The short version of the story goes like this...
In April of 2011 (while we were waiting to bring Daniel home) I was contacted by someone on a waiting child yahoo group who knew a little about our family. This person asked if I would consider helping to advocate for a little girl ~ who has the same syndrome as Darcy ~ that had been on the shared waiting child list for about a year. When I saw her picture that day, she tugged on my heart strings. (She looked...kinda familiar...you know?)
So I agreed and advocated for her on yahoo groups and on my blog. I responded to emails with mini-novels and references to certain posts here about our experiences with glaucoma, port wine stains and Sturge Weber Syndrome. I talked on the phone to folks, paid for an update through Ladybugs 'n Love to have some questions answered, and consulted international adoptive medicine pediatricians, glaucoma specialists, and neurologists to get the best medical opinions about her we could.
And we prayed. I'd be remiss if I didn't mention all the prayer that went up on her behalf. All the while I had a few friends near and far agreeing with me in prayer that this sweet girl would have a family to love her as she deserved. Her picture has been on our refrigerator since January. As a family we've prayed for her (and several of the kids from New Day and An Orphan's Wish) to have a forever family every night since then.
And we prayed. I'd be remiss if I didn't mention all the prayer that went up on her behalf. All the while I had a few friends near and far agreeing with me in prayer that this sweet girl would have a family to love her as she deserved. Her picture has been on our refrigerator since January. As a family we've prayed for her (and several of the kids from New Day and An Orphan's Wish) to have a forever family every night since then.
It was totally unplanned, but somewhere along the way, I fell in love. Not too long after me, so did Ian. We found ourselves wondering if any of the families I talked to could love her as well as we could and for that reason tried to imagine just what life would look like with two six year olds, a five year old, a four year old and a three year old. It looked...well...sorta crazy.
But then God began whispering and made it abundantly clear that we weren't finished building the M clan just yet. We decided that while the venture may be a little crazy, crazy within God's plan is a place we wanted to be.
And so I happily announce that we're now going to be a family of seven. Without further hesitation, let me introduce you to Natalie Z...
Welcome to the family little one ~ we can't wait until you are here!
**more of Natalie's story to come after we come up for air from all the paperwork!**
30 comments:
so totally crying....tears of joy....for you...for Natalie.
I love how God works on behalf of his precious children.
I am thrilled for all of you!
Love that you listened to His whispers.....
(((hugs)))
;) Natalie is just perfect Kristi and I am beyond excited for you and your family that you followed your hearts and that God led you to her. So so happy for all of you! Much love from PA!
How precious is she!!! Would love to know when you think you may travel and which agency you're with. Wondering if we are close at all! :)
Oh what a happy day it was when we added the M crew back to our adoptive families prayer board!!!
And now that the world knows, we are rejoicing with EVERYONE!!!!
Natalie is already loved by SO MANY.
We are here for yall for whatever you may need along this journey!!!!
Soooo excited for you guys!!! Best of luck on the rest of the process.
So very thrilled for you!! We will be praying for you (and the paperwork!). Congratulations!
Yay, Kristie!!! I am so glad I had a moment to catch up on blog reading today so that I could see this! :) And you are absolutely correct, God's crazy plans are the ones it is worth it to be a part of. :) Congratulations, my friend to you and the whole M clan!
Congratulations! What a sweet girl! How much different can life be with five than with four, right? Only more wonderful and more fun!
God called, you and Ian listened and answered the call. What could be more assurance. Praise Him for His mighty and wonderous ways!
Beyond excited for you Kristi! She is absolutely darling, and I am just dying for the super long post that gives all the details (cause you are SO good at writing those!) Love and prayers being sent your way!
Even though I don't know you (other than through your wonderful blog) I got goose bumps and tears as I read this post.
Love God's crazy plans!! What a little sweetie you'll be adding to your family. I will be praying along.
Congratulations to you all!! I have followed along here since you were just a family of 3 and have seen how love has grown your beautiful family - one more......perfect!
What a cutie! I said you were a great advocate! She's getting a family isn't she?! ;-)
She is so beautiful! Congratulations to your family! Such great news. Blessings, Amy
Tears. Oh. my. word. She is beyond darling and precious! How perfect to add a baby sitter to your little clan. I LOVE how close in age all your children are! And I LOVE the name Natalie.
Pam
Congrats to your family on your newest blessing!
I am so very excited for all of the M family. I know that God is blessing all of you with this beautiful little girl and I can't wait to hear all about her and your journey to find her. Your family inspires mine to be better everyday because we see how God's plan works in your life everyday even if it is only through the computer. :)
Julie Shively
The B Family cannot wait to squeeze those sweet cheeks! Can't wait to meet this new M member! I have four big shopping bags for you, my friend! :)
Natalie is beautiful, & we are so excited for your family. You are an inspiration to me, & I so look forward to the joy of watching another precious Miller be enveloped in your loving family! Our experience as a family of 7 has been crazy fun.....no doubt Natalie will add more joy to an already delightful family. Prayers for you through the crazy paper chase!
Wonderful news! :) Congrats to your family and to this precious little one!
SO excited for you all! I remember you posting about her and I can't tell you how many times I opened up her file. What an amazing story you have! And I cannot wait for the long version!!!!
Can't wait til Miss Natalie joins our merry,but not so little, bunch!
This is wonderful news! Ah advocacy has it's dangerous parts. It's amazing what loving selflessly during advocacy does. God can just step right in and open our eyes. Can't wait to hear more. :)
Shelley
Thank you for your witness of obedience. God bless every minute of the paperchase, God bless your wait and may you feel the presence of the Holy Spirit taking care of every single detail. I love this little girl and I am so blessed to know she has a family!! Thank you God!!!!!!!!
Trumps are sooooooo excited for you! God's crazy is the only sane place to be! God knows the plans he has for you and Natalie, plans to give you a hope and a beautiful future! Congratulations!
WE ARE SOOOOO EXCITED.
Maylin's response was "WHAT? Oh my gosh! ANOTHER cousin. This is going to be crazy!"
Pierson's words were. "OK. When they come to Grandma's we will just change some things around so there is enough room for all the kids to sleep."
YIPPIE FOR NATALIE!!!
So glad I checked your blog today!!! Congrats on your newest daughter. She is lovely, and like Laurie, I am excited to hear the long version!
blessings to you guys - wish I was traveling with you again. :)
So, so happy for you!!! I had been looking at this sweetie for some time - praying her family would find her --- and you did!!!
Hugs, Ashley
Wow! This is so amazing! Congratulations! I'm so very happy for you all. Can't wait to hear more! She's so precious!
Haven't had a chance to check out your blog for a long time. Wow you guys are amazing! Love how you follow God's plan. What a blessing you all will be to Natalie and she to you! Happy paperchasing!
Joy
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