Happy Birthmother's Day

I didn't know this before today, but the Saturday before Mother's Day is recognized as Birthmother's Day. A day to remember and give thanks to the women around the world who so unselfishly give their children the most wonderful gift of all...a family that can care for them. It originated in 1990 by a group of birthmothers in Seattle, Washington. Most birthmothers will agree that Mother's Day is a very painful holiday and these women wanted to create something that would honor their birthmotherhood.

I often think about Miah's birthmother. Part of me would love to know her, to meet her face to face, to thank her and acknowledge the great sacrifice she made.

I can speculate on the events surrounding Miah's birth and abandonment, but the truth is,I will never know anything for sure. What I do know, is that I'm am so thankful she decided to carry her baby to term, give birth, and abandon her in a safe place where she was found quickly. The idea of a mother being forced to make that choice is still too much for my human mind to comprehend, and my heart still aches for her.

She has blessed me with a wonderful gift. But for us to have received this gift, meant heartbreak on her part, that I am certain. I wish I could thank her for the sacrifice she has made. Because of this unselfish act, her baby now has such a bright future. Miah has a family who adores her and loves her 'to the moon and back', she has access to the kind of medical care she needs, more toys and clothes than one girl really needs, is learning about and experiencing the love of Jesus, and her future holds many opportunities.

So today, I stop to remember this woman and I pray that she feels a sense of peace somehow in knowing that her baby is well loved and cared for.

Mother's Day Gift

This is my mother's day gift from my family. A hand crafted charm with Miah's Chinese name on it. It was made in Beijing which makes it extra special for me. I can't wait to wear it and one day pass it on to Miah so she can have a lasting remembrance of her heritage.


We ordered this charm through Jiayin Designs. Kelly, the founder and adoptive parent states that "in an effort to allow other families the same treasure and to provide some extra financial support to a Chinese couple doing significant work in China who actually go and have the charms made and then ship them to me, I built a basic website using the name Jiayin--meaning literally good and beautiful news but also the word used in Revelation in Chinese Bible for the phrase the mystery of God."

Wishing all the moms out there a very Happy Mother's Day!

Surgery Date-June 1st

We finally have a set date for Miah's next surgery-June 1st. 4 weeks from today. We are still not exactly sure what all will be done, but we do know that it will include a nose revision, some touch ups on her palate and possibly replacing the tubes in her ears. For the next two weeks we are pretty much booked solid with visits to the plastic surgeon, orthodontist, ENT, a hearing test, speech therapy and a pre-op hospital appointment.

I'm sure this round of surgery will bring with it anxiety on Miah's part. She is fully aware that the possibility of needles exist and that sometimes doctors make owies in her mouth. I pray that they let me bring her into the OR again. But maybe now that she is older, I might not be invited in. Please be praying that this next stage in her surgery plan will go smoothly and that she will bounce back to her normal self quickly.

Happy Easter!

There in the ground His body lay
Light of the world by darkness slain
Then bursting forth in glorious Day
Up from the grave he rose again!
And as He stands in victory
Sin's curse has lost its grip on me

This morning started with an early morning egg hunt in the backyard. Why is it that no one can get out of bed on time on a school day, but on Sunday they are up at the crack of dawn!

An amazing family

See how you can help a family bring home two precious blessings from China!! Click on the button below to find out more...

Happy 11th Birthday Mackenzie

11 years ago today I became a mother for the first time. This morning I was at our ladies bible study and was again reminded of God's faithfulness and that He is in control of everything. He certainly was 11 years ago when Mackenzie entered the world.

I was 36 weeks pregnant and went to my regular weekly checkup. The Dr checked her heart rate and it was low...very low. She was really good at not panicking me. She phoned ahead to the hospital telling them she was sending me over, while meanwhile telling me not to worry, she just had to use the 'scary language' to get me in quicker. I left the office and tried calling Drew at work. Of course he was not expecting that I would be having this baby anytime soon, since we were not at my due date. I could not contact him as he was in a meeting, but his receptionist assured me that she would locate him. I think she then went on to say that all would be ok and it didn't really hurt that bad to deliver a baby...I think that was when I hung up. Seriously?

We went to the hospital, not even stopping to get our well thought out and carefully packed delivery bag. We didn't think we would be staying. They hooked me up to a monitor and for the first hour her heart rate was great. The nurses joked that our Dr must have made a mistake and they were just about to take me off the monitor and send me home when it happened again. Her heart rate dropped well below any normal numbers. Within minutes our quiet room became filled with all sorts of medical personnel all discussing what to do. They told us that they needed to get the baby out soon and induced me shortly after. I labored for 12 hours and finally her heart could take it no more. I was rushed into the operating room and Mackenzie was born via c-section.

Mackenzie had wrapped herself in the cord. It was tightly wrapped around her neck and chest. Any amount of wiggling done by this little baby was enough to clamp the cord. She came out a very dark color. Looking back now I would say she was a dark reddish grey. Red they tell me as I must have had gestational diabetes and not known it. I only got to see her for a few minutes and they whisked her away. After that she spent 3 days in the special care nursery with some of the tiniest babies I have even seen.

Our Dr. spoke with me a week later and said "I don't know what you believe in, but someone was definitely watching over this baby. She should not have been ok." She shared that just the fact that she detected the low heart rate during her quick exam was a miracle in itself. At the hospital, they watched for over an hour and nothing was a miss and they almost sent me home. She also shared with me that she believed that the baby could not have gone on for four more weeks in the situation she was in and not be born without some problems.

We are blessed and thankful for having a God who watches over us and is in control of everything. I can't wait to see what His plans are for Mackenzie's life. She has grown into such a beautiful, smart and caring young lady. She loves Jesus and has a heart for orphans. If only I could have a peek into the future....Happy Birthday Mackenzie. Love Mom

1st Day of Ballet

Today was Miah's first dance class. Her big sisters have been dancing for many years and now it is her turn. What made this extra exciting was that her friend Sylvie is taking the same class.

Miah was so excited this morning to get all dressed and when we pulled into the parking lot she had the biggest smile on her face. However when the teacher came out to get her sweet little class, Miah put the brakes on and almost cried, shaking her head saying no. I walked her in and told her that she needed to listen to the teacher and quickly retreated. No tears and I think she actually enjoyed herself. She is currently napping still in her dance wear.