Flashback Friday

Today I wish I could post this picture as my Flashback Friday on Facebook. 

This is at my friend Tammi's house. It is just steps into her entry way. Her son Cole answered the door to the CASA worker who is just to the left in this picture. She has just handed Lillian to me. Stephen was standing back waiting his "turn."  I wish I knew what was going through his head as he stood there looking at his barren wife holding their daughter. This picture tells a story of a thousand words, but it's summary: love. 

Seven Months

Lillian is Seven Months!  We can't believe it and are hopeful to be sending out adoption announcements within the next several days.

This month Lillian has learned to roll over from her back to stomach, is beginning to show a strong attachment to her daddy and loves her puppy dogs.  She gets very upset when they walk away from the window and she is not finished looking at them.  She's become very verbal, gets excited when she sees people she recognizes, laughs and smiles like crazy and has learned the meaning of no.

Seven Months

Lillian is Seven Months!  We can't believe it and are hopeful you will be receiving your adoption announcement within days of receiving this :)

This month Lillian learned to roll over from her back to stomach, is beginning to show a strong attachment to her daddy and loves her puppy dogs. She gets very upset when they walk away from the window and she is not finished looking at them. She's become very verbal, gets excited when she sees people she recognizes, laughs and smiles like crazy and has learned the meaning of no

Best. Daddy. Ever.

He might be a little more into Winnie the Poo than she but it is clear this baby girl has the best daddy ever. She is so relaxed and comfortable with him and their love and bond is so precious to see!

(And yes I spent the day playing and holding baby girl rather than folding the laundry. This will FOREVER be my thorn!)

When God Prompts Do You Follow?

When God prompts, do you follow?  Man that is such a loaded question.  I wish my answer was always yes. I mean of course when it is convenient and fits into my schedule and my plans...sure thing!  Get me out of my comfort zone and often I find myself second guessing, asking "God is that really you?  Are you really wanting me to do x , y and z?"

Last night I saw a post for fundraising for a couple who is doing a domestic adoption. I did not recognize them but the person who shared the page was a girl I went to school with in sixth and seventh grade. I felt God say "give some money and let them know you understand with an encouraging word. This couple is right where you are."  So I did and wasn't going to give it a second thought, but then pay pal wouldn't accept my card. This is when I had a choice to make:  take the extra time to follow God's prompt or just say "oh well I tried."  I am SO glad I took the extra time to go find Stephen and get his debit card because what I found after I gave and read a little more about the couple was Stephen and myself. I found a girl who I went to school with for one year fifteen years ago.  Her husband and she have been married for seven years just like Stephen and me. They have experienced infertility, done IUI and are now trying to grow their family through adoption just like us. And these are the words she messaged me ...

"Wow--you do not know what this means to me!  I have been praying that God would send someone who has a similar story to ours that would give me someone to talk to and relate to."

God please forgive me for the times I feel I am too busy to follow your prompts. Soften my heart to hear your voice and may I follow and obey immediately. While I still do not know completely why this is the lot and journey you have given us thank you for using it and showing us through circumstances like these that you are in control and you use all things for the good of those who love you according to your will and purposes!   

Maybe Next Week....

We were approved for an early adoption back at the end of May, but nothing moves quickly with the government. We had our homestudy done at the beginning of July and were hopeful to do the adoption at the end of the month beginning of August. We are still waiting. Maybe next week. I know they are working as fast as they can but it's so hard to be patient and count down to something that's not set. So seriously maybe next week!

Defensive Driving

This is what doing defensive driving at home looks like!

I got a ticket at my brothers the day before we left for Tanzania. 

Jealousy Be Gone

I hate jealousy and I do believe Satan loves it. He uses it left and right to steal our joy. 

Lately I find myself cringing again at pregnancy announcements and posts of babies in their first six weeks of life. 

Anna, come on.  Who cares?  Enjoy your baby girl in all her glory and awesomeness and stop getting hung up on what you missed. Better to have missed but have now than to never have had at all!

I love Lillian with all my heart and I need to call Satan out. He is a joy stealer!