Tuesday, August 26th, 2008
Thank you! Hi All - First let me thank everyone in the humzoo family for your loving comments over the last few weeks with the arrival of baby Charlotte. It was a long road but I would not trade it for the world. I have learned alot about the inner strength that I have - I knew I had - I just had to reach inside and pull it out again alot sooner than I thought I would.

That being said - my dear sweet wonderful husband, Travis, is without a doubt a blessing and a godsend to my life and to Caroline and Charlotte's life - as well as my dysfunctionally functional family - he has care for me in such a deep and loving way and has reminded me that there truly is unconditonal love out there - he is incredible and I am so grateful he is the father of Caroline and Charlotte - yes I said Caroline too because he is truly what a father should be to her - a role model - a daddy - a friend - a leader - a mentor - a giver - a protector - and someone that loves her above himself in every way. (plays barbies, colors pictures, watches the cars movie a thousand times, helps her with reading and math - which mommy lost brain cells from the pregnancy so math is out the window at the moment (at least that is my excuse:)) - paints her bathroom blue and pastes a big huge whale on the wall - you know the usual fatherly fun stuff)

My family - oh yes I said dysfunctionally functional - we are the epitome of those words - but I would not have it any other way - it makes us strong - when one is weak the other stands taller to hold that member up - we are not perfect - but I think we have come to realize we are who we are - and just accept each other as that - the love that I have from my big brood of a family is indescribable - they have been through alot over the past 5 years but we all realize it could have been worse - there are people in this world who have no food, clothing, freedom to speak their minds, blog on humzoo, so much we have - and I think my family through it all has realized this - basically my family rocks! even if they get on my nerves and I am an emotional "b" - they have been there for me and it is overwhelming at times to think about - I thank God for them everyday. They pulled me through a nasty divorce and nursing school all within two years and help me rebuild my life and most importantly my spirit - I remember the day my mom said to my dad - she got her smile back - and I truly had. Thank you to my mom - for always being there to wipe the tears- you are my rock, my dad for teaching me to forgive and love you for who you are and always coming to my rescue no matter what and being a great Papa to the grandkids, my richard - prince charming, my bird -a southern gal true and through, my big brother Matt - my protector and one of the best men I know, my brother in law Matt -my peaceful spirit, my little sis Sarah - my soulmate and my angel and a glorious present to all who know her, my jo - my friend and mommy buddy, my niece Sarah - kind in every way and beautiful through and through, my Davis - my buddy, my Lala and my Gavin - sunshines, my girlfriends Colleen, Kellie, Catherine - lights in my life - my Lynlee, Emma and Chris - amazing, genuine and loving, my Fletcher, Talina, Alex and Spring - new brothers and sisters who I love so much in such a short time you have become so dear - and so many other friends and family - my aunts, cousins, uncles, the Rogers family (your open arms for Caroline and I)- I could go on and on...thank you

My dearest Caroline - my love of my life - I have always said the way I love you is the way God must love his children - it is the deepest love I have and will ever know - you are so incredible - your smile, your laughter, your comedic relief, your hugs and kisses, your intelligience, your brilliance and zest for life - your love of family, friends, animals - WHALES - beautiful butterflies to brown plain little moths - your love is all encompassing and amazing - you are a role model to everyone who meets you - you are a grand big sister for Charlotte - she is so blessed to have you in her life - I love you my princess...

Charlotte - my sweet pea - my little one - your name is a derivative of Caroline and we felt it fitting that you had a part of her in your name - Noelle means Christmas - there was a time in my life that Christmas meant more than just a holiday - it was family - and memories - and beauty and majesty and a spirit of love - no matter what people believe - it is the epitome of love and humanity - and giving just to see a smile - I lost that for several years - it was taken from me - I have found it again in Caroline and Travis and now with you - you are the hope of life to be - the love and spirit that I hope this world can regain - I love you and cannot ever convey the feelings you and Caroline bring to my heart - it is immeasurable.

I love you my sweets - my family - thank you will never be enough...
Laurie