A few more spots indeed!
We went from #45 on April 1 to #42 on May 1. These aren't the kind of jumps we're praying for, as we were moving 6-10 spots each month when we first jumped on board...BUT, we are moving. Praise God for that; we are moving!
I say that every month, but it's true...there is growth. And we stand steadfast as life moves on.
Ryan and I were taking a walk yesterday and talked about what "our ideal" would be as we look forward to the next 12 months in this journey. (We also have people ask us this question all the time).
This is what we're hopeful for, what we'll pray for, and what we'd love to have you pray along with us:
That we would average 5 or more spots per month for the next season.
That we would travel to meet our son for the first time around Christmas/the New Year.
That we would bring home our little guy by this time next year, which would put us in the 2.5 year time frame of start---finish.
We are VERY well aware of the emotional implications of having ANY mental timeline in the adoption process. It's not always wise and it's almost never realistic. We have friends who have graciously fallen within the average 2--2.5 year process of a typical adoption. We also have friends who have brought home their child much sooner...and much later.
The bottom line is that we have not grown weary and we have not grown impatient. We have great joy in our hearts as we imagine how our family will change.
And...our family is already changing. We are THRILLED that we will have a niece "home" from China in the next 6 months, Jenna Jean Preston will be joining the Snow/Preston family very soon. We could not be more excited to meet this girl and watch as Ryan's sister/brother-in-law take the first steps in becoming a new mom and dad once again.
You see, there is much to be celebrated and we have reasons for great joy!!
Friday, May 3, 2013
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Rosie
We call Emma, "Rosie," but that's not her name. It's not even her middle name. But everything about her is "Rosie," as she came out of my womb with the largest rosy cheeks a mom could ever desire so as to smooch and cuddle.
As she has grown up to be 5, her nickname still stands. She is strikingly beautiful and hard to open up at times. She is rather mysterious and OH so sensitive. She is my lil rose.
Putting Emma to bed the other night I was totally enamored by her innocence and had the most intense moment of loving this kid. I was scratching her back, knowing my days with her like this are fleeting. The age old parallel of Gods love for us, as compared to our love for our kids, hit me like a ton of bricks. I sat next to her all teary eyed as I tried to even remotely understand that incredibly real comparison of how much God loves his children. All of them.
It's something spoken too often and rarely understood. But I think I tasted a glimpse of that this week.
I know God loves me drastically more than my love for my 3 kids. I tried to picture this brown little face out there, that will someday be close to mine. It's hard not knowing him yet. But I was thankful in that moment that God used my lil Rose to help me smell-- or taste--or see, that HE loves that little brown face, Ellie, Emma, and Griffin, even more than I do. I guess being a parent is constantly learning that we aren't in control, eh? It's constantly learning we have to trust the God who made them, WITH them.
As she has grown up to be 5, her nickname still stands. She is strikingly beautiful and hard to open up at times. She is rather mysterious and OH so sensitive. She is my lil rose.
Putting Emma to bed the other night I was totally enamored by her innocence and had the most intense moment of loving this kid. I was scratching her back, knowing my days with her like this are fleeting. The age old parallel of Gods love for us, as compared to our love for our kids, hit me like a ton of bricks. I sat next to her all teary eyed as I tried to even remotely understand that incredibly real comparison of how much God loves his children. All of them.
It's something spoken too often and rarely understood. But I think I tasted a glimpse of that this week.
I know God loves me drastically more than my love for my 3 kids. I tried to picture this brown little face out there, that will someday be close to mine. It's hard not knowing him yet. But I was thankful in that moment that God used my lil Rose to help me smell-- or taste--or see, that HE loves that little brown face, Ellie, Emma, and Griffin, even more than I do. I guess being a parent is constantly learning that we aren't in control, eh? It's constantly learning we have to trust the God who made them, WITH them.
Thursday, April 4, 2013
March Update
Not much movement.
One spot this past month. Two placements our agency made, however, were 0-2 year olds. That is GOOD for us!
Slowly...but surely...
As I said to my sister yesterday, we are confident that the age of the child we ultimately are matched with, will be perfect for our family. We trust God with this process. We are rejoicing with the people we know who have recently been matched with a child (two close families we know)...and we are beyond excited to see ADOPTION happening.
Adoption. What a powerful word. And when you are called to do it, ya just gotta try SO STINKIN HARD to not get caught up in the longevity of the process, and exhaustion that comes with waiting.
Because we know that we know that we know that our son is out there and will be in our home with us sooner than later!
And we carry-on....
And we keep praying. And we keep loving the kids God has already entrusted to us...
One spot this past month. Two placements our agency made, however, were 0-2 year olds. That is GOOD for us!
Slowly...but surely...
As I said to my sister yesterday, we are confident that the age of the child we ultimately are matched with, will be perfect for our family. We trust God with this process. We are rejoicing with the people we know who have recently been matched with a child (two close families we know)...and we are beyond excited to see ADOPTION happening.
Adoption. What a powerful word. And when you are called to do it, ya just gotta try SO STINKIN HARD to not get caught up in the longevity of the process, and exhaustion that comes with waiting.
Because we know that we know that we know that our son is out there and will be in our home with us sooner than later!
And we carry-on....
And we keep praying. And we keep loving the kids God has already entrusted to us...
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
Show me my brudder...
Ems and I are just hangin in the basement. Got some "dancing queen" goin in the background with Ellie and Ryan dancing some sweet sprinkler----lawn mower---moves.
She brings the globe over to me. Says "mom, show me my brudder." (Brother)
She puts one finger on Ethiopia and one on Ohio. She thinks.
"Mom, when you DO go dhere (there), it's a loooong loooong way. Will the car ride even be longer than Hilton Head?"
(Love that!)
I explain that I will be flying on a plane...giggling at her innocence. She then realizes I will be gone more than one day and opens her mouth wide: "oh no mom. You're gonna have to sleep dhere!!!!
And the food...what will you EAT?"
A short conversation like this with my 5 year old babe makes me smile and so so excited that she will be a big sister to yet another little dude. Her questions/understanding about adoption keep me pure and simple as we wait...and pursue.
She brings the globe over to me. Says "mom, show me my brudder." (Brother)
She puts one finger on Ethiopia and one on Ohio. She thinks.
"Mom, when you DO go dhere (there), it's a loooong loooong way. Will the car ride even be longer than Hilton Head?"
(Love that!)
I explain that I will be flying on a plane...giggling at her innocence. She then realizes I will be gone more than one day and opens her mouth wide: "oh no mom. You're gonna have to sleep dhere!!!!
And the food...what will you EAT?"
A short conversation like this with my 5 year old babe makes me smile and so so excited that she will be a big sister to yet another little dude. Her questions/understanding about adoption keep me pure and simple as we wait...and pursue.
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Encouraged
It's just fun to hear stories about other families who have adopted, or are in the process like us. It's fun to know that having a family that doesn't all look alike isn't the MOST abnormal thing in the world. It's fun to see adopted kiddos become so acclimated to their families. It's fun to hear my girls, and even Griff, talk about Ethiopia, ask about their brother, and even remind me of this little guy out there somewhere.
Last night Ryan and I were heading out for a life group night. Ellie was upset about us leaving her behind, with a babysitter (which I found out hours later was because she had a major puke-fest brewing in her). I told her that although we NEED to go out sometimes, just mommy and daddy, there are no other people in the entire world I want to be with more than her, Emma, and Griff...and of course daddy. She said to me "uhhhhhh....and who elsssssse?" I said "ummmmm, Jesus?" :)
Ellie's response: "no mom, our brother in Ethiopia! We don't know him yet but you know that if you could pick one other person you'd want to be with all the time it would be HIM, right?"
Loved that.
So, even though these days of waiting are ohhhh so long and seemingly endless, we still get to enjoy the stories of friends and acquaintances walking in this with us. And we get to look forward to "the day" with our kids. They will never forget this time of waiting and preparation. The lessons we will learn...!!!!
Last night Ryan and I were heading out for a life group night. Ellie was upset about us leaving her behind, with a babysitter (which I found out hours later was because she had a major puke-fest brewing in her). I told her that although we NEED to go out sometimes, just mommy and daddy, there are no other people in the entire world I want to be with more than her, Emma, and Griff...and of course daddy. She said to me "uhhhhhh....and who elsssssse?" I said "ummmmm, Jesus?" :)
Ellie's response: "no mom, our brother in Ethiopia! We don't know him yet but you know that if you could pick one other person you'd want to be with all the time it would be HIM, right?"
Loved that.
So, even though these days of waiting are ohhhh so long and seemingly endless, we still get to enjoy the stories of friends and acquaintances walking in this with us. And we get to look forward to "the day" with our kids. They will never forget this time of waiting and preparation. The lessons we will learn...!!!!
Monday, March 4, 2013
"Do not be Discouraged"
We know when the title of an email from Lifeline, our adoption agency, begins that way, that a somewhat discouraging email is about to follow.
We did not move spots last month and remain #46, the same as last month. Yes, discouraging indeed. It's "funny," for lack of a better word, that we envisioned getting our referral sometime this spring. Now that we're approaching spring, we're feeling less hopeful about that. The reason our agency gave us, for the slow month of February was this:
"West Sands Adoptions received their renewed 3 year license to continue adoptions in Ethiopia! In addition, many orphanages also went through the license renewal process – so that also impacted the amount of referrals given this month. The courts were on a delay in February but they are open and processing cases again."
So....that's actually all good stuff! Adoptions are still moving... and healthy... and HAPPENING in Ethiopia!! The courts still have a good relationship with our main agency. And, even BETTER...we have two friends that received their referrals from Ethiopia last month. Neither live in Toledo or are using our agency, but they both found out who their son/daughter will be. It is unbelievable the joy and excitement Ryan and I feel for them. We can't wait for our turn, but we love to see families get to take steps closer in becoming whole and complete.
We did not move spots last month and remain #46, the same as last month. Yes, discouraging indeed. It's "funny," for lack of a better word, that we envisioned getting our referral sometime this spring. Now that we're approaching spring, we're feeling less hopeful about that. The reason our agency gave us, for the slow month of February was this:
"West Sands Adoptions received their renewed 3 year license to continue adoptions in Ethiopia! In addition, many orphanages also went through the license renewal process – so that also impacted the amount of referrals given this month. The courts were on a delay in February but they are open and processing cases again."
So....that's actually all good stuff! Adoptions are still moving... and healthy... and HAPPENING in Ethiopia!! The courts still have a good relationship with our main agency. And, even BETTER...we have two friends that received their referrals from Ethiopia last month. Neither live in Toledo or are using our agency, but they both found out who their son/daughter will be. It is unbelievable the joy and excitement Ryan and I feel for them. We can't wait for our turn, but we love to see families get to take steps closer in becoming whole and complete.
Wednesday, February 20, 2013
Just Wanted Mom
Tonight was a realization for me, of what MOM is, to a child.
I came home from our life group around 8:00. Our sweet babysitter was busy with the kids upstairs. I heard Griffin in the monitor, crying--like real tears. He was, quite miserably, talking/fussing about something. This is not normal for my "please-put-me-to-bed-by-7:00, " and "I-run-and-jump-and-dance-all-day-so-I'm-ready-to-pass-out" handsome little dude.
As I was walking upstairs I heard Griffin mumble through his tears, from his bed:
"I just want mommy! I do! I dooooo! Mommy HERE pleeeeeeease!"
I couldn't get in his room quick enough.
I scooped that little/big-boy up in my arms and hugged him so tight. He embraced me and burrowed into my neck. Griffin said nothing. I said nothing. Didn't need to. He knew I was home and I was there. I soaked it up and smooched those cheeks (It was a "moment," okay?).
After a few minutes of snuggling my son, I laid him down and walked out of his room. He was quiet and comfortable and reassured. I was content and happy that I was able to fulfill the need he had for love, at that particular moment.
2 things that came to mind as I walked from Griffin's room, onto Ellie's room to tuck her in:
1) I won't always be able to make this kid happy, or reassure him or fulfill him like he might long for another person to do. In fact, I can't do it now. Man oh man this precious boy needs Jesus in His life. I just pray that my hugs and reassurance point my son to God his Father!
2) I'm sad that there are so so so many orphans in America, and in countries all over the world, that either wouldn't consider crying out for their mom like that, OR don't even know HOW to. Or that they can.
I have another son. He is far away from this room right now, and he doesn't know I'm his mom. I can't help but have emotion when I think about this boy. I totally have a feeling that he's born already. But I don't know his name, what he looks like, or how old he is. My heart ached tonight as I thought that my other son is one of those kids out there that isn't crying out for Mom tonight. He's not saying "I just want mommy! I do! I doooooo! Mommy HERE pleeeeeeease!" Who knows if there is someone to scoop him up.
And truthfully, I can't help but wonder how long it will take this boy to look to Ryan or me for that kind of reassurance and affection. Praying he feels safe and comfortable here in this home. Attachment is a "token word" you hear in the adoption community. It matters a lot, as we want our adopted children to blend well and know WE are mom and dad, and how we love them oh so much.
Just some thoughts on my mind. Griff just wanted Mom tonight. I loved that I could walk in and be there.
I long for the day to be able to do that for his little brother.
I came home from our life group around 8:00. Our sweet babysitter was busy with the kids upstairs. I heard Griffin in the monitor, crying--like real tears. He was, quite miserably, talking/fussing about something. This is not normal for my "please-put-me-to-bed-by-7:00, " and "I-run-and-jump-and-dance-all-day-so-I'm-ready-to-pass-out" handsome little dude.
As I was walking upstairs I heard Griffin mumble through his tears, from his bed:
"I just want mommy! I do! I dooooo! Mommy HERE pleeeeeeease!"
I couldn't get in his room quick enough.
I scooped that little/big-boy up in my arms and hugged him so tight. He embraced me and burrowed into my neck. Griffin said nothing. I said nothing. Didn't need to. He knew I was home and I was there. I soaked it up and smooched those cheeks (It was a "moment," okay?).
After a few minutes of snuggling my son, I laid him down and walked out of his room. He was quiet and comfortable and reassured. I was content and happy that I was able to fulfill the need he had for love, at that particular moment.
2 things that came to mind as I walked from Griffin's room, onto Ellie's room to tuck her in:
1) I won't always be able to make this kid happy, or reassure him or fulfill him like he might long for another person to do. In fact, I can't do it now. Man oh man this precious boy needs Jesus in His life. I just pray that my hugs and reassurance point my son to God his Father!
2) I'm sad that there are so so so many orphans in America, and in countries all over the world, that either wouldn't consider crying out for their mom like that, OR don't even know HOW to. Or that they can.
I have another son. He is far away from this room right now, and he doesn't know I'm his mom. I can't help but have emotion when I think about this boy. I totally have a feeling that he's born already. But I don't know his name, what he looks like, or how old he is. My heart ached tonight as I thought that my other son is one of those kids out there that isn't crying out for Mom tonight. He's not saying "I just want mommy! I do! I doooooo! Mommy HERE pleeeeeeease!" Who knows if there is someone to scoop him up.
And truthfully, I can't help but wonder how long it will take this boy to look to Ryan or me for that kind of reassurance and affection. Praying he feels safe and comfortable here in this home. Attachment is a "token word" you hear in the adoption community. It matters a lot, as we want our adopted children to blend well and know WE are mom and dad, and how we love them oh so much.
Just some thoughts on my mind. Griff just wanted Mom tonight. I loved that I could walk in and be there.
I long for the day to be able to do that for his little brother.
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