Saturday, May 30, 2015

First Real Family Photos Finally!


Mothers Day Splash

Brandy:

T.J and I both have tried to explain Mother's Day to Jack. He was not really interested when T.J talked to him and today he asked 'Mama's birthday??" when I told him about the day. I am trying to put myself in his little shoes to figure out how to talk to him about it, then I got to thinking. Why talk, just DO! Love is an action. We will make sure that Jack sees love and one day he will get it. I know he will. We will show him by loving our Mothers and Fathers the way God intended us to. Do as I do! wink emoticon
On a side note: Jack is still doing wonderful. He has gotten to where he doesn't want to talk about China much and when someone tries to talk in Mandarin he turns away. I was told that this is normal for him and it will pass. He told me today that he loves being silly at his home! grin emoticon I think he is just happy to have his family!
Happy Mothers to you all! And the ones that are still waiting for your child, hang in there! God has plan and it is perfect! Love you all!







So happy today at the splash pad

Posted by Paul Adoption on Saturday, May 9, 2015

Sharing the Joy of Adoption

Brandy:

So yesterday Jack and I were going to the library like we do every Wednesday morning. But for some reason I was in a rush to get there at 9:30 instead of 10:30 when story-time starts. (I really thought it started at 9:30 grin emoticon ) Since we were a hour early (and got kicked out of the library for being too early! HA) we went to the park. Jack started playing with a little boy so I started talking to his Mom. She was very interested in Jack's adoption story. She had said since she cannot have anymore kids that she felt strongly about adoption but didn't know much about the process. I felt lead to tell her everything about our journey, even some of Jack's medical needs. (which I am pretty picky about discussing) I just wanted her to understand that the fear is nothing to the joy God has for us. At the time I didn't think much about it, I was just doing what felt right. Later I was praying and knew then that God gave me a moment of craziness just so I can meet this sweet lady and give her encouragement. I must say that our God is perfect in EVERYTHING He does! Never lose the chance to share your story about what God has does in your life! I don't know if I ever see this lady again or if she will ever adopt however I will pray for her to take away what I think God meant to do with our little meeting. Everyday God leaves me in awe. We all can be in awe of the perfect God if we are just open to Him goodness!

What is Jack Like After 4 Months? Plus His First Bike Video

Brandy:
So sorry we have not updated in awhile! Being parents to a 4 year old makes for some busy times! Jack is doing great!! He has bonded with me from the get go however T.J. has had to work for Jack's love. This week has been a HUGE turn around for them and I could not be happier. Jack now talks about his Daddy and wants me to send pictures to T.J. when he does something. And yesterday he told me that he wanted Daddy to stay home and Mama go to work! grin emoticon This did not upset me, it only made me VERY happy! Jack only use to talk about what Mama and Jack would do together, now he adds T.J. As it should be! Jack is now talking only in English, he may use about 2 Chinese words that he doesn't seem to want to let go. Conversations with him are very entertaining to say the least. Some of his favorite things to talk about are fire, firetrucks, police cars, going fast, crashing cars, batman and asking 'why?' on just about everything! Jack has also learned to ride a bike! Whoop whoop!! We try to get out when we can and Jack does wonderful with everything new. Monday we went to the zoo where he got to see some family and friends. He wasn't too interested in the animals, he was more interested in running around and arresting the other kids. (one of his fave things to do, since his Papaw is a cop) He gets along with all his cousins and adores each one of them!
We would like to ask for prayers because we are still working on some of Jack's medical issues. He is doing great, healthy, and never slows down, this makes for a tired Mama at the end of the day with the "extra" we have to work out. I will tell you that T.J. and I get a little overwhelmed. We have to remind ourselves of the bigger picture all the time and have faith. T.J. has a wonderful friend that gave him the perfect scripture for this saturation: Hebrews 11:6 6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.
We have faith that God will work it all out, in the meantime we will continue to give Him the glory!! Jack is truly a blessing from God that gives so much joy to everyone he meets! Thank you all for the prayers! Love you!!


March(ish) 2015

February 27
Brandy: Jackson went in EARLY for dental surgery this morning. It was a little hard seeing him when he was waking up from the anesthesia. He cried a little bit, and kicked a little bit, but I think he did pretty well. He and Brandy are home now. Brandy said he is already riding his big wheel and playing. Brandy is actually having to hold him back a bit, because the doctor doesn't want him getting too excited today. It will be soft foods for the next day or two. No gum or sticky candy till his next set of teeth come in. He seems to be bouncing back like he always does. Let's pray he doesn't have to make any more hospital visits for a while.

February 28
We Went to the Chinese New Year Parade
Photos in album


March 2
Brandy: Hey everyone! Brandy here! I want to write to you all a very open letter about my life now. This is hard for me however I feel like I should share. T.J. and I do not go into any of Jack's medical issue out of respect for Jack. (Jack will be grown one day and he may not want the whole world to know his personal business) However I will tell you, before you start thinking the worst, it is not life threatening or even something that holds him back any. It is something that we have to deal with daily, had to see several Drs and a hospital stay. As a new Mother I have had to step outside even more of my comfort zone and just handle what comes. You are probably wondering why I am sharing this since I am not going into details, well I am sharing this because I want you all to know that even in the hard days there has been joy! Even when I get frustrated because I question everything I am doing, God always finds a way to reassure me of my role. T.J. and I had to make a decision about Jack's day care a few months back and we both felt at peace with God telling us that I should stay at home. I went from working a 40 hour a week job that I enjoyed to staying at home with a 4 year old. At first it was so hard for me. I was not sure I could do it especially with Jack's "extra needs". Once again, I tell you this because it has made me rely on Jesus even more. I've had to step away and just cry out to Jesus for wisdom and understanding! And since we have an awesome God, He always gives me what I need. Sharing all this to you guys is hard, being so open about life can go either way with other people judging. However I got to thinking: God gave me this life, there has to be a reason. So I felt lead to share this part of the journey just in case it may help someone grow closer to God or if someone is thinking about adoption this may help with your walk towards your child. As I am writing this, scripture comes to mind: 4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
I always understood the words to this scripture but never really understood the MEANING. However now that I have the chance to serve my husband and son the way God needs me too, I truly get this scripture. I don't know if I would ever really "get it" if I didn't have this chance. Adoption is the true example of God's love for us and I am blessed that God chose me for this life. My cup is runneth over, yes even on those REALLY difficult days when I am unsure, (and believe me , there has been A LOT) I am still full of joy. The joy that only Jesus can give. I pray this helps with someone tonight that needs to hear that our Lord will never leave us or forsake us. I am living proof that God can take someone that is under-qualified and give them the "gifts" to do His will.

March 12
Brandy: Jack first Easter is coming up! So excited to introduce this special holiday to him and teach Jack all about JESUS being ALIVE!!!