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

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!

It's a Girl!!!

We are thrilled to announce that we have been matched for adoption, and our baby girl is due on July 7th! Our hearts are overflowing with emotion, and our minds are totally reeling with anticipation.

Boy, did God surprise our socks right off! We had no idea we were even being considered, so we were totally shocked yesterday when we received the news. We are so thankful and humbled that God led the birthmother to choose us, and we are delighted to meet her on Monday afternoon.

This is such a crazy, but welcome whirlwind! And, as with any adoption, there are many factors that must come together before we bring our baby home and finalize the adoption. We pray that God will take care of every little detail and allow the process to go smoothly. We pray that this precious little one continues to experience healthy growth and development, while her mother continues to be blessed in the process. And we pray for wisdom, guidance and peace with the decisions that lie ahead.

Thank you for your prayers, support and love as we take this journey. We are so very blessed!

To Him be all glory,
Ramona

Patience and Praise

It's been three weeks since we've had any communication with Bethany regarding adoption possibilities. Even though it's a short time in the grand scheme of things, each day feels so long when you're yearning to love another little one. Sometimes it seems like our adoption is never going to happen. Of course, I know that's not true. It's just a matter of trusting that God is working out the details. And we have no doubt about His faithfulness.

God shows His unfailing love on a daily basis, sometimes in subtle ways and other times in overwhelming ways. Lately, it has been the latter. Over the last month, God has completely provided for the financial aspect of our adoption. The seemingly insurmountable obstacle was hurdled in divine fashion. We could never have anticipated the ways God provided, and we are so humbled and grateful for His provision. We are also thankful to the individuals who contributed to our adoption fund. Your kindness is much appreciated!

As we wait for a match, we pray that we may have contentment and be a blessing to others.

Joy comes from knowing God loves me and knows who I am and where I'm going...that my future is secure as I rest in Him. James Dobson