Dedicated to Abby and Ben!

I have done a lot of reflecting the last few days and I did not want to miss an opportunity to tell the world (mine is small!) about two great kids: 

To my firstborn:  How do I put into words all my swirling thoughts.  As I have prepared for your sister's arrival, many, many memories have flooded my mind.  I remember preparing for your birth, now I am preparing you for high school.  Where, oh where did the time fly.  You, my precious Abigail are a treasure, a rare find.  You have become a wonderful, godly, young woman that I am PROUD to call my daughter.  There are many times that your daddy and I look at you and cannot believe that YOU are our daughter.  How blessed we are!  Thank you for your constant support over the last 17 months.  You never wavered in your love and encouragement.  I could not have walked this journey without you.  Being the first born, you have been the "guinea pig" for our parenting lessons.  Your dad and I have made many, many mistakes.  I am confident we will make more.  But looking at you now, God must have allowed us to do something right!  You are beautiful inside and out!   I look forward to you interacting with Ava Joy.  The memories that are sure to follow!  Can you believe we get to show Ava Joy all the Disney princesses?  What will she think?  Who will be her favorite?    I can't wait to see my two girls play!   Stay strong while we are away, knowing that we are only a prayer away.  Be helpful but mostly, HAVE FUN!!!  You will be a constant thought in our hearts and minds.

  

My only son:  Proud, strong, funny, sensitive to others.  That is you Benjamin!  Can you believe that you are going to be a big brother, finally.  You have longed for this day for a long time!   I have many memories of you but the ones that have made me the proudest have occurred over this adoption journey.  Daddy and I knew going into this process, that we were in for a roller coaster ride.  We were aware of the need to support each other.  I was not prepared for the amount of support you have shown.  At times, I would find myself staring at you, wondering how my little boy could have just said such a profound statement.  Do you remember when we had to drive to Austin, again, for more paperwork.  I was crying and acting silly and YOU, my baby, grabbed my hands, looked me in the eyes and spoke these words, "Mom, it is going to be okay, look at me mom.  Just like God rescued Noah after he obeyed, God will rescue Ava.  We have obeyed him and she will be okay."  You reminded me of Daniel in the Lion's Den and various bible stories that spoke of God's saving grace.  I will never forget that trip you and I took, we did have fun, huh.?  Thank you Benjamin, for being sensitive to the Lord. You are great! I love the song you wrote and dedicated to Ava.  I love how you have carried her picture in your pocket for weeks, showing anyone just how proud you are!    Your daddy and I are honored to be your parents and proud of the young man you are turning into.  I want you to know that we will be safe and we will be okay!  You and Abby are in great hands and you will have a blast with your cousins!  Be obedient and helpful.  Remember to brush your teeth and change your underwear!