Naughty or Nice?

We had a nice conversation with Santa and explained a few things. It is tough being a spunky two year old little boy...

Hung my stocking by the chimney with care...

in hopes that St. Nick would REALLY be fair!

I sat nicely on Daddy's lap and listened to a Christmas story.

Had just a small incident with a candy cane....

NICE!

Santa decided I was extra nice and brought me

a shiny new tricycle!

***************************************************

Alex is doing great! He has transitioned to his new home beautifully. Sleeps in his bed at night and LOVES playing with his sisters. There are a few adjustments here and there but we could not be happier with how our little guy is doing! Thank you again for all of your prayers, emails, phone calls... I promise to catch up with everyone soon!

Love and Blessings this Holiday Season.

No Place Like Home!

6 Months.

Finally.

Speechless

Overjoyed

Grateful

Loved

Blessed

HOME!

Coming Home!

We arrived in the Dominican Republic on June 10th and we are coming home on December 10th.

6 months.

God had quite the journey planned for us!

JT and I are forever changed by our adoption experience. Not only are we parents to an adorable, funny and busy 2 year old boy...we have also been through a life changing experience.

God has worked through us - in us and around us. Mostly he has worked in us. We have been stretched, broken, refined, covered, blessed and simply held.

We are not the same JT and Angie that began this journey. Our girls are not the same. There is no way that we could be. You see when God has shown himself to you over and over and over again...there is change.

It was painful and hard at times, but that's when we knew we were growing! God pulled us closer to him. Directing our attention and focus back on him. Back on the one who called us to adoption...the one who knew we would say, "Yes!"

Our journey has been about so much more than our precious son. But -oh what a gift he is! Our journey has also been about surrender as well . Being reminded that God is in control. All the time. With all things.

We arrived in the Dominican Republic

and God met us there.

Thank you all for your continued prayers and support. We are so grateful and can not wait to introduce you to Alex!

Family Time

We had such a fun Thanksgiving week together. Alex loved playing with his sisters! I loved having my family in one place.

Here are a few pictures from our week...

Colonial Zone

This little boy is non-stop! I can never get a picture of him being still and smiling at the same time.

Tie-Dye Day

Juan Dolio Beach

Catch of the day.

Sisters

A boat named after Olivia's best buddy~!

Fun with Daddy

Our little guy.

Thomas - Party of 5

JT, Bailey and Olivia arrived in the Dominican Republic yesterday!! I was so incredibly happy to have my family reunited. July was the last time we were all together...and that is way too long for this Momma.




We are going to spend our week being "Thankful" for all God has done for us. Especially - for our new son and brother.




Please say a prayer for our little guy. These transitions are getting harder and harder for him.

I was so happy to hug on my girls. They look so big to me!

Happy to hug on my guy too.

Almost there...

2 days until our 30 appeal process is OVER! Please pray that the remainder of the process will move lightning quick! My prayer is that my family will be home together by the end of November. I believe God can make it happen!

Good news is that JT and girls are coming for a visit over Thanksgiving break. I am beyond excited. We have not been together as a family of 5 since July! Bailey and Olivia are so excited to see Alex. I just can't wait and will be sure to post pictures of our reunion.

Pals

Lately....

Jt and I traveled back and forth from the DR to CLT this past month. I was needing some serious time with my girls as it had been 45 days since I was last home.

I enjoyed every single minute of my 2 weeks back in Charlotte. Bailey and Olivia both had lots of activities going on. Bailey was an Oompa Loompa in her Middle School production of Willy Wonka Jr., Olivia had a solo violin concert and her last tennis match! I loved being back in my element! :-)

Opening night!

The undefeated Weddington Swim and Racquet "Super Stars"

Good news... We have finally started our 30 day appeal process which will end on November 17th. Woo hoo! That took F.O.R.E.V.E.R.

Other good news... The Tucker family has completed their adoption! They left for Denver, CO today. Many tears were shed and I will miss my friend. However, I rejoice with them that their process is done and they are reunited as a family!

One last big hug from Tia Mercy

I am again reminded that God has been in every single detail of this journey. He has blessed our two families beyond what we could even ask for.

This is truly the home stretch right now. I continue to dig deep and rely on God for my every day provision. I know it will be harder without Mercy here to do the day to day life with me. I will miss her. However, I know God had this planned. He knew. He knows. I am holding on to the promise that He does not change. My circumstances may change, my life may look different... but He is the same. Right here with me.

PRAY ME HOME FRIENDS!

Waiting....

We are still waiting for our 30 day appeal to start. I think this part of the process has been the most difficult for me. The end is in sight... but we can't quite get there yet. Our process has been held up by the court district we are in and the judge overseeing our case. I wake up every single day and lay my request before God. It's more like a plea! I remind myself that HE is in control. He knows the time and date when we will be done and my family can be reunited. I can not wait for that day!!

So in the meantime....

Mercy and I loaded up her car and headed to a resort in La Romana. We did not travel light with a 4 month old, 1 year old and 2 year old! I truly enjoyed my time with Alex there playing in the sand, ocean and pool. It was a "rest" of the spirit - not so much a physical rest. I mean the boy is busy. We had a great time and we made the very best of our time there!

Love how Alex is cooperating....big smiles. :-)

We also made a trip to La Victoria where the Tucker family lived for 4 years as missionaries. I was able to see where they lived and the community center they started in the area. Biemba, the lady who has been cooking for us, lives there as well. Alex and I enjoyed being in her home and having lunch with her family and friends.

We traveled out to the Campo to visit some of the ladies Mercy knew. I am still trying to get my mind and heart around that. Especially one sweet girl named, Francie. She is in an abusive marriage and has a young son. She is probably only 18 or 19. When we arrived I thought she looked blank, no expression on her face. We were told that she got very sick and has lost her hearing. Please pray for her.

Francie's sweet little boy.

Having fun in the Campo. This is a swing made out of a rice sack! Pretty smart!

Alex also got his first haircut with me. I took him to a Barber shop in Villa Mella. He screamed his head off! Guess they don't provide suckers here in the DR to keep the kids quite. Fun times.

In front of the Barber shop with his friend Abner. Clearly Abner did not think it was so bad having his hair cut.