Family of Five Photos

We've been home 9 weeks now and finally had the opportunity to be professionally photographed as a family of five.  Noah was so excited for "pic-a-tures".  He was pretty silly actually during the session but that's just him-so happy and loving life all the time.

Here's a sneak peak from the (patient) photographer's page

Happy Easter!

I'd like to wish a Happy Easter to all of the blog readers.  We had a great day celebrating at home, attending church and eating with extended family.  This was the first holiday that Noah spent with us.  He thoroughly enjoyed it, especially the eggs with candy inside. 

The reason we celebrate Easter is the resurrection of Jesus.  The Bible declares that "by being raised from the dead [Christ] was proved to be the mighty Son of God, with the holy nature of God Himself" (Romans 1:4).  How great is it that we don't have to figure it all out?!  We sang this song in church this morning and I wanted to share the powerful lyrics.

"This Is Amazing Grace"

  Who breaks the power of sin and darkness

Whose love is mighty and so much stronger
The King of Glory, the King above all kings

Who shakes the whole earth with holy thunder
And leaves us breathless in awe and wonder
The King of Glory, the King above all kings

This is amazing grace
This is unfailing love
That You would take my place
That You would bear my cross
You lay down Your life
That I would be set free
Oh, Jesus, I sing for
All that You've done for me

Who brings our chaos back into order
Who makes the orphan a son and daughter
The King of Glory, the King of Glory

Who rules the nations with truth and justice
Shines like the sun in all of its brilliance
The King of Glory, the King above all kings

Worthy is the Lamb who was slain
Worthy is the King who conquered the grave
Worthy is the Lamb who was slain
Worthy is the King who conquered the grave
Worthy is the Lamb who was slain
Worthy is the King who conquered the grave
Worthy is the Lamb who was slain
Worthy, worthy, worthy

Pray For Jovie

Tomorrow my dear friend Kristen's youngest daughter, Jovie is having open heart surgery. She and I went to high school together but lost touch until recently with our adoptions and I am so thankful God brought us back together. Kristen and her husband Cody traveled to China 2 weeks before we did in January and welcomed Jovie and Ian into their family.  You might remember from a past post that their oldest daughter, Mae lived at the same orphanage Noah was at and we believe they were in the Lily Orphan Care Room at the same time.

Please keep Jovie and her family in your prayers.  She will be in surgery for much of tomorrow.  She is a very strong little girl with an incredible medical team and I know God will be guiding them and ultimately heal her heart.  

If you want to read more about this inspiring family, Kristen's blog is: 

beloved-ones.com/

Cousins

1st Trip To The Dentist

Noah had his first teeth cleaning, dental x-rays, fluoride treatment and exam today at All Stars Pediatric Dentistry with Dr. John Haffner.  It went incredibly well.  No cavities and no damage from the finger-sucking (a method of self-soothing).  I wish I was a better photographer but then I think I wouldn't be as focused as a mom...so these fuzzy cellphone pictures from the waiting room will have to do.