These photos aren't the best, and I think my original Nikon baby is on her last leg. As crazy as it sounds, it is hard to put her to rest.
Monday, August 7, 2017
Dauphin Island 2017
We spent last week on Dauphin Island which is most definitely a family favorite. Memory making and relaxing were the only 2 things on the agenda. We played and explored in the ocean, fished off the shore, went on an off-shore fishing excursion, visited the USS Alabama, strolled through the island's bird sanctuary, rode the ferry into Gulf Shores, learned a lot at the Dauphin Island Estuarium and had the most amazing dolphin experience. Needless to say, it was lovely...not perfect but lovely none the less. Here are a few of my favorite photos that I snapped with my ancient Nikon that has vacationed with us the past 10 years.
I can now officially say that Caleb is a beach bum too. He absolutely loved the sand, ocean, and wildlife.
Scott and Andrew have such a beautiful relationship, and I pray that it can be duplicated twice more.
This was Scott's most successful year fishing to date. This was his first fish not the biggest. Believe it or not, this fella can shoot poison from his whiskers. Thankfully, we didn't learn this fact the hard way.
(Olivia caught a gigantic stingray.)
This photo of our van was taken on the ferry moments before the battery went dead setting all kinds of crazy into motion.
I can now officially say that Caleb is a beach bum too. He absolutely loved the sand, ocean, and wildlife.
Scott and Andrew have such a beautiful relationship, and I pray that it can be duplicated twice more.
This was Scott's most successful year fishing to date. This was his first fish not the biggest. Believe it or not, this fella can shoot poison from his whiskers. Thankfully, we didn't learn this fact the hard way.
Andrew built the most fabulous castle creation over the course of a day. Watching from the deck as other vacationers strolled by and admired his work was a definite high light for this future engineer.
(Olivia caught a gigantic stingray.)
This photo of our van was taken on the ferry moments before the battery went dead setting all kinds of crazy into motion.
Moments after this photo was taken, this docile brown pelican attacked Andrew.
The surf on Dauphin Island is usually incredibly calm which is a draw for this incredibly anxious momma. However, this year storms were rolling, and the waves were numerous, large, and strong.
Friday, March 17, 2017
Counting For Caleb {12}
Sixty days...the exact number of days a birth father has to take legal action in order to stop an adoption.
Sixty days..the exact number of days an adoptive family lives in absolute paralyzing fear.
The initial email from the agency asking us to consider having our profile shown to Janey included information on the birth father's position which wasn't in favor of the adoption plan. We were well aware of the risk involved with this particular adoption before even agreeing to be considered as a potential match.
After Janey selected our family, a number of conversations took place between Caleb's birth father (who I will refer to as Lance) and our case worker. Despite not being on board with the adoption plan, he didn't seek any legal action to prevent it.
The hospital's protocol involved notifying the birth father before we could leave the hospital with the baby. The hospital's social worker and our case worker contacted Lance a few short hours after Caleb was born. Being consistent with previous conversations, he adamantly shared that he was still not on board with Janey's adoption plan. We spent the next few days counting hours and minutes waiting for one of two things to happen...Lance to appear or discharge papers to be signed. There are absolutely no words to describe the anxiety taking up space in 2 hospital rooms.
Needless to say, we left the hospital with Caleb knowing that our hearts could be ripped out of our chests at any moment.
When Caleb was eleven days old, Lance resurfaced asking to view our profile book which was mailed immediately. We were scared. We waited. Forty seven days passed. Nothing.
On the afternoon of day 58, I received a phone call from a familiar number. Moments later, my heart was held together by a strand as our caseworker shared that Lance had requested to speak with us directly. Day 58. We had been celebrating only moments before the sound of my ring tone filled the air. Day 58. So close to 60, but yet so far away. Day 58. Less than 48 hours from the judge ending the matter with one word...abandonment. Reluctantly, we agreed to a phone conversation.
At this point, my heart was so hardened in response to this man...the one who stood between me and my precious Caleb. Praying and believing that God had a perfect plan was the only thing that held us together while we waited for the one phone call that could forever change the course of our lives and the life of our precious Caleb. We were once again absolutely powerless. Only this time the stakes were higher because he had spent close to 2 months being loved and treasured in our home by our family and friends.
The moment our phone rang, the nervous inappropriate laughter escaped. Shaking inside and out, we finally managed to answer, and the conversation began flowing immediately. In that very moment, he was no longer the monster that I had envisioned but a man..broken..hurting...full of love..with a story. Within a matter of a few seconds, a connection happened. We laughed. We answered hard questions. We offered assurance. The following words were spoken..."I think she made a great choice. I will sign the papers." We breathed.
On day 67, I posted the following on facebook.
We are the "official" legal guardians of this squish, and an adoption finalization hearing is scheduled for March 6. You guys...this is a really big deal! We Are going to celebrate with Casey's pizza, Coca Cola, and hopefully a nap.
I would like to report that the papers were signed, notarized, and returned promptly, but that wasn't the case.
One hundred and forty five days after Caleb was born, I made this post.
The adoption agency contacted us today to inform us that Caleb's birth father FINALLY sent his signed consent. After day 60, it wasn't much of a concern, but it was still a hallelujah moment. I also purchased his monogrammed stocking. One gigantic step closer to him being stuck with us forever. He is excited too.
Contact with Lance hasn't continued, but I do send a packet with a letter and pictures to the agency for him every 3 months this first year. Leaving this door open for Caleb is definitely a priority for us.
As I write this post exactly 2 weeks after our finalization hearing, I am still overwhelmed at God's presence in the midst of our counting. He is faithful. Hallelujah!
Sixty days..the exact number of days an adoptive family lives in absolute paralyzing fear.
The initial email from the agency asking us to consider having our profile shown to Janey included information on the birth father's position which wasn't in favor of the adoption plan. We were well aware of the risk involved with this particular adoption before even agreeing to be considered as a potential match.
After Janey selected our family, a number of conversations took place between Caleb's birth father (who I will refer to as Lance) and our case worker. Despite not being on board with the adoption plan, he didn't seek any legal action to prevent it.
The hospital's protocol involved notifying the birth father before we could leave the hospital with the baby. The hospital's social worker and our case worker contacted Lance a few short hours after Caleb was born. Being consistent with previous conversations, he adamantly shared that he was still not on board with Janey's adoption plan. We spent the next few days counting hours and minutes waiting for one of two things to happen...Lance to appear or discharge papers to be signed. There are absolutely no words to describe the anxiety taking up space in 2 hospital rooms.
Needless to say, we left the hospital with Caleb knowing that our hearts could be ripped out of our chests at any moment.
When Caleb was eleven days old, Lance resurfaced asking to view our profile book which was mailed immediately. We were scared. We waited. Forty seven days passed. Nothing.
On the afternoon of day 58, I received a phone call from a familiar number. Moments later, my heart was held together by a strand as our caseworker shared that Lance had requested to speak with us directly. Day 58. We had been celebrating only moments before the sound of my ring tone filled the air. Day 58. So close to 60, but yet so far away. Day 58. Less than 48 hours from the judge ending the matter with one word...abandonment. Reluctantly, we agreed to a phone conversation.
At this point, my heart was so hardened in response to this man...the one who stood between me and my precious Caleb. Praying and believing that God had a perfect plan was the only thing that held us together while we waited for the one phone call that could forever change the course of our lives and the life of our precious Caleb. We were once again absolutely powerless. Only this time the stakes were higher because he had spent close to 2 months being loved and treasured in our home by our family and friends.
The moment our phone rang, the nervous inappropriate laughter escaped. Shaking inside and out, we finally managed to answer, and the conversation began flowing immediately. In that very moment, he was no longer the monster that I had envisioned but a man..broken..hurting...full of love..with a story. Within a matter of a few seconds, a connection happened. We laughed. We answered hard questions. We offered assurance. The following words were spoken..."I think she made a great choice. I will sign the papers." We breathed.
On day 67, I posted the following on facebook.
We are the "official" legal guardians of this squish, and an adoption finalization hearing is scheduled for March 6. You guys...this is a really big deal! We Are going to celebrate with Casey's pizza, Coca Cola, and hopefully a nap.
I would like to report that the papers were signed, notarized, and returned promptly, but that wasn't the case.
One hundred and forty five days after Caleb was born, I made this post.
The adoption agency contacted us today to inform us that Caleb's birth father FINALLY sent his signed consent. After day 60, it wasn't much of a concern, but it was still a hallelujah moment. I also purchased his monogrammed stocking. One gigantic step closer to him being stuck with us forever. He is excited too.
Contact with Lance hasn't continued, but I do send a packet with a letter and pictures to the agency for him every 3 months this first year. Leaving this door open for Caleb is definitely a priority for us.
As I write this post exactly 2 weeks after our finalization hearing, I am still overwhelmed at God's presence in the midst of our counting. He is faithful. Hallelujah!
Monday, March 6, 2017
Counting For Caleb {11}
In our world, there is a singular moment in time when the present tense form of the verb adopt transforms forever into the past tense form...adopted.
On Friday, March 3, 2017 at approximately 9:35 a.m., the verb tense changed, and Caleb was adoptED.
Our original finalization date was scheduled for March 6. The judge who was presiding over our case was not re-elected in November, and we had to be reassigned to a different newly elected judge. Our attorney notified us of the change and assured us that he would do his very best to have it rescheduled for later in March. Imagine our surprise when he informed us that instead of postponing the hearing, the judge had worked us in earlier than our original date.
Our court appearance went exactly as planned. The new judge assigned to our case was incredibly friendly and warm, and the courtroom itself was small and cozy with barely enough seating for our family that was in attendance. Scott did struggle to remember our anniversary and made a ridiculous joke which caused me to hold me breath until laughter filled the courtroom. At one point in the questioning, Scott was encouraged to introduce "our people". When he introduced Janey, the judge was in absolute shock. She paused, made eye contact with Janey, and spoke words of encouragement.
Before signing the official adoption documents, she glanced up at us and commented, "This feels like a real family!"
My hope is that the judge felt the love of Jesus and was introduced to new definition of the word, family.
I have experienced both poverty and wealth in my life time. Money doesn't buy happiness; love does.
We stopped counting because we now have forever to love, treasure, teach, and train this precious boy.
Before signing the official adoption documents, she glanced up at us and commented, "This feels like a real family!"
My hope is that the judge felt the love of Jesus and was introduced to new definition of the word, family.
I have experienced both poverty and wealth in my life time. Money doesn't buy happiness; love does.
We stopped counting because we now have forever to love, treasure, teach, and train this precious boy.
Tuesday, February 28, 2017
Remember
On most accounts, we are an absolutely average American family. Our love is fierce and strong. We feel compassion and notice potential. Our protective instincts are often activated. We argue, disagree, and sometimes even speak harshly. Apologizing and accepting the consequences of our actions are daily components of our lives.
On the other hand, we are also very different and unique. For starters, there are a lot of us, and chaos seems to be our 7th family member. Secondly, the color of our skin is a variety of shades of brown.
People notice. People stare. People wonder. People say things. People remember us.
A few months ago, we were shopping at an extremely crowded Aldi. Our 2 carts were filled to the brim with little boys and groceries. Scott and I found ourselves debating whether or not we should buy a bag of apples. Needless to say, it was just a typical shopping adventure for our family. A few days later, Scott, the little boys, and I were having lunch at our local Chick-fil-a when a stranger casually approached our table. She simply asked, "Did you end up buying the apples? I was at Aldi the other night and eavesdropped on your conversation. By the way, your family is beautiful." She remembered us.
Last week, Olivia was given the task of writing a personal letter to the author of her favorite book, Wonder. The main character is a young boy named Auggie whose physical appearance elicits stares, giggles, judgement, and the pointing of fingers. In the content of her well thought out letter, she expressed how she was able to relate to Auggie and his family because our family looks different too. While putting the finishing touches on her letter, she placed a family photo that she was including on the corner of her desk. One of her 27 classmates skipped by, stopped, and whispered, "I just love your family!" I am so very thankful for a community that remembers that beauty exists in diversity.
If you happen to encounter our family, please smile and love on our babies. We love to hear how beautiful and special they are. Feel free to comment on how we must have a lovely story. Please don't ask if they are our foster children. Refrain from using the words "real siblings". Please don't comment that you hope we actually get to keep them or that they are so very lucky to have us. Questions similar to "Will they ever get to see their real family?" are confusing to our loves. Please remember that our little boys are sensitive and exploring the definition of adoption at their own pace.
Our prayer is that people will see Jesus reflected in our family. We hope that they remember observing love, patience, and immeasurable joy sprinkled in with the crazy.
On the other hand, we are also very different and unique. For starters, there are a lot of us, and chaos seems to be our 7th family member. Secondly, the color of our skin is a variety of shades of brown.
People notice. People stare. People wonder. People say things. People remember us.
A few months ago, we were shopping at an extremely crowded Aldi. Our 2 carts were filled to the brim with little boys and groceries. Scott and I found ourselves debating whether or not we should buy a bag of apples. Needless to say, it was just a typical shopping adventure for our family. A few days later, Scott, the little boys, and I were having lunch at our local Chick-fil-a when a stranger casually approached our table. She simply asked, "Did you end up buying the apples? I was at Aldi the other night and eavesdropped on your conversation. By the way, your family is beautiful." She remembered us.
Last week, Olivia was given the task of writing a personal letter to the author of her favorite book, Wonder. The main character is a young boy named Auggie whose physical appearance elicits stares, giggles, judgement, and the pointing of fingers. In the content of her well thought out letter, she expressed how she was able to relate to Auggie and his family because our family looks different too. While putting the finishing touches on her letter, she placed a family photo that she was including on the corner of her desk. One of her 27 classmates skipped by, stopped, and whispered, "I just love your family!" I am so very thankful for a community that remembers that beauty exists in diversity.
If you happen to encounter our family, please smile and love on our babies. We love to hear how beautiful and special they are. Feel free to comment on how we must have a lovely story. Please don't ask if they are our foster children. Refrain from using the words "real siblings". Please don't comment that you hope we actually get to keep them or that they are so very lucky to have us. Questions similar to "Will they ever get to see their real family?" are confusing to our loves. Please remember that our little boys are sensitive and exploring the definition of adoption at their own pace.
Our prayer is that people will see Jesus reflected in our family. We hope that they remember observing love, patience, and immeasurable joy sprinkled in with the crazy.
Saturday, December 3, 2016
Tuesday, November 22, 2016
Jax's First Shave
These photos are some of my all time favorites.
It is often said that a photo speaks a thousand words.
I think that holds true in this case.
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