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Elaine

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Everything posted by Elaine

  1. I know first hand the fear that adopting a toddler/preschooler can evoke. There are similarities and differences between adopting children of any age. I think every parent has some trepidation when adding to their family regardless of the circumstances. I don't think fear should rule your heart or head. Many things in life we would not attempt or prevail over if we let fear paralyze our lives. Through all of the valleys and peaks I can say that our family feels blessed that God sent Angel to be our daughter. Things have not always been pleasant...things have not always been easy, but then again...things are never easy when raising and loving any child. There have been peaks and valleys with parenting Makayla as well. That in no way means that I regret being mother to our two little girls. Given the oppurtunity to do it all over again(adopting a newborn and adopting a 3 year old) ...I wouldn't do it any differently. Most things in life worth doing are a challenge. Parenting is no different. God has a plan for every child and every family. Every child DOES deserve a family. This little boy's birthmom is making the hardest decision of her life. She believes in Abrazo and their wonderful adoptive families enough to entrust them (possibly YOU) with her beloved son. Whenever you worry about the risk you may be taking by adopting an older child...just think how much of a risk his birthmother must feel like she is taking!!! I know the feelings some of you are having...you are scared, you are unsure- is this the child that God wants our family to have, can we love a child that is not a baby, how will our other child(ren) react to a new child, can we bond, etc. I have been there...done that! Your concerms are valid! I understand them. I also understand you can still be "Mom" or "Dad" to this child even though he is 3 years old. Will it be different from adopting a newborn..yes in some ways. It didn't take long for me to realize that Angel's "number" (age) might be "3" but she really is not that far out of babyhood herself. She still loves to rock, cuddle, be read to, be carried, etc. She wants to feel safe, play, learn, explore, and be loved...just like Makayla. If your heart is open to adopting this boy, please pray about this decision and ask God for guidance. Like Elizabeth has said before...how many people have passed up or nearly passed up "the child of their dreams" because it didn't look like the child of their dreams on paper. When I let that thought sink in it gives me chills. It really is a very sobering thought! I hope this boy will get the family of his dreams and the family of his birthmother's dreams. I pray one of our waiting families will come forward and take a leap of faith. In adoption many times we do have to walk by faith and not by sight. Praying for all involved!
  2. Gabriel is such a handsome little fella. Congratulations to all!!!
  3. Angel did not come from TX with many of her belongings. I begged her foster mother to send as much as possible and explained the reason for it. She was more in the mind set of a fresh start, and I think may have also been timid to send raggedy items. So Angel came to TN with a Hello Kitty backpack that held a few toys, clothes, blanket, and paperwork. If it didn't fit in the backpack it didn't make the journey. I had our pantry filled with her favorite foods before she ever arrived. For a while Mickey, Makayla, and I were almost green after eating so much Mexican food, chicken nuggets, and mac-n-cheese. Those were Angel's favorite comfort foods. You could see Angel's body relax when we would go into a Mexican eatery. The vibrant colors, handmade pottery, sounds, smells, and people were all so familiar to her. Karen is so right in saying that children adopted as toddlers or older (in domestic adoption) are in need of just as many "familiar comforts" as children of international adoption. Mickey and I are grateful for all feelingblessed and bee have done to help us help Angel.
  4. Congratulations to Scott and Char!!! The Stork's announcement about your new son made me get chills and softly cry. Blessings to your courageous and selfless birthmomma!!! God has extended your family by more than one. He is so good!!!
  5. Congratulations, Rhonda and Kody!!! Welcome to the world sweet bundle of blue!!! May God bless both of the families that love you so!!!
  6. OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am SO EXCITED for you all!!! Welcome Nicholas!!! What a beautiful picture of such a lovely family!!! Stork Central's announcement gave me goosebumps! God DOES work in mysterious ways!!!
  7. What a blessing!!! Congratulations to the newest family! Your precious daughter is an angel!!!
  8. Welcome to the world little Wyatt! Congratulations Mom, Dad, and Big Brither! What a wonderful blessing!!!
  9. Baby Nala is a doll!!!!! Congratulations, Mom and Dad, on your precious bundle of pink!!!
  10. Thank you, Dan! What an inspiration and how true!!! I am going to print a copy of that poem to hang it where I can reflect on its words and true meaning.
  11. Sabrina...you need to publish your poems!!! They are BEAUTIFUL! I am blown away by the gift you have!!!!
  12. Heidi...I would love to see a few little bundles of blue too, BUT you can never have toooooo much PINK!!! Payton is a BEAUTY!!! I just checked her out in the gallery. Wishing you all the best.
  13. Welcome to the world little Payton!!! Congratulations to the newest Mommy and Daddy! Wishing you and your birthfamily a wonderful new beginning!!!
  14. Hi, Angie! Hope you are doing good. I miss you and Claudia! Are you all going to Camp this summer???

  15. Isn't little Ariana a doll??? Congrats Kathy, Tom, and Bis sister Maya!!!
  16. Congrats to the newest family that hooked a pink princess!!!!!!!!!!! Woo Hoo!!!! What a way to start off the new year!!! Many blessings to both families and the child they all love.
  17. Praying for all of the loved ones Audry left behind. May she rest in peace.
  18. Congratulations, Karen! Thank you for sharing with us! What wonderful news!!!
  19. Welcome precious Sydney!!! Congratulations Chris, Gabriela, and big brother Austin!!! What a truly merry holiday Season you are having!!!
  20. Phew...I have literally woke up in the night before with my heart racing due to this thought. I wondered before getting "the call" who God had in mind for us to parent. Makayla was one of those that may not have looked perfect on paper, but she IS the child of our dreams...PERIOD! I can imagine how ignorant my initial paperwork looked ( ). It was our first child, and we wanted nothing but the best. Not only did Abrazo educate us, but they did give us (and continue to give us) "nothing but the best". Thank God (literally) that we got that call and accepted the child that was waiting. It scares me to death to think we may have done things any other way. Thanks for your patience, Elizabeth.
  21. Congratulations Mandy, Dane, and Kait! I am SOOOO excited and happy for you all!!!! How does it feel to be a family of four? Baby Girl Womble will be the best dressed little cutie in all of Texas thanks to her shopping fanatic Mama! Well, was your sweet bundle of pink worth the long wait? I know you can not imagine yourself with any other little person! God was right on "Target" ( sorry...couldn't resist) with this match made in Heaven. p.s. Can't wait to see a pic posted in the gallery of this long awaited precious child and her happy new family!!!
  22. She is beautiful!!! What a happy family!!!
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