Just a quick update ........
The last week has been hard - We found out last Thursday that our son Ethan's best friend from schools mom died very tragically. She was a lovely women who adored her children and someone I was really just getting to know.
It has been difficult, but we have been able to spend some time with her children, and hope to continue to in the future. We went to a celebration of her life gathering yesterday and was able to meet her extended family and her ex husband who will now have the children. This was important as we want Ethan to be able to continue to see his friend as they will no longer go to the same school.
I defiantly have some regrets, wished I had said more and spent more time with her - life can change in an instant. Our prayer now is that we can be used in any way possible to help her children. I am so proud of my kids at how they have so naturally reached out, with out even knowing it they have eased some of their pain.
Now a quick adoption update : the back ground check saga continues - I now need to get a check for England because I lived there briefly when I was 18- urrrrrr. It can take up to 40 days, and I am still confused as to how to apply. I am mostly frustrated because I could have been working on this 2 months ago - I am mad at myself for missing this. We eventually will get our home study done - I just want it done NOW !!!!!!
Monday, August 31, 2009
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Paper Work !!!
Well let me start by saying our home visits went fantastically !!!
Our social worker is a lovely lady, with an amazing heart for adoption. Our house was sparkling - well at least for 5 minutes, we even went out to eat the night before, so we didn't mess up the kitchen - well that was my excuse any way.
Now that is done, our social worker needs to type it up and send us a copy to approve. We were still waiting on one document - a letter from our doctor - this has been a very frustrating experience. Finally today the letter was done - and CORRECT (this time).
Yeah, our social worker emailed us to say that the home study was almost all written up - wow so exciting - but wait - she wanted to know if I had, had CPS clearance in NY, urrr what !!!
This was my fault - when I turned 18 I lived in NY for a year, so according to the new Hague regulations I have to have a CPS check in any state I have lived since I was 18. This is different from our first adoption, so I completely missed it.
I have to say I felt seriously bummed out for a moment - WHY, we were so close - and who knows how long that will take. But I pulled myself up, reminded myself that it is all in Gods hands and His timing - and ran out to get the application notarized and mailed off.
The adoption process is defiantly a roller coaster ride - full of highs and lows - but ultimately it ends on the most amazing high, and it is this that I have to keep my focus on. I know there will be more disappointments along the journey - but if my trust remains in my God, and focus on the prize (my sweet girl in my arms) I can handle any of it.
My disappointment today just made me think, how much I am already in love with this child that I don't even know yet - I long to have her here in my arms, in the room with her sister, at the dinner table with her brothers, and sitting on the lap of her daddy - where she belongs in her family.
As you may have noticed we have not referred to her by a name - that is because we don't no what it is yet. Mia's name came so easily - but when we know we will pass it on. I hope soon, as I long to call her by name, and pray for her by name.
Our social worker is a lovely lady, with an amazing heart for adoption. Our house was sparkling - well at least for 5 minutes, we even went out to eat the night before, so we didn't mess up the kitchen - well that was my excuse any way.
Now that is done, our social worker needs to type it up and send us a copy to approve. We were still waiting on one document - a letter from our doctor - this has been a very frustrating experience. Finally today the letter was done - and CORRECT (this time).
Yeah, our social worker emailed us to say that the home study was almost all written up - wow so exciting - but wait - she wanted to know if I had, had CPS clearance in NY, urrr what !!!
This was my fault - when I turned 18 I lived in NY for a year, so according to the new Hague regulations I have to have a CPS check in any state I have lived since I was 18. This is different from our first adoption, so I completely missed it.
I have to say I felt seriously bummed out for a moment - WHY, we were so close - and who knows how long that will take. But I pulled myself up, reminded myself that it is all in Gods hands and His timing - and ran out to get the application notarized and mailed off.
The adoption process is defiantly a roller coaster ride - full of highs and lows - but ultimately it ends on the most amazing high, and it is this that I have to keep my focus on. I know there will be more disappointments along the journey - but if my trust remains in my God, and focus on the prize (my sweet girl in my arms) I can handle any of it.
My disappointment today just made me think, how much I am already in love with this child that I don't even know yet - I long to have her here in my arms, in the room with her sister, at the dinner table with her brothers, and sitting on the lap of her daddy - where she belongs in her family.
As you may have noticed we have not referred to her by a name - that is because we don't no what it is yet. Mia's name came so easily - but when we know we will pass it on. I hope soon, as I long to call her by name, and pray for her by name.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Adoption update
So we just got back from a weeks vacation at the beach. We had a great time, crazy with all the kids, but fun crazy, pictures to come.
While we were away our social worker called to say she wanted to do our home visits this week, so she is coming Wednesday to meet with us and look over the house, and then she will come back Thursday to do our individual interviews. She has to interview Chris and I and Benjamin because he is over 10 years old. This is very exciting, because it means our home study is almost complete - whew - it feels like it has taken forever. We are still waiting on a letter from our doctor - it is so frustrating having to wait on other people - I have left him multiple messages and yet still nathing.
So tomorrow will be a day of cleaning up the house. Then in the evening I get to see my best friend from England who just arrived yesturday - her sister lives here - I can't wait she has never met Mia.
While we were away our social worker called to say she wanted to do our home visits this week, so she is coming Wednesday to meet with us and look over the house, and then she will come back Thursday to do our individual interviews. She has to interview Chris and I and Benjamin because he is over 10 years old. This is very exciting, because it means our home study is almost complete - whew - it feels like it has taken forever. We are still waiting on a letter from our doctor - it is so frustrating having to wait on other people - I have left him multiple messages and yet still nathing.
So tomorrow will be a day of cleaning up the house. Then in the evening I get to see my best friend from England who just arrived yesturday - her sister lives here - I can't wait she has never met Mia.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
So far so good
Well, just a quick update. Abi moved last Tuesday, we couldn't go down and help because of Ethan's arm, but everything went smoothly. I have remarkably been OK, life has been pretty busy so I haven't had to much time to notice her absence. We went down to visit them Saturday, and had a fun time swimming at their new house and walking around by the beach - some of the advantages of having relatives living near the beach (got to look on the positive side), pictures to come.
I am very thankful that they only moved two hours away, and not more, now both my sisters, live within 1-2 hours, and we live in the middle - again looking on the bright side. I know I am fortunate to have my family that close, so many others aren't so fortunate. I know in September when the kids are back in school, the reality will really set in - especially for Abi, she is the one that has moved to where she knows no one. I am praying hard that she will make friends quickly and start to feel at home, and connected.
We leave for the beach on Saturday for a weeks vacation with everyone - I can't wait.
I am very thankful that they only moved two hours away, and not more, now both my sisters, live within 1-2 hours, and we live in the middle - again looking on the bright side. I know I am fortunate to have my family that close, so many others aren't so fortunate. I know in September when the kids are back in school, the reality will really set in - especially for Abi, she is the one that has moved to where she knows no one. I am praying hard that she will make friends quickly and start to feel at home, and connected.
We leave for the beach on Saturday for a weeks vacation with everyone - I can't wait.
Sunday, July 19, 2009
What a Weekend !!
I have taken to this whole blogging thing, pretty slowly - I guess you could call me a tortoise!!
Most of my entries consist of a few sentences about what is gong on with our family, maybe an update on the adoption, and than a bunch of pictures. I read and follow a lot of blogs, and stand in awe at the depth of a lot of the entries.
So here is my attept to reveal a little more of me - take note these are just baby steps.
This weekend has been full of emotion. Let me set the background for you .......
I am the oldest of 3 girls. Emma, is 17 mo younger and Abi is 9 years younger.
Growing up Abi was always the baby, and the age gap was defienetly noticeable, now that we are all married and moms we are all very close and the age makes no differences. Emma has always lived an hour or two away, and I am used to that, but Abi has spent the last 5 years living five minutes from me. She has had two babies during this time and we have become very close, she is not only my sister, but one of my best friends. It has been amazing to have someone you can rely on for anything, who tells you just like it is (no suger coating) and loves you just the same, and who needs and relies on you just as much (it feels good to be needed). Well, last year, Abi's husband Steve lost his job, we prayed for God to give him a new one. God provided for them during his few months of unemployment in miraculous ways - there was never any lack, and then it came, a great job, great pay, but ohhhh, it was in another town 2 hours away. My instant thought was - this can not be God, this just isn't going to work for ME!! How often do we say God we trust you, God have you way, and then He does, and, oh no, it doesn't fit our plan, so we start second guessing it - disbelieving that, THAT could be God. Well of coarse the more we prayed with them about the job the more clear it became that it was His will (personally I had to go through a good rebuking - but we don't need to get into that). So the clock started ticking, Steve started commuting, thier second baby was born, a renter was found for there house, they fineally bought a new house, boxes were packed, prayers and blessings said, and many, many tears shed and here we are getting ready fo them to leave on Tuesday......
Saturday night we through a big farewell party for them, the day was a little tough, my emotions were a little close to the surface, but the party was a huge success. We had a moon bounce in the yard for all the kids they bounced for hours.
I know we will still see them, they are only 2 hours away, it's just the litle things I will miss, but I am resting in God's peace knowing this is his plan, and in that I can be confident in the future - it is a time for stretching - which can be painful, but necessary, if I want to purge more of me and become more like Him.
Most of my entries consist of a few sentences about what is gong on with our family, maybe an update on the adoption, and than a bunch of pictures. I read and follow a lot of blogs, and stand in awe at the depth of a lot of the entries.
So here is my attept to reveal a little more of me - take note these are just baby steps.
This weekend has been full of emotion. Let me set the background for you .......
I am the oldest of 3 girls. Emma, is 17 mo younger and Abi is 9 years younger.
Growing up Abi was always the baby, and the age gap was defienetly noticeable, now that we are all married and moms we are all very close and the age makes no differences. Emma has always lived an hour or two away, and I am used to that, but Abi has spent the last 5 years living five minutes from me. She has had two babies during this time and we have become very close, she is not only my sister, but one of my best friends. It has been amazing to have someone you can rely on for anything, who tells you just like it is (no suger coating) and loves you just the same, and who needs and relies on you just as much (it feels good to be needed). Well, last year, Abi's husband Steve lost his job, we prayed for God to give him a new one. God provided for them during his few months of unemployment in miraculous ways - there was never any lack, and then it came, a great job, great pay, but ohhhh, it was in another town 2 hours away. My instant thought was - this can not be God, this just isn't going to work for ME!! How often do we say God we trust you, God have you way, and then He does, and, oh no, it doesn't fit our plan, so we start second guessing it - disbelieving that, THAT could be God. Well of coarse the more we prayed with them about the job the more clear it became that it was His will (personally I had to go through a good rebuking - but we don't need to get into that). So the clock started ticking, Steve started commuting, thier second baby was born, a renter was found for there house, they fineally bought a new house, boxes were packed, prayers and blessings said, and many, many tears shed and here we are getting ready fo them to leave on Tuesday......
Saturday night we through a big farewell party for them, the day was a little tough, my emotions were a little close to the surface, but the party was a huge success. We had a moon bounce in the yard for all the kids they bounced for hours.
I know we will still see them, they are only 2 hours away, it's just the litle things I will miss, but I am resting in God's peace knowing this is his plan, and in that I can be confident in the future - it is a time for stretching - which can be painful, but necessary, if I want to purge more of me and become more like Him.
So that was Saturday, now for Sunday - hubby was sharing at church today and needed to have a little prep time in the morning. Well I had woken up at 5am when Mia fell out of bed, and then tossed and turned until 7:30 thinking about everything. Once I fell asleep I then overslept until 9:20 (we had to leave at 10:00), hubby was distracted in his office and had no idea it was so late. So the morning was a mad rush, I was tied and it was Abi's last Sunday, you could say "it was one of THOSE mornings" - but throught the grace of God we had a lovely time of worship - God ministered to my heart and the tears flowed, hubby shared great, we ate a meal together, by then I was exhausted and ready to go home and relax. When we got home the moon bounce was still there so the kids invited the neighbors over, we set it back up and they bounced some more. It was a beautiful day, not to hot, so I sat out their to supervise, and relaxed with the paper, and cup of tea, and enjoyed the afternoon, with my kids, I even did a little bouncing mysef :).
At 5:00pm my friend Cathie came over, so they kids decided to go back in the moon bounce, with her son, we sat and chatted and the next thing we heard was Ethan scream as he fell off the side and onto the grass, we rushed to him and could tell instantly his arm was broken near the wrist - Oh my- my poor baby. He is my adventurous one, always pushing the limits, he couldn't just bounce inside - no, not Ethan. We rushed him to the ER, and spent the next 6 hours there. He ended up needing to go to the OR to have it set. It was broken all the was through, but thankfully it didn't come through the skin (Adeye, I know you know how that is). They tried to reduce it is the ER, they gave him medicine in his IV - it made him so loopy - he thought he was seeing coconuts floating in the air. He was so brave through the whole thing, it took everything I had not to break down and cry, my heart was breaking for him. I am a pediatric nurse and see kids in pain all the time, and although I empathize with them, it is so different when it is your baby, you want to take that pain on for them so much (remind you of someone - the differences is He actually did). He will hopefully be able to get a cast placed in 2 weeks, a water proof one, right before we go to the beach on vacation. He was supposed to go to camp in a week, but he won't be able to go, he loves the pool, so I know that is going to be hard, I am just praying he can get that cast in time for vacation.
This weekend has defienetly been full of highs and lows, but through it all God has revealed so much of himself to us, sometimes we just need to sit back, and reflect - we might be shocked at how much we see God working in and through our lives, often it is in the little things of life that we take so much for granted - a hug from a friend, an encouraging word, people there when you need them so you can run to the ER, that it was just a broken arm - look around you God is everywhere.
Well I think that is enough - wow that was long - I don't think there are many of you out there reading this, but it was very therapuetic for me to blog - WOW what a novel idea :)!!!
Thursday, July 16, 2009
July 4th
The last 2 weeks have been a little busy, between working and helping my sister out as she gets ready to move (more on that later) the days have been very full.
Here are a few images of July 4th - we had a great day with family and friends.
Baby Aubrey
Mia, Zoe and Parker
Baby Ava
Volley ball fun - note Uncle Steve retrieving the ball from the woods :)
Watching Fireworks
Wow
Here are a few images of July 4th - we had a great day with family and friends.
Baby Aubrey
Mia, Zoe and Parker
Baby Ava
Volley ball fun - note Uncle Steve retrieving the ball from the woods :)
Watching Fireworks
Wow
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