Big breath. "God has this." Another big breath. "GOD HAS THIS." Repeat a million times.
Things are moving quicker than we anticipated! M's relatives are now being considered for her permanent placement, which means she's one step closer to staying with us. And to protect her, I won't go into too much detail anymore about her case. After learning some information about her biological parents and family members, I don't want them to be able to track her down in ANY way. The best thing for M is to be completely removed from their influence, but the State of Texas has to legally arrive at that conclusion. Which means going through the process.
I don't know what it's like. I try to put myself into M's situation: If I had her biological family, would I want to stay with them or be adopted by a family who truly loves me even though they aren't related? I don't know what my answer would be, because so much of my identity has been formed by knowing, and being raised, by my biological parents. "But your identity is found in me, Leah." I know, Lord. I know. But that's because my parents pointed me to you! If M's family can't point her to Christ, then shouldn't she stay with us?
Again I am reminded that the Lord is above every situation, above every circumstance. He's the God who sent his only son to die for the world. He's the God who ordered my life and salvation, so he can for sure do that for M. Even if she does leave our home, she is not above his redemption. She is not beyond his reach even if she is forced out of mine. If he can save baby Moses against all odds because his mother courageously hid him and trusted providence, then M will not be abandoned. If Christ can appear on a road to Saul regardless of his past, then Christ can appear to M regardless of her past. If the Lord went out of his way to love a sinful, Samaritan woman, then he will go out of his way to love M. In fact, he already did. And all of this is true of me too.
One thing is for sure: M and I are kindred spirits. Joe and I have hugs (the best in the world), Dan and I have kisses filled with laughter, and M and I have matching smiling eyes that laugh and delight in one another. Knitted hearts? Definitely. Just please don't rip those pieces of yarn apart, Lord. PLEASE.
The caseworker said they are supposed to complete relative homestudies by the next court date (November), but it's unlikely they will all be finished by that time. Regardless, we expect M to remain in our home through the end of the year. We look forward to Thanksgiving and Christmas with three kids! :) Boy, what an adventure. We have been through so much already, but we look forward to what God continues to do through our family.
Thank you for your prayers, friends!
Sunday, October 18, 2015
Friday, September 18, 2015
Things are Rolling
Another month has almost passed, and our sweet little foster baby is four months old! She finally out grew some of her clothes and is quickly moving up in diaper sizes. Her precious smiles, contagious laugh, and funny expressions keep us mesmerized. And, now she will turn her head to find me when she hears my voice. As far as she is concerned, I am Mommy. My heart breaks for her biological mother, but rejoices to God for giving us the chance to help this child feel and know the love of a devoted family.
Baby M's next trial is in November, so it's still not clear what recommendations will be made to the judge. So far things are looking up for us because her biological family members seem to not have the substantial backing they need to provide guardianship. Furthermore, M's biological mother also has a trial in November for her individual case, so if she's released from prison then that could really make things interesting. But, honestly, we're not worried about any of this mess. Our Lord is gracious and in control, and we are honored to protect our sweet baby girl from the crud that has immersed her biological family.
We have now attended two fostercare support meetings and have had some interesting experiences. First, it is very apparent that we are blessed to have such devoted staff for M's case. Secondly, we have been introduced to some issues and problems that could come up through adoption. Many of the people we have encountered through these meetings are seasoned foster and/or adoptive parents, so we are extremely thankful to the Lord for leading us to a group who can help us through this calling. It's nice to have a place to go where our family can interact with other families in a similar situation.
At home we are finally transitioning our youngest son out of the crib and into his brother's room. I have had some sweet mommy-son time with him because we are training him to nap on the bottom bunk, so I have stayed with him as he falls asleep. Sometimes he falls asleep with his head on my shoulder or while holding my hand, so I just bottle up those moments and cement them in my heart! :) Our goal is to change the "dinosaur" room into the "butterfly" room in the next month so Miss M. can have her own room.
On top of prayer for baby M, we have some additional requests. Recently our oldest son started preschool one day a week, so we ask for an easy transition and productive time of learning for him. Next, our youngest son is almost two-years-old and has hit a stubborn, rebellious streak, so we ask for prayers that he would choose obedience over rebellion. As for me, I ask for patience with the kids because many days it is lacking and I am quick to be frustrated and snippy. And, lastly, please pray for energy and rest for my sweet husband because his new job requires a much earlier wake up time and more travel. We are so thankful for every prayer on our behalf!
So, we keep rolling along! We look forward to cooler weather and more picnics at the park (which M is really starting to like). We have family pictures coming up in October, as well as the Fall Festival on Halloween with plans to dress in costumes as a family. We're loving this crazy life, and thank you all for your support!
Baby M's next trial is in November, so it's still not clear what recommendations will be made to the judge. So far things are looking up for us because her biological family members seem to not have the substantial backing they need to provide guardianship. Furthermore, M's biological mother also has a trial in November for her individual case, so if she's released from prison then that could really make things interesting. But, honestly, we're not worried about any of this mess. Our Lord is gracious and in control, and we are honored to protect our sweet baby girl from the crud that has immersed her biological family.
We have now attended two fostercare support meetings and have had some interesting experiences. First, it is very apparent that we are blessed to have such devoted staff for M's case. Secondly, we have been introduced to some issues and problems that could come up through adoption. Many of the people we have encountered through these meetings are seasoned foster and/or adoptive parents, so we are extremely thankful to the Lord for leading us to a group who can help us through this calling. It's nice to have a place to go where our family can interact with other families in a similar situation.
At home we are finally transitioning our youngest son out of the crib and into his brother's room. I have had some sweet mommy-son time with him because we are training him to nap on the bottom bunk, so I have stayed with him as he falls asleep. Sometimes he falls asleep with his head on my shoulder or while holding my hand, so I just bottle up those moments and cement them in my heart! :) Our goal is to change the "dinosaur" room into the "butterfly" room in the next month so Miss M. can have her own room.
On top of prayer for baby M, we have some additional requests. Recently our oldest son started preschool one day a week, so we ask for an easy transition and productive time of learning for him. Next, our youngest son is almost two-years-old and has hit a stubborn, rebellious streak, so we ask for prayers that he would choose obedience over rebellion. As for me, I ask for patience with the kids because many days it is lacking and I am quick to be frustrated and snippy. And, lastly, please pray for energy and rest for my sweet husband because his new job requires a much earlier wake up time and more travel. We are so thankful for every prayer on our behalf!
So, we keep rolling along! We look forward to cooler weather and more picnics at the park (which M is really starting to like). We have family pictures coming up in October, as well as the Fall Festival on Halloween with plans to dress in costumes as a family. We're loving this crazy life, and thank you all for your support!
Friday, August 21, 2015
Smiles, Giggles, and Prayers
It's been awhile since I've written, but we have had mission trip, babysitting, and general life planning GALORE! Miss M is now three months old, and she's full of smiles, giggles, and smirks. She is also sleeping through the night (!) and quickly demanding more milk at her feedings. We are so grateful for our time with her!
M's case worker went to court today and the judge decided to keep her in our home for at least another few months. While that is certainly good news for the present, we are still hanging on the edge for her permanency. The case worker let me know that a relative is now requesting custody and others could pop up as well. SO, a relative, a friend of the family, and then us. But we have her for now! We have her for now...
We knew this was all part of it - the agonizing waiting and potential heartbreak. I don't want to be selfish, but I am. All this baby girl knows is life with us, so I selfishly want to tell everyone else, "Over my dead body." But that's not what God wants. God wants us to trust him with the outcome and live through his strength every day no matter what happens, so that is what we strive to do. We take comfort in the fact that the Lord loves M more than we ever could. And it is possible for her to know him by living with someone else, but I don't want to admit it. All my "but Lord," pleas receive, "Where were you when I formed the earth?" replies. So we breathe, kiss sweet M, cuddle with her a little longer than we should because we never know which day will be our last to hold her.
Our attempt at adoption has encouraged me to take the same approach with our boys. Endless hugs, kisses, and "I love you"s, are in our home because the truth is we aren't promised another day even with our biological children. If you have children, no matter the age, remember the fragility to which they came into the world and respect the same fragility that will one day take them out of the world. I've known many parents who had to say goodbye too soon to their precious children, so I want to make sure my kids know, without any room for doubt, that they are loved.
But it's hard to be loving when you're the opposite of perfect. I yell at Joe when he asks the same question for the millionth time in one hour. I growl in frustration at Dan when he scales yet another piece of furniture. I roll my eyes when the baby wants to be held a little longer. I scream in my head while changing the tenth poopy diaper in one day and secretly envy the people who get to go to work and enjoy adult conversation. And if I have to watch "Bob the Builder" more than once a day I will become unrecognizable (seriously, that show is intolerable)! I become filled with rage when people at the grocery store give me a horrified look for daring to take three small children out in public, even when they are behaving. I want to throw objects at the TV when people try to get a "No kids on flights" petition moving. I hold myself back from screaming at others, "You think YOU'RE tired?!" I could keep going...
Among the incredible struggle there is an even more incredible peace through this calling. There is overwhelming joy, that I never knew was possible, in this calling. I feel the Lord closer to me than ever before because I am at my wits end more than ever before. There is beauty in being weak, tired, and frustrated because my perfect Savior is on his throne. He is everything I need, and he proves it to me every moment of every day.
And at the end of the day I know what we're doing matters. The sacrifices, the early nights (we are in bed by 8:45pm out of pure exhaustion), and endless laundry doesn't matter in the long run, but our family matters! It's great to know that I'm apart of something that matters - raising these kids to first have a relationship with Christ and then enabling and helping them to fulfill God's will for their lives. The future generation of Christ-followers are at our ankles looking up, and I can't think of anything else that matters more on earth.
Meanwhile, Baby M and I are going on a shopping spree tomorrow! Girlfriend and I are going to celebrate her being with us a little longer by getting some new clothes.
Thank you for your continued prayers, friends! :)
With love,
Leah
M's case worker went to court today and the judge decided to keep her in our home for at least another few months. While that is certainly good news for the present, we are still hanging on the edge for her permanency. The case worker let me know that a relative is now requesting custody and others could pop up as well. SO, a relative, a friend of the family, and then us. But we have her for now! We have her for now...
We knew this was all part of it - the agonizing waiting and potential heartbreak. I don't want to be selfish, but I am. All this baby girl knows is life with us, so I selfishly want to tell everyone else, "Over my dead body." But that's not what God wants. God wants us to trust him with the outcome and live through his strength every day no matter what happens, so that is what we strive to do. We take comfort in the fact that the Lord loves M more than we ever could. And it is possible for her to know him by living with someone else, but I don't want to admit it. All my "but Lord," pleas receive, "Where were you when I formed the earth?" replies. So we breathe, kiss sweet M, cuddle with her a little longer than we should because we never know which day will be our last to hold her.
Our attempt at adoption has encouraged me to take the same approach with our boys. Endless hugs, kisses, and "I love you"s, are in our home because the truth is we aren't promised another day even with our biological children. If you have children, no matter the age, remember the fragility to which they came into the world and respect the same fragility that will one day take them out of the world. I've known many parents who had to say goodbye too soon to their precious children, so I want to make sure my kids know, without any room for doubt, that they are loved.
But it's hard to be loving when you're the opposite of perfect. I yell at Joe when he asks the same question for the millionth time in one hour. I growl in frustration at Dan when he scales yet another piece of furniture. I roll my eyes when the baby wants to be held a little longer. I scream in my head while changing the tenth poopy diaper in one day and secretly envy the people who get to go to work and enjoy adult conversation. And if I have to watch "Bob the Builder" more than once a day I will become unrecognizable (seriously, that show is intolerable)! I become filled with rage when people at the grocery store give me a horrified look for daring to take three small children out in public, even when they are behaving. I want to throw objects at the TV when people try to get a "No kids on flights" petition moving. I hold myself back from screaming at others, "You think YOU'RE tired?!" I could keep going...
Among the incredible struggle there is an even more incredible peace through this calling. There is overwhelming joy, that I never knew was possible, in this calling. I feel the Lord closer to me than ever before because I am at my wits end more than ever before. There is beauty in being weak, tired, and frustrated because my perfect Savior is on his throne. He is everything I need, and he proves it to me every moment of every day.
And at the end of the day I know what we're doing matters. The sacrifices, the early nights (we are in bed by 8:45pm out of pure exhaustion), and endless laundry doesn't matter in the long run, but our family matters! It's great to know that I'm apart of something that matters - raising these kids to first have a relationship with Christ and then enabling and helping them to fulfill God's will for their lives. The future generation of Christ-followers are at our ankles looking up, and I can't think of anything else that matters more on earth.
Meanwhile, Baby M and I are going on a shopping spree tomorrow! Girlfriend and I are going to celebrate her being with us a little longer by getting some new clothes.
Thank you for your continued prayers, friends! :)
With love,
Leah
Saturday, July 25, 2015
You Are Wanted
I'm glad the Lord has placed Carey and I in a position to help care for precious M. It really gives James 1:27 a deeper meaning for us: "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." I find the word "and" amazing in the last part of this verse - caring for others and accepting the charge to deny the world go hand-in-hand. You can't truly care for others without denying earthly desires (and vice versa). There have been times in my life when I have missed the opportunity to care for others because I was too obsessed with myself, but I pray to never return to that miserable existence. And I say it with respect, but I'm wondering if this is where M's mom finds herself. My prayer is the Lord draws her out of her self-destruction, like he did for me, before it's too late.
When I look at our kids I wonder, "Do you know you are wanted?" Being wanted and feeling wanted are two totally different things. And I want my kids to feel wanted - first and foremost by God, but also by us. So we pour love and grace into their lives and pray with fervency for them to feel it in the depths of their beings.
I want everyone, and most especially my children, to know something:
You are wanted.
First, you are wanted by a holy God who chose to create you. He didn't have to intricately and uniquely design you and bring you into existence. It's pretty awesome that the God of EVERYTHING thought of us before we were even born and said, "Hey, you! You're one-of-a-kind."
Also, you are wanted by a perfect Savior who died so you can have an eternal relationship with him. He literally gave away his life with the hope that you would decide to accept his gift of salvation. No one ever died for someone they didn't want.
Lastly, to my kids (including M), I have wanted you all my life. It's like the Lord opened up a new section of my heart when I met you - a section I knew was there but could never access before. I felt J's light-hearted laugh and D's ornery, crooked smile in my spirit. I felt M's perfect, steady gaze of resolute determination. Two of you I carried in my belly, and one of you I've only carried in my arms, but all of you have been carried in my heart from the beginning. The Lord has given all three of you to me for now, so I will continue to carry you until he determines otherwise.
Again, you are wanted. Don't ever believe the lie that you aren't wanted.
Please continue to pray for our family. Thank you all for your love, thoughts, and prayers.
When I look at our kids I wonder, "Do you know you are wanted?" Being wanted and feeling wanted are two totally different things. And I want my kids to feel wanted - first and foremost by God, but also by us. So we pour love and grace into their lives and pray with fervency for them to feel it in the depths of their beings.
I want everyone, and most especially my children, to know something:
You are wanted.
First, you are wanted by a holy God who chose to create you. He didn't have to intricately and uniquely design you and bring you into existence. It's pretty awesome that the God of EVERYTHING thought of us before we were even born and said, "Hey, you! You're one-of-a-kind."
Also, you are wanted by a perfect Savior who died so you can have an eternal relationship with him. He literally gave away his life with the hope that you would decide to accept his gift of salvation. No one ever died for someone they didn't want.
Lastly, to my kids (including M), I have wanted you all my life. It's like the Lord opened up a new section of my heart when I met you - a section I knew was there but could never access before. I felt J's light-hearted laugh and D's ornery, crooked smile in my spirit. I felt M's perfect, steady gaze of resolute determination. Two of you I carried in my belly, and one of you I've only carried in my arms, but all of you have been carried in my heart from the beginning. The Lord has given all three of you to me for now, so I will continue to carry you until he determines otherwise.
Again, you are wanted. Don't ever believe the lie that you aren't wanted.
Please continue to pray for our family. Thank you all for your love, thoughts, and prayers.
Thursday, July 16, 2015
A Once Normal Life
Baby M has now been our home for 3 weeks! She is eating a lot, sleeping a lot, and starting to smile and roll over. She will be two months old in a few days.
Yesterday I attended a meeting with Baby M and several of the state workers who are assigned to her case. I learned a lot more about the conditions of her removal from her home, and where we are in the process. So, where are we in the process? Right behind one family friend.
That's it.
We, as complete strangers, are second in line to possibly get to keep this precious girl forever! It's seems unreal.
Unfortunately, the facts I learned yesterday left me depressed, sad, and angry. M's mom once lived a normal life - with a job, husband, and kids. However, after some devastating circumstances that she had no control over, M's mom starting making horrible decisions. The Lord reminded me how close we all are to devastation and to resolve NOW (in the good times) to submit to him no matter what. M's mom has had a tough life - emotionally, spiritually, and physically - but because of her decisions all "normalcy" seems to have disappeared from her life now. And it worries me, as a mom, to think if there could be a circumstance that would push me into a downward spiral. However, the Lord doesn't want me (or anyone) to live that way. We're not supposed to worry about tomorrow, but rather rely on him for the strength to do his will today (Matthew 6:24). Lord, help me keep my eyes on today - on Carey's goofy antics, Joe's contagious laughter, Dan's babbled "I love you's", and M's perfectly steady gaze that says, "Thank you."
It appears M's mom never had something that we have: community. She seems to have had at least a little faith, but without community there was no one to support her. I look at our family, friends, and fellow church members and wonder how on earth people survive without other people. This process has shown me the power of community - to hold babies, to give us rest, to help teach our kids about the Lord. Next to our faith, our community of loving supporters is our greatest asset, and we are so grateful for all of you!
My heart cries out to the Lord for M's mom. Will you join me in praying for her? And we certainly thank you for prayers concerning M's permanency. We are seeking the Lord's will for her, and know that prayers make a difference. We need you, friends! Thank you for all your help.
Yesterday I attended a meeting with Baby M and several of the state workers who are assigned to her case. I learned a lot more about the conditions of her removal from her home, and where we are in the process. So, where are we in the process? Right behind one family friend.
That's it.
We, as complete strangers, are second in line to possibly get to keep this precious girl forever! It's seems unreal.
Unfortunately, the facts I learned yesterday left me depressed, sad, and angry. M's mom once lived a normal life - with a job, husband, and kids. However, after some devastating circumstances that she had no control over, M's mom starting making horrible decisions. The Lord reminded me how close we all are to devastation and to resolve NOW (in the good times) to submit to him no matter what. M's mom has had a tough life - emotionally, spiritually, and physically - but because of her decisions all "normalcy" seems to have disappeared from her life now. And it worries me, as a mom, to think if there could be a circumstance that would push me into a downward spiral. However, the Lord doesn't want me (or anyone) to live that way. We're not supposed to worry about tomorrow, but rather rely on him for the strength to do his will today (Matthew 6:24). Lord, help me keep my eyes on today - on Carey's goofy antics, Joe's contagious laughter, Dan's babbled "I love you's", and M's perfectly steady gaze that says, "Thank you."
It appears M's mom never had something that we have: community. She seems to have had at least a little faith, but without community there was no one to support her. I look at our family, friends, and fellow church members and wonder how on earth people survive without other people. This process has shown me the power of community - to hold babies, to give us rest, to help teach our kids about the Lord. Next to our faith, our community of loving supporters is our greatest asset, and we are so grateful for all of you!
My heart cries out to the Lord for M's mom. Will you join me in praying for her? And we certainly thank you for prayers concerning M's permanency. We are seeking the Lord's will for her, and know that prayers make a difference. We need you, friends! Thank you for all your help.
Thursday, July 2, 2015
The Dark Days
In the midst of this new calling, I want people to understand that the days aren't all "rainbows and butterflies!" This is hard. REALLY hard.
Most days I do wake up with so much joy that my heart is overflowing. The Lord gives me strength and peace to renew my commitment each day to the three babies who look to me as Mommy. Ten years ago I would have shuddered to glimpse our current path because of all the required responsibility. However, I know through experiencing some trials that my Jesus is always with me and he equips Carey and I to raise these kids. These are God's babies, and we have the wonderful privilege of being their parents.
However, some days Satan whispers on my heart, "This is too hard. You should give up and give the baby back." His comments are always coupled with my exhaustion and annoyance at the day's challenges. Whenever I forget to submit to Christ, and start down the path of self-reliance, Satan steps in with his lies. I literally have to face palm that sucker straight to the ground, because he can't have a heart that already belongs to Jesus. And Satan wants the kids' hearts too, so that is just completely over my dead body! I know he hates us for what we're doing because he's in the business of tearing families apart (like he's trying to do to our foster baby's family). Some days I do want to give up, but that's when a friend or relative's text encourages me to keep going. And I also remember the many people invested in our foster baby's life who work tirelessly alongside us to care for her. When we need it the most, the Lord sends people to help. Thank you for your help!
I'm good at holding it all together in public, but even this "Dragon Lady" has knock-out-drag-out moments. The biggest lesson I've learned so far, friends, is to let God have even the dark days. Let him have your frustration, your anger, your tears. Because if we can't give him the dark days, then the only one left to take them is the Evil One.
Dark days come, but the goal is not to keep them from arriving. Rather, the goal is to submit to Christ no matter what happens. Be encouraged today, friend!
Most days I do wake up with so much joy that my heart is overflowing. The Lord gives me strength and peace to renew my commitment each day to the three babies who look to me as Mommy. Ten years ago I would have shuddered to glimpse our current path because of all the required responsibility. However, I know through experiencing some trials that my Jesus is always with me and he equips Carey and I to raise these kids. These are God's babies, and we have the wonderful privilege of being their parents.
However, some days Satan whispers on my heart, "This is too hard. You should give up and give the baby back." His comments are always coupled with my exhaustion and annoyance at the day's challenges. Whenever I forget to submit to Christ, and start down the path of self-reliance, Satan steps in with his lies. I literally have to face palm that sucker straight to the ground, because he can't have a heart that already belongs to Jesus. And Satan wants the kids' hearts too, so that is just completely over my dead body! I know he hates us for what we're doing because he's in the business of tearing families apart (like he's trying to do to our foster baby's family). Some days I do want to give up, but that's when a friend or relative's text encourages me to keep going. And I also remember the many people invested in our foster baby's life who work tirelessly alongside us to care for her. When we need it the most, the Lord sends people to help. Thank you for your help!
I'm good at holding it all together in public, but even this "Dragon Lady" has knock-out-drag-out moments. The biggest lesson I've learned so far, friends, is to let God have even the dark days. Let him have your frustration, your anger, your tears. Because if we can't give him the dark days, then the only one left to take them is the Evil One.
Dark days come, but the goal is not to keep them from arriving. Rather, the goal is to submit to Christ no matter what happens. Be encouraged today, friend!
Tuesday, June 30, 2015
Our First Week
Well, friends, we've now had a foster baby in the house for a full week! It was quite a culture shock at first to have a newborn again, but we are getting the gist of things now.
Baby M is a sweet little baby, but she's quite small for her age. She loves to eat, though, so we're confident she'll start chunking-out in no time! And, as far as we know, she hasn't been exposed to anything dangerous. We assume, however, that she was neglected for the first few weeks of her life since her biological mom is now incarcerated. Baby M is thriving wonderfully in our home, even with two older foster brothers! :) We are loving the snuggles, her occasional smiles, and sweet time together.
We met M's CASA worker today who is a volunteer court advocate. She will work closely with M's case worker to find possible relatives who can take care of M. In the meantime, we get the honor of pouring love into M's little heart and surrounding her with prayer. Every day we pray that M's biological momma will "get better."
And, yes, we are attached! We want God's will for M's life even if that means we don't get to keep her. And we will for sure set her up as best as we can in the event she goes to live with a family member. This little girl is so precious! I love getting to dress her up in all the frills and bows. :)
The foster brothers are being pretty sweet to M apart from the occasional attempt to poke her in the eye or "love" her a little too rough! Joe is especially fond of her and introduces her as "his sister" even though we constantly tell him that she could go back to her own family soon. But they love her, and it's amazing to see how even little children understand the fragility of a baby. Both the boys are great helpers.
Please pray for us as M has a doctor's appointment on July 2nd and we want to make sure she is catching up in weight. Also, the CASA worker told me they go to court on July 7th to come up with a permanency plan for M. That means our time with M could be done within the next week if a reliable relative is found to care for her. We certainly want what is best for M, but our hearts will be broken if she leaves. Please pray for God's will, courage, and strength no matter what the outcome. There is only one, maybe two, possibilities for M outside of our home, so the chance at adoption is very real. But, again, we want her to be with her own family if it is at all possible.
Thank you all for your tremendous support. We are overwhelmed by the love, gifts, and offers to help. We feel your prayers, and can not express how grateful we are for every mention to the Lord on our behalf.
More to come! Until then, if you have a few minutes, come on over and help me tackle the Laundry Monster. :)
Baby M is a sweet little baby, but she's quite small for her age. She loves to eat, though, so we're confident she'll start chunking-out in no time! And, as far as we know, she hasn't been exposed to anything dangerous. We assume, however, that she was neglected for the first few weeks of her life since her biological mom is now incarcerated. Baby M is thriving wonderfully in our home, even with two older foster brothers! :) We are loving the snuggles, her occasional smiles, and sweet time together.
We met M's CASA worker today who is a volunteer court advocate. She will work closely with M's case worker to find possible relatives who can take care of M. In the meantime, we get the honor of pouring love into M's little heart and surrounding her with prayer. Every day we pray that M's biological momma will "get better."
And, yes, we are attached! We want God's will for M's life even if that means we don't get to keep her. And we will for sure set her up as best as we can in the event she goes to live with a family member. This little girl is so precious! I love getting to dress her up in all the frills and bows. :)
The foster brothers are being pretty sweet to M apart from the occasional attempt to poke her in the eye or "love" her a little too rough! Joe is especially fond of her and introduces her as "his sister" even though we constantly tell him that she could go back to her own family soon. But they love her, and it's amazing to see how even little children understand the fragility of a baby. Both the boys are great helpers.
Please pray for us as M has a doctor's appointment on July 2nd and we want to make sure she is catching up in weight. Also, the CASA worker told me they go to court on July 7th to come up with a permanency plan for M. That means our time with M could be done within the next week if a reliable relative is found to care for her. We certainly want what is best for M, but our hearts will be broken if she leaves. Please pray for God's will, courage, and strength no matter what the outcome. There is only one, maybe two, possibilities for M outside of our home, so the chance at adoption is very real. But, again, we want her to be with her own family if it is at all possible.
Thank you all for your tremendous support. We are overwhelmed by the love, gifts, and offers to help. We feel your prayers, and can not express how grateful we are for every mention to the Lord on our behalf.
More to come! Until then, if you have a few minutes, come on over and help me tackle the Laundry Monster. :)
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