Then and now...1 year today

One year ago yesterday, we held Hadley for the first time.  One year ago today was our "Forever family" day in Nanchang (Jiangxi), China.  It was just about one year ago today that Brandon and I left Orlando, FL for China.  When we left, we had no idea what to anticipate upon our arrival and I know that neither one of us expected what actually transpired.  An amazingly precious little life was placed in our arms and officially our baby girl on August 8th, 2010.  It was an overwhelming journey that began back in 2007 and in 2009 we had a shift in our journey that lead us to our son, Wyatt and then soon after...To our daughter, Hadley.  Looking at our baby girl last August, I knew we had a sick little peanut that was going to need both Medical attention and the unconditional love of a mommy, daddy and her brother to get her through what her first 18 months had not given her.  I've chosen to keep the details of Hadley's story private because I believe that while blogging is therapeutic in some ways to a family and helpful to other families in process...I've struggled with what is truly mine to tell.  I've never quite come to a happy medium in that regard and so until I do, her story remains "her story"...To tell at a later date, if ever.  What I can share and will share is that my assumption that it would take a loving family, full of nurturing was not all our daughter needed.  What Hadley needed most was Gods healing power and mercy to repair and restore her precious life.  One year ago, I never, ever in my wildest dreams could have imagined that we'd be in the place we are in today.  Never did it cross my mind that Hadley would be a new creation (Revelations 21:5- He who was seated on the throne said, "I am making everything new!" Then he said, "Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.").  I look back at the day we met Hadley in China and the fears and concerns that filled my head.  Today I am reminded yet again that HE MAKES ALL THINGS NEW!  Should I have been surprised by His mercy and love for our daughter...HIS daughter.  She's our walking miracle and testimony of the power of prayer and Gods grace, mercy and love!  Today I marvel at how far she's come...At how far we've come.  Today I marvel and weep in admiration of the King of Kings who makes all things new!!!  Thankful that He chose us to not only parent our daughter but to watch His hand move in her life!   


We love you Hadley Jo!!!  You are an amazingly feisty, happy, joyous, energetic little girl and we adore you!


                                                               THEN

NOW- 2011