I can't remember the last time I've been so emotionally (yeah, I know I'm always emotional!) involved in the celebration of Christmas. Last years focus was our newborn baby, the year before that I cried the whole time. For years before that, I let other issues rain on my parade. This year, I have an amazing sense of peace. God is first in my life, and I can't help remember that He sent his Son to earth to save us!
The shopping is done, mostly everything is wrapped, and Mira and I are packing up to spend the day with my Sister and Niece baking cookies! I'm more excited about the company I'll be in rather then then job at hand!
Having a small child at Christmas time reminds me to slow down. We can't be every where all at once. There are other things more important than getting presents, like sleeping and eating and snuggling with family!
Mira is starting to walk, becoming more and more brave everyday. It's really funny to watch her take a few steps. Kinda like a Weeble, wobbling back and fourth. She also says "Thank you" all the time, reminding us sometimes to say thanks, even for the smallest things. Wow. Learning from a 1 year old.
I don't know if anyone even reads my blog, but Merry Christmas to you! May you all share the peace that has washed over me, and enjoy this holiday season for what it was meant for!
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. James 1:2-3
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
"For you are fearfully and wonderfully made...." Psalms 139
On the day you were born, we were anxious and excited. We drove to Ohio to await your arrival.
On the day you were born, your birthmom invited us to the hospital. We hung out while she labored and got to know her and her friends.
On the day you were born, the emotions were brewing inside, masked by uncertainty and nerves of steel.
On the day you were born, distractions were welcomed. We laughed, we talked, we watched T.V. We prayed for a quick, painless delivery, and the safe arrival of a healthy baby.
On the day you were born, our families sat waiting hours away. For any bit of news, for any word of hope.
On the day you were born, the time was finally upon us. We sat in the waiting room, imagining what you would look like, and who you would grow up to be.
On the day you were born, we learned of your arrival. We saw the first picture and heard you were healthy. A huge sigh of relief, and butterflies in our tummies.
On the day you were born, we waited and waited. It seemed like forever, then finally, we were invited to see your sweet face.
On the day you were born, we were awestruck by your beauty, as your birthmom placed you in our arms for the very first time. The time seemed to stand still, as we looked at your sweet face. Watching your every move, amazed by your every breath.
On the day you were born, I'll never forget it. We spoke with your birthmom, and she told us the news. She loved you so much, that she wanted us to provide for you. She made the decision, to share you with us. So strong, and so beautiful, the words that she spoke.
On the day you were born, we were overwhelmed with God's grace. He gave us a baby, to raise in his name.
On the day you were born, it still wasn't final, but we loved you regardless of what the next few days would hold.
"On the night you were born, the moon smiled with such wonder that the stars peeked in to see you and the night wind whispered, life will never be the same.
Because there had never been anyone like you.....ever in the world." ~Nancy Tillman
On the day you were born, your birthmom invited us to the hospital. We hung out while she labored and got to know her and her friends.
On the day you were born, the emotions were brewing inside, masked by uncertainty and nerves of steel.
On the day you were born, distractions were welcomed. We laughed, we talked, we watched T.V. We prayed for a quick, painless delivery, and the safe arrival of a healthy baby.
On the day you were born, our families sat waiting hours away. For any bit of news, for any word of hope.
On the day you were born, the time was finally upon us. We sat in the waiting room, imagining what you would look like, and who you would grow up to be.
On the day you were born, we learned of your arrival. We saw the first picture and heard you were healthy. A huge sigh of relief, and butterflies in our tummies.
On the day you were born, we waited and waited. It seemed like forever, then finally, we were invited to see your sweet face.
On the day you were born, we were awestruck by your beauty, as your birthmom placed you in our arms for the very first time. The time seemed to stand still, as we looked at your sweet face. Watching your every move, amazed by your every breath.
On the day you were born, I'll never forget it. We spoke with your birthmom, and she told us the news. She loved you so much, that she wanted us to provide for you. She made the decision, to share you with us. So strong, and so beautiful, the words that she spoke.
On the day you were born, we were overwhelmed with God's grace. He gave us a baby, to raise in his name.
On the day you were born, it still wasn't final, but we loved you regardless of what the next few days would hold.
"On the night you were born, the moon smiled with such wonder that the stars peeked in to see you and the night wind whispered, life will never be the same.
Because there had never been anyone like you.....ever in the world." ~Nancy Tillman
You are loved more than you will ever know.
Friday, November 5, 2010
Babies Don't Keep
When I found Mira's nursery furniture on Craigslist, (super cheap, of course!) I could have never imagined how much time I would spend in the rocking chair. I wish I could write down all of the things I think about as I sit there, but my hands are usually full with someone very important. Almost every night, for the the past 11 months, (give or take a few) I ignored the phone, computer, dirty dishes, dust bunnies, and piles of laundry to rock my sweet girl. While we were waiting for Mira to come into our lives, I found this poem ......
Babies Don’t Keep
by Ruth Hulburt Hamilton
Mother, O Mother, come shake out your cloth,
Empty the dustpan, poison the moth,
Hang out the washing, make up the bed,
Sew on a button and butter the bread.
Where is the mother whose house is so shocking?
She’s up in the nursery, blissfully rocking.
Oh, I’ve grown as shiftless as Little Boy Blue,
Lullabye, rockabye, lullabye loo.
Dishes are waiting and bills are past due
Pat-a-cake, darling, and peek, peekaboo
The shopping’s not done and there’s nothing for stew
And out in the yard there’s a hullabaloo
But I’m playing Kanga and this is my Roo
Look! Aren’t his eyes the most wonderful hue?
Lullabye, rockaby lullabye loo.
The cleaning and scrubbing can wait till tomorrow
But children grow up as I’ve learned to my sorrow.
So quiet down cobwebs; Dust go to sleep!
I’m rocking my baby and babies don’t keep.
As Mira is growing so big and tall, it's harder and harder for her to be comfortable with me rocking her in our chair, so we've become quite creative with the way we snuggle. I hope that she will sit with me, with her head on my chest, and listen to me sing her to sleep for many more years, but I know that will soon come to an end. But for now, I will cherish every second, wrap my arms around her, kiss her cheeks and tell her we love her.
So quiet down cobwebs; Dust go to sleep!
I’m rocking my baby and babies don’t keep.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Monday, July 26, 2010
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
School's out for Summer!
We went to visit Daddy today on the last day for students. He wanted to show me off to his co-workers. Man, did they love me! Ha ha!
Here I am, on top of the world!
And this video just proves, that my Daddy is just a BIG KID!!!
I'm so excited to get to spend more time with him this summer, he's the best!
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Mira*cle
This has been the most wonderful day, full of tears of joy, family, great food, and of course, the most wonderful gift from God. My heart weighs heavy for my many friends who are still waiting for the opportunity to celebrate this holiday. Just because I am no longer in their shoes, doesn't mean I will ever forget what this holiday used to feel like. It was the 1 day every year for the last 4 and a half years that I wanted to pull the covers over my head and stay in bed until it was over. I will never forget. I will continue praying for my dear friends who have so much love to give, and would give anything for a tiny miracle to give it to. I continue to pray for the sweet, wonderful girl who loved unconditionally and gave life to our Mira*cle and placed her in my arms, giving me the most amazing gift and the opportunity to celebrate this holiday. I will never forget.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Friday, April 30, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Monday, April 19, 2010
Thursday, January 14, 2010
No title needed
An Openly Adopted Child's Legacy
Once there were two expectant mothers.
One carried and cared for you beneath her beating heart
She became your Birthmother.
The other carried the hope of you within her.
She became your Mom.
As the days passed, and you grew bigger and stronger,
Your Birthmother knew that she could not give you all you needed after your birth.
Meanwhile, your Mom was ready and waiting for you.
One day your Birthmom and your Mom found each other.
They looked into each other’s eyes and saw a friend.
Your Birthmom saw the life your Mom could give you.
Your Mom saw how much your Birthmom loved and cared for you.
They decided that what you needed was both kinds of love in your life.
So now you have two families,
One by birth, the other by adoption.
And you have a home where you can get:
your questions answered,
your boo boos bandaged,
your heartaches soothed,
And much needed hugs.
And a place where you can find:
answers to your questions,
your image in the mirror,
a part of yourself,
And much needed hugs.
Two different kinds of families
Two different kinds of love
Both a part of you.
© Brenda Romanchik
Once there were two expectant mothers.
One carried and cared for you beneath her beating heart
She became your Birthmother.
The other carried the hope of you within her.
She became your Mom.
As the days passed, and you grew bigger and stronger,
Your Birthmother knew that she could not give you all you needed after your birth.
Meanwhile, your Mom was ready and waiting for you.
One day your Birthmom and your Mom found each other.
They looked into each other’s eyes and saw a friend.
Your Birthmom saw the life your Mom could give you.
Your Mom saw how much your Birthmom loved and cared for you.
They decided that what you needed was both kinds of love in your life.
So now you have two families,
One by birth, the other by adoption.
And you have a home where you can get:
your questions answered,
your boo boos bandaged,
your heartaches soothed,
And much needed hugs.
And a place where you can find:
answers to your questions,
your image in the mirror,
a part of yourself,
And much needed hugs.
Two different kinds of families
Two different kinds of love
Both a part of you.
© Brenda Romanchik
So......
Thanksgiving came and went. We ate lots of turkey, enjoyed our time with family, and thanked God for the blessings we had been given, and the ones we were hoping to receive. Although we were on the edge of our seats awaiting the phone call, we had a wonderful peace knowing that this was in God's hands. Our BM had called every time she said she was going to, so we were confident that she was going to keep us informed as we were waiting for her to call and say she was in labor.
For those of you who know me well, calm and patient are not really words you would use to describe me, right? Well, I did really well until Monday, November 30th. We heard nothing all weekend, and as I sat at home that Monday, my mind got the best of me in the midst of not hearing anything yet. I was a basket case, to say the least. Just ask my Hubby! I was totally convinced in my head that BM already had the baby and was not going to follow through with the adoption plan. I convinced myself that if that was what was best for the baby, then I would (had to) be ok with it. In the middle of one (of many) emotional breakdowns, I got a phone call from BM! I was in such shock that I had to tell myself to answer the phone!
She was (as usual) her cheerful self, despite the fact that she was passed her due date and so over being pregnant at that time. She was calling to let me know that there had been no progress in a week, and her Dr. would be inducing her at 6am. the next day. (insert many prayers, thanks to God, and major squeals here!!!!) She was calm and cool, and had no idea what was going on 3 hours away on the other end of that phone conversation! Whew!
She said we didn't have to be there right at 6am, and I told her we were leaving Monday night to come out and spend the night at a hotel. Cool as a cucumber! Ha!
So, we took care of some last minute details, and headed on our way!
For those of you who know me well, calm and patient are not really words you would use to describe me, right? Well, I did really well until Monday, November 30th. We heard nothing all weekend, and as I sat at home that Monday, my mind got the best of me in the midst of not hearing anything yet. I was a basket case, to say the least. Just ask my Hubby! I was totally convinced in my head that BM already had the baby and was not going to follow through with the adoption plan. I convinced myself that if that was what was best for the baby, then I would (had to) be ok with it. In the middle of one (of many) emotional breakdowns, I got a phone call from BM! I was in such shock that I had to tell myself to answer the phone!
She was (as usual) her cheerful self, despite the fact that she was passed her due date and so over being pregnant at that time. She was calling to let me know that there had been no progress in a week, and her Dr. would be inducing her at 6am. the next day. (insert many prayers, thanks to God, and major squeals here!!!!) She was calm and cool, and had no idea what was going on 3 hours away on the other end of that phone conversation! Whew!
She said we didn't have to be there right at 6am, and I told her we were leaving Monday night to come out and spend the night at a hotel. Cool as a cucumber! Ha!
So we packed our bags, oh wait, they were already in the car!!!!
So, we took care of some last minute details, and headed on our way!
Friday, January 8, 2010
A Major Update is In Order!
So, we've been amazingly busy and blessed over the last 2 months! I'll try to do my best to fill in the details of our exciting journey!
This was us sitting in the car, cool as cucumbers!
I won't share a ton of details about BM for her privacy, but let me tell you, when we finally were face to face, it was like nothing I could have imagined. She was sweet and smart, her words brought me to tears more than once. From the moment we met, Justin and I had nothing but respect for this sweet adorable girl. We talked for hours, as if we had known each other for years. Needless to say we left that meeting feeling very great about the situation, but also being cautious with our emotions. With adoption, nothing is a guarantee until the papers are signed. Oh did I forget to mention BM was 36 weeks pregnant when we met?!?!?!? (squeals galore!!) Her due date was Thanksgiving day, what an appropriate day for a blessing!
She had not found out the gender of the baby, and we told her we didn't care either way. Every week that she went to a check-up, she called us and gave us an update. Like clockwork, every time she said she would call, she did, and we were so grateful for that.
To be continued......(this may take a few posts!!!)
On Friday, October 23rd, I received a phone call and email from Kelsie at AC, stating that we had been chosen by a Birth Mom (BM) who wanted to meet us. (enter squeals here!!!) After learning some details, and speaking with our Caseworker, we decided that we would love to go to the agency to meet this amazing BM. The nerves flowing through our bodies all weekend long were enough to make a girl crazy! Monday morning we got up and drove the 3 hours to Columbus, freaking out the entire time. We got to the office a bit early, and had plenty of time to freak out in the parking lot before heading inside! Our main goal was to not come across as the dorks that we are. We tried really hard!
This was us sitting in the car, cool as cucumbers!
I won't share a ton of details about BM for her privacy, but let me tell you, when we finally were face to face, it was like nothing I could have imagined. She was sweet and smart, her words brought me to tears more than once. From the moment we met, Justin and I had nothing but respect for this sweet adorable girl. We talked for hours, as if we had known each other for years. Needless to say we left that meeting feeling very great about the situation, but also being cautious with our emotions. With adoption, nothing is a guarantee until the papers are signed. Oh did I forget to mention BM was 36 weeks pregnant when we met?!?!?!? (squeals galore!!) Her due date was Thanksgiving day, what an appropriate day for a blessing!
She had not found out the gender of the baby, and we told her we didn't care either way. Every week that she went to a check-up, she called us and gave us an update. Like clockwork, every time she said she would call, she did, and we were so grateful for that.
To be continued......(this may take a few posts!!!)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)