Loss

Loss is a huge part of adoption. Most people tend to think of adoption as only a good thing, which it is, but there are losses when an adoption occurs. There is loss for the biological family of the child because they will no longer have a relationship with their child (at least in the case of my kids). The new parents suffer the loss of missing out on part of that child's life. For our oldest two we missed a large chunk of their lives. With the arrival of Jonah, Micah and Hannah have been dealing with some grief issues. Last night at dinner we had a mini therapy session with them to work through these issues. It is difficult as a parent to see your children so sad because they are missing something that we cannot get back for them. Baby pictures are a big deal to them, they are very upset that we don't have any of them. Another since of loss comes from the experiences Kurt and I are having with Jonah that we missed out on with them. On top of these issues they are struggling with the fact that Jonah is almost the same age Elijah would have been had he lived. It is making their hearts ache for their baby brother.

In the middle of our sorrow I am thankful we can turn to God to walk with us. I mourn the losses that our family has gone through at the same time I have peace in knowing that in Christ we have eternal life. As we told the kids last night, all of this pain and sorrow will be gone in heaven. One day we all will see the "video" of Micah and Hannah before they were with us, we will hold and play with Elijah just as we do with Jonah now. One day our bruised and broken hearts will be made whole again when we are united with our Savior.

Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven-Matthew 5:12

Toddler Craziness

Sorry for the delay in posting. We have been spending lots of time hanging out as a family. Jonah Tyler is an amazing new addition. He adores his older brother and sister, has fun with his Daddy, but loves his Mommy the best!

Many of you are going to laugh at me but taking care of a toddler is a lot of work! Kurt and I are both exhausted most of the time. Here some of the ways our lives have changed:
1. No more sleeping in on Saturdays
2. Our clothes have snot, drool, and various other things on them.
3. Home is the easiest place to be
4. Dogs no longer freely roam the house
5. Toys in the living room, kitchen, and bonus room
6. Have gotten very familiar with the baby section at Target
7. It takes at least 10 min to get ready to leave the house
8. Kids music playing in the car
9. In love with a stroller and ergo
10. If I get one thing done on my list in a day, I'm doing good.

With all that to say, we would not change a thing. Last Sunday in church we had Jonah Tyler with us. Kurt and I were both in tears thinking about how just a couple weeks ago we were praying for him to be with us. God's hand has been on Jonah Tyler's adoption since the beginning. We are so thankful for our three amazing gifts from Ethiopia.