Perfect Timing

We wouldn't have wanted any other baby besides Max.  He is perfect for us.   If the first birthmom would have chosen us, we wouldn't have Max. 

If the second birthmom would have been the real deal, we wouldn't have Max.  

God's timing is so perfect.  Here is another example of God's perfect timing.  I hope you read this.

It's easy to rejoice in God's Sovereign plan for your family when you are looking back at what He has already done, but it's not the easiest when you are in the moments of wanting something so bad.  I'm constantly trying to put the control back into my own hands even when I know He is 100% faithful.  He loves us so much and desires to show His power through our weakness.  In Isaiah 37:20, King Hezekiah is praying to God to save Jerusalem from the threatening and powerful King of Assyria.  "Now, O Lord our God, deliver us from his hand, so that all kingdoms on earth may know that you alone, O Lord, are God."  I want to encourage you to have this same type of prayer.  He may not deliver you from the situation, but he will deliver you into a peace beyond your comprehension if you trust Him.

China?

We have had some interesting things said to us since we have adopted.

But here's the kicker...

Person:  (Looking at Max)  Awww, you guys just got back from China!!!!

Me:  (In shock and wanting to laugh) No.

Person:  (Not hearing what I just said)  I have friends that adopted from China.  He is so adorable!

She was so excited we didn't want to burst her bubble.

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Max has blonde hair just like his mommy!

 

New outfit from Uncle Matt and Andrea

Check Up

Max had his 6 month check up last week.  The only time I could schedule it was smack-dab right in the middle of his nap time...his afternoon nap...the one where he sleeps for 3 hours.  My plan was to let him take an extra long nap in the morning -knowing that when you have a plan with changing a baby's schedule, it usually doesn't work out so well.  Thankfully, it did.  

The appointment went well.  Maxwell was all smiles and giggles.  I loved it.  If he knew about the 4 shots that were coming, he probably wouldn't have been so giddy.  For those of you who know Max, you understand that a smile and a laugh from this little guy aren't given away very easily.  

He peed all over the walls as I was getting ready to say to the nurse, "He hasn't peed on us since he was 2 months old."  He must be able to read minds.  

He was a champ with the shots he received.  As soon as I picked him up, he found his thumb and all was good.  Later that night was a different story.

Maxwell's stats:
weight - 18lbs 11oz.
height - 27 1/4 inches (or as my family likes to say, 2 foot 3 1/4 inches)

In our house growing up, we had some molding where we marked our height.  Wes and I decided to start this in our house.

 

Chuck E. Cheese Overload

We met Max's birth mom at Chuck E. Cheese again last Wednesday.  I invited my parents along for this meeting.  Chuck E. Cheese was not the best option. (I'm not sure that place is ever a good option,  but particularly a poor choice during Christmas break) I was SUPER nervous this time, especially knowing that there was a pretty good chance we would be meeting the birth father.  We didn't really know much about him so I kind of prepared myself for the worst.  Max's birth mom has always said that Max looks just like his birth father.  I had this silly fear that I would have a negative feeling towards him once I met him and that I would see him every time I looked at Max.

Can I call the birth mom L and the birth dad S?

Thanks.

We met L and S out in the parking lot.  L had 2 bags full of clothes for Max and a few presents for him.  Very sweet.  She cried right away and so did I.  I will probably say this every time, but I can't imagine what it must feel like to be in her shoes.

S was friendly and greeted us with a big smile.  I saw the resemblance that L sees.

S stayed for about 30 minutes.  As he was leaving, he thanked us for taking such good care of Max.  Humbling.

L took a billion pictures.  Said Max was "so handsome" a zillion times and I think took another billion pictures.  The poor kid probably saw flashes for a couple of days.

L's mom and son (thus the reason we were meeting at Chuck E. Cheese) came later.

There was a moment when everybody had left the table but L and me.  Amidst all of the chaos - kids screaming, bells, the same song for the 100th time - we were able to have a sweet exchange of words.  Cried again.  She can't believe that we allow her to see Max.  I want Max to know his birth family for as long as they are willing to meet with us.  I don't know how it's going to be in the future, but Wes and I are going to trust God with all of the details to this unique relationship and pursue it as long as we are led.

Max had Chuck E. Cheese overload, so that was our cue to leave.  Cried one more time and told L that we would see her in March.

My answer to my silly fear has been answered.  When I look at Max, I see Max.