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He has earned his nickname Screech Owl from the shrill happy noises he makes. Such a talker this one. And his belly laughs, so full of joy, not a soul can resist smiling and laughing right along with him. Which makes him laugh all the more. Not yet 4 months old, he popped his first tooth out last weekend.
We wait to see the plan God has for this boy. Waiting. Such is the theme of foster care and adoption.
Out of love we know that should this boy become a Haut, he will have strings attached. It is a difficult choice to make, extending grace to the biological ties. I try to place myself in the shoes of a child mother, abused, neglected, foolish, and without a clear picture of reality. There are consequences to poor choices, but I would like to think that just as grace has been extended to me, we can also act out of love and not selfish desires. I know full well the pain of losing a son.
Continue to pray for all involved as we watch God make beauty out of ashes. We do not know if we will have to say goodbye to yet another child, the only assurance is that we know God has this. Such a relief to place one's confidence in Him.
After years of talking about it, we finally went up to Maryland for the 4th of July festivities. Overall, I think everyone had a good time, despite poor Kristin's encounter with sea nettles. The fireworks put on by Grandad's neighbors and other folks around the cove were over the top! I believe the highlight of my trip was a boat ride around Thomas Point Lighthouse, and just some relaxing cruising around areas I so fondly remember as a child. I have many good memories of spending time with my dad and brother on the boat, and it was neat to have my children experience this part of my life.
If there was a competition, Dad would have won the "biggest flags" category. The Maryland flag is the prettiest state flag in my opinion.
As an added treat to our visit, Aunt Georganne was there!
Sleepy Baby Boy on Uncle David's shoulder.
Just some of the fireworks being set up... really, it was amazing.
I would have taken more pictures of fireworks, but that is hard to do while holding a SLEEPING baby and trying to cover his ears.
Sweet Aidan has the most adorable freckles this year!
Grandad is a trooper. Always willing to swim with the kids or take them boating, or cook them crabs.
Today was a sweet reunion. We had Mr. F visit for the day, and Baby C came to visit for a while with his sweet Aunt, brother, and cousin. I had the rare opportunity to capture a picture of all "our" kids. And Joel's tree is in the background.
It sort of brings tears to my eyes seeing them together. These kids I so desperately wish were together in our home. I understand the impossibility of that wish. But when you love a child as your own, and then they move on... the longing for them to still be with you never leaves. Just as I know if Joel was with us, there would be no Baby C or Baby Boy in our lives... it doesn't lessen the pain of losing him.
Our love has been multiplied over the years. We have been blessed by these children. Trusting God to love and care for them along the way, even when it doesn't go as I would have planned. Trusting His plan is better.
On our way to Illinois 3 weeks ago, we sadly had to take a detour to attend my Grandaddy Bob's funeral. We spent just 5 hours or so in Maryland before continuing on our journey to Manteno.
On the 4th of July, we headed back to the Old Line State. Our first stop (and a very important stop), was at Nana and Grampa Don's, for lunch... and as always, we picked up Ledo's pizza on the way in. For those that don't know, Ledo's pizza is the best. I grew up eating it before it became a big franchised chain. Maybe it will make it's way to NC :-)
The kids were entertained by Charlie (the dog), and a good ol' fashion game of Pick Up Sticks. The same sticks I played with as a kid. Go figure, my kids are entertained by something that is not electronic, miracle of miracles!
And Baby Boy turned on the charm for Nana. Knowing Baby Boy may very well be our last baby (I'm tired, folks), these pictures make me smile knowing I can (Lord willing) always look forward to loving on grandbabies and even great grandbabies in years to come. :-)
We always enjoy our visits with Nana and Grampa Don, even if just for a meal. I wish we could zip up to MD more often... but we have been blessed to spend a week at the beach with them every year.
My younger baby boy turned 5! Half-way to 10!
If I could bottle his energy and persistence, I would be a wealthy woman. Daniel can snap and whistle and does so often. He knows no stranger, and talks to anyone who will listen. This embarrasses his older siblings for some reason. Daniel is known for chit chatting with everyone, even strangers in waiting rooms, policemen waiting in line with us, umpires at soccer games... and lately, instead of saying 'good-bye,' his farewell statement is an exuberant 'adios amigo!' Such a goof ball.
Calculating and quick, you have to be careful what you say within range of his hearing. He keeps you honest and on your toes! He does extremely well with routine and planned activities, but left to his own 'free time' at home, there is always trouble. Whether it's messing with things that he aught not mess with, pestering a sibling, making a huge mess, terrorizing Jackson, or just being WAY TOO LOUD in the house, Daniel is better NOT left to his own devises. I think kindergarten will be good for both him and his mommy. :-)
I still marvel at the miracle that is my son. He is so very smart, so very strong. I am grateful that I am his mommy. He is a wonderful gift... even when he takes a sharpie to my walls.
So... today's date just hit me. Even though yesterday, Dad called me and reminded me that it was July 2nd, the anniversary of "the call" and meeting Daniel for the first time. Each year he calls to remind me, because he considers it Daniel's "real" birthday. I love that.
I also knew July 3 was coming because this is also a significant day for my friend, Shannon, and she has blogged about it recently.
But a few minutes ago, I heard a siren. It sounded like an ambulance siren, and it was close to our house and suddenly stopped. Our pool is also close to our house, and in a split second, my stomach dropped and I was running outside, making sure there was no ambulance parked by the pool. (My older 2 kids are at the pool right now with Shannon).
A year ago Daniel had his 2nd heat related seizure. That day was such a nightmare. The fear of the "what ifs" still grip me, and instantly prick my eyes with tears.
However, 5 years ago today was a wonderful day. July 3, 2008 I brought home my son from the hospital, and Daniel was welcomed into our family. Isaac was 5, Lauralyn was 3, and Kristin was 17 months old.
Maybe I need to focus on July 3, 2008 when my fears creep in.
Daniel. My amazing little miracle, in so many ways.
