The Power of Love

Allie has always been a great sleeper. From the moment we brought her home at 6 months, she has slept through the night. What a blessing that is for me - because I do love my sleep. :)

However, Allie does have those occasional nights when she wakes up - crying for me. I usually wake up slightly irritated that my sleep has been interrupted - but any irritation melts away when I hear her sweet voice say, "Mama" and see her little arms reaching for me.

I always snuggle with her in the rocking chair as she curls into my arms with a sleepy smile. I savor this time with her - when she smells so baby soft and is so snuggly sweet in my arms. It is during these late-night cuddles - when the house is quiet and dark - that I find tears sliding down my cheeks because I am overwhelmed with thankfulness and love for my baby girl.

I have talked many times about the power of grief . . . how is attacks out of no where and can bring me to my knees in pain because I miss Jacob so much. But I have learned the power of love is even stronger. The feeling of love can wash over me . . . filling my heart . . . making me cry happy tears and bringing me to my knees in thanksgiving. I can't imagine my life without Allie.

I am so thankful for the blessing of adoption . . . for the gift of another child. Words just can't express the joy Allie has brought into our home at a time when our hearts were hurting so badly. Her giggles and hugs brighten our days. And she brings out the absolute best in all of my boys. She has taught her brothers to nurture, to be compassionate, to protect and to love unconditionally. She is a reminder of God's goodness every single day.

And I have to share a quick story about Kyle. He came to Donnie & I the other day - with his hands full of all of his money . . . all $58. :) He gave us the money and told us that he really thinks we should adopt another baby and he was giving us his money to help pay for it! I can't tell you how that simple action and those words touched my heart . . . letting me know that adoption has been a blessing to the boys as well! :) Oh, how I love this boy! His heart is so good.


Many people have asked me why we adopted. That is hard to answer . . . because it is just something I have always wanted to do. In fact, I used to beg my mom and dad to adopt because I wanted a little sister. They got me a dog instead. :) And Donnie and I have talked about adopting ever since we got married. It bothers me greatly to think of a child growing up without a family . . . can you imagine Allie living in an orphanage? That thought hurts my heart. That thought makes me want to adopt!

Also, I have always wanted a big family . . . and being a mother was always my dream. Some girls dream of being doctors and lawyers - but quite simply and honestly, I just wanted to be a mom. And I have learned how very important and difficult that job is. I love being a mom! Now that doesn't mean I am always good at it - some days I fail miserably . . . But my heart is most happy when I am with my family. And I thank God everyday for choosing me to be the mother of my 5 children - I am honored and humbled to be their mom and often don't feel that I deserve such wonderful blessings.

Before Jacob got sick, we knew we wanted to have another child or two - but we put those plans on hold during his illness. And after Jacob passed away, the timing seemed right to bring another child into our family. Emotionally, I did not think I could handle a pregnancy. The triplets birth was difficult causing some damage to my cervix which made me high risk for a premature birth if I were to get pregnant again. I had lived in fear of losing Jacob for the past 2 years . . . I did not want to live in fear of losing a baby for the next 9 months. Not to mention - I desperately wanted a break from doctors and hospitals. So Donnie and I started to research adoption options!

And the more we researched - the more we knew God was calling us to adopt! Our process went pretty smoothly - with only a few bumps in the road. God placed just the right people in our lives to help us with the process and He blessed us with an amazing peace during our adoption. The wait for Allie wasn't nearly as hard as I thought it would be . . . it was such an exciting time and I am so thankful that Allie was part of God's plan for our lives!

Many have asked if we would adopt again . . . and the answer to that is a definite YES! We would love to adopt again someday . . . but right now - we are enjoying this time with Allie and the boys. We will pray about adopting again . . . and trust in God's plan - whatever that may be!

We had an all-around great experience with Allie - but I know that isn't the case for everyone and I don't want to sugar-coat it for you. :) Adoption can be emotionally difficult and there is always a risk . . . but sometimes we have to take that leap of faith.


I thought I would share an e-mail I received a while ago. I'm not sure where it came from . . . but it is so true!

The Top 13 Reasons Why Adoption is For You!

1. The fact that there are 143 million children without a parent to kiss them goodnight has made you lose sleep.

2. You realize DNA has nothing to do with love and family.

3. You can’t watch Adoption Stories on TLC without sobbing.

4. The fact that, if 7% of Christians adopted 1 child there would be no orphans in the world, is convicting to you.

5. You spend free time surfing blogs about families who have experienced the blessing of adoption.

6. It drives you crazy when people ask you about adopted child’s “real” parents.

7. You have ever been “pregnant” with your adoptive child longer than it takes an elephant to give birth. (2 years!)

8. You had no idea how you would afford to adopt but stepped out in faith anyway, knowing where God calls you He will provide.

9. You have ever taken an airplane ride half-way around the world with a child you just met.

10. You believe God’s heart is for adoption.

11. You realize that welcoming a child into your heart and family is one of the most important legacies you could ever leave on this earth.

12. You know what the word “Dossier” means, and you can actually pronounce it!

13. You shudder when people say your child is so lucky that you adopted them, knowing full well you are the blessed one to have him or her in your life.

I often get a lot of questions about adoption - and I answered a few in this update. But if you have a question about adoption - feel free to leave it in the comments and I will do my best to answer you! Adoption is truly a blessing . . . a ministry . . . a gift and I am more than happy to share it with all of you.

Ending with a scripture . . .

"But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God."

John 1:12-13

Blessed by adoption,