tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17425895329995928292024-03-05T18:25:12.848-07:00Our Adoption JourneyJChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16868487111408239979noreply@blogger.comBlogger98125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1742589532999592829.post-84396630233335406002016-08-24T10:53:00.001-06:002016-08-24T11:10:19.829-06:00Summer 2016<span style="font-size: large;">Jenny here...I realized today that when I gave a friend the info for our blog that it probably was due for an update after a long absence over the summer.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The past few months have been busy with lots of pool time, park trips, and fun with friends and family. It was relatively quiet on the adoption front until the last week of July when the agency in Texas we had our first match with told us about a birthmom due in a few days. We were on this agency's "priority list" since we had a failed match with them, which meant that they would call us with any last-minute placements or "stork drops". We packed up our suitcases and basically waited for "the" call. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">A few days later, we got it. We hurriedly booked flights and a rental car, made sure that Bailey would be taken care of (thank you, Mike and Pat!), and rushed off to the airport. We were getting updates that our birthmom was in active labor and were hoping to make it there shortly after the birth. We knew we had a couple of hours with the flight and drive to the hospital to figure out the details - potential names (we didn't know the gender), when Travis could fly home to bring Bailey to meet her new brother/sister, and how we would tell all of our family and friends. We kept this match pretty much on the down-low, mainly because it was so last-minute and we were scrambling to even think straight.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKCeRRgOBzr1ZdqDXKi8z1zMWuUJufC3tHIpzSND2FAQwO4g6yKR5JMcx65ORQBh1MmOYTU2E9hT7fq6g22M1X4A8AUHETONKUFf9ADROBGTLHE9AlbNTy2gDs9gDeh6VvmcD0swTXH2Xx/s1600/IMG_4824.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKCeRRgOBzr1ZdqDXKi8z1zMWuUJufC3tHIpzSND2FAQwO4g6yKR5JMcx65ORQBh1MmOYTU2E9hT7fq6g22M1X4A8AUHETONKUFf9ADROBGTLHE9AlbNTy2gDs9gDeh6VvmcD0swTXH2Xx/s320/IMG_4824.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Right before we left for our flight</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1HnekxY9Xm_-D757MkJ-8lfFnUtu4YAupd12rp1wTMcKrasQ0LclQJXsNQc-X2rht8ZIWjyVZ2yjVVTxcoi6r6TAb4KcIt1xBmeNs6YHyOtZML4oYRCRt5LEpfaSt4e-tkOpc8D9jTCPE/s1600/IMG_4834.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1HnekxY9Xm_-D757MkJ-8lfFnUtu4YAupd12rp1wTMcKrasQ0LclQJXsNQc-X2rht8ZIWjyVZ2yjVVTxcoi6r6TAb4KcIt1xBmeNs6YHyOtZML4oYRCRt5LEpfaSt4e-tkOpc8D9jTCPE/s320/IMG_4834.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">LOTS of stuff for a 2-3 week stay!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> We landed in sunny Shreveport, Louisiana, ready to make the one hour drive to the hospital in Texas, but as soon as we were allowed to turn our phones on, they started making all kinds of sounds. Both our phones had texts and voicemails from our agency in TX, as well as our adoption consultant. The birthmom had changed her mind and the agencies didn't have any other information. Another crushing blow. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">At the time, it seemed almost cruel that we didn't even get off the airplane before finding out, but looking back, I'm glad we didn't make it even another step further into our journey to the hospital. We dejectedly got off the plane, went to baggage claim for our luggage, cancelled the hotel room and rental car, and went to try and find a flight home. After many delays, we ended up getting home around 2:00 the next morning. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKIusRqztYL_CNp7bA09vxQSdfW9YTOCNGt0MB9mY2D9V4CmYTqKCX8pnfNMOZHNsUhggI1gUQMFputHZZmoe0Xsdp5_27Wgn0Z0mrNS1w6C9T_EqB0bmlsWGKpgu2LO9E9Smgufm6MVqE/s1600/2df14cdeb69b3bd7dabfee32f2c85559.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKIusRqztYL_CNp7bA09vxQSdfW9YTOCNGt0MB9mY2D9V4CmYTqKCX8pnfNMOZHNsUhggI1gUQMFputHZZmoe0Xsdp5_27Wgn0Z0mrNS1w6C9T_EqB0bmlsWGKpgu2LO9E9Smgufm6MVqE/s320/2df14cdeb69b3bd7dabfee32f2c85559.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">But God...so many times we 've been able to say those words about our story. The Friday before we had flown out, we had agreed to have our profile shown to another birthmom in TX with the Christian agency that we matched with in March. We loved this agency because our case workers were amazing and we had hoped to work with them again. When we flew out on Tuesday, our profile book was taken out of the stack of families to be presented since we had already been matched with another expectant mom. When our adoption consultant heard that match #3 had fallen through, they called the agency and jumped through hoops to make sure that our book would be among those that this birthmom could look through. Two days later, we found out she chose us. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdA_NlPKFjsjJiS5asvLMFQlI4HO8g9_br1Mnwl04-fxmWY22ZMJoFvaLlsJYVRfNiIyRusgMAFltRhgOjowSrNwT6u1kZKWGsKSdY7DJQTzhNHLldOtzM7oxtRLChz6Ewlp_n4uxS59o0/s1600/d76b2e0d36637e57b343e87b7b9c54b4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdA_NlPKFjsjJiS5asvLMFQlI4HO8g9_br1Mnwl04-fxmWY22ZMJoFvaLlsJYVRfNiIyRusgMAFltRhgOjowSrNwT6u1kZKWGsKSdY7DJQTzhNHLldOtzM7oxtRLChz6Ewlp_n4uxS59o0/s320/d76b2e0d36637e57b343e87b7b9c54b4.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">To say that that week was stressful would be an understatement. The sheer adrenaline of getting on an airplane when two hours before, I had been making plans to take Bailey to the pool, is crazy. Getting on an airplane that the Shreveport airport staff told us had been unflyable only minutes before, only to have everyone get off when the pilot didn't feel comfortable flying it ("Did anyone in the back feel that shaking? That's not supposed to happen.") - not really the confidence builder we needed coming home. But re-matching so quickly after a failed match, gave us a much-needed morale boost.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I feel like we didn't re-match quickly after March because we needed time to heal our hearts. When you physically hold a baby minutes after it's born and snuggle it through it's first hours of life in the NICU, only to find out that this is not the child God has for you, that changes you. We know now that it has changed us for the better. The pain we felt (and still feel) is not wasted but it is different than the pain we felt a couple weeks ago sitting in that airplane, both of us on the phone at the same time and then just staring at each other in disbelief. In the hours and days that followed, I felt such an overwhelming sense that God was protecting us from something. This is the same protection that I felt after we grieved our infertility. God knows what I do not and I get to feel at peace with that because I have felt His protection before. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRpTLmLd08FJwuJA0ad8tMlQP3hrkod1I_6IxC_vslrlqoJvSCjae2knuM8pK44s2RUHtJEGqBD_y3h7v6VZ56FKX-6eNkO2Q2JIPUlY200ZB06DVsgTqjeVRntiZGdremG6uFTcnLkG2d/s1600/e978bb97aa7cd0b8cf5788d26e005421.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRpTLmLd08FJwuJA0ad8tMlQP3hrkod1I_6IxC_vslrlqoJvSCjae2knuM8pK44s2RUHtJEGqBD_y3h7v6VZ56FKX-6eNkO2Q2JIPUlY200ZB06DVsgTqjeVRntiZGdremG6uFTcnLkG2d/s320/e978bb97aa7cd0b8cf5788d26e005421.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">So now what? We are still matched with an amazing birthmom in Texas (due very soon with a girl!) that we had a FaceTime call with a couple weeks ago. We pray every day for her and her baby and if it is God's will, that this is the child that will be our daughter and Bailey's sister, but if not, that God will be glorified in how we interact with this courageous woman and her baby. Like our other 3 matches, Bailey doesn't know anything about this one. We're hoping this is the one that makes her a big sister!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Please pray....</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">for our birthmom - for continued health for her and her baby, and for strength and courage during her last few weeks of pregnancy</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">for our adoption agency and adoption consultant's case workers - for continued energy to support families and birthmoms</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">for Bailey - for her heart while we're gone and for all of the change coming into her life soon</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">for us - to love big and pray bigger</span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We so appreciate your prayers and are so grateful to those that have walked alongside us these past 17 months. Here are some pics from the summer. Hope we have some big news to share soon! </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Renewing our vows in Vegas for our 10 year anniversary!</span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ZhVVXbJh6N7COUbLAXoIEz11M9tlihhJTuTpJ-NWhfw9tQk24tVJsG36rt0ss33nE1hORlzTFxwotABI6vnMmC2LJjCWPKCyoJ76dN0TjYm5gw3DUrup5iUgli_FchIZmw1puNryW32q/s1600/IMG_4078.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3ZhVVXbJh6N7COUbLAXoIEz11M9tlihhJTuTpJ-NWhfw9tQk24tVJsG36rt0ss33nE1hORlzTFxwotABI6vnMmC2LJjCWPKCyoJ76dN0TjYm5gw3DUrup5iUgli_FchIZmw1puNryW32q/s320/IMG_4078.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Pie-eating contest at church - she thought there were pits in the cherries so she just ate around them :)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmQJybgrBAGBW0nD1TDR0XAGOuJZFNNiitr7SgcBXD-V0imVjxn_SA1zQrwRVByf1gq84HoKeWMWmzRyWSUDJMpRQDsZCYKNIwT6Y7PyagnMMkhNduORLaUy9tLO8szdiny1P8JPATxeoO/s1600/IMG_4112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmQJybgrBAGBW0nD1TDR0XAGOuJZFNNiitr7SgcBXD-V0imVjxn_SA1zQrwRVByf1gq84HoKeWMWmzRyWSUDJMpRQDsZCYKNIwT6Y7PyagnMMkhNduORLaUy9tLO8szdiny1P8JPATxeoO/s320/IMG_4112.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">4th of July</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3J2ZtkIee3XaQkln68gVEe0tlRgHgdgntN5e_8TqmD2X1yToVLgWK_kEFjkQVk8jeqe4lDsS8QbvGfpZ0IatR8glIV9HNfom3QUyy19tZsOM1rriA0KM54Nwya3CMBYIIcpkRrBXwi9Fy/s1600/IMG_4811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3J2ZtkIee3XaQkln68gVEe0tlRgHgdgntN5e_8TqmD2X1yToVLgWK_kEFjkQVk8jeqe4lDsS8QbvGfpZ0IatR8glIV9HNfom3QUyy19tZsOM1rriA0KM54Nwya3CMBYIIcpkRrBXwi9Fy/s320/IMG_4811.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Still totally fearless!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGLDuDsZf_OOKOQqFkkWFShrUJbEJLFBzZr5YfFU-M0s083MJe_8-WBCtdb7lvlQq1qvpqOi_LAKUZ76e07Cs2gcalwuxOWZllzlDrFXQ7T_CqCK2dsC6F-qzRgPu9bnpv-yIFyVTdUVyg/s1600/IMG_4809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGLDuDsZf_OOKOQqFkkWFShrUJbEJLFBzZr5YfFU-M0s083MJe_8-WBCtdb7lvlQq1qvpqOi_LAKUZ76e07Cs2gcalwuxOWZllzlDrFXQ7T_CqCK2dsC6F-qzRgPu9bnpv-yIFyVTdUVyg/s320/IMG_4809.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Our little baker</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijYbPGrTx-n36q75PnmJjfv9JbB2uUv_RJKBh-X-FPPqRt5S5pEfCn_VKbGiHnD2q5MA10ODfpeBQZzGouALy3SLWHZuP8Oq5b_ZDGU0vPvYDd4GlnFPj8YCVumGNWHLPm1kHStKpHHtLS/s1600/IMG_4899.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijYbPGrTx-n36q75PnmJjfv9JbB2uUv_RJKBh-X-FPPqRt5S5pEfCn_VKbGiHnD2q5MA10ODfpeBQZzGouALy3SLWHZuP8Oq5b_ZDGU0vPvYDd4GlnFPj8YCVumGNWHLPm1kHStKpHHtLS/s320/IMG_4899.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Riding the "Dragon Wagon" at the fair </span></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEtLBIyFjt8Apu2zDsJS3HnOJTLcHzDsHQuGHi0VfKRna1_GJsPf8eaLQF3ZXChsBVpzrnNP4LAlRipCvIHST34at3eXMQWQhhqCGJvWLJIV1aMm1zE5y2u-oFJHnfucb9qHwU2sFEOCXc/s1600/IMG_5127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEtLBIyFjt8Apu2zDsJS3HnOJTLcHzDsHQuGHi0VfKRna1_GJsPf8eaLQF3ZXChsBVpzrnNP4LAlRipCvIHST34at3eXMQWQhhqCGJvWLJIV1aMm1zE5y2u-oFJHnfucb9qHwU2sFEOCXc/s320/IMG_5127.JPG" width="218" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">1st day of Pre-K!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsF5r5X1STHfw9Uc05Vgd-mpM-NGqX5WDEu4GIniCyfLXin4GxIoq64mTcYGFD9_3UGvFX17T8ODg_YvPTQwMrFhYmpb9qV9L0HmApHnySjmjtP-9sp_GzytEdNV6Au-GlXDWgzYUgqwPi/s1600/IMG_5124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsF5r5X1STHfw9Uc05Vgd-mpM-NGqX5WDEu4GIniCyfLXin4GxIoq64mTcYGFD9_3UGvFX17T8ODg_YvPTQwMrFhYmpb9qV9L0HmApHnySjmjtP-9sp_GzytEdNV6Au-GlXDWgzYUgqwPi/s320/IMG_5124.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLOcsmRKALfJcRlM0C9A7f6W6KxGn3u-7Ywum-rlXJXnpohXZ-YIZgWDe6OEfH83nQSlmkAaFaHyOndkBeb7R-KF_Bbyq4XZNXNBaak6Y_w4nu7UcvMO9J1WqVgeJZg6hT_O7LeDR_UzNb/s1600/IMG_5129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLOcsmRKALfJcRlM0C9A7f6W6KxGn3u-7Ywum-rlXJXnpohXZ-YIZgWDe6OEfH83nQSlmkAaFaHyOndkBeb7R-KF_Bbyq4XZNXNBaak6Y_w4nu7UcvMO9J1WqVgeJZg6hT_O7LeDR_UzNb/s320/IMG_5129.JPG" width="240" /></a></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4XIwMkjW21W1cz8zqkPdYYDoa2idtB_KGqrbLE-DZjz9d1Biqm12rwQo_miv-ptc2Cd_CMvfde6kAyUzf1IOO23L18S8Qqj6hsmzxNLQWuKNHK9YdjXQ8tz30ADtiKM5htZ-bOmfFcjP9/s1600/IMG_5146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4XIwMkjW21W1cz8zqkPdYYDoa2idtB_KGqrbLE-DZjz9d1Biqm12rwQo_miv-ptc2Cd_CMvfde6kAyUzf1IOO23L18S8Qqj6hsmzxNLQWuKNHK9YdjXQ8tz30ADtiKM5htZ-bOmfFcjP9/s320/IMG_5146.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Our radio interview with "Adoption Now" - will be posted this week on their podcast!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvXvMLrZYwQ3iVg0qlknARxcmJyE4aC-nySUPXEozLX5AFPkGm2yBYuasGoNVR_PdYdvEfHQpjO30wIXdMxAchpKASjiy_fSH60-BcD7mNQSGTn2dyWCf1ScHLp5ojiEw7PY0vpxhWxR51/s1600/IMG_4878.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvXvMLrZYwQ3iVg0qlknARxcmJyE4aC-nySUPXEozLX5AFPkGm2yBYuasGoNVR_PdYdvEfHQpjO30wIXdMxAchpKASjiy_fSH60-BcD7mNQSGTn2dyWCf1ScHLp5ojiEw7PY0vpxhWxR51/s320/IMG_4878.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Waiting for You!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>JChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16868487111408239979noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1742589532999592829.post-39628683742115068112016-06-16T21:24:00.002-06:002016-06-16T21:34:37.073-06:00Summer is here!<span style="font-size: large;">It's hard to believe that 12 weeks ago today, we were in Texas loving on a baby and a birthmom that weren't meant to be part of our family. People have asked us how we're doing and we can honestly say that we're doing well, all things considering. Of course, we never thought that we'd be here in June, still waiting as a family of 3, after having matched so quickly last November and then again in March. We can't make plans for too far in the future, knowing that we could get a call at any moment that would require us to jump on a plane.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigdnkknvcqldXgrzWz9yTudfTacHDsogQUyJK2ydJkflIXzscTC5dxBVbDAq9ANjgqizKVt7x0RNzkFdZklzrCerHZs7JdNI_pKfW9oVZb8YKc7zJzKRbylTH6lvGrTmU4ljdd4oBBte_7/s1600/1e40f7325f0690053dd1432c550c67a5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigdnkknvcqldXgrzWz9yTudfTacHDsogQUyJK2ydJkflIXzscTC5dxBVbDAq9ANjgqizKVt7x0RNzkFdZklzrCerHZs7JdNI_pKfW9oVZb8YKc7zJzKRbylTH6lvGrTmU4ljdd4oBBte_7/s320/1e40f7325f0690053dd1432c550c67a5.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The wait is agonizing and I know that we haven't even been waiting that long when compared to other families that are adopting. The hopefulness that came along with being matched weighs heavily on our hearts. We know that we are being prepared in this wait for what God has for us and wouldn't you know that our 4-year old understands this better than we do most days. We are waiting, some days more patiently than others, to see what God's best is for our family. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9okOikAIEUAY6YCLj-mLBHRqiAvo6dDUP9KHvyrdwTdQrXgzSN7MPmkZR6N-5fLizT643RwufBEbkeIV19WADNWckQeA44ii-xKlb82rAJQ7suPWpmkURxkVhY2EDeYPX_auvSPrZZmMj/s1600/c4bf928d5a1df09a0f510b5236a73502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9okOikAIEUAY6YCLj-mLBHRqiAvo6dDUP9KHvyrdwTdQrXgzSN7MPmkZR6N-5fLizT643RwufBEbkeIV19WADNWckQeA44ii-xKlb82rAJQ7suPWpmkURxkVhY2EDeYPX_auvSPrZZmMj/s320/c4bf928d5a1df09a0f510b5236a73502.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">When we were waiting for Bailey to come home, we prayed every time we saw a Jeep and were quickly reminded just how many Jeeps there are in our city alone! Bailey was looking through her adoption book a few months ago and stopped when she got to the page filled with Jeep pictures and asked if we could start praying for her "baby and brother" (translation: baby brother or sister) whenever we saw a Jeep. Leave it to her to remind us that we should be praying constantly for our son or daughter and his/her birthmom. So that's what we've been doing many, many times a day and would love to invite you to join us in praying whenever you see a Jeep on the road. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg55cK5Vmsq_K7CTWxIUR5jWLYxFg1BOJ8OcfgxsklOGP6r94x3EQ-c8_8qphfVYnI23Gl2m66E8oFxCDlZne3ClwIjCCTXpSW8GJK644iTsEd4FvBTv6R0eC5Beb5U_g3V0PODuDD4Yzd3/s1600/60f87b071bf1edbd4088837ae1d0c72c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg55cK5Vmsq_K7CTWxIUR5jWLYxFg1BOJ8OcfgxsklOGP6r94x3EQ-c8_8qphfVYnI23Gl2m66E8oFxCDlZne3ClwIjCCTXpSW8GJK644iTsEd4FvBTv6R0eC5Beb5U_g3V0PODuDD4Yzd3/s320/60f87b071bf1edbd4088837ae1d0c72c.jpg" width="236" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'll leave you with a few pics of our sunshine. She finished up her first year of preschool and is already itching to go back, although she's loved being able to swim almost every day in our beautiful summer weather (most days!).</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPDaUB7GpysEU2EnioTXx60bvPx2DJNDzlyvXUYzIOX8E6JIVKXKovelzlA2yrHbBXNQxn91Qi4LJZcsO8-7zhVKRXHapOzeYDzYy19JmIv4WJH8MCrR22clVTJxbaP6a5BnDpQ55fx20c/s1600/FullSizeRender+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPDaUB7GpysEU2EnioTXx60bvPx2DJNDzlyvXUYzIOX8E6JIVKXKovelzlA2yrHbBXNQxn91Qi4LJZcsO8-7zhVKRXHapOzeYDzYy19JmIv4WJH8MCrR22clVTJxbaP6a5BnDpQ55fx20c/s320/FullSizeRender+%25282%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Summer reading program at the library</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLEAIG6d8Rf3QfXmuBCqyBPn2jqGRtNZfyLvMQrnuzTZBgsJqT_o7DHff94j30EdQP0Z5wrRLTcaYa_sQqOkZDGAR54MEX75lmqt36OJI-I11ywTNRx_UxP8lMmWN-_3cbxNA9FlYRWvJg/s320/FullSizeRender%25282%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="187" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">She might've been the only kid who wanted a tattoo on her bicep so she could flex!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQhAddOR1D2WB8jLOq0hHSfxpUHU686RcQGx0rDQEDs8114YCpDTU9319rqFQe-KpCMUtG3ieC1W_lhzdIuyCeHBaFyB7wrN6CLHTklxHFu6ESE7x7WVaATrRKXl8e9T7OnoyEobAJNQM5/s1600/FullSizeRender+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQhAddOR1D2WB8jLOq0hHSfxpUHU686RcQGx0rDQEDs8114YCpDTU9319rqFQe-KpCMUtG3ieC1W_lhzdIuyCeHBaFyB7wrN6CLHTklxHFu6ESE7x7WVaATrRKXl8e9T7OnoyEobAJNQM5/s320/FullSizeRender+%25283%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Our little fish!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW7A1ZP7hGEuBZOvLYJ4BThp96yW-bvUKaPYhLoDlYP-jTWRhSy9K-rG4eK69SMbaqzc-2mpRlWmb5vtTsyE49QMwmsR8ERHqM1Vjdx0yTXgE34gDj4qPCCStbb-o7wwqDCzI3q5bkJ3nv/s1600/FullSizeRender+%25284%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW7A1ZP7hGEuBZOvLYJ4BThp96yW-bvUKaPYhLoDlYP-jTWRhSy9K-rG4eK69SMbaqzc-2mpRlWmb5vtTsyE49QMwmsR8ERHqM1Vjdx0yTXgE34gDj4qPCCStbb-o7wwqDCzI3q5bkJ3nv/s320/FullSizeRender+%25284%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Totally fearless!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiybYuuPv08LqxpC0iPgjCi-t4pgANNYXbMTB6qRzhOA1mTUHFMLcnWpQehGFA4kpgFJf7ZllMvjIg6kL1bZ8uG6GNxzV95LgsS65fvxRHDKeDC_4bJ_sZzCDqHNs6UiAqwfWW9WpFNwnbd/s1600/FullSizeRender+%25285%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiybYuuPv08LqxpC0iPgjCi-t4pgANNYXbMTB6qRzhOA1mTUHFMLcnWpQehGFA4kpgFJf7ZllMvjIg6kL1bZ8uG6GNxzV95LgsS65fvxRHDKeDC_4bJ_sZzCDqHNs6UiAqwfWW9WpFNwnbd/s320/FullSizeRender+%25285%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Just doing a little shopping</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg20LYJSp3S-lOj8ms_JM-Gv-Cuz5G7Dz4Q9ATPGbLeDjPDthXFpSgw1-xE_nqUPRrF8SjYrghwTOAowEN24M0FIDSOv02SsosnnNJecbBq_mpz3vPpbMdgz06V2sPQ8uiKFPBfD8m_nkzD/s1600/FullSizeRender%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg20LYJSp3S-lOj8ms_JM-Gv-Cuz5G7Dz4Q9ATPGbLeDjPDthXFpSgw1-xE_nqUPRrF8SjYrghwTOAowEN24M0FIDSOv02SsosnnNJecbBq_mpz3vPpbMdgz06V2sPQ8uiKFPBfD8m_nkzD/s320/FullSizeRender%25281%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Spidey senses</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzSicgNxMtl_2MqEge79QHaLy7kfh3RqCpnyoIJcku-UR2iL_pCHF46yF7ZtkIY6WPclJZEKfZ3pkaolJKIwgHEqH7boXeSOIdYiklROTRTZCHHWbbCBshbcxqWkUp2X_sjFJC31LFG6kj/s1600/FullSizeRender%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzSicgNxMtl_2MqEge79QHaLy7kfh3RqCpnyoIJcku-UR2iL_pCHF46yF7ZtkIY6WPclJZEKfZ3pkaolJKIwgHEqH7boXeSOIdYiklROTRTZCHHWbbCBshbcxqWkUp2X_sjFJC31LFG6kj/s320/FullSizeRender%25283%2529.jpg" width="240" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Typical Thursday with our night ninja ballerina angel</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvlJz7F36WwyVECyg7DTuIeZCD3blwD8UMzjLCq4QS-wlAL7Siwbmaf1A5-FZZOq0LipKqDxVIbGuN2Niu8YOreq9v0h4EdkUOhSMncXlF7Ls7h8Tj57IehQyvdqN4OSIGkMfkCFCLmurv/s1600/FullSizeRender%25284%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvlJz7F36WwyVECyg7DTuIeZCD3blwD8UMzjLCq4QS-wlAL7Siwbmaf1A5-FZZOq0LipKqDxVIbGuN2Niu8YOreq9v0h4EdkUOhSMncXlF7Ls7h8Tj57IehQyvdqN4OSIGkMfkCFCLmurv/s320/FullSizeRender%25284%2529.jpg" width="242" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Helping Dada blow out his candles</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnzYM1l9Kwk3Xb1WWAYBeYvaoCUWgDDK_u3pgb8chU3iZKtBlB_cCwtTiXoa4XhwSZzg2WRIBdJ5u9wUQzLkJaTG6CJQIASV1R9d6innNTOzUMbsSIf6F5nzUMhYVJ6W-KQnobpN6ERea3/s1600/FullSizeRender%25286%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnzYM1l9Kwk3Xb1WWAYBeYvaoCUWgDDK_u3pgb8chU3iZKtBlB_cCwtTiXoa4XhwSZzg2WRIBdJ5u9wUQzLkJaTG6CJQIASV1R9d6innNTOzUMbsSIf6F5nzUMhYVJ6W-KQnobpN6ERea3/s320/FullSizeRender%25286%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Our little cheetah</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilWalFBOiIMidcrLhH8U5mkVuVhJ8sCLf_QWc4CU844A-otf8AWi-ZJVqnowCO0XOHWJGIcp8g3BO0zGk3-iN5HGlZGO5ER595GEao2DTy4iqTNtTw2wvTjzCHwVtvxWjAf92xLDkl3kIW/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilWalFBOiIMidcrLhH8U5mkVuVhJ8sCLf_QWc4CU844A-otf8AWi-ZJVqnowCO0XOHWJGIcp8g3BO0zGk3-iN5HGlZGO5ER595GEao2DTy4iqTNtTw2wvTjzCHwVtvxWjAf92xLDkl3kIW/s320/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Cheese!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>JChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16868487111408239979noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1742589532999592829.post-3213649060172542212016-04-17T17:04:00.000-06:002016-04-17T17:04:36.447-06:00Big Sister-itis<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Hi friends! We're snowed in this weekend (18" so far!), so we thought it'd be a good time to post an update.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-size: large;">Before we go any further, we can't thank everyone enough for the amazing support we received after our recent match fell through. The notes of encouragement and prayers were such a great comfort to us. We're so thankful that the Lord has surrounded us with so many loving people. Thank you!!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> <b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Raton, NM</span></u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">After we received the difficult news that the birth mom decided to parent, we packed up, got some sleep, and headed out of Dallas the next morning. I wanted Jenny to fly home to be with Bailey instead of enduring 12 more hours in the car, so I dropped her at the airport and began the drive. All was well through Texas. I even tried Whataburger finally...not bad...doesn't hold a candle to In-N-Out...it's not even worth discussing.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-size: large;">As I made my way through New Mexico, the weather turned quickly and I found myself driving in pretty rough winter conditions again. I was able to get behind a plow which helped, and then was informed that the highway was closed in Raton, NM. I was stuck. All the hotels and skeezy motels were completely booked. I was planning to hide out in the breakfast room of the Holiday Inn I found, until I stumbled upon a family that lives in the same town as we do. I noticed the high school logo on the son's shirt and asked if they lived there. They did and moments later, the father asked me if I'd like to crash on the pullout couch they had in their room, since they had a suite. The kindness of strangers! I was so thankful to God that He sent this family past my table at the exact right moment. He moved in their hearts to make a most-generous offer to a stranger. Needless to say, my wife was a bit concerned about my somewhat blind trust in strangers, but alas, I lived to tell about it!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-size: large;">They were a very nice family and handled the awkwardness of sharing a room with a stranger better than you'd expect. In all seriousness, they were a huge answer to prayer after an emotional few days. The thought of going yet another sleepless night and not being with my family hurt a whole lot less thanks to them. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-size: large;">Bright and early Easter morning, I got up and started the drive home. The roads were icy but okay. Seriously, as soon as I hit the "Welcome to Colorful Colorado" sign, the roads were PERFECT. Gotta love those Colorado road crews!! </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-size: large;">Since returning home, we received our fees back (all of them except travel expenses, praise the Lord!) and are once again back in the pool of families waiting to be matched. Please pray for that perfect situation to come across our inbox soon!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> <b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Big Sister-itis</span></u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Bailey is so ready to be a big sister, it's getting ridiculous. She has so much pent-up "big sister-ness" that at times I seem to be filling the role of little sibling. Besides being her sidekick for all of the somewhat dangerous things she likes to try around the house, she's now looking for any chance to tattle on me to her mama (aka my wife). At meal time, she'll lean over and whisper to Jenny to ask if I'm making good choices or not, because she wants to tell me that I'm making bad choices. It's hilarious!! She's so ready to be the bossy big sister. She's recently started to also tell me when I'm not making bad choices, so at least there's a little encouragement sometimes. </span><br />
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<b><u><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Waiting for you</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The sign's back! We realized we've done a less-than-stellar job of photo-documenting our journey, so hopefully we'll be getting more of these pics as we continue to wait. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><u>Gwyneth</u></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Many of you have probably seen this, but I ran into Gwyneth Paltrow at the United Club in Chicago last week! I<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #141823;">nstead
of a picture, I thought a video would be so cool, so I shared a little bit
about our recent adoption that fell through and asked her to do a video
to make Jenny smile. She asked a few questions, gently corrected my selfie form
(making me suddenly feel very old), and then so kindly made this encouraging
video for us. A reminder from God that He is good and His plan is perfect from
an unexpected source!</span></span></div>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Number 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Closing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Default Paragraph Font"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="List Continue 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Message Header"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="11" QFormat="true" Name="Subtitle"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Salutation"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Date"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text First Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Body Text Indent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Block Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Hyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="FollowedHyperlink"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Document Map"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Plain Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="E-mail Signature"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Top of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Bottom of Form"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal (Web)"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Acronym"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Address"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Cite"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Code"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Definition"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Keyboard"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Preformatted"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Sample"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Typewriter"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="HTML Variable"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Normal Table"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="annotation subject"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="No List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Outline List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Simple 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Classic 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Colorful 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Columns 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Grid 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table List 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table 3D effects 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Contemporary"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Elegant"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Professional"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Subtle 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Web 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Balloon Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Table Theme"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 7"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 8"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
Name="Note Level 9"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Placeholder Text"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" QFormat="true" Name="No Spacing"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="34" QFormat="true"
Name="List Paragraph"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="29" QFormat="true" Name="Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Quote"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="64" Name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="66" Name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="68" Name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="70" Name="Dark List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
Name="Subtle Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
Name="Intense Reference"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" Name="Bibliography"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
UnhideWhenUsed="true" QFormat="true" Name="TOC Heading"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="List Table 1 Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="List Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="List Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="List Table 1 Light Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="List Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="List Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="List Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="List Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="List Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
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<br />JChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10262053654232763828noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1742589532999592829.post-28474655472196751192016-03-25T16:57:00.000-06:002016-03-25T17:05:00.180-06:00Strike 2<span style="font-size: large;">I expected this post to go much differently 24 hours ago. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We went to bed Tuesday night so excited for the coming days. An easy flight to Dallas, a reunion with In-N-Out, and a good night's sleep before Thursday's early start. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We woke up Wednesday morning to blizzard conditions, cancelled flights, and unexpected surprises. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">One thing was certain: nothing was going to stop us from getting to Dallas in time for our birthmom's scheduled c-section. We weighed our options - wait for our rescheduled flight that night in hopes that the storm would clear or drive. The storm was moving south quickly so time was ticking. We decided to make the "12-hour" drive, packed the car up and headed out into the blizzard. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The next three hours were some of the craziest driving conditions I've ever experienced. Driving through that storm was probably one of the most ridiculous decisions we've made but it was a no-brainer. Our baby was coming soon. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I can't even do justice to just how undriveable (I don't think that's a word) the roads were. Slowly but surely, we were making progress, trying to traverse the hilly snow-packed roads, gusting winds, and limited/zero visibility. There were moments when the hood of the car was the only thing I could see. Jenny kept checking the road closures and all of the reports said the sections we were on were closed. But we kept on trucking. Near misses by other cars, big rigs stopped everywhere, accidents, cars that couldn't make it any further...just some of the things we witnessed as we kept moving slowly through the blizzard. It makes no sense that the Feisty Ford (Jenny's old Explorer) made it through the blizzard. It's an old Explorer with rear wheel drive (a complete disaster for snow/ice) that's been known to struggle at the sight of snow. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">God heard our prayers and the prayers of His children. Our friend's kids prayed that God would bubble wrap our car. I love that! And He answered those prayers. It was an exhausting drive and there were moments when we almost gave up and waited it out, but God cleared our path, weakened the wind and got us through. After we got through the worst part of the storm, we still had over 11 hours to go. The conditions were rough for the next few hours while Jenny took the wheel but we kept moving. We finally made it to our hotel in the Dallas area at 3am. We were scheduled to be at the hospital shortly after 5. Ouch. Welcome to life with a newborn, right??</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Aided by caffeine and adrenaline, we were able to spend a little time with the agency's case workers (who are amazing) and the birth mom. Shortly after 8:30, we were called out of the waiting room to meet the baby. Finally! Laying there in all her swaddled glory was this precious little girl.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Full disclosure #1 - I don't know a lot about the birthing process and I've never seen a black newborn baby before. Well, evidently some (most/all, I don't know) are born white. </span><span style="font-size: large;">We want Bailey to have a sibling that has beautiful brown skin like her.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">I'd be lying if I said Jenny and I weren't a little surprised at the skin color of the baby looking back at us and quickly tried talking to each other with our eyes, wondering if someone was playing a trick on us! It was hilarious and quickly the agency workers were whispering about it too. We finally asked the nurse about it. I never knew!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The rest of the day was spent loving on the precious little human thrust into our care. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Full disclosure #2 - When friends and family have babies, I'm not typically in line to hold them. I'm so afraid I'm going to break them. That's a quick way to lose friends, dropping their precious cargo. So instead I smile from a distance.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Well, this one was mine. I've never really been around a newborn baby so this was all brand new. At least for yesterday, we were responsible for this baby, so I was all in. I was trying to do all I could to understand the needed care she needed. After the first match fell through, I know we needed to be careful with our hearts but I couldn't help it. This precious little baby was mine. I wanted her to know and feel love. We held her, fed her, were fascinated by how she slept (and slept and slept...). We agreed on a name, shared the big news with family, and on and on. We spent about half the day in the NICU with her but were moved back to the regular baby floor in the afternoon. Late in the afternoon, we heard that the birth mom's family was trying to pressure here to parent the baby but she was holding firm to her decision. I had to go run some errands for us and while I was gone, the birth mom asked for the baby to be brought to her so she could see her. The baby was returned an hour later and we thought that things were going to settle down. The nursing staff offered to watch her so we could get some much-needed rest and we were so grateful.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The baby was brought back in to us just after 6am and we had a few hours with her. She was more awake today and we enjoyed that time with her. Little did we know that was the last time we'd see her.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">At 9am, a nurse came in and told me that the birth mom had asked to see her again. I put her down, gave her a little kiss and they took her away. Over the next couple hours, we tried to keep busy/distracted, and then the case workers arrived and updated us. More of the birth mom's family had come and was continuing their pressure on the birth mom. We prayed hard - for God's will to be done, for wisdom and clarity for the birthmom, for her family, for the baby to be blessed, for our hearts. We just wanted the emotional tug-of-war to stop and for an answer one way or the other. At 2pm, we were finally told that the birthmom had decided to parent. The baby wouldn't be coming home with us.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The way things were going this morning, we kind of expected that answer but nothing prepares you for it. Our hearts are broken, again. It doesn't make sense but it doesn't have to. God has a baby for us. We are one day closer to our future child than we were yesterday. I do pray that the Lord blesses the baby, the birthmom and her other children. I pray that that baby girl experiences the loving and saving grace of Jesus and enjoys a life full of love and purpose. I pray that God was glorified in how we've conducted ourselves and how we tried to love that baby and the birthmom.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Adoption is hard. It is messy. To have to say goodbye after a day is hard. Maybe it made me realize how difficult the decision has been for the birthmom (and for all birthmoms). What we're feeling right now we wouldn't wish on anyone. But we'll do it again. And again. And again. God is good. His plans are perfect. He's growing us through this. He's showing me that He wants me to love completely, no matter the cost.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">"Funny" that the first match fell through shortly before Christmas and this match fell through on Good Friday and shortly before Easter. Today we remember Jesus crucified on the cross. Thank you God Almighty that that isn't the end of the story. In a few days we'll celebrate His glorious resurrection. He is risen, indeed! He's alive, He loves us, and He has invited us into His family. It's the best outcome, ever, and the story keeps being written as more of His children accept His offer to be adopted into His family.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This chapter may not have a happy ending for me today but the story does. In that, I take comfort and find peace.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><u>In Christ Alone</u></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In Christ alone my hope is found;<br />He is my light, my strength, my song;<br />This cornerstone, this solid ground,<br />Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.<br />What heights of love, what depths of peace,<br />When fears are stilled, when strivings cease!<br />My comforter, my all in all—<br />Here in the love of Christ I stand.<br /><br />In Christ alone, Who took on flesh,<br />Fullness of God in helpless babe!<br />This gift of love and righteousness,<br />Scorned by the ones He came to save.<br />Till on that cross as Jesus died,<br />The wrath of God was satisfied;<br />For ev'ry sin on Him was laid—<br />Here in the death of Christ I live.<br /><br />There in the ground His body lay,<br />Light of the world by darkness slain;<br />Then bursting forth in glorious day,<br />Up from the grave He rose again!<br />And as He stands in victory,<br />Sin's curse has lost its grip on me;<br />For I am His and He is mine—<br />Bought with the precious blood of Christ.<br /><br />No guilt in life, no fear in death—<br />This is the pow'r of Christ in me;<br />From life's first cry to final breath,<br />Jesus commands my destiny.<br />No pow'r of hell, no scheme of man,<br />Can ever pluck me from His hand;<br />Till He returns or calls me home—<br />Here in the pow'r of Christ I'll stand.</span></span></span></div>
JChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10262053654232763828noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1742589532999592829.post-13350256087853298992016-03-01T21:17:00.000-07:002016-03-01T21:19:14.466-07:00Round 2!!<span style="font-size: large;">Hi there! Thanks for taking a break from your unsuccessful quest to figure out how in the world The Donald continues his tear through the primaries to catch up on what's going on with our little family! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's been a nice but quiet few months for us. We enjoyed Christmas and New Year's festivities and the Broncos won the Super Bowl!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Around Valentine's Day, I had the privilege to get all dressed up and take my little girl to a Daddy Daughter Ball. It was such a fun night together. Bailey wore a beautiful red dress and was so excited to present herself to me as she walked down the stairs. Her face lit up as I told her how beautiful she looked and she was so excited as I put on her little corsage. Even at 4, her heart so badly wants to hear such words from her father. If I didn't already know it, it is so clear how important my words are and how powerful they can be in speaking life into her. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here's a picture of us from the night...</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8nB2gkyvkURXwFwn8OtyfrcjIDPCltKzsmtVtEoRMyTkTm-Q4dZP6zBwfFy4vHvHfSGSnW5aj0YfGcb-dQpLMCPYBfp_Q5CS98qlL7CL1K9gGljlnSJK5azEZgwbObP8yytJgtHSlzL3p/s1600/IMG_8241.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8nB2gkyvkURXwFwn8OtyfrcjIDPCltKzsmtVtEoRMyTkTm-Q4dZP6zBwfFy4vHvHfSGSnW5aj0YfGcb-dQpLMCPYBfp_Q5CS98qlL7CL1K9gGljlnSJK5azEZgwbObP8yytJgtHSlzL3p/s400/IMG_8241.jpg" width="261" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We had a nice dinner, enjoyed dancing at the ball, and ended the night with a frozen yogurt dessert. Such a fun night and precious memory we'll share. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">On the adoption front, things seemed to slow down quite a bit leading up to Christmas and into mid-January. Last week we realized that it had been 2+ weeks since we had even had an opportunity to show our profile book to birth moms, which was quite very much not the normal since we went active with our agency. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Jenny recognized that we weren't praying with the confidence and urgency that we ought to be praying. So she wrote 5 big, bold prayer requests and we prayed those with much more intentionality. God heard those prayers!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Isn't that how it goes? God asks us to talk to Him and He's just waiting to hear our requests so He can show His love and power. Yet so often, it's my last resort when it should be my top priority. </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Last week our profile book was shown to 4 birth moms. And today we were informed that a birth mom chose us...we've been matched again!! </span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoI2VJWQfaaOg33ljvulUeev0QcXYupgrF2D0JqhGiXbhlG-LHBImzKEwPK2Q20woVC-F3eXs3gJ0E1rZLD1aV5B7kryTeEXtfwRfebCUsDlxFx_nv0ofyhuf-o65FBManLH0e0REWw6yR/s1600/images.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoI2VJWQfaaOg33ljvulUeev0QcXYupgrF2D0JqhGiXbhlG-LHBImzKEwPK2Q20woVC-F3eXs3gJ0E1rZLD1aV5B7kryTeEXtfwRfebCUsDlxFx_nv0ofyhuf-o65FBManLH0e0REWw6yR/s320/images.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "unkempt";"><span style="font-size: large;">It's a girl and she is due in late March! We are so excited to love on a new baby and her precious birth mother. We are (cautiously) optimistic that this will be the child we've been praying for but know that there is always a possibility that our birth mother will choose to parent her child. We are praying for God's will to be done either way, and that we will be able to show our birth mom His incredible love in the process.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtCZcu5rj3TQfa3jBoDzHjkJWmTgTcTWsntlPIbdw_KCgb-OFma3zeB90Tl08Thkue0tP748njzlr4fU91spz8KhhOQAP4eXGrRJ7fG9iXrdO0Yj4pDorsPABhSqTgYGEhqKYgONuiIQyg/s1600/12802885_10154059141892664_2430645991633397056_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtCZcu5rj3TQfa3jBoDzHjkJWmTgTcTWsntlPIbdw_KCgb-OFma3zeB90Tl08Thkue0tP748njzlr4fU91spz8KhhOQAP4eXGrRJ7fG9iXrdO0Yj4pDorsPABhSqTgYGEhqKYgONuiIQyg/s320/12802885_10154059141892664_2430645991633397056_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "unkempt";"><span style="font-size: large;">Please do not mention anything to Bailey about this as we are trying to protect her heart in case this doesn't work out. She knows that she will be a big sister when we adopt again and we know that she'll fall hard for whichever baby God has chosen for us.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7lTlsnjWKOfVyAAIL4lOh9jpYEkGzzVQO5XUJtRxItVsck5svLnCebIFNo1Ta7rb5O1iTOvtZ_z0Xj5e7K3IYoluQrL7g8UJAm5knTAjzwWL9OibRA2ubM4jDAPSu6xmJseLG4yvUBxmo/s1600/IMG_0391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7lTlsnjWKOfVyAAIL4lOh9jpYEkGzzVQO5XUJtRxItVsck5svLnCebIFNo1Ta7rb5O1iTOvtZ_z0Xj5e7K3IYoluQrL7g8UJAm5knTAjzwWL9OibRA2ubM4jDAPSu6xmJseLG4yvUBxmo/s400/IMG_0391.JPG" width="242" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "unkempt";">God is so good! Thank you for walking beside us, especially in prayer. Here are our prayer requests for this next stage of our adoption process: </span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Unkempt;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Unkempt;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "unkempt";">1) For our expectant mother - for clarity in her decisions and continued good health.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Unkempt;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Unkempt;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "unkempt";">2) For her precious baby - for continued growth and development.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Unkempt;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "unkempt";"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "unkempt";"></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "unkempt";">3) For our relationship with our birth mother - one of the reasons we chose our agency is because they emphasize loving birth families BIG and WELL. Pray that we will be able to do that - with our thoughts, our words and our prayers. We will likely have an initial call with her next week. Please pray for a very positive, encouraging call. </span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Unkempt;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Unkempt;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "unkempt";">4) For Bailey - that God will prepare her heart to be a big sister and that she will have a smooth transition from only to oldest child.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Unkempt;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-family: Unkempt;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "unkempt";">5) For our finances - we are trusting that God will continue to provide the finances we need to complete this adoption, just as He did with Bailey's. Thank you to everyone who has supported us thus far.</span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "unkempt";"><span style="font-size: large;">6) For Jenny and I - that God will be glorified in the way we engage with all the different people involved in this process. Pray that we will have peace, no matter what happens. Pray that we will not let the failed match make us overly cautious or worried about the days ahead. Pray that we are sensitive to Bailey's needs so that she's ready for the changes coming her way. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Guess it's time to get the nursery finished...lots of USC-themed and Pinterest projects happening over in there!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZApmAYvP-zJs3EShLR-enFVlG4lGr9Bt0FPIPcTc314qHIbnIP_GZ0QSHfbyp7cqwspqY4Q-WAsnaswwk0BOR7iBUd15mGFeleSrBg7wsEYYOf3jOfwA1vkUAKjGuu3InCm8AyDEU9_JN/s1600/IMG_2316.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZApmAYvP-zJs3EShLR-enFVlG4lGr9Bt0FPIPcTc314qHIbnIP_GZ0QSHfbyp7cqwspqY4Q-WAsnaswwk0BOR7iBUd15mGFeleSrBg7wsEYYOf3jOfwA1vkUAKjGuu3InCm8AyDEU9_JN/s320/IMG_2316.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />JChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10262053654232763828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1742589532999592829.post-45776063355683209182015-12-18T22:18:00.000-07:002015-12-18T22:23:18.453-07:00Next Steps<span style="font-size: large;">We want to provide a quick update on our situation with the adoption. Since being informed of our failed match last week, we've been processing what happened, healing, and moving forward. We don't know why it happened but we have faith in God's perfect plan and timing.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We've been working through paperwork and discussions to close out the contract and get unused funds returned to us. We were liable for the living expenses, counseling and legal work that had already been completed/paid out. We were concerned that we'd be out close to $10,000 but we thank the Lord we're only out $1,700.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">That was still a financial blow to us but once again, God provided! A few days before the match fell through, we were notified of a $1,000 grant and others have blessed us with ~$600 this week, so we've almost recovered all of the funds lost to the failed match!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Today we were added back on the "active" list and are eligible to be matched again by having our profile shown to expectant moms. Please pray that we will be matched again quickly! Thank you!!</span><br />
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<br />JChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10262053654232763828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1742589532999592829.post-8226407304284852742015-12-09T22:54:00.001-07:002015-12-09T22:54:08.002-07:00Change of plans<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 18pt;">This morning we received
some terrible, horrible, no good, very bad news (for us, anyways) - the birth
mom we were matched with delivered her baby boy almost a month early and decided to parent. So, our match has fallen through and we're back at step one. This has
been hard news to swallow for Jenny and I. Lucky for you, I process hard
news by talking, while Jenny processes more internally. After 10 years, I
think I've finally learned how to give Jenny space, at least for a few minutes.
So, you're stuck with me. </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 18pt;">When bad news hit so
suddenly as it did this morning (I was sleeping), I found myself in a state of shock. Unsure
what to do or say, I tried to distract myself by staying busy. But as I was
left alone with my thoughts, clarity and our new reality set in. We were
just a few weeks away from having a baby in our arms and now we're back on the
waiting list.</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 18pt;">As I informed family,
friends and colleagues, articulating our new normal to those closest to us, the
burden of this unexpected loss grew heavier. </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 18pt;">This is a loss I didn't
expect to have to grieve today. I knew there was a risk, but I had convinced
myself it wouldn't happen to us. I was so confident that this was our baby boy and the process was going to be as "rainbows and unicorns" as any
adoption process could be. You'd think I would've learned by now...rookie
mistake. </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 18pt;">So, here's my heart today -
I am grieved for Jenny, Bailey and I. We long for our baby boy or girl, we
long for Bailey to have a baby brother or sister. My heart aches that we had
gotten so close and now have to start over. I pray that God will bless and
provide for this little boy. We trust His perfect will, and trust that
this baby was meant to remain with his birth mom. I trust that God has
prepared us for the baby boy or girl He has for us, and it's just a matter of
time. </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 18pt;">I have been overwhelmed by
the encouraging words and prayers of our friends and family. Jenny posted a
prayer request on Facebook 11 hours ago. In those 11 hours, we've
received over 125 of the kindest comments offering prayers, thoughts,
encouraging words, tears, and love. In a week when our feeds are packed with
posts about how much of a cotton-headed ninny muggins Trump is (he is, obviously), debates
about guns, violence, ISIS, politics, how awesome the new Star Wars movie is going to be, and so on, the response to our request
for prayer and support has reinforced my belief in the power of social media
for GOOD. Every 5 minutes or so, we
were blessed with another encouraging word! It's like a viral prayer chain and
it helped us throughout the day. To those that commented or just commented in your
hearts, thank you. Thank you for carrying us through today. Please remember us
tomorrow, because we'll need it. We love you and are so blessed to be on
this journey with you. </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 18pt;">In good times and bad, we
must cling to God's promises. It sure is easier to go there when my heart is in
turmoil. Today, through prayer and through the encouragement of others, I'm
reminded that:</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;">When I delight myself in the Lord,
He gives me the desires of my heart (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ps+37%3A4&version=ESV" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Psalm 37:4</span></a>)</span><o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: 18pt;">He knows the plans He has for me -
plans to prosper and not harm me, plans to give me hope and a future. He
has a better plan for my family than I could ever conjure up. What a
beautiful truth. (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jer+29%3A11&version=ESV" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Jeremiah 29:11</span></a>) </span><o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l3 level1 lfo3; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 18pt;">The <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> is the everlasting
God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or
grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power
to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength...but they
who wait for the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> shall
renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like
eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not
faint. (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Isaiah+40%3A28-31&version=ESV" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Isaiah 40:28-31</span></a>)</span><o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l2 level1 lfo4; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white; font-size: 18pt;">I should not be
anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with
thanksgiving let our requests be made known to God. And the peace of God,
which surpasses all understanding, will guard our hearts and our minds in
Christ Jesus. (<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Phil+4%3A6-7&version=ESV" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Philippians 4:6-7</span></a>)</span><o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 18pt;">As I get concerned about
timing, frustrated that we have to start over and that this suddenly isn't
going according to my plan, I remember Abraham and Sarah and God's promise to
them in their 90's - <i><span style="background: white;">Is anything too
hard for the <span style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span>? At
the appointed time I will return to you, about this time next year, and Sarah
shall have a son.</span></i><span style="background: white;"> Hannah,
Elizabeth, Zecharias, and on and on. God's timing may be vastly different
than mine, but His is perfect. I choose perfect, even if it hurts right now.
</span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 18pt;">As we near Christmas, I
can't help but think about Mary and Joseph. I'm going to go out on a limb and
say that this wasn't how Joseph expected to begin his life with Mary. Probably
not the order of operations he had imagined! Turned out pretty well for him.
</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-size: 18pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So we grieve, we heal, and
we wait upon the Lord. We pray for the baby He has for us and pray that we are
united soon.</span></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
JChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10262053654232763828noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1742589532999592829.post-16111339887812474032015-11-16T23:09:00.001-07:002015-11-16T23:09:35.736-07:00BIG NEWS!!!<span style="font-size: large;">In the chaos that is shopping at Jo-Ann Fabrics close to the holidays with a 3 year old that thinks Swiper the Fox and Captain Hook are hiding down every aisle, we got the call we've been waiting for - we've been matched! This means that a birth mom looked at our profile book and chose us to be the parents of her child. We had our profile book shown to other birth moms a few times in the past three weeks since we became an "active" family so are so excited to be matched and much faster than we expected!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg485uH-NvnTJ8rXTs-aw3MXQ3MZX3qGIQkMqfZfk39xjWk1lQ-FrwZTOr7jlLvWWBUHYdFHRl7P9dJm9k5qQrA47D-nyXFRUPPe18reaSpclyiuqMU0YMjsAX1XFQLuFRZxtJS4xL4pDUg/s1600/capture3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg485uH-NvnTJ8rXTs-aw3MXQ3MZX3qGIQkMqfZfk39xjWk1lQ-FrwZTOr7jlLvWWBUHYdFHRl7P9dJm9k5qQrA47D-nyXFRUPPe18reaSpclyiuqMU0YMjsAX1XFQLuFRZxtJS4xL4pDUg/s320/capture3.JPG" width="252" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">It's a boy and he is due in early January! We are so excited to love on a new baby and his precious birth mother. We are optimistic that this will be the child we've been praying for but know that there is always a possibility that our birth mother will choose to parent her child. We are praying for God's will to be done either way and that we will be able to show our birth mom His love in the process. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnWe54j9dAUMDBD5yBCN4rrOr8hUNlBTGsLKIU0YN-4lxKjExmHRwBL0-Kvyp17dcaRXC8749NhkHsspaf7ifEkORHq82J5v7GoIx9p_nfw5QqJ0errTOr_ipLHwEaerQyKUr-kqPIEOw3/s1600/il_fullxfull.475231126_guu4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="319" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnWe54j9dAUMDBD5yBCN4rrOr8hUNlBTGsLKIU0YN-4lxKjExmHRwBL0-Kvyp17dcaRXC8749NhkHsspaf7ifEkORHq82J5v7GoIx9p_nfw5QqJ0errTOr_ipLHwEaerQyKUr-kqPIEOw3/s320/il_fullxfull.475231126_guu4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Please do not mention anything to Bailey about this as we are trying to protect her heart in case this doesn't work out. She knows that she will be a big sister when we adopt again and we know that she'll fall hard for whichever baby God has chosen for us.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7lTlsnjWKOfVyAAIL4lOh9jpYEkGzzVQO5XUJtRxItVsck5svLnCebIFNo1Ta7rb5O1iTOvtZ_z0Xj5e7K3IYoluQrL7g8UJAm5knTAjzwWL9OibRA2ubM4jDAPSu6xmJseLG4yvUBxmo/s1600/IMG_0391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7lTlsnjWKOfVyAAIL4lOh9jpYEkGzzVQO5XUJtRxItVsck5svLnCebIFNo1Ta7rb5O1iTOvtZ_z0Xj5e7K3IYoluQrL7g8UJAm5knTAjzwWL9OibRA2ubM4jDAPSu6xmJseLG4yvUBxmo/s320/IMG_0391.JPG" width="194" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">God is so good! Thank you for walking beside us, especially in prayer. Here are our prayer requests for this next stage of our adoption process: </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1) For our expectant mother - for clarity in her decisions and continued good health</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">2) For our future son - for continued growth and development</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">3) For our relationship with our birth mother - One of the reasons we chose our agency is because they emphasize loving birth families BIG and WELL. Pray that we will be able to do that - with our thoughts, our words and our prayers.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">4) For Bailey - that God will prepare her heart to be a big sister and that she will have a smooth transition from only to oldest child</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">5) For our finances - we are trusting that God will continue to provide the finances we need to complete this adoption, just as He did with Bailey's. Thank you to everyone who has supported us thus far.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhztXuOtFPKFgbJYvubOd6Mgv9Tvpwbp_TS49SbsWgfZakVdT0mhh1N9ecITUNHcrktP0HtcrIvHYSg1otMvbhXqYygW3PB0zNR5rbbOinUlO7DRT577rNcCiwKYPx6Xp5aI_Gbg7REBgQl/s1600/Capture4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhztXuOtFPKFgbJYvubOd6Mgv9Tvpwbp_TS49SbsWgfZakVdT0mhh1N9ecITUNHcrktP0HtcrIvHYSg1otMvbhXqYygW3PB0zNR5rbbOinUlO7DRT577rNcCiwKYPx6Xp5aI_Gbg7REBgQl/s320/Capture4.JPG" width="252" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>JChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10262053654232763828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1742589532999592829.post-38297226515418582642015-10-29T22:40:00.000-06:002015-10-29T22:43:02.975-06:00T-shirts! Get your t-shirts!<span style="font-size: large;">It only took us 18 months but we have t-shirts! And onesies! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here they are!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">"Be the Good" design - available in adult sizes Small, Medium, Large and XL ($20); 2XL and 3XL ($22)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmODNlAM9GLn-Kvy4F1_fzD2HE-AuCnMcMPjxtSpWoJ0uxcxHqbkJmX8Iniho5MxM_aYjgefFZObRMcTvPiSoqT6xbyDJvRmVIfUy7GqSJt-FfFBwQuL_6RoPd0ROlv0lH96RsBFMapHFC/s1600/Jenny+Cramer+shirt2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmODNlAM9GLn-Kvy4F1_fzD2HE-AuCnMcMPjxtSpWoJ0uxcxHqbkJmX8Iniho5MxM_aYjgefFZObRMcTvPiSoqT6xbyDJvRmVIfUy7GqSJt-FfFBwQuL_6RoPd0ROlv0lH96RsBFMapHFC/s400/Jenny+Cramer+shirt2.jpg" width="363" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">If you have one of our "Adopt" shirts from our first
adoption, you know that those were 100% cotton, heavy-duty shirts. The
new ones are <u>much</u> softer and comfier - Bella Canvas 52/48 combed and ringspun
cotton/poly. They are more fitted so see the specs below if you're unsure
on what size to order.</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaXYxxLyP7LBbZc7IKuaU-0c7itiTnHupH7BqwzQZA5LK0Rq0UVumleSw7rYD-JSNa9fpw8xe8DSgM6KE5W1itqq0LS0NYvPiBxSXJ_fgluuJlbjUDkCH4oT0asnorvYQoM7y1jViDSL5g/s1600/bella+canvas+adult+shirts.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaXYxxLyP7LBbZc7IKuaU-0c7itiTnHupH7BqwzQZA5LK0Rq0UVumleSw7rYD-JSNa9fpw8xe8DSgM6KE5W1itqq0LS0NYvPiBxSXJ_fgluuJlbjUDkCH4oT0asnorvYQoM7y1jViDSL5g/s400/bella+canvas+adult+shirts.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">"Worth the Wait" design - available in infant onesie sizes 3/6 months, 6/12 months, 12/18 months, and 18/24 months in colors black, athletic heather, baby blue, berry, navy, pink and red ($15)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil_ZubvHV8yB_JPkz2uhcIX9rVPkHIJ6Fyk2SHnkTtQhveczNg-o4AYRcsq_pYOQK_8JBLh79jg5VKMDkYXVac5V9fQAq0W80WzJCfc_juTu2niNihHQg4XcAXjqY875Achg1UPmWjt6tw/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage2%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil_ZubvHV8yB_JPkz2uhcIX9rVPkHIJ6Fyk2SHnkTtQhveczNg-o4AYRcsq_pYOQK_8JBLh79jg5VKMDkYXVac5V9fQAq0W80WzJCfc_juTu2niNihHQg4XcAXjqY875Achg1UPmWjt6tw/s400/PicMonkey+Collage2%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The onesies are all Bella Canvas 100% combed ringspun cotton except the athletic heather color is 90/10 cotton/polyester. These do run small so see the specs below with the measurements. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSAP7LzQEJguuMgJ9-BcqWO8m9qFxb0Hwby4NEVVV8TlM1HvMjnvBvV_OshNFfiV7ETr1HdpNGCqmR23mY7a6Spb5PHx8W4V2PZVF5gYYxLo-DKZEY1sS6IjDNP4eWzDZ78Htt1tH8nZ_f/s1600/Capture.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="357" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSAP7LzQEJguuMgJ9-BcqWO8m9qFxb0Hwby4NEVVV8TlM1HvMjnvBvV_OshNFfiV7ETr1HdpNGCqmR23mY7a6Spb5PHx8W4V2PZVF5gYYxLo-DKZEY1sS6IjDNP4eWzDZ78Htt1tH8nZ_f/s400/Capture.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We sold t-shirts for Bailey's adoption and still have a few in our
basement 4 years later. To try and avoid this issue, we're taking
pre-orders for a week and then we'll place the order with our printer, <a href="http://www.fundthenations.com/" target="_blank">Fund the Nations</a>. They do great work for adoptive families and church groups
and even designed our onesies! We have been told that they take about a week to get printed and we will hopefully be mailing them out the week of November 16th.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Our goal is to sell at least <b><span style="font-size: x-large;">50</span></b> shirts and <span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>50</b></span> onesies! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Shipping: </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1 shirt/onesie - $4</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">2-4 shirts/onesies - $5</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">5-8 shirts/onesies - $10</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Send us an email for more than 8 </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">*CO friends - we'll hand-deliver when possible!*</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">How to order:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Send us an email at <a href="mailto:travisandjennyadopt@gmail.com">travisandjennyadopt@gmail.com</a> or a message/comment on Facebook with your order. We'll send you a Paypal invoice for payment or we can take checks or cash (no Paypal fees for us!).</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Thank you in advance for your support! We are hoping that this fundraiser will be a great success! Of course, if you don't want/need t-shirts or onesies, you can donate directly to our adoption fund using the link on the right-hand side of the blog :)</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi621iU3PkbHV2a7bTdRBFTLt3pa3aAJ4h4BEkpMvFH1oHINq_JQU58ZZGpx2uAyALrTrEUos9s4vaxJ5xalaYVeUDlsBFeewTWY_GswZAuc5S5uHK2QLU99k4LsGRjvvAbZKGNivXfSe9M/s1600/index.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi621iU3PkbHV2a7bTdRBFTLt3pa3aAJ4h4BEkpMvFH1oHINq_JQU58ZZGpx2uAyALrTrEUos9s4vaxJ5xalaYVeUDlsBFeewTWY_GswZAuc5S5uHK2QLU99k4LsGRjvvAbZKGNivXfSe9M/s320/index.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>JChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16868487111408239979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1742589532999592829.post-44351067752456764852015-10-27T23:08:00.004-06:002015-10-27T23:08:44.915-06:00It Just Got Real!<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">Our profile book is finally done and copies are at our agency! We'll spare you the gory details but we are so glad it is done! As of last Thursday, we are now officially on the "active" list of adoptive families with our agency, which means that they will be informing us of expectant mom situations. We will have the opportunity to review and pray about every situation and decide if we want our profile book shown as a potential match. Expectant moms could be due in a few days, weeks, months or could have already given birth! The reality of this is slowly setting in - we could be a family of 4 as soon as tomorrow! We also know that it comes with a lot of uncertainty but we are very excited to get going with this next step in the process!!</span></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="font-size: large;">We do know that there is a growing sense of urgency. This adoption just got real! We've kicked our prep up a notch and have a lot to do to get ready since the process could move very quickly. This adoption is and will continue to be so different than Bailey's, not to mention that we've not <span style="background-color: white;">experienced raising a newborn - that sound you hear is my heart beating out of my chest!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;"><span class="s1"></span><br /></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: large;">Now that we know more about timing, we're ramping up our fundraising. We're so thankful for the many that have supported us through donations, helping with our garage sales, participating in our Chick-Fil-A (x2) and other fundraisers. Special shout out to Megan, Rinele and Kimberly for blessing us through their Jamberry, Pampered Chef and Noonday businesses! </span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white;">G</span>od has blessed us with very generous friends and family! </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-size: large;">We've met ~2/3 of our goal and are still praying for God to provide the remaining 1/3, at least $10,000 more to meet the expected adoption expenses. We're still waiting for news on a few grants so please pray for a positive response to those applications. If you would like to donate, please click the PayPal donate button in the right sidebar of our blog. Thank you for considering us!!</span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-size: large;">We're finalizing the designs for our shirt fundraisers and those should be ready for preorder at the end of this week. Once we've got the details, we'll provide more information. </span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-size: large;">On the home front, we've been busy with Bailey - preschool, gymnastics, 3-year-old drama, all things Frozen, Halloween festivities, and all sorts of other fun. I was gone for two weeks in early October and I struggle with how much she grows in such a short period of time. I hate missing so many of those moments but I'm so proud of her and her adventurous, creative, curious, fun personality. </span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span style="font-size: large;">Some friends have asked us if and how we're preparing Bailey for bringing a baby brother or sister home. We've been trying to explain what's going on as much as we appropriately and effectively can with a 3-1/2 year old. We've been trying to explain to her that soon we'll be bringing a baby brother or sister home to her. As we've shared with her about her own story, her baby brother or sister will grow in another woman's belly but they're growing in our hearts. She's very excited about the idea of being a big sister and she keeps referring to her sibling-to-be as a brother. So maybe she knows something that I don't...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Please pray for us as we get further into the process, continuing to trust God for the provision of funding, and for Bailey as we continue to prepare her for when our baby arrives. Please also pray for our future birth mother and that God will guide her no matter what decision she makes. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And with that, some pictures!</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7TZ8KuU6z-OiQUalA8ksg7XnmWE54eNUuUZYLxUFsHtsE1n-LOD6ynBtpAZA6gKAfq7Xb9u2qyBdAGlR6hGP-bnCbPigdJuHQI5k5qwig4K7XGnCSFv-qKLxlnWhnKDU2AlPkM1Ji3ECW/s1600/1st+day+of+Preschool.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7TZ8KuU6z-OiQUalA8ksg7XnmWE54eNUuUZYLxUFsHtsE1n-LOD6ynBtpAZA6gKAfq7Xb9u2qyBdAGlR6hGP-bnCbPigdJuHQI5k5qwig4K7XGnCSFv-qKLxlnWhnKDU2AlPkM1Ji3ECW/s400/1st+day+of+Preschool.JPG" width="267" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">First Day of Preschool!</span></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFHivd6kq0Y6lDbwS-JuNMxXnzHm6IsH0IUF8EMtdCBqRdrmDSUJphguYtwOFXXEMshETgS76x1D2Wipt_vPJZ8PXYJE-RwZmmIirYZH2ekzD0qAaskHlanxHGkb4kwGvqhjdn3N_QFnnM/s1600/class+of+2030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFHivd6kq0Y6lDbwS-JuNMxXnzHm6IsH0IUF8EMtdCBqRdrmDSUJphguYtwOFXXEMshETgS76x1D2Wipt_vPJZ8PXYJE-RwZmmIirYZH2ekzD0qAaskHlanxHGkb4kwGvqhjdn3N_QFnnM/s400/class+of+2030.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">I now feel VERY old...</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="p1">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizxdnKd93szKL1c62e_o04bkbnV65TNX8W8KVA0aKsp2Su4oSQ4dZpHWXkDTVU123wSvlZIvBFOYb8rSF_g5zOmGgUf1mW6fEkSa2jTQjxrMFNHg2T-DBN8ZnlFX5_dd8MJcM-Dy6SR4wY/s1600/B+%2526+P+-+BFFs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizxdnKd93szKL1c62e_o04bkbnV65TNX8W8KVA0aKsp2Su4oSQ4dZpHWXkDTVU123wSvlZIvBFOYb8rSF_g5zOmGgUf1mW6fEkSa2jTQjxrMFNHg2T-DBN8ZnlFX5_dd8MJcM-Dy6SR4wY/s400/B+%2526+P+-+BFFs.jpg" width="331" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">BFFs!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuwz5KB3YrQpSaprUuQ2SS5X1CWNsbwoeVt-nhKWM88PnU96GDbpDDFmJKCVjLNdoo6ov2W6gPPVkqf068UBfWdTt7jyAg27DHc28j3txGhJkthAw3hjiJK9L4Cf6JZT3LlOIXRzpFOCcw/s1600/chuck+e+cheese.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuwz5KB3YrQpSaprUuQ2SS5X1CWNsbwoeVt-nhKWM88PnU96GDbpDDFmJKCVjLNdoo6ov2W6gPPVkqf068UBfWdTt7jyAg27DHc28j3txGhJkthAw3hjiJK9L4Cf6JZT3LlOIXRzpFOCcw/s400/chuck+e+cheese.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Mama, tickets!!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVXXLD5eoEfCNM0mAMlOhXtBkbcBlTpU3KHIa5AWWImTHQnqmGA2WCBcl9-lRF1G1KURf8ITyhdJQUT1N0ux_EZj6g6zGshofXOgoJIHblDwjpO-wW8r6LsCSSkvAYPgNuHk2vEA5Hkfh-/s1600/halloween+festival.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVXXLD5eoEfCNM0mAMlOhXtBkbcBlTpU3KHIa5AWWImTHQnqmGA2WCBcl9-lRF1G1KURf8ITyhdJQUT1N0ux_EZj6g6zGshofXOgoJIHblDwjpO-wW8r6LsCSSkvAYPgNuHk2vEA5Hkfh-/s400/halloween+festival.jpg" width="248" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Halloween festival - love the gloves and shoes!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx_uB8GjsUuKDoDEYJzVoRLj6JLi4AEnyTOfi-OyleGFQvw4ZpPbMBmmvQsg34cPYnrr734Bm19jtmt_5JVS8SGPCW_jvPV2wK0dz7UKCkDD6VP1KREsClcKvkH2brG7lLLWBjw67pvqqh/s1600/handstand.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx_uB8GjsUuKDoDEYJzVoRLj6JLi4AEnyTOfi-OyleGFQvw4ZpPbMBmmvQsg34cPYnrr734Bm19jtmt_5JVS8SGPCW_jvPV2wK0dz7UKCkDD6VP1KREsClcKvkH2brG7lLLWBjw67pvqqh/s400/handstand.JPG" width="260" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Show off. :-)</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQYuZ08kM257xsihp4P6BaHtj1-fX736Cz96s2gxweyrgY57-haysMs7womkmz9bXTU5Ozo-R7c0VPP-oamQ9i7aR7SrBQ3b0t-lZf_UCmYpmKW2D1HjzYBeZ3Ic0PB-ORCnLYx6AFTUfc/s1600/mailing+paperwork.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQYuZ08kM257xsihp4P6BaHtj1-fX736Cz96s2gxweyrgY57-haysMs7womkmz9bXTU5Ozo-R7c0VPP-oamQ9i7aR7SrBQ3b0t-lZf_UCmYpmKW2D1HjzYBeZ3Ic0PB-ORCnLYx6AFTUfc/s400/mailing+paperwork.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Mailing our last documents to our agency</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ilG2jM33fxgkOKVGFsVN87HxSIM6ENjb1p856pL9Qrj4xl6QnEOiWA8BYfvliSEbz4zpHXJTnX1P0Yq6GVWMivhO2QUFuAs6TyobDW7f7zsao5yFJcW2qd5-PSkyAZsvhHMMJ9xyz1I8/s1600/pumpkin+patch.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ilG2jM33fxgkOKVGFsVN87HxSIM6ENjb1p856pL9Qrj4xl6QnEOiWA8BYfvliSEbz4zpHXJTnX1P0Yq6GVWMivhO2QUFuAs6TyobDW7f7zsao5yFJcW2qd5-PSkyAZsvhHMMJ9xyz1I8/s400/pumpkin+patch.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Fun at the pumpkin patch!</span></td></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBAA7GdYqN45a0cwV4gHHIu_9tdoa6xLP_fujXEkOyTtD0gXk2xEmVN6Og_30HzkY95mf_u0L-JXyewIDE-2Ok4AjHSkIToOW7i6yMnMLmCm8thfoi_cRhUxJSrfh6Jo-ApUiQyNjXLV6l/s1600/Pumpkin+patch+-+B+%2526+D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBAA7GdYqN45a0cwV4gHHIu_9tdoa6xLP_fujXEkOyTtD0gXk2xEmVN6Og_30HzkY95mf_u0L-JXyewIDE-2Ok4AjHSkIToOW7i6yMnMLmCm8thfoi_cRhUxJSrfh6Jo-ApUiQyNjXLV6l/s400/Pumpkin+patch+-+B+%2526+D.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgROTx5wbIVjN-CwXiDMwQBKVL1XHAGmHy606ZHBCMWOYhp1_x7trUeY1NwlaUUXd_Wt63PyzFE_tcMCacntn9cNFQP9a4Wpc-FnUwExUplqqM3C-J2rB0t0OXtJJJgxNYLL9sxw_bNJMBK/s1600/Preparing+for+baby.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgROTx5wbIVjN-CwXiDMwQBKVL1XHAGmHy606ZHBCMWOYhp1_x7trUeY1NwlaUUXd_Wt63PyzFE_tcMCacntn9cNFQP9a4Wpc-FnUwExUplqqM3C-J2rB0t0OXtJJJgxNYLL9sxw_bNJMBK/s400/Preparing+for+baby.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Practicing for her new sibling</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXUx00rqhyphenhyphennWjKPBwrpiQ2EBkXkx_sv_9BqBSFRaexzfyyAO-LcPJkNo7jPhBSNgYlwWJrb6ZIFuE44JcMNZ-7G4LFfRwLcLt5eY8RrdcSuiznnkaDbG7uvVRLM7ZI9LhWnOsQZJCKmoLW/s1600/photobooth.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXUx00rqhyphenhyphennWjKPBwrpiQ2EBkXkx_sv_9BqBSFRaexzfyyAO-LcPJkNo7jPhBSNgYlwWJrb6ZIFuE44JcMNZ-7G4LFfRwLcLt5eY8RrdcSuiznnkaDbG7uvVRLM7ZI9LhWnOsQZJCKmoLW/s400/photobooth.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Bailey meets Photo Booth!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3SlCKouIpNmT_tn1yhaL9dyUQ-MdQm7iBR-gg79fUgZDlH-NSd9PScZrZdRMtkPijbAZWbib2pccq9b805eyJmcSHJUqBnpX42Ym-okYHwvIYP1ryzhdsp6h5ml16P-0A6kYMWmeCEAJ1/s1600/ninja+turtle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3SlCKouIpNmT_tn1yhaL9dyUQ-MdQm7iBR-gg79fUgZDlH-NSd9PScZrZdRMtkPijbAZWbib2pccq9b805eyJmcSHJUqBnpX42Ym-okYHwvIYP1ryzhdsp6h5ml16P-0A6kYMWmeCEAJ1/s400/ninja+turtle.jpg" width="326" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Turtle Power...typical Saturday morning</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWpmQD_aACi6kOq_ImQ79ebaaUCpuCnjwmLPwzB7hSmbREOlZPGjSlvfhLaGIr8K40mXNg4uErTzFJvtLwVySVnWGn08gjb5eVx7JtQg0QgeNsB10Y74aTZGjTjqcYUbLfcRcvtuuMwpHL/s1600/mts+waiting+for+you.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWpmQD_aACi6kOq_ImQ79ebaaUCpuCnjwmLPwzB7hSmbREOlZPGjSlvfhLaGIr8K40mXNg4uErTzFJvtLwVySVnWGn08gjb5eVx7JtQg0QgeNsB10Y74aTZGjTjqcYUbLfcRcvtuuMwpHL/s400/mts+waiting+for+you.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Waiting for you!!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ_9Uy9yC4_pqpqkPcjY5MJQ_oACQJ0JgCQnuzYtp8txr7PT-HzxViPIp5j8lSVMtkd7vK7cKE5dDYkVIV7lmsNVNeWr0zn-9aCpHCG1XMu-4cCv_7rjPz5WC5jIJwEpp5_iqZfWItYiw1/s1600/riding+bike.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ_9Uy9yC4_pqpqkPcjY5MJQ_oACQJ0JgCQnuzYtp8txr7PT-HzxViPIp5j8lSVMtkd7vK7cKE5dDYkVIV7lmsNVNeWr0zn-9aCpHCG1XMu-4cCv_7rjPz5WC5jIJwEpp5_iqZfWItYiw1/s400/riding+bike.JPG" width="341" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">If she had her way, those training wheels would be gone. She's fearless!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghacnIFoiPmYm6c5YsRO4eS3kC6fz9BSDUYYvSI8WxGi6wB0J3yMtNFF05cMuLFjqfeda-oOj0YPgyRlifi_2S1W5MXZmMOnyKz8Xjb2SBbIxW9mPOFussmzBwkUSivQKuH1ji7pqzoW5q/s1600/rockies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghacnIFoiPmYm6c5YsRO4eS3kC6fz9BSDUYYvSI8WxGi6wB0J3yMtNFF05cMuLFjqfeda-oOj0YPgyRlifi_2S1W5MXZmMOnyKz8Xjb2SBbIxW9mPOFussmzBwkUSivQKuH1ji7pqzoW5q/s400/rockies.jpg" width="242" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">She loves her a Rockies game!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtaGULJr9Wh6Ewv-ge-c6apK9tYBkHG6bUvKA-Ko1aIHMMO2OtQ7O_bAWv8Gz5o_eQ929d-3SEbQCtfBnrKYx3AkdEyJXhI5m9YUBvnGckEPtaNh-8zdXo-oSaN8fHHx0k-aj0uEMc5ObF/s1600/Summer+-+ice+cream+lounge.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtaGULJr9Wh6Ewv-ge-c6apK9tYBkHG6bUvKA-Ko1aIHMMO2OtQ7O_bAWv8Gz5o_eQ929d-3SEbQCtfBnrKYx3AkdEyJXhI5m9YUBvnGckEPtaNh-8zdXo-oSaN8fHHx0k-aj0uEMc5ObF/s400/Summer+-+ice+cream+lounge.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">She gets her love for (non-dairy) ice cream from me. </span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRfEp9Po9UQacwni7Mzja1CeBH20-7oA9Z1XO2v4yCwU73AQ5E2zE9aUvKMvFl0QadqCmcA_k9O5fR4TYs6l8DAS8VjvZ0YR3cOpMPMZsEMtCGCYsHmYlJ8MDIA_8qsIgYiJ15QD5KuyEv/s1600/swag+-+chillin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRfEp9Po9UQacwni7Mzja1CeBH20-7oA9Z1XO2v4yCwU73AQ5E2zE9aUvKMvFl0QadqCmcA_k9O5fR4TYs6l8DAS8VjvZ0YR3cOpMPMZsEMtCGCYsHmYlJ8MDIA_8qsIgYiJ15QD5KuyEv/s400/swag+-+chillin.jpg" width="315" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Chillin' at home</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPeaVC-Ka8yzGGEWbSlz7qz_DknqURgqoYTS5c9qaNUqgsbqgYl7HMWBxg4bz_xn_NuaZVEdiwNBjJ0NILLVG27mIdlYTs7xc-T1IrPv3YmvaZ8flQkTZHIj_XF6mEeg18osxG2qmHWKQY/s1600/swag.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPeaVC-Ka8yzGGEWbSlz7qz_DknqURgqoYTS5c9qaNUqgsbqgYl7HMWBxg4bz_xn_NuaZVEdiwNBjJ0NILLVG27mIdlYTs7xc-T1IrPv3YmvaZ8flQkTZHIj_XF6mEeg18osxG2qmHWKQY/s400/swag.JPG" width="290" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Rockin' some new swag</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk02__jjrw1Qlby-K2KWuM0-ZahQjVhekPBpwAThAtuYLYFOycJLLDSlWu_P-eilLNRJjSNKaXp-UsZsInpy-dwLahfFWCDNhTTApZuGoHFTyXlJVgRbF_ljiGQG50zRGEKraMoxjclTbA/s1600/USC+sass+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk02__jjrw1Qlby-K2KWuM0-ZahQjVhekPBpwAThAtuYLYFOycJLLDSlWu_P-eilLNRJjSNKaXp-UsZsInpy-dwLahfFWCDNhTTApZuGoHFTyXlJVgRbF_ljiGQG50zRGEKraMoxjclTbA/s400/USC+sass+2.jpg" width="222" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Fightin' on!</span></td></tr>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLIx-GU2uq8pSLzmOTYplN73GkM-axmQkuPqIjJhdX5O3mMCaaUXBQyWNFnIPJF-G_ZXqk7H8TjRbWP-yVoNKnUCc0KeDxjo7PQg4VJ6umE3CFY68n_jL7YNvopl_L8G_JEB2h2Sba9tbc/s1600/USC+sass.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLIx-GU2uq8pSLzmOTYplN73GkM-axmQkuPqIjJhdX5O3mMCaaUXBQyWNFnIPJF-G_ZXqk7H8TjRbWP-yVoNKnUCc0KeDxjo7PQg4VJ6umE3CFY68n_jL7YNvopl_L8G_JEB2h2Sba9tbc/s400/USC+sass.JPG" width="300" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Oh. My. Sass.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
JChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10262053654232763828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1742589532999592829.post-84664330560581928872015-08-08T19:15:00.000-06:002015-08-08T19:15:42.953-06:00Fundraiser #3 - Pampered Chef!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Here's our last fundraiser for the week...Pampered Chef! My
friend Rinele is hosting a fundraising party for us until the night of
Friday, August 14th. I love to bake and have a few Pampered Chef products
that I use almost every time. </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Here are a couple of my faves:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">1) Adjustable Measuring Spoons: Love that I can use these multiple times in the same recipe and throw them in the dishwasher when I'm done! Find them <a href="http://www.pamperedchef.com/pws/rineleryan/shop/%2410_00+%26+Under/Adjustable+Measuring+Spoon+Set/2258" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">here</span></a>. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPharatQwbqBDSBCGHavqmFM1Vq9_2tIxFbK-k2ZiORsVi668B08IpZY70TSwtNFIq_S-WVKKXgzT5A-IDSzCdN7vHlYTtnrKp_mOujNFOUDmOQnBujgl6KEopOKcRfB5255Fjk7aM0vwS/s1600/2258-lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPharatQwbqBDSBCGHavqmFM1Vq9_2tIxFbK-k2ZiORsVi668B08IpZY70TSwtNFIq_S-WVKKXgzT5A-IDSzCdN7vHlYTtnrKp_mOujNFOUDmOQnBujgl6KEopOKcRfB5255Fjk7aM0vwS/s320/2258-lg.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">2) Mini Serving Spatula: This is a staple for any cookie making! Plus it's dishwasher safe! (Are you sensing a theme here?!?) Find them <a href="https://www.pamperedchef.com/pws/rineleryan/shop/%2410_00+%26+Under/Mini+Serving+Spatula/2622" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">here</span></a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">
<span style="color: black;"></span><br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkWIZfLG66wAsmKFWHjiSfoIoAGAoLtQc-cTcslMaZB5ocx9Z-J4emMX_aP1CV-5204fk9zqpDb0_D4D5hJIR-NFLO3OMXIniFUR6fPxPj23M1VUWFMCOhGaaMTofW-ZVLChjlsbX-aHjq/s1600/2622-lg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: black; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkWIZfLG66wAsmKFWHjiSfoIoAGAoLtQc-cTcslMaZB5ocx9Z-J4emMX_aP1CV-5204fk9zqpDb0_D4D5hJIR-NFLO3OMXIniFUR6fPxPj23M1VUWFMCOhGaaMTofW-ZVLChjlsbX-aHjq/s320/2622-lg.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br />
Go check out Rinele's <a href="https://www.pamperedchef.com/pws/rineleryan" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">page</span></a> and see all the great deals Pampered Chef has to offer! Thank you for your support! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> JChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16868487111408239979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1742589532999592829.post-82727122114612757902015-08-05T09:20:00.000-06:002015-08-05T09:20:04.067-06:00Fundraiser #2 - Noonday!<span style="font-size: large;">Our 2nd fundraiser kicking off this week is through Noonday Collection. If you've never heard of Noonday, it was started by an adoptive mama who met talented jewelry artisans in Uganda who wished to create dignified jobs in their community. She brought some of their jewelry home to share with her friends and Noonday Collective was born. They partner with 30 artisan businesses in 13 countries - impacting 2,000 artisans and their 8,800 family members. If you like businesses that support empowering women around the world, then Noonday is for you! </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7HmJuM5TGrsiuVHRUToZj4yA8U7FZA4Euv646nZpm7lIUeKMUGJdKlGXlYLWIfb7ZeMxLS8DmEd-6vz-sCExsf1h99vatcGmD_Pzu-wfxsQwM349lybqtQ6n0E7Qa1WGuscEu2VwcFLO-/s1600/1415935606942.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7HmJuM5TGrsiuVHRUToZj4yA8U7FZA4Euv646nZpm7lIUeKMUGJdKlGXlYLWIfb7ZeMxLS8DmEd-6vz-sCExsf1h99vatcGmD_Pzu-wfxsQwM349lybqtQ6n0E7Qa1WGuscEu2VwcFLO-/s320/1415935606942.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The fundraiser is starting today but their new line launches tomorrow! Check out everything Noonday has to offer <a href="http://www.noondaycollection.com/pws/kimrhinesmith/tabs/home-ambassador.aspx" target="_blank"><u><b><span style="color: red;">HERE</span></b></u></a><b><span style="color: red;"></span></b><b><span style="color: red;"> </span></b>and thanks in advance for your support! (This is the link you need to use so that we get credit for your order!)</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihpEe_qAPzIi3k1oJY3GcCfQ5nYPT2r4mhHr-0quBD_AIxPd3Rw74Ua66EbDHYyX4deee89VuyMDArXMpb4CWrYHFBKkasNAB2sWzGsZScqPaL3iLpkTQzRi4nmM-QvBkinPwb7J4mkMPN/s1600/kim-thiel011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihpEe_qAPzIi3k1oJY3GcCfQ5nYPT2r4mhHr-0quBD_AIxPd3Rw74Ua66EbDHYyX4deee89VuyMDArXMpb4CWrYHFBKkasNAB2sWzGsZScqPaL3iLpkTQzRi4nmM-QvBkinPwb7J4mkMPN/s320/kim-thiel011.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>JChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16868487111408239979noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1742589532999592829.post-67359977851877681212015-08-03T11:52:00.001-06:002015-08-03T11:52:19.322-06:00Our profile book...or why I've been staying up until midnight for the past 3 weeks<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Jenny here...I finished our profile book this past weekend (insert
HUGE sign of relief!).<span> </span>I was sure it
would be the death of me.<span> </span>This 15 page
Shutterfly book is what birth mothers and fathers will be looking at to decide
who will parent their babies.<span> </span>Just picture
trying to encapsulate all your values, what you stand for, your parenting
style, and your vision for your children in pictures and words in 15
pages.<span> </span>Oh and there’s a strict guideline
from our agency as to what needs to be on each page.<span> </span> </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">To say that I overanalyzed this would be putting
it mildly….do I include the picture of Penny dressed up in her Halloween
costume (why did I pick the French maid outfit for her first Halloween?!?)?<span> </span>What if a birthmom thinks it’s weird to dress
up your pet?<span> </span>Does Bailey’s hair look
okay in this picture?<span> </span>What if a birthmom
doesn’t like the super cute font I picked because she doesn’t like cursive
writing?<span> </span>Can I use a chevron background
on two back-to-back pages or does that look lazy?<span> </span>In the end, I had to keep reminding myself
that God will send us the child that is meant for our family, regardless if I
chose the herringbone background or the chevron one.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">I do like the way it turned out.<span> </span>I would’ve loved to be more creative with the
format but it is what it is.<span> </span>As I was
working on each page, I prayed over each of them and what they would convey to
those reading it.<span> </span>Once our agency
approves our book, I will be able to upload it to Shutterfly, order copies and send them to
our agency to begin showing them to birth families!!<span> </span>I’m going to order a copy for us in addition
to the 5 our agency needs so I’ll be showing it off in person soon!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">The completion of this next step means that we’ve also
been busy applying for adoption grants and continuing to sell our garage sale
leftovers on the Facebook buy/sell/trade pages to fundraise.<span> </span>I had to cancel the fundraising party I was
hosting at our house because I picked a Sunday that hardly any people could
attend.<span> </span>In place of that, we’re
launching 3 online fundraisers this week – <u>today</u> is Jamberry nails, <u>Wednesday</u>
will be Noonday and <u>Friday</u> will be Pampered Chef. <span> </span>Each one will go for a week or so and I’ll
post on FB when the links are ready. <span> </span>I’m
also working on our t-shirts which I’m very excited about!</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Here is the info for today’s fundraising launch: My
friend Megan Allwein has offered to donate her commission from the sale of
Jamberry nails to our adoption fund.<span> </span>I
gave myself a Jamberry pedicure in the spring and I had them on 6 weeks before
I decided to take them off but they could’ve stayed on much longer!<span> </span>They’re easy to take off and even safe for
little girls’ fingers and toes! No </span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">drying
time, no harsh chemicals and here are TONS of patterns and colors to choose from. Y</span></span></span><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">ou can even upload your own designs into their
Design Studio. </span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Megan set up a Jamberry Facebook “party” for me but
apparently you can only invite 500 people and I reached the limit!<span> </span>I did the invite list alphabetically so if I
missed you, you can still order at <a href="http://www.meganallwein.jamberrynails.net/">www.meganallwein.jamberrynails.net</a>
and be sure to select “Jenny Cramer’s Fundraiser” at checkout.<span> </span>Once you place your order, you can expect
your wraps to arrive within 7-10 days.<span> </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">Thank you in advance for your support!<span> </span>We so appreciate your generosity and helping
us to add to our family!<span> </span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">PS Just got word as I was typing this that our profile
book has been APPROVED!!! Yahooooooo!!!<span>
</span>Off to go order on Shutterfly…</span></span></span></div>
JChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16868487111408239979noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1742589532999592829.post-70388227399826542432015-07-24T22:24:00.001-06:002015-07-25T06:13:18.661-06:00Uh-huh, yeah<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">P-Diddy wannabe</span></u></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I've realized over the last few weeks that I am Jenny's "parenting P-Diddy". Not the "I'm going to attack my son's college conditioning coach" P-Diddy, but the late 1990's Puff Daddy who weaseled his way into every good Notorious B.I.G. song and later, in "It's All about the Benjamins". When Jenny's explaining stuff to Bailey, answering her many questions, or just talking to her, I evidently feel the need to communicate my support and agreement with what she's saying, typically in the form of an "uh-huh", "yeah", "yep" or a "that's right". Here's a sample:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Jenny: Bailey, we need you to be a good listener.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Travis: Uh-huh...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Bailey: ...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">J: And make good choices.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">T: Yep...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">B: ...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">J: Good choices have good consequences!!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">T: That's right...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">B: So I can go to Lollipop Park???</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">J: Yes, going to Lollipop Park is a special place we can go when you make good choices.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">T: Uh-huh, that's right.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">B: ...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">And on and on we go. On one such occurrence, Jenny just stopped talking and looked at me, wondering when I had adapted this style of support, and hoping that I'd stop ASAP. Sadly for her, it's just gotten worse. </span><br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Anatomy Lessons</span></u></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Nothing prepares you for that first time you hear your 3-year-old daughter inform you of what body parts she has. It just gets worse when she follows that up by taking an inventory of what parts your closest friends and family have. And just like that, the dread sweeps over you, wondering when she'll decide to bring this up again. With my luck it'll be at church or the library, or some other crowded place. Oh, kids...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><u>4th of July Fun!</u></b></span><br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Head, Shoulders, Beads and Nose</span></u></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Speaking of body parts, Bailey recently got her first object stuck in a nostril...a star-shaped bead from her hair. We had just completed her bedtime routine when she began calling for us and informing us that her nose really hurt. I went into her room and she explained that a bead had made its way into her nostril. Instantly terrified, I looked at her nose hoping that it hadn't moved too far up. I brought her in to Dr. Mom, knowing my sausage fingers would likely do more harm than good. We slowly began the process of working the bead out of her nose. I was so afraid she was going to sniff, sending it further north. After some nose blowing and handy tweezer work by my better half, we freed the bead, reminded Bailey that beads don't belong in noses, and sent her back to bed. </span><br />
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<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">Profile Book</span></u></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">For Bailey's adoption, much of our time was spent on paperwork - forms, forms, and more forms. For #2, being a domestic adoption, we're learning firsthand how the processes are different. Instead of forms, we're now working on our profile book - telling our story and presenting who we are in a strict, pre-defined template that will become the tool agencies use to present us to birth moms. This thing is proving to be quite the task, and I'm already so grateful for the hours Jenny is pouring into it to make it communicate "us" to birth moms. After we get this completed (and of course, some more paperwork), our profile book will be available for birth moms to consider us for placement of their babies! The waiting is well under way!</span><br />
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TChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847365913944590907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1742589532999592829.post-84123640667233082512015-06-15T20:41:00.000-06:002015-06-15T20:41:22.187-06:00Progress<span style="font-size: large;">We've made some progress since our "big announcement" in late May.</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">We applied to, and were accepted by, an adoption consulting agency to facilitate our match. Their average timeline to be matched is 7-9 months, so things could move pretty quickly!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Our home study has been completed and submitted. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">We received our first donations for anticipated adoption costs. Thank you for your generosity!</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">We made our first (of many) fee payments. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">We had a garage sale this weekend and made some money towards the adoption costs! Thank you to our friends and family that donated stuff to sell as well as our family and friends that came to help. We had A TON of stuff - check out the photo evidence below. Rain and flash flooding on Friday disrupted our sale, but Saturday was glorious. Even with a successful sale, we received so much stuff to sell that we're going to have a second sale next weekend!</span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">During the garage sale, one of the shoppers was asking Jenny about our adoptions (since we had advertised the garage sale as an adoption fundraiser) and decided to ask her if we'd "ever thought of having kids of our own." Don't get me wrong, we're not surprised by questions like this. In fact, we expect them. Jenny does a great job of using these interactions as a way to gently and respectfully educate those that ask the questions. In this instance, Jenny responded by saying that Bailey is our own, which prompted the lady to uncomfortably try and clarify what she meant, only to land on "well, it's a lot of work anyways. I gained 75 pounds when I was pregnant." Asking us why we don't have biological children would be like us asking how many times they had to try before they successfully conceived. Do you want to be asked that question by a stranger?? I didn't think so.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">What's perhaps most interesting to us is the phenomenon that around adoption, strangers feel free to ask us the most invasive, inappropriate questions. Social norms seem to be thrown out the window. It reminded me of this video that made its way around social media last year:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/KeT3c9TmxLE/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KeT3c9TmxLE?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We don't get offended or hurt by the questions. After all, we've made a pretty conscious decision to be very open about our story. Not just the good and flowery stuff, but the hard and sometimes painful realities as well. We know that people are curious and often times just don't know how to communicate their curiosity. It can be difficult to always respond in an understanding and loving way. But, ultimately we hope that we help people understand our hearts behind our adoption journey, understand a little more about adoption and perhaps contribute to others deciding to adopt. I'm sure every adoptive family has experienced these awkward moments. Perhaps our response will be different when Bailey's old enough to understand the conversation and hears a stranger referring to her as "not our own."</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">For those of you that are curious about adoption or an adoptive family's story, just be thoughtful and respectful about what you ask. Admit your naiveté and your desire to learn and understand. Or don't say anything at all ;)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Now, onto something a little lighter...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">We've been trying to explain to Bailey that we're adopting again. It's fun helping her process that she'll soon have a baby sister or brother, and I think it gives her some context as she begins to process the reality of adoption in her own story. She's changing the words to songs to be about her baby brother/sister. We've got to get it on video...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I went in to wake Bailey up from her nap the other day. After briefly looking at me, her response was:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">After a few minutes, she finally rolled over, only to hit me with this look:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Her snoozing habits are starting to really resemble her mama's. :-)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A couple weeks ago, Bailey was "clogged up"...needless to say, none of us was excited about the suggestion from the pediatrician. </span><span style="font-size: large;">I think the only thing worse than administering it is being the recipient. Needless to say, Bailey wasn't even a little cooperative. After trying to bribe her with watching Frozen, eating a lollipop, and basically doing whatever she wanted, she still wouldn't go for willingly having a squirter shoved up her backside - could I blame her?!? Before we knew it, Jenny's got Bailey over her legs and I was left with the unpleasant role of "administrator". Well, it all happened so fast, but Bailey resisted with the full force of her little 33-lb body. "Enema juice" was flying all over the place. I don't know how she deflected it, but she did. Somehow, the attempt ended as quickly as it began, and I was left with spray all over my glasses and in my mouth. Yay me. Jenny couldn't look at me without laughing and decided to refrain from kissing me until I had thoroughly cleansed my face and mouth. It was gross. Thankfully, the following morning Bailey did her business and all was right in our world. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm looking forward to the days that I don't have so many poop stories... You're welcome. :)</span></div>
JChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10262053654232763828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1742589532999592829.post-65666499581651295812015-05-26T20:34:00.000-06:002015-05-26T20:34:39.556-06:00#2<span style="font-size: large;">Let's cut to the chase...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We're adopting...AGAIN!!!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">After months of praying, thinking, waiting for DRC to reopen, more praying and thinking, we've decided to adopt domestically for #2. We're working with an agency that will network on our behalf to maximize our chances of being matched with a birth mom. We could be matched in just 7 months or so!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">For close to 18 months we waited, hoping that DRC would lift their suspension on exit letters and resume "normal" adoption processes. We researched and considered other international programs but never felt the nudge to move on any of them. As we prayed and considered domestic adoption, we both felt that it was the way to go. This was clearly God working on our hearts as we were dead set on international adoption since we started the process the first time. We still hope to adopt from DRC in the future...maybe for #3! :-)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We had a visit from our social worker last week for a home study update and expect our home study to be finalized in the next week or so. We're submitting our application to the agency we're working with this week. Assuming that it is accepted, we'll be off and running through the steps to be ready for a match with a birth mom.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We'll be documenting the process and the progress we make towards being matched. As was the case for Bailey's adoption, we need your support! It takes a village and we're so immensely thankful to have you all as part of ours! Here are a few ways you can help us, if you're interested:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Prayer</b> - Please pray - pray for God to go before us in all of the details and to be preparing us and our birth mom for our match. Pray that it happens in His timing. Pray for our relationship with the agency and for us to respond with grace when things don't go our way (which will happen). Pray for us as we explain to and prepare Bailey for life as a big sister! Most importantly, pray for our little one who may be growing in a birth mom's belly right now. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Finances</b> - While this adoption may be faster, it's not any cheaper! Domestic adoption is marginally less expensive than international adoption. We're trusting the Lord to provide the funding needed (expected to be ~$35,000) to bring our baby home. </span></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">If you're interested in contributing financially, please use the "Donate" button in the right sidebar to donate through PayPal. </span><span style="font-size: large;">We were going to setup a GoFundMe page but their fees are a bit too steep for our liking. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">If you'd prefer to send a check please email us at travisandjennyadopt@gmail.com for mailing details. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">We're doing a garage sale on Friday and Saturday, June 12th and 13th so let us know if you have any <strike>junk </strike>unwanted stuff we can take off your hands to sell! </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">We'll also be selling shirts, applying for grants, and whatever other creative fundraisers we can do. Stay tuned for more details!</span></li>
</ul>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Spread the word</b> - Once we have these fundraisers going, please consider sharing on your favorite social media platform(s)! </span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-size: large;">More information coming soon. For now, enjoy these pictures!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><u>Pi Day!</u></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-size: large;"> Happy St. Patrick's Day!</span></u></div>
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<u><span style="font-size: large;">Easter Fun!</span></u></div>
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<u><span style="font-size: large;">Adoption #2 "Photoshoot"</span></u></div>
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JChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10262053654232763828noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1742589532999592829.post-21363887226416761042015-03-11T15:10:00.002-06:002015-03-11T15:45:56.730-06:00Broken<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;">Oh look at that, it's been 5 months since our last post. The new year has come and gone, Bailey's THREE, and spring is right around the corner. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">A few days after Bailey's birthday, I broke my ankle playing rec-league soccer...the same day I decided to brag to Jenny that we had made it through January without meeting our health insurance deductible. The break required surgery and I've been on one leg for the last month. I'm now second-guessing why I decided to take up a new sport at 33, one as grueling as soccer. But I loved it! Up until my legs got swept out from under me, flipping me into the air, landing on my foot bent the wrong way. And so my soccer career ends as quickly as it began...</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is my first major foot or leg injury and honestly, it's made me feel old. I've gone from running around with reckless abandon to counting down the days until I can just walk again. The damage could take the better part of the year to heal, so I don't know when I'll be able to resume playing sports. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This injury has had its way with me. After the surgery, pain meds were my new companion. Those thinks are blessing and a curse. Numb my pain, sure. Screw with my psyche, you bet. I'm so thankful to have Jenny pushing me to recovery, to take care of me, but to also not feel sorry for myself. When you go from being really active to not being able to walk, it's easy to wallow in self-pity or slip into some level of depression. I'm lucky to have the family and friends around me to support and encourage me. I'm praying for patience as I take baby steps toward recovery. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">One of the most difficult aspects to my current reality is how it has changed how I can (or can't) interact with Bailey. I can't pick her up, I can't dance with her, even sitting on the ground takes work. I can't run to her when she gets hurt. I hate telling her I can't do something and that is now my answer more often then it ever should be. I can't wait until this reality is behind us. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">What's been precious has been Bailey's concern for me and her desire to help make me all better. She helps my put my walking boot on and take it off. One day with my foot elevated, she came up and gently kissed it. It was so precious. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Last weekend, I had Bailey to myself for the weekend while Jenny was away at an adoptive mom's retreat. I wasn't sure how well it would go, me being one-legged and all. Bailey was so good for me and we were able to have a lot of fun together! That kind of prolonged time together, while exhausting, was a nice change of pace from the brief time I usually get after work each day. We had so much fun laughing, playing, singing, reading, cooking, cleaning, eating, and so on. Not to brag too much, but our little girl is so smart, so funny, and generally so well-behaved. I love her little personality and her little spirit. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We'll be posting again soon with an update on our plans for adoption #2! Until then, enjoy these pictures!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Happy Halloween from the Wiggles!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">1st Starbucks (hot chocolate!) while driving to see Christmas lights</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Fun at the North Pole!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Merry Christmas!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">So cute in her little workout suits. Future mall walker in 60-some years??</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">1st time ice skating!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Baking with Mama!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Celebrating No More Waiting Day 2015!</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Not sure why Penny isn't smiling too...</span></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Fun in the snow!</span></td></tr>
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JChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10262053654232763828noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1742589532999592829.post-19989435119535389092014-10-25T15:45:00.003-06:002014-10-25T15:46:46.275-06:00Goodbye, Abby<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;">Two weeks ago, we celebrated our family dog, Abby, turning Sweet 16. Today, we had to say goodbye. Two weeks ago, we thought she might just live for 16 more, but in two short weeks, she lost 20% of her weight, stopped eating, and blood work confirmed that her organs were shutting down.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So we said goodbye today to our sweet Abby. Goodbye to a furry friend that has been a part of Jenny's life for 16 years. To a frenemy of mine for 11 years, the duration of my relationship with Jenny. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I call her my frenemy not from my perspective but from hers. I disrupted the happy little dynamic duo that those two had 11 years ago, and she's been stuck with me ever since. I kicked her off the bed, I made her the 3rd wheel. It was always clear where her allegiances were.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">But Abby and I had a special relationship too. Working from home, we were forced into coexistence for 8+ hours per day, and I was her source of food, water, and doing her business. We formed a nice little bond during the work days, though I knew she would fight me to be the first in line at the door when Jenny got home each night.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We shared a love for food. I loved double-doubles from In-N-Out, and so did Abby. She had no qualms about helping herself to a burger or two that weren't being attended to. Bagels, Funfetti cake, Krispy Kremes. It really is a bit of a miracle she made it to 16!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And yes, she wore diapers. Diapers that have saved us thousands of dollars in carpet cleaning and replacement. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I loved Abby. Saying goodbye to her has been difficult for me. She brought smiles to our faces so often, and was a quiet comfort when we needed it. When we couldn't conceive and struggled through infertility test after infertility test, she was the deserving recipient of that extra helping of love that we so desperately wanted to give a child. When the wait for Bailey rolled on and on (and on and on), Abby provided a little bit of solace in those times of pain, frustration, anger. She was a source of laughter and happiness. When we started to take life a little too seriously or got a little too stressed out, there was our little diaper-clad Bichon, armed with a smile and a rapidly wagging tail, ready to soak up any affection we wanted to send her way. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Any time Jenny would get sick, Abby would jump on the bed and curl up right next to Jenny, loving on her as she was in pain. To me, it was just a beautiful image of their relationship.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">This is the Abby I'll ever forget:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Perhaps the most beautiful part of saying goodbye to Abby was Bailey's response. Jenny told her (because I was a blubbering mess and probably would've said something not-so-age-appropriate) that Abby was very sick and that she was going up to Heaven to be with Jesus. Her initial response was "She gets to go to Heaven and play with Jesus? COOL!" What a refreshing reminder of the perspective we should all have of our own lives.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">After a few hugs with her "little puppy" as she calls her, she said goodbye and went off to her nap, giving me a few quiet moments with Abby. There's nothing fun about loss, even if it is "just" a family pet. Abby was just that, a member of our family. She will be deeply missed, but so joyfully remembered.</span><br />
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JChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10262053654232763828noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1742589532999592829.post-74816391096598515632014-08-10T21:03:00.001-06:002014-08-10T21:03:37.479-06:00Potty Time<span style="font-size: large;">The flood gates have been opened. Bailey decided that this weekend would be the weekend to embrace "girl potty". Jenny's hard work and patience over the last handful of months finally paid off and she wasn't even around to celebrate it. Jenny decided to crown me "husband of the year" but let's be honest, I'm just riding her coat tails. She's been so persistent and patient with Bailey, and we've been expecting a breakthrough any day. Thunder officially stolen.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">With Jenny away at a MOPS retreat this weekend, it was just me and Bailey for a couple days. I had been away for a few days prior, so Jenny informed me that Bailey had moved from the practice potty to the "big girl potty", a smaller seat on top of the regular toilet. What I didn't know until today was that the first attempt at the new seat resulted in Bailey promptly falling off. Probably better that I didn't know that...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Before Jenny left for her retreat, she chaperoned Bailey on an unsuccessfully 30-minute potty-fest at Bailey's insistence. So, come Friday afternoon, Bailey and I were playing and she announced that she needed to go potty. I marched her into the bathroom and told her to grab a seat on the practice potty. After she so gently corrected me about her new "big girl potty", I plopped her down on the toilet, grabbed a seat on the little step stool, and settled in. It wasn't more than 3 minutes when Bailey hit pay dirt. At the sweet sounds of peepee spraying the sides of the toilet, I let out a little shout of joy while Bailey gave me one of the biggest smiles I've seen from her. After she finished, I help her off the toilet so she could view her accomplishment and then flush it away. After a little celebration we added a sticker to her potty card and went about our business. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The potty card - a genius idea Jenny's been using - is a card that has 3 spots for stickers. Bailey gets a sticker each time she goes in the potty, and for every 3 stickers, she gets to pick something from the "special toy" box - a collection of garage sale finds and consignment sale bargains. A little incentive/positive reinforcement never hurt anybody.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">After round one, I was pleasantly surprised and even more so that I didn't have to invest 30 minutes sitting there, watching and waiting. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'll spare you the details but between Friday afternoon and Sunday afternoon, Bailey dropped it like it's hot (peepee and poopoo) NINE TIMES!!! She only cried wolf once and every other time, she told me she needed to go and took care of business within a few minutes of sitting down, usually just a few seconds. I'm so proud of her.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Jenny captured #10 for me this evening to give you a glimpse of where I spent most of my weekend.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So I won't take any credit for the potty training, but after this weekend I can take credit for:</span><br />
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<ol>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Bailey learning how to stand on my back.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Bailey sitting on my head.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Bailey somersaulting over my knees.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Bailey enjoying watching golf, and sort of knowing that when the ball disappears into the hole, it's a good thing.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Bailey climbing up a metal ladder at the park all by herself.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Bailey melting down in the church foyer last night because there was no music on for her to dance to. I wasn't too concerned about all of the eyes on me until Bailey took the cry to the 2nd dimension. You know what I'm talking about - after the initial outburst, there's this calm before the storm as she sucks in all the air she can, only to let out a scream that seems to last for days. </span></li>
</ol>
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<span style="font-size: large;">As you'd expect, Jenny was more impressed with the potty training than when Bailey and I showcased her new talents (#1-3) this evening. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">For those looking for tips - I have none...sorry to disappoint! She told me she had to go, I listened, and she did all the work. I guess I tried to encourage her and I made a ridiculously big deal about how exciting it was and how proud of her I was. After the first couple times I think maybe she's seeing it as more fun then walking around in a diaper full of excrement! There's so much fun associated with going in the potty - she gets to flush, she gets a sticker, we do the "peepee in the potty" dance (Abby even does it sometimes!), she gets toys. Not a bad gig. Oh, and I'm pretty sure she's using it as a way to get out of eating food she doesn't like and to delay going to sleep. Whatever the reason, it's progress. I'm ready for Abby to be the only one in diapers. :-)</span></div>
JChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10262053654232763828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1742589532999592829.post-35413401602731485792014-07-25T22:17:00.001-06:002014-07-25T22:17:12.314-06:00I found my nickels! <span style="font-size: large;">Ah, toddler discovery...Bailey is SO curious these days. About food, people, animals, nature, BODY PARTS. Oh, and she's not just curious, she's incredibly verbal (read: loud) about it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Mama, I found my "nickels"!! They're so bumpy!!!!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8orTmbOaA5u1Xcx4kRc8LHacgb57llGGg0HpnK-G_kVoB0HYlxiYKU-Lmx1JqpYBnm4je_lJq34IzXvakblXEP3q1KRF8Rvyf6ssh7bp-7MgEIWJusvDUrabkVI7yVEapTyXie9VYKvws/s1600/photo+19.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8orTmbOaA5u1Xcx4kRc8LHacgb57llGGg0HpnK-G_kVoB0HYlxiYKU-Lmx1JqpYBnm4je_lJq34IzXvakblXEP3q1KRF8Rvyf6ssh7bp-7MgEIWJusvDUrabkVI7yVEapTyXie9VYKvws/s1600/photo+19.JPG" height="323" width="400" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">And the parroting - not just of us, but of anyone within earshot of her. It's not uncomfortable at all when she yells bits and pieces of conversations that complete strangers are having. So thankful for a sense of humor.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I never could've imagined that Bailey would be as talkative as she is. Although there are moments of awkwardness, it is so much fun to see her be curious, express herself, and verbalize so much of what she sees and does. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Over the 4th of July weekend, Bailey experienced a number of firsts:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">First light rail ride & first Rockies game - shocker, they lost.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">First hike up to the rock in Castle Rock and her first walking stick, because what 2 year old doesn't want a walking stick?</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">We've had Bailey home for almost a year and a half. Good friends of ours left a week ago to go meet and bring their little boy home. When I heard their news, I was quickly transported back to that afternoon in Dallas when I got the call from Jenny that it was go time. I remember how the next 48+ hours were a total blur and before I knew it, we were in a van on the way to meet Bailey. I remember holding her for the first time, finally having the child in my arms that I had been thinking of and praying for for months. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">And, I remember that "oh $*!t" moment when we walked into our hotel room with Bailey for our first night together. I was thrilled that I was finally able to care for my child, but also shellshocked that, just like that, I had a child to be responsible for, to love, to care for. All of those months of waiting so quickly morphed into a new reality as a family of three. I am so excited for our friends - will you please pray for their travel, their process, and their bonding time with their little one? Such exciting, important days for this family.</span><br />
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JChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10262053654232763828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1742589532999592829.post-89274587530722071952014-06-22T21:10:00.002-06:002014-06-22T21:10:37.551-06:00Foodie<span style="font-size: large;">As Bailey has grown and her menu options have increased from various foods in liquid form to eating just about anything, she has become quite the culinary artist. Bored of her usual menu, she has created some pretty interesting food combinations. And by interesting I mean GROSS.</span><div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Here are a few of my "favorites":</span></div>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">Yogurt and fish sticks - dipping fish sticks into fruit-flavored yogurt would be bad enough, but Bailey first tops the fish stick with some yogurt like icing on a cupcake, and then dips it in the yogurt. </span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">Raspberries (or just about any breakfast food) dipped in syrup - OK, I kinda like the sound of that. </span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">Toasted bagel topped with soy cream cheese and pieces of mushy, smashed banana</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Graham crackers dipped in mustard</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Salami, hummus, and nectarine "tacos" (that face below is a smile after trying this one)</span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Her creativity is also shining through by way of her dress up bin and its various options. Some of these pictures aren't the best quality but these outfits are too good not to post!</span></div>
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JChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10262053654232763828noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1742589532999592829.post-73187144032720292682014-06-15T11:16:00.002-06:002014-06-15T11:17:02.554-06:00Father's Day 2014<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Three months. THREE MONTHS. It's been quite the drought, and evidently people have actually missed my ramblings.<br />
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After a few not-so-subtle hints from my better half, I figured that I better get back at it. What better day than Father's Day?<br />
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This video says it all:<br />
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A note for my Bailey as I celebrate my 2nd Father's Day...<br />
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<i>Bailey,</i><br />
<i>Today more than most, I remember the journey we've been on these last few years. Before we even knew your name, God was preparing me for the privilege of being your father. The little quote rings so true today that "love makes a family". </i><br />
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<i>Bailey, I love you so much and I'm so proud of you. You are a beautiful, brilliant, well-behaved little girl. I'm so proud of how much you've grown in the 18 months we've had you home. I love the little conversations we can have now. You express yourself so honestly and I pray you never stop doing that, especially with me and your mom. </i><br />
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<i>I love your sense of humor and the way you fill our house with laughter. </i><br />
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<i>I am so proud of the way you behave at home and out in public. Except for the infrequent outbursts (and fork throwing) at restaurants, you are so incredibly good and have such good manners. It makes us so happy the way you behave and follow instructions. </i><br />
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<i>More than anything, I love that little heart of yours. You may only be 2, but your acknowledgement of God makes my heart smile. Yesterday in the car, as the fire engine drove past us with its sirens going, you reminded me that we needed to pray for the firefighters and whoever might be involved in the emergency. And last night you wanted to talk about God before bed and you asked to pray for little Aimerance (our sponsored child in DRC). I love hearing you repeat our prayers, until it clearly becomes a delay tactic to avoid going to bed. :-)</i><br />
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<i>I love you more than I will probably ever be able to accurately express. You are my sweet Bailey, and I would do anything for you and your mother. It is a privilege to be your Dada, a responsibility I don't take lightly. I'm thankful to God for the added joy and purpose you've brought to my life. </i><br />
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<i>I love you,</i><br />
<i>Dada</i><br />
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TChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847365913944590907noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1742589532999592829.post-76422117760338559082014-03-09T15:52:00.002-06:002014-03-09T15:52:49.080-06:00Halfway Home - Day 4<span style="font-size: large;">Oh the best laid plans...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I had planned on posting "regularly" while Jenny was gone. After the first full 24 hours came and went, I realized that was a ridiculously overzealous and unlikely plan.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Since Thursday night my evenings (after putting Bailey down) have been a struggle to get off the couch and do anything productive. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Some highlights and thoughts from the weekend so far:</span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">The more interactive tasks can be for Bailey, the better chance they'll go well. Diaper changes, getting dressed, bath time, brushing her teeth - if she can participate, she wants to. If I don't let her participate, things tend to get "interesting" quickly.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Chuck E. Cheese is a little scary. For so many reasons. I think the overstimulation got to me more than it did Bailey!</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Bailey start</span><span style="font-size: large; text-align: center;">ed randomly singing</span><i style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;"> "</i><span style="font-size: large; text-align: center;">Jesus Loves Me" on Friday morning. I'm not going to kid myself into thinking she knows what all she's saying, but there's something absolutely beautiful about a 2-yr singing about Jesus. </span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Bailey counted to 10. Correctly! She had been skipping #6 and repeating 7, 8, and 9 a few times before coming to 10, so I see that as progress!</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Jenny left me nice notes and treats around the house. She's so good at doing these little things to show me how much she loves me and appreciates that we were able to make this work for her to get away. I love her generous heart.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">Not to be forgotten, Abby has pooped herself twice and she peed on the floor mat this morning. Thanks Abby, for reminding me that at times you're higher maintenance than a child.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">In my quest to make sure Bailey is taken care of and looks presentable, my appearance on the other hand...</span></li>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">I shaved my head this morning. Well, I shaved most of my head, unknowingly missing a large unshaved patch of hair. I was completely oblivious until a friend gently pointed it out at lunch...</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">I was on the way out the door to church this morning until I realized I was wearing jeans and just an undershirt.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">At church I realized that I hadn't finished buttoning my shirt. </span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: large;">On to the pictures...</span><br />
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TChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16847365913944590907noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1742589532999592829.post-43582350878763396382014-03-06T22:21:00.002-07:002014-03-06T22:21:50.916-07:00Daddy-Daughter Time - Day 1<span style="font-size: large;">Jenny left this afternoon for 6 nights away for the <a href="http://createdforcare.org/" target="_blank">Created for Care</a> adoptive moms retreat and some additional R&R. For the better part of the next 6 days, it's me and Bailey. Let the games begin!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm excited for all of the daddy-daughter time Bailey and I will have. And I am really excited that Jenny gets some much deserved rest and relaxation, and a chance to connect with some new friends. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">If the first 8 hours are any indication, I expect to sleep really well each night. Within minutes of saying goodbye to Jenny at the airport, Bailey was very unhappy to only see one airplane and one large scary blue horse with crazy eyes as we made our way home. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">After a few efforts to divert her attention she finally settled on playing with her feet for the next 30 minutes, only to fall asleep 10 minutes before we got home. That was all the nap she was interested in today. Her "nap" in the crib consisted of getting her arm stuck between the mattress and the crib frame (I think that was a first), smuggling some books into the crib for some reading and ripping, and pretty much doing anything to avoid falling asleep. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I eventually gave in, got her up, and we enjoyed a nice short trip to Safeway to get some groceries and her usual treat.</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM5F65unaVLIWcd_E8gh69BhDlEiFRAoFeKweIsNecqQ85TtUcyCfS1V4QUUHPW5Zx7XAhbL39XkAnxDv_u1cV-7aV9xaFisCuxbxdkVWsNjFPKmF3ZS-wF1ssn-Vu7JdDe5-pxF0M6dpc/s1600/IMG_0003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM5F65unaVLIWcd_E8gh69BhDlEiFRAoFeKweIsNecqQ85TtUcyCfS1V4QUUHPW5Zx7XAhbL39XkAnxDv_u1cV-7aV9xaFisCuxbxdkVWsNjFPKmF3ZS-wF1ssn-Vu7JdDe5-pxF0M6dpc/s1600/IMG_0003.jpg" height="400" width="398" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">COOKIE!!</span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Thirty-or-so minutes later, the cookie was just a distant memory. Back home from Safeway I decided to let Abby back in from outside. Evidently Bailey was looking forward to doing this, even though I've seen her open the back door one. Maybe. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">A photo couldn't capture the stomping and flailing, but that larger than life tear tells the story.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Although giving Abby her treat was hardly a consolation in Bailey's mind, she finally gave in. Moments later, she's sprawled on the tile floor...snow angel time!!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Bailey then proceeded to "help" me with dinner, her interest and attention span lasting all of 30 seconds. I'm thinking our dinners are going to be nice and simple, and can't burn easily. Keeping tabs on Bailey and food simultaneously is no small task. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm excited for our adventures over the next six days. It's going to be hard work but it will give me just a small taste of what Jenny has to handle 60-some-odd days per year.</span>JChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10262053654232763828noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1742589532999592829.post-72613982197170173642014-02-13T22:01:00.001-07:002014-02-13T22:01:17.924-07:00Bring on the 2's!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Bailey is 2!!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">We are two weeks into the "terrible twos". I'd be lying if I said there haven't been moments that make me fear what Bailey may have in store for us over the next 50 weeks, but many more that have me looking forward to them. It continues to amaze me how fast time flies and how quickly she's growing from a baby into a little girl.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The good the bad, the ugly, open to your interpretation and in no particular order:</span><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Last Saturday, we put Bailey down for a nap but she had other plans. I looked at our video monitor to see what she was doing. After a quick scan of the crib, something very important was missing from the picture...my daughter. "Honey," I said, "Bailey's not in her crib." Another milestone reached - Bailey figured out how to climb out of her crib. She was sitting on the nightstand right next to the crib, as if it was no big deal. Thinking that she had used said nightstand to climb out, Dad of the Year decided to move it and put her back in the crib. Bad move - 10 minutes later, WAILS echoed throughout our house - surround sound from Bailey's room and the monitor. No more nightstand to cushion the fall. So, yeah, that happened.</span></span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">In the 2 weeks since turning 2, I swear Bailey's thrown more tantrums than all of 2013. The fuse is all of a sudden much shorter and the discontent is displayed in much louder and more animated ways.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: large;">The yin to that tantrum yang is that her excitement and enjoyment are also filled with much more emotion and animation, as you can see here, when she realized she was about to go to a friend's house (and yes, that is an upside down crown on her head):</span></li>
</ul>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">Bailey's continues to be more independent, wanting to do whatever she can on her own without any help and telling us often, "Bailey DO it!". </span></li>
</ul>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">Bailey is now treating her various dolls and stuffed animals (and saws, evidently) like they are her babies. The diaper changes just quadrupled. See for yourself...</span></li>
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<li><span style="font-size: large;">She is so proud of herself when she accomplishes something on her own, discovers something new, or learns a new word. Today alone, she discovered that she can put her hands in her pockets, she learned how to say "Panera" and "edamame", and learned how to open and eat edamame. Things that you and I don't give a second thought to make her so happy!</span></li>
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<span style="font-size: large;">OK, enough talking. Onto the pictures...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Some fun from Super Bowl Sunday...well, before the game started...</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Birthday fun (thanks Nikki for capturing these expressions!)...can you tell she liked the cake???</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Fun in the snow! Quite a contrast to <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RS0oI_m115Y" target="_blank">this video</a> </span>from last February.</span><br />
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JChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10262053654232763828noreply@blogger.com1