Christmas Day

 Once you choose HOPE, anything's possible.

Christopher Reeve

I find it difficult to put into words the emotions that surrounded Sarah's First Christmas Day, and that it was on a Sunday was even more special.  I had to wake each child up, comb through Sarah's rat nest of hair, and then the kids walked downstairs to see what Santa and his elves had left for them.

There were moments that morning when Andy and I looked at our kids and the blessings each one has received this year.  Addy, who has taken the role of big sister to the nth degree, and Austin, who in his own way teaches Sarah about the little things in life.  And Sarah, who embraces every moment with gusto.  Our hearts are overflowing.
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 I wanted a family photo before church that morning and try as we might, Miss Sarah would not smile, except for the moments we weren't ready.

As we walked into church that morning, our friends said, "This is a very special Christmas for your family, isn't it?"  And when we sat in the church pew, those who followed Sarah's story knew this moment had great significance for us.

There was a moment during the service when all the children were asked to come to the front for a story by our children's pastor.  Addy and Austin walked down, and Sarah wanted to go also.  When she got down front, our friends saw her make a beeline for  her sister.  Then, Austin moved on the other side of her...and one by one, she reached for their hands.  And tears filled my eyes, and the eyes of my friends who watched that beautiful moment unfold before their very eyes.  My heart took a picture and captured that moment forever.  Then, she stroked Addy's hair, and rubbed Austin's back,  and walked back with her brother and sister to sit with HER family.

She is loved.

She has a family. 

 She will move mountains.
 If I have but one monument in this world, it is that of my children.

Filled with Gratitude, Shelly

Abounding Love

I've got a few spare moments, where the kids are downstairs playing.  The coffee pot is almost empty, and we're a few shy hours of embarking on our pool adventure with friends, sucking up the last few moments of the summer.  Making the most of the todays.

My Sarah...
    She's got one speed when she wakes up in the morning, and it's GO.  It's as if she knows the hours are fleeting and she's got to live every moment with gusto, exploring and seeking out adventure in every cupboard, room, and drawer.  While I'm not a tv or screen fan for my kids, this Mama would shout to the heavens if she would be entranced with a 30-minute Signing Time DVD.  Some prayers are simple ones, these days:)

     Yesterday, I took the kids to my new school and we lasted less than an hour.  She had used Sharpie on herself, a book, whiteboard, and clothes.  FYI, anti-bacterial soap does wonders for permanent marker on skin.  The most hilarious moment was when she discovered the automatic anti-bacterial dispenser.  Every time she place her hands under there, she hollered with excitement at the present bestowed on her hands.  This continued multiple times and each time, her elation showed on her face when the sudsy, white foam appeared.  It's as if gifts flowed freely  in that mounted gray dispenser.

       After her bath one night, she climbed on my lap and I took self-portraits of her and I.  She sat there, each time excited to see her picture on the back of the camera.

     I love the black and white/sephia photos.  They show emotion, love, and gratefulness I feel when I look at how she has grown, emotionally and physically.  My little girl...

    This week, we are appointment free.  Her dentist appointment showed no cavities, and look amazing.  A praise!  Other than a pill for her thyroid, she's healthy and a healthy weight.  Next week, she has a follow-up pediatrician appointment and a HOPEFUL, accurate hearing test.  Since her ears were cleared, she's more verbal and speaking more words.

My dancing diva, rocking to the music with her bling.

Oh, how we can't imagine our life without this little girl.  She completes our family, her busyness and her love.  I am continually blessed to be her Mama, to hug, to love, and to celebrate all she has to show the world.  I find myself, thinking of her future like Addy and Austin. What difference will she make in the world?  Already, I see the lives she has touched, who see she is more alike us than different.  Imagine a world if we could see the heart of the person first?  Imagine...

 

Being deeply LOVED by someone gives you strength;

  Loving someone deeply gives you Courage.

Family

 The Love of a Family is life's greatest blessings.

After school is out for the summer, I always make my way to our hometown for a few days.  We combined a graduation party, along with a few days at my parents' so my sister's family could meet Sarah.  Sunday morning, Sarah woke up with a low-grade fever, and while "no biggee", our family is still in the "it's new for you" mentality with her.  Scrambling through the house and gathering last-minute items to pack, I was frantically looking for my wedding ring and watch.  It was no where to be found, and I wouldn't be back until Thursday, but one word came to our minds....SARAH!!

While not on her "A" game, she met her great-grandparents and made peace with Henry, the dog.  The kids explored nooks and crannies in the house, while piling on each other on chairs.

 A family, life's blessing.

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The weather cooled off the next few days, and we set up card tables on the deck, playing cards, dominoes, frisbee, and tag games outdoors during the day.  Still not feeling great, she was a trooper and allowed herself to bask in the glory of her cousins, aunt and uncle, and grandparents.  For two days, we played outside, swinging on the porch swing.    I enjoyed seeing the big kids, loving on my little kids.

My oldest nephew, Ethan's shoes next to Sarah's.  Oldest to youngest.  Men's size 14 to toddler 7.

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By Wednesday, she was being her curious, inquisitive self.  Opening cabinets, eating more, and playing.  And then we came home Thursday.  I knew I had a gigantic job, tearing through the house looking for my jewelry.  Andy had gone through the garbage Sunday evening, piece by piece, and nothing.  We'd already caught her throwing items in the toilets earlier, let alone the trash.

After lunch and she was down for a nap, the kids were playing in their rooms.  "Mom, I think I found your watch," Addy yelled.  Then, she dug further in the bin in her room and, lo and behold was my WEDDING RING!  Addy received a handsome reward!!

Toddler Tip:  All valuables must be higher than the height of said toddler!!! I won't be laying my jewelry on my dresser anymore!!!
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Celebration:  She is finally able to drink with a straw in a juicebox.  Yeah, Sarah!

Does she know she is loved?   Absolutely! 

A family, life's greatest blessings.

Celebrate your family this Father's Day Weekend.

It's Parents' Day for us.

All of us together.

Let the Summer Games Begin

Today was the last day of school.

 

It's an Amazing place where our kids attend.  Where each child is celebrated for who they are and the stories they share.  Their teachers embraced Addy and Austin, loved them, and celebrated with us when Sarah came home.  Our children are loved in this magical place, and as a mama, that's what matters most.

Even Sarah got in on the action.

And Sarah is making her place in a new Crayon Box.  A place where she will attend school with her brother and sister.  Where she is already celebrated for her miraculous journey home.

 A place where she is hugged, loved, and cherished.

 She does not discriminate.  She hugs all who hold their arms out and those who need a little encouragement.

  Where teachers, parents, and students recognize her for the rock star she has become.

We are grateful for this school, the teachers, the staff, and the loving environment that surrounds each person who walks into the halls.  Thank You!

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When I am asked questions about adoption and Down syndrome in Eastern Europe, it's difficult to share the culture and norms regarding children with special needs.  Andy was questioned repeatedly the last few days he was over there about why Sarah, and not one of the other "healthier" children.  In fact, a caretaker told him to come back next year for a specific child by name.

My friend, Kecia, is over in the same country now, finishing the process on her little girl.  We became friends through blogging and email, but met in the capital for three hours over dinner.  We shared experiences thus far in the process, but we shared a common goal: a love for a little girl that was cast aside because of her diagnosis.  She writes about questions she was asked at church here about why she was adopting Mia.  It shows how our little girls are perceived by their country.

My little girl, with her abundant energy, her inquisitive nature, and love for adventure is copying her big brother and sister,

and living every moment to the fullest!