Yup, that's us. Constantly growing. Never static. Always fun.
Our family started back in 2001 when Papa Bear and Mama Bear got hitched. Two crazy kids, best friends from college, filled with dreams for the future. I gotta tell you, it doesn't look much like we dreamed it would. No dream was big enough to encompass this awesome reality!
First to join us was the Princess. She was our first surprise, and continues to surprise us. She arrived squalling and has been pretty vocal about her opinions and beliefs ever since; it's awesome! Princess has been my sweet darling since I first held her; I'm so thankful for a daugther I delight in. She is chatty, sweet, girly, and has a heart bigger than I would have ever thought to pray for. She loves to dance, to snuggle, to play, and to read. She adores biographies and gets buried in mysteries. She nurtures her little brother, wrestles with her biggest brother, and plays with her big brother. And she prays constantly for a sister in the midst of it all.
Next to come along was our Buddy. He, too, was a precious surprise from God. He came out quiet and alert ... and never really went back to sleep after that. From the beginning he was strong, steady, and observant. Not prone to much emotion, but the emotions he does have run deep. Buddy is everyone's friend and his heart radiates compassion. He gives the best hugs! He loves to follow the biggest brother around and do everything with him. He plays chess, monopoly, and Uno like a pro. His brain works in amazing ways and I marvel when I listen to him work out math or logic challenges as though they were simple little riddles. He also has a great ear for languages and is working on becoming bilingual.
The third to arrive was the Warrior. He came early and quick, setting his own course. He hasn't changed at all! He is the sweetest toddler you can imagine, and the most tenacious Warrior as well. He knows his own mind and loves with his whole heart. He doesn't have much to say, but he expresses himself with every nuance and action so clearly you can have an entire conversation with him. What words he does know well are split between two languages. It's kind of funny! He adores the biggest brother, delights in the big brother, and is devoted to his Sissy. He can make a gray day burst full of sun with his giggles and grins.
The biggest brother is our most recent family member. He is the Eldest and has risen to the occasion with pride and joy. I often forget that he has not always been here because he fits so perfectly. When God first called us to adopt, we had no idea he would be our son. The first time we saw his photo, we fell in love with his smile. When we met him, we fell in love with his charm. Now that he is ours, we love every little thing about him. He nurtures the Warrior, encourages and teaches Buddy, and dotes on {and teases!} the Princess. He is affectionate and tender, but strong and determined. His is capable; an able young man who assesses a challenge and quickly rises to it. He loves to tinker and has an artistic streak a mile wide.
And now there's Angel. Angel is a sweet little girl. I can't tell you much other than that she has soulful eyes, a determined spirit, and is our fifth child. Even though I've never held her or heard her voice, she is mine. Papa Bear and I took one look at her and we knew she was the answer to the prayers we had been praying for a baby girl. She has been growing in my heart for months. And it seems she has needed us longer than that. My heart breaks when I think about her sitting in an institution, not knowing the love of a family. This blog is our journey to bring our Angel home.
Our family started back in 2001 when Papa Bear and Mama Bear got hitched. Two crazy kids, best friends from college, filled with dreams for the future. I gotta tell you, it doesn't look much like we dreamed it would. No dream was big enough to encompass this awesome reality!
First to join us was the Princess. She was our first surprise, and continues to surprise us. She arrived squalling and has been pretty vocal about her opinions and beliefs ever since; it's awesome! Princess has been my sweet darling since I first held her; I'm so thankful for a daugther I delight in. She is chatty, sweet, girly, and has a heart bigger than I would have ever thought to pray for. She loves to dance, to snuggle, to play, and to read. She adores biographies and gets buried in mysteries. She nurtures her little brother, wrestles with her biggest brother, and plays with her big brother. And she prays constantly for a sister in the midst of it all.
Next to come along was our Buddy. He, too, was a precious surprise from God. He came out quiet and alert ... and never really went back to sleep after that. From the beginning he was strong, steady, and observant. Not prone to much emotion, but the emotions he does have run deep. Buddy is everyone's friend and his heart radiates compassion. He gives the best hugs! He loves to follow the biggest brother around and do everything with him. He plays chess, monopoly, and Uno like a pro. His brain works in amazing ways and I marvel when I listen to him work out math or logic challenges as though they were simple little riddles. He also has a great ear for languages and is working on becoming bilingual.
The third to arrive was the Warrior. He came early and quick, setting his own course. He hasn't changed at all! He is the sweetest toddler you can imagine, and the most tenacious Warrior as well. He knows his own mind and loves with his whole heart. He doesn't have much to say, but he expresses himself with every nuance and action so clearly you can have an entire conversation with him. What words he does know well are split between two languages. It's kind of funny! He adores the biggest brother, delights in the big brother, and is devoted to his Sissy. He can make a gray day burst full of sun with his giggles and grins.
The biggest brother is our most recent family member. He is the Eldest and has risen to the occasion with pride and joy. I often forget that he has not always been here because he fits so perfectly. When God first called us to adopt, we had no idea he would be our son. The first time we saw his photo, we fell in love with his smile. When we met him, we fell in love with his charm. Now that he is ours, we love every little thing about him. He nurtures the Warrior, encourages and teaches Buddy, and dotes on {and teases!} the Princess. He is affectionate and tender, but strong and determined. His is capable; an able young man who assesses a challenge and quickly rises to it. He loves to tinker and has an artistic streak a mile wide.
And now there's Angel. Angel is a sweet little girl. I can't tell you much other than that she has soulful eyes, a determined spirit, and is our fifth child. Even though I've never held her or heard her voice, she is mine. Papa Bear and I took one look at her and we knew she was the answer to the prayers we had been praying for a baby girl. She has been growing in my heart for months. And it seems she has needed us longer than that. My heart breaks when I think about her sitting in an institution, not knowing the love of a family. This blog is our journey to bring our Angel home.
I know provision will be found. So excited to walk through this journey with you - again! Your testimony will be great!
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