Life Changing

One week ago we got the call and a two week old baby boy joined our family! The last seven days have been beautifully chaotic as we began to adjust to two kids and all that is required as foster parents. I cannot begin to describe the emotions of love and instant affection that this little one brought to all three of us. At the same time I have had a peace from the moment my eyes met his in what it is that we are really doing here. This beautiful baby does not belong to us and the hope is that one day he will be able to be reunified with his family. There are so many unknowns in this process and it could be easy to live out this journey in fear but once again I have to choose the path that I will let myself take. Our job is to give this little boy the best possible start in his life. We don't know how long he will be with us so we are soaking in this time and showering him with love, which is not too difficult at all:) I am thankful for how smooth the transition has been for us. So far he has been a great baby and Ivy has been an amazing helper! She even told me the other day that she thinks it is so cute when he cries:) She loves to give him kisses and calls herself his foster sister/aunty. It's been pretty adorable! 

Jake and I agree that this week has just felt right. We know it will not be an easy journey but definitely one that will change our lives forever.

Amber is Graduating!

Amber will be graduating from Arizona Christian University this weekend! She is getting her degree in Education and I can tell just from getting to know her a bit during our shoot that she will be such a great teacher! I'm glad we were able to fit this session in before Amber's big day and I hope the best for her as she begins her career.

Happy Birthday Ivy!

My baby girl turned 4 today! She is a little firecracker with lots of heart and she brings her dad and I so much joy AND excitement:) I am so thankful for the gift that she is and can't wait to see how much she learns and grows this next year of her life!

And I just love the back of her top, little girl clothes are the best!

Waiting...

The past four months have been a whirlwind of activity. My husband and I were busy filling out paperwork and making appointments that were needed. Each week we had class and articles to read and our home became baby central as we filled all the empty spaces with our daughter's items from her infancy. And now after all the busyness of preparing ourselves to become foster parents, we wait. Because of some unfortunate changes in the licensing department we have to wait quit a bit longer than we had expected. I was pretty downcast about the whole situation but I was reminded of a few things from some good friends that have helped me keep things in perspective. Romans 12:12 says, "Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer." Even though I wish that the process would move a lot more quickly I have many reasons to be joyful right now. Maybe my daughter needed this extra one-on-one time before the baby came and since I completely cleared my schedule we have had just that! And maybe the baby that will be joining our family has not even been born yet--that sure puts things into perspective. Patience is never an easy thing to master and I am sure I will need a lot of it as a foster parent so this is kind like my first lesson in the process:) Jake and I felt called to do this and I have to keep reminding myself that God is in control of the situation and His timing is perfect. He wants me to learn to trust Him so I will. Even though it is hard I know there is a purpose in it. Romans 12:13 goes on to say, "Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality." Our purpose is to do just that so I choose to be joyful, patient, and faithful while we wait.