Our Little Hot Rod

From a very early age, we knew Liliana would be a daredevil. It started with climbing tall structures and jumping on beds and then quickly progressed to making obstacle courses and riding her bike (or a neighbor's scooter or skateboard) at mind-boggling speeds. Now, much to my chagrin, a friend gave us two motorized vehicles...and Daddy was only too happy to accept.

Here's Liliana on her hot rod (which she named "Orange"). Don't you just love the girly-girl on a tough lookin' roadster? Oh, the irony. Next she's going to be jumping out of airplanes. Please pray for us!

Have a looksie at Liliana's 2nd ride on her Hawg...

Sisterhood of the Shared Pillow

Today has been very special for us. Leila and I started with a pleasant (yippee) early morning feeding while I got my Fox & Friends fix. When Liliana woke up, I opened her door and held Leila so it looked like she was greeting her sister alone in the doorway. Liliana got a kick out of the antic.



















Then the two sweethearts shared a pillow for a few moments of especially memorable bonding. I love the first image, because the girls are gazing into one another's eyes. So precious! The second has obvious appeal--they're both visibly happy.




















Later, Leila experienced her first full bath (her umbilical cord finally came off to reveal a darling "innie"). Liliana gently bathed her, and Leila enjoyed every warm, sudsy moment.



















Here is a precious moment. Liliana washed Leila's tummy and called her "sweet pumpkin," while little wet baby looked directly at her.





















What adorable features, and what a sweet girl! It's remarkable how much Leila looks like Liliana did at that age, especially when she smiles. My next mission is to capture the gigantic smile that shows off Leila's dimples. She has begun smiling and cooing when she sees my face & hears my voice. So cool! Thank you, God, for this beautiful blessing!

Bye Bye Acid Reflux

Thank you, modern medicine! After only 24 hours on her medications, little Leila Madeline is doing much better. What an answer to prayer. Yahoo!!

Although I've been pretty exhausted lately, I felt adventurous enough to take the girls to the pool today. Leila enjoyed a cool spot in the shade while Liliana did her thing on the slide and diving board. It was a nice treat for Liliana, who has been graciously going with the flow since little sister arrived. Of course, all of the pool moms oohed and aahed over the newest member of the swim community. The pool outing was quite the juggling act, but an enjoyable break from the confines of our humble abode.

Thanks for lifting Leila (and the entire fam) up in prayer. We are ever grateful!

So Long Sleep, Hello Spit-Up

Wow, has the past week been rough! The honeymoon was beautiful, but I'm afraid it has come to an end. After a relatively easy couple of weeks, we're now coping with major sleep deprivation, lots of crying and a frustrating medical situation. We adore this precious girl, so she's worth every sleepless moment (and after all, we did sign up for this), but it's definitely a challenging time.

Sweet Leila Madeline has been struggling with serious pain (and projectile spit-ups) during eating, and we're trying everything to help her feel better. We've been through Similac, Good Start with Natural Cultures, and now she's drinking Isomil Advance (soy formula). We initially thought she might have a dairy allergy, but--since she's not loving the soy either--it's looking like acid reflux or something physiological may be the culprit. Either way, our baby is suffering...and we're going to get to the bottom of it!

The doctor recommended Mylanta (to coat the esophagus and tummy before feedings) and prescribed a low dose of baby Zantac. We're hopeful that the regimen with take away the pain without any side effects. It feels so odd to give medication to a three week old, but it's much better than the alternative.

You do everything you can to protect your child--and when something gets in the way, you feel so helpless. Man alive, this is one of the hardest aspects of parenting!

Praying for wisdom, guidance, patience and restored health for Leila.
Ramona

Inspirational Team Hoyt

This moved me.

A son asked his father, "Dad, will you run a marathon with me?"
The father has a heart condition, but agrees anyway.
His love for his son prevails.
They complete the marathon together and go on to run many more.
One day, the son asked his father to compete in the Ironman Triathlon.
His father said "Yes." With great strength and perseverance,
they finished the race together.

Prepare to be inspired...



The Team Hoyt Story

Team Hoyt Website

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

Our New Normal

There's nothing like a trip to the beach to escape the stress of life, and there's nothing like coming home to relax after a long trip! We're so glad to be back to "normal" life--albeit a very new kind of normal.

Now that we're settled in, we're experiencing what it's really like to be a foursome. Leila Madeline is as sweet as ever, although she has definitely discovered the power of her vocal cords. She sleeps about 18 hours a day (often snuggled up to me in the ergo carrier--like right now). Wade is back to work, and Liliana is enjoying her typical daily activities. When Leila is awake, Liliana takes a break from her dolls (or bike or sandbox) to love on her little sister. As for me, I'm sleep-deprived and covered in spit-up, but the baby in my arms is worth every un-glamorous moment.

I am overjoyed to have two little girls, and I'm so thankful that God has entrusted us with Leila Madeline. She is a blessing to our family, but I must honestly say that adoption is a difficult road. The uncertainty of this process (particularly with the ongoing risk) continues to weigh on me--day in and day out. I try to place my trust in God and put my anxieties aside, but it's much easier said than done. The uneasy feeling is always present--and probably will be for the next 45-75 days (depending on how things unfold)--and it's so hard to just enjoy the moment.

Please pray that Leila is home to stay and that our hearts would know peace and comfort in the midst of this stressful process. Also, please lift up Leila's birthmother, Dana, and her family as they continue to adjust to their new normal. I think about them often and look forward to their role in our child's life.

Despite the inescapable uncertainty, this is an intriguing and beautiful adoption story...and what an amazing Author! All glory and praise to our loving God.

Sand and Surf

Here are a couple video clips from our recent adventures. Above, Liliana surfs (with a little help from Daddy). Below, the boys try to master the skim board. With many not-so-hot attempts under his belt, Wade finally enjoys a sweet success!

Dauphin Island Vacation

We just returned from a dreamy vacation on Dauphin Island, where we stayed with Wade's family in a lovely beach house. All 14 of us made wonderful memories together as we lounged in the cottage, played on the beach, frolicked in the water, sailed and fished the ocean, dined on the daily catch and relaxed with loved ones. This was Leila's grand introduction to our family and her first vacation (in only her second week of life).

Here's Liliana in her new flip flops and wrap-around sunglasses... ready for the beach. She poses on the large deck that stretches behind the house and overlooks the bay and a small pond that draws pelicans and other water birds. Plenty of seashells and hermit crabs lined the beachfront and provided entertainment for the cousins.

On the gulf side of our house was a gorgeous beach with fine white sand and very few tourists. We spent many days hanging out in the sand, collecting shells and watching dolphins (stingrays and a jellyfish, too) while the children played. Here's Liliana, who enjoyed a brief moment buried in the sand (thanks to Daddy). She couldn't get enough of the beach!

Below, the cousins (minus sleeping Leila Madeline) pose during a breathtaking sunset. The final photo shows the entire family together on our last day of the vacation.

The Greatest Happiness

It's been almost a week since we became a family of four. I can honestly say that we have never known greater happiness. Leila is the most content little angel, and we all adore her. Liliana continues to excel in her new role as big sister, showering Leila with love and affection and helping in every way possible. Although Liliana needs a little extra TLC these days, we're happy to reinforce how much she means to us.

As for Wade, he's probably the most protective father on the face of the planet. To take even better care of us, he made the decision to upgrade our vehicle. We ditched my old '96 Bonneville for an '08 Sienna (huge sigh of relief)...and I now drive with confidence knowing that I'm sure to get from point A to B without being stranded somewhere in between. It's a welcome feeling, especially with a newborn sweetie in the car.

All in all, it's a great day in our household. As we take time to enjoy one another and adjust to this new family dynamic, I may choose sleep over blogworld from time to time. If you would be so kind, please continue to hold us up in prayer and ask God to protect our family and this adoption. We covet your prayers and feel so thankful that you are walking along side us on this journey. May you be richly blessed.

Meanwhile, Back at the Ranch

All is well on the home front. We're adjusting to being a family of four, and I'm adjusting to living life in a somnambulant state. I forgot just how much care and attention the family (children, big and small) need when a new baby comes home.

Leila Madeline is thriving and loves being home. She is a very happy and alert baby, who eats ravenously (4 oz. every meal) and is growing by leaps and bounds. Yesterday she weighed 7 lbs., 3.5 oz. at her new baby check-up, where our pediatrician said, "She's absolutely perfect." Of course, we already knew that...but it was nice to have the affirmation from a medical standpoint.

Liliana is enamored with Leila. Every time she moves, Liliana gives us the play-by-play: "She's opening her eyes! She's looking at me! She's moving her teeny tiny feet. She's so precious!" When they're riding in the backseat of the car, I have little need for a mirror, because Liliana keeps me posted on every little detail. She is an incredibly caring and attentive big sister. I am so proud of her and thankful that God's timing was so perfect for our family.

My spirits are high, although I have a dull and constant ache in my solar plexus. Little did I know that adoption would double as a diet plan. Due to the stress and upset tummy, I've probably lost five pounds over the past week. I think the uneasy feeling will remain until our foster parent status is upgraded to that of adoptive parents (which will take 60-90 days). Although I don't mind shedding a couple pounds, I much rather be plain old Mommy.

Thank you so much for lifting us up in prayer throughout this process. It has made a huge difference in our lives, and we are so grateful. Please continue to pray that God protects this adoption and each of us as we cope with living in limbo as a foster placement trying to be a family.

May God bless you and keep you,
Ramona

Our Girls...

Leila's Homecoming

She's home! We are thrilled to be a family of four, and we're praying for quick adjustment, comfort, peace, healing and great hope for all of us who left the hospital today. From now on, we will love Leila Madeline as our own and pray that she is home to stay.

The Author of the Story

Tonight has been harder than I ever imagined. While I am so thankful to be bringing Leila Madeline home in the morning, my heart is aching for Dana and her family. We are connected on such a profound level that I can't help but feel their pain and sadness. I can only imagine what they are experiencing as they prepare to say good-bye to the child they love. My heart is literally aching, and I cannot hold back the tears.

I never expected to feel this way. I thought waiting four days after Leila's birth would be unbearable, that it would be awkward, tense and just plain difficult. Little did I know that her hospital stay would be such an incredible blessing to everyone involved. It is so evident that God is the author of this adoption story.

We (those of us God chose as main characters) have been keenly aware of His presence, and we have stood in awe of His providence. There have been so many "goosebump" moments during which we've clearly witnessed the hand of God caring for this adoption. How amazing that He loves us enough to plan every little detail! And in His perfect wisdom and tender mercy, He brought together two completely different worlds for the love of one child.

The days ahead will be bittersweet. The bonds that have been created through this process are very special to us, and we will truly miss spending time with the people we have come to know and love. For that reason, there is a sadness in seeing this short chapter of our lives come to a close.

We have been forever changed by this experience. Our lives are richer and filled with greater joy...not just because our dream of adoption is being fulfilled, but because we have been assured that our lives have great purpose in God's kingdom. He is using our lives to tell His story.

Leila's Homecoming

Tomorrow is the big day! Leila Madeline is coming home to us, hopefully to stay! Here is a photo taken this morning as Wade and I spent time with Dana and her parents. We are forever grateful to them for this beautiful and sacrificial gift. Please lift them up in prayer as they leave the hospital without the child they love and on to the lives God has planned for them. Also, please pray for us as we adjust (gladly) to being a family of four.

Praising His name,
Ramona

Blessings All Around

I just arrived home from another night at the hospital with Leila Madeline. Although I am physically and emotionally exhausted, I wouldn't trade one moment of my time with her. This evening was especially beautiful, because Dana (Leila's birthmother) and I shared two treasured hours with one another. Over the past five weeks, I have come to love Dana--not only for the gift she is giving us, but also for the amazing person she is. What an unexpected blessing!

Wade and I have experienced every conceivable emotion on this adoption thrill-ride. The euphoric highs, deep lows and unexpected twists have left us reeling and exhausted...and we've only just begun. God willing, Leila will come home Wednesday morning and she will become a part of our family forever.

Our deepest appreciation for your continued prayers. Please lift up this adoption and every person involved, that we may all continue to be richly blessed. This is a rare and special adoption, and we give all praise and glory to God for His perfect plan.

Liliana Meets Leila

Yesterday Liliana had an opportunity to meet Leila and give her a bottle. We've been spending as much time with her as we can, while also respecting the birthmother's time. Last night I held Leila for three hours in a private nursery, and it was such a beautiful experience.

Leila sleeps for hours, then is alert for about 30 minutes before it's time to eat. She calmly looks around, makes adorable faces and doesn't cry until it's about one minute 'til bottle time. She is absolutely precious, and I'm so thankful to have so much bonding time in the hospital. Praise the Lord for this adoption!

Introducing Leila Madeline

We are delighted to announce that Leila Madeline was born this morning at 4:48am, weighing 6 lbs. 14 oz. and measuring 20 inches. She is a beautiful and healthy little angel, and we couldn't be happier to welcome her into our family. God willing, she will come home to us Wednesday morning. We praise God for this little miracle and pray that He will continue to bless the adoption process!

Waiting...

Okay, we raced home from Indiana (where we spent exactly 12 hours) and haven't heard a single word since we returned home. Poor Dana must be miserable. She went into the hospital at 2:00am with contractions. At that point, she was dilated 2 cm, but the contractions didn't progress...so the doctor sent her home to eat, walk and sleep (yeah, right). We were hoping that she'd have the baby by now...but no such luck.

Right now, we're on pins and needles waiting to hear that Dana has been admitted to the hospital. When the phone rings, we'll be out the door! Please pray for a safe, healthy & speedy delivery. Also, please lift up all of the individuals involved and pray that God allows this adoption to go smoothly.

Happy Independence Day!

Here She Comes!

We just received the call that Dana is going into labor! Please pray for a safe delivery, thriving baby and beautiful adoption experience. Please pray that Leila comes home to stay!

Lord, we leave all of the details in your hands! Yippeee, we're almost a family of four!

Liliana's Athletic Prowess

Yesterday was a big day in the athletic arena. Not only did Liliana begin riding a "big girl" bike with training wheels, but she also made huge strides at the pool. Oh yeah, my baby girl jumped off the diving board and swam to the ladder seven times in a row--without a flotation device or assistance from Mommy or Daddy! You may have heard my cheering from across town.

Speaking of swimming, here's a video of contagious laughter and serious fun at the hotel swimming pool...