Meet Jett

A few weeks ago I rekindled an old friendship. I had sent out a mass email announcing Max's blog and included my childhood friend, Joy, on the distribution list.

Little did I know what kind of email I would receive back from her in response to the blog.

She was captivated by Max's story, but in a very unique way. You see, she too just adopted a baby boy. His name is Jett and he was born only weeks before Max on April 9, 2008.

It is almost unbelievable to me how similar our journeys have been. She has experienced so many of the same ups and downs. How refreshing to talk with someone that just simply knows and understands!

We spent the afternoon catching up, swapping stories and holding each others babies. We sat and stared in awe and amazement at these precious boys that God specifically chose for us!

I am once again reminded of God's faithfulness. And how BIG of a God we serve. At the very same time that He was working out the details and weaving the tapestry for me and Sam, He was doing the same for Joy and Joel.

Meet Max's new buddy, Jett.

Jumper...huh?

OK, so I pride myself in thinking I am in the know when it comes to baby toys, clothes, accessories, etc. Little secret: I might have kept a running list of items over the past few years of things that were a must-have for our baby. Of course they were all very practical items. Ok...maybe not. But, I digress. All this to say that I am apparently not in the know as much as I once thought.

My point: Max and I had a play date last week with Rachel and Eli (Max's cousin). Rachel had this odd looking contraption at her house that I had never seen called a Jumperoo. I decided to put Max in it so he could give it a whirl.

And give it a whirl he did! He loved this thing. Screams of excitement and big smiles filled the room!

So being the kind of mom that I am, I decided then and there that Max MUST have this odd thing called a Jumperoo. As soon as I got home I started the research. Apparently one of these things brand new is $90. Errrr...excuse me?

So being the frugal person that I am [ok, so maybe the word frugal is a bit of a stretch when I am describing myself], I started the hunt for a gently used, but still in mint-condition thing-a-ma-jumper. One week later, we [or should I say Max] is the proud owner of his very own Jumperoo.

Check it out.

Go Bucks!

The moment has finally arrived.

That's right...I am talking about Ohio State Football!

We might be hoping that Max's first words are "Go Bucks!"

Marked by Promise

I have been reminded of God's promises lately.  

I have spent most of the last four years clinging to a promise. Consumed by a promise. Living for a promise. 

The promise of a family. The promise of a child. 

Some days seemed quite unbearable. Quite hopeless. I had this emptiness inside that only a woman longing for a child can understand. 

But through it all - the pain, the grief, the questions - I continued to build my faith knowing that I serve a God that fulfills promises. 

Sometimes all I could mutter was, "I judge you faithful." [Just like Sarah did in Hebrews 11:11].

Sometimes all I could express was, "God nothing is impossible for you." [Just like Mary in Luke 1:37].

Sometimes that is all I had to give. A simple word. A simple phrase. But, it wasn't simple at all. It was a deep and gut-wrenching cry from the depths of my soul.

As I continued to claim God's promises for my life and our family I became stronger.  It wasn't a matter of if we had a family, it was a matter of when we had a family.  

During this time, I allowed the promises of God to strengthen me. I claimed it. I spoke it. I declared it.  Believing, hoping and trusting that in God's perfect timing He would provide this child I desperately desired. 

One of my favorite quotes from a Bill Johnson [ibethel.org] book says this:

"Expectation has everything to do with what you receive from God."

I expected God to fulfill my hopes and dreams.  My desires and destiny. 

Marked by promise.

That is what God has taught me through this journey.

We are all marked by promise. God has a destiny planned and blue print already drawn up.

So I continue to pinch myself. Every day. Every moment. Max is my constant reminder of God's promise fulfilled.

Moses Days Are Over

Check this out! Our boy is growing up.

Only 2 weeks old.

A perfect spot for an afternoon nap.

4 months old.

"Please don't leave me in here mommy!"

Road Trip

We got home late last night from a weekend with friends in Batavia, NY [close to Buffalo]. The drive was about 6 hours. A long ride by our standards [even before Max!].

Here's what I now LOVE about a road trip [so not kidding at all!]:

1. Listening to Baby Einstein classical CD's...over and over and over again.

2. Also listening to Andrea Bocelli [another classical tune!] on repeat until Max falls asleep.

3. Taking turns to use the restroom at a rest stop while Max sleeps in the back seat.

4. Having a crick in my neck from turning around every 10 seconds to see what Max is up to in his car seat.

5. Feeding Max his bottle, in a gas station, while daddy pumps gas.  And then urging him to "please burp!" so we can get back on the road.

6. Sam using Max as an excuse for speeding because "Max just wants to get home!"

Adoption Poem

A poem that was shared with me - from one adoptive mother to another [thanks Aunt Eileen!]. 

To my sweet Max: let me emphasize how much you are loved...by both your mothers!

Legacy of an Adopted Child

Once there were two women

Who never knew each other

One you do not remember

The other you call mother

Two different lives shaped to make yours one

One became your guiding star

The other became your sun

The first gave you life

And the second taught you to live in it

The first gave you a need for love

And the second was there to give it

One gave you a nationality

The other gave you a name

One gave you the seed of talent

The other gave you aim

One gave you emotions

The other calmed your fears

One saw your first sweet smile

The other dried your tears

One gave you up - it was all that she could do

The other prayed for a child

And God led her straight to you

And now you ask me through your tears

The age old question through the years

Heredity or Environment - which are you the product of:

Neither my darling - neither

Just two different kinds of love

Anonymous