Sweet B turns one!

January 25th, was baby Bronwyn's birthday.  She turned one.

She's not here, but we couldn't just let the day pass with recognizing its importance.

Carson especially wanted us to celebrate.  As we were on our way to pick out her cake, he said, "I just wish she didn't have to be without her family on her birthday."  He has since offered to share his May birthday with her because she will likely be home by the time his birthday rolls around. 

The day before her special day we went to pick out her cake.  Kaden and Carson finally settled on a bright Hello Kitty cake.  Adrian and Madison were agreeable to almost anything, so Hello Kitty it was.

Then Carson went with Mama to Walmart and he helped her pick out a couple of little gifts for Bronwyn.  He also picked out a card he thought she would really like, and wrote her a special message.

Of course we had a few little presents for Sweet B as well.

... and we thought about what to have for supper before we ate her cake.  We were a little short on time, since Wednesdays are clubs nights, so we chose to whip up a Mennonite meal of cottage cheese perogies, farmer sausage and white gravy with veggies.  Plain and simple, and so yummy.  Something we'll introduce little B to as soon as she gets home.

So we wrote a little card for the little one that has caught our hearts before we've even met her, and lit a candle to celebrate her first year.

Then we prayed a prayer of blessing over Sweet B, and we wait with anticipation until she's here in our home where she belongs so that all other birthday celebrations can include hugs and kisses and giggles and complete family pictures.

And as we offer her little gifts on this special day, we are more aware than ever that she is the real gift - from the giver of every good and perfect gift.

An unexpected gift!

We were blessed with an early Christmas present this year. 
I can't remember the last time I was so shocked by news that I felt I couldn't stand up.
We were visiting with people at the Pastor's Open House shortly before Christmas in the church foyer, when Dean stepped aside to take a cell phone call.

That call is going to change our lives. 

We'd recently been told that our adoption process was proceeding slower than expected.  We'd be waiting a long time yet.
So disappointed.
We had shared the difficult news with close friends and family, and looked at 2012 with plans for work, conferences and family vacations. 

Dean tucked his phone in his pocket and asked me to come away with him for a bit, but we hadn't made it very many steps down the hall before he whispered "We have a referral!"
I froze for a second and then felt my knees go weak.
I kept grabbing Dean's arm.
"What? What?  For real?" 

"They said to check your email - but their computers are down, so give them another hour." 
Dean ran to pick up our other 4 kids from school, while I waited...
Talking to people...
Wishing friends and church family a Merry Christmas...
All the while thinking, "I have a new daughter!"

I slipped away several times to check my inbox.
Suddenly it was there - the picture of a beautiful Chinese baby girl - almost 11 months old with cleft lip / palate. 
And this little chin that looks just like that of my other babies. 
Soft cheeks and a little bit of drool on a shiny lower lip. 
I want to kiss that little mouth and hold my cheek against hers.
Did we want her?  Did we accept this referral?

Yes!

Pastor came by my door.
Hands shaking I held out the baby pictures I'd just printed.  "Can I show you something?"
He stepped in to look, "That's our new daughter!  And Dean hasn't even seen her yet."

Dean finally came in and we looked at the pictures over and over. 
"I got to tell you!" he said. 
Dean felt that since I got to inform him the last 4 times we were going to have a baby, this time he wanted to tell me. 
But I had made sure that my cell and email and home number were on the forms.  Of course Dean's cell was on there too - in small figures under his personal info.  But for some reason - probably because Father loves these little details of our lives - the agency chose to call Dean's cell. 

A whirlwind followed: I was so desperate to fill out each form correctly and get it back to the agency in time.  I was so scared I would do something wrong or forget something. 
I calmly called Dr. Cindy (first her house, then her husband's work, then her cell, then I texted her, then I called her house again, and finally she called me back).  We went through baby's health forms and everything was wonderful.


Pictures!  I'd often imagined telling our families by giving them her picture card for Christmas.  Suddenly that was possible!
Tara!
Between Christmas gatherings and services Tara designed a pretty little card for our little one. 
Patient friend.
The newly painted bedroom in our house has been called "Bronwyn's room" for several months already. 
Her given Chinese name, Xiaoqian (pronounced Sheow chen) means Sincere Laughter or Pretty Little one ( as best as we can figure out). 
I've been learning so much about God's Grace through this process.

We will fly to pick up our little Bronwyn Xiaoqian Grace this spring sometime. 
Hurry here, season of new life and new beginnings! 

Meanwhile... since I just so happen to be in California right now - I'm shopping! 

Just look at these little boots I got at the Skechers outlet!

 And these shoes... I couldn't resist!

We can't wait to hold our unexpected gift.