Why we Adopt

If you are like me the question of "why are you adopting?" is NOT only asked during the home study.  I get asked at the Dr office, at church, at the store. (disclaimer: as a rule we don't introduce Mason as our adopted son, at times it comes up or the boys willingly share, but that's a story for another post).
If someone knows our story we are inevitably gonna be asked why.  And I don't mind, I try to look at it as an oppurtunity to put adoption on their radar, God will do the rest. 
So I thought I'd compile a list of some of the reason's why our family adopts:

• God told us to take care of the orphans and widows, that's why we adopt
• when Mason is sad and I pick him up and he melts into me, that's why we adopt
• 147 million (and counting) children without families, that's why we adopt
• because our family wasn't isn't finished yet, that's why we adopt
• the thought of little ones out there without a mommy or daddy to kiss their boo boo's, read them bedtime stories, or know about Jesus...hurts my heart, that's why we adopt
• Becoming a mommy & daddy to an adopted child is nothing like giving birth to one, that's why we adopt
• because ALL children are worthy of love, no matter their "special need", that's why we adopt
• We ran out of excuses not too, that's why we adopt
• having an adoption blog to documment our journey is just so fun :O), that's why we adopt
• because my WHOLE family learned that they could love more then they ever thought capable, that's why we adopt
• I love paperwork, that's why we adopt (sorry, had to add some humor, and I really do like paperwork)
• There is so much of God's grace in this one little face!, that's why we adopt (wish I could show you his cute face, but not yet.  Praying it's soon)

Do you have reason's...I'd love to hear them!

12 years

Today is our 12th wedding anniversary. When hubby and I talked about our future twelve years ago we could not have even imagined the blessings God would give us.
We had talked about adoption even before we were married. But as life went on and our family grew, I thought God's answer to my plee for a child through adoption was "no". To my amazement and delight his answer was not yet. And in his perfect timing I got my YES.
This has been an amazing 12 years with my perfect gift. I can wait for the many more and for all God has in store for us!

Baby's getting bigger

Life has been busy around these parts lately!  Doctor appointments, Doctor appointments, Doctor appointments

But our baby is GROWING, and I love it.

Look at him sitting!! 



 He amazes us more and more everyday.  He loves his brothers, his dog, and Mango's!

He also had his first s'more experience...unfortuatly he didn't get to eat any, but they were yummy!!

Still waiting

We wait!! I haven't written on that in awhile :o)

We are still waiting for a decision from DCF about medical insurance for Mason.  They said it would take two weeks...we are in week 5!
We really don't care if they say "yes" or "no".  It would be a great help, but God has provided this far and I know he will continue!

No, the reason I'm annoyed about waiting this time is because their decision (or lack there of), is hindering our finalization!!

I want to no longer explain why is name is "different" on our insurance card.
I want to no longer have to say, he's ALMOST adopted.
I want to no longer have those few loose ends that stop us from giving him our last name. 
I want to have a fabulous adoption party to THANK everyone for their generous and loving support!
I want to our family picture taken at the court house.
And I WANT that piece of paper that says we are his family FOREVER!

So whether the answer is yes or no I wish they would just get it over with so we can say he's ours forever and ever!!

Our Busy Busy Week.

This week was filled with ups and downs.  We found out Grampy is fighting cancer.  This is one place his stubbornness will come in handy :o)

We celebrated Easter and all the joys that go with it!!

And Dylan turned 6!!! (That was his favorite day, but who could blame him)

 This picture really says it all!!  Happy Birthday sweet Dylan!!

Let our vaction week begin, and let's hope its less eventful, this Mama is tired :o)

Baby's Firsts!

I have alway loved the first year of each of my children's life.  Everything is so new!

Tomorrow is Mason's first egg hunt.  He could care less, but I'm excited.  I want kid pictures with eggs!

Then Sunday he will get his first Easter basket,
go to his first Easter service,
and enjoy his first family Easter celebration! 

And while he may sleep through most of it, I know how inportant this first Easter is for this baptized child of God!

Last year I dreamed about having another child to celebrate this holiday with...this year I get to enjoy my dream.  God is SO good!

Mason at 6 months!

A writer I am not.  God gave me other talents but that isn't one of them.  So I may stumble as I write this blog, or letters, or birthday cards, or...never mind.  My point is I started this blog to document Mason and his journey into our family and our journey as we waited for him.  So I apologize in advance for my writing, I write like I talk.  Just a disclaimer :o)  Now on to more important things.

Mason will be six months on Friday.  6 whole months (five months in our care)!! We have watched him grow from a small peanut into a good size turkey.  And our once affect-less baby, now smiles and laughs, coos and invites attention! It has been AMAZING to watch!

We LOVE this little man! The boys have grown so close to him.  Tyler gets up in the morning and he goes right to Mason's crib to see if he's awake.  Mason smiles when he sees him and I know Tyler feels loved because of it.  Tyler needs that, he's my boy that struggles with feeling loved. 

Dylan's mornings are spent "talking" with Mason and making up songs about how much he loves him.  It is very cute to watch, and my heart leaps with their growing bond.

Steve and I are so thankful that God chose us to be his daddy and mommy.  We are learning so much, we are trusting so much, and we are stretching so much.  We are surrendering all to the Lord, knowing, trusting, and stretching our faith, with all that Mason is and is to become. 

God gives you what you need, not always what you want, BUT with Mason we got both!