A God moment

I received a call yesterday from Aliya's birthmom. We haven't heard from her in over a year and a half. It was weird at first, I mean, what do you say to a woman that gave us her baby, wanted to keep in touch and then vanishes off the face of the earth for over a year? "Hi, it's so good to hear from you" is what I said. Unfortunately my phone was dying when she called so I only got to talk with her for a few minutes (not to mention I was walking into WalMart with a resident at work at the time) but our brief conversation went well. She asked about Aliya and how she is doing. Now you all know me, I have no problem bragging about our little ladybug, so I shared the newest highlights! As we ended the 8 minute conversation I told her I would call her back once I plugged my phone in.

Well, I didn't get the chance to call her back yesterday, but I did call her back this afternoon on my way home from Cincinnati.

I'm not going to lie, I had butterflies in my stomach as the phone rang. Would she answer? Would I just leave a message?

Then there she was, "hello?".

My heart stopped and I said a breath prayer asking God to guide our conversation. Instantly the butterflies were gone and it was like talking with a friend. Not and old friend, but a new one... We talked for almost 45 minutes, and only a few minutes was about Aliya. (for her privacy I won't post the entire conversation) But she shared with me her heart, then and now. She's in counseling, learning to cope with her life. She shared how her family still to this day does not support her adoption plan...I teared up as I told her that we love her and that she holds a very special place in our hearts. She gave us the most amazing gift and what a decision to make, a decision made of pure love for her child, to give her child a better life. I spoke boldly, maybe out of place, but I couldn't stop, the words just kept pouring out of my mouth... She needed to know that not only we love her, but God does too...and He is proud of the decision that she made for Aliya. He loves her, and that her family has no right to judge her, it was her right to make that choice and what a brave choice she made. She thanked me for my words and said, "I really needed to hear that".

She shared many more details of her life with me, she was different. Changed. Grown. She did not ask for anything, trust me, I asked what her expectations from me were after all this time. All she requested was the occasional picture and update. I can do that!

I can't quite explain the feeling I have right now...especially to those not directly involved, or to those who haven't been through this...but I pray she is honest in our conversations. I pray she is honest with her intent. I pray I am willing to give her grace. I pray I have discernment with her. I pray God anoints this relationship. I just want what is best for Aliya. I am excited. I am scared. I am hopeful. I am praying. I am willing.

20 Months Old!

Tomorrow Aliya will be 20 months old. I can't believe it, can it be true? Our little lady bug just a few months away from 2?!?!? She is growing and changing everyday! Listed below are a few of her new tricks!

* Loves to play "Rosie" (Ring around the Rosie) she sings then laughs when we fall down and she's still standing!
* Is learning to drink from a real cup, still spills a lot, but is so proud of herself!
* Has discovered soda and loves every sip she can get...she says soda really well too!
* Is very interested in clothes and being pretty
* Still doesn't watch much TV, she loves to flip channels, but doesn't watch anything for more than 20 seconds
* Is growing out of her 18 month clothes, esp shirts
* Very interested in daddy's garden, she likes to help water it and point out new veggies growing
* Is beyond in love with Joel (still)
* Has started asking "why" (we're in for it now!)
* Follows directions really well and loves to be helpful with cleaning
* Is tolerating her hair being done much better, will sit up to an hour now!
* Is very loving towards her little play friends, lots of hugs and kisses for everyone!
* Is a huge fish in the water! Loves to swim!!!
* "Bing" (swing) is still her favorite past time
* Some of her new words are: Plane, Momo (motorcycle), wawa (water), excuse me (in her own words of course), WHY???, mole, bless you, NO MINE...and many more I just can't think of right now
* Is very compassionate towards others
* Her baby is always in her arms right now
* Still gives "the look", even to the dog and her baby now
* Loves hitting the rock to everyone who will do it back to her
* Can identify almost all her body parts. We are currently working on sholders
* When asked how old she is most of the time she will tell you "one" while holding up one finger
* Sings all the time...heck, she talks all the time too, this girl is NEVER quiet!
* Loves to listen to her special CD that has her name in it! She asks for it by name, "Aliya, Aliya" then does the hand moves along with the song
* Still reminds us to pray before every meal
* Still won't stay in the walker's room at church on her own...
* Still the love of my life!

Trying something new!

So I bought a new hair product for Aliya today, Cream of Nature. It came highly recommended by a friend awhile back and I finally found out after going to several different Wal-Mart's in our area. And I have to tell you I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!! Aliya's hair has never felt so soft and easy to work with!! Thanks Kris for the tip!

So after bath tonight I decided to try a new style on Aliya. I don't remember what it's actually called, and it didn't turn out the best, but I'm pretty proud of myself for my first try! I need to work on getting her parts even and straight. I think it looks okay while she's sitting close in front of me, but when she walks away and I see the finished product I'm not exactly thrilled with it. I hope to get at least a week's wear out of this style before we have to take it down and start over! Aliya was so proud of her "pretty" that she kept showing daddy!!

1 year!

We had our court date one year ago today to finalize Aliya's adoption!!! As I sit here this morning I remember that day like it was yesterday! God has been so faithful this year and Aliya is the love of my life! I am blessed that she calls me mommy!

(I'm not sure how to add the link to the post from a year ago, but if you have time, go back and check it out, July 28, 2008)

Grandma and Grandpa H visit

Jon's folks have been up from FL for 2 weeks now, and of course I didn't get my camera out until the last day of their visit.











The last 3 pictures were from Holly's (Jon's sister) wedding reception/family reunion. Aliya beaded herself and walked around with what I called her "Mr.T starter set". she also ate more sand than played with, but she had a blast!

Too cute for words!

This was Aliya on Sunday after church. My mom picked up the shoes at a local consignment store and I had the perfect hand-me-down pants to match! Aliya calls her barrettes her "pretty". She does an okay job keeping them in her hair, but we'll keep putting them in with the hopes that she'll get used to them one day and leave them alone!






Aliya had her first official play date Saturday night with Gage. (you'll have to excuse the order of these pictures, they are backwards!) Aliya is only 6 days older than Gage, but he is about 2" taller and 5 pounds heavier! He is so smart and we absolutely loved having him over. It is my hope that these two kiddos will grow up being great friends!

Here they are getting ready for bed (Aliya yelling "night")


Aliya is showing Gage how to "jum" (jump) at first she wasn't sure if she liked him sitting on her "Jum Jum" but she quickly got over that and laughed and clapped as he jumped!


After dinner we went for a walk, Aliya wanted to take her baby for a walk in her stroller, little did she know Gage would be doing the pushing!


They are just too cute together!


This one was taken while we were waiting for Gage to come. I asked Aliya if she was excited for her friend to come and she yelled, "YEAH"!!!!



Aliya was home sick Wednesday, Thursday and Friday of last week. She cut two teeth last week and I think it was just too much for her little body. (two more are on the way, so I hope we don't have another round of sickness soon) I stayed home with her Wednesday and Jon stayed home with her Thursday and Friday while I was out of town. I found these two pictures on my camera when I got back into town Friday afternoon... They were just too precious not to share!

"CHEEEEEEESE"

A week late on these pictures, but too cute not to share...