What he's thankful for.

Today's bible study story was about the Israelites and all they had to be thankful for. God's cloud was leading them through the desert, He gave them manna every morning, He helped them find water when they were thirsty, and they had Moses to lead them. But still, the Israelites complained!

After class, Grayson's teacher came to me to tell me a story about Grayson. They were sitting at the table during snack time talking about what they were thankful for. Grayson, who doesn't have a whole lot to say at bible study said, "Mommy and Daddy." Now, you have to understand that his typical response to questions is something silly like, "burger and fries," or "apple juice." So, for him to go off script and say, "Mommy and Daddy" melted my heart! What did we do to deserve such a beautiful child?

I'm beginning to lose count!

Alright, you know it's getting bad if you have to look at your own blog to remember how many weeks you've been waiting! Today makes 26! Friday marks 6 months. As far as we know, the average is still 6.5 months. However, there is a conference call with our agency this evening in which they may update this. I, unfortunately, will not be home this evening so I will wait until tomorrow to listen to a recording of the conference call. It has been great to be with an agency that really tries to keep us informed every step of the way. I'm really starting to get anxious to see some progress...any progress...even if it's not my own....just something to let me know this program is still running!!!! I need to see some referrals people!!! Okay, I digress.

Yesterday was a very nice day in that I didn't think once about the FBI list or checking my email. Me and two other college roommates went to Columbus, OH to visit our roommate that is getting ready to have a baby girl! I know she probably begs to differ, but the nine months has FLOWN by! I can't believe she's going to have a baby! I'm just so excited for them to get to experience the sheer joy of being parents. They will make such great parents!

He can count to 10!

When did this happen? When did he get so big and start doing things like recognizing letters and counting! With a promise of Fruit Loops I was able to get him counting on video!

25 weeks!

Wow! Hard to believe today makes 25 weeks on the waiting list. Next Friday marks 6 months. Average wait time last month was 6.5 months. We're getting closer:)

Valentine's Day weekend

We had a nice time this weekend. Saturday we went down to Indy with our friends, Drew and Katrina. We had lunch at Red Robin then headed to the Children's Museum. It was SUPER busy. I'm not sure if it was something to do with it being Engineering Day or if it was Valentine's Day or if it was a little of both. Grayson had a really good time, as usual, but it was a little worrisome for us as we were afraid if we looked away for a split second he would disappear in the crowd. Luckily, we made it home with as many as we left with!

On the adoption front, nothing new! I have found a new peace and patience that I was lacking last week. The thought that this WILL happen and probably relatively soon were comforting. I can't begin to tell you what a blessing being in Bible Study Fellowship has been for me this year. Not only is it a great way to dive into God's word and a nice activity a couple of days a week (not to mention the hours of lessons and lesson plans). But, more than anything, it has allowed me to truly see God's work in my life. I have prayed everday for patience during this adoption, and each day, much to my amazement, I find just enough patience for the day, or hour, or minute. And, sometimes it is a minute-by-minute thing. But, I find I can pause, think to myself, "For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord," or sometimes I find comfort in, "Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you," and if those don't work, "My grace is sufficient...My strength is made perfect in weakness," always does the trick.

It's interesting to look back and see how much I've grown since Grayson's adoption. Each day I prayed that things would go quickly and for Grayson's safety and so on. But, I don't feel I ever truly trusted God. I still wanted to control the situation - I wanted my will to be done, not His. And, when Grayson did finally come home, I was certainly grateful to God and have been every day since, knowing that is was His grace and mercy that led us to Grayson. But, I never truly trusted that God would take care of us. And, I certainly never entertained the thought that His will may be different than ours. This time, not only do I completely trust God with this adoption, I also realize there is always the possibility that something could happen that would prevent this adoption from happening - that's just the way international adoption and life work. And, though I would be devestated, and would grieve the loss of this child that we have imagined for so long now, even this could not cause me to doubt God and His plan for our lives.

As a disclaimer, this is not to say that I will never have moments of impatience or even moments of sadness and "why, God" questions. But, this is to say that I am putting this adoption and my life in God's hands and letting Him do things in His perfect timing.

Okay, that wasn't supposed to be so long....here are some pictures from the weekend!

Week 24 has come and gone!

We've been waiting 24 weeks today. On to week 25. There were a couple of referrals late last week, but nothing that moved us up the list. However, just the fact that there has been a pretty steady flow of referrals is encouraging! Honestly, with the way the courts are getting backed up, there is a part of me that is content waiting on a referral. I know from Grayson's adoption that the hard wait is yet to come.

However, on the other hand, I am very anxious to find out how old and how big this little boy is. I didn't think I would want to buy too much for him, knowing that we have so much great stuff from Grayson. But, it's KILLING me to go to Target and not be able to buy any adorable clothes or other fun baby stuff. So, I'm sure I will end up buying a little more than what I originally planned:)

23 weeks!

Today marks 23 weeks on the waiting list! Each day brings us that much closer to seeing our little boy for the first time. We're pretty sure we've already been matched and are just waiting for all the paperwork to be gathered. I have to say that this is a comforting thought - knowing that there is a little boy waiting for us in some orphanage in Ethiopia. I just can't wait to get my hands on him and hug him and cuddle him and tell him how much we've prayed for him. This is a big part of why we have chosen to adopt - the firm belief that every child in this world deserves to be loved, hugged, kissed, and told they are wanted.

I'll leave you with a few pictures of Grayson, our precious boy that is daily smothered in hugs and kisses. He'll probably be glad when there is a baby brother to share the annoyance of the constant hugs and kisses!

Mom, please, enough pictures.

One smile, then leave me alone.