It has been an eventful few months. We went from a family of three to four (seems like overnight). AlinaJayne is a big sister now, and of course, ChallieJayne has a Forever Family. We have been through many medical issues with ChallieJayne since she has been home, but we seem to be making our way with those. AlinaJayne's medical issues are (hopefully) all figured out (not cured, her situation is a life long issue) but manageable nonetheless. PRAISE THE LORD!
When we had our second post-placement adoption visit with our Social Worker last month, she asked "what fun stuff did you do over the summer?" I thought, SERIOUSLY? We arrived home with ChallieJayne on June 13th, she was in the ER on June 15th, and from there, caring for her medical needs and getting her to specialist appointments was a full-time job. Not to mention the fact that Matt and I work full-time, I had just started a new job in May, only had two weeks off (Matt took three weeks off after I went back to work), we were strangers to this new child, suddenly AlinaJayne was no longer an only child, she was sleeping in her own room for the first time (after sleeping in our bed since she was home from China in 2006), AND we had just gone through a two month scare earlier this year when we thought AlinaJayne had leukemia. Whew! A multitude of changes this last 10 months. We give thanks to our Lord for carrying us through it all! But fun? Really, I don't recall having a free second for that!
I'm not complaining, only reporting. Things have settled down, and we are all settling in to this new normal more each day. It is fall (my favorite time of year), the leaves are vibrant orange, red and copper, and there are so many opportunities to see God's work on a daily basis. I really think I am stronger and more appreciative of all of the gifts and blessings in my life as a result of all of our experiences. It's all good!
Enjoy the pics. I promise to refrain from being a stranger!
(Click the photo to enlarge)
