Gifts

In the adoption world, a photo from your baby's past can be summed up in one word: PRICELESS.  It is hard for me to not know the ins and outs of MS's first 15 months of life.... and an even tougher pill to swallow when I think into the future and she begins to ask questions..... most of which I will not have the answer to.  I picture MS having a nice long chat in heaven with God one day since He is the only one who is intimately acquanted with every single detail of every day of her life.... but for now, I will have to piece together what little bit of her history that I can.  Last week, I opened an e-mail from a friend and was shocked to see photos of ms at 11 months old staring back at me.  What a gift!!  MS was  in the same orphanage as E.  Her mother was looking back at photos from E's birthday only to discover that MS was in the background of them!  MS & E will have a lifelong friendship (albeit long distance) and I'm so thankful to have photos of them together, enjoying her birthday cake, to show them one day.  It is safe to say that I let out a scream when I got that e-mail.  Thanks P!

Back row on the left.

Sweet thing.  I could eat her up in this photo!

Through another series of events, I was able to get a copy of MS's footprints from when she was found and registered with the police.  Again, a total treasure to see those tiny toes (even if they did make 2 prints of the same foot.)  In my laundry room, I have shadow boxes that I made for each child.  They have a baby photo, footprints, a verse I prayed for them, and a few other items.  I was always sad that I wouldn't have her tiny toes to show her one day and God in His timing, brought me this treasure.

Another greatly appreciated gift?  A few of you crazy friends sent me Starbucks' gift cards after my last post..... "Give me Jesus (and Starbucks)"..... hmmmm... maybe next time I should try "Give me Jesus (and Anthropologie)"  Ha! So, I set out yesterday morning to use one of them on the way to an event at the art museum with all the kiddos. After a rough night with MS, I was lusting after my mocha.  So, I park out front (no drive thru), go inside armed with my gift card and am waiting in line thinking "I've never seen a Starbucks that looks like this."  They had shelves all organized with books.....  Then I realize this actually is no longer a starbucks.  Glad I realized before I ordered since I brought no money!  It probably changed a year ago and I never knew because it was not near my home but near where I was running an errand.  So off we go to starbucks # 2, which again has no drive thru..... there is a spot out front (which I needed because I planned on leaving all my kids in the car).... and as I turn to go in it, a man appears from nowhere and steals my spot.  There were no other spots anywhere so off we go to the museum sans coffee.  I was slightly peeved because I could almost taste it..... but I figured God had other plans.  We head to the art museum & play inside when a monsoon hits (if you live in B'ham, you experienced it on thursday).  I wait until the lightening doesn't seem too dangerous..... run to get the car and guess what?  All the windows were down!!!!!!  The pocket/ handle inside my door was full to the top.  I use MS's blankie to mop down as much as I can but we are sopping wet and MS is screaming..... she wants her lovie which is now too wet to use..... and THEN i hit a starbucks drive thru.  I have to say that I cherished it way more being cold and wet than I would have had it all worked out that morning..... God has a purpose in all things... even the crazy.  But I do have to add that I took the kids through a car wash today and as it started I said "Doesn't this seem louder than normal?"  They agreed but we didn't realize why until the water and soap poured through the sun roof!  What is it about me leaving windows open these days. (and to my credit it wasn't fully opened, just cracked!)  At least that can count as my shower for the day, right?

And finally, MS had a bath today!  When you have only had 2 since June 11th, it is indeed a glorious gift!  MS relished every drop of water that found its way to every nook and cranny of the cast.  It took all day to dry out as evidenced by the wet spots on me from holding her so we don't do them frequently.... but when we do, squeals and smiles are sure to come!

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. (James 1:17)

Heaven for me to have a sleeping baby on me!  And the body cast is perfect for balancing a book on!

Sharing a snack with Henry.... these 2 will be trouble one day!