Charlotte's Gotcha Day

Dear Charlotte,

Happy Gotcha Day, our sweet love.

It is hard to believe that just three short months ago we were still dreaming, and hoping, for a sweet baby to love and hold. We will never forget October 19th. It was the day we received the phone call that changed our lives forever. It truly is one moment that can change all of forever.

You are our little princess. We were smitten the moment we laid eyes on you. A daughter! A sister! How wonderful, and amazing God is to entrust us with you.

When we think of your story, of how you came to be a part of our family, it quite simply takes our breath away. We are overwhelmed at the thought of you. 

These past few months have been an absolute joy, pure bliss, as we have cherished every moment doting on you. Charley, you are everything beautiful, and sweet, and peaceful, and healthy, and perfect. Dreams really do come true. 

Welcome to your forever family sweet Charlotte. Today we celebrate you! 

With love that is infinitely deep and wide,

Daddy, Mommy and brother Maximus

Adoption Finalization

Best Birthday EVER

Can I just say how blessed I feel this birthday? It always feels that when you hit milestones you seem to stop, take a minute to reflect, and really evaluate life.

The journey to expanding our family has not been an easy one, but it has certainly been a rewarding one. And Worth. the. Wait. 

I am wife to an amazing husband and mother to two beautiful children. Yes, pinch me. I said mother of two. I am still in complete awe and wonder of God's goodness and perfect timing. I can't imagine life any other way. I can't imagine two more precious children to love and hold. I simply can't imagine.

So cheers to another year, another celebration! 

Happy Birthday....to me.

Charlotte's Story

Hope: Confident, joyful, expectation that good is coming.

This place of HOPE [the confident, joyful, expectation that good WILL come my way], is one that I have been living in for far too long. For nearly a year and a half, I have found myself waking up, everyday, saying, "Today is the day. Today we will get the phone call that will change our forever." 


And, truth be told, some days have been harder to hold fast to the promise and hope of tomorrow. Some days it didn't seem as easy to exclaim, "Yes God! Is today the day?" On those darker days, I had to work much harder, dig much deeper, and find that place of perfect peace, rest, and HOPE. Trusting that God had all the details and perfect plan for us to grow our family. 

Sam and I started our second adoption journey in the spring of 2010. Maximus had just turned two and we began to feel that simple tug in our hearts for another baby. So we decided to get ready. Paperwork, networking and lots of prayer so we could position ourselves right where God would want us to be to make this next connection. With Max's adoption, it took us exactly nine months. From that first decision to adopt, to paperwork, connections and finally: that momentous and miraculous moment where we held our baby boy in our arms for the first time. 

This time was different. 


We waited.

And we waited.

And we waited some more.

In February of 2011, I felt this still small voice (yes God, thank you for assuring me you are still there!) telling me THIS would be our year. In fact, I had this sense that October would be our month. 

So we waited.


And waited.

We spent much of this year in that awkward in-between place. I like to call it the breezeway. You aren't quite fully in the waiting room. But, you are not quite in the open air and sunshine either. 


Before Maximus came along, we were all too familiar with that waiting room, clinging to the promise that God would provide us with a family. We lived in a place where we NEEDED a miracle. We clung to the promise with everything in us, and we waited for God to move in a mighty and powerful way. 


Now, in this breezeway season, we found it ever-so-important to find the balance between contentment in all our answered prayers (Max!), and simply being proactive and having an ear to Heaven so we could position ourselves for another miracle. The breezeway can often feel like you don't know quite where you belong. You are not in the waiting room. But, you can't feel that refreshing outdoor air where freedom and answered prayers live. You can feel stuck and unsettled as you navigate through the in-between. 

During this season I remember continually asking God to give me peace and contentment for my current circumstance. And, at the same time, fill my heart with hope, confidence and wisdom for our future. I didn't want to miss an opportunity to be proactive or move forward with this next desire in my heart. 

So we waited. 


In the breezeway.

October 2011 was quickly approaching. No word of a birthmother. No word of a baby. 

We planned a family weekend getaway the middle of October. And on the drive home, October 16th, Sam and I had that all too familiar discussion. "Where are we? What else should we be doing? What is God saying?" I shared with Sam my disappointment that we were past the halfway point in October and absolutely nothing seemed to be in the works to adopt another baby. I was frustrated and sad and feeling overall discouraged. So together we prayed, even though we still didn't have the solution. 

Note: I feel it is important to interject at this point of Charlotte's story to remind you (and me!) that we serve a God where absolutely NOTHING is IMPOSSIBLE. I, of all people, should know that. Time and time again God has done the impossible in my life. One of those "impossibles" is named Maximus and he is a daily reminder that God does fulfill promises. I should have just turned around in the car on our drive home that day and looked in our backseat. ;)


Once we were home and settled from our short, weekend getaway, life and routine resumed as normal....for three short days. On Wednesday, October 19th, we received the phone call. You know the one. That ONE phone call that could possibly change our forever. The adoption agency we had a relationship with called me with news of a birthmother. My hands were shaking, my heart was pounding. I knew this was it. I knew God was about to unfold the miracle right before our very eyes.

I had to wait six excruciating hours until I could share the news with Sam. All day, I was praying. For this birthmother, for this baby. And for our family. The catch was we had only one night to discuss, decide and get back with the agency. You see, Aaron, this precious birthmother was 36 weeks and 5 days along in her pregnancy. WOW! Only three short weeks to prepare (Good thing we were ready!). 


As Sam and I discussed the possibility our excitement grew. In all honesty, we didn't have much detail. We knew the birthmother's name: Aaron. We knew where she lived: Florida. We knew how far she was along: 36 weeks and 5 days. And we knew she and baby were healthy. 


On paper, that was the information we knew. In our spirit, we knew much more. We knew what peace felt like, and we had it. We knew God had whispered "October" to us, and we were in it. And we were in agreement that this was the situation God had been preparing us for, we were sure of it. 


So, with a quick phone call, we simply told our agency: "We are in. Tell us what to do next." 


It seemed almost impossible to get everything ready in three short weeks. Some parts of our homestudy needed updating, shopping for baby items, packing bags for Sam, Max and I to travel to Florida.


Wait? Did I just say three weeks? Who needs three weeks, when you can get a phone call 48 hours later saying your birthmother is in labor.


That's right. Friday afternoon we received an unexpected phone call saying Aaron was going into labor and we needed to book flights and head to Florida. 


Since we thought we had a few weeks, Sam happened to be heading to Birmingham, Alabama for a guys weekend with a friend. Looks like guys weekend was about to be interrupted. Plans were immediately changed so Max and I could meet up with Sam and head to the hospital in Tallahassee, Florida. 


Keep in mind we still know NOTHING. Was it a boy? Was it a girl? Would Aaron want to meet us? What about a name for this child? What about travel arrangements? And where we would stay? And....you get the idea. 


So, with one foot in front of the other, we blazed forward with speedy preparations and plans. We had our faith, and knew God was in control. 


With bags packed, and flight arrangements made, Max and I were ready to meet Sam in Birmingham Saturday morning, so as a family, we could make the five hour drive to Tallahassee. 


Now, do you really think I could fall asleep knowing what the next day had in store for us? Of course not. So, I was wide awake, shortly after midnight, when I received a call from our agency: IT'S A GIRL!


Wow. 


We had a daughter. 


Born October 22, 2011 at 12:07 am.


6 pounds, 7 ounces. 19 inches long. 


Perfect and healthy.


A daughter. 


Words simply can't describe that kind of phone call. Overwhelmed. Overjoyed. And in love. With this precious daughter I can't wait to hold. 


We arrived at the hospital in Tallahassee close to 5pm on Saturday, October 22. Right away, we were greeted by Molly from our agency and she told us that Aaron wanted to meet us and introduce us to our baby girl. An answer to prayer! Our hearts soared when we found out our birthmother wanted to meet us. Our desire throughout this entire journey was to establish a life-long friendship with this young woman that chose to gift her child to us. 


Walking into the hospital room was somewhat surreal. Not even a week ago, I was sharing my frustration with Sam that we were halfway through the month of October and nothing seemed to be on the horizon for us. Oh how I am sure God was enjoying that moment. ;)


Once I laid eyes on Aaron I knew we had an instant connection. Besides being absolutely stunning, she had a smile that lit up the room and a peace that told you all was well and right in the world. I knew right away in my heart, that this was the young woman God had chosen for us. 


The first words out of anyone's mouth in the hospital room: "What is her NAME?" Once again, overwhelmed. They had waited all day, to meet us in person, and ask that oh-so-personal and important question of what NAME we had chosen for this precious baby girl. 


Charlotte Jane. 


And they loved it. 


Within the whirlwind, we had so many sweet and precious moments in the hospital:


I spent the night with Aaron and Charlotte in their hospital room on Saturday night. A night I will never forget, as Aaron and I shared so many details of our lives and and became fast friends. 


Maximus asking us, after being at the hospital day and night, for nearly 24 hours, "Can we just take that baby home with us?" We decided to share with him, at that moment, that he was a big brother and YES we were taking this baby home with us. 


Holding, and cuddling, and kissing, and staring at our beautiful daughter (all while we were pinching ourselves that THIS was our new reality). We were absolutely, and utterly, overwhelmed by God's goodness to, once again, work a miraculous story in our lives. 


So, in eight very short days, we received a phone call about a birthmother. We made the decision to move forward. We were told our birthmother, Aaron, went into labor early. We traveled to Tallahassee, Florida. Paperwork was signed, sealed, and we were released from the hospital. We waited patiently with family in Orlando, Florida and received word from our attorney that all interstate paperwork was approved and could begin our drive home to Ohio. 


We officially arrived home, with our new baby girl, on October 30, 2011.


What an amazing and miraculous God we serve. 


It is truly the SUDDENLY'S in life that can change everything. Suddenly, God can take a bleak and hopeless situation and turn it into the most amazing, life-changing miracle.


And suddenly...we received a phone call.


And suddenly...we were on a plane heading to Florida.


And suddenly...we were introduced to a birthmother.


And suddenly...we were holding our daughter in our arms.


And suddenly...our forever family was changed.


I am so thankful for the suddenly's in life. I am thankful that even in our darkest moments, we can cling to HOPE [the confident, joyful, expectation that good WILL come my way], we can declare our promises, and we can celebrate when our miracle finally arrives. 


My arms are stretched wide enjoying our answered prayers in the open, refreshing, outdoor air.


Charlotte Jane, you are truly a prize, my love. There will not be a day that goes by we don't thank God for sending us such a perfect gift, and giving us a daughter to love and cherish. 


So how do I sum this up? 


With this simple statement: Believe in Miracles. 


We do. 

Charlotte Jane 

Aaron with Charlotte

The Girls

Our Miracle! 

Fireworks: A spectacular display or celebration

Today is a very important and memorable day in our family:

It is April 19th Day.

On this very day, three years ago, Sam and I, were given a gift like no other.

Colton, Max's birthfather, wrapped up for us, in a beautiful package, signed paperwork so that we could begin our journey as mommy and daddy to sweet Maximus.

As I have spent most of today reflecting and rejoicing, I began searching the Scriptures for the perfect passage to express the words in my heart. I landed on one of my favorite Psalms.

Psalms 145:5-6

"On the glorious splendor of Your majesty and on Your wonderful works, I will meditate.

Men shall speak of the power of Your awesome acts, and I will tell of Your greatness."

I then decided to pull out a few other Bibles and compare notes in other translations. This often helps me to get the full picture, the full meaning of a verse in the Bible.

I can't help but share how The Message reads:

"Your beauty and splendor have everyone talking;

I compose songs on your wonders.

Your marvelous doings are headline news;

I could write a book full of the details of your greatness."

To us, Maximus was, and still is, our headline news. His story, his birth, his way into our family, was nothing short of a miracle. Nothing short of God moving a giant mountain and giving us more than we could "ever imagine or guess or request in our wildest dreams." (Ephesians 3:20).

And just to confirm that this relationship with Jesus we are in is not a one-way communication, while reading one of the Bibles (one translation that I haven't picked up in a while), out fluttered the tiny birth announcement that Colton had designed and lovingly placed in that precious gift bag on that momentous day. God is just so outrageous that He wanted me to know that He heard me today reflecting, rejoicing, celebrating, and speaking of His goodness.

Front: It's A Boy

Back: His Name Is Maximus

I found it quite interesting, as I examined Colton's work of art a bit closer, that he would choose to put fireworks on the announcement. And then, since God and I were having quite the interactive conversation, I felt prompted to look up what Webster's dictionary had to say about the word firework. And wouldn't you know, it means a spectacular display or celebration.

So that my friends is a definition for April 19th Day that I intend to keep. A celebration day where God's goodness and faithfulness are on spectacular display.

*****

For other April 19th Day posts visit:

http://meetmaximus.blogspot.com/2008/04/colorado-part-ii.html

http://meetmaximus.blogspot.com/2009/04/april-19th-day.html

A Christmas to Remember

"When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, "let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us." So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart."

Luke 2:15-19

I absolutely love the part about Mary treasuring those things and pondering them in her heart. To ponder means to consider deeply and thoroughly; to meditate; to weigh carefully in the mind; reflect; and even estimate the worth of. Mary took the time. She was still and quiet. She treasured those first moments and pondered the destiny of this baby Jesus wrapped in swaddling clothes. She hid them in heart. Reflected and rejoiced.

I felt a bit like Mary this holiday season. I pondered so many moments, wanting not one to be taken for granted.

I pondered reading the story of baby Jesus to Max.

I pondered baking Christmas cookies with Sam. Twice.

I pondered decorating the house, inside and out, for the holiday season.

I pondered Max taking every ornament he could reach off the tree until the bottom half was bare.

I pondered the packages that arrived on our doorstep with Maximus' name on the front, just a reminder of how many people truly love and adore the little man.

I pondered our Christmas Eve in, Max tucked in bed, and Sam and I putting together the toys.

I pondered our Christmas morning and Max excited to open his gifts. And the breakfast Sam made that will hopefully be a family tradition.

I pondered our relaxed Christmas get-togethers with all the grandpas and grandmas and aunts and uncles and cousins.

I pondered how different Christmas was only a few short years ago.

I pondered how a gift like Max, a beautiful, blue-eyed, baby boy could change our world. Forever.

I think I got a small glimpse this Christmas into what it meant for Mary to "treasure all those things and ponder them in her heart." She was overwhelmed. Thankful. Grateful. Filled-up. Satisfied. And deeply moved by the goodness of God.

And so am I.

************************

Some of my favorite Christmas moments

Max models some of the clothes he received from our friends in NY.

Lookin' good my man!

Sam sportin' his "Cousin Eddie" [from Christmas Vacation] outfit.

Christmas morning Max played with his toolbench forever. and ever. and ever.

[and was completely oblivious to the BIG WHITE SHEET behind him that had his new Jeep Power Wheels underneath!]

Another favorite gift, his dog he calls "Abby"

[after my parents dog that is named Abby].

Finally...

Checking out his new ride.

Standing on his new ride.

One of the gifts from Grandma Tonya and birthdaddy, Colton.

I love wooden toys and so does Max!

Max, so proud of his new [and noisy!] fire truck.

Thanks Uncle Josh, we owe you.

Little Things

I know. This picture probably doesn't mean much at first glance. But, as I walked through our Mud Room today, I was overwhelmed at the sight of little shoes. And these little shoes were in my house and belonged to my son. Completely. Utterly. Overwhelmed.

My every day life now consists of...

Folding little clothes fresh out of the dryer.

Filling little sippy cups with milk, juice and water.

Cleaning up little toys and books and puzzle pieces.

Calling little friends over for play dates.

Giving little hugs, kisses and hand pounds.

Taming little golden curls that can be quite unruly.

Scrubbing little toes clean in the bathtub.

Whispering in little ears, "I Love You."

And of course, lining little shoes up by the door.

It's the little things that help remind you of the big things, you know? Where you have been. Where you are going. And the journey that makes up the in between.

Amazing how a pair of little shoes could be so inspiring.

OBX Part 4

The final tribute to our memorable 2009 Outer Banks vacation. 

My favorite photo of the week...

"O taste and see that the Lord is good!"

Psalms 34:8

Maximus, you still remain God's greatest miracle in our lives. When we look into your big blue eyes we are reminded daily of God's goodness. We have tasted and seen that, indeed, the Lord is good. 

April 19th Day

Today has been a day of reflection. 

Reflecting on God's goodness.

Reflecting on God's faithfulness.

Reflecting on God's perfect plan.

Reflecting on God's precise timing.

Today, Sam and I celebrate April 19th Day. A day we will never forget. A day that changed our world forever. 

In one moment. 

In one single act.

One year ago today, Max's amazing birthfather, Colton, signed paperwork that changed our family. 

Forever. 

So today is a day of reflection. 

A day to honor and give thanks. 

A day of unmistakable and undeniable celebration.

For God has indeed worked miracles for us.

"Yes, the Lord has done amazing things for us. We are glad!" 

Psalms 126:3

I encourage you to consider, "what amazing things" God has done for you. There is such power in reflection and remembering the goodness of God. By remembering what He has done, it allows you to speak to your current mountain and say with confidence, BE MOVED. 

So don't hesitate. Start remembering what it is God has done in your life. 

We all have an April 19th Day...

Cardboard Testimony

Sam and I had the opportunity to share our testimony at the Easter Sunday Service. However, this wasn't the typical testimony. We were asked to sum up our adoption story in as few words as possible. And by as few, I mean it needed to fit on the front and back of a piece of cardboard.

Let me pause here to say, Excuse Me?

How do you possibly sum up our story? Or anyone's story for that matter. 

But, Sam and I were up for the challenge. And I have to admit, it was a really incredible exercise for us. We had to work through exactly what we wanted the message to be so we shared our story, related to our audience and ultimately, gave glory to God! 

To check out cardboard testimonies click here [this is an example from another church, however I will definitely put up our church's video once it is ready to go]. 

So, here you have it. Our way of expressing our cardboard testimony.

Thank you Jesus for our story. For the gift of life. And for sweet Maximus. What a journey that was truly worth the wait. 

Nine Months Old!

Today Max is nine months old!

Max,

We can't possibly imagine life without you! These past nine months have been more than we could have ever hoped, or imagined, or dreamed. You, sweet boy, are amazing!!

Love,

Mommy & Daddy

One Year Ago

It amazes me all that can happen in just one year. 

Take a look at this post, exactly one year ago...

"The Lord's lovingkindnesses indeed never cease, 

for His compassions never fail.

They are new every morning; 

Great is Your faithfulness.

The Lord is my portion, says my soul,

Therefore I have hope in Him.

The Lord is good to those who wait for Him,

to the person who seeks Him.

It is good that he waits silently for the salvation of the Lord.

Lamentations 3:22-26

On January 15, 2008 our world changed. 

Forever.

In just one moment our dreams and hopes sprung to life.

God's promise. 

Fulfilled.

And, of course, I could never forget the next day... 

Emily confirmed that Yes Indeed! she was choosing us to parent the precious baby boy she was carrying.  

Oh God. How overwhelmed I am. 

By Your goodness. Your grace.Your lovingkindness. Your faithfulness.

Thank you for that one moment.

That changed our world. 

Forever.

Sweet Maximus, your are God's promise fulfilled to us.

Waiting for the Rain

This song moved me to tears when I heard it. It is my story. Not long ago, I was in the waiting room. Waiting for a promise to be fulfilled. Waiting for a dream to become reality. Waiting for a mountain to be moved. 

So this song is for you. If you are waiting for a promise, this is your new mantra. Have hope and be encouraged. And God, let it rain!

Song: Waiting for the Rain by Misty Edwards

Gotcha Day!

Max with mommy & daddy

in the courtroom on Gotcha Day!

Dear Maximus, 

Today, November 24, 2008, is a very special day for our family. It is your adoption finalization!

Do you know?

We prayed for you before we knew you. We dreamed of you before we held you. We prepared for you before we were "expecting" you. And we loved you before we met you. 

And the moment we laid eyes on you?

We melted forever. You, sweet Maximus, were chosen for us. And we were chosen for you.

We are so proud to be your parents. Everyday you teach us something new. You make us smile bigger, laugh harder, dream higher and love deeper. Our lives are forever changed because of you!

Today we celebrate our forever family.

We love you!

Daddy & Mommy