May 13, 2008
A FAMILY - FOREVER!
What began as the journey of a lifetime has ended at the place
all journey’s should end – home! We feel very honored to be the
ones who get to provide Emalie with that wonderful place like
none other – home! Her life as a Stoltzfus is just beginning and
we are soaking in every moment of it. We have watched a
transformation happen in her life. Our little lady that was
hyper alert, emotionally on edge and very aware of everything
that was going on around her has gradually changed. Emalie is
now free to mingle with others while we’re out once she settles
in and gets the feeling that mom and dad aren’t going anywhere.
She allows Dad to give her a bath, snuggle with her, give her a
bottle and also allows Dad to snuggle with mom without having
Emalie quickly darting in to regain her spot as the sole
recipient of mom’s love. She is learning how to share with her
siblings and will go off and play with them for extended periods
of time. She will quietly snuggle in with mom and dad and drift
off to sleep rather than fight sleep with every ounce of energy
in her and only succumb to sleep after a crying fit to truly
exhaust herself.
I have learned many things during this journey. I’ve learned:
▪That you never forget how to click a pack-n-play’s rails once
you’ve master how to do it, even if you haven’t done so it a
very long time.
▪That having a break between kids is a good thing – it allows
you to clear out all the kids books that you’re really sick of
or hate reading.
That children can live on mostly bland carbs – just add a good
multi-vitamin and you’re good to go!
▪That there is nothing like a morning snuggle with a usually
active toddler to start your day out right.
▪That before I hated racism – now I loathe it.
▪That there is nothing like a good night of rest - and I have
found a new reason to be thankful for not so great hearing in
one ear – just keep that ear up during the night!
▪That I am thankful to live in and enjoy today. Not live for
tomorrow or glory in yesterday. Just enjoy today!
▪That toddlers have an amazing ability to pick up a new
language. Just when you think she won’t know what you’re saying,
she responds right away.
▪That a mother’s love has nothing to do with DNA or genetics. If
you can give them a bath and make them smell like you, you can
love ‘em!!
Emalie is a girlie girl. Painted toenails and picking out her
clothe are up there at the top of fun things to do. She loves to
play dolls, house or jump on the trampoline with Ellie. Ellie
has perfected the art of sneaking out the front door when she
wants to jump on the trampoline by herself because Emalie keeps
an eye out for her at all times.
One of the most precious new things that Emalie has experienced
in this thing called family. It has been heartwarming to watch
her get to know all those people who call her “theirs”. Her
grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins have received her with
open hearts long before she ever came home. Emalie’s face lights
up whenever she sees one of her extended family. Having her own
cheering section is so exciting for her!
It is so hard to know how to bring this to a close because
really, it is a beginning. A fresh start for Emalie, a new love
in our hearts and a lifetime ahead of us! We pray that God would
grant us His wisdom and guidance in the days and years ahead as
we are once again entrusted with the awesome task of readying a
little life to serve Him. |
I love my sister!
Another quiet trip courtesy of Elmo!
Croquet lessons from Chad
A new found love of dogs!! (Thanks, Sherlock!!)
Alternative uses for bottles... |
