Wednesday's WORD & WONDER

A MOTHER'S LOVE AND SACRIFICE

If you didn't hear this story that emerged from the recent tornado outbreak in the east, I thought I'd post it here.  When I told my husband he actually suggested that I post it...so truly, the idea was his first.  This mother, Stephanie Decker, lost both her legs in the tornado but saved her two children ages 5 and 8.  They were unharmed.  I can't imagine the whole situation, but she was determined to protect her children and to not leave them without a mother. 

The love of a mother can do ANYTHING!

Indiana Mom loses legs saving kids from Tornado 
(This link is to KSL, a Utah based news station)

Wednesdays Wonder: The MIRACLE of Life

Many  months ago I posted that I was pregnant and taking a blogging break for a while.  It was a rough pregnancy but we all made it through and it was worth it!!! 

Our little girl was born on May 25th at 7:54 a.m. 

She weighed in at exactly 7 lbs. and measured exactly 20 inches long. 

To put my feelings into words would be impossible.  I'm still amazed at her tiny fingers and chubby toes.  It's incredible how her curly black hair keeps growing and isn't falling out.  I love her first morning smile as I get her out of bed.  I love how she holds on to my finger and how she loves to chew on her fist.  I love how she looks for me the instant she hears my voice no matter who is holding her.  How did my life go on before her?  It seems like she's always been mine and that I've known her forever...and yet, I'm learning more about her each day.  She is determined, and sweet.  I wonder how it is that she falls asleep better in a bright room than at night, and yet, will sleep through the night.  I love how she cries as she's going to sleep--she'll belt out a few good screams and then is out like a light.  I'm amazed by her long eyelashes and dark blue eyes, and I wonder if they'll end up being brown.  I'm curious about that one blond hair in the back of her head.  Where did that come from?!   Our 4 year old boy is completely smitten by her.  He loves to flex and show her his BIG muscles and sing to her.  He tells her how beautiful she is about a million times a day.  Not one ounce of jealousy from him.  If anything, he may like her more than me.  I simply love her and love how she's brought with her such a gift of love that is permeating our home. The wait, the prayers, and the patience that about killed us has paid off.  We have another MIRACLE!  And what a miracle life truly is!!!!

Wednesday's Wonder: The Miracle of Adoption

I am a huge advocate for adoption...and have a lot to say about it!!!!  My father and his brother were adopted when they were  two and three years old, I have a great friend who was adopted as a teenager after being in foster care for most of her life.  I have a dear friend who's adopted two of her children as infants, my cousin is adopting two children from Haiti, my husband also has many family experiences with adoption, I could go on and on... and it's simply beautiful.  We have friends that are currently hoping to adopt (notice their button on the blog and check it out!  They are incredible people and will be fabulous parents!!!!  Pass on their info.) and we are also in the process of approval for being adoptive parents.  I also have a dear friend who chose to place her baby for adoption...and it's been incredible to see the journey from her side of the story as well. 

Every child is a treasure, every adoption situation is unique, every birthmother has her own story and reasons, every adoptive parent has their own journey in the process of becoming parents...and every story is a miracle!!!

With that in mind, I'd like to share a couple of great places to learn more.  Both of these sites are helpful for birthmothers, birthfathers, and potential adoptive parents as well as family members of all involved.  I hope these resources will be helpful if you or someone you know is considering adoption.

ASK A BIRTHMOM:
http://www.therhouse.blogspot.com/search/label/ask%20a%20birth%20mom

LDS FAMILY SERVICES ADOPTION WEBSITE:
https://www.itsaboutlove.org/ial/ct/eng/site/adopting-families/

Adoption isn't something that will be a part of every family, but it is a part of most families in some way, and learning more about it helps everyone understand THE MIRACLE.

Wednesday's Wonder:

There's nothing in this world as sweet

As tiny little wrinkled feet