Empty Beds

It's been a whirlwind since we've been home.  

First came a sort of medical triage, as a number of unexpected medical issues for both children had to be treated quickly.  

At first, it was simply one appointment after another...until they all started to blend together.  

To make a long story short, both kids are headed to Dupont Nemours Hospital in Delaware to be evaluated for surgical needs and receive other treatments.  

We know this is the right path, because it has become clear that these kids need the best specialists in the country after spending their lifetimes in cribs without any medical treatment.  We will do everything we can to make this right for both of them.

As we push through the sleep studies and other steps on the way to Dupont, we are watching as our children slowly come to life...

This sweet boy loves his Mama, 

and his favorite thing to do is climb all over me.  

We aren't sure how much he can hear, and he has no language at this point, but he communicates quite well using one finger.  

I fetch whatever he points at and am pretty much his puppet, 

which he loves.  

I'm head over heels for this kid.  

I always have been.  

How blessed we are that God vetoed our plan to "only adopt one" this time around.  What a treasure we would have missed...our beautiful boy.

As for Haven, 

she loves her new family so much.

  

Especially her Mimi.

You see,

Mimi understands adoption better than any of us do.

She remembers everything.

So they are best friends...

Like Tigger and Pooh.

Haven recently lost two front teeth.  

We have no idea where one of them went, 

but we are certain that Mimi had 

something to do with it.  

Haven loves her dog, George.

And she naps on the floor, 

so she doesn't miss anything. 

We are back to school now, 

and after a few curriculum modifications and changes...

all six of them are officially a class together!

  

Lilly schools in the afternoon during naps.

 In the morning preschool sessions, she serves as my helper - 

she is such a good sport!

I am totally impressed with Haven - 

she is able to master new skills quickly.  

I can tell that she knows she is playing catch up, 

and that she is absolutely determined 

to learn to do everything that Lilly can do.  

Aaron's progress is nothing short of 

miraculous.  

Of course, while I am very happy with his rapid improvement in movement, crawling, walking, and putting together small puzzles and games...  

Mostly, 

I am just rejoicing 

over the joy he has found in this family.

On a weekend that symbolizes Resurrection and Redemption, 

I have to revel in these images...

Of my children...

Redeemed into our family.  

And while the journey has been long 

(and not at all what we imagined for our family 

when we got married ten years ago),

He has given us Joy along the way, 

and has refreshed our hearts with Living Water

over and over again.

And all the while... 

The story of our own Redemption

 is being repeated before our eyes.

As a little girl finds Home

And a little boy 

is brought back to life.

Happy Holy Week.

We rejoice in Empty Tombs 

and Empty Beds...

"Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, 

who was crucified.  

He is not here; He has risen, just as He said.  

Come and see the place where He lay..."

Matthew 28