I got permission…

To post a picture of my beautiful niece from my sister, Shelly. 

One of the highlights of my trip was meeting this little girl for the first time.  My older sister, Shelly, and I are 19 months apart. We’ve gone through so many stages of life together, friends, enemies (well, as much as you can be around 9 years old and fighting!)–in fact, I was recalling this morning how as a wonderful little sister, I used to sneak into my sister’s room, search for journals, notes, etc and read them…terrible I know!  Shelly resorted to putting them in the air conditioner vents up high because I hadn’t (and still haven’t) achieved her height at that point!, friends, college students together at Wheaton, visiting her in Eritrea while she did Peace Corps, making her wedding cake, ah…the list continues!

I have loved this new journey of motherhood together.  For many years (almost 8 actually), I’ve been the only one in my family to be a  mother.  Seeing Shelly and David with Lucy Claire was so life giving and enjoyable.  They love that little girl fiercely.  

I had such great joy in holding that little gift.  I am always in awe of the newness of life.  It is amazing that something so small grows up to be an active, living adult. 

I also came away from my time with my sister and her husband with a deep desire and longing to see our baby.  I know that time is coming soon.  We are officially number 4 on the list for an infant girl.  I am praying and trusting God that the referral will come in his time but am anxious for that time to arrive SOON!

I enjoyed many an hour on Shelly’s front porch sitting with Lucy Claire, talking with her about the sounds of the city around her and being in awe of the awesome miracle of life.  It truly was a time to stop and smell the roses and that was a tremendous gift! 

On the adoption front, we have to renew all our paperwork as of September.  Matt and I are heading to the notary today as our power of attorney letter for all our court proceedings needs to be redone.  Hopefully the Secretary of State will get that document soon, put that pretty stamp on it and send it back!  I am booking medicals, blood tests, redoing financial statements and getting ready to book our next home study.  It will all get done despite the $10/document price tag for just a pretty stamp alone!