Wednesday, April 14, 2010

Our Babies

First, we've got Riley. Our "little brownie." Our sweet, spoiled, snuggly little dog. We got him from a shelter when we first moved to Bloomington, IN back in July 2007. He's been a much-adored member of the family ever since.

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Second, there's baby B. The child we'd love to adopt someday. We don't know much about him or her, and pray that the Lord brings this child home in His time.

Baby B 2


And then...

We found out a few weeks ago that there is a third baby.

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A baby of the "homegrown" variety, who will hopefully make his or her debut in early November.

We're thrilled, and so very thankful for this little one. We feel immeasurably blessed to be expecting a biological child. We're humbled by God's goodness and graciousness to us, and we know that this child is a gift straight from Him.

I know what you're thinking: So what does this mean for the adoption?

It's been put on hold.

Depending on the timing of it all, we'd either need to travel with me very pregnant, or else travel with an infant, or else leave an infant at home for the better part of a month. None of these were appealing options. Furthermore, both infants and newly adopted children need all kinds of special care, especially right at first. We'd like to be able to provide that to the best of our abilities, and feel that it will be in the best interest of both kids to space things out a bit.

In the future, we'd still love to adopt. The idea has always been in our hearts, since the very beginning of our relationship, and we still plan to grow our family through both biological and adoptive means.

I feel strongly that we were meant to start down the "path" toward adopting a child. But now we find ourselves on a different path. In any case I know that our lives, family, and future rest in the palms of His loving, generous hands.

Proverbs 3:5-6 come to mind...

Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding;

in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight.

For me, there's such comfort in those words. For both joyful and uncertain times, peaceful moments and difficult ones. The Lord is deserving of trust, and guides our paths.

And now, we just praise Him for this unexpected and extremely welcome gift.

21 comments:

Jenni S. said...

YAY! You announced it! We are so excited for you all and thrilled to be moving closer so we can see you and your growing family more often.

PS - Your Scripture reference was extremely fitting for my day. Thanks for the reminder.

Becky said...

Congrats! I'm so happy for you guys!

Carmen said...

CONGRATULATIONS! What a blessing, so happy for you guys!

Unknown said...

Congrats!!! So excited for you!

Caroline @ The Feminist Housewife said...

Congratulations!! I hope you have a wonderful pregnancy. What wonderful news!

Best wishes with the adoption, in the right time!

Paulina said...

That is great news! Congrats to you and Josh - how wonderful! We'll be moving back to Cincy around the time that you'll be having your little babe - can't wait to meet him or her.

Alli and Phil said...

YES YES YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am head over heels pumped about this! Many congrats to you and Josh! So very wonderful!

Ani said...

Congratulations!!! We are so excited for you guys!

Janine said...

Congratulations! That is so exciting, and I'm truly happy for you and Josh (and Riley)! :-)

Tanya Searle said...

We are so excited for you guys! I'd like to make you a blanket. Let me know as things get closer what color you would like :)

Camie said...

Congratulations! It's amazing how things never turn out how WE plan!! Hope you are feeling well!

Erika said...

Oh my word, Jess, how exciting!!!! Congratulations! How are you feeling?????

Kari's Cupcakes said...

***Congratulations!*** That is fabulous news - hope everything goes well for you.

Meet the Teters! said...

Yay Jessica!! I am so excited for you :) Congrats times a million!

Chrispy Critter said...

YIPPPPEEEE!!!!! That is my favorite scripture, I cling to it often!

Tom, Beth, and Ainsley said...

Wow, Congrats! I am so so happy for you guys! You are going to be an amazing mother! You were so great with Ainsley. We miss you guys, but love keeping up through your blog. congrats again!

Kelly said...

Oh how exciting!! Congratulations!!

Sam said...

Whoa!!! Praise God!! That is sooooo exciting!!!! Ahhhh!!

Anonymous said...

Congratulations! And it seems perfect timing too:

http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5jhmprAOI4qSNv_l9ApM0yg9YRT7w

Lynn said...

OH MY GOODNESS!!! I decided to read one more blogger's posts before I go to bed.....WOO HOO!!! THIS is JUST what I needed to read!!!

Congratulations!!! I am SO excited for you!!!

Kristen said...

YEAH YEAH YEAH!!! Congratulations!

I am so excited for you guys. WOO HOO!