Sleepless & Gotcha Day Pictures

Yes, it's 4:38 am here and I can't sleep. Hank would say this is normal behavior for me when we have alot going on, but this morning it's not because I want to get started on my to do list, but because my heart is full. I am in awe of God's goodness and timing. When I think back over the last 2 years and what circumstances and turns of events brought us here, I cannot help but see God's hand in every detail of our lives. There have certainly been mountains and valleys along the way, but God has been continually faithful.

About 2 years ago, we wanted to expand our family. We had always wanted Adair to have a sibling. After a year, we were still not expecting a baby...or were we? We had always talked about adopting; I have wanted to adopt since I was much younger. We started talking about it more and Hank began praying for God to open His heart more to the idea of adopting then instead of later. God was faithful to call us through those prayers to stop waiting and seek out the child He had for us in China. We were obedient to His call. We stopped all fertility treatments and forewent all medical measures to have another baby and began what looked to be an 18 month long road to our daughter in China. As it turns out, we only waited a year to hold Emalyn in our arms, because God knew what we didn't know. He would grant us both desires of our hearts, very close together. One week before we saw Emalyn's precious face for the first time, we found out we were expecting Myla Grant. I can't even fathom how different our family would have looked had we never pursued adoption or had we put our process on hold because of the pregnancy. Had we given in to our fears and our anxiety, we would not have Emalyn, a daughter I believe the Lord intended for our family before her conception. The road has not been easy and I KNOW it will not be easy from this point, but I do know that God is faithful. I trust that He has a plan and He will not leave us or forsake us. So, as my oldest daughter sleeps (upside down, I might add) on my right and my youngest sleeps peacefully on my left, I am praising God for bringing us here, to China, to Emalyn, to a place we never would have come had we not trusted Him.

I know you are all patiently waiting for more Gotcha Day pictures, so here they are. Today we have three appointments, so it will be a busy day. Please pray Emalyn will continue to bond with us and will become more comfortable with Hank, as I know He is longing to hold her and love on her.

Quick interjection-Adair just rolled over, opened her eyes and whispered, "Mommy, where's Emalyn?" I love her sweet spirit and unconditional love for her sister. I'm so proud of my little lady. Praise God for how He is using her to comfort and love Emalyn.



First time for Mommy to hold Emalyn



So unsure of what is happening.



Big sister Adair blowing bubbles for Emalyn.



Exploring the stickers.



Family of four, finally!



Little sister, big sister.



What a precious face!



All clean and calm after a bath.



Ready for dinner.



Enjoying fried rice for dinner.


Tuckered out big sister asleep at the table.

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