THE call we've been waiting for

Other than August 27, 2014 when Jennifer Sheridan called us to tell our family that we had been matched with a sweet little boy...today was the call we've been anticipating for 8 months, let alone 3 1/2 years!

Best. Day. Ever.
At 10:30 PM (after Lesley had several missed attempts at reaching me) I finally connected with her, only to be told we had a court date! June 4!

This picture was literally taken while I was talking to her on the phone. :)

After we hung up the phone, Ryan said "WOW" about 14 times and I literally ran around the backyard and our entire downstairs, jumping up and down and screaming with delight. It was the most unreal thing knowing we are ON OUR WAY to meet our son. Grady boy---we can't wait to smooch your cheeks and see your smile. We know you don't know us yet and you have no idea we are coming for you buddy, but God's grace in this is just beyond measure. 

Plane leaves 6 AM May 31, 2015

Dad and Dawdy

So much alike. So in love with each other and so annoyed with each other all in one hour. Haha. Very thankful, tonight, that Ryan scooped Ellie up and took her out of the neighborhood and out for ice cream. Sweet Ellie needed to be removed from some neighborhood drama and frustrations---and her daddy came to the rescue. Man. Tonight was another example of how and why family matters so much. Good dads are hard to come by. He loves this girl. 

Emma's night out

Ryan WAS a part of our date night tonight with miss Emsie. But--he took all the pictures. 😉 Mall date! Love this girl and time to celebrate the precious little soul she has. So grateful that she loves bath and body works and can also pound a chick fil a sandwich and fry like the best of 'Em! 

Emma said "mom, let's make a face that we will show when we find out Grady is coming home!!"

First lake day. Yes please.

May 2. Perfect Sunday afternoon. Thank you Jesus for this place. ❤️

Grady update!

I saw the email pop up in my inbox and honestly it was a very confusing emotion that I felt. Instead of dying to open my email my heart felt sad that I had to just look at his PICTURE and not get to touch his face and hold his hands today. It's hard. It's emotional and it's frustrating. But Ryan also reminded me today that God always is in control and HE is in control of the day Grady comes home to us, too. For some reason, God still has Grady apart from us right now and we have to trust that He is making this work for the good for Grady and for the 5 of us waiting for this adorable and precious little human. We have such love for you son! 

One thing I did love about these pics is that they show different angles and parts of the orphanage. I like to see other people and kiddos in the background- knowing they are a part of Grady's life. Griffin looked at these pictures today and said "Wow mom he sure is getting bigger cause look at his shoes!! They are so cool!" 

Current weight: 12.5 kg---which is 27.5 pounds

Current height: 84 cm which is 33 inches or 2.7 feet tall

Celebrating his growth today! Since the update in February, Grady has gained 3 lbs!! 

Costco prevails

I mean Costco is just a fun way to spend a few hours. Who doesn't love this place? Griff is a blast. He's so easy. He is so fun. He held my hand and we walked up and down the aisles today (with Nana, too). He asks the best questions and says the most hilarious things. He brings joy to everyone and his blue eyes can melt a hard soul. This kid is pure joy for me. 

Thank you God that Ryan and I get to be his mom and dad. 

Proud moments of El

It's so easy to forget that kids go through phases.

I remember Ellie being a great eater as a baby, but then as a 3 year old I'll never forget the day she refused to swallow her peas at dinner, keeping them in her mouth for 90 min---chewed up and gross.

I know she slept 8-10 hours through the night and was a great napper as a baby---until she turned two and went on strike with normal sleeping for almost a year.

Our sweet Ellie.

There have been many difficult weeks this "season"- watching our girls argue and intentionally hurt each other's feelings. They have had good moments but their rivalry is also exhausting and frustrating many days.
But for the past two---three weeks I have seen a small change. I think it is coming as a result of Ellie's direction and leading, but BOTH girls are softening towards each other a bit. It's kinda nice. :) If we can keep up this pattern before summer hits, and they are together all day-- that would be quite nice!!

But, last week in Hilton Head we really saw Ellie show us that she's growing up and truly maturing, even in the Lord. Once most of the "pirate treasure" was found in the sand, we all realized Jack had not found a treasure box and was pretty upset about it. All on her own, Ellie came up with the idea to sneak off and go re-hide her treasure box and then offer to help Jack go look for his. It was awesome- he was SO pumped to have "found his box," and honestly I think Ellie was on cloud 9 that she could help her cousin feel better. It was a moment that kindof made us all realize how wonderful it feels to serve others.

Thankful for old phases and new phases in our kids' lives. Thankful for our maturing little big girl.