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...

On the Road Again!

Liliana and I accompanied Wade on yet another work trip last week. This time we visited the Illinois cities of Peoria and Chicago, creating adventures all along the way. In Peoria, Liliana had a comfortable view from the jogging stroller as we galavanted around the downtown area. The riverfront had a great walking path with several parks for Liliana to climb and play. And, of course, she had a ball in the hotel pool.

In Chicago, we were excited to dine at our fave, the Grand Lux Cafe, and spend time with friends at the Lincoln Park Zoo. Here we are in front of a beautiful botanical display--one of dozens on Michigan Avenue. Can you tell that we just enjoyed the most delicious brunch known to mankind? The night before, we walked to the Taste of Chicago in Grant Park. What a mad crowd! I've never seen so many people trying to get a slice of deep dish pizza!

While Liliana and I hung out with my college friend, Tiffani and her girls, Wade had an opportunity to play golf. It was his second outing of the trip...so he was lovin' it! Here's Liliana with her new pal, Maddi. They're pretending to be baby beavers, like those in the exhibit behind them.

Below, the friends are joined by little Kayla (Maddi's sister) in a sculpture near the zoo cafe. The girls had a wonderful time, and I enjoyed catching up with my friend of 18 years (wow, that seems like a long time). Here's to old friends and good times!

What's In A Name?

Just to clear up any confusion..Leila is pronounced Ly-la, not Lay-la. And no, we did not seek out "L" names. In fact, the runner-up started with "V." We love the sophistication and playfulness of the name, Leila, and we chose to honor the birthmother, Dana, by incorporating the name she chose (Madeline) as the middle name. Leila Madeline, come home soon and come home to stay!

Trusting and Proceeding

When you begin the adoption process, professionals tell you that it's going to be a much more difficult process than you'd think...and they're not kidding. We haven't known a single dull moment since we started down this road, and this week has been wildly emotional.

After Monday's startling & disappointing news, we regrouped, gathered information and prayerfully considered the situation. We realized that we have absolutely no control over the success of this adoption...it's all in God's hands. And we basically have two options: jump ship or trust the Lord and charge forward. So, full speed ahead!

This challenge has shown us our deep level of commitment to Leila and Dana, while helping us to place complete trust in God's plan. We are answering His call, no matter where it may lead. While we have no assurances about our future with Leila, we have total peace about our decision to proceed.

So here's the status: At this point, Dana has asked us to be present for Leila's birth (which is so exciting and could happen any day now). When she is discharged from the hospital, we will bring her home and into our family. As difficult as it may be, we intend to think of her as "ours for now" until the adoption is final. And every day, we'll pray Leila is home to stay!

Leila Madeline

This morning--with great expectation--we named our baby girl Leila Madeline. For us, giving her a name emotionally secured her place in our family. We referred to her by name throughout the day, and it felt so good...and right.

Several hours later, we learned of complications that may seriously jeopardize the adoption. Our social worker classified the situation as "highly, highly risky" and recommended that we reconsider our plans to bring Leila home from the hospital (and instead, place her in interim foster care). We are deeply saddened by this turn of events, and turn to the Lord for guidance, wisdom and a miraculous outcome.

As we try to make sense of this disappointing news, I know in my heart that God's plan is good (even if it feels rotten right now). I think to myself (wishfully, perhaps), "Maybe this is a crazy blessing in disguise. Or maybe this is His way of adding more drama to heighten the impact of a happy ending." Maybe. Hopefully.

It's time to pray boldly. Please pray that Leila comes home to us and that this recent development is an unexpected means to that end. Please pray for our hearts. We want to be faithful and trusting, We want to pray that His will be done. But at the same time, we don't feel ready for the impact of another loss. Quite honestly, we're tired of grieving. Our family is incomplete, and we're painfully aware of it every day.

Thank you for walking along side us,
Ramona

Fighting Fires and Carseats

After a brutal brawl with a viral infection, Liliana is officially on the mend. Here she is at Valley Park Fire District open house, where she fought "fires," drove the giant fire engine and posed for photo ops with mommy.

Our main mission was to have the infant car seats installed by a professional (thanks, Kyle), and we serendipitously discovered a world of fun with our local firefighters.

After witnessing two strong and thoroughly trained professionals (80, yes 80 hours of practice) push and pull for 30 minutes to properly install car seat bases in our vehicles, I have just question: Why should we be surprised that 85% of car seats are incorrectly installed by parents?

At least I can check one more thing off of my To Do list!

Careening

For the past few days, my emotions have been careening between pure elation and unsettling doubt & fear. Although I'd love to keep living in bliss, I know that's not a realistic residence for an adoptive mama-to-be. At this point, I'll settle for a happy medium of cautious optimism.

The negative onslaught of feelings is due to the realization that we could be setting ourselves up for a monumental loss. The birthbather could assert his rights or Dana could change her mind. I've always known it, but I've been applying the knowledge to "birthparents in general," not our baby's birthparents. According to our social worker, about one third of adoptions fall through because the parents change their minds.

If Dana chose to parent, I'd experience a certain amount of happiness for her... but the rest of me would be utterly devastated. It would be another loss...and another period of grief. And I don't think I could handle losing another child. So, I'm trying to prepare myself without getting overwhelmed by fear. This is a difficult situation to reconcile, a major exercise in trusing God and remembering that His plan is perfect. After all, it's not my will, but Thy will be done. Please pray for my heart!

That being said, we continue to lift up the health and development of our baby and her birthmother. She is due two weeks from tomorrow!

One is Silver and the Other Gold

Today we enjoyed a welcome visit from old friends, Marie and Skyla. Even though the girls are three years apart, they had a grand ol' time together. The highlight of their afternoon was playing soccer with the master, Wade. When it comes to sports, he's the most patient and giving teacher around.

While the kids played, Marie and I had an opportunity to catch up and laugh. Thanks for a great time, Marie and Skyla. Let's do it again, soon!

Camels, Goats, Clydesdales..Oh My!

It was a beautiful morning at Grant's Farm, with many unexpected thrills (courtesy of the unpredictable animals).

Left: Liliana poses with a clydesdale at the stable. Below: A camel swings its head around and tries to get fresh with Liliana. Although she loved the gesture, she certainly didn't appreciate his breath!

Play the video below to get a taste of the goat pen, where Liliana fed the goats with bottles and brushed their nappy fur. I've heard goats will eat anything, and this video is proof. So funny.

Hope you enjoy...we did!

My Cup Runneth Over

There are no words to convey the depth of my love for this child. She is an absolute blessing, and I can't wait to meet the precious sister God is preparing for her. At this point, the baby is full term--just three weeks 'til her due date! May God hold her in the palm of His hand until we hold her in our arms.

Foster to Adopt

Whew! What a whirlwind. We've been going nonstop to prepare for the arrival of our little one. In order to bring her directly home from the hospital, Wade and I have to become certified foster parents...which means another mountain of paperwork, CPR/First Aid and coursework. Since we just learned of these new requirements yesterday, I stayed up 'til 2:00am to complete everything--and used up an entire pen in the process! After a private CPR/BFA class on Monday, we'll be on our way to certification!

One week ago, my "To Do" list was two pages long. Now I'm down to five more tasks:
1. Find a stroller that holds a newborn and a 45 pound preschooler.
2. Get diapers and formula.
3. Purchase a special gift for the birthmother, Dana.
4. Locate and install base for car seat.
5. Meet with attorney on Tuesday.

Hopefully we'll feel completely ready by the middle of next week. And God willing, everything will go smoothly. Praying for healthy and safe development and delivery!

Animal Paradise Adventure

I have to rewind to our most recent road trip and share this footage of our adventures at Animal Paradise near Springfield, Missouri.

The first video is sweet, while the second is a little crazy. Enjoy!

A Gift from God

I am on cloud nine right now! We met with our baby's birthmother this evening, and it couldn't have been a more beautiful and fulfilling experience. It is so clear that God has led us to this place in our lives and connected us with this young woman. She is truly a gift. We are totally elated and completely at peace about this process. Praise God for this glorious blessing!

Two Days in Branson

Who knew Branson could be so much fun?

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

I Can Think Clearly Now, the Pain is Gone

Well, the pain is not gone, but it's much better. I survived the frenzy of medical appointments, tests and treatments, and I'm moving forward. Thank you so much for praying and encouraging me through the past few days. It's been painful, taxing and a little scary. At this point, the docs think I'm suffering from mixed-type migraine headaches, and Sunday's crazy symptoms were likely part of a "complicated" migraine.

The CT Scan was clear and the MRI was fairly unremarkable (bulging disc at C6&7 and acute sinusitis--go figure). The neurologist also ordered an MRA (imaging of the arteries) for Tuesday. He advised me to have more regular osteopathic manipulation for my neck and spine, while taking Topamax daily for prevention of migraines. I say yes to the first recommendation and "not yet" to the second. I prefer the more natural means of getting healthy.

So, we'll see what my good ol' D.O. can do, wait for the results of the MRA...and go from there. Once again, thank you for your kindness and support. And praise God for His continued provisions.

Blessings to you,
Ramona

Doctors and Drugs

I'm in the midst of medical mania. For the past couple weeks, I've been experiencing severe headaches, which I've tried (operative word) to manage with a combination of medication, massage, stretching, exercise, Active-On and prayer. Sunday after church, my headache started raving, and a host of other crazy symptoms joined the party. My right eye went berserk and lost it's ability to see straight, while my brain forgot how to communicate to my mouth. Since my sentences no longer matched my thoughts, some crazy phrases came out. Even Liliana looked at me and said, "Mama, what are you talking about?!" As soon as Wade took one look (and listen) at me, he rushed me to the hospital.

The staff at St. Luke's thought I might be having a stroke, so they hooked me up to a bunch of shiny contraptions, took a CT scan and monitored my vitals. They were so uppity about my condition that they wouldn't even let me go to the potty! After confirming that I wasn't stroking, they observed my behavior, sent blood to the lab and finally let me pee--in a cup! After "resting" in the ER for a few hours and allowing the doctor to experiment with a host of painkillers, I finally went home. I was so thankful that I didn't have to stay overnight as originally expected. My bedroom is much more comfortable and quiet than the hospital.

Since returning home, my life is all about doctors and drugs. Primary doc yesterday, MRI this afternoon and neurologist tomorrow. Lots of medicine in between.

On top of that, I'm supposed to be "taking it easy"--whatever that means for a busy mother with a huge To-Do list, clients to call, an adoption situation stamped "urgent," and a 3.5-year-old who doesn't slow down.

All in all, life is a little overwhelming right now. But I'm so thankful to be feeling a little better, thinking a little more clearly and able to potty whenever I feel like it! Please pray for strength, rest, wisdom and guidance. Your support means the world!

Blessings,
Ramona

Midwestern Memorial Day Weekend

We just spent a week on the road, part in Illinois for Wade's work and part visiting my family in Indiana. Liliana and I had a ball staying in a hotel and seeing the local sights. She really dug playing in the pool and getting ready for summer fun at Chadwick.

Our time with family was relaxing and filled with hometown fun. Liliana played with her cousins, Luke and Clayton, the entire weekend. It was a delight to see the way they shared and communicated with one another.

Wade and I had lots of time to catch up with my mom and brother during the long weekend. I'm sure it's safe to say that Wade's highlights involved golf and my bro's new hawg. For me, relaxing with family was key.

Although I battled back & neck pain during the entire trip, I wouldn't change a thing. And next time, we'll bring Liliana's helmet so she can ride the Harley properly. Look how tiny she is on that huge Harley!

Lovin' the Great Outdoors

We're so thankful for spring weather in St. Louis! Our family is all about the outdoors, so the warm weekend was such a welcomed treat. Liliana relishes the opportunity to "help" in the yard--digging, planting flowers and watering plants. We wear matching gardening gloves, and she feels so grown up when we ask her to complete tasks. Here's Liliana in the tree in our front yard, just after we watered the garden.

Another favorite activity is bike-riding. Her little legs pedal so fast that the bike can't keep up! Lately she's been doing tricks, like riding with no hands, putting her feet on the handlebars, kicking her legs straight out, and standing up on the seat...all while the bike is in motion. What a daredevil!

On another note, Liliana has been blowing our minds with her incredible vocabulary. And she remembers almost everything she hears. Yesterday I asked her (for the 2nd time) if she washed her hands after playing outside. With a kind, but firm tone, she replied: "Mommy, I already told you that I washed them. Please don't ask me again. My yes is yes, and my no is no." Talk about hearing your own words come out of someone else's mouth! I heart motherhood!

Waiting on God

God makes a promise, faith believes it, hope anticipates it, patience quietly awaits it.
~Unknown

Considering Concurrent Adoptions

Despite perceived setbacks with our adoption desires, God has protected our hearts and minds from discouragement. Yes, I experienced momentary frustration regarding the state guidelines, but my eyes remain steadily focused on God's call for our future.

Right now we find ourselves trying to discern the specifics of God's will. We are certain that we have been called to adopt a child (multiple, in fact) into our family. And there are things we must do in order to make that happen. We've completed our part with the agency (except the patient waiting), and now the rest is in God's hands.

With such a long and unpredictable road--and to avoid being on a wait list later--many families are pursuing concurrent adoptions. As we wait and deliberate, Wade and I both feel led to consider this option for our family. (It's pretty amazing that we share the same zest, because we were in very different places a year ago.) In these situations, the agencies work together to ensure that the adoptions occur at least 6 months apart. However, with the current lull, it's likely that they'd be much further apart.

This is tricky gray area. While we want to recognize our desires and take a proactive approach, we don't want to be overzealous and step outside of God's will for our lives. If you are led, please pray for wisdom, guidance and discernment in this area.

...Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done!

State Adoption Sidelined

Just days after submitting our application for a state adoption, we heard from Jennifer, the foster and adoption coordinator at the Missouri Department of Social Services. I was so thrilled to get her voicemail that my mind started spinning out all kinds of potential scenarios. Jennifer and I played phone tag for several days, so I had a substantial period of time to let my mind go crazy. Unfortunately, my excitement came to a screeching halt quickly after Jennifer and I connected.

According to Missouri's rules, families cannot be considered while they are actively working with another agency. Sad, but understandable. Furthermore, infants are rarely eligible for adoption until they reach the age of 15 months. Regardless of the abuse or neglect a parent has shown to previous children, expectant parents have 15 months to show that they have been reformed. So each baby born to an offending mother lives in limbo for over a year of it's life to see if mom or dad can get it together. Sad, and inexcusable.

Having worked with severe cases of child abuse and neglect in the past, I find this policy to be quite disturbing. In my experience, about 1% of unfit parents regain the ability to be healthy caregivers. Even Jennifer agreed that the system is hard to stomach. According to her, the rule exists only to prevent legal appeals, not to protect the best interests of children. So sad.

I am disappointed that we will be unable to adopt through this avenue, but I'm more disgusted with the system. It's so frustrating that the rights of offending parents trump the rights of innocent babies..and, as usual, the people who desire to be parents are sidelined. It's just not right.

There's my soapbox for the day. This is a setback, but I'm not going to let it get me down. I am extremely grateful for where we are, and I'm even more hopeful for the future.

Chicago Weekend

We celebrated Mothers' Day weekend in Chicago. Wade had a conference for work, so we made it into a long family weekend. Liliana and I checked out Bloomingdale and the Indian Lakes Resort during Wade's sessions, and we spent time together in the evening.

The remainder of our mini-vacation was spent in downtown Chicago, where we hoofed it around town.

We took a trolley to Navy Pier, but didn't hail a cab the entire weekend.

Left: Wade and Liliana in front of the giant ampitheater.

Liliana especially loved the area surrounding the Art Institute. With its gardens, fountains, statues and millions of pebbles--she was in heaven. She especially enjoyed pretending the pebbles were birdseed.

Although the weather was on the chilly side, the sun made an appearance from time to time...and we soaked it up!

Believe it or not, this traveling puppet show was one of Wade's favorite attractions. Of course, Liliana got a kick out of it...but Wade talked about it for hours.

The highlight of my trip was a crazy good restaurant (and my new favorite) called The Grand Lux Cafe. The food and atmosphere were so incredible that we went back for Mother's Day breakfast. If you go to Chicago, you owe it to yourself to dine at the Grand Lux on Michigan Avenue!


Liliana loved Navy Pier. With so much to see and do, we spent half a day there. Our hotel was right in the heart of the Magnificent Mile, so we were close to all of the action.

Left: Liliana playing near the dancing fountains at Navy Pier.

No trip is complete without a visit to Rainforest Cafe! We were all enamored with the tropical ambience, and Liliana was thrilled to be surrounded by her favorite animals.

Minus the challenging 3-year-old behaviors, our Chicago adventure was delightful! The only thing that could have made our trip more spectacular would have been spending time with our Chicago-dwelling pals (who were all unavailable). We missed you guys!

Here's to Chicago & a memorable Mother's Day!

Happy Mothers' Day Weekend!

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The Lion and the Lamb

The following story moved me to tears this morning. For instant heart-warming, be sure to watch the brief video by clicking the enclosed link. Amazing!

Six years ago, a Columbian woman found an injured and malnurished lion on the verge of death. She took him home and nursed him back to health. After the lion made a full recovery, the woman released him to the custody of the local zoo. When she visited him to see how he was doing in his new environment, this was the reaction she received. Love conquers all, indeed!

Diggin' the Yardwork

We're in the midst of a serious yard overhaul. It's been exhausting for Wade and absolutely thrilling for Liliana. She is excited by every new opportunity, even the tasks we deplore (e.g., shoveling & moving dirt). Here she is with her little shovel, just loving the big boys (neighbor kids) who are helping with the project.

Below, Liliana finds a "wiggly, squiggly, squirmy wormy" and examines it. That's my girl!

Four Baby Swallows

The eggs have hatched, and we now have four baby swallows living in the wreath on our front door. All five eggs hatched, and one baby fell out of the nest. The poor baby didn't make it, so Wade gave it an (im)proper burial. The next photo is a close-up that shows a couple babes sleeping piggy-back. And yes, that is bird poop all around the edge of the nest. Yuck! It's a small price to pay for watching this little miracle unfold each day. Now if we could only get a baby human on our doorstep!

Big Decisions

After prayerful deliberation, Wade and I have decided to pursue a second adoption. Our hearts are bursting to love and care for a house full of children, and we are realizing that each adoption probably will take years! Believe it or not, we have already been waiting five months with no sign of a potential match. At this rate, we'll be using baby strollers as our walkers!

Having researched the various options, it seems that the most natural choice is to apply with the Missouri Department of Social Services. Rather than going with another agency, this will diversify our options and allow us to access a different group of children in need. We are sending our Home Assessment Application today. This is uncharted territory, so we don't know what happens next. Stay tuned!

Spring is in the Air

We're in spring cleaning mode around here. It's a great feeling to know exactly what you have and where to find it. What a concept!

Here's to spring weather and a simpler, more organized life!

Oh, My Aching Head

It's been a rough week of migraine headaches...so I didn't accomplish much of anything (hence, no posts). Looking back, it's pretty amazing that I was able to care for Liliana, keep my family fed and see clients. So far, today looks like it's going to be migraine-free. Thank you, Lord!

Here's to a new lease on life!

Rare Footage

This is valuable photo for us. I liken it to a clear image of Bigfoot for scientists. This is hard evidence of a rare phenomenon in our family: Liliana sitting still and snuggling. Some believed it to be impossible. And now there is proof. I plan to frequent the Metrolink with the hope of recreating the moment that inspired Liliana nestle into my lap. It'll be worth every penny.

Go Cards!

Liliana attended her first Cardinals game last week. We had a ball with friends, Rachel and Jacob, who attended with us. It was a real treat to ride the Metrolink train, eat ballpark snacks and meet Fredbird! The Cards lost, but we had a wonderful time!

Earthquake!

Everyone in the Midwest is talking about it this morning...and we're no exception.

At 4:37am, I dreamt that I was lying in a vibrating bed--you know, the 1970's motel beds that shook for a quarter (and hopefully no longer exist). Then, nature called on line one. I headed to the potty--and, much to my surprise, the toilet was vibrating, too. I thought, "This sure is a strange dream." It was at that moment the fog rolled away and I realized this was no dream. The entire house was shaking...and it was an earthquake!

By God's grace, I was able to go back to sleep...but not before feeling the wonder and awe of the event. This morning, I learned the details and was completely amazed. It's hard to wrap your mind around this kind of thing. I mean, the earthquake was three hours away, on the IN/IL border...yet it was strong enough to wake us from dreamland in St. Louis. I can't imagine the terror and destruction experienced by those on the fault line...and others around the world who've known much, much worse.

This was my first experience with an earthquake. Although it was mild (and actually kind of cool) for us, I know that the effects were devastating for others. My heart and prayers go out to those who are picking up the pieces. May God hold them in the palm of His hand.

Four, Four, Four

A friend sent me a fun little "get to know ya" thing. I'm game. Although you're technically supposed to email the answers, I'm going to take it to blog-world. After all, each of my friends stop by from time to time. Here goes...

A) Four places that I go over and over:
Church & Edwards House
St. Louis Public Library
Trader Joe's
Sam's/Walmart
(In summer, the pool tops the list)

B) Four people who email me regularly:
Kate
Stacy
Dad W
Heather

C) Four of my favorite places to eat:
Houlihans (#1 in St. Louis)
Crescent City (#1-in Mississippi)
First Watch
Chevy's Fresh Mex

D) Four places I would rather be right now:
on a warm, sunny beach in Kauai
traveling the world
in southern IN with family
in southern MS with family

E) Four people I think will respond:
Mostly applicable for email

F) Four TV shows I watch all the time:
The Office
House
American Idol
Fox News (any and all)

If you're willing to share, I'd love to know your answers (to one or all). Feel free to post away in the comment section!

Bird Watch

There are now FIVE eggs in the nest! I have no idea how five baby Robins will fit in this tiny home, but we're on pins and needles waiting for them to hatch! Wow, I never imagined it could be so exciting to have birds move in. Guess I'm easily amused.

A New Addition

Okay, I thought my prayers were pretty specific...but maybe not clear enough! This week, we received an addition to our family. Much to our surprise, a fearless robin built a nest in the wreath on our front door. While we were deliberating about what to do (concerned that a visitor may lose an eye to a protective mama bird), an egg appeared in the nest. Yesterday, a second egg. This morning, a third!

If you come to our home, please approach with caution. Better yet, wear sunglasses!

Overflowing Hearts

Tonight was our weekly small group marriage study, during which Liliana spent time in our church's children's program. One of the caregivers had her precious foster baby with her, and Liliana was in love. She could not take her eyes (and hands) off of the tiny little girl, and she continued to talk about the baby as we were driving home. My heart was overjoyed to observe Liliana's tender and caring spirit; yet, it aches to know that our adoption may be weeks, months or even years away.

I know that God's plan is perfect, and I trust His timing. However, sometimes I wonder what's wrong with NOW? I mean, it seems that this is the ideal time for our family to grow...and yet there seems to be no movement in the adoption process.

Our life is good--very good--but it would be even richer with another member in our family. Our hearts are overflowing. Please pray that I would be patient, content and a blessing to others as we wait for our little one to come home.

In His grip,
Ramona

Thoughts of a Three-Year-Old

Here are quotes from Liliana during the past week...

Aye aye, Mama!

The bathroom is full of chemicals and viruses.

Do you enjoy conversation?

I'm exercising to keep my body strong and healthy.

Mama, can we please talk about this later?

Let's keep first things first.

State your problem, Daddy.

I'm going to hatch a plan.

I live in a foxhole, Mama.

What's your heart's desire?

S-T-O-P spells popcorn shrimp.

I'm gonna rock this town!

Treasured Friends

Wade and I are involved in an amazing small group Bible study on Wednesday evenings. We're studying the marriage relationship, using the book Love and Respect by Emerson Eggerichs. This is a life-changing study for us, not only because of the weekly dose of marriage insight, but also because of the incredible relationships we're building.

This dynamic group has been a Godsend for us. We are able to laugh, cry and be totally real with one another, knowing that we are accepted and loved unconditionally. I highly recommended it. We all need supportive individuals to encourage and hold one another accountable.

Wade and I have so many wonderful friends, both in and apart from this small group...and we are so deeply grateful. Several years ago, we felt completely unattached to St. Louis and it's community. Now we couldn't imagine leaving. Thank you to all of our friends, near and far!

A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two men can stand back-to-back and conquer. ~Ecclesiastes 4:12 NLT

A faithful friend is a strong defense; and he that hath found him hath found a treasure. ~Louisa May Alcott