Crazy Beautiful

Wow, it's been two months since I blogged, I cant believe it. I dont even know where to start...Life really has been crazy and beautiful at the same time.

We'll start with Mia's 6 month appointment. I was a little bit nervous because she wasn't sitting up or rolling over yet, but everyone assured me that it was no big deal and babies do things at different times. So when we got to the pediatricians office, she had a heel stick to check her hemaglobin and hematocrit. Well the hemaglobin (tells you how much iron is in your blood) was a little low, so the pediatrician seemed a little concerned. She started asking all sorts of questions about Mia's birthmother history to see if there was a reason it was low. And by low, I'm talking 10.5 (normal value 11-13). So we told her she wasn't really sitting up by herself. She loves her excersaucer but we usually put a little blanket behind her back to help her from falling backwards. The pediatrician said this was not normal and she should be sitting without support by six months. Then I asked her about the spots above Mia's eyes.

They are little white patches above her eyes that dont bother me at all but I was just double checking to make sure she doesnt have some kind of skin condition. Our pediatrician had absolutely no idea what they were, but seemed concerned that it was some kind of fungal infection and said to watch it closely and if it spreads that Mia will need a dermatology consult. We were like, oh gosh! I am a worrier by nature, so all of this had me a little overwhelmed. They drew a formal CBC to recheck Mia's hemaglobin and said they would call with results. Our pediatrician had us make an appointment for 1 month instead of 3 months away. Well, I went to work the next day and my co-workers/friends are pretty much all moms and they said our pediatrician was overreacting, especially about the "developmental delays." During the day I received a phone call from a nurse at the office who said Mia's formal CBC came back with a hemaglobin of 12 (which is completely normal!). Our evening secretary Joyce said that her son had the same spots above his eyebrows and that it was no big deal. So that made me feel so much better! But, they are kind of scaly looking so I will probably just pay close attention to make sure they don't spread or anything. (as if I don't already spend all day staring at my baby :) )

Then this Tuesday evening, Mia was on her playmat on her back and was sort of rolling to her side(she usually does that, especially when she is sleeping) and all of a sudden, she was on her bell with her arms propped up under her looking very proud. Dan and I were hilarious, we were crouched down congratulating her, sending text messages, etc. We were so excited!!

I really can't help but feel SOO blessed with this amazing, beautiful sweet little baby girl. She is so happy; when I get her from her crib in the morning she kicks her legs and squeals in delight. Is there really anything better then that? I fall more in love with her every day. She is soo snuggly and I love our morning naps/cuddle time.  This was her falling asleep on Daddy.

So some people have asked me what is happening with our birth mother contact. If you remember from a post a while back, we were somewhat strained because BM wanted alot more then we were able to give. Well I really prayed about the right thing to do and so I gave her several dates to meet for a visit. I knew God wanted us to open our hearts to her and what she needed and I felt really at peace about scheduling a visit. To our surprise, she canceled each visit. I don't really know why but I think she is probably starting to move on with her life. I am so happy to be able to send her pictures and updates (which is what we had initially wanted anyway but we were willing to do more if needed) so it really has all worked out. She (BM) loves hearing updates about Mia and receiving pictures. I created an email account just for her so I could send as many pictures as she wants. Its amazing how much my heart has changed toward her as well. To be honest, at first it was really hard to communicate with her because I was so emotionally drained and confused. Now, all I feel is gratitude and compassion toward her. She gave us the greatest gift she could and made an incredibly mature, self- sacrificing decision.

look at this little pumpkin!!

 My happy happy girl!

What else is new? Well, I was recently asked by the amazing Angie Rylands to be a part of the board of directors for Lifeline Children's Services! I am so humbled and excited for this opportunity. This adoption agency is currently in 8 states throughout the US. Services focus on international and domestic adoption, foster care, and orphan care (unadopted). I am so so excited because God has always given me a passion towards adoption and orphans and I just didn't know how to take the next step. Well God has brought Angie and I together in several different ways. We used to play french horn together in ECBCs orchestra, and by that I mean that she played beautifully and I pretended to play and chimed in on the easy parts lol. Angie and her husband Tom have recently adopted pretty incredible boys from China (click on her name above to read her story!) two Anyhow, this agency is morning to Charleston and Angie is serving as the state director. It is incredible to see how God has used her to propel this ministry.

That being said, I would like to tell you guys about a meeting we have THIS TUESDAY the 17th! It's from 6:30-8:30 and it is for everyone! We want to inspire Christians to answer the call to orphan care. Does this mean adoption? Maybe, but it also means supporting orphans, getting involved in foster care, and all kinds of things! I'm so excited about this meeting and I want you to be there!!

Heres the link! https://www.facebook.com/journeytogetheradoption

Please Join Journey Together Ministries as they welcome Lifeline Children’s Services to Charleston! Lifeline celebrates over 30 years of ministering to families and providing the hope of Christ to children in need.
Lifeline staff will be sharing their vision for Orphan care worldwide on April 17, 2012 at the Longpoint Rd. campus of Seacoast Church. You will hear about the history of Lifeline’s ministry and learn ways in which God may be calling you to serve his heart for the orphan.
This event is open to the public and will begin at 6:30 p.m. 

 One last thing, all of Mia's Easter pics! She was soo tired when I took this because it was the end of the day, but I just loved celebrating Easter with her and I can't wait until she is old enough to understand what Jesus did for us!!