I know it has been several weeks since I posted a blog and I have gotten many emails asking how things are going. So here goes.....AMAZING, WONDERFUL AND INCREDIBLE all rolled up into one. I cannot even put words to what a joy and blessing Annabel has been for our family and our relationship with God. She is one of the greatest examples I know of in our life of how God takes each and every one of us in and loves us unconditionally. She has adjusted so well that it doesn't even feel as though she is adopted any more, other then the obvious (Mark and I are not Chinese). haha She fits in beautifully and the kids absolutely love her like crazy. The last few weeks have been some firsts for her. She now climbs stairs, has met Santa, attended her first dance class and eats food that is not broken up into microsize pieces. I am sure she could do that before now but I have been nervous about her choking (yes the new mommy in me again). Now I just hand her a cookie or a slice of cheese and she chows it down. She is no longer gorging her food and that was the main reason we didn't give her whole pieces before now. She now understands that we are here to stay and are going to keep feeding her. I believe before she was afraid each meal was her last. She sleeps all night at least 10 hours (PRAISE GOD!!!!) She naps during the day and last night she actually had her first babysitting experience. Mark had a command Christmas dinner so we left her with a friend and headed out. I will not say it was easy for me though. In fact one hour before dinner began I was suggesting different people he could take in my place because I didn't want to leave her with anyone. But I went and had a blast. They hired a hypnotist and he performed a show with several of Marks friends and coworkers. I don't think I have ever laughed that hard in my entire life. When they were asking for volunteers I wanted to go up there so bad but Mark wouldn't let me. He knew they would do things to embarrass me and he wanted to spare me of that. Thank God he did because they did some crazy things. Annabel is having her surgery in less then three weeks so please be praying she stays well. The last one was canceled due to a cold. So from now one I will do my best to keep her out of large crowds and other small children in order to help keep the spread of colds under control. Some of you have asked if we are still thinking of adopting again. ABSOLUTELY!!! I cannot imagine not adopting again. It has been an amazing experience. Now we just have to wait on God to tell us when to start the process again. The other day at bible study someone asked me how I personally am doing. I told her I don't think I have ever been happier in my life then I am right now. God has used Annabel to do amazing things in our family and in the lives of Amber and Joey as well. I feel we are all closer and better connected then we have ever been and I owe all of that to God. It has all become a reality because of His amazing way He allowed us the opportunity to step out on a leap of faith and follow His Will. I believe with all my heart that the inner peace , contentment and satisfaction are the gifts He gave us for stepping out on faith and trusting in Him.
