Merry Christmas to all...

Some of you happen to know us in real life. Some of you come here to catch a glimpse of three of the cutest bebes on the planet (and I am NOT partial to them in ANY way, shape or form ;-) Some of you we've met through the process of adopting our daughter from China. It has been a busy, eventful, stressful yet glorious year of blessings here at the Womble Times. The highest of highs and a few lows along the way but 357 days later 2009 will go down as one of the most amazing years in the history of our family. However our paths have crossed this year, we thank you for sharing your time, love and friendship with us. Merry Christmas to you and yours...

Luke 2: 6-14
So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, goodwill toward men!

A beautiful song...

that puts my hearts desire into words...


There are many who read our blog contemplating adoption. People waiting to grow their families but not sure if it is the right decision. I truly believe God's heart is for these children. Children who want nothing more than to be loved. Like the song says, "Someone to sing them Happy Birthday for the next 100 years". Most likely no one is going to show up on your door step with a baby. You will have to open the door yourself. No one will do it for you. When you do I truly believe you can sit back and watch how God will bless your socks off. I can't promise you it will be easy. It won't be. It will be hard and stressful and all encompassing but in the end it will be exceedingly abundantly more than you can ask or imagine. I promise. I didn't know this beautiful face this time last year but He did. By His grace, this year, I'm holding her in my arms.
I pray the New Year will bring a new child into your lives. Perhaps a child who will spend next Christmas surrounded by the love of a forever family. Merry Christmas everyone...

Twas the Night Before Christmas...for the parentless...

Twas the night before Christmas and all through the land
there are parentless children, with no toys in hand

No stockings to be hung by the chimny with care
no hopes for a family soon to be there

Their beds are not snug--but cold and quite bare
there are no goodnight kisses--no one to care

While we in our homes, laughing in delight
all settle down for a Merry Chistmas Eve night

When in someone's heart--there arises a clatter
there are children in need--who's lives really DO matter!

Away to the computer please go in a flash
to see the sweet face with whom YOU could be matched!

While a child you see--their beautiful face all aglow
could this be MY child--could I already know??

When in the dreams of the orphan--what always appears
is a family to love them, to care and hold dear

As you stare at that child--your heart beats real quick--
for you know in your heart that sweet face will stick

More dreams sweet children have--to call parents by name-
come mama! come daddy! come family to claim!

To the ends of the earth--your heart seems to call
now child--I'm coming--I wish for you ALL!

So on a plane to your child--over rooftops you flew
to hold this dear soul--a wish did come true

And then in a twinkling-I saw through the door
this child of my heart-that was waiting no more

As I got my camera and was turning around-
into my arms did he come with a bound!

He was dressed in many layers from his head to his foot
and into my heart his life was just put

there was no round face--no plump little belly
just sad little eyes, and legs shaking like jelly

In a swirl of a pen, and a stamp and a seal
my world became brighter--like I could suddenly feel!

We spoke not a word--they weren't needed at all
and I knew in this moment where I got this call

God layed his hands on my heart--and to the occasion I rose
and He could do it for you--this question He'll pose.....

It won't be a shout--no not even a whistle
it won't be real clear--but faint like a whisper

Can you make room in your heart--if you try with your might?
And make a difference for one--help them see the light?

I can see you exclaim as you hold your child tight--
Thank you Lord for this gift--you got it EXACTLY right!

poem written by my
agency friend Amy Dinello who blogs here
Amy-Thank you for allowing me to share your words and my heart.
Merry Christmas!

Christmas Card?

OK, all you out of town people. Did you get your Christmas card yet? Speak up Colorado, Georgia, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington! I know you're out there. Did you get it yet? I'm trying to wait until you open them before I post it here for my internet friends. Waiting to hear from you...

So close...

So much for my delusional dream of Little Miss being in her room by Friday. Grrr... The inspectors can't come until Monday...because it's Friday...and even though Friday is a REAL work day for most people who WORK...apparently those rules do not hold true for city codes and electrical inspectors. :-(

On a positive note, there are only a few random things to complete and we should be ready for a Monday move in. I am so glad we removed the door and put in the new window. Both changes were a pain but well worth the effort. Those two additions make the entire renovation look like the house was originally built this way. Now this would not have been the optimal way to design the space before we built the house but we tried to make what we had work for us right now. We are tickled pink over how it has turned out minus that ugly ceiling fan but for now...it stays.

I know at least two of you (AKA Grammy and Nanny) would like to see a few before and afters of the new play space. Your wish is my command...

ENTRY BEFORE:ENTRY AFTER:

OLD CLOSET AREA BEFORE (gasp at the unsightly play room):OLD CLOSET/NEW WINDOW AREA AFTER:

STEPS BEFORE:STEPS AFTER:
And this, my friends, is Little Miss' big girl room. More photos to come...
Hopefully soon...

Thankful Thursday on Wednesday...

This morning I am thankful for the countless hours of car seat and mini-van research I have done over the years. We've always purchased those with the highest safety ratings at the time and last night they proved their worthiness.

A woman decided to run the red light of a busy intersection and sailed into an unsuspecting Momma and her three babies. I had just started moving when my arrow turned green so I was not going very fast. I stood on the brakes when I saw her coming but there was no stopping for her. The damage is minimal and mostly cosmetic. Her van took the biggest hit thanks to our super duper reinforced Toyota Sienna bumper. Had I hit the gas two seconds earlier she would have t-boned us on the drivers side. It is so true when people say "it happened so fast I didn't see it coming". We are all OK. Wild Man and I were pretty shaken up at the time but the girls were blissfully unaware of exactly what was going on. I'm a little sore this morning but more than anything I am thankful.

Thankful we are all safe. Thankful for my delay in pressing the gas pedal because I was turning up the Christmas music. Thankful we spent extra money on car seats and a super safe mini-van when we could have spent it on other things. Thankful for all of the people behind the lights and sirens who come to your rescue when you need them. Thankful for a husband who is always brave (even when I'm not). Thankful I woke up this morning to a relatively typical day as a wife and Mommy of three.

Today could have been much different and for that "what if" I am grateful. You know...your entire world can change in an instant because of the carelessness of someone else. With the exception of a few small inconveniences (van repairs and researching new car seats), our world has not changed. Could there be a better Christmas gift than that? I think not. Thank you Lord for protecting our family.

Sunday Snapshot: Little Miss

The past three months have been quite the roller coaster here at the Womble Times. We welcomed home #3 and with that came GINORMOUS changes to the dynamics of our family. Little Miss, our oldest daughter--our second born--our girlie girl--our Momma #2, well, she's had the hardest time adjusting. She's had her heart broken on more than one occasion but she never gives up her quest to be Mommy Big Sister of the year. With that being said, I have chosen her as my very first Sunday Snapshot.

Meet Little Miss...
Little Miss is 3 and a half...going on 13 or 21 or 30 depending on her mood...She is sweet and cuddly...spunky and sassy...and just about as girlie as they come...From the first sign of her existence, she has reminded us that every child is unique...
and one-of-a-kind (even if they share the same parents)...
She can give her siblings a run for their money...
and sprint to their defense in times of trouble...
A Momma's girl from day 1, I see so much of myself in her... but enough of her Daddy to keep her balanced...
If you ask her what she wants to be when she grows up, her answer is always the same. "A Mommy". EVERY TIME I hear her energetic reply I get a big lumpy in my throat. I want that too, and I tell her, because I want her to know being a Mommy is the BEST job in the entire world.
She's independent and strong willed...but she's teaching us to embrace the moment and stop sweating the small stuff...because behind the umbrella of pink and all things girlie...
is a little girl who loves her family, friends, lovie and preschool. She enjoys reading books, all things dress up and watching Max and Ruby. She's full of energy and excitement about most everything (especially when it's time to pick up Wild Man from school). She's spunky, sweet and at times a little sour and we can't imagine one single day of our lives without her. Thank you Lord for this beautiful and precious blessing you have given to us. We love her all the way to the moon and back again a million times!

Two down. One to go.

Previous doorway repaired...CHECK
Drywall up...CHECKNew stairs in...CHECK
Paint colors chosen...CHECK
Chandelier delivered...CHECK

Final drywall sanding and trim on Monday. Paint on Tuesday. Paint and flooring on Wednesday. Electrical and final inspection on Thursday. Move in day...Friday DECEMBER 18! Woohoooo!

Thankful Thursday...

When I was a little girl, this is the view I imagined in my rear view mirror. Not bright city lights or fancy cars or prestigious neighborhoods. I dreamed of precious babies sleeping sounding without a care in the world. I wish I could bottle this. You know, the feeling you get when the chaos of motherhood turns to silence and you are reminded that you are incredibly, amazingly, abundantly, profoundly blessed beyond your wildest dreams. There's an empty seat or two back there beside Wild Man (he's asleep behind Little Miss). Maybe we'll fill them some day. Maybe we won't. Who knows. All I know today is I am thankful for the opportunity to be their Mommy.

Half way there...

One week in to Operation Little Miss and we are half way to move in day. At least I THINK we are half way to move in day. Here's a little update for our pals who are having trouble visualizing my description...

Removal of bonus room doorway and ugly handrail...CHECKElectrical and cable wiring...CHECKCeiling fixtures centered and moved in each new room...CHECK
Little Miss' closet constructed to my specifications...CHECKDrywall begins tomorrow and should run through Saturday. Uggggghhhhhh...NOT looking forward to the drywall dust that is certain to take over our house but desperate times call for desperate measures. We're half way there...

Before and After...

This time last year we were finishing up the final stages of our dossier. We were waiting for the phone to ring while simultaneously questioning if our agency was going to be able to find our daughter. So many things were up in the air. So many unanswered questions. So much doubt filled my mind. Waiting has never been my strong suit. I was painting the smile I knew I needed to have for my family yet deep down I knew someone was missing. I knew we had a daughter who was supposed to be here but wasn't. The Chief thought I was crazy as a Betsy bug, and maybe I am, but I wasn't crazy on this one. While her stocking was hanging here on the fireplace mantel, she WAS there without her forever family.Today I was reminded of a song I played over and over last year during the month of December. I couldn't listen to the first line before the waterworks showed up thinking of the "little girl trembling on a cold December morn crying for Momma's arms". I knew it wasn't time. I knew God's timing is always perfect but it was tough for this Momma knowing she was there and we were here. Little did I know at the time she WAS there but not in an orphanage. She had recently been moved to foster care after seven months at a phenomenal American based medical foster home in Dongguan, China. What a huge blessing!

Today I listened to the song for the first time without tears. Well, almost without tears. I was fine until I made it to the last verse...

Merry Christmas by Third Day...

There's a little girl trembling on a cold December morn
Crying for Momma's arms
At an orphanage just outside a little China town
Where the forgotten are

But half a world away I hang the stockings by the fire
And dream about the day when I can finally call you mine

It's Christmas time again but you're not home
Your family is here and yet you're somewhere else alone
And so tonight I pray that God will come and hold you in his arms
And tell you from my heart I wish you Merry Christmas

As I hang the tinsel on the tree and watch the twinkling lights
I'm warmed by the fire's glow
Outside the children tumble in a wonderland of white,
Make angels in the snow

But half a world away you try your best to fight the tears
And hope that heaven's angels come to carry you here

It's Christmas time again but you're not home
Your family is here and yet you're somewhere else alone
And so tonight I pray that God will come and hold you in his arms
And tell you from my heart I wish you Merry Christmas

Christmas is a time to celebrate the holy child
And we celebrate his perfect gift of love
He came to earth to give his life
And prepare a place for us
So we could have a home with him above

It's Christmas time again and now you're home
Your family is here so you will never be alone
So tonight before you go to sleep, I'll hold you in my arms
And I'll tell you from my heart, and I'll tell you from my heart
I wish you Merry Christmas

MeiMei,

Even before the pitter-pat of your little feet filled our home, we prayed, loved, dreamed, HOPEd and planned for you. Merry Christmas precious girl. We pray your first Christmas with your family will fill your heart with immeasurable joy.

Love,
Mommy

The Great Wall of Womble...

is up and I am one happy Momma. That's Mr. Jim over there in the corner. He's the current hero in Operation Little Miss...
We discovered on Day 2 we had a framing issue above the closet we took out to make room for a window. Long story short...they found a way around it. We're one day behind but they said they'll make up for it later.The brick is out... The new window is in...
The brick masons will be back to re-brick around it on Monday along with the electricians. Inspection on Tuesday. Drywall begins on Wednesday. Four days down. 6-9 more days to go. Wooohooooo!

Give this Christmas Away...

Have you heard this song? You HAVE TO LISTEN TO THIS SONG! Press Play and listen to every word. Wait. Don't click away. It takes 4.46 minutes. Go ahead. I'll wait...
I am in love with this song. In LOVE. I am challenging myself to do this very thing--to give this Christmas away. To make this entire holiday about someone else. I have 22 days left to honor this challenge. Who wants to join me? Ready. Set. Go.

Let the Renovation BEGIN...

The grand plan was to put our girls together in the same room. Visions of sisterly bonding, late night giggles, learning to share, blahblahblah filled my head for as long as I can remember. When we "met" MeiMei in March and realized the girls were 21 months apart I KNEW it was the perfect arrangement. I called it Operation Jie Mei Hwa (beautiful sisters)... ahhh... insert dreamy sigh here...

Fast forward to Thursday, September 24 (the night we returned from China)... WHAT THE HECK WAS I THINKING? Those visions of sisterly shenanigans have been replaced with family sleep deprivation. WHY DIDN'T SOMEONE--ANYONE--TELL ME THAT WAS THE DUMBEST IDEA I'VE EVER HAD???? One of the many things no one told me before we brought MeiMei home was that sleeping issues for adopted children can be BRUTAL. It's different than teaching my other babies to sleep. Everything has changed in MeiMei's world and apparently sleeping is extremely stressful. Trying to get an 18 month old to sleep in a brand new world feels impossible at times. Add to that a 3 year old light sleeper in the same room and you've got yourself a recipe for disaster. Bless LMs heart, she's been displaced from her nice comfy bed to the old futon in the bonus room ever since. Each attempt to get them to sleep together in the same room goes something like this...

MOMMY, Why is MeiMei screaming/yelling/laughing/kicking/looking at me? MeiMei, be quiet/still/stop staring and GO TO SLEEP! Mommy, help me! Mommy, make her ____________. Mommy, she's hurting my ears!

If I attempt to take a screaming/yelling/laughing/kicking/staring MeiMei out of the room, Little Miss thinks it's time to get up as well. "Why does SHE get to get up and I don't?" "Why do I have to take a nap and she doesn't?" "Is it time for breakfast yet?" Ugh... see what I mean?

After much thought I came up with a great solution (and believe me I've spent many 2 a.m.'s thinking about how to fix this problem over the past two months) . The Chief doubted my architectural design skills but I do believe I've hit this one out of the park. Oh ye husband of little faith. Meet the playroom...
I can't believe I'm sharing this photo for all the world to see. Technically it's the bonus room--the GINORMOUS bonus room. It's always a mess because it's huge and they never notice until it looks like a tornado went through. Initially this room was to be the "little girl suite" but the Chief hated the idea after we built the house and wanted the girls to share a bedroom. Moving is not an option. Teaching our 20 month old daughter how to sleep through the night without waking the other girls in the house is apparently not an option. Leaving Little Miss on the futon is not an option. Using the wasted space playroom more efficiently--now THAT is a GREAT idea! We have the space. Why not use it?

Today is Day 1 of Operation Little Miss. Can I tell you I've never been so excited about a wall in my life? That's right. A WALL. Over the next 10-13 business days, our playroom is going to become 40% playroom...and 60% Little Miss' bedroom... Bring on the sawdust and the drywall and the paint fumes and the brick mason and the... Well, you get the idea. I may lose my mind between now and Christmas but when it's over we're all going to reap the rewards. Stay tuned...