Timeline

SO...when JD and I began this journey, we were expecting it to take between 12-18 months...as that is what everyone we talked with said to prepare for and so that is what we began planning for.  With that timeline, our oldest would be in (or almost beginning) 2nd grade and our (current) youngest would just be starting kindergarten. 

And so we thought it would be the perfect time to add to our family. 
But it seems like Someone had other plans.

Within one month of officially beginning the process, we were suddenly discussing having our son home in eight months.  And when our timeline became shortened, I became STRESSED because it was no longer lining up with what I had been planning on.  It took some time talking with the Big Guy upstairs to give me a peace about the new timeline...and for me to remember it is all in His hands. 

So we began moving forward with an eight month timeline...and then we had a call this week.  Our eight month timeline could now be as soon as six months (or could take eight months as we had been anticipating).  It is now all dependent upon processing time.  And this time, there was no stress as I am ready...

Ready for him to come home...
Ready to hold him and tell him how much he is loved...
Ready to make him feel safe...
Ready to see his smile...
Ready to be a family of five.

So we wait...and we know that the timing will be perfect - and we'll be ready.

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.  In those days when you pray, I will listen.  If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.  Jeremiah 29:11-13 (NLT)

Lauren

Bunk Beds

With our new family member coming this year, the sisters eagerly agreed to share a room on one condition...BUNK BEDS. 

And, of course, since both JD and I had always thought how cool bunk beds were and jealous we had never had them as kids...we quickly agreed.

The bunk beds were purchased and were to sit in the garage until school was out for the year.  For those of you who have children, you know how well that worked out for us.  Each day the girls took turns begging, pleading and bargaining to have them put up that day...and we said no (we said no for 8 days to be exact.....8 LONG days). 

But this weekend, the girls began organizing and sorting for "the move" in an effort to cajole their mom and dad.  Books and toys and babies and stuffed animals were sorted...a pile for keep, a pile for the garage sale and a pile for their little brother.  (He now has books and tools and musical instruments and puzzles - his room is quickly filling up.) 

That still was not getting mom to nudge....oh no....but daddy decided to make a deal with them (silly daddy!).  If they could have their rooms completely clean...toys and clutter organized...and beds made before he woke up from his nap, he would put the bunk beds together.  And seriously...how those two girls can move and clean when on a mission!  :)

SO tonight, JD and I put the bunk beds together - (together!!).  A few years ago, we would not have been able to do that and we joked and laughed about it.  It's amazing how far we have come in seven years.

The girls are now in their bunk beds, giggling and talking about how much fun it is.  May they have sweet dreams and many great memories of sharing a room.

And now...we are just one step closer to our little boy.  :)

Blessings!
Lauren 

It's a Boy!

God has been doing big things around us (but isn't He always...and we just aren't always looking?)

This past month, JD and I have been amazed, awed and humbled as God has fit together pieces like a jigsaw puzzle...and effortlessly, in only His Way, things have been falling into place.

And to watch God work 
And to watch God move
And to watch God create and knit this family of four into a family of five...
Has been incredible, fascinating and indescribable.

On Easter Sunday, we received a photo of a boy...and life has not been the same since we opened that photo up and looked at his beautiful face.  When I looked in his eyes, I saw my husband's eyes and my oldest daughter's eyes looking back at me.  And now, God has given me such a peace...and I know he is mine, just as I know Taylor and Jenna are mine. 

And, in case I wasn't going to trust myself, God reminded me again through my girls (you gotta love the sense of humor and patience that He has).  I showed each sister the picture separately...so they could each have their own thoughts and opinions and time. 

Big Sis T looked at the picture and asked Is that my brother, Momma?  And I said He could be.  And confidently, as only a six year old child can, she said Yes, I want him to be my brother.

Little Sis J looked at the picture and without asking any questions, simply stated matter-of-factly That's my brother, Mommy. 

God
Is
So
Good.

So now we continue on the journey...waiting to meet our son.  May he know how much he is already loved.

Lauren

Random Thoughts From Daddy

I can't get the trip to Africa out of my mind...and all of the questions that race through my mind as I think about the upcoming travel.

"Silly" Questions like:
What will it be like over there?
What will the food be like?

"Serious" Questions like:
What do I say to him the first time we meet?
How do I communicate to him that I am his dad?
What will my first thoughts and feelings be like when I see him in person for the first time? 
What will he feel and think when he sees me?
What will the plane ride home be like?

And then...will life as I know it ever be the same?

And really, how can it be?  How can one go over there and see the great need and not be effected for the rest of their life? 

When I bring home my son, life will never be the same...it will be changed forever.  Our family will "officially" be a family of five.  And what I have prayed for for months will finally be a reality.

JD