Easter

The Monday before Easter one of our friends organized an Easter egg hunt for FHE.  There were close to 30 kids, hundreds of eggs, and the Arizona weather was more than perfect!  Leah had a blast filling her basket as quickly as she could and we enjoyed the benefits of being her parents...sorting her candy and eating what we "felt" like she shouldn't have.  

We spent Saturday morning coloring Easter eggs.  Leah made us all wear aprons so our clothes would not get dirty.  She was absolutely amazed when the eggs changed colors.

Easter Sunday Leah woke up to eggs hidden everywhere and an overflowing Easter basket.  She grabbed the princess chap stick out of her basket picked up about 5 eggs and then she was ready to put on her new dress...and I thought it was going to be a battle getting her ready for church!!

 

Random Thoughts About Adoption

The other day I was talking to a friend about how things are going with our current journey of trying to grow our family through adoption.  I was asked "Is there anything about Leah's adoption that you wish would have been different?"  Without hesitation I answered, "Yes, I really wish I could meet her birth parents."

Leah's adoption is considered a closed adoption, this was the birth parents' decision.  We never met the birth parents, we don't know their names, we only know what little medical history they provided for us on a form they filled out.  In fact, they really didn't even choose us to be the parents, the agency we went through did.  At first we thought that this would be easier and that it was the perfect set up for our family.  We even had friends and family say "isn't it better that way?"  Three years ago when we brought Leah home I wasn't sure about the answer to that question.  Now I am!!

Everyday when I look at Leah I know that she is meant to be in our family and that the Lord had his hand in bringing her to us.  I also look at her and wonder how her birthparents are doing?  What do they look like (especially since she looks just like us)?  Do they worry about whether or not Leah is having the life that they hoped for?  From there the list goes on and on.  I have never met them, but I have a deep love for them.  There is a part of my heart that is reserved for when I can throw my arms around them and tell them thank you for answering our prayers and bringing this miracle into our lives.  I want to reassure them that Leah is strong and healthy, and that she has a good life in a loving home.  When the day comes that Leah decides she wants to seek them out and meet them we will be right by her side helping her with just as much nervousness, excitement, and probably even a little fear of the unknown.  I can't wait until that day comes!

So to answer the question is it better that way...for the birth parents...maybe (I can't really answer for them)...for me...no, but that is where I have to put my selfish desires aside to respect their wishes.  So for now until we meet Leah's birth parents, I will continue to hug every birth parent I meet and tell them thank you.      

Christmas 2011

We are so thankful and blessed to be living within driving distance of family.  Travis had a few days off so we packed the car and drove to Utah to spend Christmas with our families.  Any trip, no matter how short, is worth it when we get to spend time with family.  Here are some pictures of our favorite things from this trip:

     

Making a stop during our drive because Leah saw snow and just had to play in it.

Taking Leah ice skating for the first time

Spending time with Travis' family which included reading the story of Christ' birth from the Bible, and Leah painting her daddy's and Uncle Braeden's toenails.

My family's annual Christmas party.  I loved watching the excitement on the kids faces while they were opening presents from each other and listening to our siblings joke around and laugh together.