All About Faith and Our Journey to Adoption
I haven’t written in detail all about Faith and the adoption for many reasons, but mainly because it’s a story that requires patience in a process that is beyond my control. Â After our failed adoption in October, I am a little more reserved when it comes to sharing out certain details. Â Further, there are parts of the story that are largely our daughter’s to tell when and to who she desires to share it with someday, and I greatly respect that part of this beautifully crafted masterpiece.
However, I do want to share some of my story with you because you all have been part of it, too. Â The countless emails and prayers and messages all showed me that this little ol’ teacher blog was way bigger than the lesson plans and random classroom fodder that I’ve posted for the past three years. Â I can’t even type that without crying because I am overwhelmed that so many of you prayed throughout the initial adoption, lifted me and my family up in the absolute awful time following the failure of that adoption, and then prayed our daughter right into our arms weeks later. Â Wow. Â Just wow.
So, I’m probably getting ready to type a small novel, but if you want to know all about Faith you can read on 🙂
* * * * * * * * * *
After our failed adoption in October, I struggled. Â Oh, how I struggled. Â My faith felt hollow and my outlook on the future of our family was bleak. Â I didn’t sit on the couch in our family room by myself for days afterwards, finding it too painful to sit in the same spot where I received a phone call telling me that a child I had grown in my heart for nearly six months would never come home to the nursery that I’d planned for him. Â He had a name. Â A big brother. Â A closet full of blue. Â I’d installed the carseat into my car only hours before the phone call. Â I had to take it out before I dropped Becks off at school the next morning.
 All of this was and is currently sitting on the dresser in the nursery.
The unfinished nursery. Â Still looks like this today.
I hadn’t ever experience grief before. Â And, suddenly, there was this epic loss. Â A baby that I hadn’t carried or even seen an ultrasound picture of. Â I was grieving a child that never even belonged to me. And it was weird.
Grief looks like a lot of things, I learned. Â There was a lot of crying. Â A lot of praying. Â A lot of waiting by my phone for a call from our agency to tell us she’d changed her mind. Â When my phone would ring I would get unfairly angry at the caller on the other end, upset that it wasn’t our agency. Â Eventually, one of my friends kindly suggested I give their number a specific ring tone so that I wasn’t facing this disappointment every time the phone rang. Â So I did.
I talked to close friends over lasagna and wine, and cried some more. Â My family loved on all of us. Â I journaled. Â Cried. Â I read the Bible. Â I searched for comfort, for guidance, for a scripture to direct my next steps. Â I couldn’t say enough good things about Brandon during that time. Â He was my compass, pointing me back toward Him and His plan when I would question where I was going and what I was supposed to be doing with myself.
With our Home Study set to expire on December 5th, I began to reevaluate our next steps.  Of course, we could renew our Home Study with our current agency, change agencies, look into further fertility treatments, look into international adoption, etc.  But nothing was standing out.  B was in the whatever mode.  Whatever you want to do is fine with me, Abs. Except I didn’t know.  I had a spark and a fervor and a this is it! attitude when we initially started the adoption process back in December of 2012, but I just wasn’t feeling it this time.
On November 5th – a very important date, I would later learn – I wrote out a very specific prayer in a journal gifted to me by the same girls who’d thrown me a baby shower only weeks before.  I won’t share the entirety of the prayer, but in it I basically asked God to help me discern his will.  In a week. Like, I asked him to answer my prayer in ONE WEEK.  The week went by and nothing was glaringly obvious, except the fact that I still felt nothingness about what we should do.
 
On Saturday, November 9th, we made a quick evening road trip up to Michigan to celebrate my Papa’s 85th birthday.  Ironically, we never intended to go in the first place because we were expecting to have a newborn son, and initially RSVP’d no.  But, of course, things happened and we went.  Becks fell asleep in the back and, before I knew it, B and I were engrossed in a conversation about God’s will for our family.  I told him about the childish prayer I’d written.  I cried.  Nothing was standing out! I told him.  I asked God to help me discern His will and He. Was. Silent.  The conversation eventually led to this dramatic statement from my husband: let go.  (I know, life-changing, right?!)  But, that feels like giving up! I replied.  No, it’s letting God have control, he explained.  I mulled it over, and, through tears, I agreed with him.
I had been trying. Â For years. Â I tried planning and scheduling and hormones and timing and more hormones and adoption. Â And it had ALL failed. Â I had tried enough, Brandon said. Â And, for once (and only once), my husband was right. Â I had tried enough and it was time to let God do his thing and for me to back off. Â At the conclusion of our conversation, we had decided to let our Home Study expire and spend some time in the next few months putting God back in control of our family.
We drove in silence for a bit after that, and while scrolling through my Facebook feed, I rolled over a status update from our agency:
“I made an unexpected drive to ****** today to visit with a birth mother who delivered very prematurely. Â Please pray for her and for the little one – under 3 pounds!”
Â
In the darkness of the passenger seat, I snickered.  I’d just had this heart-to-heart with my husband about getting off of this roller coaster and I see that post.  Thanks, God! <-sarcasm font]  I said a short prayer for the mom and baby and then talked myself through every reason why I was positive we wouldn’t be a fit for that situation.  I even told Brandon.  His quick retort was to let go.  Oh, the irony!!!!
While Becks swam in the hotel pool that night, I told my mom and sister our plan. Â We were through. Â Givin’ it to God.
We went to the party and drove home that same evening on Sunday, November 10th.
Becks plays in the hotel room with my sister and niece. Â Less than 24 hours later, he would be a Big Brother.
At the birthday party with B. Â Less than 24 hours later, we would have a daughter.
I was texting with some of my girlfriends on the way home and told them about our decision. Â We got home late that night, and – thankfully – I’d already planned to have Monday off.
On Monday, November 11th, I got up and drove Becks to school. Â I dropped him off and started back home to tackle a list of things I’d been saving for an open day. Â Around 8:45am my phone rang.
The Special Ring. The one assigned to my agency.
I knew the minute I looked at the screen to confirm it really was them, that this was the phone call we’d been waiting for. Â And, it was.
A baby girl was born. Â On November 5th. Â (See date noted above.) Â You can meet her today. Â Call Brandon.
A BIG EMPHATIC YES! is how I responded to our agency once I finally got ahold of Brandon at work.
Then I was all by myself  at home, pacing and praying and reading the Bible.  Here’s a snapshot of my internal conversation while I was waiting the excruciating three hours it took for Brandon to get off work…
God!!!! Â Really?! Â I mean, REALLY?! Â Did you REALLY just do this?! Â I mean, OF COURSE you did! Â Of course!!!! Â Because you knew! Â You knew all along! Â This is our baby! Â This is our girl! Â A daughter! Â O.M.G. Â God, you are too much! Â This is crazy! Â For REAL?! Â I don’t have anything pink. Â I should go to Target. Â What if I see someone I know and I look as crazy as I feel right now and they see the pink clothes in my cart and then they figure out what is going on before I can even tell anyone?! GOD, THIS IS CRAZY!!!! Â This is so much better than anything I could’ve imagined! Â You are God and you are GOOD. Â Shooooooooeeeeee! Â Wait, what will we name her?! Â Will Brandon EVER get off work?! Â I should read the Bible. Â What should I read? Â I mean, REALLY?!?!?!?!?!?
Â
Except that seriously went on for three hours. Â We only told my parents because we needed someone to pick up Becks, and I had to keep this monumental secret from my family and dearest friends when I really just wanted to shout it out the front door!
I really did go to Target! Â This is what I bought ^^^^^
At 1:45pm on November 11th, we met our daughter. Â A very small, but very mighty, little girl. Â All two pounds of her. Â Perfect in every way. Â Just a peanut with a lot of growing left to do in the NICU.
Probably my favorite picture of daddy and daughter, taken the first week. Â Â Â Beckham holds his sister for the first time.
She is doing well and will likely come home mid-to-late January or early February. Â We are in no rush. Â We want her to grown and thrive. Â In the meantime, we love on her every single day. Â As a preemie, she has a lot of hurdles yet to overcome, but we feel that only by walking in His will on a day by day basis can that be accomplished. Â It’s all in His hands, as I’ve very clearly learned.
Oh, and her name?
Perfectly perfect.
{I promise I will post more pictures where you can see her better soon! Â Stay tuned!}
December 10th, 2013 at 4:47 am
I kept thinking of this verse as I read: No eye has seen, no ear has heard and no one’s heart has imagined all the things that God has prepared for those who love him.
1 Cor. 2:9 So very happy for you!
December 10th, 2013 at 4:49 am
Faith is so fortunate that God chose your family for her! Prayers and many good wishes as you begin life as a family of four!
December 10th, 2013 at 4:51 am
The most amazing of stories and her name couldn't be more perfect.I read every single word and feel overwhelming happiness for you and your little family. Congrats!
December 10th, 2013 at 4:55 am
God's timing and ways are truly perfect! Letting go is not easy to do, but He so patiently waits to reveal His good and perfect will. Praising God with you for your beautiful miracle! Will be praying for her health and growth. Congratulations!
December 10th, 2013 at 4:57 am
Is it true? Are you really the mama of a baby girl? I have followed you as a teacher, as your sone grew from a toddler to a school boy and through this roller coaster of a ride towards parenthood a second time. I live in Alberta, Canada and yet I know so gosh darn much about you.
I am the mother of premature twins. Each was just over 2 lb.; Adam was 2 lb. 4 oz. and Alexander was 2 lb. 1 oz. You would never know it now as they are twenty and in third year university. There will be many hills to climb, many paths to struggle along, and so many joys that you'll wonder how God could be so good.
Let go and let God! What a tremendous gift He has given you this Christmas! I am in awe!
December 10th, 2013 at 4:58 am
What an amazing journey! Wishing your family (of four!) all the best!
Love to Learn
December 10th, 2013 at 5:01 am
What an amazing story. I was adopted at five weeks and this story brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for sharing. IWW ll continue to pray for you and your family.
December 10th, 2013 at 5:02 am
Thank you for sharing. Miracles happen and sometimes we just have to let go so that our Heavenly Father can do His work without us interfering. Our twins were born at just under 2 pounds. They spent two and a half months growing in the NICU. They fought hard. It was an emotional roller coaster daily. Sometimes it seemed that they took a step forward only to fall back two steps. But, 15 years later, these miracle babies are healthy and have absolutely no side effects. Your sweet Faith, her family, and especially you, the momma, are in my prayers!
December 10th, 2013 at 5:04 am
Congratulations, Abby and family! What a perfect story. Prayers for Faith!
December 10th, 2013 at 5:06 am
Ah! Such a heartwarming, inspiring and GREATLY emotional story Abby. Congrats to you all. I KNOW you are fortunate to have Faith and she is equally fortunate to have you. The whole story is Perfectly Perfect – everything happened the exact way it was supposed to.
December 10th, 2013 at 5:25 am
Abby,
This is the sweetest, heartfelt story! I think you should do an adoption story linky party. My husband has an amazing story, too. I LOVE HER NAME! It is so perfect!
CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!
cowansprekcaterpillars.blogspot.com
December 10th, 2013 at 5:58 am
Congratulations is so small! Sending you love, grace and patience. How utterly wonderful!
December 10th, 2013 at 6:05 am
Abby, God is SO good and we are so happy for this little miracle He has sent you! Thank you for sharing your beautiful story with us. It is a testimony of faith, prayer, and His love. Praying for you, your daughter, and your family. Lots of hugs! Merry Christmas. 🙂 Christina
Sugar and Spice
December 10th, 2013 at 6:33 am
So blessed by reading your story. God is so good and He has perfectly and divinrly put your family together!! (: thanks for sharing, I know it must have been hard but imagine all the people it will bless! (: praying for Faith to grow and be healthy soon!
December 10th, 2013 at 6:59 am
Wow!!! What a journey!! God bless your family!!!
December 10th, 2013 at 7:11 am
Bless you and your family, Abby 🙂 Faith is the perfect name for this angel!
Teaching in the Tongass
December 10th, 2013 at 8:35 am
Abby, as a fellow control obsessed person, I too have been amazed at the wonderfullness of God and His love for me WHEN I give it over to Him. I am learning that I control nothing and try to walk every day in his will. I still struggle with trying to have control, but He is forever faithful and patient. Congratulations and thank you for sharing your story. I am so happy for you and will continue to pray for Faith and your family.
Pauline
First Grade by the Sea
December 10th, 2013 at 10:18 am
May your family continue to walk in His light. He has given you hope. He has blessed you with love. And now he has provided you with Faith. May all three continue to strengthen and guide you!
~Jennifer
http://www.storiesandsongsinsecond.blogspot.com
December 10th, 2013 at 11:13 am
Oh, my…what a BEAUTIFUL story. I am crying right now. Congratulations to your family!! I can't wait to see more picture of your beautiful baby girl!! I couldn't be happier for you! God is great!
December 10th, 2013 at 11:14 am
I just teared up reading this. What an amazing story of faith and God's will. May God continue to bless you and your family.
December 10th, 2013 at 11:26 am
How beautifully you have shared your journey with all of us. The way that you have placed your faith in God and His perfect timing is so inspiring. I'll continue to pray for you and your family. What a blessing your Faith is to all of us. 🙂
Lauren
Love, Laughter and Learning in Prep!
December 10th, 2013 at 11:31 am
Oh, Abby. I am so over the moon happy for you and your family! I cannot think of a more perfect name for that little baby girl. Congratulations, again.
December 10th, 2013 at 11:33 am
Abby, I just got online to check a couple things, and saw your post. I am honestly crying tears of joy for your family. We KNOW God is totally in control- and has the very best for you. Sometimes it is so hard to see it when you are in the midst of what you think it was supposed to be. I could not be happier for you and your family. I loved your post. WHAT a blessing you are to your sweet, precious daughter and she is to you! Thank you so much for sharing. ALL the best!
Carolyn
Kindergarten: Holding Hands and Sticking Together
December 10th, 2013 at 11:47 am
Your story is amazing. Your Faith is amazing (in both ways). Thank you for sharing, as your story is helping me to 'let it go' and let Him take control. Love and hugs to you and yours!
December 10th, 2013 at 11:59 am
Beautiful story of God's grace! As an adoptive mom too, I know what a special thing it is to meet the child that God chose for your family from the moment they were conceived. Many, many blessings to you and your family! (Also, you are so right in allowing your daughter to tell her own story someday. That's her testimony.)
December 10th, 2013 at 12:23 pm
God is so good! Oh, but you already know that! Blessings!
December 10th, 2013 at 12:54 pm
What a beautiful story! Thank you for opening yourself up and sharing! This was the little bit of positive I needed this morning!
December 10th, 2013 at 1:02 pm
What a truly amazing story! Your little Faith will one day know how blessed she was to be placed in your family! Please continue to share her story with us!
Karen Erhardt
December 10th, 2013 at 1:16 pm
What an incredible name to match your amazing story.
=)
Liz
Teaching in the Valley
December 10th, 2013 at 1:17 pm
For I know the plans I have for you says the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to hurt you. To give you a hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11. My youngest son was born prematurely and coded twice in the first two weeks of his life. My prayer warrior friends stood with me in the NICU waiting room showering this child with prayers. So many times with him I have had to say those same words = Let go, Let God. For you see – He is at His most Mighty when we are at our weakest. I cried all thru your blog because it reminded me that even in our struggles, our moments when we want to scream WHY, God or Why?!! He is there holding out His hand saying to us, For I know the plans . . . Merry Christmas to you and your sweet precious family.
December 10th, 2013 at 1:30 pm
Your story is a wonderful testimony of God working in our lives! Such a simple lesson- to let go and let Him take care of it. I am so happy for your family. This is a true gift of God and what a fabulous Christmas blessing. I have enjoyed following your blog & seeing your faith walked out on a day to day basis. Merry Christmas!!! Carol
December 10th, 2013 at 1:52 pm
Aw, I am so happy for you and your family! She is just *precious.* So teeny tiny! I loved your thoughts after you got off the phone with the agency. Haha, so random and honest.
It is really inspirational to read about how you struggled through the whole process but got through it with your faith and trust in God. Even when it is difficult to give up our control, ultimately it is His will. And it seems that His will always makes us happier, when we're patient enough to discover what it is. 😉
I wish you all the best with the new addition to your family. Faith will be in my prayers.
December 10th, 2013 at 2:05 pm
SO happy for you! I was adopted and can tell you what you've chosen to do for baby Faith will make the hugest impact in her life (and yours) =)
Jennifer
First Grade Blue Skies
December 10th, 2013 at 2:23 pm
Abby ! I have prayed so often for you. Our adoption failed in Sep….. 13 bags of returns to Target and an amazing amount of grief…. I understand the first part of your story so well! I am rejoicing for the second part of your story!!!!!!!! Hello God, You ROCK. He is good. He is always good! I send you love Abby!
December 10th, 2013 at 2:47 pm
What a beautiful story. Thank you for sharing! PTL
December 10th, 2013 at 3:16 pm
Yeah for you and your family and precious Faith
December 10th, 2013 at 3:48 pm
What a beautiful story. I read this with tears in my eyes. I am so thankful that you have the opportunity to be a mother again to this sweet little girl. Many congratulations on baby Faith! 🙂 I know she will grow big and strong with you and your family to care for her! Please keep us updated on your story.
Erica
December 10th, 2013 at 3:58 pm
Absolutely crying right now! I am so happy for you!! God is great and I know its hard to pray about something and to have Him be silent. I've had some days like that too and it tears you apart. I wish my husband was like yours and had faith. Faith has been a struggle for me because I need to learn to let God do His work in His time not mine. I couldn't be more happy for you! I'll pray for your family and little Faith. God has truly blessed you!
December 10th, 2013 at 4:01 pm
I have been following your story for a long time. We even talked about you with my team at school after the first adoption failed. We were all heart-broken for you. When I saw your first post about your daughter, my heart almost leaped out of my chest with excitement. I just read every.single.word. of this post. I am ecstatic for you guys. God is so good! I know that sometimes he just wants us to "let it go and give it to him" before he does something absolutely amazing in our lives. I can't wait to see more pictures and hear more stories about how God has blessed your family. Thanks for letting us be able to witness a blessing!
Karen Rowland
Adventures With Firsties
karenrowland112677@yahoo.com
December 10th, 2013 at 4:13 pm
I am sitting in my kitchen, sobbing at your beautiful story. I prayed for you months ago and will pray for you again. God bless you, your family and your precious new daughter!!!! I can't wait to share your story with my friends!
December 10th, 2013 at 4:27 pm
What a beautiful story! Thank you for sharing so openly and honestly. Sending lots of love and prayers to your sweet family!
December 10th, 2013 at 4:32 pm
This is such a beautiful story and I am so happy for you! Thank you for sharing your inspiring story with us. Faith is the perfect name for your little girl. Love and best wishes to all.
December 10th, 2013 at 4:51 pm
Abby, I am so happy for you and your wonderful family. I am sobbing as I write this because I know all too well that things always do happen for a reason. Faith was meant to be a part of your special family and how blessed all of you are! Thank you Abby for reminding us all of God's perfect love.
December 10th, 2013 at 5:14 pm
Tears are streaming down my face as I praise God for your miracle! Proverbs 3:5-6
December 10th, 2013 at 5:43 pm
Congratulations, Faith is a special girl to have such a wonderful family to come home too.
December 10th, 2013 at 5:50 pm
I am crying! What a beautiful story. God bless your baby girl!
✿Sue✿
✿Science for Kids Blog✿
December 10th, 2013 at 6:07 pm
What a perfect gift! Cried as I read your blog–thanks for sharing with us your ups and downs. God is good.
December 10th, 2013 at 8:14 pm
I love that all God wants from us is to let go and let Him take the lead. Oh the places He will take us! I have read your post three times today because I just love hearing your journey! My heart weeps with happiness for you and your family!
December 10th, 2013 at 8:23 pm
You bring tears to my eyes every time I read about your journey. I hope your sweet, sweet miracle gets to come home soon!
Praying for your family!
December 10th, 2013 at 8:39 pm
Abby,
Thanks so much for sharing this ! My favorite picture is of Becks looking at his little sister. Such a look of adoration and amazement ! May God cuddle you and care for you as much as he does for this little sweet one. Merry Christmas, Faith !
Wendy
Ms. D's Literacy Lab
December 10th, 2013 at 9:16 pm
1 Thessalonians 5:16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
This is what I stand on when I question the Lord's will for me 🙂
Congratulations!
December 10th, 2013 at 10:01 pm
I loved reading your story!! Thank you for sharing it and your heart! I love that God is always faithful to those who love Him!
December 10th, 2013 at 10:09 pm
This makes me tear up! I'm SO excited for your family and for God's perfect timing. See what happens when you let go and let God?! Love it!!! Congratulations!!!
December 10th, 2013 at 10:16 pm
Love this Abby. Thank you also for this word. We've been trying unsuccessfully for 6 years to have a baby and we finally have figured out that, we too, have to let go and let God.
As hard as it is I always remember Jeremiah 29–for I know the plans I have for you.
He had great plans for you and your family. How amazingly good He is all the time!
Congratulations and thanks so much for sharing this awesome story.
Nicki
Mrs. Thigpen's Kindergarten
December 10th, 2013 at 10:25 pm
Absolutely riveted reading this post, Abby…
Filled with excitement and awe in God's Perfect Plan.
So deeply happy for your sweet family!
December 10th, 2013 at 10:57 pm
This is so amazing! I've cried through your whole story! I was devastated back in October when it didn't work out. I kept thinking but why? Such an awesome person, family, and everyone has prayed so much about it. I prayed for your healing and for the right thing for your family. I'm so glad HE answered with this blessing of a daughter! I couldn't be happier for you and yours! I hope you have a wonderful Christmas! I know she'll thrive and be loved and adored by your family. God Bless!
December 10th, 2013 at 11:05 pm
Abby, I am so happy for you and your family. I cried while reading your post. I've thought of you ALL the time lately. I saw you like that facebook status and I KNEW in my heart that that was going to be your baby. I am amazing at your strength and faith in god. You have inspired me to have more faith in His timing. 😉 Blogger LOVE, Stephanie
December 10th, 2013 at 11:08 pm
Abby you have no idea how happy I am to see this post!! God is good! There are not even words to express how much you and your family deserve this and if anyone is going to take on a NICU baby and give her all the love she needs to thrive it is you. What an amazing early Christmas present!! I love her perfect name too!
December 10th, 2013 at 11:12 pm
Abby, only God could write a story this beautiful. I read through tears of joy for you and your sweet family! An amazing story of God's faithfulness. Praying your baby girl HOME!!
Jill
ABCs and Polkadots
December 10th, 2013 at 11:21 pm
Your story is so inspirational. God works in mysterious ways and has a plan for you and your family!
I think Faith's name is perfectly, perfect and she's lucky to be part of your family.
Merry Christmas!
December 10th, 2013 at 11:29 pm
PRAISE GOD!! Your story has truly inspired my own faith walk and given me so much encouragement. I will be praying for your tiny baby girl!! Congrats Momma!! 🙂
December 10th, 2013 at 11:29 pm
That is an amazing story! (typed through the tears in my eyes!)
The very best of luck and wishes for your family!
December 10th, 2013 at 11:49 pm
What an amazing story! God always has a plan! Congratulations!
Kate
Fun in ECSE
December 10th, 2013 at 11:56 pm
Wow! So happy that your shared your story! Faith is what we all need to have in God! She is a little angel sent from the heavens above!Bless her little heart! So happy for you all!
December 10th, 2013 at 11:58 pm
Abby,
You don't know me, but I have followed your blog, love your products and have followed your adoption journey. I admire that you shared your heart with us and it's such a perfect story, with all the peaks and valleys. And I love her name, which certainly is perfectly perfect. How very blessed she is to be part of your loving family.
December 11th, 2013 at 12:22 am
I read this with tears – for your journey and for the beautiful beginning of a new journey. You were chosen by Him to be a special set of parents. Rejoice in it!
December 11th, 2013 at 1:10 am
I just love reading about your journey! It truly is amazing how God is using your story to touch so many people lives! I just know this little girl was meant to be your daughter all along. May God continue to bless your family.
December 11th, 2013 at 1:29 am
I just want to reach through the screen and hug and jump and yell with you!!! Congratulations!
December 11th, 2013 at 2:21 am
What a beautiful story! Thanks for sharing! What a mighty God we serve! Praying for you and your family.
December 11th, 2013 at 2:43 am
Such an amazing story. It all fits perfectly together ending with Faith in the arms of you, your husband, and son. I have tears in my eyes and am completely overcome with emotion, Abby. Congratulations!
December 11th, 2013 at 2:56 am
What a God thing! Thanks for sharing your journey with us! Faith is a beautiful name!
– Katy
First Grade Kate
December 11th, 2013 at 3:06 am
Wow! What an amazing story! I am sending you and your family many prayers.
December 11th, 2013 at 3:07 am
Wow! What an amazing journey! I am sending lots of prayers your way!
December 11th, 2013 at 3:23 am
As I sit here with tears welling in my eyes I am so in awe of your strength. I pray your little girl thrives…what a perfect name!
December 11th, 2013 at 3:34 am
So inspiring. Our God is an awesome, mighty God. Thanks for sharing your story. 🙂
–Caitlin
December 11th, 2013 at 3:38 am
I will continue to pray for your family & Faith.
This is an amazing adventure…and it just started! How exciting for you.
What a mighty God we serve.
Merry Christmas…looks like you'll have the merriest one & an even better New Year!
December 11th, 2013 at 4:21 am
COMPLETE BLESSING FROM GOD!!!
It's all good with GOD!
Thanks for sharing.
December 11th, 2013 at 11:10 am
GOD IS AMAZING! How I loved reading this and getting to "know" your family. Our adoption story is different, but I can deeply relate to the empty nursery and feelings of hopelessness and wondering if God just abandoned you. I had a furnished, babyless nursery for almost 3 years before we got our daughter from China, when it was originally supposed to take six months. My heart is exploding with joy for you!
December 11th, 2013 at 11:56 am
Your story is so unbelievably heartwarming and such a testament to God and his plan!!! I should have read this before doing my makeup this morning because now I am crying tears of joy for you!!
Jodi
December 11th, 2013 at 2:03 pm
I had tears in my eyes reading your story. Congratulations to you and your family for this long awaited little girl. She's lucky to be loved so much.
–Chrissy
Firstgradefoundme.blogspot.com
December 11th, 2013 at 2:42 pm
God Bless you and yours! What a perfect name for a little girl who has been sent to you buy the Lord!
December 11th, 2013 at 3:38 pm
This is the season for miracles. Your faith and trust has given you and your family a most precious gift.
Faith's name is so perfect. She is incredibly blessed to be part of such a special family.
December 11th, 2013 at 6:15 pm
So very happy for you!! 🙂
December 12th, 2013 at 12:19 am
So, so excited for you!!! I truly feel like I know you …I cried when I read about your disappointment, and I cried when I read about the blessing you just received. Faith is one lucky little love to be blessed with such a beautiful family(inside and out). All the best to you and your new family of 4. Merry Christmas! xo
December 12th, 2013 at 3:22 am
Amazing and beautiful story! I have tears in my eyes! I have been following you for awhile and I could not be happier for you and your family. What a perfect gift this holiday season. Praying for Faith to grow healthy and strong!
December 12th, 2013 at 9:33 am
This is a beautiful story, just beautiful. How wonderful for you and your family to have Faith in your lives but even more wonderful is for Faith to have you in her life!
Congratulations!!
Rhonda
Classroom Fun
December 12th, 2013 at 8:42 pm
Sitting here in my classroom on plan time with tears of joy for you. I am so happy that you have been blessed so immensely due to your faith! Praise God!! 🙂
December 13th, 2013 at 5:35 am
What a beautiful story Abby! You had me hooked through every moment and I am so incredibly happy to see the ending/new beginning for your family :)! Congrats on the little one!
December 14th, 2013 at 12:32 am
I'm bawling just reading this post! You are an amazing Christian and I'm so excited for you…for one…my 3 pound daughter was born on Nov. 11 and she is such an awesome 11 year old daughter today. Look forward to the many years of joy this daughter will bring to you. God is so great…sometimes we don't know his reasoning for things until something different is dropped in our laps. I'm so excited for you and your new amazing daughter….please let me know if I can do anything to help (I raised two preemie daughters who are amazing you girls today). Congratulations!
Stephanie Ann
Sparkling in Kindergarten
December 15th, 2013 at 12:06 am
Wow! Wow! Just Wow! So happy for you!!
Thanks for sharing this inspiration and this reason to hope and have Faith! Truly a joyous time!!
December 15th, 2013 at 12:09 am
Wow! Thank you for sharing this great inspiration to BELIEVE. HOPE. and have FAITH. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!
December 15th, 2013 at 2:34 am
I mean… I know this story because you'e told it to me. BUT…. I'M STILL SITTING HERE IN TEARS!
God is Good.
Amen!
December 15th, 2013 at 3:20 am
Crying. Beautiful. Love this and your family! Praise The Lord and your family.
December 15th, 2013 at 3:35 am
This is my most favorite blog post! I am so happy for your! Faith is so so so lucky to be brought into a warm and nurturing family! Thank you for sharing 🙂
Nicole
Teaching With Style
December 15th, 2013 at 5:27 am
Thank you for sharing your beautiful story about Faith. I admire your strength and ability to share so freely. This is going to sound crazy, but I read about your planned baby boy ages ago, and immediately thought, 'no but I see her with a girl'.. I know crazy – of course I didn't write that comment to you then! I am just so happy for you and your family. God is great xx
December 15th, 2013 at 11:17 pm
Lovely! This brought tears to my eyes. I'll be praying for little Faith (perfect name!) and the rest of your family!! God is so amazing!!
December 16th, 2013 at 4:31 am
Abby you are beautiful inside and out. Faith is a very lucky little girl. All my love.
Lory Evans
December 16th, 2013 at 5:07 pm
You are amazing, as is her name! What a sweet miracle and God… He is truly AWESOME! Your story is priceless and I am so glad that you shared it with all of us who have prayed so hard for someone we don't even know but who inspires us daily. Thank you! ♥
December 17th, 2013 at 2:19 am
Wow! All I can even say is WOW! Faith is a mighty thing, isn't it? And how perfectly perfect that you should name her that. Love, love, LOVE this story Abby!!!!
December 17th, 2013 at 3:48 am
I couldn't help but cry as I read how God picked out this little girl for you.
Faith is a perfect name!
Merry Christmas and enjoy your family.
December 19th, 2013 at 1:13 am
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December 19th, 2013 at 1:18 am
Omg! Love your story! I am so very happy for you! The part that made me cry was the name.. I have a FAITH as well! She was a huge surprise. We had 2 kids already and that was our perfect little number of kids. They were 5 and 7 years old at the time. We thought we were finished having kids! Then!! Her dad and I conceived her 3 months after his vasectomy. I knew she had to be a 'Faith'. It just fit. My friends were so surprised! They said, "you make plans, God laughs! " 🙂 So true.. I am also a teacher, that's what led me to your blog a few years back. Anyhoo… You're awesome! Your true faith inspires me to be a better person. God bless you!
December 21st, 2013 at 9:35 am
I have tears rolling down my face after reading your recent blog update. I am just so happy for you all.
Faith, you are one lucky little girl.
December 31st, 2013 at 3:38 pm
Thank you for reminding all of us to let go and let God. With the new year coming, I have been too busy making plans and writing down resolutions; this was the perfect, gentle nudge I needed to throw away the lists and let Him be my guide. Thank you!! Praying for you and your entire family!
January 2nd, 2014 at 6:58 am
I've been following my fave bloggers on facebook lately and haven't ventured to actual blogs. That's why I'm just now reading your story. And all I can say is WOW. I was near tears through most of it (ever thought of being a writer?) and once I got to the end, and your little peanut's NAME I got serious chills. How perfect. I've been in the dark where you were before. Questioning God – where was He? Does He hate me? (A little harsh – but that's how I felt). Only to see and feel the love in due time. I feel bad everytime I think about it. But it's definitely a good lesson. Thank you for sharing your story. I'm unbelieveably happy for you – even though I've never met you. Congrats sweet girl!!
January 3rd, 2014 at 5:15 pm
Thank you for sharing your trial and your blessing with us! I've heard, "Let go and let God," throughout my life but you have given me a picture to go with the phrase. Praise God for His faithfulness and for a husband who loves God and you enough to tell you to "let go." WOW!
January 3rd, 2014 at 11:05 pm
I am so happy to hear about your baby. I had been really praying hard for you ever since you shared your story about adoption. Your story of seeking God's face, searching the scriptures, and seeking him for his will is a witness to so many people.
I will continue to keep you and your family in my prayers.
Literacy and Math Ideas
January 4th, 2014 at 5:36 am
God is good! Congratulations on your tiny and perfect little bundle!
January 4th, 2014 at 2:40 pm
Wow, what an amazing story. Faith is so lucky to have parents that want her so very much. That's all one could hope for! Thank you for sharing your (and Faith's beginning) story. I am sure she will want you to tell it to her over and over as she is growing through life. Congratulations to you and your family. I happen to be a person who plans everything too. I personally had great difficulty "getting" my children. I worked hard for both of my girls…but just as you did, once I "let go" is when they found us. So amazing. Many healthy thoughts go out to you and your precious family. May 2014 be a wonderful year for you!!!
January 4th, 2014 at 7:28 pm
WOW! Such a beautiful post!!!!! Congrats!!!!!!
January 4th, 2014 at 8:13 pm
I have followed your blog since it began. I love all of your creative ideas and use many of them with my firsties. I just dropped by today to see if there was anything new posted. It was a wonderful surprise to read your beautiful story. I cried through the whole thing. God is still in the miracle business and your Faith is just one example. God is good all the time, even if we dont understand His plan or His timing. I have prayed for you during the adoption process and will continue to pray for your family now. Congratulations on your precious family of four!
January 6th, 2014 at 4:20 am
WOW!!!! I am wiping tears off of my cheeks!!! I read this blog the end of November and never got back to it now. I was so sad at that time and my heart was aching for you. Now I have so much FAITH…how it seems things always work out…how GOD plans them. Congrats!!!!
January 12th, 2014 at 7:53 pm
Hi Abby! I go to church with Megan Terry and she mentioned your blog to me today. Congratulations on your sweet baby girl! What a beautiful story of God's faithfulness!
January 16th, 2014 at 9:31 pm
Hi Abby. This is the first time I've commented on your blog. I have followed you for the last 2 years and loved your creativity and enthusiasm for teaching as well as your sense of humor. Thank you so much for sharing your story. It also made me cry 🙂
God is so good. I feel so encouraged to hear about His faithfulness in your life. Congratulations! What an amazing miracle He has done for you guys!
February 6th, 2014 at 11:29 am
God blesses you and your sweet family. I read your post and it was so inspirational! Faith is lucky to have such a wonderful family to love her and guide her. Congratulations!,
June 19th, 2014 at 1:14 am
Congratulations! We have two adopted daughters that we were blessed with after a previous adoption failed after we'd brought the little ones into our home. Reading this post brought back all that we went through after that horrible event and failed fertility treatments. I will be looking forward to the posts about your growing family and Faith's journey.
God bless!!
September 28th, 2014 at 2:48 am
Hi Abby,
Wow! I am so glad I found your blog. I've clicked on it a few times before and seen you referenced on other blogs/TpT/etc. but I am so glad I found your blog tonight. It wasn't how I was planning to spend my night but I saw your Five For Friday post about a Bible Study App and have been reading backwards. After seeing the picture of what you bought at Target for your baby, I had to comment. I bought the same outfit for my daughter for family/newborn pictures. She was born on November 4th. Your post just made me want to go hug my two little ones. Your blog is an absolute inspiration…your faith is so strong – I can only wish to have the relationship with God that you do. Amazing. Your teaching ideas and mommy posts – love them and I can relate! Your homeschool posts have made me really think about it and that is something I NEVER thought I would even think about…granted my oldest it two so I have time. And I'm in Michigan so I love that you vacation in Michigan (we spend time up north too as my in-laws live in Suttons Bay.) Okay I'm babbling now but I just wanted to say thanks for your blog and I'm saying a prayer tonight for you and your family and for God putting you in my path!
Sara
Sara J Creations