The big'uns

Sometimes, I think we get so caught up in the adoption process, the paperwork chase as well as the longing for the littles, that we forget to recognize our precious babies here at home.

Almost 10 years ago, God blessed us with our home grown son, Samuel, after 3 long years of infertility treatments and heartache. This gift has grown into a kind, tender hearted, affectionate young man with a heart of God, people, animals, you name it. As well as a strong desire for lego building, frog catching, sports playing, and bow shooting. He has his moments as we all do, but his ability to make the transition from an only for so long to a big brother has impressed his father and I beyond our wildest imagination.

Simon was a first gift through adoption and as we reflect on the past year, I see how much he has grown and changed. He really is not the same child we met on that cold January 10th day. He has so much personality now it is hard for him to contain...so much so that he often breaks into spontaneous dance - just because! He is learning to ask for things he needs and even wants without fear, he cries now which is big, and he gives his affection freely and with no need for prompting. Although I know he will always have a heart for China, he seems to be moving past the adjustment phase and is now just a boy. We were a family of three for so long, but it is impossible now to think of our life without him in it.

So, to celebrate the changes in our lives, and to make up for the lack of pictures and posts as of late, here is part of our year in pictures! (oh, and the year is backwards because I couldn't figure out how to edit the pics in blogger - it's kind of like life in reverse!)

Call us CRAZY!!!

But God has led us to adopt another little boy!! We are over the moon with excitement! We just received PA for our youngest addition, 3 year old Shepherd. God has truly been good to us and we know he will provide for us to bring both of our boys home! When we chose to name our blog, the four was simply going from our small family of three to four with the addition of Simon. We never knew he would eventially lead us to adopting three precious boys from China. Those boys along with our homegrown amazing oldest son have truly allowed China to "make four". God is so amazing!! We would appreciate prayers that our journey to both of our little men goes smoothly!

S6!! (what a number):)

Inch by inch...

We received our I800 approval today!!! What a wonderful Christmas present. One step closer to our newest member. Merry Christmas to all and may God bless each and every one of you!

New pictures!

We received new pictures of our precious boy last night! We are thrilled to see how much he has grown and how healthy he looks, but we are saddened that he looks so alone and unhappy. We cannot wait to bring him home!

LOA Baby!!

We got the call from our agency that our LOA arrived in their office!! Woohoo!! So, I should have it tomorrow and then the wait for the I800 approval. One step at a time! They are also contacting the orphanage to see if we can get an update. Can't wait to see new pictures of our youngest little man!

A question of faith...

In conversation the other day, I had someone ask me (and apologized if it was offensive) how we afford our adoptions. I know this can be a touchy topic for many adoptive parents, but we have made the decision that it is in the best interest of our God led adoption process to share the ups and downs (including the finances) of international adoption.

So, my answer was simple...we are broke! :) Not in the sense that we can't pay our bills or provide for our children but we are not able to do whatever, whenever. We have to be better stewards of our money and how we spend it. It is not easy to say no...espcially when you see the flat screen tv's and you still have the good ole tube type or the new laptops, macs especially, or when other families go on vacation and you do the good ole staycation! Both of us also have taken on 2nd jobs and Scott is holding his paid for vehicle together with duct tape. We had contemplated purchasing an RV for a long time. Friends of ours earlier this year asked us if we had decided to buy one...we said nope, we decided to adopt instead. This is a choice we have made, but it's not really a choice to adopt; it is a choice to follow God's word and his will.

So, I guess to others who haven't been to our home, looked in our closets, watched us clip coupons, and budget both monthly and weekly, it looks like we have tons of money to throw away. It's not true, however, and our check books reflect it! :) We have a wonderful church family, great credit, and a wonderful Lord and Savior who has provided for us each step of the way. Although He doesn't speak to us in a loud, booming voice, we know we are headed in the right direction, His direction.

This is Adoption Awareness Month. International adoption may not be your calling, but there are other ways to help through various charitable organizations such as Sho Hope, No Hands But Ours, An Orphan's Wish and several others I would be happy to share with you.

LID

Thank you Lord!!! We have our log in date of 10/26/2010! Much later than it should have been, but, nonetheless, it is now our date from which the count for the LOA begins. I hope it goes fast! I am missing my littlest man!!