Tuesday 19 April 2011
Hope comes home!
So at 9.45 this morning, we arrived at the foster carers house to pick up our little girl and take her home - for good!
We knew this would be a sweet moment but would also be difficult at the same time.
It all went pretty quickly, the foster carers visibly finding it hard - they were happy tears but it was time to say goodbye to this little girl they had cared for from birth. Caring for children is evidently more than just a job for these guys. They have loved our little girl and treated her like one of their own. Hope could not have been in a better place for the last 16 months. The care she has received is obvious which is why it was an emotional time. We have grown fond of this family and we, as did they, expressed our affection for them when leaving. We are so grateful for these guys.
So there were a lot of tears! But here we are. A new start for Hope; the past remains but now a new chapter in her little life begins. We have many hopes for this little girl - the greatest that she would come to know and love the Saviour.
After a busy day, Hope was very tired this evening. She did not enjoy bath time and cried a lot going to bed. In fact, at the time of writing this (7pm), she is still crying her little eyes out. She is shattered and this is going to be a big change for her to adjust to. She was also feeling under the weather this morning when she woke up - think she may have some teeth coming through (or that this week has completely exhausted her). Please pray that she would settle quickly and she would feel secure in her new environment.
We love this little girl so much, she has brought us so much joy in such a short period of time. Alfie and Ryley love her already!
Thanks for messages, grateful for family and good friends.
Will post a few updates to let you know how she gets on and upload some pics as she meets family. But hopefully it won't be long until many of you meet Hope!
We knew this would be a sweet moment but would also be difficult at the same time.
It all went pretty quickly, the foster carers visibly finding it hard - they were happy tears but it was time to say goodbye to this little girl they had cared for from birth. Caring for children is evidently more than just a job for these guys. They have loved our little girl and treated her like one of their own. Hope could not have been in a better place for the last 16 months. The care she has received is obvious which is why it was an emotional time. We have grown fond of this family and we, as did they, expressed our affection for them when leaving. We are so grateful for these guys.
So there were a lot of tears! But here we are. A new start for Hope; the past remains but now a new chapter in her little life begins. We have many hopes for this little girl - the greatest that she would come to know and love the Saviour.
After a busy day, Hope was very tired this evening. She did not enjoy bath time and cried a lot going to bed. In fact, at the time of writing this (7pm), she is still crying her little eyes out. She is shattered and this is going to be a big change for her to adjust to. She was also feeling under the weather this morning when she woke up - think she may have some teeth coming through (or that this week has completely exhausted her). Please pray that she would settle quickly and she would feel secure in her new environment.
We love this little girl so much, she has brought us so much joy in such a short period of time. Alfie and Ryley love her already!
Thanks for messages, grateful for family and good friends.
Will post a few updates to let you know how she gets on and upload some pics as she meets family. But hopefully it won't be long until many of you meet Hope!
Monday 18 April 2011
The night before!
So we finally have it confirmed, our little girl is coming home tomorrow!
Tomorrow is going to be an emotional day - taking this little girl away from all she has known to new beginnings. It is one of the hardest things we've ever done (taking them away), especially when there is such a bond with the foster family.
That aside, tomorrow is going to be such a wonderful today - welcoming Hope into our family, something that God has had planned; every step we've taken, every delay, every trial, has been planned by a sovereign God - all according to His plan, not ours. We are grateful and humbled that God has allowed us this privilege of adopting Hope.
Today we had a family trip out to Dan yr Ogof caves/dinosaur park. It was great to be able to do something the boys would love, it's been a long week or so for them. Hope seemed to have fun too! Time went pretty quickly and we had a lovely time in glorious sunshine.
We then took our baby back for the very last time!! Tomorrow we take her to her new home! We plan to get her at 10am and say our goodbyes.
Will let you know how it goes tomorrow! Please pray for Hope; life changes for her tomorrow. Please also pray that the foster family would find tomorrow ok, it can't be easy for them.
So this is it! Very real! Very near! Love it!
Tomorrow is going to be an emotional day - taking this little girl away from all she has known to new beginnings. It is one of the hardest things we've ever done (taking them away), especially when there is such a bond with the foster family.
That aside, tomorrow is going to be such a wonderful today - welcoming Hope into our family, something that God has had planned; every step we've taken, every delay, every trial, has been planned by a sovereign God - all according to His plan, not ours. We are grateful and humbled that God has allowed us this privilege of adopting Hope.
Today we had a family trip out to Dan yr Ogof caves/dinosaur park. It was great to be able to do something the boys would love, it's been a long week or so for them. Hope seemed to have fun too! Time went pretty quickly and we had a lovely time in glorious sunshine.
We then took our baby back for the very last time!! Tomorrow we take her to her new home! We plan to get her at 10am and say our goodbyes.
Will let you know how it goes tomorrow! Please pray for Hope; life changes for her tomorrow. Please also pray that the foster family would find tomorrow ok, it can't be easy for them.
So this is it! Very real! Very near! Love it!
Sunday 17 April 2011
Quiet day
No real update today... Hope came to us at 11am with her foster carer and was taken back at 1pm.
This has allowed the foster carer and family to spend the afternoon together and say goodbyes...
We have one more day of visiting left (subject to the review meeting tomorrow)! We will spend the day out and about near Swansea tomorrow as a family and then say goodbye to her one last time before she comes home for good!
Will update tomorrow once the review meeting has taken place.
Enjoying a chilled out Sunday afternoon together - the last Sunday afternoon as 4...
This has allowed the foster carer and family to spend the afternoon together and say goodbyes...
We have one more day of visiting left (subject to the review meeting tomorrow)! We will spend the day out and about near Swansea tomorrow as a family and then say goodbye to her one last time before she comes home for good!
Will update tomorrow once the review meeting has taken place.
Enjoying a chilled out Sunday afternoon together - the last Sunday afternoon as 4...
Saturday 16 April 2011
Strength for Today
After a tough day yesterday, we have continued to know the love and grace of God in it all. We were reminded of the following by a good friend this morning:
"Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not grow faint or weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength." Isaiah 40:28-31
Well today was the day when Hope visited her new home and we think she liked it, well, some of it...!
Going to her bed for a nap (having none of it!) and bath time aside, she seemed really comfortable and enjoyed crawling around inquisitively, checking her new home out.
She enjoyed playing around in the garden and the boys enjoyed taking her to the local sweet shop.
We then had to take her back to her foster carers for 7pm. It was really sweet that she didn't change on the way she was with us when she was back in her usual environment - she still wanted our attention and hugs.
She cried as we were saying goodbye - not exactly sure why but no doubt it's all a bit confusing now. Not long to go now - we just need to get through these next few days. The plan is to pick Hope up on Tuesday morning and bring her home for good. Her bags have been packed and handed over to us, it's feeling very real right now. Exciting and emotional times!
We have now clocked 1200 miles and are feeling tired yet when we have felt really tired and worn out, we feel we have been given strength and grace for the moment - again testament to God's goodness to us. "Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow - great is thy faithfulness!"
On the way home this evening, we were reflecting on our three children, their own adoption journeys and their different personalities! Just so grateful for them - they bring us so much joy, each in their unique way!
"Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not grow faint or weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength." Isaiah 40:28-31
Well today was the day when Hope visited her new home and we think she liked it, well, some of it...!
Going to her bed for a nap (having none of it!) and bath time aside, she seemed really comfortable and enjoyed crawling around inquisitively, checking her new home out.
She enjoyed playing around in the garden and the boys enjoyed taking her to the local sweet shop.
We then had to take her back to her foster carers for 7pm. It was really sweet that she didn't change on the way she was with us when she was back in her usual environment - she still wanted our attention and hugs.
She cried as we were saying goodbye - not exactly sure why but no doubt it's all a bit confusing now. Not long to go now - we just need to get through these next few days. The plan is to pick Hope up on Tuesday morning and bring her home for good. Her bags have been packed and handed over to us, it's feeling very real right now. Exciting and emotional times!
We have now clocked 1200 miles and are feeling tired yet when we have felt really tired and worn out, we feel we have been given strength and grace for the moment - again testament to God's goodness to us. "Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow - great is thy faithfulness!"
On the way home this evening, we were reflecting on our three children, their own adoption journeys and their different personalities! Just so grateful for them - they bring us so much joy, each in their unique way!
Friday 15 April 2011
Today's update
Today was a hard day - I think the reality is setting in that this is a tough process for all involved.
As we picked Hope up today, it was clear that she is starting to get confused about what is going on. Whilst she was pleased to see us, she was upset about getting in the car. Felt really sorry for her and it was obvious the foster carer did not find it easy.
We did however enjoy a day out in the Mumbles... We had chips on the beach and then the kids enjoyed playing in the park. A trip to the Mumbles isn't complete without ice cream at Verdi's either!
We arrived back at the foster carers house and spent some time there before it was time to head back to Bristol. Hope was very tearful when we left - we think she was confused as to whether she was going or staying. It wasn't great and it was hard coming home without her.
We would appreciate your prayers, particularly for this little girl as life is about to change big time for her.
Hope visits her new home tomorrow - can't wait!
As we picked Hope up today, it was clear that she is starting to get confused about what is going on. Whilst she was pleased to see us, she was upset about getting in the car. Felt really sorry for her and it was obvious the foster carer did not find it easy.
We did however enjoy a day out in the Mumbles... We had chips on the beach and then the kids enjoyed playing in the park. A trip to the Mumbles isn't complete without ice cream at Verdi's either!
We arrived back at the foster carers house and spent some time there before it was time to head back to Bristol. Hope was very tearful when we left - we think she was confused as to whether she was going or staying. It wasn't great and it was hard coming home without her.
We would appreciate your prayers, particularly for this little girl as life is about to change big time for her.
Hope visits her new home tomorrow - can't wait!
Thursday 14 April 2011
All tired out!
Today the tiredness has hit us after a really long day so this update is going to be a brief one!
We set off at 7.30 this morning to meet Hope for breakfast and spent a couple of hours with her before her morning nap. She was really pleased to see us and she is really becoming much more comfortable and familiar with us.
We went back to Merthyr for a few hours to spend time with the boys and then went back to see Hope as a family at 2pm. We took her to a local soft play area which the boys absolutely loved - she wasn't as keen but was just happy to sit on our laps and bond! Lovely.
We then had our first family meal together at a local restaurant and then headed back to take Hope back to her foster family.
Mummy and daughter bonding time followed whilst daddy and the boys played with the rest of the foster family on the bouncy castle (yes, they have one in their back garden - it's huge!).
One of the things we are really grateful to God for is how nice the foster family have been and how well we have got on together. We spent some time with them after Hope had gone to bed - just grateful for these guys and grateful for the way they have cared for our daughter for the first 16 months of her life.
Family day out tomorrow - the Mumbles is on the agenda.
Quote of the day today (from Alfie):
"Mummy/Daddy - Swansea is a different country and people speak a different language - they speak Swan!" Can sort of see what he means!
Rest needed, until tomorrow...
Thanks again for messages, thoughts, prayers etc. All appreciated.
We set off at 7.30 this morning to meet Hope for breakfast and spent a couple of hours with her before her morning nap. She was really pleased to see us and she is really becoming much more comfortable and familiar with us.
We went back to Merthyr for a few hours to spend time with the boys and then went back to see Hope as a family at 2pm. We took her to a local soft play area which the boys absolutely loved - she wasn't as keen but was just happy to sit on our laps and bond! Lovely.
We then had our first family meal together at a local restaurant and then headed back to take Hope back to her foster family.
Mummy and daughter bonding time followed whilst daddy and the boys played with the rest of the foster family on the bouncy castle (yes, they have one in their back garden - it's huge!).
One of the things we are really grateful to God for is how nice the foster family have been and how well we have got on together. We spent some time with them after Hope had gone to bed - just grateful for these guys and grateful for the way they have cared for our daughter for the first 16 months of her life.
Family day out tomorrow - the Mumbles is on the agenda.
Quote of the day today (from Alfie):
"Mummy/Daddy - Swansea is a different country and people speak a different language - they speak Swan!" Can sort of see what he means!
Rest needed, until tomorrow...
Thanks again for messages, thoughts, prayers etc. All appreciated.
Wednesday 13 April 2011
Two boys and a little girl!
Well today was a very special day - this morning we got to introduce Alfie and Ryley to their special little sister, Hope. If a script could have been written for today, it couldn't have gone more to plan. We were amazed by how well the boys received their sister!
Some quotes from Alfie sum how today went:
"Don't worry, I'm not going to hurt you!"
"She is the best girl in the world!"
"I love you sweetheart!"
"Hello my darling?"
To begin with the boys were interested in the toys in the house! However before long, they became more and more interested in their little sister! Hope was really good with the boys as well and it was a day that couldn't have gone any better!
We took Hope out for our first family outing in the car. Asda was the destination on this rainy Welsh day - oh yes, the exciting things you get to do when visiting!
The bond continues to grow and she is becoming even more familiar with us. We are getting some lovely smiles!
On the way home, the kids all fell asleep (picture to follow) and it then dawned on me as we looked at them. First thoughts were 'wow' - we have 3 real little people in this car! Then next thoughts are how blessed we are to have been given 3 precious gifts from God! We are grateful to God that he has planned this for our lives - He has given us so much already and continues to bless us even more. Undeserved grace.
An early start awaits Mummy and Daddy tomorrow as we go to meet our daughter for breakfast...
Some quotes from Alfie sum how today went:
"Don't worry, I'm not going to hurt you!"
"She is the best girl in the world!"
"I love you sweetheart!"
"Hello my darling?"
To begin with the boys were interested in the toys in the house! However before long, they became more and more interested in their little sister! Hope was really good with the boys as well and it was a day that couldn't have gone any better!
We took Hope out for our first family outing in the car. Asda was the destination on this rainy Welsh day - oh yes, the exciting things you get to do when visiting!
The bond continues to grow and she is becoming even more familiar with us. We are getting some lovely smiles!
On the way home, the kids all fell asleep (picture to follow) and it then dawned on me as we looked at them. First thoughts were 'wow' - we have 3 real little people in this car! Then next thoughts are how blessed we are to have been given 3 precious gifts from God! We are grateful to God that he has planned this for our lives - He has given us so much already and continues to bless us even more. Undeserved grace.
An early start awaits Mummy and Daddy tomorrow as we go to meet our daughter for breakfast...
Tuesday 12 April 2011
A day of progress!
Another eventful day that has seen a lot of progress made! Prayers have been answered and once again traces of God's hand have been evident throughout this process.
The day began by dropping the boys off in Merthyr; we then went to Swansea to meet Hope's medical adviser who filled us in on a lot of her background - nothing particularly new to us but good to have that information.
We then went to see our baby! And what a day of progress it was! Cuddles and kisses with Mummy in the morning and a first nappy change for Mummy. Daddy is a scary strange man so no wonder she didn't want cuddles from him!
After a little nap, it was time for more play with Mummy and Daddy and there was a clear bond that was developing. She was becoming so much more familiar with us and we had a really fun time getting to know each other more. It was really nice time. And, Daddy became less scary and did get a cuddle and also stole a kiss!
We got to bath Hope for the first time - she is one tiny baby! Very cute!
A long day came to and end and it was time for bed for our little baby. We had a kiss before bed but Hope was in mischevious mood and had no intention of going to bed - instead trying to get more kisses from us! We left her crying tonight (which apparently she never does when she goes to bed).
It was hard leaving but at the same time, we could not wait to get back and see our lovely little boys, albeit for a few minutes before bed.
A special day beckons tomorrow - the day Alfie and Ryley get to meet their little sister - planned before there was time! We cannot wait!
The day began by dropping the boys off in Merthyr; we then went to Swansea to meet Hope's medical adviser who filled us in on a lot of her background - nothing particularly new to us but good to have that information.
We then went to see our baby! And what a day of progress it was! Cuddles and kisses with Mummy in the morning and a first nappy change for Mummy. Daddy is a scary strange man so no wonder she didn't want cuddles from him!
After a little nap, it was time for more play with Mummy and Daddy and there was a clear bond that was developing. She was becoming so much more familiar with us and we had a really fun time getting to know each other more. It was really nice time. And, Daddy became less scary and did get a cuddle and also stole a kiss!
We got to bath Hope for the first time - she is one tiny baby! Very cute!
A long day came to and end and it was time for bed for our little baby. We had a kiss before bed but Hope was in mischevious mood and had no intention of going to bed - instead trying to get more kisses from us! We left her crying tonight (which apparently she never does when she goes to bed).
It was hard leaving but at the same time, we could not wait to get back and see our lovely little boys, albeit for a few minutes before bed.
A special day beckons tomorrow - the day Alfie and Ryley get to meet their little sister - planned before there was time! We cannot wait!
Monday 11 April 2011
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