Well, it looks like we may actually be able to move into our new place this weekend- yahoo! The bank agreed to fix the water and electrical issues that popped up in our inspection, and they *should* all be taken care of in the next few days, so our closing is still set for Friday morning.
I’m hesitant to blog too much about the new place until the keys officially belong to us, but I will say that one of my favorite things about the community we’re moving to is how kid-friendly it is.
Traffic whizzed past the front of our last house at 50-60 mph, and we were always a little concerned about having a small child living with us there. There were no sidewalks, and the piece of property our house sat on dropped off into a woodsy ravine behind the house. It was fine for us “big kids”, but like I said, we never really knew how it would work for us with a small child in the picture.
Our new (rural) neighborhood (10 minutes from the eastern edge of Montgomery, AL, where Kev’s parents and brother’s family lives) is nestled between two fishing lakes, and surrounded by hundreds of rolling acres of green space. Perfect for little ones (and parents) that want to get out and ride bike and explore.
And speaking of little ones and their parents, we were so inspired by the comments y’all left us on our last adoption post. So many of you mentioned praying for Guidance and watching for signs. Such great advice and we appreciate the reminders so much.
Since that post, we’ve done a lot of both…praying and sign-seeking, I mean. And those of you that said there may already be signs right in front of us were right. There were- we just hadn’t started seeing them as signs yet, I guess.
I don’t know how many times I’ve bumped into Christine– a blogger and adoptive parent who has always been so sweet about offering to help us with our adoption-related questions.
I don’t know how many times she (and many others) mentioned Lifeline Adoption Agency, which is just up the road from us in Birmingham.
Well, since that post, we’ve re-connected with Christine, who introduced us to Beth and Iris from Lifeline. As a matter of fact, she picked out a cafe for us all to meet at one day and what an absolutely awesome opportunity that was. I could’ve asked them questions and listened to their adoption stories for days!
We left that day feeling like we had taken a big, inspired step forward…
…and we can’t wait to see where He leads us next!
SO thrilled for you both!!!!
Oh my goodness! I’ve got goosebumps just reading this! Can’t wait to see what’s in store for you both! 🙂 Best of luck with your move! So looking forward to seeing your new home!
I am so hoping, and praying that your dreams come true. You both deserve it. My God bless your new home and your new family!
I’m so excited that you’re back in the exploring stages of adoption again! We looked at Lifeline and got their info, but for us personally, we weren’t completely comfortable with the required adherence to their statement of faith. We personally know a few people who have worked with them and had great experiences, however. We worked with A Angel also based in Birmingham (Helena actually) and also researched Villa Hope for international options, although we decided to pursue domestic adoption in the end. You might want to check those out and see what you think.
I am SO excited for you guys and to see where the Lord leads you! Adoption is seriously one of my most favorite things EVER.
I just wanted to say I wish you the best on your ventures in adoption…I am an adopted child, many moons ago…and our daughter and son were adopted and we are about to adopt our 5 year old Granddaughter…..It is a blessed life and I wish you much joy…;o)
Your whole post made me smile this HUGE silly smile across my face. I am so tickled for you kids. I agree….watch the signs…….they are already there……….I have no doubt about that. It happens to us, BIG, whenever something is going on in our lives.
Remember, one door closes — another one opens!
Remember…..
My Dear,
Let me do it.
Love,
God
I am simply giddy for you both!
“Love never fails. Character never quits. And with patience and persistence, dreams do come true.”~ Pete Maravich
Layla,
All my best wishes for you and Kevin on making your dreams come true.
So excited for you! I believe adoption is God’s heart, and He will lead and guide you to the little one He has planned to place in your arms since the beginning of time! You are in for an amazing journey. There will no doubt be bumps along the way, but they will all be worth it. Praying for you!
Looks like you are on your way!
I’m wishing you all the best on the home and adoption fronts. I see a wonderful life ahead of you guys.
My family has just begun the adoption process and we are adopting from the Congo. We have three biological children and we’re looking forward to bringing home #4! My husband was born and raised in the Congo while his parents were missionaries. The country has millions of orphans (1million in the capital city alone). God will surely direct you to the country where your child is 🙂
My only advice is to check out the Empowered to Connect Conference. It was AMAZING! I could go on and on about all we learned, but I believe this information will be so helpful after we bring our children home.
Wishing you and yours all the best!
I loved seeing your beginning adoption journey pics! It brought back so many wonderful memories of all of our adoption adventures bringing our five precious gifts into our family. There will be lots of ups and downs during your journey but don’t lose heart. All of your efforts will be completely worth it! I think I have seen the Lord more beautifully in our adoption adventures than any other times of our lives. It makes me certain that these adoptions were His plan. The impossibilities He overcame are our testimony!
Way excited for you two. Wonderful parents I know you will be, and we ALL already know you can decorate. Can’t wait to see the new house!!! Happy:)))))
May God be with you on your journey.
Yay! I’m so excited that you will be working with Lifeline. I thought that was Beth in your pictures the other week. She is our social worker and we absolutely love her. We just wrapped up our last home study meeting this Monday. It’s so cool to hear how God is working in your lives.
P.S. Your new neighborhood looks absolutely beautiful and peaceful.
I just shared our adoption news on my blog the other week. You can check out the link below to hear our story.
http://www.colortransformedfamily.com/2012/09/28/reservations-for-four-please/
We found our children who were living in orphanages in Ukraine and Russia by hearing about adoption one day while listening to Family Life Today on the radio. As God would direct, we ended up using the same adoption agency profiled on the show after praying fervently and seeking Him. Although both of my sons, now 13 and 15 (adopted at age 1 and 2) have ADHD and one has fetal alcohol related issues, they are God’s precious gifts and I am so blessed to be their mother.
There is something to be said for having a kid friendly neighborhood – we moved from an urban condo in Chicago to a suburban community in Fort Worth about 3 years ago, and the place is delightfully kid friendly – it’s the kind of place where the children play ball and ride their bikes in the street, and neighborhood children drop by to see if E. can come out to play. Having never had that before here in the US, it’s been a wonderful discovery!
Good luck with your closing, and your continued journey towards adoption! {{{hugs}}}
Oh I just feel the excitement! Lots of prayers for you here in Washington State.
I am so genuinely happy for you and Kevin. Can’t wait to follow your nre journey.
Marie
xoxo
I hope you get your sweet little soon! From your written word, I can tell you have a tender heart and you will both be great parents.
You new neighborhood sounds great and that pic-yum!
I can’t believe how fast this has gone for you! At least from my perspective…it seems like just yesterday you were posting room renos and we readers had no idea you were thinking about moving! So glad everything is going smoothly for ya.
So inspired to hear about your new adventure. Being a Grammy of two adopted precious little boys, you have alot of joy waiting for you. Best Wishes on your adventure.
Billie
Our daughter is 4 and from Taiwan. We started out in the China prgm and led to the Taiwan prgm. Our daughter came home when she was 7 months old and she is the light of our lives, the joy in our heart, the smile on our faces. I have never done anything better in my life than to adopt!!
I think you need to write down what your heart is open to and what it can take. Adoption from any aspect is not for the faint at heart and we had to chose based on what we thought we could withstand. We went to Asia because most countries offer a very stable program, very straight forward steps and paperwork, Attachment was a big issue for us and something every adoptive parent MUST consider!!! Love is not always enough. the older the child, the more dysfunctional the prior enviro, any abuse….these things can make it really tough to help a child thru attachment.
China has a wonderful waiting child program and has children avail that have very minor to very severe needs. Taiwan has a similar prgrm as well. The Congo and Ghana are both prgms with children are in desparate need of families. Just make sure you find an agency that has a proven network and has families that have come home that you can talk to about their journey.
I can put you in touch with families that have adopted from all over the world. The network of international adoption families is HUGE!!!! They are a wonderful support system.
Congrats and wishing you a great journey to your child and all I can say is the feeling you will have in your heart the moment you see the first picture of your child will be a feeling you WILL NEVER forget!!!
feel free to email me if you want to be connected to some families that have adopted Internationally. [email protected]
I said a prayer to St. Anthony for you guys (I am Catholic and believe in Saints and he is the patron saint of lost things) so I said a prayer that he FIND the “fixes” and find resolution to your new house issues so you can move in, and asked that he FIND that everything go into place, and you find the right child for you guys. Much happiness to you both.
Best,
Gloria
p.s. I think your husband deserves a pat on the back because he goes with you to all these ‘meets’ with all the ladies (cute photo above!). You are lucky, but I’m sure I don’t have to tell you that. Plus, maybe the ladies think he is pretty cute too and they are happy he’s there. 😉
Oh Layla I am SO excited for you!!!! I am going to keep you in my prayers. You have inspired me in so many ways, it’s the very least I can do for you. Wait, what am I saying? Praying is not the least thing? It’s the most powerful! =0) Cannot WAIT to see your new house. And your kiddo will love growing up there. He/she will be so lucky!!!
So happy for you!
It is all so exciting for you. I got all teary eyed reading your post. Blessings & prayers for you!
Congratulations, Layla and Kevin, on settling on your new home! My fingers are crossed (and keeping you in my thoughts and prayers) regarding your adoption, too!
I am SO glad to have you as a next door neighbor now! I live in Auburn and now you two an be closer to the games here instead of Kevin being glued to the TV! Also, keep telling my husband now (who’s an acupuncturist there in Montgomery & here), that I’m going to get you as his patient someday, LOL! Ok, I could be dreamin there. Love your post – as usual. MANY blessings on your move, and knowing that you both are going to make GREAT parents.
Oh here you go! This reminds me of how our “chance meeting” began. Watch out Layla! You’re about to be blessed…
Woo hoo!
Wow, somehow I missed your previous posts about adoption! Congrats, that is awesome! My husband and I are in the early stages of adoption right now. We’ve completed all of our classes and we’re currently preparing for our home study, which will most likely happen within the next few weeks! It’s exciting and terrifying all at the same time! Best of luck to you! I’ll keep you in my prayers! <3
Oh, I am so excited for you! Looking forward to seeing your new house but most of all to see where your adoption journey takes you.
Thirty-eight years ago we became adoptive parents to a beautiful baby boy. What a wonderful journey that has been!
Meant to also tell you something else. After we decided to adopt we started house hunting for a good family home. Nine months after we moved into our new home, our adoption counceler called to say a baby boy who was a good match was just released for adoption!
[big, big smile]
Thank you for sharing! I am thankful for how you are walking with God in this!
How exciting!! The new neighborhood looks/sounds amazing! And that is so great about the adoption agency! Thanks for keeping us up to date! 🙂
I am so thrilled that you are considering Lifeline! I have several friends who work there and several friends who have adopted through Lifeline! I am excited to read about this journey!
I love your courage in all you do in life.
Your photo looks so beautiful. You have a look in your eyes of
complete calm and serenity. You have such a gentle and generous heart and soul. I am so excited to follow your life and loves. Geri.
Big prayers for you on your new adventure. I admire you honesty, courage, and enthusiasm. Life is hard. By sharing your story, you are making it easier for others.
Very happy for you and Kevin and all the wonderful changes and blessings coming your way. Cannot wait to see the new house. I know you’ll make it gorgeous, warm and inviting. Hurry, tell the bank to get a move on!!!
It is so great that you are thinking of adopting. Our really close friends decided to adopt about 2 years ago. This summer they went to the Marshall Islands to pick up their baby girl. Their story is amazing. Let me know if you want to read about it and I can send you a link to their blog.
My comment has nothing to do with adoption. Rather, I would LOVE to have a BIG BOX of “osage oranges” like the one Kevin is holding in the photos! They are so gorgeous in centerpiece bowls and vases this time of year, and they have a wonderful, light scent. I used to be able to buy them at farmers’ markets but alas, no more! I am jealous if you have those near you. I’ll expect to see lots of decorating using them, Layla!
So heart warming seeing God move, it is always more than we can ever imagine, God is so very good!
What a great post! I’ve been a long time reader and have even talked with you via email a couple of times. I’m so happy to hear your positive attitude when waiting for your child. I’ll join you (and many others) in praying for God’s perfect timing and your peace as your waiting for that exciting day when you get to meet your little one!!
Congrats on the new house! I had to check out your blog after seeing your instagram pictures of moving day!!
Love how God puts people together… and uses the tiniest (and biggest!) things to knit friendships!
God bless you in your move, in your new home, in your family plans. God is doing AWESOME things in your lives and I’m so excited for your journey!
Sounds like a pretty little peaceful place you bought! Looking forward to seeing pictures and hearing more about your adoption adventure 🙂
Congratulations, to you and Kevin, on your new home. Love the outside …can’t wait to see the inside!
God’s plan always works. His timing is spot on.
Hey! Did you cut your hair? It looks short in that one pic. 🙂
Text me a picture of your new hair.
i am an adoptive mom too. connecting with people who can encourage you through the process is one of the most important things about adoption. encouragement is a must when you are simply waiting. glad you were able to connect.
I am so excited for you guys! My husband and I leave just outside of Birmingham and we are Foster Parents through Lifeline! Such a great organization and we wish you and Kevin the best!