you in your decision to help if you can:

Here is the rest of the information on the project:

This year we again would like to offer you the opportunity to sponsor one or more Guatemalan families with a CHRISTMAS TAMALE FOOD BASKET. We have many families, mostly single, abandoned & widowed mothers, who simply cannot afford to provide the traditional Christmas celebration meal for their family.

A tamale is a traditional indigenous food consisting of steam-cooked corn meal dough with or without a filling. Tamales can be filled with meats and sliced chillis or any preparation according to taste. The tamale is generally wrapped in a corn husk or plantain leaves before cooking, and during Christmas holidays, tamales of rice flour are a special treat for Guatemalans. The preparation time of this type of tamal is long, due to the amount of time required to cook down and thicken the rice flour base.

One food basket costs US$30 and will provide a Christmas Tamale celebration meal for a hungry and needy family of 12 or more.The food for the Christmas basket will include: A bottle of oil and 15 lbs of rice to make the tamales and a loaf of bread with which they eat the tamales at midnight 5lbs of meat 1lb of coffee a block of drinking chocolate (a traditional drink taken at midnight) raisins for the tamales, grapes, tomatos, apples and sugar leaves to wrap the tamales, cloves, pepper, sesame and pumpkin seeds. These are the requirements to make the midnight Christmas meal of Tamale.

The plastic basket that holds all the food will also have many uses in the home such stacking and washing dishes, holding food or going to the market. We started this project last year because it was brought to my attention that two children that we sponsor to go to school had been very miserable. These two children from San Jorge had no food in the house on Christmas Eve, they were crying because they would not have the traditional Christmas tamales to eat at midnight along with the drinking chocolate. At midnight they went from house to house hoping someone would give them a tamale.

It made me wonder how many other families could also not afford to celebrate Christmas, once we started looking into it, we realized there were a lot of families who would not be able to afford to buy the ingredients for their Christmas meal. So this year once again we are hoping to give out as many baskets as we can. Last year we were fortunate enough to buy, make up and distribute 215 baskets. We are happy to say that we already have 60 baskets sponsored for this year. However, we would like nothing more than to send out more baskets than in 2006.

For now, that's all we have. Please continue to pray with us.

Steve, Julie, Benjamin, Michael, Molly, and Sammy Pitts

IT'S A BOY!!!

2007-11-02T06:29:00.000-05:00

Welcome the newest member of our family--"Baby" (Emanuel) Pitts!

He was born on 10/29/2007 (this last Monday) in Guatemala. We don't have many more details than that, but we can tell you that we are excited, as is Benjamin!

We have spent the year trying to decide if this was God's direction for us, and in July we were given a very strong GREEN light through the kindness of several people. As we have continued in obedience, God has smoothed the pathways to bring Him home. When we chose disobedience (what are we doing???!! the country is closing off ALL adoptions!!), God reminded us that ALL things are possible when you serve Him, and that and we were given a portion of these verses:

James 1:4-6: "Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding ault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt..."

We were reminded very recently that we have repeatedly asked for wisdom, and we have very graciously received it. So much like when we decided to move forward with Benjamin, within 48 hours of making a decision, we received this picture.

We have not given him a name yet--his given name is Emanuel, which means "God With Us", so we have decided to keep that as part of his name. We are trying to give him a name as soon as possible so that we can call him something other than "Baby"!

Benjamin is very excited about his baby brother (although he had wanted a sister), and has been telling people all about him (as much as we know, which at this point is not much).

We are told by the agency that we should be able to bring him home sometime in May of next year, if not sooner. All will depend on the Guatemalan/US adoption controversy and what that will entail. If we are not grandfathered into the clause, then we will not be able to adopt this baby. We don't believe that to be true, and all legislation is pointing toward grandfathering us so that our adoption would not be stopped in January 2008. (For information on this, please go to www.jcics.gov)

We also realize this will catch many of you off-guard...but you may not be too surprised when you think about the journey Steve and I have been on since the beginning. We have lived a life that we would never have imagined since the day we met 8++ years ago! God has big plans for this little boy, much as He does for Benjamin, and we are just the people that God has chosen to raise this boy to be the man God needs to use for His glory.

We appreciate your continued prayers for our little one...as well as for our older one! Benjamin will be 3 in January, but he acts like he's 5!! Very smart and very fun to be with.

We are truly blessed...

Steve, Julie, Benjamin, (Baby), Molly, and Sammy Pitts

Fall in Georgia...

2007-10-27T13:53:00.001-05:00

75 and sunny...every single day. These flowers are from my flower gardens that I created down here.

Sigh. I miss the snow....

MISC BENJAMIN SITINGS

2007-10-27T11:26:00.001-05:00

Here are a few miscellaneous "Benjamin-sitings" over the last few years in GA--enjoy!!

Happy Birthday, Gloria!!

2007-10-27T11:13:00.001-05:00

65 years old and still going strong!! She was so surprised at the 35 or so people who turned out for the great occasion surrounding her 65 years of life!

What do you think they put in the dip?

2007-10-26T13:26:00.000-05:00

Ellen (Gloria's realtor) and Gayla (Gloria's sister) are discussing the different ingredients in the food and trying to determine which foods are better than others...

OK--maybe not. Gayla--Gloria's best surprise for her birthday!

Good times were had by all...

2007-10-26T13:18:00.000-05:00

Benjamin, Bridget, and Alexander--enjoying the party and food...even though Benjamin is ready to RUN!

Who did it?

2007-10-26T13:16:00.000-05:00

Gloria's beautiful birthday cake, with a little QA check courtesy of...BENJAMIN! He wanted to make sure his grandma's cake tasted good enough for her. Let us assure you that it did!

Birthdays are very serious business.

2007-10-26T13:11:00.000-05:00

Gloria and Becky discuss who is to blame for the surprise party. Neither will take responsibility!

I know the answer.

2007-10-26T13:06:00.000-05:00

Gloria at her 65th surprise birthday party--raising her hand to answer a question...or maybe it was just that she did not want her picture taken???

I don't WANT to go to bed!

2007-10-26T13:01:00.000-05:00

Sometimes, the sidewalk seems so much more comfy than your own bed. NOT!

Benjamin decided to take a break from playing too hard and he and Lamby laid down on the ground for a short rest!

One Big(?) Happy Family

2007-10-26T12:57:00.001-05:00

Aren't we cute? It's our summer look...courtesy of a whirlwind trip we took to Florida. This is "Benjamin's Family"

I'm so HAPPY!!!!

2007-10-26T12:54:00.000-05:00

Here he is, ladies and gentlemen...the man...the one...the only...

STEVE PITTS!!!

Smiling his "perma-grin" smile!

Surprise...it's ME!

2007-10-26T12:49:00.000-05:00

Benjamin and Mommy having a little hide and go seek fun....

A day in the life...

2007-08-25T14:22:00.000-05:00

Molly dog, resting after a long, hard, day of chasing Benjamin (or was it the other way around?).

Who says dogs don't laugh...look at her!

Better yet, who says they don't have a sense of humor? Here she is, sticking her tongue out at someone!

Dear God, I promise to be a good boy if you will please let me help Mommy mow the grass.

Thanks, God! :)

Back Home Again...

2007-08-25T14:15:00.000-05:00

Aunt Marilyn's flowers--from her farm in Indiana...

Aunt Marilyn's hummingbird flower...

A tribute to my Uncle Bob, who left us to be with Jesus on July 17, 2007.

Down on the Farm...

2007-08-25T14:04:00.000-05:00

My Uncle Lowell, on my Uncle Bob's tractor, mowing down some very, very tall grass. (You can take the farm boy out of Indiana, but you can't take Indiana out of the farm boy!)

Uncle Lowell's trademark--his pipe!

Mommy and Me

2007-08-24T08:31:00.000-05:00

A little Saturday morning Benjamin and Mommy time (taken by Mommy)...ignore the big, ugly one...pay attention to the cute, short one!

I LOVE MY MOMMY!!

Benjamin doesn't seem to care about my heart-felt discussion about his milk-drinking habits!

Benjamin goes to work (Part 1)

2007-08-24T08:14:00.000-05:00

Benjamin's adventures in fixing the floor--or Daddy. He may have a future in construction? Maybe construction of the heart...but he LOVES his "tools". :) Watch out Home Depot--your youngest worker is coming!!

In case you didn't know his last name--our dear friends in England, Danielle and Joel Wilson, made sure of this with this great shirt they sent.
Plus, it's important to know the name of the person fixing your floors!

Hard at work, he takes a moment to "fix" Daddy!

"I love my job!"
(and aren't I cute?)

Benjamin goes to work (part 2)

2007-08-24T07:58:00.000-05:00

The floor needs fixing...miniature future Home Depot person...

How may I help you?

Aren't I cute? Look at how well I fix the floor!!!

How do you use snow shovels in Georgia?

2007-08-23T16:08:00.000-05:00

As demonstrated by the lovely Steve, you can see that snow shovels do indeed have a very good purpose in Georgia! (scooping grass from mowing) :)

Welcome to Our World!!!!

2007-06-18T20:05:00.000-05:00

Hi! I'm Molly, and I'm so glad you joined me today. I'm here to take you on a tour of our blogsite...and all that has been going on over the last several months. Sorry it's taken so long to get back on here...Mama's been very busy and Daddy doesn't know how to do this. Benjamin...well...Mama keeps him away from the computer as much as possible.

I think Sammy and I could figure it out if they would just leave it on when they are gone!!!

Note my smile and wagging tail (a little blurry)--I'm happy to see you and hope to see you in person soon (you know who you are!)

Proud "Aunt" Julie!

2007-06-18T19:54:00.000-05:00

Holding Miss Lucy Kamille Springer, Sally's new little bebe, just moments after she was born!! How lucky are we??

New!

2007-06-18T19:52:00.000-05:00

Lucy Kamille Springer--Sally's new, sweet, precious daughter.

Welcome to the World as we know it, Miss Lucy!

Safe!

2007-06-18T19:50:00.000-05:00

Brody says "Safe!" after his baby sister, Lucy was born!!