tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92062097682549686132024-02-20T17:00:49.921-08:00Pasted Together, planned by GodOur story is one of family, family that couldn't have come from my womb, born of my heart from a dream given by my Loving God.Kelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02797896478373033161noreply@blogger.comBlogger278125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9206209768254968613.post-24936449073694582042013-03-29T17:16:00.000-07:002013-03-29T23:33:39.994-07:00Just a Small request...Looking back on this, it seems so simple; something that Adoption just isn’t these days. But with God at the driver seat, it can indeed be simple, fast, and remarkable.<br />
<br />
In December my family (Jeremiah, Kelley and Jack Cathcart) began attending NSB on Sundays. I, Kelley, had been attending the Tuesday Morning Bible Study and before that I have served with the Stephen Ministry here while attending First Baptist of Kirkland. Due to some needs we had for Jack we decided to try NSB.<br />
<br />
Our adoption of Jack had been a long, expensive and emotionally draining experience, one my husband and family were not exactly thrilled to begin again, and we had no idea where the money would come from. Our friend Becky and our son were totally worth it but it was exhausting. There was no way an agency was an option this time. I had a few ideas, but nothing was jumping out at me as what God had in mind for us. So when we began attending NSB, I noticed the cards in the bulletin had a large section for prayer requests. I figured, if NSB was willing to pray, I was willing to request.
My simple prayer was this: “Baby #2 where are you?” It was a prayer that I had also lifted up at Bible Study and a Women’s retreat in Early 2012. Just keeping it on God’s list I guess. In 2012 I wasn’t feeling that thing that women feel when it’s time for a baby, but I was looking for options. I know how our family grows, and it takes time, a different kind of time than it does for people with a working reproductive system. So I kept praying, and requesting (Sorry, Pastor Gary!)<br />
<br />
Two weeks after I’d put the “Where are you?” request in the bag, Shari Langley, a dear friend from my Stephen Ministry days approached me in the foyer and asked me about my request. And then the words I will never forget fell from her lips and touched my heart with a ring I knew from past experience as the movement of the Holy Spirit. “We received a request from another NSB attender who knows someone who has a friend with an unexpected pregnancy, would it be alright with you if I got the two of you in touch?” I blinked, maybe a few times, and asked, “Shari, are you telling me you have a baby for me?” She answered with a hopeful yet realistic “Maybe!”<br />
<br />
So a few days later I called the number of a woman I’d never met, Allicia Wenzeck who was friends with a woman on Whidbey Island, who had a friend that was pregnant, and was not planning to parent, and expecting in early summer. We chatted easily. At the time I wasn’t aware that Alicia had considered this child as her own for a few weeks. Maybe even months? But after careful and prayerful consideration with her husband, they decided that this was not the right situation for them. I need to take a moment and say how amazingly brave, and strong she is in her faith by passing this on to me. There is no situation in the world that is similar to what she did. Only this child’s birthmother was more courageous than Alicia. She said no to the desire of her heart to do what she thought was right for him. And I am grateful that Alexander had Alicia to be excited about him and love him with her gentle and sweet thoughts. Her heartbreak over him is so precious to me, and she is one of Alexander’s three Godmothers. (surprise!)<br />
<br />
Only a week later, we found out that the expectant mother was due March 5th. Six weeks from that day! I wasn’t even sure that the update to our homestudy could be done in that short amount of time. And it was a Saturday night, there was no one to call. I had to wait until Monday to call the lawyer and try to find a social worker, and I hadn’t yet actually spoken to the expectant mother myself. What was I to do? What was faithfulness and what was me working on my own strength? So, I prayed. I looked at it logically, we would be adopting again, the desire had been whetted and it would not be put down. So calling the lawyer and getting things rolling wouldn’t hurt. I looked at my journal and I’d unconsciously written “March 5!!!! YES!!!! LORD!!!” I asked Jeremiah later if something this awesome could really happen this quickly for US, the couple doomed to wait months and years before our first child made his grand entrance into our family. He said, “It would be cool if it did!” Can you hear the ring of heartbreak in his voice? I did. I think it was then that the Holy Spirit cemented the certainty of this happening in my heart. I’d not even spoken to Her yet.<br />
<br />
Monday morning came, and I went to the gym worked out, and then called the attorney who referred me to a Social Worker and both assured me it could be done. At 1:45 that afternoon, our dear expectant mother called me and we agreed to meet on Thursday, January 31. I had never gone on a birthmother interview without a counselor and my husband. I was on my own with the Holy Spirit there to help me. And He was. The conversation flowed easily, we spoke of common interests, the pregnancy, God’s provision, and agreed to meet again with my husband and expectant father. That meeting went well too, and when I saw how far she had dropped, I was certain that we’d be meeting this little guy soon. We’d chosen a name and were starting to use it cautiously. We’d decided we wouldn’t tell people what it was though, because in doing so, he was our little secret for just a while longer.<br />
<br />
We “finally” got all of our paperwork back on Friday, February 22, 2013. It wasn’t without bumps. I’d accidentally faxed in two DSHS report requests for MYSELF instead of one for Jer and one for me. But because I’d prayed and had others praying over the paperwork process I was able to convince the DSHS office to do Jer’s report in one day, February 20. (Phew)<br />
<br />
Alexander’s birthfamily currently live on Whidbey Island, where his birthfather is stationed at NAS Whidbey Island. Each drive out to Oak Harbor was like a prayer. Beautiful scenery, Deception Pass, a place we camped when Jack was 2, and we loved it. Whidbey Island in general is just one of the most beautiful places in the Pacific Northwest. (I’m going to give the expectant family names, but they’ve been changed to protect their privacy) Elizabeth and Aaron as a Navy family receive their health care from the Navy Hospital at Oak Harbor. Because of this, there were many procedural things about going on base that were really outside of my comfort zone. Having a birthfather in the picture at all was SO different than Jack’s adoption experience, and all of my training was in how to talk to birthmothers. I had no idea how a guy would be processing the experience, let alone if he’d be down with helping us get on base every time we needed to get on. And because we’re civilians we wouldn’t be allowed to stay on base overnight, nor would we be allowed to have a room assigned to us in the hospital, we’d have to do all care in the nursery/nurse’s station. I asked the prayer team to pray for softness in the hearts of the Hospital officials.<br />
<br />
Sunday February 24th rolled around, We went to church, we went to Country Village, we had a great family afternoon, later in the day I met with Ali and Pastor Gary to talk about starting an adoption small group at NSB. Meeting Ali for the first time was really emotional for both of us. After the meeting with Gary, I had a chance to talk to her about the whole situation, and God made it pretty clear that she and the adoption small group were part of this whole story. “Have you heard anything from Elizabeth?” She asked, “Please let me know when she’s in labor so I can pray for her.” Her words of care broke my heart, it was not the first time that I wanted to hug her. I answered,”Not yet, but I’m betting on Tuesday!” I joked, “I’ll call you first thing!”
I went home and we had dinner, gave Jack a bath, got into my jammies, took out my contacts, read Jack bedtimes stories, sang him a few lullabies, said prayers and he fell asleep. I rolled off his bed and went into my room and checked my phone, I had a missed call from Elizabeth, and a voice mail. It was Aaron! And they were at the Hospital! at 8:05!! I called him back and they were in the labor and delivery!! “I’ll be there in an hour!!” I ran out to the living room and said, “JER! WE HAVE TO GO!!! IT’s NOW!”
I called my neighbor, I called my mom, and then put the ice cream in the fridge. I threw the things I needed into a bag and got dressed and Jer did the same, and we were off to the hospital. Of course we were out of gas! Once we got gas, we realized how great it was that it was 8:55pm on a Sunday. There was no traffic anywhere. All of the usual traffic problem areas were empty. I texted with Ali, and other friends, the full moon shone on the Pacific Ocean as we crossed the Deception Pass bridge for the last time as a family of three.<br />
<br />
At the gate we called Aaron and he came out and we followed him onto the base in our car and drove to the hospital. When we got to Elizabeth’s room we chatted and listened to the baby’s heartbeat. About 45 minutes later it was time to push. We waited in the waiting room and remembered waiting for Jack. Eternity and 20 minutes later we were standing in the nursery gazing at our son. It was like lightning had struck my heart twice, I was suddenly a new mom again. The joy was exponentially growing by the moment, and I felt so humbled at the hugeness of my mistake in thinking that God had forgotten about me. An image of something I’d read, or heard about prayers came to mind. Our prayers once prayed never leave God’s attention. All those prayers begging him to fill my arms with children, with babies, were floating before him like swallows dipping and swooping and coming closer and retreating from His face. My own idea of God’s planning room is Him sitting or standing at a monitor and taking notice of people, their prayers, their hurts, their joys, and matching them with other people who can understand, relate and provide a solution for one another. This child, was God’s provision for my empty womb, and we were the family that Elizabeth and Aaron needed for him. My joy and humility were equally poignant.
We stayed with Alexander “Lex” Dean Cathcart until 3am. At which point we left him in the care of the worlds most highly trained babysitters, including two Marines and Guards with HUGE GUNS at the gate. This was my only Earthly assurance of the safe night he would have. We checked into the Best Western and slept for three hours and returned to the hospital.<br />
<br />
We met two of the most awesome gifts from the Lord when we got to the hospital that morning, we had to again wake Aaron to help us get on base. The Pediatrician, Lt. Thomas C. Miller, spoke with us about our little “Lex” and gave us the 411 on how the day would go. “I’ve put you guys in a room on the ward, so you can have some private time to bond.” He said. We looked at him and were astounded, God was again answering one of our prayers. “I’m going to try to make it so that you guys can sleep here tonight.” He continued. We were so amazed, that without even asking for some privacy, it was given to us, and he was going to try to keep us together that night. Lt. Miller is a “Jesus Follower” as it says on his Facebook, but he is also the father of two. He felt we shouldn’t have to bond with our son in front of the entire hospital. As it turned out, he wasn’t able to get us permission to sleep over that night, but we were so grateful that he’d put his service record on the line for us! He is forever part of our story!
Anita Giannaris was another Angel in human skin, as the hospital social worker she helped us get info to our Lawyer and even took over being our base sponsor so Aaron could focus on being an advocate for Elizabeth. She had hoped to be discharged that morning, but had been disappointed by the news that we would all have to be discharged together on Tuesday morning. I felt so much empathy for her, she was tired, emotional, and ready to be in her home with her own things and her dog. I wanted more than anything to be able to give her that. But all I could do was check in on her and make sure she was getting what she needed. Anita was of great help to me in that area as well.<br />
<br />
Hanging out in the Hospital is pretty uneventful. We cuddled our baby and called my mom to make sure Jack was doing ok. He was. We had a few visitors from the Hospital Command, and the mutual friend of Aaron and Elizabeth and Ali Wenzeck came to see us as well. It was nice to have a face to go with her name. Aly and Chris, we love them too! So many good people came together in this lovely story of God’s blessing and provision. It feels like a new “Bible Story” in a way.
Tuesday dawned after a night of rest at the motel and a fantastic dinner of the best Chinese food I’d had in months! I woke at 4 and was ready to go! But instead I let Jer sleep a little. We got to the base around 8 and we conferred with Anita, and Dr. Miller about going home. Jer then drove some paperwork to Kirkland and ran a few errands there and collected my mom and Jack to come with him to pick us up. At 1:30 we walked out of the hospital with Aaron and Elizabeth and placed our son in our car and we all said goodbye and drove home. Jack was so thrilled to finally see us, and “MY BABY!” My mom realized who Elizabeth was and couldn’t keep her tears from spilling, I was having trouble keeping my own emotions under control.
The nicest part of this story is that it isn’t the end. We keep in touch, Alexander will always know who his birthfamily is, we will always be there when we’re needed, or even if we’re just wanted for family. I love how God has grown my family through my sons. Jack has his own special story that I’ve documented at Pasted Together. A blog I began years ago when we first started out on this journey of growing our family. Thank you so much Northshore Family for praying little Alexander into our family. We were not expecting this, and for our prayer team and Pastor Gary to have supported us so faithfully so early in our relationship with the church just shows how much the people Love Jesus and really are interested in making an Extraordinary Impact on our world by living the Word.<br />
<br />
And to our other friends and family who have selflessly prayed for our family, thank you so much for always being there when we need you. It is the greatest pleasure of our lives to have you in our story. This life journey would not be the same with out you. <br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sixM0C9jWQQ/UVYtCv9I4MI/AAAAAAAADHM/EpEuntcMDmQ/s1600/DSC00480.JPG" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sixM0C9jWQQ/UVYtCv9I4MI/AAAAAAAADHM/EpEuntcMDmQ/s320/DSC00480.JPG" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lBKKUgIOG30/UVYtlocy3fI/AAAAAAAADHk/7QOZ2IZbg98/s1600/23371_10200159686087837_257514897_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lBKKUgIOG30/UVYtlocy3fI/AAAAAAAADHk/7QOZ2IZbg98/s320/23371_10200159686087837_257514897_n.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XB1TA8QmrK0/UVYtqluLlMI/AAAAAAAADHs/xyJLQly-61M/s1600/295673_10200159686687852_1097520339_n(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XB1TA8QmrK0/UVYtqluLlMI/AAAAAAAADHs/xyJLQly-61M/s320/295673_10200159686687852_1097520339_n(1).jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SdzZ8-sWUd8/UVYtUttqk5I/AAAAAAAADHc/n-JNxwPFHdA/s1600/DSC00459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SdzZ8-sWUd8/UVYtUttqk5I/AAAAAAAADHc/n-JNxwPFHdA/s320/DSC00459.JPG" /></a></div>
<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v317/littlekitty78/?action=view&current=kelstamp.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v317/littlekitty78/kelstamp.jpg" /></a>Kelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02797896478373033161noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9206209768254968613.post-60832031142258903662013-02-03T09:23:00.001-08:002013-02-03T09:26:33.038-08:00
The Cliffhanger will be worth the story. I promise.
In the meantime, ponder this quote from <a href="http://www.bravelove.org">Bravelove</a>
"I will because that famed earth-orphan Jesus who walked dusty roads before your feet ever took their first step told us that pure religion—which I long for, oh, how I long for it—cares for little ones such as yours, mine. So with that grace that carries me and my own and all of us, I will care for them, with joy I cannot speak. And like e.e. cummings I carry your heart with me. I will always carry your heart, for it is my heart, their hearts."
<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v317/littlekitty78/?action=view¤t=kelstamp.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v317/littlekitty78/kelstamp.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>Kelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02797896478373033161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9206209768254968613.post-8054271261016742712013-01-29T12:01:00.001-08:002013-01-29T12:02:10.435-08:00
Stay tuned, exciting things to come!
<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v317/littlekitty78/?action=view¤t=kelstamp.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v317/littlekitty78/kelstamp.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>Kelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02797896478373033161noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9206209768254968613.post-89388948393127047332012-11-12T13:54:00.000-08:002012-11-12T13:54:34.846-08:00
How does time go by so quickly? Not only has it been forever since I updated this blog, it's been three years since our family started to become a family of three.
At this time three years ago, I was wrapping up my career in the dental field and feeling like I was perfectly placed in God's path for our life. Momentum was building and this ride was going to take my breath away.
Last year I began a weight loss effort, and am currently at my goal weight. 30 pounds lighter than the last time I checked in at the Gyn for a clomid check that ended my desire to conceive. What a mess that was!
Our little family remains little. We are again trying to conceive, but, it's a little different. My body is working (Sort of) we're still not a 28 day cycle but what ever! And my hope is with the Lord, not with my body, not with a Dr. and not in a pack of pills that makes me unhappy. Might I decide to try them again? Perhaps, but my focus is on being happy and trusting in the will of the Lord. He will decide, we will follow Him. He's asked me to be open and so, I am. If it works it works if not, a family of three we may always be.
My brother got married and I was not the Chubby older sister that people say "Oh, bless her heart, she has a 2 year old you know"
I was a hot mama!
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8QlX1BBsCGg/UKFumnQp42I/AAAAAAAADAk/4c9-orLAPVE/s1600/391333_4019791987246_983158746_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="213" width="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8QlX1BBsCGg/UKFumnQp42I/AAAAAAAADAk/4c9-orLAPVE/s320/391333_4019791987246_983158746_n.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nHm5x05EIfI/UKFul1nezuI/AAAAAAAADAY/r3K8DrOQzyw/s1600/555579_10152019154015447_326415364_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nHm5x05EIfI/UKFul1nezuI/AAAAAAAADAY/r3K8DrOQzyw/s320/555579_10152019154015447_326415364_n.jpg" /></a></div> Jer and I left Jack with his brother Sammy and their family while we went to Whistler:
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jz8vRh6X-tY/UKFvJ2EQT4I/AAAAAAAADA8/aW0fy8wQTo4/s1600/photo%25287%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Jz8vRh6X-tY/UKFvJ2EQT4I/AAAAAAAADA8/aW0fy8wQTo4/s320/photo%25287%2529.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jM9AdqOo9l0/UKFvJSwA_rI/AAAAAAAADAw/nIwVRmTwFQU/s1600/431234_10152076594965447_852841755_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jM9AdqOo9l0/UKFvJSwA_rI/AAAAAAAADAw/nIwVRmTwFQU/s320/431234_10152076594965447_852841755_n.jpg" /></a></div>
And we took our first trip to Disney.land.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qx-d-CBQ8uQ/UKFvtny4TpI/AAAAAAAADBU/ufTRRauRrsg/s1600/photo%2B%252828%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qx-d-CBQ8uQ/UKFvtny4TpI/AAAAAAAADBU/ufTRRauRrsg/s320/photo%2B%252828%2529.JPG" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y0Yr0QAQrHM/UKFvtKLAhVI/AAAAAAAADBI/llbw2a0vbqo/s1600/photo%2B%25289%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="239" width="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y0Yr0QAQrHM/UKFvtKLAhVI/AAAAAAAADBI/llbw2a0vbqo/s320/photo%2B%25289%2529.JPG" /></a></div>
Oh and we "hi Jacked" a plane :D.
It was a fantastic summer!! A ton of time at my friends pool and just having a great time with the family.
<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v317/littlekitty78/?action=view&current=kelstamp.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v317/littlekitty78/kelstamp.jpg" /></a>Kelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02797896478373033161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9206209768254968613.post-58690830498401675052012-01-31T20:32:00.000-08:002012-01-31T20:34:11.386-08:00<br />
Praise the Lord!<br />
<br />
Nathan Shoultz went home to his house in Pottersville on Monday!<br />
<br />
All is well and they are settling in. Nathan and Beth's church family and WOL family put in Laminate flooring and adjusted the bathroom so that he has easier mobility. (I'm sure the kids are loving the idea of skating in the house too, I know I did when I was their age!)<br />
<br />
The fact that he walked through his door, is indeed a miracle. Looking back now, we are all more able to cope with the idea that we almost lost our friend. And seeing him back at home was probably where we all break down in grateful tears that he is still with us today.<br />
<br />
Gavin, Carley, Owen and Zachary have their daddy back. Soon he'll be whole again and able to move more and more freely. I fully believe that even if some physical signs of the stroke remain, he will be able to continue his work eventually. And until then, we and many others will help him pay the bills. If you feel lead to donate to their family,<a href="http://nathanshoultz.wol.org/blog/shoultz"> here</a> is his web page and the donate button is the best way to get funds to them.<br />
<br />
I know I am grateful to all who help support them! Your continued support in prayer for their family is still needed and appreciated! Thank you over and over again for praying for my friend. It means more than you know to have people I only know by blog name reaching up to Heaven on his behalf and mine. Thank you to those of you who made a point to pray for me, I needed it, I was going nuts not being able to be there and take charge of the situation with my powers of cooking and baby caring and etc. My heart was and is calmed by your thoughts in my direction!<br />
<br />
Many many blessings to all, and PRAISE GOD! NATHAN IS HOME!!<br />
<br />
<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v317/littlekitty78/?action=view&current=kelstamp.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v317/littlekitty78/kelstamp.jpg" /></a>Kelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02797896478373033161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9206209768254968613.post-11745866662058098362011-12-19T07:26:00.000-08:002011-12-19T07:26:19.323-08:00I am not a morning person! I am grumpy and sometimes very unpleasant to be around before 8am...and I woke up in Jack's bed this morning. Snuggling wasn't on Jack's list of things to do, so I grumped out of bed and realized, my friend Beth has probably been up for hours already in New York, going about her horrible reality of her husband and father of her four children in the ICU. Suddenly, I am sort of ok with being up and going about my regular stuff. Eating my Elvis Toast (peanut butter and banana) and contemplating going to the gym. Now that it's two minutes away, I don't have to leave 20 minutes early to drop Jack in the Child Care. I can just poke around until 10 min before and then go. At least if I pack my bag the night before...<br />
<br />
So, yes, I'm thankful for my life right now and the ability to move through it in a normal that I've chosen for us. Even if it means an early wake up in a bed that isn't my own. At least I can wake up, in my own house in my own town, with my kids and my husband. (Well Hubby had to leave early to take MIL into Seattle to catch the train, but...usually he's home this early.)<br />
<br />
Beth posted yesterday that she's feeling our support for her, but that she doesn't feel like she's as Strong as we're giving her credit for. That she can't think of a life with out Nathan and what it would mean for her an the kids. That she can't stand living beyond the moment. Reading that broke my heart all over again. My Grief counseling training works better on people I don't know. I just keep reassuring her that I'm not going to quit praying for them ever.<br />
<br />
In my last post I mentioned that Nathan was well loved, and my Blog Friend H, proved it. I've never met her, but we're friends on FB, and she let me know that people she knows, that I don't know are posting about Nathan and his family on FB. I'm reasonably sure that Nathan doesn't know H. So I'm currently getting a small amount of entertainment calling Nathan "Kevin Bacon" (Look up 6 degrees of Kevin Bacon if the funny isn't funny to you)<br />
<br />
Ok, I need to de-stink myself and my child so we can go to the gym and then to his "Great Play" class. Talk about FUN!!!!! I love that place! I get to bounce around and play right along with him!<br />
<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v317/littlekitty78/?action=view&current=kelstamp.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v317/littlekitty78/kelstamp.jpg" /></a>Kelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02797896478373033161noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9206209768254968613.post-64344411026043191082011-12-17T13:53:00.000-08:002011-12-20T08:02:30.451-08:00Many of you are friends of mine on Facebook, and have seen my numerous posts about my dear friend Nathan Shoultz and his current fight for life. But I forget that you are probably a. not friends with Nathan on Facebook, nor are you friends with my friends who are all fully invested in praying for him, or his family who post more specific updates than I do.<br />
<br />
Who is Nathan? Nathan is the Dad to four amazing little children, and husband to my friend Beth. They are the ones I wrote about in <a href="http://pastedtogether.blogspot.com/2009/06/im-back.html">This Post</a> and the few around it. We don't travel across country for just anyone. They are most precious to us, we planted our family tree so close to theirs, that our roots intertwine. They are friends, but truly they are adopted family. They grow in our hearts the way Jack does. <br />
<br />
So, here's the gist of what's going on, and a link to Nathan's blog where his friend John Armstrong is updating twice a day or so. On Monday Nathan suffered a traumatic stroke, <strike>which cut off the branch of the posterior cerebral artery to the left side of his brain</strike>. Actually it was the left carotid artery(a very interesting post on this is on Nathan's Blog), I was going on my limited anatomy of the head and neck from Dental School, further proof I don't know everything! It has damaged a great deal of the left side of his brain. It's really very "dicey" as his brother West says.<br />
<br />
While he's out of "Danger" he's still healing and it's uncertain medically that he will regain the robust health he once enjoyed. I think they're trying to be positive, and not tell us everything the doctors tell them, but based on my limited medical background, the prognosis is not great.<br />
<br />
The good news is this: He is a Christian, and has literally thousands of people praying for him, and for his family and friends. We're praying for a miracle. Most of us have assumed a pretty continuous attitude of prayer. We're metaphorically text bombing the Throne Room of God, and Spamming the Inbox as well. <br />
<br />
Would you consider joining our efforts? Even if you are not a Christian, your positive thoughts and concern are welcome. Those of you who are without faith, consider putting aside your disbelief, or doubts or what ever you'd like to call it and pray for this amazing family, who would pray for you and give you what ever they could, and love you for exactly who you are. Because no one meets the Shoultzes and remains the same. They are the kind of people who affect and effect change in the people they meet. They've changed me, they've inspired me, they've loved me through hard times, and I encourage you to read his blog and allow their overall "Sweetness" to invade your life. Even if it's just for the next few days. Try it <a href="http://nathanshoultz.wol.org/blog/shoultz">Here at Nathan's Blog</a>. <br />
<br />
Tis the Season for Hope, Peace, Joy, and MIRACLES!!!!<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v317/littlekitty78/?action=view&current=kelstamp.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v317/littlekitty78/kelstamp.jpg" /></a>Kelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02797896478373033161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9206209768254968613.post-22825275770505044432011-10-21T07:54:00.000-07:002011-10-21T08:02:25.647-07:00Write about Adoption and Being Afraid OA Round Table<a href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=9206209768254968613#editor/target=post;postID=2282527577050504443">Open Adoption Round Table Question #31</a><br />
<br />
Fear. If I said I didn't feel some sort of it surrounding adoption everyday I'd be lying.<br />
<br />
Adoption fears fall under several categories in my life: Fear of the Process, Fear of Openness, Fear of Infertility, Fear of Jack Being Hurt, Fear of the Future, Fear of Doing It Wrong.<br />
<br />
The Fear of the Process is actually first. Logically Fear of Infertility would be first, but no, not in my head. I wanted to adopt before I found out I "had" to. But the process seemed mysterious, daunting and downright scary. Even contemplating our second adoption after successful travels last time, is scary.<br />
<br />
Fear of openness, this is something that began as "I am afraid the birthfamily will want to be involved." It morphs into a fear of "What if they never want to be involved?" How does this happen? You meet them, you are given an amazing blessing and then you watch that blessing turn into a person, and you WANT the birthfamily to see it. How fantastic this little life is. Sure, there are exceptions to this, some birthfamilies are really not safe, but then you are afraid they never will be, and won't ever be able to see their child again. To see how awesome and wonderful they are. <br />
<br />
When I was 16 I was told I had PCOS, and the Dr. was pretty stupid and said, "You'll want to have children early." I began to cry. I was ALREADY 16. She felt dumb and said, "I meant before 30."<br />
"oh." Then I got to feel stupid. As my marriage began at 21 I figured I had time. We were SOOOO careful in those first years. Looking back, they may have been my most fertile. When our lives finally got to a point where we thought we could manage a child, I was 25 and we began "not blocking nature" That was when I got really scared, what if I couldn't do it. Did that mean I was a failure? What did that mean in regard to my LOVE of children and my DESIRE to be a mom? Was God going to withhold my dreams? I look at Jack and KNOW He was just making them come true His way. Nothing I could put together in my womb would have been him. I still get anxious about infertility. I still feel sort of defective, and people don't understand why having Jack doesn't make me healed. And I don't know how to really effectively explain it, nor do I wish to, except here on my blog I try to sometimes.<br />
<br />
As a mom, I am fearful that someone will tell Jack that I am not his "REAL" mom. People say it often, he has no idea what that means, but when I ask people to never say that in his presence again, they get all huffy. "You said you were going to tell him about the adoption, did you change your mind?" This kills me. <i>I did not decide to lie to my child.</i> That does not mean I want you to tell him your version of the truth. <br />
<br />
I am the only mother he knows, how is that not real? I am not pretending to be his mom, I didn't steal him. I worry that people will get to him before I can. Which leads to Fear of the Future and Doing it wrong.<br />
<br />
Even though I tell him about his story all the time, I worry that he'll believe someone else. That he will think I lied to him. That he won't love me as much if I have to explain to him that I've always been his mother, that that is what is real. That it is other people who just don't get it. That if I've not done this right he will not love me in the future. And that is my deepest darkest most terrible fear.<br />
<br />
My friend who is a biological mom, says she fears the same thing, that if she's not done her mothering right that her daughter will not love her. So maybe we mothers <i>are </i>all the same.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v317/littlekitty78/?action=view&current=kelstamp.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v317/littlekitty78/kelstamp.jpg" /></a><br />
<br />Kelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02797896478373033161noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9206209768254968613.post-13629428314780393422011-10-02T20:10:00.000-07:002011-10-02T20:11:13.422-07:00
So, I did a Mud run for my first 5k ever. A mud run has mud pits and other obstacles... I did all but one of the obstacles and finished in just over an hour. If I'd known it was only 8 minutes and 20 seconds, I might have run a little more...but hey, it was my first time and I'm not really done with my Couch to 5K training and I'd never ever run outside before...except at women's retreat for like 15 minutes until I got all spider webby...eeew.
The run I did was called HELL RUN!
Before:
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2SehS46Mnq8/TokkZ9VJzkI/AAAAAAAACVw/gxkE8Jo_Pns/s1600/HRBEFORE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2SehS46Mnq8/TokkZ9VJzkI/AAAAAAAACVw/gxkE8Jo_Pns/s320/HRBEFORE.jpg" /></a></div>
AFTER:
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9vbgcmEqcWg/TokkrsWfGHI/AAAAAAAACV4/fgDMaYCj9m8/s1600/hellrunktf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9vbgcmEqcWg/TokkrsWfGHI/AAAAAAAACV4/fgDMaYCj9m8/s320/hellrunktf.jpg" /></a></div>
I had fun at a run, who ever would have thought that? I hated running my whole life, probably because I'm not fast, I don't have very good wind, and I used to hate sweating...and people are judgmental in High School and it's all about being better than someone else. Now that I'm into my 30's I just don't care and I want Jack to learn by example how much fun sports of all kinds can be. And that winning isn't the only fun part. Most of the time participating with friends, and having fun doing the event is where the real value is. I had a great time!
oh and I finished in 1:08:20 with Jack's half brother Sammy's Mother at my side. We call ourselves "Outlaws" because we aren't In-laws, but we're more than friends and family connected by Adoption, but there is no law for what we are...we're outside the law.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qttg7EM8mSY/Tokm_JFkPWI/AAAAAAAACWE/Y6mdV7O3s8s/s1600/HRoutlaws.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qttg7EM8mSY/Tokm_JFkPWI/AAAAAAAACWE/Y6mdV7O3s8s/s320/HRoutlaws.jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v317/littlekitty78/?action=view¤t=kelstamp.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v317/littlekitty78/kelstamp.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>Kelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02797896478373033161noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9206209768254968613.post-333936543024787812011-09-20T07:15:00.001-07:002011-09-20T07:15:27.837-07:00My Review of Stay-Put Inflatable Bed Rail Set<div class="hreview"><div class="item"><p><a href="http://www.onestepahead.com/gan_click?lid=41000000010654063&pid=20827&adurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onestepahead.com%2Fcatalog%2Fproduct.jsp%3FproductId%3D537078%26cm_pla%3DNA%26orderType%3D6utm_source%3DSF_GoogleProducts%26utm_medium%3Ddatafeed%26utm_campaign%3Dproduct%26cvsfhu%3D3230383237&usg=AFHzDLt6sZTu0GUTmn2zV5UWtBDsIWFmxg&pubid=21000000000126884">Originally submitted at One Step Ahead</a></p><div><p style="margin-top:0">So, you want soft, secure bed bolsters, but you don't want to fuss with anchor straps? Try our inflatable, under-the-bedding bumpers - the only ones with anti-slip flocking! No straps needed; your fitted sheet holds the bed guards in place. Plus, you get two inflatable bed rails for the price o... </p></div><a href="http://gan.doubleclick.net/gan_click?lid=41000000010654063&pid=20827&adurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.onestepahead.com%2Fcatalog%2Fproduct.jsp%3FproductId%3D537078%26cm_pla%3DNA%26orderType%3D6utm_source%3DSF_GoogleProducts%26utm_medium%3Ddatafeed%26utm_campaign%3Dproduct%26cvsfhu%3D3230383237&usg=AFHzDLt6sZTu0GUTmn2zV5UWtBDsIWFmxg&pubid=21000000000126884" style="display: none;" class="url fn"><span class="fn">Stay-Put Inflatable Bed Rail Set</span></a></div><br clear="left"><p><strong class="summary">Works like a charm!</strong></p><div>By <strong>Kelley C.</strong> from <strong>Seattle, WA</strong> on <strong><abbr title="2011920T1200-0800" class="dtreviewed" style="border: none; text-decoration: none;">9/20/2011</abbr></strong></div><p><div style="margin: 0.5em 0; height: 15px; width: 83px; background-image: url(http://images.powerreviews.com/images_merchants/stars/10067_stars_small.gif); background-position: 0px -144px;" class="prStars prStarsSmall"> </div></p><div style="display: none"><span class="rating">4</span>out of 5</div><p><strong>Pros: </strong>Lightweight, Useful, Easy To Install</p><p><strong>Best Uses: </strong>Toddlers</p><p><strong>Describe Yourself: </strong>First Time Parent</p><p style="margin-top:1em" class="description">My son loves these! no more thumping or whacking hard crib rails in the middle of the night, and waking up. He can safely climb over them, but they keep him securely in bed with out worry of rolling out. AND they're portable unlike the foam type bumpers sold elsewhere.<br xmlns:pr="xalan://com.pufferfish.core.beans.xmlbuilders.xsl.Functions"><br>I have a very tall toddler who grew out (and climbed out) of his crib at 21 months. The toddler bed was really not an option for his height, and I wasn't very fond of the expandable beds at Ikea. These bumpers were my AHA! moment.<br><br>These bumpers work well when placed under the mattress pad, or a very tight sheet. They tend to slide a little if the bedding is loose or stretchy. My son sleeps securely through the night and so do we!</p><div class="prCustomerPics"><p style="margin-top:1em" class="prCaption">Jack's Bed </p><a href="http://images.powerreviews.com/images_customers/04/07/26729164_193905_raw.jpg"><img height="75" width="55" alt="thumbnail" src="http://images.powerreviews.com/images_customers/04/07/26729164_193905_thumbnail.jpg"></a><p><strong>Tags: </strong>Using Product</p></div><p style="margin-top:0.5em">(<a href="http://www.powerreviews.com/legal/terms_of_use.html" rel="license">legalese</a>)</p></div>Kelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02797896478373033161noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9206209768254968613.post-52035249060935481732011-08-16T07:51:00.000-07:002013-03-29T23:54:46.955-07:00Holy Five Hundred Years Since I last Posted!All I can say is, WOW time flies! I'm glad I'm Facebook friends with my Blogger Buddies! Summer has finally landed in Seattle, and I'm busy with an early riser! Today I was lucky and got him to snuggle with me for about half an hour. <br />
<br />
He is now in his own bed, and has been for awhile. We were late starters in the independent sleeping game, and while I would not co-sleep for 18 months again, I would not miss 3-6 months of it for anything. Especially since I probably won't get to grow our next baby in my own uterus...maybe. We're still pondering the Embryo adoption thing. I just don't know if I'm down with it. In theory I have no problem with it. Other people can do it with out me making frowny faces at them. I don't judge. People do what they feel is right for them. I just can't seem to make if feel right for me. Digressing much? He now sleeps through the night maybe once or twice a week. He'll wake up at 11 and 3, most nights, which Erin, Samuel's mom says is exactly what he did. <br />
<br />
Jack's vocabulary is exploding...He's such a sweet little guy(most of the time). He says "Hi" to people and smiles and he loves Balloons and Trucks and Busses. And we celebrate breakfast by saying "Yay Toast!" when it pops up out of the toaster, and then again when he eats it, at which point I think it's more like "Yay Jam!" But what ever! He still eats, though the spicy foods are not as popular as they once were.<br />
<br />
Any way my busy boy is "Yay Toasting" and we're going to the Splash park later, and to Swimming tomorrow. We also hit a park at least once a day. Gotta get his energy out. Winter could really suck if it's really wet...Do they make rain suits in 3T? did I mention he's HUGE? 3 ft tall. I measured yesterday. WOW.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v317/littlekitty78/?action=view&current=kelstamp.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v317/littlekitty78/kelstamp.jpg" /></a>Kelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02797896478373033161noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9206209768254968613.post-36840255061563768772011-04-23T08:46:00.001-07:002011-04-23T08:46:32.728-07:00Happy Adoption Day!!A year ago, the judge said "you are a family, not that you needed me to tell you! This just gives you legal privileges to enforce your familial rights!". I like her!Kelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02797896478373033161noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9206209768254968613.post-11838839296824273132011-04-14T21:13:00.000-07:002011-04-14T21:13:07.937-07:00Happy Birthday HI just wanted to take a second and say Happy Birthday to our most special Family Member, H. We love you and hope you are having a wonderful, happy and fulfilling life. When ever you are ready to enjoy your sons, there are two loving families waiting to embrace you. <br />
<br />
Happy Birthday sweet woman, I hope and pray you are safe and happy.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v317/littlekitty78/?action=view¤t=kelstamp.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v317/littlekitty78/kelstamp.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>Kelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02797896478373033161noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9206209768254968613.post-63459266312193425162011-04-08T15:06:00.001-07:002011-04-08T15:06:47.525-07:00Weeeeee!The sun!!!!!!!!!!<br />And it was warm! <br />Jack and I went to a park nearby with some friends. I was teaching one of their little girls how to cartwheel, and she said, can you show me?<br /><br />So, I did, and then Jack stretched his little arms in the air and took a pointed step...and laid on the ground. Sweet boy!<br /><br />The other moms were impressed by my cartwheeling and tried it... They were chagrinned by the fact that I am 10 years older than they are...and they couldn't do it! I think it's all the yoga.<br /><br />Jack had a blast running all over the artificial soccer turf chasing the soccer ball, bubbles and flying disks. And I was in heaven playing with my boy!Kelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02797896478373033161noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9206209768254968613.post-16614119205531770332011-04-05T10:50:00.001-07:002011-04-05T10:50:04.606-07:00So grateful for my unexpected familyHow awesome is it that Jack gets to play with his Sam when I have to go to the dentist next week?<br /><br />And then I get to watch Sam play with his Jack the week after! <br /><br />It is sooooo awesome.Kelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02797896478373033161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9206209768254968613.post-12808509080905808182011-03-25T09:02:00.001-07:002011-03-25T09:02:16.432-07:00Busy Boy!He's taken up dancing in a circle with his arms in the air. Sort of like the "twirly whirly" dance on Yo Gabba Gabba. <br /><br />He discovered trains this week too, though I'm still not ready for Thomas the Train. <br /><br />He likes Little Bear "duck". And Franklin "turnle" (turtle) I think he likes the duck on Little Bear better than LB himself, I do too, she's funny!<br /><br />And, can I just say I love my little rowdy sweet boy? LOVE him!! He'll play and tumble and yell (much to the dismay of little girls) then come running over to me, throw his arms around my leg, neck or other available part and kiss me or say "mmmmm I love you" ( jer and I always do this when we hug and kiss him, and each other).<br /><br />Yesterday we played with Sara and Sabrina, and can I just say the age&gender gap really shows right now! Sara sits quietly and eats her lunch, jack is like "feed me! What do you mean I have to sit here!!!! I want to Run!!". Poor Sabrina!!<br /><br />My little boy! I was so scared I would never be able to call a little boy my own! Kelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02797896478373033161noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9206209768254968613.post-87973356087472411832011-03-07T10:16:00.001-08:002011-03-07T10:17:00.215-08:00TumblerI'm trying a daily photo/vid upload every day.<br /><br />Here: http://www.tumblr.com/tumblelog/keltracatKelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02797896478373033161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9206209768254968613.post-574704056454627652011-03-07T09:43:00.001-08:002011-03-07T09:43:35.036-08:00Bye bye!Jer left for work this morning, and kissed us goodbye. Jack was still asleep, but raised his little arm and waved. Jer laughed but on his Fb said it was a little sad. Most of the time Jack stays asleep with no response, so I think he's coming out ahead! <br /><br />He's been waving and saying "thank you" after our Home Depot trip last week. When the orange aprons would go I would say thank you and as we moved on Jack waved and said "thank you". Sadly people move on so quickly, they often miss his goodbye.Kelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02797896478373033161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9206209768254968613.post-40067076503407988252011-03-05T17:04:00.001-08:002011-03-07T10:40:51.918-08:00Panel TalkJer and I spoke about our family at the Bethany infant training today, it was fun, a little emotional as we'd never really done it before, the other family went first, and were very nice. I was a little talkative, maybe too much, ( I felt like a question hog, but maybe I'm over thinking.)<br />
<br />
I also got the group to laugh and look around at one another, neither of which happened at the training I went to.( except for Erin, Sam's mom) <br />
<br />
I used adoption friendly words, but also interchanged "mom" and "birthmother" several times. I have never had a big issue with calling H "Jack's Mom". I can share.<br />
<br />
Jack played with the other couple's little boy and over all we had fun. We were supposed to do it with Erin and Michael and Sam, but they had a family member pass away. Next time!!Kelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02797896478373033161noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9206209768254968613.post-18604268580723157562011-01-20T10:37:00.001-08:002011-01-20T10:37:56.525-08:00Baby #2Finally got Hubby to tell me what's happening in his head. He wants to "re start" in the fall! Is it weird to be excited about waiting again? I'm hoping the next wait will be more joyful, regardless of length. I have my jack to keep me busy!Kelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02797896478373033161noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9206209768254968613.post-68511656008815816822011-01-04T14:53:00.001-08:002011-01-04T14:53:40.841-08:002010Wow what a year!<br /><br />Thanksgiving marked my first year as a person not tethered to a job, and the third of December marked Jack's first year and my first year as a mommy! It has been incredible watching this little boy grow from a teeny dude to one that is half my size! Next year he will be half of his projected height, how amazing is that? (2inches in either direction)<br /><br />We have not been in contact with his Birthmom, but she has so much water under her bridge (including Jack's half brother, Samuel) that our relationship with her may always be one sided. His "potential" birthfather has been in contact via My Space and we are posting updates there for him. DNA tests will be required before any further contact would be possible.<br /><br />We have begun a loving relationship with Samuel and his family, it is amazing what Love and a true committment to openness can bring into our lives. We are careful to keep our definition of things wide open and are finding that the more we are together, the more we want to be together. Our relationship is not Typical of openness, but it has been a gift that will continue to present both Blessings and challenges as the boys grow. Samuel is not my son, i claim no ownership or right to him, but i love him as though he were mine, with a gentle unconditional love that comes from my love and gratitude for his first mother. I didn't realize i would feel this way toward him. I love many of my friend's children; but this is very different.<br />And we should be able to pay off Jack's adoption loan soon, which means we'll go back on the list for our second in June or July. <br /><br />Jer and I are doing well adjusting our relationship, it gets emo sometimes but overall it's strong and we remain the love of eachother's life; but sometimes our new little love puts that in the backseat.<br /><br />Jer is a good and loving daddy, and seeing him with Jack makes me fall further in love with him.<br /><br />I hope that 2011 brings all of you, my friends, peace, joy and blessings of abundance. I wish you more laughter than tears, and prosperity above want; and just enough Trial to keep you honest! <br />Kelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02797896478373033161noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9206209768254968613.post-23595703563507336902010-12-02T18:04:00.000-08:002010-12-02T18:04:15.512-08:00Jack's first year364 days ago....I can't believe it. We were sitting and holding our son. Tomorrow he turns 1 year old, but it was a Thursday morning when we got the call.<br />
<br />
Enjoy!<br />
<object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/IwJYrO9pf4c?hl=en&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/IwJYrO9pf4c?hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br />
<br />
<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v317/littlekitty78/?action=view&current=kelstamp.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v317/littlekitty78/kelstamp.jpg" /></a>Kelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02797896478373033161noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9206209768254968613.post-56945258789342680522010-10-30T13:05:00.000-07:002010-10-30T13:05:52.317-07:00Just an introductionJust wanted to introduce you to a tough lady, with a lot of things going on in her life. Mama J at <a href="http://www.gapbaby.blogspot.com/">Her Womb...</a><br />
<br />
When waiting mothers take the time to read through my blog and contact me, I feel honored to be part of their journey. I remember so Vividly the first time I read Jamie's blog, and Melba's and BB's and Holly's and all of the blogs I follow, I remember those of you who were placed while I was waiting.<br />
<br />
Jamie's blog comes to mind because of a single photo, Jamie emotional, watching Milo come into the world, her hand over her mouth, and Matt holding her (Holding her up?) from behind, and what a miraculous image, burned into my mind and heart, that this thing called Adoption, it happens, and it happens to people just like me. That and one of the later posts about Matt getting her her favorite icecream cone, and it was my favorite too. <br />
<br />
It's the little things that bind us together as moms. How amazing is it that our individual stories are so inspiring to others? I love that I can ask any one of you anything and you will answer me honestly!<br />
<br />
With Love to J and all of you,<br />
<br />
<a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v317/littlekitty78/?action=view&current=kelstamp.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v317/littlekitty78/kelstamp.jpg" /></a>Kelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02797896478373033161noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9206209768254968613.post-74449263436268521852010-10-27T14:12:00.000-07:002010-10-27T14:12:16.767-07:00Jack and Sam got to see each other again today. Erin, has two sons and her older son Ryan had been sick for a week and she was sick and Sam too (They had a cold, Ryan something else) So it had been two weeks or longer since the boys had been together. But, they were as happy to see each other as a 10 month old and a 23 month old can be. (actually probably a little more than the averages as these boys seem to "get" that they are related.)<br />
<br />
Today they wouldn't sit together long enough to get a picture, but here are two cute ones of the day :D<br />
And a cute one from last time too.<br />
Samuel is always so shy with me, and doesn't say much, but Erin says he talks up a storm about Jack before he sees him. "I love Jackie!" "See Jackie?" <br />
<br />
Erin's oldest has figured out that Jack is "Sammy's family" and he's ready to meed us, and he calls me "Sammy's auntie" Which works for me! I have a nephew that is actually related to my son!! HOW FANTASTIC is that!! <br />
<br />
I told Erin that I still think it's such a privilege to know Samuel and their family. I recalled sitting across from H. and wondering if I'd ever meet this little boy. The fact that Samuel is a part of H. makes me love him like a relative, and I feel blessed to have him in my life! Erin expressed to me, that she was just so happy that Samuel has a sibling. That they were worried about having someone close to his age to play with like a brother, and how this whole business just seems to be mapped out divinely. And now, I have a mommy friend with an adopted child, something that I've wanted really badly. Someone who gets exactly what I ponder in my heart, someone who thinks about the same woman with gratitude for making our lives possible. For making us mothers. Erin and I are in an exclusive club, we have H's sons for our sons. And who would get that besides the two of us? <br />
<br />
These beautiful lives, are my reason for being thankful to a woman for choosing life. She made a decision for these boys and believed it so much she did it twice. And then gave us permission to create a whole -ly different kind of family. If she'd pick up her letters she would know how grateful we are. THANK YOU H!<br />
<a href="http://pics.livejournal.com/kittyc1978/pic/000edbxg/"><img width="320" height="187" border="0" alt="" src="http://pics.livejournal.com/kittyc1978/pic/000eaac2/s320x240" /> <img width="179" height="240" border="0" alt="" src="http://pics.livejournal.com/kittyc1978/pic/000edbxg/s320x240" /></a> <a href="http://pics.livejournal.com/kittyc1978/pic/000ee29e/"><img width="179" height="240" border="0" alt="" src="http://pics.livejournal.com/kittyc1978/pic/000ee29e/s320x240" /><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</a>Kelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02797896478373033161noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9206209768254968613.post-11918647590797095652010-10-24T13:12:00.001-07:002010-10-24T13:12:15.124-07:00Happy Halloween!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8BpYCkN59cQ/TMSTB5mJ3hI/AAAAAAAACTQ/Qa1Myjl7684/s1600/mooning+scarecrow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8BpYCkN59cQ/TMSTB5mJ3hI/AAAAAAAACTQ/Qa1Myjl7684/s320/mooning+scarecrow.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v317/littlekitty78/?action=view&current=kelstamp.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Photobucket" border="0" src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v317/littlekitty78/kelstamp.jpg" /></a>Kelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02797896478373033161noreply@blogger.com0