They finally came...

This weekend was awful.

It really started last week. Our fingerprints FINALLY came! We celebrated, but it didn't last very long.

My mom and dad were supposed to take all of our paperwork to Denver on Wednesday to get everything certified (third to the last step before we send it to China.)

My dad got put into the hospital over night - while they were trying to get things done.

We had everything planned to take it to Denver on Friday.

I spent the day in the emergency room with my mother in law...

Thank God, both my dad and my mother in law are doing ok.

Friday, we also got an email stating that we needed on more thing certified in Illinois.

Saturday and Sunday, Leonard did literally 20 hours of homework.

Jacob and Nathan studied for finals.

Jacob had two basketball games - which he didn't play in...that would be another post altogether...

Finally celebrated John's birthday.

I finished up an order for a purse and a pair of socks...

Cleaned up dog throw up.

Cleaned up kid pee.

Wrapped presents.

Christmas shopped.

Dealt with a bad grade from one of my oldest children.

Did 10 loads of laundry.

Helped Leonard with his final business plan.

Thought about cleaning the house. Didn't do it.

And then they came. The tears....I lost it last night.

I cried and Leonard sat with me. Not saying a word.

It seems like for every step forward on the adoption, we take two steps back.

I really don't know if I can take anymore. I know that it is all in God's perfect timing.

Happy Birthday...

It is Noah's birthday today. He is 3. In this world there are three mothers...
1. His foster mom - Today she will spend his birthday...I know that the home that sponsors him has a birthday party for each child and their family. I know that she is enjoying this time and loving it. She always looks so happy when she is with him. Thank you so much for loving him before he comes home to us. Thank you for giving of your time, your energy, and your patience to raise him.
2. Me - I think of Noah all of the time. I wonder what he is like. What is he doing to celebrate his birthday? What is his favorite food? What makes him laugh? I pray he is healthy and that his adjustment is quick and secure. I have never met this little boy, yet, he is so deeply etched in my mind and in my heart, that I cannot imagine life without him...
3. His birth mother - Granted, there is no way of knowing exactly when his birthday is. However, whether it was yesterday, today or tomorrow, there is a mother who is without the child she carried for 9 months. She is without the heartbeat that was under hers for so long. She made the very hard decision to give him up. Can you imagine having a child and then having it taken away at only a couple of days old? Can you imagine laying him on the sidewalk, hoping and praying that some one will come by and pick him up?

Noah has three mothers...one that will hold him for a couple of years, one that dreams of holding him for the rest of his life, and one that remembers holding him as he took his first breath and heard his first cry....

Happy Birthday, Noah