This and That

Long time no blog!  I know!  Things have been busy, sad, busy, now happy again!  School, Easter, Spring, new yardwork, spring cleaning, filling out 2nd adoption agency paperwork, school, etc... Earlier this week when I thought I'd be able to blog again, Scott and I learned of the sad news about the momma eagle who was struck and killed by a plane Tuesday.  We had been watching this eagle family and their 3 eaglets for 2 months, non stop now.  *see previous post* Well, who ever would've thought you could get so attached to these amazing creatures? Goodness!  We watched as the dad eagle came back to feed them and look for the momma eagle.  It was so sad.  Then, the experts determined the eaglets would have the best chance of survival at the Virgina Wildlife Center, where they would be cared for and provided an environment closest to nature.  The eaglets were removed from the nest and taken to their new location Wednesday.  Well, I could ramble on about these eagles forever.  It was a distraction though.  It certainly took my mind off the adoption for a little bit.  We've been hoping to hear from the new agency we applied with last week.  If they are open to new adoptive parents in the program, we will be increasing our chances of being matched with a birth mom. The counties they serve are more populated than the one we are currently with.  Plus, the statistics of this agency are very impressive!  They have placed 35 infants per year the last 2 years!  They get birthmoms from all over the state too.  So, we are prayerful and hopeful we hear good news early next week!  Thank you friends and family who continue to pray for and with us!  We appreciate your continued support in our journey. 

Isaiah 40:31
but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Adoption Support Group

Yesterday was a rough day.  It rained, it poured, it was just a gloomy, blah kind of day.  Scott and I went to Panera for breakfast and our conversation turned into the same gloomy grey as the weather.  Of course we were talking about our adoption and how frustrating it is to have to wait.  Some days are definitely easier than others, but lately, it's no fun.  You'd think we'd be used to it by now.  Waiting is our middle name.  4 1/2 years of fertility treatments, waiting... no problem, right?  Wrong!  We try so very hard to be positive and not go down this road, but we've been feeling so down lately. 

I received an invite to an adoption support group at a local church.  The event was for families who've adopted, foster to adopt parents, or those in the process of adoption.  Another teacher and I decided we would go last week.  Although yesterday, I wanted to change my mind.  I didn't want to go.   But then, sitting in church today, I felt that God was calling me to attend.  He wanted me there.  So, we went.  The gathering was an Easter Egg hunt, combined with an animal entertainer, and a flag raising in front of the church, to honor the country where their most recent adoption came from.  My teacher friend and I saw some parents we knew and immediately were introduced to some new faces.  We watched in awe the many beautiful faces of children from around the world.  We had the opportunity to listen to testimonies of so many successful and unsuccessful adoptions, foster situations.   The families were very supportive and open about their journeys.  One thing was clear, it was all worth it.  They'd do it all over again.  I appreciated their honesty and letting us know, adoption and waiting is not an easy thing.  God's message was clear though.  He's with us, he has been all along.  It reminded me of the Footprints story.  http://llerrah.com/footprints.htm  I believe God's purpose for me being there was another way of saying, "Hang in there, you will be blessed beyond imagination, if you continue to believe."  So we are praying for the many other couples and families out there who are continuing to wait and having a difficult time. God be with you.

Sweet, Sweet Baby

Scott and I are contemplating expanding our search with adoption.  We are looking into additional agencies and thinking it might increase our chances for placement quicker.  I know so many other couples have waited a lot longer than we have.  It has only been 6 months "officially".  It's coming up on almost a year though since we began all the paperwork last May.  But, I also take into consideration the 4 1/2 years of fertility treatments and procedures and the fact that we're a little older than most couples.  It is incredibly hard to be patient.  We have faith and know it will happen in God's time, not ours.  That was by far, the hardest part to surrender to.  So, we are praying for our birthmother, wherever she may be, whoever she is.  We pray first of all, she chooses life.  We pray for her to get the support and care she needs during her pregnancy.  We pray for her in the hardest decision of her life and the greatest sacrifice.   And we pray for our little one.  We can't imagine the indescribable joy we will feel the day we finally get to meet him or her!   This sweet, sweet video is from Christian Adoption Consultants.  I actually didn't cry watching this, I just felt a sense of peace.  I think it was God's way of saying, "Here, watch this, it will be you soon.  Have faith.  I am with you."  Here is the link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6odB5WNPQ0
 

Cribs

We did some serious crib hunting over break and I have to say, we both agree on the same styles and  darker finishes!  Amazing!  Now, if only we could do the same on a new vehicle. (but, that's a whole other post I won't even get into now!)   Some of our favorites are:

We love the 4 in 1 cribs and how they will grow with our child, (from crib, to toddler bed, to day bed, to full size bed).   As I was once again reading and perusing other adoption blogs, I found the most precious painting in a nursery .  Above the crib read "For this child I have prayed. - 1 Samuel 1:27" I saw this and instantly cried.  I just thought, "How incredibly perfect is that?!" One thing is for sure, no matter what crib we buy, boy or girl, that quote will grace our little one's room. 

Each day we pray for our little one, until our time of waiting is done,
We pray the Lord keep you safe from harm, until the child of our dreams, becomes the child in our arms.