Perhaps...

The past few days have been rough, to say the least.  As the days and events have passed, I've been trying to wrap my head around how I might even post the newest updates.  I woke up earlier than planned this morning and I'm feeling focused.  I'm feeling at peace with it all and I am trusting that everything will work out according to God's purpose.

Over the weekend, we received a call from Meatloaf advising that HQ's birthfather had been contacted via telephone.  The adoption plan was disclosed to him and they were able to obtain an updated mailing address for him so that they could reserve him this week.  While on the phone with Meatloaf, HQ's birthfather implied that he would be calling the agency on Monday morning to discuss how to reverse this adoption plan.  Our hearts were torn with emotion after that call.  On one hand, Mama Grace had chosen an adoption plan for HQ because she wanted the best possible situation for her son.  On the other hand, HQ's birthfather was stepping up and attempting to claim him for his own.  As Sunday came and went, we anxiously awaited an update from the agency on whether the birthfather made a move.

Late yesterday afternoon, we received an updated call from the agencies Director.  She told us that HQ's birthfather did indeed call the agency earlier in the day.  On his first attempt to call the agency, he had to leave a VM-which was very polite.  Before the agency could call him back, the birthfather called the agency again.  This time, however, he was not as cheery as the first time he called.  He yelled at the Director and demanded for information on how he and his Mama could get HQ back in their care. 

The Director discussed his plans for parenting and she also disclosed that the agency would be mailing him detailed documentation on what he would need to do if he did want to step forward.  The paperwork was being overnighted from Dallas to Houston with hopes of serving him over the next few days.  Once the paperwork is received, the birthfather will have 20 days to file something in the court (which will require an attorney).  At this point, Mama Grace is confident that the birthfather will not follow through on any of this.  She is still hoping that the adoption goes through so we can care for HQ forever in our home.  She wants what is best for this little guy and she knows that neither herself or the birthfather are able to care for him in the way that he deserves.

With our heads spinning, we need to wait a little longer to find out if this is truely our story.  As much as we would LOVE to have HQ as our son, deep in our hearts we don't think this situation is going to through how we would like it to.  We can only hope and pray that the situation will resolve itself in the next few weeks and HQ can settle down with his family for some normalcy.  In the meantime, we are continuing to pray for HQ, Mama Grace, and the birthfather.  Only God knows how this story will unfold.  As much as we want to know why certain things happen, sometimes it's not for us to see.

Regardless of what happens over the next few weeks, we know that God placed us in this situation for a reason.  Perhaps it was to love on Mama Grace while she delivered this beautiful baby boy into the world.  Perhaps it was for the birthfather to open his eyes and become a stronger more present father in his children's lives.  Perhaps it was for the nurse who witnessed unconditional love in the hospital and who has now decided to adopt.  Perhaps it was for us to realize as a family that nothing is certain.  Perhaps it was for us to share our faith and testimony with people all the way across the country.  You just never know how God might use you in circumstances. 

One thing is for sure though...God certainly used our family to love on and comfort HQ during his days of transition from his birthmother to the nursery care family until all of this is resolved.  For 6 days, our family got to spend time with, cuddle up on, and focus completely on HQ. 

It was amazing...

It was an honor...

...and it is something that we will never forget.

This story is not finished yet.  Things could literally go either way for everyone involved.  Only time will tell how this story will unfold.  While we sit and wait on God's perfect timing of it all, our dear friend, Glory, sent me an email reminding me not to grow weary.  As she wrote, 1 Peter 5: 10-11 says: And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.  Her email was a sweet reminder that God will provide all the strength we need for whatever situation we are placed in.  All we have to do is ask Him for that strength and it will be given to us.  What an amazing journey this has been so far...

Always Enough

Music speaks to my heart.  It always has.  No matter what emotion I might be feeling, I can always seem to find a song that sings to my heart.  This song is just what I need tonight...it's a sweet reminder that God is always enough.  May You Be Richly Blessed. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QwFpvrH8P4c

Time Flies, Doesn't It?

Meatloaf ROCKS!

Everyone loves meatloaf, right?   Well, that's what we thought...until we met our caseworker through our agency.  It came to light that she had NEVER had meatloaf in her life.  The thought of eating meat shaped into a loaf was just too much for her to handle.  (When it's put into terms like that, it does sound terrible, doesn't it?...meat shaped into a loaf...yuck...but I must say, it IS delicious-if made right.)  Since leaving the beautiful state of Texas, our caseworker has now been renamed Meatloaf (for blogging purposes).

Ever since I met Meatloaf, I felt an instant connection.  She's approachable.  She's beautiful.  She's kindhearted.  She's fun.  She's gracious.  She's everything that we could have wanted in an adoption caseworker and more, that's for sure!

This past week has been a quirky week with regards to the adoption.  After several phone calls with Meatloaf, some new developments have taken place.  Sit down and hold on...this could be a bumpy ride!  Let me explain...

During the hospital stay, Mama Grace signed a relinqishment of rights which puts HQ into the agencies care (until the adoption has been finalized).  HQ's birthfather has not signed off on his rights as of yet.  Up until this week, he knew about the pregnancy but he had not been involved in the adoption plan.  After talking with Meatloaf earlier this week about some pressing conversations that have taken place, the agency has decided to be proactive with this case and serve legal paperwork to the birthfather.  This paperwork will require the birthfather to take action within 20 days.  In addition to the 20 days, he also has 31 days and a Monday to sign up on the paternity registery.  If HQ's birthfather does not act on either of these processes, his rights will be terminated in the court of law.  Which means that HQ will be able to come home to us (in roughly another month).

I'm not sure if Meatloaf knows it or not, but she has been an amazing blessing to our family.  She continues to look after Mama Grace as the weeks following the birth continue to go by.  She supports our family and looks out for everyone's well being.  She's a great resource and she's always willing to seek additional input when needed.  She's encouraging and honest with us.  And for the record, she gives great hugs!  *wink*

Only God knows how this story will unfold over the next few weeks.  As much as we would love to bring HQ home, we know that there is a possibility that he might not.  It's tough to think about but we trust that God will work it all out for everyone involved.  Our story is not over...and we hope that you will continue to pray for Mama Grace, HQ's birthfather, Meatloaf, and our family.  It's pretty amazing to see God at work through all of this.  We've met some pretty amazing people through this process so far...and we are honored to know each of them!

Meatloaf is the first girl to ever ask if she could call PQ her boyfriend.  She adores him and he adores her as well.  We're hoping that she will eventually move to New England and be closer to our family.  Perhaps it's a selfish dream on my part.  Who knows?  All I know is that we are so grateful to have met such an amazingly strong woman!

*HUGS*

Will you please pray for us?

By now you've probably noticed that we're no longer on Facebook.  By now, you've probably also noticed that our blog is on lock-down and is no longer available to just anyone.  By now, you've probably learned that we're only allowing family and very close friends access to the blog.  There's a reason.

Our adoption story is officially 11 days old.  HQ was born 11 days ago and the termination of parental rights will not be finalized for at least another month.  During that time, HQ is being cared for by another Christian family in Texas (that is associated with our agency).  By giving you access to our blog, we are hoping that you will be part of our prayer team.  We know that most of you are fellow believers and you wholeheartedly know what prayer can do.  We are asking for you to pray over our family as we make our way through this remainder of this adoption.  We are asking for patience as we wait on God's perfect timing and we are also asking for prayer for everyone who is involved in this situation. 

In Texas, birthfathers are given 31 days from the DOB to register for paternity.  Today is Day 10 of that 31 day timeframe and we are prayerfully considering every scenerio that we could be posed with.  Yes, there is a chance that HQ will never come home to us.  We are fully aware of this.  It hurts to think about this scenerio becoming a reality for our family but at the same time, we know that it's out of our hands.  God has it all worked out for us.  It has been a honor to be involved in as much as we have been so far and for that, we are grateful. 

Would you please lift up our family in prayer?  Would you please pray for our sweet, little boy?  Would you please pray for the nursery family who is caring for HQ?  Would you please make it a point to pray for the birthmother and the birthfather as well?  Would you please pray for the agency and all of the staff members that we are working with?  We covet your prayers and we thank you for being there for us.

If you have family close by, children at home, parents down the street, spouses in the next room, or even a pet hanging out in the next room over...will you do us a favor?  Will you please go give them a HUGE hug and tell them that you love them?  Having the ability to see, hear, and hug the one's you love is a very special gift and we have learned how special those times really are.

Thanks for praying...XOXOXOXO

Happy Father's Day, Papa H!

We love you SO much!

XOXOXOXO

Love,

PQ, HQ, and Mama H

HQ~ 1 Week Old

It's hard to believe that HQ is 1 week old today!  Man oh man...time flies!  We love you, little buddy!

*SMOOCHES*

Labor & Delivery

We knew some pretty amazing memories would be made in Houston but seeing this cross at the start of our trip pretty much sealed the deal.  As we drove out of the airport, this beautiful cross lit up the skyline in front of us.

On Thursday evening, we met Mama Grace at the hospital for her 6pm induction date/time.  After being admitted into the hospital, we quickly learned that her doctor was not available and therefore, she would not be induced until Friday morning at 6am.

After getting a semi-decent nights sleep, we made our way to the hospital to see Mama Grace and to support her through the delivery.  As it was discussed last week, she wanted us to be with her until she went into full blown labor.  We sat in the hospital along side Mama Grace, Snack-Shack, and Meatloaf.  We waited patiently for things to progress but before they did, Mama Grace opted for a early morning nap.  Everyone left Mama Grace to rest on her own in her room while her contractions began.  Snack Shack and Papa H passed the time in the waiting room by sharing stories of life and adventure.  PQ, Meatloaf, and I were in denial that it was as early as it was (but we were definitely troopers).

Within a half hour of laying down for a nap, one of the nurses came out into the waiting room announcing that "Mama H was needed".  As I stood up to acknowledge her request, she quickly told me that Mama Grace wanted to see me.  My heart raced as I made my way down the hall to Mama Grace's room.  It was there that I was met with a smile.  I asked Mama Grace if everything was okay and she quickly assured me that everything was fine.  She just wanted me to be there with her.  We held hands and prayed together.  We squeezed hands with each new contraction that she experienced and we spent some of the most memorable silent times together that I've ever experienced.

After about an hour, Snack Shack came into the room to see how things were going.  In my eyes, things were going better than I could have ever imagined.  I was so honored to be in the room with her.  I was overwhelmed by warmth and with joy because I was the one that she wanted so near.  I can't even begin to describe how much those moments meant to me.  Two mama's hand in hand waiting for the arrival of their son.  It was beautiful.

Within minutes, the doctors were rushing in the room to deliver the baby.  While standing outside of the labor and delivery room, we heard Mama Grace groaning from the pains of the labor.  It was beautiful knowing that she was going through a labor of love for our family.  As I began to snap a photo of Papa H and PQ standing in the hallway, we all heard the most precious sound.  The sound of her baby boy crying for the very first time.  (As you can see, Papa H and PQ were surprised by the sweet sound.)

Soon we were brought into the room to see Mama Grace.  It was there that we saw her beautiful smile and heard her ask us if we wanted to hold her baby boy.  With tears flowing down our cheeks, we all gushed over this amazing woman and her precious newborn son.  Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound...

June 10, 2011~ Welcome HQ!

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound.  Amen!  Those words will forever sing a new meaning to my ears.  Amazing Grace she is!  After 4.5 hours of labor, everyone was overjoyed by the bundle of sweetness that she gave life.  On June 10, 2011 at 10:40am, we welcomed her beautiful baby boy into this world.

The whole story is amazing...it is so much deeper and richer than I ever imagined.  We not only welcomed a little boy into our family, we were also richly blessed with a new friendship that we sincerely want to embrace.

God certainly has his hand in this story.  There is no doubt in my mind that after all of the unanswered prayers leading up to the situation with Grace, God had big plans for our lives to cross with Mama Grace.  Over the past several days, we have spent intimate time together.  We've laughed together.  We've cried together.  We've prayed together.  We've shared together and we've dreamed together.  These times were special to us and these times can never be erased,  The impact of those times together will forever influence our decisions for this liitle boy.

Over the course of the next several posts, I hope to give you a glimpse into the most amazing adventure we've been on as a family.  I know this journey is not over and I hope that you will prayerfully rally beside us as we walk this road of adoption.

May God Bless each of you beyond your comprehension!

My Prayer...

Dear Lord, thank you for this beautiful day that you've given us.  Thank you for the blessings that you continue to pour down on our family.  We are so fortunate in this life.  It's amazing to see you at work in our lives~and we cannot see what you have in store.  I know that you love us and I know that everything that comes from you is a gift.  Although we may not know what lies ahead, I'm grateful that we can rest in You.  


Dear God, thank you for the adoption that you have led us to.  Thank you for Mama Grace and thank you for loving her and creating her.  Thank you for watching over her during this pregnancy and thank you for her willingness to choose life for this child.  We are honored that you have placed her in our life.


Please Lord, please watch over our family as we wait on Your perfect timing.  Only you know our hearts and our true desires~ and only you can fill us when we need to be filled.  Please watch over Mama Grace and keep her calm through the delivery.  Please ease the pain for her and give her the strength that she needs to make it through this delivery.  Please use our family to bring you glory.  Please give us the words to speak and help us to love on Mama Grace unconditionally.  Her willingness to give her baby up for adoption is the most unselfish thing that she could do.  Lord, you know her situation and you know the desires of her heart.  Please comfort her and reassure her in whatever decision she makes for this child.  I know that you will bless her and I know that you will forever watch over this child that she has given over to you.


I thank you for keeping Mama Grace healthy through this pregnancy~ and I pray for a smooth delivery.  Please comfort her and please reassure her when she has feelings of doubt or confusion.  Please help her to know that we support her and we love her.  Even though we just met her recently, our hearts are heavy for her.  We know her struggles.  We know her sweet heart and we know how much life means to her.  I thank you for the opportunity to wrap our arms around this young girl and be with her every step of the way for this delivery.  For that alone, I am so grateful.  Never in a million years would I have thought that we would be able to be bedside with a woman who was considering adoption.  What an awesome honor it is to be alongside another believer and know that we are loving on her no matter what.  Please use this situation to bring Mama Grace closer in relationship with You.


Dear Lord, thank you again for this opportunity to serve you.  Please continue to help me give my anxiousness to you.  Please help me to remember that you are in control.  Please protect our hearts as we move forward~ and please wrap your loving arms around us every step of the way.  In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

Labor & Delivery Scheduled

Mama Grace called earlier this week to go over her most recent doctor's visit.  She asked to counselor to call me so she could update me on the results.  She continues to be at 2cm's dilated so her doctor has decided to induce her on Thursday.  He knows of her plans to place the baby up for adoption so he has been quite accomodating with the timing of it all.  We are flying out to Houston tomorrow so we can be there for the delivery on Thursday.

During my lunch meeting with Grace, I got a chance to hear firsthand what she wanted from this entire adoption.  Grace would like to have us with her during the labor and delivery.  She is anxious to have our support and encouragement.  By the sounds of it, she could really use some extra support.  Grace has had to fend for herself since she was 16 years old.  With 2 babies at home, she has had to grow up a lot faster than what she ever expected.  We are truely honored to be a part of this sweet, young girls life.  I am excited to support her through the labor and delivery...and I hope to maintain a friendship with her once this is all over.

Regardless of what happens over the next few days, we know that God has placed us in her life for a reason.  Grace is sweet.  Grace is thoughtful.  Grace is smart.  Grace is beautiful.  Grace is strong.  Grace is brave.  I have been touched very deeply by my interactions with her thus far and I hope to maintain an ongoing relationship with her.  Only time will tell how that relationship will evolve.  For now, I'm just grateful to be a part of her life story. 

PQ's 8th Birthday!

Man oh man, how time flies! My baby boy just turned 8 years old this past week! I can't even believe it. It seems like just yesterday, Papa H and I were headed to the hospital to deliver PQ. Eight years old. Really. Eight years old. Why does time go by so quickly???

For PQ's 8th birthday, he wanted to go to the local amusement park because they were having Soul Jam where various Christian rock bands and artists performed in the park. PQ asked if Beaner could come along with us to celebrate his birthday and OF COURSE we said yes!! In addition to Beaner's attendance, PQ was extremely blessed by the Sunshine Family and the Glory Crew as well. All three of our families enjoyed a day filled with laughter, spins, and twirls. Let's get to the pictures, shall we????

PQ and Beaner

A wild man driving like a wild man...oh boy!

Apparently girls are wild too...

(Beaner is driving the blue car and Uncle D is driving the red one)

Did someone say TAXI???!!???

Should we be concerned that he's driving without looking...

...or worried about the fact that he's driving SO fast??

(Apparently tailgating runs in our family.)

BEFORE the log flume...

...AFTER the log flume!

Every kid LOVES the bumper boats!

The Codester looks unimpressed by his wet fanny...

...and PQ looks like he's on a mission!

Papa H drove me in the antique cars...he knows how to impress me!

I think Bana is concerned that her mother isn't steering the car.

What do you think??!!!??

Only my husband would be able to fall asleep at an amusement park.

(And yes, that IS a hole in the armpit of his sweatshirt...)

Apparently Beaner and I aren't the only one's that LOVE the log flume!

Oh yeah, baby!!!

Good luck, kids...the roller coaster is HUGE!!

Nice knowing you...this is the WORST RIDE EVER!!!!

I sense another French Lady in our future!

(I love French Sunshine friends!!!)

Only 13 more years until she has the real thing...SCARY!

Boys are wild. End of story!

Apparently girls are crazy in their own right as well.

*wink*

Jason Castro was there...

...and 7th Day Slumber was there as well.

Unfortunately, we didn't spend a lot of time listening to the bands. As much as we thought we would sit around listening, it's hard to compete with twisting and twirling rides that kids love. We did manage to see Seventh Day Slumber and Steller Kart, which are PQ's favorite bands. So all in all, it worked out. We had a FANTASTIC day. Happy Birthday, PQ! We love you sooooo much! XOXOXOXOXO