Rosi

On October 28th, a precious, 4 1/2 pound baby girl was born.  For the record, we went to our neighbor's "pumpkin party" that day, and had a great time- NO CLUE that our lives changed forever that day.

On October 30th, all the families who were waiting with our adoption agency got an email saying that a baby had been born and the birthmother was currently looking at profile books.  We were excited and prayed immediately and continuing on for that birthmom and that baby.  But after several days of not hearing anything more, we assumed that we weren't chosen to parent this baby.

On November 13th, 2014, we got "the call."  I was at an appointment with Sam and I missed a call from our adoption agency.  I had received an email earlier that week saying that the adoption coordinator we were working with would be out of the office that week, so as soon as I saw that missed call, I "had a feeling."

Finally, I got in touch with our adoption coordinator in the car on the way home from the appointment.  She told me she had news for us and asked if Drew was available too.  I said no, and she asked if I wanted to wait to hear the news until he was, to which I of course said NO again!!  So she told me...

Our baby had been born, and the birthmom had chosen us to be the parents of the baby.  How soon could we come to meet her?

A bit about adoption: there is nothing in the world like getting that first phone call about, or walking into the room for the first time to meet, that child who has been planned for your family from the beginning of time.  I'll never forget either of those moments with either of our girls.  How soon could we be there?  How about 2 weeks ago?!

So after wrapping up some details (like Young Lives club on Thursday evening, where I was asked by one of the teen moms if I'd been at the bar drinking because I was acting so crazy, and Drew canceling a presentation at a conference that he was scheduled for), Friday we packed up to go meet this bundle of joy...

Rosalyn Lorae Martin

Rosalyn, after my grandmother.  We pray that she grows to have the faith and character of this woman who we love and respect so much.

Lorae, to honor and keep part of the name her birthmom chose for her.  Lorae is a derivative of a family name from her birth family.  We pray that she always knows how much she is loved, not only by us, but by her birth family and especially her brave birth mom, and that she respects, loves, and honors her roots.

Dad's first time holding Rosi

Mom's first time holding her

All of our children have been loved abundantly.  But I've thought often that Rosi has to be the MOST loved of all of our children because in addition to parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, she has three big siblings who could not have adored her more from the beginning.

When we walked in the door LATE Friday night, Charli and Sam were in bed (thanks to Mema's timely visit!), but probably not sound asleep because of the excitement of knowing that their baby sister may be coming home that night.   When they heard us come in the door they asked if they could come out, and of course we said yes.

This sweet big sister was MADE to be a big sister. She is nurturing, caring, and loving, and the joy on her face as she met and held the baby sister for whom she'd been praying is indescribable.  This picture was taken in the middle of the night, the first time Charli got to hold her sis.

Sam was very excited too, but more reasoned.  His first question was, "is she real?"  She was tiny and perfect, like a baby doll.

This was Sam with Rosi in the morning.  He sang lots of songs to her in those first few weeks, even teaching her the motions to the itsy bitsy spider.

Welcome to the family, Rosalyn Lorae Martin.  We couldn't be more thankful that you are the child the Lord planned for us- and us for you!  You are so loved.