1st Baseball Game

Thursday, July 2, 2009
Dear Max,
It has been a whirlwind week. After celebrating your sealing and blessing last weekend, we were back to work on Monday, preparing to leave town again on Friday to go up to Salt Lake for the 4th of July and Natalie's blessing. But before we could leave on Friday we first had to kick off the festivities by attending a 51's baseball game tonight. We went with your Aunt Andrea and 17 others from daddy's work. We decided to go late, cause they were doing fireworks after the game and we were truly more interested in the fireworks than the game and we were not sure how you would "hold up" I really think we should give you more credit - cause as usual - you loved it! As soon as we showed up to the game everyone wanted to hold you. You were passed around and given lot's of love. The 51's won, which I guess is unusual for them, so maybe we were their good luck charms. After the game, the lights went out and the fireworks began. I was concerned on how you would handle the fireworks, but you loved them. You just layed back in your dads arms and watch the show. I was super sad - cause we carried the camera all the way to the game and then realized that we had a dead battery. So unfortunately we do not have any pictures to document this occasion. After the fireworks we started to walk back to our car. Your aunt Andrea had this "great" idea to go around the back part of the stadium to avoid the crowds. Well, it seemed like a good idea at the time, until we realized that the parking lot that we wanted to cut through was closed and we would need to walk outside the park on the street. Now, the stadium is not in the best neighborhood. And by the time we were out of the fenced area we were surrounded by what is known as "tent city". This is an area of town that the homeless live in and pitch their tents to sleep at night. None of us talked, we just kept walking. You in your stroller, I was pushing your stroller, with your daddy on one side of you and your aunt Andrea on the other. I had a constant prayer in my heart, as I'm sure your Daddy and Aunt Andrea did too. We just all focused on getting out as fast as we could. It's hard to explain, cause I was scared, but I felt safe at the same time. I must say that I feel protected when I'm around you. I'm not ignorant to the fact that you can be hurt and must be kept in safety, but I have such a strong belief that you are here for a reason and that you fought so hard to be here today that I feel protected with you. We made it through "tent city" and only when we were in the safety of our vehicle did the teasing commence. Like we said... It seemed like a good idea at the time.

Sealed for Eternity

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Dear Max,

What a day! We have been looking forward to today with such anticipation and to finally have the day arrived almost seemed surreal. Your daddy and I (well, maybe more me) have been planning, planning and planning your special day. From invitations to family and friends, to your special sealing and blessing outfit and of course the food. And to see the day that we have always in vision unfold better than we ever expected - it was so fun.

It's a different tasks finding a blessing outfit for a baby that is 7 months old. Typically babies are blessed when they are about 2 months old. And you of course, you are an over achiever so let's just say we were on the hunt for blessing outfits in the 18 month size range. Which does limit our options. But with much perseverance the perfect outfit was found. The next challenge was ensuring that it would still fit by the very important day. And when the sealing date was pushed back by a week, the panic set in. I tried your outfit on you every day (is it wrong to have a 7 month old on a diet?)... And the fateful day finally arrived and guess what... It still fit! You were adorable!!

Your Auntie Emilie made your announcements for us. They were so cute. I saved a copy of them for you - this one has the wrong date on it... but it's a fun reminder of how crazed we were changing all the plans from the 20th to the 27th.

Grammie and I spent many hours on the phone coordinating center pieces, food and decor. We had so much fun working together on this. I kept saying to your Grammie, "How will I ever repay you for all of your work?" You know Grammie she just said, "It's what I do, and I love you!" You and I are so lucky to have an amazing and talented Mom and Grammie.

Now you know that only crazy things happen to us... well, we had some bumps in the road on our preparation of your sealing day, but by far the largest scare came at 1:30 pm on Saturday as your Daddy, you and I were getting ready to go to the Temple. We needed arrive at 2:20 pm.

Grammie knocked on the door and said

"The Temple is on the phone and they are saying that we are 20 minutes late?"

"WHAT??? Are you kidding me?" I grabbed the phone from Grammie and the lady on the phone kept saying,

"You're suppose to be here at 1:00 pm!"

"I started to cry... NO! We have all our family and friends coming at 3:20 pm - their is no way we could ever get there in time!" I asked if the East Sealing room was available at 3:20 pm - she said no that their was another sealing taking place at that time. I couldn't believe it. All this planning and preparation. What were we going to do??

The sweet little lady then says "Your the Baxter's Right?" Are you kidding me? She called the wrong family! I'm telling you - my heart can't take that kind of excitement. I'm too old for this! The sealing that was taking place in the East room at 3:20... it was us!

Grampie was sweet enough to give your daddy and I father's blessings before we left for the temple. We arrived at the Temple at 2:20 pm an hour before our sealing at 3:20 pm. It was surreal walking into the temple with you. Already friends and family had started showing up. It was fun to see them all there and they were so excited to see you. You went into the Nursery with Grammie and Daddy and I went to get ready. As we sat in a different sealing room waiting we were both overwhelmed with the emotion of being there in the temple with you. We talked about how our desire to create an eternal family was finally starting. We talked about how a little more than 10 years ago we sat in that same sealing room waiting to get married and the excitement of that time. And now here we are 10 years later with a greater excitement and love than either thought possible. President Gray Larkin came in and talked with us. President Larkin is such a sweet man and he performed our sealing. He was thrilled to be asked, because he is the adoptive father of 3! We have similar stories in that he and his wife were also married for 10 years before they adopted their first, which were twin boys. Their twin boys were born sick, just like you, and had to have some extra special care, and just like you turned into healthy little dudes. It was special to share our story with him and for him to share his.

We left the sealing room and went upstairs to the East Sealing room. This is the same room that your daddy and I were married in, which is the same room that Grampie and Grammie were married in, which is the same room that Great Grandma and Grandpa Snow were married in. To have you in this room with us! Oh I'm crying thinking about it. We waited as our friends and family joined us and your Grammie brought you in. You were so handsome and happy. I will never forget your face that day. And you became ours for all eternity. Oh - Max, I love you so much!

After we left the temple we took some family pictures around the temple grounds. It was so fun to enjoy the time with family around the temple and to know that our great friends were preparing for our arrival back at Grammie's and Grampie's church house.

Shortly after we arrived at the church house (Daddy, you and I stopped at Frost Stop for a big Fresh Lime... we were dying of thirst! Summer in St. George... HOT!) we all met in the Relief Society Room. Grampie conducted and gave a prayer and Grammie led us in singing Families are Forever, while Jaden played the piano. Daddy gave you a name and a blessing. You had definitely had a long day already and you were not happy about leaving your mommy. Which made me feel nice - however, Daddy was trying to talk over your crying, which made for a great memory! Poor Daddy - however, he did such a great job! Standing in the circle with Daddy was, Grampie, Uncle Geary, Bishop Hinrichsen, Uncle Dennis, Peter Ballantyne and Jaden Cox.

After that we all got ready to move into the cultural hall for dinner. But Grampie had a surprise for our family! He asked for everyone to wait and Grampie told us that he had written a book for you. He wrote you a book called the Fireman and Noah. I'm sure you've read it a million times by the time your reading this. And so you already know how special this book is. But, Max, it literally took my breath away that your Grampie took the time and was inspired to write a book especially for you to help you understand and cherish a part of your story. And as if the words were not enough, Grampie asked your Auntie Sherlene to illustrate your story. Your precious story put into words and illustrations for you by people who love you so much. As a mother I can not think of something more that could fill my heart. I'm so touched by the thoughtfulness. I have promised Grampie that I will find your guardian angel fireman. Daddy and I have said a thousand times how we regret letting him leave that day without getting his name or information. I know we will find him and Grampie has made a copy of the book for him too - and I look forward to sharing with him Grampie's book.

We then moved into the cultural hall and enjoyed visiting and eating with the friends and family who shared our special day with us. Max, we are so fortunate to have such amazing family and friends. They continually show their love and support for our family. We are blessed and we love them all so much.

Max, this day has been amazing! I want you to know that you are loved. I never want you to doubt how much you are loved. Daddy and I prayed, waited and starting loving you before you ever arrived. But when you finally did - it was amazing how our love for you grew. You have opened a part of our hearts that we didn't even know we had. Thank you for finding us!

Our Family

With Grammie and Grampie



Uncle Geary, Natalie, Daniel and Aunt Jali

My Cousins

The Boys

Families are Forever

Uncle Dennis, Uncle Geary, Bishop, Daddy, Grampie, Jaden and Peter

Sign in Table



Center Pieces

Yummy Food

Even more yummy food

Personalized Cup Cakes...

For Max!

You're a Trenholm!

Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Dear Max,
Today was another day that your daddy and I have waited and waited for. What a day! I don't think your daddy and I have stopped smiling this entire day. You are officially a Trenholm! We woke up early this morning and got all dressed up for our big day at court in front of the judge. We arrived right on time, Ruth was already there waiting for us. Which was so nice to have her there and know we were in the right place. The Marshal came out of the court room and said that the judge had 4 adoptions that day! It was so fun to wait in the hall way with 3 other families that were all just as excited to be there as we were. Our Attorney (who is also our Stake President) was actually the attorney on 3 of the 4 adoptions. As soon as he got there they called in the first family... Guess what, not all of their family had arrived yet... So we got to go first! Now, you know that I'm a firm believer in everything happening for a reason. While this may seem small that we got to go first... it was actually HUGE. You see, 9:00 am, our court time, is actually your nap time. As we drove down to the court house I kept praying you would fall asleep so you would get a little bit of a nap before we had to go into the court house. Well, you were just so excited about our big adventure that you just talked and talked and talked all the way to the court house, well, til we got about 1 block from the court house and then you fell asleep. So you got about a 2 minute nap before we had to go inside the court house. So your daddy and I were definitely on high alert for what we call "critical melt down." You are such a good baby - but every baby has their moment and yours we knew was just around the corner. So us getting called into the court room first was divine intervention. You were so happy and an absolute hit with the judge, marshal and the court clerk (she volunteered to baby sit anytime - hows that for a court visit, get your adoption finalized, find a babysitter). They swore your daddy and I in and asked us a few questions and then the judge said the sweetest words I've heard in a long time: "Max Charles Trenholm is legally the child of Anthony Joseph Trenholm and Danell Trenholm" You are ours! You've always been ours, but you are "legally" ours. The judge actually said we couldn't give you back and he was serious. We thought... "I don't think you've met Max?" We were lucky enough to share this day with Grammie and Grampie, Aunt Kathy and Auntie Andrea. They were all so thrilled to be there and support our family. We are so blessed to have such an amazing support team around us. Max we love you so much and feel honored to be your parents. We know that you are here for a reason. I want you to know that we know how hard you fought to be in this world and I want you to know that your daddy and I fought hard for you too. We were not always as patient as we could have been, but sharing moments like this build my faith and strength. By the way "critical melt down" hit about 15 minutes after we left the court room. Perfect Timing! We love you Max!

We are all in our seats... let's get started!

Signing the papers

Getting sworn in

Answering a few questions

Judge Pollock making it official

Todd (our attorney) congratulating you on your new status!



Our Family with Judge Pollock


Our Family with Todd (attorney) and Ruth (case worker)
These are the people that helped us - we are forever
grateful to both Todd and Ruth!


With Grammie, Grampie and Aunt Kathy



We have one happy judge and court clerk!


Auntie Andrea was our technical supervisor in the court room
so it wasn't until after the court room did we
get your official picture with Auntie Andrea
(by the way this is when "critical melt down started")



Three Generations
Grammie's grew in the heart of Grandma Grace and Grandpa Snow
Daddy grew in the heart Grandma Trenholm and Grandpa Charlie
And you grew in our hearts!

Happy Daddy Day!

Sunday, June 21, 2009
Dear Max,
Today your daddy celebrated his first fathers day. He started the day waking up to the gift that you and Cooper (with mommy's help) made for your daddy. We took your pictures to tell daddy how much you love him. He loved it!! You also made him a card (again with help from mommy).

And amazingly enough this weekend you said your first word. Well, your first babbling that had some sort of distinguishable word... and what was the word? That's right! DADDA! How appropriate. Your first word is Dadda on Father's Day weekend. This was better than any gift you could ever give your Daddy. He is so proud of you!! And loves you so much!

So if that wasn't enough for your Daddy to celebrate. During his father's day dinner he was helping you eat and guess what he found... your first tooth has broke skin and is coming through!!!! It is on the bottom front. You just kept giving your daddy all sorts of fun "gifts" this Father's Day weekend! I've tried to take a picture of your tooth - but you barely let us put our fingers in your mouth to feel it so trying to take photo documentation is pretty much impossible. You will just have to go with it as I'm sure by the time your reading this you'll have a full mouth of teeth! However, I will keep trying to get a picture.

Max, I'm sure you recognize this. Yup, it's your piggy bank. Your daddy and I got this piggy bank for you shortly after we brought you home. Your daddy was very insistent on you having your own piggy bank. So, we put it on your shelf and as far as I have been concerned this is where it has sat. The other day I was cleaning your room and dusting the shelves in your room and picked up your piggy bank. Guess what, it was heavy! I could hear and feel that their was a chunk of change in your piggy bank. I knew I hadn't put anything in there...and then I realized, your daddy has been filling your piggy bank! Each day when he comes home and goes up stairs to change into his comfy clothes he goes into your room and takes the change from his pocket and fills your piggy bank. Now - it's not about the money that is in the bank. It is the thoughtfulness of your daddy. He loves you so much and has so many hopes and dreams for you. The tender prayers he says each night on your behalf touch my heart. You are very blessed to have a daddy like him. He has waited so long to be a daddy and you have filled his heart in so many ways. I have seen a new side to your daddy since you arrived. He loves spending time with you, making you laugh and being his buddy. He is so proud. Everywhere we go people say how much you look like your daddy. It is so fun to see your daddy's face light up. Max, I look at you and your daddy together and I know with out a shadow of doubt that you are meant to be in our family, I know that our Heavenly Father knows our family and carefully prepared each individual in our story to create our Family. We love you Max!

Daddy and Max on Father's Day

Max on Father's Day

A Day with Daddy

Thursday, June 18, 2009
Dear Max,
Today you celebrated your 7 month birthday. I can't believe you are already 7 months old. You are growing so much and roll all over. We place you on one side of the family room and come back a few moments later and you have rolled to the other side. You love talking and have taken a sudden love to high pitch screaming. You are always so excited for bed time, bath time, dinner time, play time, nap time, story time. Really your just happy about any sort of time! Today you celebrated by spending a special day with daddy. You and daddy went up to St. George for the day to see your Aunt Kathy and your Grammies and Grampie. As soon as you got to St. George you picked up your Aunt Kathy and then went over to Grammie and Grampie's to say hello. After a little visit there (and a new teething toy - thanks Grammie) you went out to lunch. Daddy and Aunt Kathy took you to a Brazilian Steak House. The kind of place that they bring a bunch of meat and carve it at your table. You ate peas (sorry). After lunch you went to see your Grandma Trenholm. She was so excited to see you. Your daddy said that as soon as your daddy walked you in the room all the residents starting saying... "Emily, look it's your Grandson!" They all recognize you now and love to see you. They all think you are adorable (which you are!). After your visit with Grandma Trenholm you and daddy went to get big boy hair cuts. Now - your daddy is really good to take you on a little day trip, he remembered food, diapers, toys and treats. However he forgot your Bumbo chair, which is the best to use for hair cuts. So this time you sat in your daddy's lap while Auntie Julie cut your hair. It was so fun to see you after your hair cut! You look like a different little boy. I'm so glad you got to spend the day with your daddy. He loves you so much and takes such good care of you. Here are some pictures from your adventure! We love you Max!!

This is a great way to start a Road Trip with your Daddy!



Lunch at the Brazilian Steak House


I hope you enjoyed your steak dad... The peas were just all right

THIRD HAIR CUT

This is not how I remember this going?

Easy goes it Auntie Julie...


Sorry Auntie Julie... I know this is the third time we
have done this... but I still get so nervous!


Wow - Don't we look good?

Visiting with my Grandma Trenholm!
I sure do love her!!!
(sorry for the blurry picture... not sure what happened?)

Grandma's have the best hands! I remember as a little girl
always looking and feeling my Grandma Grace's hands and arms.
I loved the way the looked and felt. I would tell her they looked like
yummy loaves of home made bread!

We are on our way home...
Thanks for a fun day daddy!

Look who I share an office with now...

Sunday, June 14, 2009
Dear Max,
Hi Max! It's been a busy week. Monday we found out that your court date is being pushed back a week. At first we were so upset, we are so anxious to have your adoption finalized. But then we understand that all things happen for a reason. And the finalization date will now be Tuesday, June 23rd. Just one more week and a couple of days! We have also spent the week getting ready for your sealing day. On Wednesday night your daddy was typing up address label's on the computer. You have such a love for technology of all sorts. You are fascinated by cell phones, remote controls and especially the computer. So daddy hooked you up and brought out your lap top and set up an office right next to his. You two are a great team. You would make great office mates some day!

You are loving being able to sit up on your own and this week has marked your inaugural trip in the shopping cart. It is a lot more fun than sitting in the car seat! And your first shopping cart adventure was to... THE DOLLAR STORE. I love that place!

Another milestone this week was getting your big boy car seat installed. This too has opened up a whole new world. You love looking out the window and have lot's to say to all the car's that pass by. It's so fun being your parents. We love you so much and are so glad that you are in our family.

K-Dad I'm trying to keep up... 75 words per minute!

It's a good thing I'm here to help! This would
have taken my daddy all night!




Sitting in the shopping cart



I'm not so sure about this...


Wait... I like this!

Dear Max -
On Tuesday Grampie got some great news, as you know, Grampie has been sick with the big C. But on Tuesday we found out that his counts have gone down and the radiation treatment has been working like a charm. YEAH! That is great news. Grampie will continue to go in for check up's every 6 months. But so glad we will have a healthy Grampie!  I love you Max!


Love,

Mom