Hesedah's First Big Laugh

Hesedah laughed hysterically when I made doggie noises.  This was the first time she laughed so much and in response to us.

Celebrate Adoption Banquet

November is National Adoption Month and to celebrate that we are hosting a "Celebrate Adoption" banquet at Bethel Church (19453 408th Ave., Yale, SD) on Monday, November 14 at 6:30 p.m.  The banquet is for anyone interested in adoption because they have adopted a child, were adopted themselves, or know someone who has adopted.  Our evening will begin with a delicious meal, followed by Judee Howard, director of Bethany Christian Services in Sioux Falls, speaking about how "Adoption is Missional".  Various adoption agencies from the area will be on hand to provide information about adoption.  It will be a fun night of celebrating adoption.  The cost is free.  Children are welcome.  Space is limited, so RSVP is needed.  Please call 605-352-7424 to reserve your spot.

Five Weeks...Already!

Hesedah's first Sunday at church

It's hard to believe that five weeks have gone by already since we first brought little Hesedah home.  She has grown so much during this time and it has been such a joy for us to see all those changes.  She is a wonderful little girl who likes to sleep, eat, and sleep some more.  She's a fairly easy baby to take care of.  She only seems to cry when there is something really bothering her (diaper, hungry, etc.)  She sleeps well through the night.  Most nights she is out for six hours, but she has had a few eight-hour nights, too.  At her last appointment, she weighed in at 8 pounds 6 ounces and that was two weeks ago already.  This means she has already gained two pounds since birth.  Her next appointment is at two months and she will receive her vaccinations at that time.  My favorite thing about Hesedah at this age is when I wake her up in the morning for her breakfast.  She stretches her arms over her head, blinks her eyes a few times, and gets a little smile on her face as if to say, "Good morning, daddy!"  She is a precious little girl and has been a huge blessing in our life.  God is good!

Hesedah's Pretty in Pink

All clean after her first bath.

Mommy giving Hesedah her first bath.

Welcome Home Hesedah!

Hesedah doing her favorite thing - sleeping.

Mommy and Hesedah at the hospital.

Daddy and Hesedah at home.

First family picture at the hospital.

Hesedah (pronounced heh-SAY-dah) was born July 23, 2011 at 7:28 p.m.  She was 6 pounds, 9 ounces and 18 3/4 inches long.  It has been such a joy watching her grow these first hours of her life.  She is precious, adorable, and we couldn't be any more proud.  Her birth mother is such a special young woman and we are so grateful to her for choosing us to be the adoptive parents of her baby.  Hesedah is home now and doing well.  She quickly showed us what parenting is really like that first night as she needed diapers changed, bottles delivered and pacifier in place.  We are impressed that she is eating so well and we can already see her growing so much.  Hesedah is an answer to our prayers and evidence to us of God's loyal love.  Thank you all for your love, prayers, and support during this time.  We are so grateful!     

Panoramic Shot of Baby Room

 

I took this panoramic shot of the baby room this afternoon.  Click the photo for a larger image.  The brown rug is not oddly shaped, but that's how the camera put the picture together.  This gives you a good idea of how it looks.  We are hoping the baby arrives soon...maybe within the next week. 

Orphanology

This is a great, challenging read for anyone who shares God's heart for orphans.  The authors' insight comes from their own adoption experiences, as well as, the opportunities they have had speaking about adoption and orphan care.  While the content of the book will challenge everyone, I think it provides the greatest challenge for church leaders to take up the call to orphan care.