“They say a person needs just three things
to be truly happy in this world:
someone to love, something to do,
and something to hope for.”
-Tom Bodett
A winter storm blew through on Tuesday. Rain turned to ice mid-morning and our shrubs slowly leaned stiff into place with each freezing drop.
By lunchtime, icy roads meant no more trips to town, so I pulled on thick pajama pants and curled up on the couch with hot soup and a sandwich filled with warm cheese. I watched for snow from the living room window, and by late afternoon- yahoo!
Just like ice cold confetti floating down from a silver-white sky.
Snow doesn’t happen but once every few years around here, so you understand why I had to pull on my boots and take a few pictures. 🙂
*****
Today, I’m painting more wood on the second floor, while Kevin finishes a song on the first.
This house was dark and empty for seven straight years, but now there’s music in her soul, and I’m convinced she was built to blossom.
*****
I’ve been hearing (daily) from one of the other adoptive Mamas while she’s in Haiti. She and her husband walked through the big green gates at the Three Angels for the first time last Saturday and my pulse quickens whenever I see that she’s written. There’s no telling how many times I’ve read and re-read her updates. It’s like I can’t read them hard enough. Do you know what I mean? It’s hard to believe I’ll be jotting down the details of my own experience there very soon, too.
And guess what?
Sweet P has our photo book.
On day 2, my friend said he carried it around “all. morning. long.” and climbed up next to anyone sitting still so they’d look through it with him. She said, “Layla, he was OUTLINING your FACES with his finger and babbling.” She said, “He is so ready for you to come and be HIS.”
See what I mean?
Can’t. Read. Hard enough.
Feeling incredibly thankful for Love, and letters, and hope that outlines and babbles today. 🙂
the misfit
That brings tears to my eyes. Even though he doesn’t know who you are (and maybe isn’t old enough to talk yet?), he so wants a mom and dad. God bless you all.
rebecca
So thrilled for you!!! You and Kevin deserve all the happiness in the world!!!! Can’t wait to see him! XOOX
Janet
Dear sweet Layla I always read your blog and enjoy your journey !!
I am sorry I am just now leaving a comment but not really good with words ! Reading this post made tears run down my face just thinking about your sweet boy showing off his photo book !
I am a empty nester I have always been a stay at home mom so this year when our daughter went off to college it has been very lonely !
Your post always bring joy to my day so Thank You so much !!
All the best to you and Kevin and soon to be little one !!
Warmly
Janet
Gloria Kimball
When I read the words “he was outlining your face with his finger” , I cried, then I giggled, then I sighed.
Beyond sweet! What a journey.
Blessing
Graziela
“Layla, he was OUTLINING your FACES with his finger and babbling.” She said, “He is so ready for you to come and be HIS.”….this made me cry. What a blessing for you this child will be. God is GOOD!
nancy
I should know.to be ready for happy tears when reading your posts. Thank you again for taking us with you on this wonderful journey.
vicki
What a wonderful roller coater of emotions you are going through.. From someone who has adopted both of my children I understand all the ups and downs you are going through and look forward to reading daily how your progress is going. Adoption is such a blessing and rewarding event. I still remember to this day almost 17 years ago when they called and told us to come and pick up our daughter and then to be able to do it again for our son.
. It was so unreal but so exciting at the same time. Good luck to both of you and I will be watching from the Lake up North!
Jana H.
You’ve got me tearing up over here in Mississippi. *wipes eye* Such a sweet, sweet visual to carry around with you, that your little boy knows and loves your faces already–“so ready for you to come and be his!” What a precious sentiment and such a blessing to have a friend who could/would convey that to you. I’m so happy for all of you.
Rebekah
Couldn’t stop smiling while I was reading this 🙂
Linda
Thank you so much for sharing the experience of adopting your son. It is truly a beautiful moment from God to hear you talk about him. God bless your new family!
Lindsey
I normally read and never comment BUT…
this had my heart pouring over with love when i read the last part. So excited for the both of you!!!
<3 from one MN girl to another!
Kari
Such a beautiful post, it brought tears to my eyes. The joy you both must feel, and the imagery of your Sweet P tracing your faces is the sweetest thing I’ve heard. 🙂
Amy
Ooof. The image of that little boy stroking your pictures made my heart swell. God can make a family in so many different ways, can’t He? Love never ceases to amaze me.
Julie
I don’t know you, but I’m crying. What a beautiful image for you to keep close to your heart to get you through the waiting.
Dawn
Oh Layla!
It’s like what you would experience when you “see” your own in an ultrasound for the first time! I love that you are getting to experience the joys of (adoptive) motherhood and I really appreciate you sharing all of it with us!
Carrie - Curate by Carrie Corson
Brings tears of joy to my eyes! I can not imagine how special this moment must be for you all! You MUST be overwhelmed by all of the different emotions you are feeling! They say things happen for a reason & I believe maybe your trip in late February will be sweeter because of gods plan for you to be patient & cherish every little detail. Blessed I happened upon this little blog of yours four years ago. By the way, I know this is kinda crazy but my bday is the end of February – I know I’ve probably mentioned this before in a comment here, but I truly feel like I’m meant to be following your journey. Gives me faith in our own hopes & dreams, ya know!
Marianne in Mo.
Aww, so sweet! Tears in my eyes for you ! And glad you got some snow!
Alison
Your note about the photo book brought tears to my eyes! I can’t even imagine how you felt when you read that from your friend. That is so special.
Marisa Franca
I have tears in my eyes. How very sweet–I can tell that your heart already is filled with love. Hope your waiting ends soon.
andrea @ my kinda perfect
my heart explodes with excitement for you and little sweet P!
Genny
Oh my gosh, I am SO incredibly happy for you!
Sharon Stinson
Oh Layla, happy tears sprang to my eyes while reading about how your little Sweet P now carries the book around babbling to anyone he can share it with and outlining your faces with this finger! What a huge, huge blessing package God has been assembling, wrapping up with love, and tying with a ribbon of grace – can’t wait for it to be opened very soon and to see/hear/read about the joy it brings to all recipients. Continued blessings, Sharon
jess
I don’t often comment, but I always read.
I didn’t read all the comments, so maybe it’s already been said…
but, I couldn’t help but liken your photo album to God’s word, and your son to us–God’s sons and daughters. He gave us a book for when He couldn’t be present. and one day, ONE DAY, after outlining and studying and savoring his word again and again and again, we will see Him in person.
can’t wait for your kiddo to have you IN PERSON. what a day of rejoicing that will be.
🙂
Karmen
Outlining your faces with his fingers?! That is too precious! So excited for you both!
Katie Morene
Yipee for all three of you! I love my husband dearly but my daughter is the love of my life. It will be the same for you. An adventure awaits.
Amy
That is just SO awesome!! God is preparing his heart for his mom and dad to visit!!
Michelle
Brought tears to my eyes. Being a mother to my four kids has been the most wonderful thing in the world. So very happy for y’all!!
Jess
I’ve never wept over a blog post until today. Layla, it’s been incredible seeing how God has shaped you and Kevin over the past few years. May He bless your family to overflowing!
Jen @ Lita's World
I seriously get so excited whenever I see you’ve posted!! I sit here in my office at work, and I ALWAYS get tears in my eyes reading about the little angel waiting for you!! At times a bit awkward if someone walks into my office 🙂 but ALWAYS so enjoyable for me!! I can only imagine how you must feel hearing about him carrying your photo book around!! Simply BEAUTIFUL!!!
Brooke
Sweetest blog post ever, you need to write a book Layla! I’m in WI and it’s going to snow again. xo
Kara
This post just makes me smile. Adoption is an emotional roller coaster, but it is so awesome! I love hearing about your journey. 🙂
Jody
SO excited for your soon to be family of 3! 🙂
Tarisa
I’ve been keeping up with your adoption story and though I’ve cheered you on from OK and been happy for you, I have never felt emotion like I just did reading this. Tears of joy!!! I can’t even begin to contemplate what you must be feeling. “And oh the joy that floods my soul!”
Lisa
Ohhh myyyy goooosshhh! This gave me goosebumps! I’m so happy for usual guys. He actually traced your faces with his fingers? That is so, so sweet.
Mairi
I just got goosebumps reading this. God has wonderful plans for your family in your home!
Amanda Head
“Layla, he was OUTLINING your FACES with his finger and babbling.” She said, “He is so ready for you to come and be HIS.” that just makes my whole soul smile! I can’t wait to read more of your journey,
Trish
Totally crying. I’m so, so happy for you.
SuzyMcQ
Keeping you and yours, as always, in my good thoughts and prayers. Can hardly wait to hear the good news, and know it is holding off for the most perfect moment….
Tristen
Absolutely Beautiful story. Can’t wait till your all his!
Joanne B.
Further proof that we are all exactly where we are supposed to be… A beautiful and loving story, and a promise for many more days filled with hope, after your boy comes home to you. Blessings to you all and just wait till he is able to understand this whole blog thing and sees how many more people have him in their hearts as well.
Claudia
Oh Layla, I can’t imagine how you must be feeling. The emotions just waiting to unfurl on this sweet child, you’re all going to be together soon!!!
Shannon
I love that last paragraph! So happy for you guys!
Beverly
Got me teary! I’m so happy for you guys!
Cindy Chapman
That is one lucky little boy! Can’t wait to “meet” him through your blog!
Tami B.
Aw! Too sweet! Your post melted my heart. I can’t wait to finally meet your Sweet P.
Sunny
<3 such sweet sentiments
Christie
Oh, Layla! I couldn’t love this post any more than I do!! How precious! You and Kevin must feel such sweet anticipation! I can’t wait to hear more…..thank you so much for sharing your heart with us.
God bless you and your Sweet P.
Sally
Layla,
This made my heart sing!!! My sister and her hubby have 3 adopted children from India (maybe I mentioned it here before) and they always sent ahead a photo book of them and all of their extended family members. What a precious memento for your sweet boy. And tracing your FACES??? Oh, I melt. Exciting days ahead!!!
Linda Weisz
I love your blog and am especially excited that God will soon be giving you a little one.
Vivian
JOY.JOY.JOY!!! PRAISE THE LORD!!!! I can’t wait to “meet” him and in the meantime I will keep praying!!! <3