The Growing Family

Shannon admiring Deb's growing belly
The lovely event
WOW! A beautiful quilt!

Higher and Higher

Henry has taken to the backpack so Shannon and I are trying to get out and high above as much as possible. This past weekend we ventured up Gold Hill with our new friend Scott and then took to the steeper terrain on Sunday up Mickinick Trail. The change of scenery was welcome for everyone -- and our legs are stronger for it!

Every day we seem to love this little guy more -- this falling in love process is certainly taking us both by surprise again and again!

Considering Henry at 9 Months

Eating his first matzoh ball from his auntie Deb, loving bath time, talking up a storm (even to the plants), pulling up on everything (and walking any day now...) -- Henry is simply a wonder to behold!

Spring Considerations

On our recent trip to Seattle, we enjoyed time with friends, flowers and the beauty of the Emerald City. Henry loved seeing all his aunties and cousins and his moms loved being surrounded by our loving friends!

Henry flashing his big smile!

Tammy gettin' some nugglin'

Henry has taken to eating everything in his path!
Di and Hen enjoy a moment.
Purple Grandma's gang.
Fairy kisses in the flowers!
Great time with Lara & Melissa (Henry got his first matchbox car and LOVES it!)

Colorful Considerations

"Look everyone! I can stand & play & laugh & make my moms laugh too! " Llife is pretty great when you get to dress up in brilliant colors awaiting the advent of Spring!

Desert Considerations

A lovely long weekend in Palm Springs with the family...we had the pleasure of seeing our great uncle Herbie and his new girlfriend Gloria who hosted a cocktail party with extended family I had not seen in decades! Would that I would have thought to bring the video camera -- Woody Allen, you got nothing on this family!!!

90 degrees, open blue skies, lazy days at the pool, surrounded by loving family -- we were pretty blessed! And Henry got a few more swim lessons, as well as fine tutelage on balls, fruit tress and killer ants from his cousins.

The Delights of a Child

Henry really wants to be a kitty...
Henry and Momma Shannon nugglin'...
"Check it out, I am learning to pull up to standing!"
Deep thoughts...

Grape Considerations

Purple Gramma gave Henry his first grape-eating contraption and he loves it!

Anne Geddes or What?

OK, so perhaps we cannot rival the Geddes fame...but our boy

sure enjoyed posing for these portraits! We call it the "White Trash Geddes Boy" display.

Leavenworth, Friends & Fun!

Carla turned the BIG 40 and the galz gathered in Leavenworth to celebrate! Karen and Anne hosted us in their splendid new house, Henry went on his first major snowshoe (upon Diana's back), all the aunties loved up on the boy and Carla got her new camera!!!

Bagel Boy

It is everything a Jewish mom can imagine...her baby boy indulging in his very first bagel!!! And loving it!

Considering Cousins

Jack, Noah, Chapel and Watson are beginning to embrace their cousin Henry now that he can interact with them. Jack loves to dance for Henry, Noah and Chapel like him to sit on their laps and Watson loves to say, "Baby Henry, Baby Henry!"

Documenting History

For the record...some photos of our historic moment:

Before we knew the judgement and anxious we'd never get in the court room...


Judge Buchanan says, "YES!"


Lots and lots of Momma Love

Gratitude for the Judge

We encourage everyone to write letters to the judge!

Dear Honorable Buchanan,

It is with extreme appreciation that we write to express our gratitude for your ruling in support of Henry’s adoption. We understand the complexity of such a decision in an environment such as Bonner County and we commend you for the courage and integrity you demonstrated in ruling on our behalf. Too often, people in positions of influence succumb to the political pressures of their peers or to fears of future retribution; you did not. You took a stand on what is in Henry’s best interest and what is, as we strongly believe, the “right thing to do.”

Out of respect for your desire to maintain relative privacy about your ruling, we have kept the news close to home. But please know that come time for your re-election, we will galvanize the entire forces of our social and professional networks behind you!

Thank you again for helping solidify the legal security of our family unit. May other judges around the nation learn from your leadership.

All the best,
Diana, Shannon and Henry

Ding, Dong, the Witch is...Outta Here!

For those who have followed my work-life drama, you will know that my boss for the past year has been very, very difficult (if not truly crazy-making) and today she was let go!!! Ah, justice seems to abound these days! Obama, Judge Buchanan and now this...

Floridian Considerations

Four Generations of Barnes
Balmy Beach Days at the Atlantic Ocean
GG and the gang
Henry at his finest!

Happy times in Ft. Lauderdale with GG (Great Grandma) Barnes! Henry was delighted to meet his snappy GG, the woman who was married to his namesake, Henry Barnes the first, for many years. The weather was balmy, the conversation vibrant and Henry decided it was high time to crawl! The fun has just begun!

WE DID IT!!!

Defying all Idahoian odds, Judge Buchanan accepted our petition for Shannon to adopt Henry! It may be at great cost to her professional endeavors, but the judge did the "right thing" and made everyone very happy! When it comes time for re-election, we are on her side!

Thanks to everyone who helped write letters of support and sent positive energy our way! There is hope for Northern Idaho!