Settling In

Too exhausted to write anything yesterday - fell asleep on the couch trying to get John to sleep for the 3rd or 4th time.

Today is much better, Maci seems to be settling in, albeit I'm sure it will take a while. Still concerned for John's development but he seems to be spurred on by having someone to play with. Tonight while waiting for John to fall asleep, Mark and I cooked together - that was fun, what a great husband!

A Foster Daughter

We left early this morning to pick up Maci in Lexington. John had a fantastic night, he slept until 7:30am, what a blessing. The trip over went well - even with the apprehension about doing this.

We met Maci at DFS in Lexington. She is a robust, exuberant, 4 month old girl. She smiles readily, giggles when tickled and likes to stick everything in her mouth. Feed eagerly, taking about 7 ounces of Enfamil every 3 or 4 hours. She came with 2 suitcases, 1 bag and 2 diaper bags full of clothes and one large stuffed toy. Maci did fine on the trip home and seems to be settling in okay.

We of course are pooped. We are determined to read God's Word to Maci often so that the Holy Spirit can reach her. We can't, by law, baptize her but would love to. We have talked about what Maci's future may hold and know that it is completely unknown at this time. We leave her future to God and enjoy each day as it comes. We are already quite taken with her and quite attached and thankful that God has called upon us to help in this way.

Having Maci here highlights how far behind John is in motor development but it also seems to spur him on - he drank 5 bottles today. We spoke to Sandy's office and are to increase 1 ounce in each bottle - we think that is too fast, so will increase in one bottle tomorrow.

We talked to Rebecca Batterton today - John is free, his bio-father signed consent last week, we just need to get ICPC papers but our year is already ticking away. We are so thankful for this news.

"No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." 1 Corinthians 10:13

"For those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose." Romans 8:28

"Even as Christians, our sinful flesh continues to tempt us to believe that we can do without God's grace, without His mercy, without Christ. The devil tries to seduce us away from Mount Calvary and send us back to Mount Sinai. He tempts us to trust our own abilities. But God loves us, so He shows us our weaknesses and places crosses on us to return us to Calvary, to cause us to cry out daily to Him for mercy. This is the baptized life of a Christian." Rev. Dan Preus, Why I Am A Lutheran, pg. 98

Not the Ramblefest?

Made it to church today, went to Peace because I didn't think I could carry John down the aisle, even at Peace I ended up sitting through the service. Mark's sermon was great, it was on the Lord's Prayer and what prayer truly is. Set me free form the guilt of not having a ramblefest running in my brain all day as if I was talking to my best buddy. He told me that we should pray to God, not as if He is our buddy, but because and in a manner suiting the Almighty Creator. Mark is teaching me how to do this properly. Today was the first time we got to attend the ice cream social at St. Paul's. Was nice to visit with everyone there - I miss seeing them more. Made the lemonade pie again - yummy! Mark sold the rock chucker - one more time God has provided the means to take care of those He gives us. Now we have the gas money to go pick-up the little girl from Lexington and get things for her is she needs them. Thank God for daily bread!

To Be Trusted

Rained most of the day - weather matched the way my back felt, albeit it's improving enough that I'm not worried about going to church tomorrow. Spent the afternoon at St. Paul's on the cookbook committee, am glad to have joined the 'mom's club' but sure have different priorities than others around me. Mark is settling into the basement study but John wouldn't let him work while I was gone. Little boy loves attention and we are thrilled to give it. Thought of him while reading Why I Am a Lutheran by Daniel Preus. "It is the nature of trust that it can be created only by the one who is trusted." Am very thankful that God has created His faith in us so that we can be parents that John can trust. Wyatt and Joseph called. Nice to visit and can't wait to see them next summer. Late night for a Saturday, but a good one with my best friend and our beloved little son.