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Sunday, February 14, 2016

9 Years Old!

I think of you, especially on this day, and I'm so grateful that you chose life. I can only imagine what goes through your mind every single day, but especially on days such as this one. You must wonder everyday if she's still alive, if she's loved and cared for, if she's happy, if she's healthy. I pray that God will give you peace and comfort and reassurance, somehow, that she is all of those things and so much more. Thank you for giving her life and her beautiful smile.

Thursday, September 6, 2012

Raeanniversary!

It's been a really long time since I updated, I know! Sorry! You've missed quite a lot of changes because I haven't done so.  I'm going to upload pictures from the last year hopefully soon, but today I want to show what 2 years of having a family that loves a child to the stars and back can do for that child. She's an amazing little girl with a beautiful smile and beautiful heart! She's our angel! I thank God everyday for choosing us to be her family!

Today is our 2 year Forever Family Day Anniversary!  We call it Raeanniversary!

August 2012 at Panama City Beach

Soccer in May 2012

June 2012
September 4, 2012
1st Day of Raeanna's 2nd Year of Dance Lessons

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

We Have an Age!

It's absolutely amazing how Raeanna has developed and grown over the last year!  We went to the adoption clinic for our 1 year checkup last week.  The doctor just looked and smiled and said, "It's amazing what love will do for you!"  They measured her and weighed her, and like us, marveled at her. This doctor really thought she was 2 years old one year ago.  The bone scan even said she was.  Now, the doctor is convinced she is at least 4 or 4 and a half, maybe even a little older.  We' ve decided to move her birthdate back 1 year, which will make her 4 and a half.  At the rate she is developing physically and mentally,  I believe she will be ready for kindergarten next year. 

I think often of her birth mother and father on the other side of the world.  I pray that they will know the Lord and be saved, so that one day, they will meet their little girl in Heaven, and know that she was loved, well-taken care of, and happy on this earth.  I know this sounds absurd, but I feel certain that they abandoned her because they loved her, and it was the only way they could save her life.  You see,  Raeanna was a very, very sick baby girl when she was found.  She had an intestinal obstruction due to her special need, and she was severely malnourished. She wasn't a newborn, so it's likely that they tried to keep her. It's my theory that she was a second child or third, and because of China's One Child Policy, she would've had no health insurance, because children born after the first one don't have the rights of citizens.  In order for her to get the help she needed to live,  her parents would have to abandon her so that she would be found and brought to a hospital.  I can't imagine the pain they felt then when they left her, and now, not knowing where she is and if she survived.  I pray they somehow know that she is safe and healthy in America with her family who loves her so very much, and that they have peace.

When I hear the song,  "Amazing Grace," and the verse that says, "Through many dangers, toils, and snares, I have already come.  But grace has brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home," I think that it describes Raeanna's life so well.  The Lord was definately with her.  She suffered, not only in sickness, but in living in an orphanage for so long, but He brought her through and brought us together, and now she has a home with us, and ultimately, her home will be with Him.  He has plans for her.  Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." I am so happy to be a part of the Lord's plans for her, and I feel extremely blessed to be the one He chose to be her Mommy and to get to teach her about Him. I feel very grateful for the blessing of this child, who blesses everyone she meets, and I feel grateful to her birthparents for giving her life and that beautiful smile!

Wearing Baba's (Daddy's) Shirt

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

1 Year, 7 Inches, and 14 Pounds Later....

I thought you might like to see her now!


Our Family
July 2, 2011
Katey and Adam's Wedding Day
Raeanna was the Flower Girl and she was so excited, she ran down the aisle pulling the ring bearer, Jacob.
Raeanna and Jacob
 
Standing at the front during the wedding and thinking about this whole situation....

Coming back down the aisle after the ceremony.

After the Wedding

Pure Joy - That's my baby girl!
It was sooo hot!



On Vacation in Tennessee After the Wedding

Pretty Raeanna ready for church

First Dance Class in August


Up to Something!
Raeanna and her cousins, John and Jacob!

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

One Year Ago Today- Our Gotcha Video

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Raeanna and I were on the News!

We went to the Adoption Family Reunion for our agency, A Helping Hand, today. The ABC affiliate from Lexington was there and interviewed us


 

Adoption Reunion in Versailles     < << Click on the title.
 
 
WTVQ ABC36 News, Sports, Weather, Health, contests for Lexington and central Kentucky.

Monday, March 7, 2011

Six Months Home Continued (Pictures)

These first few were taken in October on our trip home to Mississippi.

Gran and Pop's House in October 2010

Raeanna with Gran and Pop


Raeanna with Granny Faye and Granddaddy Bob

Raeanna and Pop ride the lawn mower


I like wearing Granddaddy Bob's cap!


Gran and Pop with Raeanna on the porch


So happy!


Raeanna with Aunt Ruby


Visit with Ms. Sheila and Mr. Mark in Louisiana

Visit with Aunt Beverly in Alabama
 The rest were taken from Thanksgiving to now. You can see how much she's grown.
Family Christmas Card Portrait taken by Mary Jo
at Gran and Pop's house in MS

Having fun with GeGe Brett


Ge Ge Cade loves me bunches!

I love my Sissy!

 

I love Adam, too, and his cellphone!
All My Children
Christmas at Gran and Pop's House

These are my cousins, John and Jacob!  Aren't they cute?

 

Opening Presents at Gran and Pop's House


Checking out Pop


Brett, I just might be a doctor, too!


"Mama's Baby!"
That's what I say when anyone picks on me!


I like to pose for pictures by the post!


I love Ge Ge Cade, a whole lot, but I have to pick on him!


I love my Mama!


My Mama loves me a whole bunch!!!




My Baba and I fall asleep here a lot!


My friend, Lauren, and I traveled in China together with our families, and she lives in my town!


Playing Ring Around the Rosies with Lauren at the Chinese Restaurant


Celebrating Chinese New Year in my silk dress from China




Another silk outfit


Playing dress-up with Sissy!
I like to put on lots of jewelry!


Fun Day with Ge Ge Cade!

Happy Birthday to ME!!!!!


Mommy and Me

I hope you enjoy our pictures from the last few months!