Our 8th Wonder

So 2015 ended with a bang when we were matched with a little boy through foster care who was ready for an adoptive family.

He was about three and a half at the time, just 4 months younger than Eli and our hearts immediately broke for him.

He came from such a hard situation and experienced far more in his short 3 years than anyone should ever have to.

When we met him he was essentially non-verbal, did not eat, was not potty trained, had fitful sleep, was rigid, anxious, angry, defensive, easily stressed, unpredictable and had a host of delays and behaviors that were overwhelming and intimidating. One such issue was his aversion and aggression towards female care givers.  

our first meeting, he let me get close, but not too close

Daddy got all the love at first

starting to warm up

As a mom, I was pretty nervous to meet this little guy, but from day one he surprised us and 10 months later we have a completely different kid.

We have watched a miracle unfold.

my first snuggle

These past 10 months have been absolutely exhausting.  

We have battled the foster care system and all of it's issues (and there are so many issues).  We have ridden the roller coaster of uncertainty.  We have seen hurt and loss and hope and healing all

mixed up into one.

There were many days that we questioned if this was the right decision.  To bring a child that has been so traumatized into our family rocked us all.  Adoption is not easy.  Fostering is definitely not easy.  And loving a child that has endured such pain is not easy.

But it is so worth it.

We are approaching the magic "first year" mark.  That milestone that we as adoptive parents all look forward to.  We figure it will all be better in a year.  And for us, so much is better.  We still have our days, believe me.  But the good days are far outweighing the bad and I can say it was worth it.  

He was worth it!

Our now sweet, affectionate, energetic and adventurous, inquisitive an determined little boy is beginning to thrive.  We were told he may never speak.......he speaks without ceasing and is catching up to milestones every day.  Food issues are no longer an issue!  He is doing better in new situations and is even in preschool now and doing amazingly well.

More and more he is settling in to the routines of life and able to let his guard down to grow and learn and live.

It has been a privilege to watch and we have full confidence that God will continue to work in his life.  

For far too long this precious boy was in limbo.

But God sets the lonely in families.

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Jeremiah 29:11