I Think I Want to Adopt...Now What?!

So, let's get real for a second. I know one thing to be true...you're only really here for the baby. 

It's fine. I understand. He's squishy and funny and perfectly adorable and you really don't care about little old me. It's okay. I've made my peace with it. Give the people what they want, right? 

After we brought Brooks home, I made my Instagram account public because I wanted more people to realize the gift and joy that adoption can be. Is it hard? Absolutely. Is it easy? Not even a little bit. But is it worth it? Would I do it again? 150% yes.

Reading the adoption stories of other families is what ultimately led us to jump off the high dive into this uncharted territory, and I thought if I could help catalyze other families to take the leap, that allowing the internet to see my children every now and then was worth that. So I did it. I know not everyone believe that's the right thing to do, but here's what I know now: God is using our story to bring more orphans into families.

Over the last few months, these are some actual messages and emails I've gotten:

"Your post about Brooks being 'just a little boy' helped my husband find the courage to say yes."

"Your adoption story makes me feel like we could actually do this someday. It's not just a pipe dream anymore."

"My husband thought special needs meant our child would never walk or go to school or live a normal life. Watching Brooks walk and talk and play like a normal kid changed his mind."

It is an absolute honor to get help families navigate those early fears as they consider adoption, so I wanted to take just a few minutes today to speak to those of you who are just peering over that edge, unsure as to whether or not you will take the plunge. 

I'm going to break this post up into five major questions that seem to be brought to me repeatedly and address those, but please, if you want to hear my thoughts or perspective on other things, please feel free to reach out!

1) Where do I begin?

This is the number one question I hear all the time. It's so overwhelming and there seem to be so many different ways to adopt that we don't know where to start.

And this is always my answer: start in prayer. 

Every single step of this adoption journey, every single decision should be guided by prayer first. As my husband and I began to pray about adoption, we first felt a peace about international adoption, specifically from Asia, but narrowing it down to China took us months. At one point, we thought we were going to go the South Korea route, but that door was quickly closed for us. We considered Vietnam, Taiwan, China, the Philippines, and others, but it seemed like the Lord kept leading us back to China. Follow that lead if you feel it in your gut...it usually won't lie to you.

Okay, and second...talk with an agency. After prayer, you'll need to figure out what adoption programs you qualify for. There are age, income, and health requirements for all the different programs, and you'll want to chat with someone who can help guide you in that regard. It would be devastating to get your heart set on a program to only find out you don't qualify for it.

2) How am I going to afford this?

This is the second most common question I get, and the truth to this one is this: it depends on your program. If you feel called to foster care, there are very minimal costs involved at all. If you feel called to international adoption, the cost really depends on the country. Some countries are more expensive because you have to travel there multiple times. Domestically speaking, prices can vary based on whether or not you go through an attorney or an agency.

All that aside, I truly believe that God provides for those He calls to this road. There are so many options for families in the adoption process. You can host fundraisers, accept private donations, apply for grants, or just spend some time on your budget and start saving. Personally, I started teaching two days a week at my children's preschool, started a small business, sold t-shirts, and we were fortunate enough to receive some grant money. It wasn't easy, but we did it debt-free with some hard work. Although I absolutely understand the fear of this piece, I truly believe this should not be the sole reason families don't walk this road. If this is your hang-up, I'd love to brainstorm with you!

**Also, please know this - you are not paying for a child. No lie: I've been asked, in his presence, how much Brooks cost. I did not buy him. I know that sounds crazy to say out loud, but you'd be amazed at what people will ask you. You are paying legal fees, agency fees, travel fees, document processing fees, and the like. You are NOT paying for a child.**

3) Can I parent a child with special needs?

First of all, let's clarify what this even means. There are many international adoption programs who only make children with "special needs" eligible for adoption. China is one of those countries. This is such a huge umbrella term in the adoption world. This can range from something as minor as low birth weight, premature birth, or anemia all the way up to Down Syndrome, Spina Bifida, Cerebral Palsy, missing limbs, etc. This is a very personal piece to the puzzle that I can't really advise you on. You have to know your limitations and what you can or cannot handle in terms of medical care. I would advise that you sit down with a pediatrician and talk through medical conditions that you're comfortable with and again...PRAY. This is a huge decision so just like I said above, prayer needs to play a huge role in this part.

4) Will we be able to love a kid that isn't "ours?"

I'll be honest: this was my biggest fear. I prayed like mad that God would give me a supernatural love for this little boy who shared exactly zero DNA with me, but would call me mommy. For me, it was love at first sight when they placed Brooks in my arms, BUT, that's definitely not always the case. I have several friends who have adopted and had to work very hard at attachment...on both sides. I've heard from lots of women that this is more of a male hang-up than a female hang-up, but I really do believe that God gives you a love for your adopted child that is just as deep as your biological children. I truly have days where I forget he wasn't born to me. He is just as much "mine" as my bio kids. Attachment and bonding is a journey, and it can sometimes take lots of time and strategy, but it is absolutely possible to feel as much love for an adopted child as a biological one. 

5) How do I get my husband on board?

I saved this one for last because my answer is not typically what people want to hear. Sorry to be Debbie Downer, but I truly believe that both spouses need to be ALL IN to walk this road successfully. Now, with that said, there are absolutely times when one spouse "drives the train" so to speak. But at the end of the day, if you aren't both on the same page and both wanting this child in your family, I truly don't think you're a good candidate for an adoption. 

Now, with that said, I do believe that prayer and time can absolutely change hearts. If this is something you feel strongly called to do, but your husband isn't on board yet, I would encourage you to give it some time and pray. 

If this is a road God has chosen for your family, He will bring your husband around in His timing. I'll say that again: HIS timing.  

That might not be tomorrow or next month or next year, but if this is meant to be, it will be when you're both ready to walk it. 

 I hope this has been helpful for those of you beginning this journey. Adoption is not for everyone, and it's not always easy, but it can bring so much joy and love into a family. If you have further questions or would like to chat further, my door is always open. You can DM me on Instagram (@allisonezell) or email me: awezell@gmail.com. 

Happy Wednesday, friends! 

Eight on the Eighth: A Life Lately Recap

Okay, y'all...forgive my absence here. For the last two weeks, we've gone into sprint mode around here with visa applications, a quick lake getaway, the start of a new school year, and just general September craziness. So, a couple quick things to share with you all...

ONE 

We are resting on the adoption paperwork front...for a hot nanosecond.

Our visa applications went out last week, our I800 application (immigration forms) went out two weeks ago, and our latest agency invoice was sent to the grant director for disbursement. Check, check, check. For now, we breathe. At this point, nothing can happen until we get our I800 approval and the grant money is received by our agency. At that point, we should know our travel dates...EEEEK! I cannot WAIT to start a countdown to baby boy!

TWO

We sent summer out in style with a quick little jaunt up to the lakehouse for one last getaway as a family of four. It was a sweet, sweet time in our favorite place. I didn't take all that many pictures because I really tried to keep my thoughts and mind present with my family and keep the social media and temptations of the phone away, but I grabbed just a couple to share. :)

This view...it just never gets old, y'all.

We are in the middle of a marriage series at church, and each week, we are getting "homework." This week, we were supposed to go on a date. Ummm, okay. Can't argue with church, right? We got away for a quick bite of Arkansas BBQ on Saturday afternoon. 

Fishing with Doc! Caught a "whopper!"

Loved spying on my boys while they were fishing one morning...total Forrest Gump moment. ;) I can't believe I'll have THREE boys to spy on next summer! 

Major growth from the kids - they actually SWAM IN THE LAKE! 

THREE

The day after we returned from the lake, we started a brand new year of school! 

These kids had a great first week and are LOVING their new teachers and classes! 

We have a Thursday afternoon slurpee tradition...I think I was the happiest of the three of us to see it return! 

FOUR

Monday night, our t-shirt fundraiser closed, and I am blown away to share that we raised $1,400 to put toward our orphanage donation! We sold just shy of 100 shirts, and for being a second round of orders, we couldn't believe the success! Thank you, thank you, thank you to all who supported!

FIVE

Okay, I can't get this post published without shouting out the Noonday sale section. I know, I know...painful self-promotion. BUT IT'S REALLY NOT! I want to point out a few of my absolute favorite pieces that are on CRAZY sale right now so you can grab them up before they're gone forever! These are items that will not be reordered and they WILL sell out QUICKLY!

These are two of my classic favorites for the James Avery or very traditional girl. The Monaco bracelet on the left was originally $38 and is now LESS THAN $15! Ummm, hello perfect gift for the mother-in-law who has everything! And the Octagon Hoops are under $25! These are my GO-TO earrings that basically go with anything.

Ohhh, Chennai Crossbody, let me count the ways I love you. You make me HANDS FREE, you are a gorgeous color pop, and you have a REMOVABLE tassel...be still my heart! This handmade beauty was just marked down from $125 to $84.99...more than 30% off. Yes, PLEASE. And the Nakato Necklace...it's a hand-rolled gorgeous statement pieces that is just $20.99 right now. Let me assure you, this one will be GONE FAST!

And lastly...two of my FAVORITES are this month's guest specials, and I have a trunk show open through the 23rd! If you pick up a couple of gifts or sale items and your cart totals $60+, shoot me an email and let me enter your order with one (or both) of these special deals! Sale items + trunk show specials = happy wallet. TOO GOOD, Y'ALL.

Check it all out HERE.

 SIX

This guy. I think he's been having a little bit of a tough time with the fact that most of his friends went to Kindergarten and he doesn't see them all that much anymore. I think he's also a little bit nervous about getting a baby brother, and he's been very cuddly and clingy lately. Tonight, I was tucking him in bed around 7:45 and mentioned I might go on a walk. He didn't seem very tired, so I asked if he wanted to go with me, and he just about flew out of his bed. We walked around the neighborhood, talked about his new TK class, and he relished the one-on-one time. I didn't get much exercise, but I think he needed the time more than I needed the calorie burn. :)

We watched a family of ducks sitting on the edge of the lake here for a while, and it was so interesting to me that he kept talking about the white duck sitting with all the brown ducks. He kept asking why he was with them when he "didn't match." It was such a great opportunity to hear his perspective. I was so tempted to immediately jump in and pull out all the cliches about how we don't have to look alike to love each other or be accepted, but I somehow mustered the self-control to just listen instead. Children are amazing you guys. Carter proceeded to make up a story about how the brown ducks found the white duck when he was swimming alone because he was lost. He thinks the brown ducks asked him if he needed help, and the white duck said he doesn't have a family, so the brown ducks take care of him. He then looked up at me and said, "They're kinda like us, huh?" I asked him what he meant, and he said, "That's why Brooks is in China waiting for us. He needs us to take care of him, right, Mom? Because he needs a family?"

Cue the ugly cry.

Are adoption hormones a thing? Some people called waiting adoptive families "paper pregnant." I think that's kind of odd, so I've never used that term, but I'm totally feeling the emotional roller coaster lately. Dang you, five year-old! ;)

SEVEN and EIGHT

If you're still reading, props to you. It's the first week of school, I walked over 3 miles today running around our preschool building like a crazy lady. and I'm going to call six out of the eight good for now. The Eight on the Eighth title sounded so much better than six on the eighth...so we're keeping it,but I'm spent. y'all. 

Night!    

A Very Unique Fundraiser

Y'all. What an incredible and humbling past few days we've had. Blake and I are so BEYOND grateful for your outpouring of support and love for our new son. We cannot wait to get Brooks home later this fall and introduce him to all the amazing people who have prayed for him the past year. This experience has been unlike any other in our lives, and it's been awesome to see how God has used our story thus far. We seriously read each and every name and every one of your comments last week through tears. What a blessing you all are to our growing family!

So, I mentioned on my Facebook last week that we were going to relaunch our wildly successful t-shirt fundraiser from last fall, but with a little bit of a twist. Since our news on Friday has launched our process into full speed, we are going to go ahead and relaunch it today. There are many, many fees in international adoption, but one in particular stood out to us as one that we felt our community would rally behind - the orphanage donation. Brooks has been cared for in an orphanage along the eastern coast of China since he was just a few weeks old, and we will never be able to repay the love and kindness shown to our boy by the caregivers who stood in the gap for us. Brooks' file spoke of several of his "friends" and of his closeness to one specific caregiver, and we have no doubt that he has been cared for well in our absence. We would love for you to support our efforts to love on and provide for the precious children left behind. Every dollar raised from this fundraiser will go directly back into the hands of our son's orphanage, so they can continue to provide food, clothing, and care for the thousands of children that remain.

If you'd like to order a shirt to support Brooks' orphanage, our campaign will be open for JUST TWO WEEKS and will close on Labor Day, September 5th. If you cannot support the campaign financially at this time (and I get it...hey, back to school!), we would be so grateful if you would SHARE IT with your Texas-loving friends. The shirts come in heather gray, a soft red, and a mint, and are $20 each. For those of you who either don't call Texas home or just don't want another shirt, there is a "Donation-Only" button you can use if you'd just like to support the cause.

Please let me know if you have any questions, and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your support!

You may order shirts and make donations HERE: www.booster.com/bringinghomebrooks

Thank you, friends! 

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ - Matthew 25:40

When God's Not Subtle...

Sometimes, I believe God moves and speaks to us in very soft, very faint whispers. And other times, when you're doubting something He's called you to or just flat out acting ridiculous, he legitimately YELLS at you.

Today, I got yelled at in the best possible way, and I am so incredibly grateful.

Let's rewind about 48 hours so all of this can make sense.

Our family spent the second week of August in the beautiful mountains of Colorado (still working on that post...), and while we there, my husband and I had some very frank, very honest conversations about our spending habits. (Aren't those conversations always fun?!! Ummm, except not.) We were doing fine in the big picture of our finances, but we had noticed over the summer that we had become a little bit too lax on the day to day budgeting. We were eating out way too much, buying the kids entirely too many treats, and spending more than we should on "summer entertainment." We just needed to tighten the belt a little bit, but my husband found himself becoming legitimately concerned about how the addition of a third child (who likely will need diapers and formula for a while) was going to impact our bottom line. Add to that the stress of returning to a very demanding job after a week away, and needless to say, he was STRESSED. 

Monday morning during my quiet time, I was listening to Shane and Shane's song "Psalm 46" and the bridge of the song spoke so deeply to me that I actually wrote the lyrics in my journal. 

It says these words:

"Though oceans roar, You are the Lord of all, 

The One who calms the wind and waves and makes my heart be still.

Though the earth gives way, the mountains move into the sea, 

The nations rage, 

I know my God is in control."

I found myself sporadically praying throughout Monday and Monday night for peace for my husband's heart and that we would feel confident that we were, in fact, on the right path and following God's will for our family. I felt so confident that each and every single step of this process has been HIS leading, and that just because we were over a year into the process that He hadn't stopped guiding or providing for us, and I prayed that He would confirm that for us in some tangible way...basically praying a pipe dream, but hey, the answer's always no until you ask, right?

Tuesday morning, I was hosting a play date at a park with a few friends, so I arrived a few minutes early. I sat down on the bench to casually check my email as the kids ran off to play, and I found the most tangible confirmation I could've ever imagined. I opened an email from the Gift of Adoption Fund, and I discovered that...

WE WERE AWARDED A GRANT TODAY THAT WILL COVER 10% OF OUR ENTIRE ADOPTION, Y'ALL. 

I literally fell to my knees in the middle of the park and started crying and thanking God for this incredible provision. I immediately called my husband who was in a meeting but answered anyway and screamed into the phone, "We got the grant! What did I tell you?!! SEE?!! I told you He'd provide for us!" (Sorry, meeting people. I've never been called quiet, and this was certainly not the time for me to be precious.) Blake responded in a much more appropriate way (he's just a wee bit more professional than me) and called me later to show his excitement. 

Tonight, we signed the paperwork saying we accept the grant, and we are just in awe and so thankful that we serve a God who meets his children exactly where they are and provides for them in His PERFECT TIMING. 

And, we are so incredibly thankful for a Heavenly Father who sometimes finds tangible ways to smack his children in the head and YELL when they are struggling and doubt Him. There was no whisper today, and we couldn't be more grateful.

   

"Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you." - Matthew 7:7

Adoption Talk Link-Up: Oh, HEY, March!

What in the ACTUAL world...how it is already March?!? And March 3rd at that?!!

Today, I'm joining up with the Adoption Talk Link-Up, and the prompt simply says "Anything Goes," so that's pretty fitting for this post because the things I wanted to share with you today are somewhat adoption-related, but there's no real Earth-shattering news yet. (Oh, I wish there was!) We are just waiting...it's just part of all of this...but I'm choosing to share today about some fun little ways God has reminded me He's still there when there is so little action. 

First off, let's revisit our timeline since it's been a while since I participated in a link-up!

We began our adoption process on August 10, 2015.

We got our home study approval on November 17, 2015.

We received our I800A approval on January 8, 2016.

And the latest additions to that timeline...

Our agency sent our completed dossier to China on February 12, 2016.

The CCCWA logged us into their system on February 19, 2016.

So, we've been eligible to be matched for roughly three weeks now. Since we are electing to only look at baby boy files, our agency thinks we will be matched within the next three months. (That's basically lightning speed in the adoption world for those of you who are unfamiliar...) We could get "the call" tomorrow, it could be another 8-9 weeks...we truly don't know. So, we'll just keep on doing the next right thing...

When I was about 15, I picked up a little book in the book store called "God Winks." (Or something like that...) I remember the premise was basically stories of how people felt gentle reminders and confirmations that God was truly looking out for them. Basically, they were stories of coincidences that were no coincidence at all. Over the last few weeks, I've experienced SEVERAL "God winks" that I thought would be a fun share today. 

About two weeks ago, I got a random Facebook message from a girl that I didn't know at all. I would normally decline a message like that, but we had several mutual friends, so I figured she wasn't a creeper. (Her picture was also very promising.) I opened it up to find a message from a girl who wanted to see if we had any interest in meeting because she and her husband were also in the process of adopting from China and she lived in our neighborhood. (Um, YES!) Well, come to find out, they also have two biological children who are both within a few months in age of my kids, we are the exact same age, we have mutual friends from MANY stages of life, and are both at the EXACT same point in the process...waiting on a referral. And to top it all off, our oldest boys got along GREAT! 

If that's not a "God wink," then I don't know what is!

What a gift it will be for ALL of our children to grow up close to a family with whom they can identify. One of my (many) things I've been researching as of late is how to navigate the transition to a trans-racial family. The stares, the comments, the questions...I just don't really know how we are going to handle all of that. And when Carter or Kate's friends want to tell them that their brother isn't their "real" brother or ask why he doesn't look like us, how am I going to respond? I know God will equip me with the right words when that time comes, but it is a genuine concern of mine. I'm not really concerned for me and my husband...we've got pretty thick skin. I'm more concerned for Carter and Kate's hearts, especially as they move into elementary school where kids can be just downright mean at times. (If you've got any wisdom here, share it, please!) What a gift it will be to grow up with a family that looks like ours just down the street! 

A few days later, I nervously launched my Noonday Collection business with a full house of people and placed more than 20 orders in 24 hours. I was basically on my knees the hour before the party started because I was so afraid that no one would show up and I would fail. But, WOW. Never in my wildest dreams would I have expected a turn out like that. Sales is not even CLOSE to my comfort zone, and this whole business venture has been in God's hands since I said yes. Man, did He wink at that. ;) What a huge blessing that day was for me, our adoption expenses, AND the artisan businesses who make everything. Such a win-win all around. I am so excited for the future with this organization!

OH! One last thing! One of my FAVORITE things about becoming a Noonday Ambassador is that I get to pay it forward and help OTHER adopting families raise funds, too! I would LOVE to bless another adopting family by hosting a trunk show in their honor. They will receive 10% of the sales total to use for their adoption. If you know anyone who is in the adoption process and looking for fundraising ideas, send 'em my way! 

Wishing you all a very happy Friday Eve! XO!

  

November 1

Eeeks! November 1! I've been waiting for this day for a while. Halloween is over (it's a love-hate, y'all), Adoption Awareness Month is beginning, our Booster closed last night, and my kids broke in their new Christmas pajamas last night. :) Life is good today.

First, I want to give my deepest, most sincere, and very heartfelt thanks to all who supported us in our t-shirt Booster sale. We ended up selling 187 shirts and raising...wait for it...

$3,237.29!

I don't even have the right words to express my gratitude. I was actually told by a friend who had sold t-shirts as a fundraiser to not expect much because she didn't feel like t-shirt fundraisers worked, and hers was very unsuccessful. Well, I loved the design we came up with, and I thought, why not? If we raise a couple hundred dollars and people get to share in our journey a little bit, what can it hurt?

Yes, well. 

How incredible God (and our community!) is to not only help us reach our completely ridiculous goal, but to actually SURPASS IT and basically QUADRUPLE what we had initially hoped to raise. I know I sound like a broken record here, but we just continue to be humbled and blown away by God's provision for our family in this process. It's not easy for a family with one full-time salary who has two kids in preschool and very little discretionary income to come up with the $35,000 needed to complete an international adoption, but God just continues to show up, cover us in all of these details, and confirm that this is His plan for us. What an amazing Provider and Father we serve.  

Big Sister gives Him all the praise hands.

Last night, we had a blast celebrating Halloween with our sweet Ironman and Doc McStuffins. We trick or treated with my two nephews and their neighbor, and the kids had a great night. It was really the first time they understood and were excited to do it, and that was so fun to see. 

And because it's November 1st...these babies made an appearance in our house last night! Cannot explain my actions. Judge if you must, but the Christmas season is short enough enough as it is...we wear Christmas pjs from November to February around here! :) 

Ok, and lastly, my generous and precious friend, Laurel, has made the most incredible offer to our family. She sells Rodan + Fields skin care, and to honor Adoption Awareness Month, she has offered to donate 50% of her proceeds during November to our family.

Rodan + Fields is the fourth largest premium skin care line in the country, and their testimonials are absolutely INSANE. They have several different product lines for various skin types, and I have many friends getting incredible results from the products. If you've ever been curious about the products and wanted to give them a whirl, now is the time! My sources tell me their multi-function eye cream is amazing, and I am personally excited to see that for myself when I get my hands on it! :)  To learn more about the products or place an order, visit Laurel's link HERE. 

We all have a role to play in caring for orphans (James 1:27), and we are so thankful for so many people wanting to help us on this journey. Have a wonderful Sunday, friends! 

WE MET OUR GOAL!

"The LORD has done great things for us, and we are filled with JOY." Psalm 126:3

Last night, we sold our 150th shirt. 

You guys.

That's INSANE.

And so, so awesome. Not awesome like cool. Like I am IN AWE.

When I originally set that goal, I intentionally chose a completely unattainable goal. My thought process was that I should choose something unrealistic so that there would always be a "need" to sell more shirts. My "one last chance" post I had all planned for October 30th would say something like, "We are 50 shirts away from our goal...help us get closer!" Yes, well. That post ain't gonna happen because our amazing community crushed the 150 goal with 10 days left in the campaign!

If I haven't said it enough yet, please know how truly humbled Blake and I both are by all of this. When we submitted our adoption application, we had absolutely no idea just how supportive and encouraging our community would be. Truthfully, I was a little bit nervous to share we were adopting because I really didn't know how people would react. If I've learned anything at all in the last three months, it's the incredible humanity that still exists in a culture that rarely shows it. The range of people who have donated to our adoption is staggering. Everyone from childhood friends to former babysitters to co-workers who met me for the first time in August have loved on and supported us, and we are just continually amazed to see just how many people want there to be one less orphan in the world. We have received donations from our pastor, our bosses, and our children's teachers. It has just truly been the coolest thing.

Sweet baby #3, I cannot wait until you are old enough to understand just how many people loved you and prayed for you before they even knew your name. Wherever you are, please know that you are a beloved child of God, and we cannot wait to show you what family means. It doesn't mean blood or biology, precious one. It is much, much more. Family means love, support, and most importantly, family means forever.

Again, we cannot say it enough...thank you, thank you, thank you! 

Five Friday Favorites

Alas, my favorite day of the week. FRIDAY! TGIF! 

(Sidenote: Why are the "short" weeks always really the longest?! This phenomenon still baffles me. Four days this week that felt like ten. Oy.)

There's been a lot going on around here lately, so I thought I'd take a quick second to share a few of my favorite things from the last week...

1) The Pumpkin Village at the Dallas Arboretum

We met a few of our play group friends at the pumpkin village on Monday, and aside from the ENTIRE CITY OF DALLAS joining us for this outing, we had a great time!

 It was next to impossible to get the kids to even look at me at the same time...sigh...but we got a few decent pics and had a great morning! If you are local and get a chance to go, it's great!

 Oh, and TEACHERS...show your ID and you get in free! (My favorite price!)

This little stud muffin wanted a pumpkin to take home, so we brought him home one and he painted "himself" on it. :) Have I mentioned how much I love age four?! It is seriously the sweetest...

2) We are HALFWAY through our t-shirt Booster sales period...

and we have sold nearly 120 shirts, and raised over $2,100! Good.ness. Gracious. Not only did God show up...He's showing off! We feel so blessed to have so many cheerleaders in this process. To those who have bought shirts, shared our link, and donated, THANK YOU. THANK YOU. THANK YOU. If you would like to purchase one, there is still time! Click HERE to purchase! 

3) THIS.

I always knew Glennon Melton (Momastery) understood me, but now I'm convinced that she is my soul mate. This poem is everything.

4) Our Social Worker

So, I'm fairly convinced we have the best social worker in the world. She was SO sweet, so down to earth, has adopted grandchildren of her own, and just made our first home study visit quick and painless. I'll admit, I was petrified of this first visit, and I learned very quickly there was absolutely NOTHING about which to be worried. She not only put my mind at ease, but it was very clear that she had LOTS of international adoption experience, and I have no doubt she will be a huge cheerleader for us and a valued resource in the adjustment period once we are home from China. We have another visit next week...and then hopefully, we'll have that step completed and be one step closer to our son or daughter!  

5) These Two...

Okay, okay, sappy moment. Just put on your big girl panties and roll with it for a minute...

These two lately have absolutely stolen my heart. A few months ago, they really started playing TOGETHER...not just side by side, not just in the same room, but truly TOGETHER. They'll play hide and seek, they'll play store, they'll play mommy and baby (stroller pic), and they are actually having FUN together. 

Do they fight and annoy the poop out of each other, too? Of course they do; they're siblings! But they have just truly become friends the last few months, and it has absolutely taken my breath away. Love them SO.

Have a wonderful weekend! XO!

  

No Place Like Home Fundraiser: One Week Update

I don't even really know where to start with this post. Three months into the biggest leap of faith my husband and I have ever taken, here is where we are...

Our t-shirt fundraiser has been live for one week. 

We have sold 87 shirts.

We have raised nearly $1500.

In ONE. WEEK. 

Our fundraiser doesn't even close for another 3 weeks, and we have already surpassed ALL my expectations for what this little t-shirt could do.

To say I am overwhelmed at the outpouring of support and love we've received from friends, family members, and even total strangers doesn't even scratch the surface of the feelings I have while writing those numbers down.

Some better words that come to mind are shock. Maybe awe. Maybe dumbfounded.

When Blake and I said yes to adoption earlier this year, the control freak in me wanted to have every penny of the process saved before we submitted an application. I was definitely of the belief that if you couldn't afford the process, you shouldn't be adopting. But God continued to stir in both of us over and over that we needed to trust in His provision and move more quickly, before we truly felt "ready" both emotionally and financially. (Sidebar: I don't think anyone ever feels truly "ready" to be a parent, though, am I right? Remember that moment of terror leaving the hospital with your firstborn? Remember the shock that set in when you realized that you were now solely responsible for keeping that eight-pound bundle alive? REMEMBER WHEN THEY SAID THE NURSE HAD TO STAY AT THE HOSPITAL?!!! I don't care how long you've planned for it; there's no such thing as ready when it comes to parenthood.) 

I cannot wait to be a year down the road from now so I can more fully understand why we felt such an urgency to move forward when we did. We know and trust that the details of all this were sorted out long ago, and we just continue to be amazed at the story that is unfolding before us.

To those who have supported us already, thank you. It means the world.

If you would like to purchase a shirt, please visit: www.booster.com/ezelladoption