Wonder of Wonders, Miracle of Miracles

Wow; I'm dumbfounded, in awe, and amazed at this last turn of events in our journey with God. Just as my heart was approaching a more stable place, with the ache of having to say "good-bye" becoming lest painful every day, He's asking me to soften up so I can say "hello" again. Wonder of wonders, Will is coming back into our lives, and his happy homecoming will take place in less than 48 hours. After having him in their lives for almost two weeks, his birth parents decided that it's better for them - and for him - to be a part of our family once again. This time, they say that they are 100% certain, but we all know how things can change, so I solicit your prayers again, for them, for us, for the baby, and for this next section on the roller coaster of life. Here's hoping that this next part of the story transitions to a smoother ride; maybe God will let us switch to the log ride - that's much more my pace. More to follow. Love to you all.

Birthday & Thanks

I am so thankful today - thankful for my faith, thankful for my family, thankful for my friends. This last week could have been incredibly debilitating, had it not been for the support of God working through so many people who reached out in love and held our hands through our hurt. I hate to say "thank you" en masse here online, as the proper thing to do would be to thank all of you individually, likely with a written note in lavender-scented stationery, but I stink at that kind of thing, so instead, here I go:

Thank you. Thank you for loving me. Thank you for loving my family. Thank you for praying for my family, for baby Will, for his birth parents, and for his safety. Thank you for refraining from trite condolences. Thank you for sincere words. Thank you for heartfelt hugs. Thank you for letting me cry until I couldn't breathe, for laughing when I said that snot was God's way of stifling overabundant tears, and for handing me tissue. Thank you for feeding my stomach and for soothing my soul. Thank you for letting me be sad and mad and irritated and all the in-betweens. Thank you for encouraging me to smile and laugh but not forcing me to. And --last but not least -- thank you for not giving me guilt when I said I felt like kicking a puppy mid-week (sorry, PETA). Lest you worry, I'm much better at present; I now want to kick a mean, mangy person.

Again, thanks.

Brokenhearted Good-byes

Worst case scenario isn't hypothetical anymore: the baby's birth parents changed their minds. Their emotions were too strong, their logic not so much. The adoption case worker just left, and Will's gone. We're hurting but not bitter. We knew there would be risks. Now there's an empty spot where a beautiful life used to be. The hole that he left in our lives will grow smaller with time, but now it's raw and aching. However, God has provided and will continue to provide in ways we can only imagine. The only thing I ask is that you join us in taking this heartbreak to the Father of all comfort. Pray for Will's safety; pray for his heart; pray for his family of birth to dig deep and work hard to be able to provide for what he needs in all areas of his sweet little life; pray for us to recover. Just pray.

Babe In Arms

We're all enjoying Will, finally, at home. I wonder if this is how God feels when He's holds us in the palm of His hand.

I hope so.

Bouncing Baby Boy

He's here! 8 lbs. 3 oz., 22 inches long - healthy and adorable. All is well thus far. Please continue to pray for all of us. More soon!

Silliness

For your viewing pleasure, while we all wait for the arrival of baby boy Fowlkes. What a crazy family he's coming into!

Sweet, Sweet Smiles

...from the Fowlkes girls and Cosby cousins and grandparents; how sweet.

Unless We Get a Call Tonight...

...we're officially

Due Day: This Week

June 4 to be exact. Pray for us!

Beach Shots

We must have been at the beach at the perfect time of day for lighting. The reflection off the lake was lovely. The girls loved running around in the sand, and the adults loved watching them. The peace and calm of sunset was God-breathed. If you ever have a chance to visit the Lake Lure area of North Carolina, I highly recommend it!