Growing

Well, Brad and I have now been thoroughly background checked and fingerprinted. We knew I was ok, but thought Brad may have committed some henious crime that would show up. Not really, but it really is crazy all we have to go through to adopt again. It really is much easier of a process this time around because we have been there, done that and kinda know what to expect, but nonetheless frustrating. Each day that passes we are desiring to hear something more and more. We refuse to become desparate like we were when adopting Braylen and instead be still and let God move, but it is much easier said than done. For now, we will enjoy Braylen and watch her grow. We very much wanted her to have a sibling by now, but God has it all planned out and we will watch the miracle unfold. We pray that no matter the age difference in our children, they will become close friends. Brad and I have amazing memories of times spent with siblings and we want that for Braylen as well.

Braylen has all of a sudden turned into a little girl. The baby is gone and a beautiful child remains. I cannot even dwell upon how quickly time has gone or it overtakes me emotionally. Everyone told me not to blink and I thought I was doing ok and then all of a sudden it happened. I won't even think about the next time that happens and the child is gone and a teenager remains....

Since we came home with Braylen, we have been "planning" a trip to Disney the fall before she starts kindergarten and it dawned on Brad and I a few days ago that November, 2007 will be that trip. Sounds fun, huh? Well, the vacation does, but not the thought of it being our last vacation during the school year because Braylen will be in kindergarten the following year! As we are planning well in advance for this trip it is bittersweet as I am sure many other memories will be in the future.

All that being said, I am reminded of the following Bible verses:

Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. James 1:14

Life is short and as parents we must heed to this command immediately before it is too late:

Teach (to love the LORD your God, to walk in all his ways and to hold fast to him—Dt. 11:22) to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates, so that your days and the days of your children may be many. Deuteronomy 11:19-21