Our second night was rough.
You know the statement, “don’t wake a sleeping bear”? Yeah - well, I accidentally did. I wasn’t sure if Tristan’s diaper was full or if he had pooped and I tried to change it… In the middle of the night.
A Year Ago Today || Finding Place - November 14, 2017
Our first night together went better than I expected. I put Tristan to sleep in the carrier and then gently laid him down in my bed. He slept on my chest for much of the night, with his head over my heart.
A Year Ago Today || GOTCHYA! November 13, 2017
Today was the day.
We woke up early that morning. Partially from our internal clocks and also from excitement and anticipation.
Before heading to breakfast, Jerry and I gave Brooklynn a card we had written for her. Today wasn’t just a huge day for Jerry, myself, and Tristan. It was a monumental moment for Brooklynn. Her world as an only child for 8 years, was about to drastically change. But one thing I observed throughout our entire adoption process was her consistent excitement. She never once suggested we do otherwise. So this moment right here. These moments before we left our hotel to welcome Tristan into our family were huge.
A Year Ago Today || November 12, 2017
I absolutely LOOOOVED Shanghai and wish our time there had been longer. I wish we had had more time to explore the city my son was born in and is from. The time we did spend there, I absolutely cherished and look forward to going back with Tristan!
A Year Ago Today || November 11, 2017
November 11, 2017
While we continued our tour of Beijing and the Great Wall of China, my son was celebrating his 2nd and LAST birthday as an orphan. (Today, November 11, 2018 ~ We celebrate his THIRD birthday TOGETHER!)
A Year Ago Today || November 10, 2017
Our day started super early. After a decent first night sleep, we headed downstairs to the hotel dining room for breakfast where we re-connected with all of the families touring in Beijing. For months prior we had all been communicating via Facebook as we discovered who would be traveling together. It was so great to meet everyone in person and connect.
A Year Ago Today || November 9, 2017
November 9, 2017
WELCOME TO CHINA!
Landing in China was surreal. At first I thought it was super foggy outside… Then quickly realized, that wasn’t fog, but smog. We also arrived in China while President Trump was visiting and saw Air Force One on the tarmac, which was pretty cool! China had even worked on “cleaning up” their air for Trump’s visit. So it was nice to actually see blue sky on some of the days we were in Beijing.
A Year Ago Today || November 8, 2017
The day felt surreal. Our bags were packed. Our house in order. And our journey about to begin.
My dear friend Tracy drove us to the airport that day and my heart and emotions were so raw. God had worked amazing miracles to get us on that plane. And here we were, standing out in front of the Sea-Tac Airport preparing to board a 13 hour flight to China.
A Year Ago Today || November 7, 2017
A year ago today my sweet family of 3 was zipping up our suitcases preparing to travel thousands of miles to become a family of 4. We had spent the last 13 months preparing for this day. Countless hours, prayers, miracles answered, now had us less than 24-hours before we would bored our airplane and begin our travels east. Destination - China.
Intentional Investment
I have noticed now, more than ever, that our conversations and my time with her are and must be filled with intentional investment. She is watching, gleaning, and mimicking my every move. She is watching how I communicate, respond, interact with, and treat the world and relationships around me.
Family Photos by Kim Charie Photography
It has been almost a year that Tristan has been home. I can’t believe how quickly the time has gone by and how much has changed over this past year for Tristan as well as our family. God has richly blessed us beyond our imaginations over this last year that only He can receive all the glory.
DNA...
We may not have the same DNA, but he is SO my son. He is loud, full of energy, non-stop, funny, always smiling, stubborn, inquisitive, tender hearted, constantly curious, and always on the go.
DIY Projects || Future Outdoor Fireplace?
I have ALWAYS loved outdoor fireplaces. They are dreamy looking and just downright awesome. We have this massive space in our backyard and we are starting to draw up plans and pull together ideas for doing a little DIY. So here are some ideas I've pulled off Pinterest.
The Making of a Sister & Brother
"Mom, do you think Tristan will know I am his sister when we meet?"
Watching Brooklynn naturally fall into the roll of "jie-jie" (big sister in Chinese) has been one of my greatest joys to watch. She was born to be a sister.
Dear Moms, You Don't Have to Wait!
One of the many "lies" I have heard said by stay-at-home moms, is that their life, dreams, desires, goals, fitness, travel, passions, etc. have to be placed on hold because kids are in the picture. That their life has to stop to raise children. Their place is on the floor playing pat-a-cake and engaging with their children every waking moment and that their passions need to be placed on hold "for a season" to solely raise their children. Even in the 21st century I have heard this said. And I HAVE to debunk that and say: THAT IS NOT TRUE.
Summertime Eats || Just Wrap It!
Not sure about you, but when it is hot outside. I don't have much of an appetite to eat heavy things. Give me light, fresh, and clean eating!
Finding Rest in a Fast Paced World
For a long time I found myself falling into the trend of "busy." That somehow the busier I was, the more successful, and some how "important" I was. Which is all really a lie. In fact, when people would ask me how I was doing my answer was always "busy" or maybe I would change it up and say "super busy."
Gluten Free Vegan Waffle Recipe
We have a weekend tradition of making waffles, pancakes, or french toast on the weekends. And now that little Mr. is here, I want him to be able to join in on the fun as well too. Sure, I can purchase Gluten Free waffles from the store. But I would much rather make them at home with wholesome ingredients vs. the junk they stick in the others.
Daily Devotionals for Kids and Family
I have heard it said from parents that they don't know where to start when it comes to teaching their children about God at home. I get it. There's a lot of information out there, a lot of devotionals that, honestly, cheapen the Gospel or over simplify the awesomeness of God.
I thought I would share a few things that we have really loved and have and currently are using
Living the Everyday Through Life's Seasons
For the last 10 years I have been a business entrepreneur. I worked hard to build something out of nothing and was blessed to see all of my goals for my business come to light. Every single one of those goals have been accomplished, which is huge for me. And I am so forever grateful.