Friday, October 16, 2015

Finally {FOURever} Day


On October 14, 2014, our lives changed forever, for the better.  The son and little brother that we had all been waiting on for 3 1/2 years... or rather a lifetime... was finally placed in our arms.  

{It was the most bittersweet day I've ever experienced.  And for that reason, I've held-and probably will always hold- many details of it close to my heart.  Which might also make this post feel a little choppy.  There's just a million words to describe this trip and honestly, it's so overwhelming in so many ways and in turn just renders me speechless.  But as I look over these photos and remember those days, my heart is simply flooded with joy and thankfulness to my God, who puts the lonely in families.  And fulfills His beautiful promises.  And illustrates how easily love crosses oceans.}  
I can't even begin to express the emotions of walking the streets of Seoul as a family of FOUR.  One year later and its still completely surreal.  He still climbs into my bed each morning and I just can't believe he's finally home.  
We are far from naive and realize that though adoption is beautiful, it comes from a really, really hard place.  And yes, it may be hard at times, but we are absolutely honored to be on this journey as a family.  A journey of redemption, finding ourselves, and building one another up.  We realize that this adoption thing is a marathon and not a sprint and we feel immeasurably blessed that God called us to build our family in this way.  We are truly the lucky ones.
This man.  He's the very best Daddy in the whole entire world.  And there is no one I'd rather travel to the ends of the earth with.   He loves his children so fiercely.  And they love him just the same.  
I'm the luckiest girl in the world to get a front row seat to their sweet relationships.
Our little Monkey is the greatest thing ever.  He rocks the role of BIG brother.  And our little Taco is the most darling little bro.  He adores and looks up to Perry and is so stinking sweet when he calls P 'buddy.'  Of course their siblingship is certainly not without its faults.  Barely 24 hours in and their first fight was over a cheese bagel, pictured above.  ;)
But their relationship is resilient and they love one another so much.  

Our time at the North Seoul Tower was an emotional roller coaster, full of many smiles and even more tears.  We placed our lock of love and showed JackCruz his very first glimpses of home... even though it was a very hazy view across a few oceans or so. ;) But to look out those windows towards home and know that so many were sending so many prayers our way was so humbling and encouraging.  
JackCruz, you are so much more than we could have ever asked for or imagined.  When God chose our family to welcome you, man did he bless us.  Your spunky sweetness is everything this Momma needed.  Your smile could light up the world and you charm every single person you meet.  You are loved here and there and everywhere in between.  Thank you so so much for just being you.  
Seoul will always have my heart.  It's where we became a family.

Happy {FOURever} Family Day Boys.  
I love all three of you like CRAZY.


{We were given the amazing opportunity to have friend and photographer Dylan Goldby of Welkin Light Photography document our first full day of being a FOURever family.  All these amazing photos are courtesy of his amazing talent and artistry.} 

Our Adoption Timeline

  • June 19, 2011- We are officially "Paper Pregnant!" We have submitted our Waiting Child Application to Holt!
  • July 5, 2011- Submitted our formal Home Study Application to Villa Hope
  • September 6, 2011- Submitted all of our paperwork for our Home Study
  • October 8, 2011- Completed our First Home Visit
  • October 17, 2011- Completed our Second Home Visit
  • November 14, 2011- Home Study Approved
  • December 1, 2011- Filed our I600a
  • February 1, 2012- I600a Approval Letter
 
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