Joy...

...joy...sums up these last seven days. Even in the midst of our move, readjustment, the challenging transition of moving from two incomes to one...there has been joy. God has been so good to us. He provided a buyer for our home in Georgia--and led us to put a contract on a great house in Arkansas. Our sweet baby boy is NINE months old today...

...joy! I am still in awe of the grace of God that allowed us the opportunity to be Baker's parents. Almost one year ago we received a call that Baker's birthmother wanted to meet us. How our lives have changed since that moment! It is pure joy hearing his laugh and listening to him babble (though he spends time all day with "ma ma" all he wants to say over and over again is "da da da da da"). I find joy in watching him grow and develop. Having the opportunity to wipe tears from his eyes, though it hurts my heart, also brings me joy (he has learned the art of pulling up and has recently become brave enough to attempt moving from one piece of furniture to the next...often ending with a thud on the floor). It brings me joy to budget and pinch pennies..all which enable me the opportunity to stay home with him. The love Baker's birthmother and birthfather have for him is a beautiful/joyful thing...they still call, text, and send him cards and gifts. We have a unique and special bond with his birthmother...likely because we have an open adoption...I am his mother, but he also has a birthmother that carried him for nine months and loved him so much that she took care of herself (and him) during that time--eventually making an incredibly selfless decision--sacrificing her own desires for his well being. Some may find it odd we are so close and open with her...but, it is our "normal"...and in that we find joy.

Praying God continues to allow me to find joy in my circumstances...to be aware of the silver lining...and to continue trusting He works everything for HIS good.

p.s. I will be hosting a wonderful giveaway tomorrow--so please stop by and enter!