Hey, Baby!

Well, we made it through yesterday. It was, without a doubt, the hardest day of my life. I'm still recovering, actually. We have gotten to know Shelby well through email and phone calls over the past months, and then spent a lot of time with her and her family at the hospital. Although she knew what she wanted for her baby, it was very, very hard for her to sign the placement papers and then say goodbye (for now--we'll be seeing her soon). I ached for her--we cried and cried together. We love her so much and are simply amazed by her courage and strength. Natalie looks so much like her and constantly reminds us of her first mother's pure love for her. We are so grateful not only for this little miracle child who has come to us, but also for Shelby and her family who have come into our lives. We look forward to spending time and having fun with them in all the years to come.

Baby Natalie, or "Peanut" as we've been calling her (you don't last long in this family without a series of nicknames), is a doll. She is beautiful, with long fingers and toes, perfect skin, and the most marvelous dimple! I never thought I'd have a baby with a dimple! She sucks down the formula like you wouldn't believe, but unless she's hungry, she is very content. Ella can't get enough of her. She's very gentle while holding her, and always wants to stroke her or nuzzle her with her nose. Her big sister instinct kicked in immediately, and we love all of her reactions.

Thank you so much for being with us through this adoption. So, so many beloved friends and family members have been praying for us and for Shelby through these past months, and I assure you that we have felt the power of your prayers through some very difficult moments. We feel very loved. Thank you so much.