Fourteen days

Fourteen Days.  That's how long Brody has been ours. Crazy. Amazing. Challenging.  Beautiful.  Tearful.  Loving.  Growing.


I feel the need to share what our initial days home have been like.  I am not sure that anyone really cares about the details but I desire to share, to educate, to remember.  Often one will hear the comparison of child/family adoption to sinner/Savior's love adoption.  There are many similarities!  When we accept Christ as Savior, it is a beautiful, life-changing moment.  It does not mean life will be easy.  To repent, make a 180 degree turn in life can be painful.  It can be difficult to abandon old ways and realign our self with new ways, new thoughts, new family.  BUT oh the JOYs that await us, when we follow Christ.  So it is in our home.


Having Brody home is like having a newborn and instant toddler all at the same time.:)  Like a newborn, we are just becoming acquainted. Like a newborn, Brody can be frustrated and we are uncertain of the reason. Like a newborn, Brody is adjusting to a brand new life in a brand new world, new home, new family.   Like a toddler, Brody has great understanding, curiosity, and energy.  Like a toddler, Brody desires independence, choices.  We are learning Brody's personality and he is learning ours.  We are learning Brody's wants and trying our best to communicate with him.  Brody is learning about family.  He is learning that families love through good and bad and are always there for you.  We are learning our new roles as Mom and Dad to three, big brother to two, and big sister.  Learning is hard but learning is good. 


When I think back on the past week and a half, I feel great joy because I know God is with us.  I know He continues to guide us and provide for us.  I think of the sweet moments of laughter, smiles, and play.  I think of Brody's excitement when I sign to him, "I love you!" (He absolutely lights up and points to himself.)  I think of Brilee and Brooklyn reaching to hold Brody's hands for dinnertime prayer and Brody now accepting those sweet hands.  (To think a week ago, he would not touch their outstretched hands!)  I think about bath time splashes and smiles.  I recall his first Sunday morning in church and the overwhelming amount of love surrounding him.  I think about  Brody willingly sharing his hugs with his family.  I chose to remember the sweet moments.  This does not mean the difficult moments are not there.  This does not mean challenges are not present.  They are necessary with change.  They are needed to create a new family.  A family of five who loves selflessly, shares more, speaks kindness, protects, tries harder, and pushes beyond the challenges.  Most of all, a family striving to love like Christ.  This will always be a challenge but oh the JOYs that come from loving others!

A Mother's Love: story of an adopted child

**This was shared with me by Mother's Choice.  I take no credit.** 
It greatly touched me.


Once there were two women who never knew each other.
One you do not remember, the other you called Mother.
Two different lives shaped to make you ONE.
One became your guiding light, the other became your sun.
The first one gave you life, and the second taught you to live it.
The first one gave you a need for love, the second was there to give it.


One gave you nationality, the other gave you a name.
One gave you talent, the other gave you aim.
One gave you emotions, the other calmed your fears.
One saw your first smile, the other dried your tears.
One sought for you a home that she could not provide,
The other prayed for a child and her hope was not denied.
And now you ask me through your tears the age old question,
One answers through the years....
Heredity or environment, which are you product of?
Neither my darling, neither,
Just two different kinds of LOVE.