“Words are like nets-
we hope they’ll cover what we mean,
but we know they can’t possibly hold
that much joy, or grief, or wonder.”
-Jodi Picoult
They sit out there every afternoon, those egrets…
One by one, they fly over to those twiggy trees from all edges of the lake. Reminds me of a giant cotton plant…big white birds, dotting tall, skinny brown sticks.
They gather just before the sun starts to set, usually right around 5 o’clock. I’m sure it has something to do with safety in numbers (and height) overnight, but I like to think they’re just smitten with the sunset, too. 🙂
You wouldn’t know it from these hazy-day photos, but they really do have a front row seat from that spot.
Unfortunately, I’ve discovered it’s a seat built only for birds…
One step too close, and they all head for the hill. Oops! Sorry, egrets! I didn’t know you were so skittish!
There’s that word again: know.
It’s been on my mind a lot this week.
I told my Aunt Chriss yesterday, it’s such an interesting feeling to know someone is your child, but to not know the someone that is your child, yet.
Thanks to Three Angels Facebook page, I’ve known since last summer what what it feels like to know of him. I know his soulful eyes through my screen, but I don’t know how it feels to be seen by his soul yet. I know 7 seconds of his giggle, but I don’t know how it sounds in the air right around me yet.
This year though, I get to know! I get to be seen his soul, and I get to hear the sound of his spirit while he’s sitting right in my lap! 😀
The adoptive mamas in Haiti were kind enough to share some more fun “knowns” with me this week, too:
1. Our boy is a sunbeam. He has been nicknamed “The Greeter” because he is, as my friends put it, “the world’s friendliest little person, always smiling and toddling up to greet everyone who enters the orphanage”.
2. He “talks” a lot and his voice sounds like Boo from Monsters, Inc. He is very good at repeating words, and currently speaks Crénglish. Some Haitian Creole (which is a lot like French), and some English. (Wow. Friendly, cute and smart as a whip.) #TripleThreat 😉
3. One of the adoptive papas taught him the sign for “more” because he LOVES playing Ring around the Rosie. Another adoptive papa taught him how to say “beep beep” while he was riding around on the orphanage’s toy car.
4. My friends are still “reading” him the photo book we sent, so now he’s talking to MAMA and PAPA, too.
There’s a good time comin’, y’all. I can feel it in my knowns. 🙂
PS- For more adoption updates and pics between posts, join me over on Twitter, Facebook and/or Instagram!
Layla- I can’t stand this waiting period!!! I can’t even imagine how you feel!!! I am so anxious!!!! XOXO
Your most beautiful post yet, Layla. I am getting so excited for you, all the way up here in Calhoun County! I can’t wait to see how this little blessing grows and thrives with you and your honey!
“it’s such an interesting feeling to know someone is your child, but to not know the someone that is your child, yet.”
You just put into words exactly how I feel!
Can’t wait to hear this little man is home with you! Sounds like you’ll be blessed with quite a character! 🙂 Have they given you any concrete timelines of when you’ll be able to visit, and to bring him back home? As someone that’s considering adoption, I’m curious on the timeline, etc.
Layla, I have read your blog for a while now but never commented. But this post stopped me dead in my tracks and had me in tears at my desk – but the best possible tears! How amazing to know that somewhere so far away your little boy is memorizing your smile and falling in love. your positivity is inspiring and I’ve enjoyed following along this journey – can’t wait to see your family united 🙂
I don’t know how you are so patient. I am so excited for you to have your little one I can hardly stand it! I can’t wait!
Goosebumps! Love.This. and praying for your new lil family! Can’t wait to “e-see” your new son!! ~Kim
Such a sweet post 🙂 Can’t wait to see the photos when you finally meet him!
This makes my heart smile. Adoption is such a different experience from being pregnant, and I’m frankly jealous that you get to see and know so much about your handsome boy while you’re “pregnant”! Also, no puking 😉 I’ve said this a couple times before, but adoption is my very favorite picture of God’s love for us. Just like you guys and your son, He knew us before we knew him. Gives me goose bumps 🙂
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, so heartfelt I can feel your Joy and anticiaption right along with you. Happy for you, and praying for y’all.
This is just awesome to follow! So happy for you and love that you’re partaking in something so near and dear to the heart of God! His richest blessings on your journey!
Awesome! Thanks for sharing your knowing with us!
My heart is so full for you and Kevin and your little man. What an adventure you three will soon have. I think you all have won the lottery and have been given the greatest gift God could offer; each other. May the blessings continue.
The waiting is so hard! Your son sounds like a delight! Praying it all comes together quickly.
Your words leave me speechless….blessings to you every day! <3
This is such a soul moving post. I was never able to financially adopt. Your journey is moving slow and fast at the same time. I pray you every blessing to be the mama and daddy God meant y’all to be! Soon enough, you will be sharing with us. Your daily blessings of life as you now live it! Soon mama, real soon! Blessings of love to all, Hope
Oh – the sound of a little giggle…makes me miss those days so much…now with all the young adult angst and drama – I wish I could have those days back again…Here’s hoping it’s not too much longer until you know that giggle and can hold your little man!
I LOVE THIS. PERIOD.
It’s very cool to hear you talk about your future son the same way a mother who has one in her belly might describe their own. I’m very happy for you and your family – that you get to experience something like this…and I can’t wait for son to get to KNOW you. You are beautiful. I woke up to so many disgusting things posted on the news this morning. Thank goodness for my blog outlet and remembering that their are kind, beautiful people in the world. Thank you for that, it’s been great getting to KNOW you.
I just get goosebumps reading your updates! YOUR boy 🙂
Thanks for sharing. I’m so excited for you guys. What a blessing you will be to each other.
Dear Layla, This writing has been a lovely poetic flow of your thoughts and feelings. Thank you for taking us there with you and allowing us to share the beauty.. Blessings to you, Joan
Soon…. 🙂
I can’t even begin to explain how BEAUTIFUL this post is..Such a range of emotions! My heart sings for you and aches for you at the same time (because you have to wait)!
My husband was adopted when he was 6 years old. His Dad also made a book to ‘introduce’ his future son to family, friends, and neighbors while they were waiting for everything to be final. 33 years later, he still has this book and it is probably his most prized possession…
Thank you so much for letting us be a part of this amazing season in your life.
Wow! I KNOW when I’ve been touched in my soul. I pray for you and your little greeter. Like many of your friends, I can’t wait until he greets you!
Ok, now that made me tear up!! So excited for you guys to meet your sweet little one.
I LOVE your adoption updates! Can’t wait until you get to squeeze him in real life!
Ooh! I’m so frustrated for you at this moment. I want you to be with that little boy now, now, NOW!!
Oh, no frustration necessary, Cory! This chapter was written for us to cherish now and forever, too. 😀
Needless to say I flunked Quiet Grace 101 in church. I totally relate to the grandpa in the Kraft macaroni and cheese ad that is running right now! 🙂
Of course, I’m not as impatient as you must be … But, I promise, I DO FEEL IMPATIENT to know this little boy too and to follow you in your new familial adventures. I fell really happy for you and your husband, Layla. Truly.
lovely, sweet post … but love the last phrase best: I feel it in my knowns! may have to steal that one from ya 😉
so happy for you and Kevin …hugs from Texas
Oh Layla, your post made me cry. Motherhood is truly wonderful. I have a son, too, and although he is a man now, I still can remember when he was a toddler. Enjoy it to the fullest, their childhood truly does go by very quickly. Too quickly.
Can’t wait to meet this triple threat 🙂
That feeling of love that just burns in your body, waiting to get out and hold your child…. Your patience and self-discipline is truly a testament to what a wonderful person you are inside and out.
I’m sure with all the help you’re getting in Haiti that he won’t be as skittish as the egrets when you finally meet.
Yes, Teddee! He is definitely the opposite of skittish, it seems! SO excited to scoop that little one up for our first Mama-meets-Sweet P squeeze! 😀
I have people bumps just reading your story. Oh, the anticipation!!
I just signed up for your blog, what a nice surprise. I’m sure the waiting period is enough to drive you crazy but from the sound of things he’ll be well worth the wait. I look forward to hearing more and will take a few minutes to read some of your older posts. Congratulations to all of you & God bless.
Thank you, Laura! It’s so nice to e-meet you here today! And ya know, time has really just continued to whiz by at lightning speed (as always!), so (thankfully) our adoption journey has really felt steady and Full. We are excited to spend this year getting to know our little man in person though…what an adventure! 😀
Tears of joy for you! I LOVE to hear that he is the greeter and has the friendliest smile. I started beaming then because you, my friend, have always exuded a smile that is radiant like the sun, inviting to all who may see it, and a welcome to those who may not even know you. You exude the same qualities in your photos, words, and stories of friendships and those you encounter. This is a wonderful story and sign. God Bless you…I am so thrilled as each day gets closer for you and Kevin. You will be the best gift this young boy will EVER receive!
This is so sweet! Do you know his age? I can’t imagine how excited you must be!!
Thanks, Vanessa! Yes, he turned two this past November. The same month as my adoptive Grandma…the one who inspired my heart for adoption from a very young age! 🙂
Layla, I have been reading your blog for years now. It’s my favorite blog and even though I don’t ‘know’ you, I’m touched you let strangers get a glimpse into your life. I love this post. Brought tears to my eyes, and I’m so happy that you and Kevin will be with your little guy soon. Thanks for documenting this journey!
So precious. What a gift to know him through the eyes of your friends. Can’t wait until your blog is full of his little personality!
Oh Layla, your posts move me to the core!! Even across the miles, your souls are connecting already. It is SO exciting. You are so ready… I can hear it in the way you dissect and cherish every morsel . I don’t know how you stand the anticipation. I am ready to burst just reading your posts. Your little guy sounds amazing! Can’t wait to hear more as your journey together unfolds. Surrounding you all in love and prayer.
I love how calmly hopeful you are. Your words and sentiments are lovely. I am a future adoptive parent as well, in the beginning in the process. I have many trepidations about what comes next for my husband and I in our journey to parenthood. Your attitude is so reassuring. Thanks for the post.
P.S. I’m excited to “meet” your little one!
I feel such joy for you that you will be welcoming a wonderful little boy into your world. He sounds so special. I pray that you will be able to bring him home soon.
Its so wonderful, Layla that you are able to get all these “gems” before you meet him but I know it must make you long for him even more!
I would “LIKE” this if I could!!
Layla-this post left me wanting to reach throughout my iPad and give you a big hug. I can’t imagine how you and Kevin are feeling hearing about your little greeter and wanting to hold him. In Gods timing. Praying for the three of you from Texas.
Dear Layla,
I have followed you for awhile now, and I am excited from afar for you, your hubby and your little one to join you soon. Just wanted to say your feeling of ” knowing someone is your child and not know the someone” is very similar to waiting for a child to be born, you know he is yours but wonder about what he is like. I know you both can hardly wait and wish you all a wonderful first meeting!
knowing and not knowing feels the same when you are pregnant too. 9 months of waiting to meet that someone and anxious to get to know them. so it’s like you are putting in the time, exactly the same as every other mommy! 😉
You BETCHA…good times a coming. And isn’t nature grand, I try to get close enough around my parts to get that really “good” pic of the red bird or the pretty little blue bird SO happy right now with our yard where there is a feeder in the 10 inches or better of snow on the ground. AND then I just take one step to close and then they are gone:( Don’t mean it,:)
I can’t imagine how your feeling, warmth, nerves, excitement, joy AND then some. Sure is making all your readers excited. Thank you for the updates!!! He’s gonna be ONE lucky little boy!!!!!!!!!!
every. one.
every one of these posts exudes your love for your son to the point that i get chills and leaky eyes.
and i love every one.
still so thrilled for you!
Oh, how I love to read these posts. 🙂 I am so excited for you!