Too cute

I decided that I needed to start putting some of the bigger clothes on Elle even if they are a little big, otherwise she won't get to wear them...and they are far too cute for never being worn. So, here she is in a very, very adorable little outfit. (Perhaps I am biased...but doesn't it make you go ahhhh?) Below she is offering one of her melt your heart smiles.
Joy didn't want to be left out, so here she is having a drink of water at her table.

Happy Valentine's Day

I made Danish Pastry for breakfast...it is a holliday morning/special occasion family tradition. And boy...did Joy ever like it. The rest of the pictures are for grandma who bought these sweet little outfits for the girls for their first Valentine's day as part of our family. Thanks grandma/mama.

Ain't they sweet...

Now she can watch what comes out of her mouth. :o)
Ahhh...they're cuddling.Those smiles melt my heart.
Had to show off the sweater and the cute look.
Another modeling moment.

Pictures

Life has been really crazy lately with lots of unexpected things...but here are a few pictures for your viewing pleasure.Here Joy is opening one of her gifts on Christmas morning.Papa is putting together his first kid's toy.Joy is sitting at her table reading a fun book. Elle has just started smiling...here she is showing off for us!More smiles.
What a sweet girl!
Joy mixing it up in her kitchen.
What a happy smile.
She's turning on the water to wash something.

Elle at 3 months in the outfit I wore for my 3 month picture.
Here she is in what my sister wore for her 3 month pic.
Joy's hair is finally long enough for pigtails and I had to get a shot.
Here is another one....so cute!

Just had to share this picture of Joy walking around with her bear and her blankie.

I just found this...

Our computer fizzled sometime in September and with it I lost access to many of my documents. Well, my fine hubby has just rebuilt the computer and with it many of my documents are back. Christmas made me think of our Christmas letter from last year and I had been trying to remember my wording on a little note that I had written. I just came across it and wanted to post it here.


Last year we mentioned that we were planning to pursue adoption and asked that you would pray with us in this. We are again asking you to pray for us as we move forward with the adoption process. Our biggest hurdle at the moment is completing our home study (which involves a bunch of writing and looks intimidating). Please pray we get it done quickly as well as that God gives us wisdom in all aspects of this process. We have also received a very generous gift to aid us in pursuit of adoption. This has confirmed in our hearts, along with other things, that we are headed in the right direction. In the meantime, we are beginning to say that we are expecting. We fully anticipate and believe that we will have a child/children within the next 9 months. Thank you for walking with us! We appreciate your prayers and your support.

The red phrase is the one I was trying to remember. I know that God led us to make that statement of belief and He has been true to fulfilling it. Joy came to live with us in April and Elle was born exactly 9 months after Christmas. Wow!!! How exciting and overwhelming for me to see the way that God answers His child's cry and how He rewards her faith.

This is for Grandma

My mom was complaining that there were no pictures in my last post so I had to add a few of my recent favorites. Elle was just given this sweet sweater with booties and hat. The booties fit perfect and are so tiny. The hat doesn't really fit (is too small) but I had to get a picture of her in it.
Joy is perched on one of her favorite spots...the dog food can. I just thought her hair looked so cute and curly so I had to take a picture.
Joy loves her teddy bear. It seems to be becoming a more desired item. Isn't she cute!
Elle is in her sweet lavendar outfit. It is newborn size and is fitting her well.
I started taking pictures of Joy and she started tilting her head...so sweet.

Rejoicing

We recently learned that Joy's birth father is currently planning to voluntarily relinquish his rights. This is huge. We have been praying for God's will and His direction in what is best for Joy and are trusting that this is part of His plan. We still don't know if we will be able to adopt her, but things are certainly looking possible. I wouldn't say probable, simply because so much can happen. But, oh, how encouraging to not have great barriers at this point. We must keep trusting God and His plan.

This year as my birthday and as Christmas approach, I must say that I have a gift that I have longed for for many years...I have 2 little girls under my care. Not only are they under my care, but I am mama to each of them. Right now I know that there is some legal risk with each of them, but oh, what an amazing gift. Jesus came to us in the form of a human baby and Mary pondered all these things in her heart. I have been trying to ponder these two and store up precious memories of them. I am amazed at the way God is answering this heart's desire of mine. I mean we would have been thankful to have one little one in our home this Christmas (last year we really believed we would have a child in our home by this Christmas) but to have TWO is incredible! It makes me want to shout for joy and cry with gratefulness! Praise be to the God and father of our Lord Jesus Christ who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing and is blessing us with earthly blessings as well.

They very much remind me of the hope and ultimately joy that became available to us at Christmas time. May you sense that same hope and joy this Christmas season.