TJ and a video of Sarah's sleeping arrangement

I'll post first about the video. I've been wanting to video tape Sarah sleeping for quite some time. As some of you may recall, we were told in a report from Sarah's foster mother that she "liked to sleep with hairy things." We understood that to mean "stuffed animals." Well, I have had moments of being concerned about Sarah! She likes things a certain way. Well, with five kids that can be a challenge. I tend to choose my battles in most areas. One of the areas that I have not made a battle is her sleeping arrangements. She is attached to a number of stuffed animals, toys and dolls. I make her put most of the toys on the stand next to her bed and allow her to keep all of her "friends" close by while she sleeps. I tell her, "Sarah, you have too many things in your bed!" She replies, "I always leave a little room for me." She KNOWS if I move anything! She gets frustrated when I do that. Take a look at the tower in the corner! Amazing! Now to another important topic! TJ!

Yesterday TJ turned 17! Wow! It's hard to believe that we are parents of a 17 year old kid! I wasn't as prepared for his cake this year so the poor guy got stuck with pink candles! He didn't mind.

Seventeen years ago yesterday I was sitting on our country-styled blue print sofa reading the Saturday paper when we got the call! TJ's birthmother was on her way to the hospital and this was certainly THE DAY. Tom and I jumped in the car and made the two-hour drive to Owensboro, Kentucky for the big event. Due to the circumstances of the event, we had to keep a low profile so we hung out in the chapel of the hospital. It was at 3:30 that our 6 pound 2 ounce boy came into the world. The hospital staff was wonderful to allow us to hang out in a private room off of the nursery. The first two days were very difficult. We had been through a few years of infertility treatments and even had a failed adoption. We had several years of being hopeful, being disappointed and then trying to be hopeful again. We were blessed to be able to leave the hospital with TJ the very next day, but had several more days before we got word that the birthmother followed through with the adoption. It was a long week!

I was talking with someone yesterday about infertility and the journey of going through that with the desire to be a mom. I asked God 17 years ago to not let me forget what that felt like...and He has been faithful. I enjoyed talking to this young woman and telling her that one day she will look back and see God's perfect plan in all of this. She may have a biological child or she may adopt....regardless....God's plan. Many sometimes view adoption as PLAN B in one's attempt to be a parent. Although our first desire was to have a biological child, we know that TJ was certainly PLAN A! God had to take us throught he journey of infertility to walk through the initial doors of adoption. Thank you, God! I believe, from the beginning of time, that TJ was meant to be ours! He was meant to be the big brother of four siblings....two little girls that think he is the strongest and best brother EVER! This has been God's perfect plan!

On another note, I have to comment about TJ's birthmother. I am so proud of her! First, she chose life for her baby at a time when she could have chosen an abortion. Second, she chose me to be his mother and Tom to be his father! She will forever hold a special place in our hearts. For those of you that walk a life of faith and incorporate prayer into your days, will you please pray for her? Wherever she is we pray that she is safe and at peace...especially as March 2nd rolls around every year. Thank you SPB....wherever you may be! You have given me a precious gift and I will forever sing praises over you to my God!