Our Family

IMG_1802It has to begin somewhere…
Michael and I met through San Diego Volleyball club.  My youngest sister, was a player for Michael for the 2005/2006 season.  Being the supportive big sister (aka – had no life) that I was I attended most of her volleyball practices and games.  I watched Michael from the sidelines… I also watched my sister!  After almost a whole year of “collecting” information on Michael I decided that I would attend the SDVBC’s annual casino night fundraiser, knowing that Michael would be there.  One evening at practice, I had mentioned that I was going to be attending the upcoming Casino Night and Michael made a comment about my age, and not being sure if I could attend.  I had to inform him that I was over 21 years old and that I would be there.
May 13th, 2006 was the beginning of a casual courting.  Not wanting to have other players or parents assume that my sister was getting more playtime due to our budding relationship we kept our interactions email based.
On June 16, 2006 Michael and I went on our first date.  When Michael arrived to the table for our date he simply stated that, he was at a time in his life where he wanted to get married and have kids.  I appreciated his straightforward approach and we continued our evening.  We spent hours chatting – we even closed the restaurant that we had met at and continued our chatting in the parking lot.  I remember that when I came home from that date, my mom was of course waiting up for me and asked, “So?”  I simply said, “He will be around for a while.”  Little did I know that, that first date would be my last fist date.
In September our fate was sealed.  With the news of a baby on its way, Michael said that he wanted to commit to me, to our baby and become a family.  We were engaged the end of September and began planning our wedding.
On November 12, 2007 in a small vineyard in Escondido, California, Michael Kulow and Andrea Potter said “I do” in front of ninety friends and family. Thus began the journey of becoming best friends, parents, and a family!
Michael and I lived in San Diego until July of 2008 when we relocated our family to Littleton, Colorado.  California was my home, where I grew up and where my family still resides – but the move to Colorado has proved to be the best thing for our marriage, our family and an every day blessing.

“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.”
3 John 1:4

Big Brother

IMG_4215God will strengthen
Who is like God
was born in April 2007
Since the moment I discovered that I was pregnant with this little miracle I felt like the most blessed woman.  Although Michael and I were not married at the time we discovered we were to be parents, we both felt like it was a miracle not to be denied.  I have this little blessing to thank for making Michael and I the family we are today.  His arrival quite simply began the “Never Dull” life.
Big Brother’s arrival was earlier than anticipated at 36 weeks gestation.  Being early to his own due date… yep, that is my first born.  He is a punctual child that loves routines.  He is the map holder at amusement parks.  He is the boss man when daddy is not home.  He is a gentle spirit that loves to snuggle with his mommy.  He is a leader.  He loves to have fun, lots of fun.  He has personality galore.  He tells it how it is.  It is my earnest prayer that God will use Big Brother in a mighty way, with such leadership qualities I know God has big plans for my little man!

Middle Brother

IMG_4222My Messenger
Little Rock
was born in April 2009
Middle Brother was named after my Grandpa, and although we did not know what Middle Brother’s personality was like when we named him I see a lot of similarities to my grandpa. To which my heart is warmed that maybe Middle Brother will become a great man just like my grandpa.
Middle Brother is a quiet observer.  He is attuned to his emotions.  He likes quiet time and will often seek out a comfy spot to curl up in to be alone with his thoughts.  He enjoys being outside, whether it be sitting in the grass or climbing on rocks.  He is a hard worker.  He takes his time to warm up to his surroundings.
I pray that Middle Brother will grow into a strong man that loves the Lord and desires to share His love with those that he comes in contact with.

Little Brother

IMG_4243God Remembers
Strong Desire
was born in January 2011
Little Brother was named after my dad, aka Papa.  During my pregnancy with Little Brother I was put on hospital bed rest for the last seven weeks, during this time my dad suffered a heart attack.  With this new baby boy about to enter the world I could not imagine not having my dad meet him and therefore I knew that my last natural baby would have to bear the name of one of the most influential men in my life… my earthly daddy!
From the day Michael and I found out that we were expecting our last little one we knew that God was in the midst of it all.  Our God is bigger than anything and we truly believe that “You (God) created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.”  Psalm 139:13
Medically the pregnancy was very hard on me and I spent much time in the hospital and then Little Brother too spent time in the hospital, we know with out a shadow of doubt that he is a blessing sent from heaven.
Little Brother is a love bug.  He is a friend to everyone.  He is open to try new things.  He is eager to keep up with his brothers.  He could stay outdoors all day long.  He enjoys music.  His face lights up every morning.
It is my prayer for Little Brother that he always knows that God is so big and powerful and that he will cling to the knowledge that he truly was “knit” by God alone!