Ok, so did everyone give up on me posting an update? There has not been much to tell so I took a few weeks off with the promise that we would update once things started progressing. Also, in the last five weeks my beloved dog AJ disappeared and has yet to return, my cat delivered 7 kittens, Amber had a birthday bash, Jeff has gone out of town for a week, had a couple of touch and go days with my back, etc.... you know, LIFE! :) But this is what I have learned from all of that...
AJ was an amazing dog that was more than a dog to me. He made me laugh when my life was turned upside down after divorce. He had this uncanny way of making friends with all animals even letting a litter of kittens attempt to nurse. He loved all breeds,genders, and colors. If only humans could have that much love. He made Amber fall in love with dogs and learn they could be your best friend, and he convinced Jeff that it is OK to have a dog in the house! With the 7 kittens, we have all gotten to witness the miracle of life - from the first breaths, eyes opening, walking, to now eating and running everywhere. It is amazing to see something so tiny yet so perfectly formed.
We celebrated Amber's 8th birthday recently and it was so great to be surrounded with our family and friends. Family and friends in Jacksonville who have accepted her from the moment I introduced them to her when Jeff and I started dating nearly 5 years ago. She was such a little shy thing then. Some of you will remember that we spent many a Sunday morning in Sunday School with her because she absolutely couldn't stand to be by herself. The little girl who moved in full time with us when she was 6 years old and slept on floor next to our bed because she hadn't slept in a bed by herself. Now my beautiful 8 year old who rushes into church way ahead of us with only a quick kiss and goodbye. Who loves to sleep in her own big bed and wants to do everything on her own. I never thought I would miss her crying about not wanting to sleep in her room, but now she is growing up too fast. She amazes me everyday!
OK, on to adoption news. :) Our first application has been shipped along with a few pictures as requested. I agonized over what pictures to send. I know we will be required to make some photo albums with tons of pics, but I wanted these first few to be perfect. I chose one of the 3 of us in front of Mom's Christmas tree because that is one of my favorite places. We also sent a picture of us playing in the snow, one of Jeff & Amber on top of Stone Mtn, and a couple others. I hope they portray that we love spending time together, traveling, playing, etc. We should hear within 2 weeks if our application has been accepted, then we can proceed with the next steps!
Also, my brother Kevin designed our adoption t-shirts and he did a great job!! If anyone needs any design work, he is the one you want. The design shows the frame of a house with a heart inside. Outlined by the words: Open Heart, Open Home, Adoption = LOVE. There is a pic on my FB page as well as my profile picture on this blog. We will be selling the shirts for $12.00 each. We will deliver/ship. :) We ordered 100 shirts of various sizes and within the first day we have sold nearly 40 shirts. God is so good, and we want to thank each and every one of you who have purchased a shirt so far. It is apparent how much we are loved and supported by our family and friends. What a great thing to share with our baby one day - look at how many people wanted to help us achieve this dream.
After posting the T-shirt sales at work today I received a call from a co-worker that I have worked with in the same building for years. She said "I just want you to know that I am so excited for you. I was adopted at birth.." and she proceeded to tell me some of her story. She will be emailing me more and she suggested that I compile the stories to include in the journal for our baby. I never knew how many people have been affected by adoption. I would love to hear more stories, so feel free to share.
Well, I will close for now. Thank you for your continued prayers, excitement, encouragement and love.
