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Happy Birthday sneak peak…

Here is a sneak peak into our afternoon fun at our house celebrating Isaac Temesgen’s first birthday… MORE pictures to come!!! It has been such a wonderful, sweet day—and I didn’t realize all of the emotions I would feel on this day. I have always been so anxious to get our son home–that I never […]

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Meghan - August 7, 2010 - 5:00 pm

Tears of happiness and sadness all mixed together. Happy Birthday Isaac Temesgen – you are one blessed little boy!!

Sara - August 7, 2010 - 5:49 pm

The video was so precious. Reminded me of our Cheru’s first bday (we brought him home at 11 months old, so celebrated soon after, like you guys). He had that same expression – bewilderment, and then a funny smile when he heard is name. So sweet. I, too, have been struggling with mixed emotions lately. Yesterday, I had this moment where I realized how much I had missed of my daughters’ lives. None of the kids noticed my eyes were bright with unshed tears.

With the boys, it was different, I didn’t grieve that loss for a long time. Maybe it’s because I’m a parent already, and I know what I missed? I don’t know. But I have also been thinking a lot about all our kids’ birth families…this is long and all over the place. Guess I just wanted to say – I’m right there with you.

Debb - August 7, 2010 - 6:10 pm

You have an ever-precious heart. I thank you for your honesty and transparency. i am “going through this with you” via your blog, and I feel it is enlightening me, encouraging me, inspiring me, as my husband and I have recently become DTE!! God placed Issac into the arms and heart of a very genuine and loving Christian family. WOW! What an awesome first birthday present! ;o) Blessings to all of you ~ may you continue to enjoy your precious birthday celebration……..

Kristin - August 7, 2010 - 6:38 pm

Happy Birthday sweet Isaac! Reading your words made me think about celebrating our little one’s 2nd birthday with him 3 weeks after he is home with us (which is 3 weeks from yesterday!) Those emotions are so REAL, and I am overwhelmed with gratitude that we can experience them…

Kim - August 9, 2010 - 1:06 am

Another beautiful post … straight from the heart!

melissa - August 9, 2010 - 1:42 am

Happy Birthday sweet Isaac Temesgen! I can’t imagine the emotions you felt. I can only begin to know what its like to hold your child you have longed for and then to mourn the time you missed in his life. My God’s peace overwhelmed you. Love you and I am eager to catch up. Praying for you.

Kelly - August 9, 2010 - 2:42 pm

Happy Birthday, Isaac! I actually sent your mommy a text message on your big day. I’m so sorry that we missed your 1st birthday party! We were on vacation. We love you!

Every day…really–gets better…I promise:)

See the extra wrinkles from what a year of waiting, checking our agency listserv every day and a month of no sleep…BUT the JOY…and the tummy and bum…oh my…no words for the Lord’s goodness! Well, we have officially been a family of 6 for 4 weeks now. For “one day I want to remember sake” […]

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kristi johnson - July 29, 2010 - 10:49 am

amen…love it…see ya soon 🙂 kj

Lara - July 29, 2010 - 10:51 am

Thanks for being so real. It’s good to know what to expect!

Ia - July 29, 2010 - 11:08 am

I just have to look at your blog every day. It blesses me soo much. So today as I am back to work, I have a moment with no students or parents at my door so I took out a snack and started to read. I did not want it to end. I just feel that God is blessing me with what you write about your life. Of course the only bad part is that I can’t help crying as I read… and with that I hope that no one will come to my office when I sit there and cry. They would probably wonder what kind of crazy guidance counselor I am 😉
Please keep writing and posting pictures
Ia

Elle J - July 29, 2010 - 11:19 am

Beautiful post!

april - July 29, 2010 - 11:43 am

Oh andrea. so much of this post felt like it was coming from my heart except I can never get it out the way you do so thank you so much for this post! it was beautiful, it was heartfelt and I so agree that yes its hard but the good far outweighs it! Oh the way God is working in and through us through our adoption journeys! All glory to God…

Shannon - July 29, 2010 - 12:22 pm

Your doing great. Having just past the 6 mo mark here- I can say— just you wait! It’s a whole other ball game… a good one! Re F’s tantrums- you’ll get lots of advice / judgements on how to handle- follow your gut. He, as you know, is experienceing a loss too right now. It may be intense- but you’ve been nurturing his soul long enough that he’ll recover- but he’ll continue to push. Stay strong in God- and ask for help- It truely is the only way. Re: Sleep- My experience says- don’t try to slip away. The short term gain is not worth the long term pay. Wait. Wait past the time he’s only touching you with a foot (which may be another month) wait- let him know you aren’t looking for an out. My guy knew when I was gone even in snoring sleep- cause as careful as I’d be returning- he’d move right back into me immediately. he knew I was there- so he knew I was gone. And what followed was weeks of regression sleep anxiety. You are doing so great and seem to have a great support system. keep them in the loop. Weeks 6-10 can be tough again. You may need more consistent help and support. I wish I’d have known then. I keep praying for you and the littles. Wait till you see how fast the gains are in PT! And once they have some strength.. along comes confidence- initiative- and drive! Personality EXPLOSION!! It’s SO MUCH FUN!! (scary and intense.. but FUN!)

Dawn - July 29, 2010 - 2:13 pm

That was an amazing post!!! A great reminder for us all. I love the fact that our oldest LOVE that we get to have new babies- that God has called our whole family to this mission….and they love it! Even those hard days when there is less time for them. Those hard things- worth it, and happy to have them because they remind us that God is doing this – not us 🙂

Becca Harley - July 29, 2010 - 2:50 pm

Thank you again for a beautiful post! I love how your children have your heart – so open and ready to give and love. The pictures are precious – and he is delightfully chubby! I wish that I could squeeze those cheeks!!:)

Megan - July 29, 2010 - 5:20 pm

This is just amazing to read…and to think that someday…I’ll be looking back on OUR journey and get to be amazed at how God wrote our story. Can’t wait =)
LOVE the video of Frank peek-a-booing Isaac! =)

JonesEthiopia - July 29, 2010 - 8:04 pm

Definitely good but hard. My R used to have to sleep with her entire little body touching mine. If I’d move an inch, she’d wake up screaming. Hard? Yes? But I would have it any other way? No! My girls are 15 months apart– sure bigger gap than your boys– but we’re sort of doing the same with our older girl, too, as far as routine goes, etc.

Hey– see you Sat! 🙂

Jenny - July 29, 2010 - 9:07 pm

Beautiful post!! God is doing some amazing things in your family and I LOVE watching it:) Can’t wait until we bring our daughter home!!

Shannon - July 30, 2010 - 1:59 am

Awwww what a great post and such beautiful pictures of you and Isaac. I love the visual of him with both hands on your face. So precious.

Sonya - August 1, 2010 - 3:10 am

andrea–thanks for sharing your heart with us! Oh, how i can’t wait to bring little Lily home! I’ll probably have to go back and read all of this then too. also, i can’t believe in 1 short month how much he has chunked up…i also love that booty and tummy!

Carrie - August 12, 2010 - 3:42 pm

I am not sure how I lost track of your blog, but I found you again and Isaac is so completely adorable! What a blessing. So very very happy he is home.
Prayers are with you and your precious family.
I love when babies are home!

Astrida and the Burnells…

Today–I wanted to let a sweet sponsor share her story–and journey with Wiphan Care Ministries…and how God has blessed her family and their hearts through sponsorship RIGHT NOW–her daughter is in Zambia serving the precious widows and orphans. Even being a teenager–she said, “YES”. AND she also had the amazing opportunity this week to meet […]

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Elle J - July 28, 2010 - 8:42 pm

BEAUTIFUL!!! Loved the words shared and video. So lovely. I started sponsoring in May and this trip was my first time to share a letter with my girl. I continue to pray that it reaches her and that she is well.

Kim - July 28, 2010 - 9:42 pm

OH WOW! The photos … the words … the music. All heartstiring!

Shannon Holden - July 28, 2010 - 10:41 pm

Andrea, thank you so much for sharing Ingrid’s story. I think I might have met Astrida when I was there. Her sweet face looks very familiar. Like Ingrid said, I feel hugely blessed to be involved with Wiphan. Thank you for sharing the slideshow on your blog. Love you, precious friend! See you next week!!

I stand amazed AGAIN!

Finally…everyone is in bed. I wasn’t going to blog…Rich has been out of town and JUST pulled in the driveway…he along with the 4 children are all sleeping soundly–BUT this is one day that has to be in our “blog to book” for Isaac to read one day…so it MUST be blogged:) And–before my sleep-deprived […]

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Sara - July 14, 2010 - 12:02 am

Absolutely, positively, wondrously AMAZING!

emily - July 14, 2010 - 12:05 am

He indeed is good and the great Physician! Amazing report and love how He will receive all the glory for the miracles that will continue to unfold before you and those of us watching.

Erica - July 14, 2010 - 12:05 am

Incredible. Only God. The great physician! Praising our King with you!

Elle J - July 14, 2010 - 12:10 am

LOVE God’s work!! I’m happy right along with you, Friend!

Jenny - July 14, 2010 - 12:12 am

Praise the Lord! SO glad I saw this post before going to bed. Overjoyed about the great doc report.

Jenn - July 14, 2010 - 12:40 am

God is SO SO BIG! Just completely AWESOME!!!! Way to go Isaac T!!!

Jenn

Kim - July 14, 2010 - 12:58 am

Our God is still in the miracle business! Praising Him! Love & Blessings, Kim

Alison - July 14, 2010 - 1:20 am

Praise God for an incredible report from the doctor! Such a miracle! So happy for ya’ll!

Shannon - July 14, 2010 - 1:39 am

Love, love, love this! Giggling and crying happy tears all at the same time! Go Isaac!

monica - July 14, 2010 - 6:50 am

beautiful.perfect.

april - July 14, 2010 - 6:53 am

praise the Lord! I am sitting here in years, happy tears, after reading another amazing thing our Savior, our awesome God has done! PRAISE GOD! I love what your husband said… “Who cares if he doesn’t walk! Who cares if he doesn’t lift his head! If this is the son God set apart for us—let’s do this!”

Tisha Alexander - July 14, 2010 - 7:16 am

Glory to be our GOD! What wonderful news and thank you so much for listening and following the Lord’s plan. You could of so easily said no to his referral, but you didn’t. I also totally get how people adopt again and again. What a perfect way to expand a family!

julie@Flitterbugs - July 14, 2010 - 8:09 am

How Beautiful!!!! Celebrating with you tonight!

Jenny - July 14, 2010 - 8:21 am

i’m still in awe of our God! He is so good! praising Him for His care of sweet Isaac!

Jim Chandler - July 14, 2010 - 8:53 am

I love seeing where God is at work in others lives and I can see He is definitely working here. My wife and I have been trying to adopt for five years and for one reason or another we’ve had to postpone our plans. Friday we brought home from the hospital our baby, Samantha Grace. As I said to my wife God works in very mysterious ways. I praise God for your little one and my little one.

Heather Cheatham - July 14, 2010 - 9:11 am

Rejoicing with you!!!! Yay Isaac T!!! Yay God!!!

Meredith - July 14, 2010 - 9:19 am

This is so incredible. I just read this to my husband through a trembling voice. This is another beautiful story about how the Lord blesses obedience. I am praying that God will continue to work miracles in Isaac’s life.

Heather - July 14, 2010 - 9:28 am

PRAISE THE LORD! I’m so overjoyed & thankful to our Savior for all He’s doing in baby Isaac’s life! Thank you so much for sharing this! I will continue to pray for his strength & for him to crawl soon! I am so blessed to follow your journey! Thank you for the details you are sharing with us!

Amy Nabors - July 14, 2010 - 10:12 am

What wonderful, wonderful news!! God will never stop amazing us if we let him. Crawling is so very important so you are on the right track with your plan.

Shelley - July 14, 2010 - 11:24 am

Praise the Lord for all that he does. I know that this will rest her heart a little in know God takes care of your little man. We will continue to pray that he crawls.

Heidi - July 14, 2010 - 2:17 pm

What a wonderful miracle from God! we too had health issues we were concerned with but ended up he’s so healthy! Praying for him to plow you away with being able to walk before you know it! You will be amazed how much strength they gain from being in a loving family! So happy for you!

natali - July 14, 2010 - 2:56 pm

how amazinggggg!!! praise GOD!! :))

Megan - July 14, 2010 - 3:08 pm

Isn’t that the best part of all of this! Feeling closer to God with each step we take toward adoption is so wonderful and reassuring. Adoption is the heartbeat of the Lord – so well said! Congratulations on your great report!

Shannon - July 14, 2010 - 3:37 pm

It is AMAZING isn’t it. The REBOUND. The GRACE. He is amazing. You’ll all do great! Keep going! (My guy gained 7 pounds bt the day we met and the 2.5 weeks later at first docs appt.) I’m so glad Isaacs blood is all normal. THAT IS GREAT!!

Betsy - July 14, 2010 - 4:59 pm

Rejoicing and praising with you! Honestly, I’m not really surprised… this first time I saw that boy’s picture I thought he looked perfectly perfect to me! Thank you for the encouragement and affirmation about Hannah’s Hope, it’s very encouraging to those of us still waiting!
Blessings,
Betsy

Dawn - July 14, 2010 - 5:54 pm

OH WOW!!!!!!!!!! PRAISE GOD!!!!!!!!!!!! What a beautiful TESTIMONY for HIM! What a wonderful witness to us all!!!! We should not be surprised- God is His Father! You obeyed, listened, and followed. Isaac is the result of much prayer, and yet I am blown away. How much more beautiful could it be?

Oh heavenly Father we give you praise for this beautiful miracle that you have given life to- and given it abundantly!!!

Erin - July 14, 2010 - 8:46 pm

REJOICING with you today! that is awesome news! Man, do we serve an AWESOME God!

Alisha Robertson - July 14, 2010 - 9:25 pm

Such wonderful news!!! And ahhhhh Dr. Penny. I just love him. He has cared for all three of my babies which are not babies now. I am so happy to hear how well he is doing. Here’s hoping for a crawler very soon!!! And hey Ella didn’t crawl till she was 11 months so it’s not that off. 🙂

melissa - July 14, 2010 - 11:11 pm

What great news!! I am just thrilled to hear the doctors reports. Truly amazing!

karen smith - July 15, 2010 - 12:02 am

Love it!!! Yeah Isaac!!! You grow boy! And isn’t God great. He is the Great Physician.

Andrea - July 15, 2010 - 2:20 am

Isn’t God’s work AWESOME!!! That is great news!

Billie Hobbs - July 15, 2010 - 6:25 pm

You said it all, Andrea. Miracles never cease to happen! We all serve an awesome God. Amazing, amazing what God has done for Isaac. Blessings,

JonesEthiopia - July 15, 2010 - 7:55 pm

I don’t know how people can’t believe in miracles. All one has to do is read this to know they happen.

Isaac Temesgen’s Forever Home Slideshow…

I’ve been resting up this weekend with the 3 older ones gone…and I knew if I didn’t put together Isaac Temesgen’s sweet slideshow now–it might not ever happen. It was a real challenge to get it under YouTube’s “less than 10 minute” requirement to say the least;). Please feel free to share…and without further adieu–after […]

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Megan - July 11, 2010 - 1:54 am

Oh my goodness! Just had a LOOONG weekend of fundraising and it was such a treat to end it with this precious video and remind myself of what we are doing all this hard work for!! Can’t wait for our turn! 😉

Kristin - July 11, 2010 - 6:40 am

Simply beautiful Andrea. I know I’m going to watch it at least 10 more times (today)! When I think of all the different moments in your journey– starting the process, getting on the waitlist, praying for a court pass, praying again, travelling to get Isaac, meeting his birth mom– it all seems SO long ago already! And yet it was God’s perfect timing, each event of great importance to prepare him and to prepare you for today. May your video inspire many many many more to follow God’s call…

Lori M. - July 11, 2010 - 6:42 am

WOW Andrea! That is incredible! So happy for your new family of 6! Thank you for sharing your journey.

Rebecca Harley - July 11, 2010 - 8:31 am

Andrea – it is wonderful!!! I know that I am going to watch it a million times:) Praying for you all as the kids come home – for peace and sleep and tons of joy!!! Give your kiddos huge hugs from us!

Jenny - July 11, 2010 - 8:40 am

beautiful! what an amazing journey isaac has already been through in his life!

Rachel Bell - July 11, 2010 - 9:15 am

Love it! I truely enjoyed watching your journey with Isaac! You have a beautiful family!

Amy @ Filled With Praise - July 11, 2010 - 9:46 am

Beautiful!!!! So happy he is home.
Blessings,
Amy

emily - July 11, 2010 - 9:48 am

I am a mess. So beautiful. Loved the whole thing and wish YouTube didn’t have the 10 minute limit!!

Sara - July 11, 2010 - 9:50 am

My husband just walked in and asked why I was crying… :o) Absolutely beautiful. I love your photographs – they are incredible. Your family is gorgeous, and your heart is so genuine.

april - July 11, 2010 - 10:05 am

oh andrea….LOVE this video! precious! Did you do the video, if so, how or where online did you do it? I am wanting to do something similar for our Isaac! Thanks for any info!

Elle J - July 11, 2010 - 10:34 am

Speechless and crying. Amazing, my friend! Blessings to you and a super huge hug!

Kameron Shadrick - July 11, 2010 - 11:26 am

Thank you for sharing that video with us, it is so inspiring. We are waiting to apply for a court date for our 4 month old baby girl – and the enemy just loves to send obstacles our way, but seeing Isaac reminds me, even more, the beauty and importance of what we are doing and that we must persevere. He is absolutely BEAUTIFUL. It has been a joy watching your journey! Blessings my sister.

Amy Nabors - July 11, 2010 - 11:52 am

So beautiful. Our son was adopted domestically so it was a different experience, but adoption is always a life changing experience.

Rebecca - July 11, 2010 - 1:10 pm

What an absolutely beautiful, squeezable son you have! His happy, funny smile makes me laugh. Congratulaitons on the end of one journey and the beginning of another!

melissa - July 11, 2010 - 2:02 pm

So amazingly beautiful! I can’t wait to share this with my family and friends. God will use your journey to Isaac Temesgen to bless so many people and further his kingdom and bring home more orphans. Blessed to know you Andrea!

Tiffany - July 11, 2010 - 2:34 pm

You have no idea how encouraged I am to keep going after watching this! Cannot wait until it is our turn. Congratulations!! ENJOY!!

Kristin - July 11, 2010 - 3:23 pm

God is so awesome! So beautiful!

Jenn - July 11, 2010 - 3:47 pm

Beautiful Andrea!!!! Can’t wait to join the ranks of those HOME with their little ones!! I am getting SUCH encouragement from watching the love in your family unfold!!!!

Jenn

Jen - July 11, 2010 - 4:44 pm

My heart as well as eyes are full. I love it!

We are leaving for our first trip to court in a week and I can’t wait to see my baby girl.

natali - July 11, 2010 - 4:49 pm

another tear jerker! 🙂 welcome home isaac temesgen!!!

Nicole huson - July 11, 2010 - 6:32 pm

Andrea,
Wow! Your video got me good. My entire family sat down and watched it. I of course cried like a baby. My hubby is just so amazed at your video. He kept saying this is so awesome! I agree!!

So happy for you,
Nicole

Ellen - July 11, 2010 - 8:07 pm

Isaac is such a beautiful boy, his smile lights up his whole face! Congratulations on his arrival home. Blessings for many wonderful days ahead.

Shelley - July 11, 2010 - 8:47 pm

God is so wonderful!! I am so happy for your family.

Nikki - July 11, 2010 - 10:05 pm

I cried (of course)… What a beautiful testimony of God’s calling and work in us and through us. Thank you so much for sharing your family, and your adorable new addition, with us! 🙂

-The Starrs in Colorado

Angela - July 11, 2010 - 10:29 pm

This is so so beautiful Andrea! Thank you for sharing your video and allowing us to share it too. I can’t wait to go to Hannah’s Hope sometime next year to pick up our little girl!

Megan - July 11, 2010 - 10:55 pm

That was so inspiring, wonderful, and perfect. God is so faithful. Thank you for being such an inspiration to me and my family as we move closer to find our little one in Ethiopia.
You’re a blessing.

Kim - July 12, 2010 - 12:53 am

WOW!
Speechless. And blind from the tears!
Cannot wait to see how God uses your family’s act of love and obedience to inspire others!

missy - July 12, 2010 - 2:26 am

the sweetness and beauty of it all brings me to my knees.

Mandi Carlock - July 12, 2010 - 3:11 pm

It has been so inspiring to watch your family’s beautiful journey. Thanks for sharing and I cant wait for the next update!

Karen Halbert - July 15, 2010 - 12:18 am

Andrea, Love Love Love seeing your story from start to now. Amazing. You are right, it doesn’t get old. Thanks for sharing your story and your heart. And that little man? oh he is a-dor-a-ble!!! I love the ‘crew’ shot of all your kids. That one is a keeper! LOVE it! Congratulations on the new addition!