Seeds of faith

Tonight I witnesses the sweetest thing.  At dinner we said, "let's pray".  Ashton repeated "let's pray" then proceed to fold his little hands and bow his head in prayer.  While I would like to take credit for this, I really believe we owe it to Ms. Helen his daycare provider who is so consistent with her little charges each day.  So sweet to the seeds of faith planted in a young child!

Lil Book Boy

Ashton has taken a real interest in books lately!  We love it.  He brings us books all the time to read and point out pictures.  So fun!

Fun with your 1/2 siblings and birthmom

 

Yesterday we went to a birthday party for Chloe (Ariana's big sister).  We had a super fun time with Ms. Taylor, Annabelle, and Ariana.  Annabelle kept trying to mother you!  Picking you up, trying to carry you around, and occassionally tackling you.  I told her to be careful, that one day you will be much bigger and paybacks are likely to occur:)  You also really warmed up to Ms. Taylor.  It was fun to watch the two of you together.   You would take her hand and lead her to where you wanted to go!  Needless to say it was one of those days when I personally felt the fullness and joy of adoption.  I pray that as you grown in knowledge of the cirucmstances surrounding your adoption you too will be filled with that same fulllness and joy as you come to a mature understanding of the situation.

Ashton's first Trick or Treat

 

Ashton's 1st Trick or Treat was absolutely adorable.  There is just something about an 18 month old lil dude dressed up in an elephant costume! Also it was so fun because after a few houses, Ashton really "got it".  People would bend down to his level with their candy bowl and he would take one or two items.  Sometimes he would put them back, other times he would want to walk around double fisted with both hands filled with a candy bar, and sometimes he would put his treats in his treat bag.  Not to mention how fascinated he was with all the pumpkins and neat lights.  Needless to say it was really fun and cute!  Plus Lily was so awesome with him, being so patient and such a loving big sister! He really adores her!   Gotta love it!

Your beautiful half-sister

Dear Ashton,

Yesterday both you and I had the opportunity to go up to Hagerstown to visit your birthmom, Ms. Taylor and her parents Jo and Sid. In some ways it was a wonderful visit!  Your maternal grandma (Mimi), step-grandfather Sid,  and birthmom  got to see how big and awesome you have become and fuss over you! The pictures of you and Ms. Taylor really say it all.

The more difficult part of the visit was discussing the future of your new half-sister Ariana Nicole. of the presumed birthfather Mr. Joey.  Unfortunately, Ms. Taylor learned that Mr. Joey is not the birthfather and at the current time she is unaware of who Ariana's birthfather might  be.  That being said,  Ms. Taylor  has come to place where she has to make another really difficult choice. She knows that just like she loved you with all her heart and it just tore her to pieces to choose adoption for you, she knew it was in your best interests. 

Your mommy and daddy really wanted to adopt baby Ariana for many reasons, but one of the main reasons is because of you.  Knowing that might struggle with different issues as you age, we wanted to give you whatever consistency we could provide for you.  However after lots of thought and prayer, mommy and daddy have come to decision that as much as we want to adopt Ariana, that Ariana would be better off in another family that does not have as much emotional, physical and financial demands on them.  It is my prayer that whatever family adopts Ariana, that you will be able to remain in contact with your half-sister as you grow up.

I do hope you understand!  I also hope you realize how much you are loved by so many people and that adoption is a wonderful way to have the most unique and special family and extended family ever!

 

We love you baby boy!

OUTSIDE

Ashton's happy place is outside.  It doesn't matter if it is hot or rainy.  OUTSIDE=HAPPINESS!  This winter should be interesting!

Ariana Nicole

Today I received a text from Ms. Taylor that she gave birth to a little girl today..Ashton's 1/2 sister....6 weeks early just like Ashton.  She was 6 lbs and 3 ozs.  Apparently she has lots of dark hair.  Her name is Ariana Nicole.  She is currently in the nicu at the Hagerstown hospital because she had some trouble with breathing intially, but from all reports she seems to have improved tremendously.

It appears as if Ms. Taylor wanted to keep with the A theme:  Annabelle, Ashton, and now Ariana.  Hopefully I can post a picture of her soon. I believe she is choosing to parent Ariana because the birth father is willing to be involved.   I am filled with mixed emotions about the whole thing especially since at one point she asked us if we would consider parenting the unborn little girl.