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!

Happy Mothers' Day to each and every mama--you are a hero! Imagine yourself in this video...

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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