Here are some pictures of the tots in their pumpkin gear. Lia Kate loves "puntins" and it is fun to see her get excited over them. We are loving this October. We've had beautiful days, and nice, cool weather. The best October in a long time...
So many of you prayed fervently for Britton when he was born and came around us and loved and supported us during those first few months. One of the many friends who showered us with prayer and support was a friend named Joe (his wife would later become a dear friend to me). He and Danny had just graduated from seminary together and Joe was up at the hospital every day the week Britton was born ... bringing Danny coffee, and just being there as a friend in our time of need. This week, Joe & Melissa's firstborn came into the world several months early. Their little boy is in the NICU, fighting to live. He has a long road ahead of him and I would be so grateful if all of you prayer warriors would lift this little boy up. You can read about this precious miracle here.
Here is a video of Lia Kate making funny faces with her Daddy. Britton's faces are equally as funny, but he was taking a nap when this was filmed. (These days Lia Kate is taking 1 hour naps and Britton is taking 4 hour naps!):
If only our girl had a little more personality... ;o) Also, please ignore the knee high white socks she is wearing. This girl is *always* finding random socks and shoes to put on. I'm talking many pairs a day!
When our son was very sick in the NICU, a friend monogrammed his initials on a blanket for us. As she stitched the letters B - G - D, she thought of the phrase "By God's Design" ... as surely our son's condition did not take Him by surprise. Even as our son came home and has continued to thrive, and as our family has recently grown by adoption, we rest in knowing that all of this has been By God's Design.
Britton
Britton is our little miracle boy! He came into this world on his way out of it. Born without a heartbeat, he joined the land of the living when he was nine minutes old. He has made an amazing recovery since, and is truly our beautiful, little miracle boy … our gift from God! He spends his days learning to be a sweet big brother and just generally being ALL BOY. To catch the beginning of his story, click on his picture.
Lia Katherine
Lia Kate is our precious chosen child! She was adopted from China over Christmas '09 and we are loving life with her. She is our girly girl with a particular affection for all things shoes, dresses and baby dolls. She is full of joy and laughter and our lives are richly blessed with her in it. Click her picture to read her adoption story from the beginning.
Caroline Collins
Collins is our sweet 7-month-old in China! We can't wait to bring her home. Maybe another Christmas in China?