Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Up and going!

11 What are your thoughts?
We have learned that Nichole will do things when she wants to. She is very much and observer and not gross motor driven, which also means she has to practice practice practice (on her own, not with us) to feel comfortable doing things.

Well, watch what she can do! (Sorry, I don't know how to "flip" the videos)

We are so excited!

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Buy Gifts 2!

3 What are your thoughts?
Gifts 2 is finally out! I just received my copy and I am loving it!

Since I am one of the contributors, I am able to sell the book and this will contribute towards our
adoption. If you are thinking about buying the book, and want to help us bring Nina home, you can buy the book from me.

The cost of the book is $19.95
Shipping is $4.95

Total is $ 24.90

If you are interested, click on the contact me link and send me an e-mail letting me know you want the book!

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

A Different Dream for My Child #1

7 What are your thoughts?
My friend Jolene Philo has written a beautiful book with meditations for parents of critically or chronically ill children.

She will be on a blog tour promoting her book and being an advocate for these children and their parents. I am excited to be hosting her. In the next few weeks I will post a book review followed by an interview with Jolene. If you have any questions, please leave them on any of the posts regarding her book and she will answer them.

Also, I am giving away two of her books. By leaving a comment, your name will go into the drawing. The more comments, the greater your chance to win her book!




Friday, September 11, 2009

Joy Inspiring

1 What are your thoughts?
Nichole gives the best hugs. I wonder if somehow she senses when we need her hugs. She holds us so close while humming and patting our backs. These are the moments that I treasure.

I wish I would have known when she was a baby how much joy she would bring to our lives. Down syndrome has not limited her ability to bring us immeasurable joy.

Nichole has changed our perspective when it comes to individuals with disabilities or special needs. We have discovered the beauty and true meaning of life because of her. We are adopting a little girl with Cerebral Palsy because of Nichole.

Nichole has touched and changed so many lives and she is not quite two years old. What a blessing she has been to our family.

I have a new post on our adoption blog too...I suppose it has been a night of reflecting about these precious children that are so overlooked by most of the world.

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Adoption, Fundraisers, and Obedience

0 What are your thoughts?
We have embarked on a journey that keeps us continually looking at God and praising Him! He continues to provide and in this way He reminds us that He is good, that He loves us, and that indeed He has called us to adopt our precious Nina.

When we committed to adopt Nina, we did this out of obedience. We did not do it because we have the money, or because we are wonderful people (we are not!) We felt God leading us to do this and so we trust Him.

I won't lie, there are times where I start to question myself. The idea of a child with Cerebral Palsy can at some times feel overwhelming. Should we have adopted a child with Down syndrome instead? We know Down syndrome, it is familiar to us, we can even say that we love it! But Cerebral Palsy? What if her condition is worse than what we have been told? What if she lags behind in her development, even compared to Nichole? What if, what if, and what if?

But God...

Wednesday when Nichole had Occupational and Physical Therapy we met a little girl with Cerebral Palsy. Her condition seemed very similar to what we believe Nina will have. The mom and I were introduced and I was able to ask her questions, and she was also able to tell me all the different doctors and appointments I should make sure we have lined up for Nina once we are home. The thing is, we were nos supposed to be there. The only reason we met her is because the OT room was being used and we ended up in the gym. Coincidence? I don't think so, but a perfect plan crafted by God so that we could meet.

What if we really do not get to raise much money? What if we really do have to take a large loan? Can we even afford this right now with Andy going to Seminary and having small children?

But God...

My friend Marian asked if her and her husband could organize a fundraiser for us. They planned a Caribbean dinner party. They took care of everything else, all Andy and I did was show up and share our story.

Being a holiday weekend not many people were able to come. Marian and her husband Fernando had been praying for a specific amount, and the goal was met, with even a cherry on top!

I question and wrestle because I am human. But one thing I have very clear is that we are taking this journey because God wants us to. He confirms it over and over again. At therapy, or at a dinner party.

God is in this, and God will provide.

It has been an exciting road. We have experienced love and encouragement through people in very special ways. We feel honored and blessed because not many people get to experience God's blessings this way.

We trust, and we obey. And along the way we continue to praise God because He is good! And because we know so well that the journey of life is exciting, that his plan is so perfect, and He has our family wrapped in his loving arms! Thank you Lord!

You can see all the fun we had last night at the party on our adoption blog

Thursday, September 3, 2009

6 What are your thoughts?
Nichole absolutely loves talking on the phone lately. Not to anyone in particular as it usually distracts her from actually talking on the phone.
She just jabbers away and has long conversations with her phone friend. I think she thinks she is talking to her daddy.
And I am telling you, that girl burns some calories even when she is on the phone!
Believe it or not, I got only the end of her conversation, but this probably lasted about a half an hour!

Isn't she adorable!

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