Pure Love is This

I was just so overwhelmed today. I went to the doctor with one of my WithChild clients, who is a birthmother planning to place her child for adoption. We were all there: the birthmother, her teenage daughter, the adoptive parents and me. The love...the pure, unselfish love...that this woman is showing her unborn child by placing her for adoption is unbelievable. I have so much respect for her, because she is doing what she feels is best for her unborn daughter, at great cost to herself. Every time I am around her I am struck by her grace in the midst of this difficult circumstance. Of course, I am also very happy for the adoptive family...knowing the blessing that will soon penetrate every nook and cranny of their lives and their hearts.

Afghanistan's Child

oh, how i fell in love with this little cutie. when bob sent this picture, early in his tour in afghanistan, i asked him if she was "adoptable". i did this, mind you, without even discussing it with my husband. i can't get over the sheer joy in her sparkling eyes. nor can i get over the dirt on her small hands. she's just precious.

The Stream

It is a place of quiet solitude. Water skimming over rocks, leaves getting swept away into a pool of calm. It is worth the work. It is peace.

Sophia

I babysat Sophia for the first time last week. She is one of the best babies I have ever been around. She just has a fantastically calm disposition. I told Doug and Tiff that they hit the motherload. They definitely need to know that all babies aren't so wonderfully quiet! Her hair is hysterical, isn't it? It sticks straight up in the air and is as soft as her little behind. Baby love, indeed!

The Love Poured In

Heart ties happen early. I love these two pictures of Mariah holding Addison as a newborn and a two year old. She loves this girl so much, and I'm sure it is due to the investment she's made in little Addie's life. The cuddling, diaper changing, tear wiping, laughing, playing times. Even though we live half a country away, this little pumpkin head has our hearts.

Fireflies

fireflies blue & yellow

dip through streams and dance about

flights of fancy

swirling, twirling

free

Sisters

Oh, how I love these two! Tiffany, my brother's wife, realized a dream come true today...with the adoption of newborn Sophia. And Cheryl, who has been with me for as long as I have been on this earth. Steadfast and true. I am blessed.