So, what's his story?

Joshua was born to a 23 year old single woman who had no idea she was pregnant until her water broke & she went into labor @ 32 weeks. He has a diagnosis of birth asphyxia although we have received different reports concerning how long he went without oxygen. It couldn't have been long because he is developing so well. He was placed with Holt International Adoption Agency in Seoul, S Korea upon discharge from the hospital many weeks later. He has been living with a foster family since coming home from the hospital. He has an ear deformity that appears to be only cosmetic from the reports I have been given. He seems to be developing well. Hearing & vision are good. He will get plenty of work on that developmental delay living with 2 physical therapists & 2 active children! I am continually amazed at how much I can love this child that I have never even seen. Emalee Grace spent the afternoon swaddling her baby dolls in Joshua's room & reading to them in the rocking chair. So sweet! I am just riding the roller coaster of emotions until Gotcha Day. I have been on the highest highs & the lowest lows. That part is similar to pregnancy. Obviously hormones are not involved, but lots of emotions are! The devil raises his ugly head every now & then trying to convince me that this is not what we should be doing, but God always comforts me & confirms my decision. I have been amazed at how attentive God has been to the details in my life over the past few months. I have seen Him show up in so many ways that could only be Him. That is something Joshua has given me that he will probably never understand. Thank you all so much for your support & please continue to pray for our family. God Bless!

He's Coming Home!!!

We got the phone call today! Baby Joshua is coming home June 15! He will arrive @ the Atlanta airport. Hopefully these next couple of weeks will fly by. I am so excited I can hardly stand it. I want to see him! & hold him! It's super late now & I should be sleeping, but my eyes will not close! God is so good! This adventure is amazing & I have been SO blessed since we made this decision. I have never been so sure of anything with so many unknowns in all my life, yet a peace that I can not describe fills my soul. Please continue to pray for our family as we prepare for his arrival. Pray for Joshua. He has no idea what he's in for- I can't even imagine what this is going to be like for him. I am thankful that he is so young & I feel certain he will adjust well, though I know it won't be easy. I am so thankful Scott & I followed the Holy Spirit & pursued this decision. I thought my family was complete- just proves that God's plan is so much better than ours. Let me encourage you to listen to that little voice trying to speak to you- on my own I never would have gone through with this decision. I praise God daily for speaking through Scott & that Scott was wise enough to listen. We truly serve an amazing GOD! Praise!

Joshua's 1st Birthday

Well, Joshua's first birthday was today & unfortunately he was not with us to celebrate... Still no news... Still waiting for the phone to ring & trusting God's timing. It's kinda like being 40 weeks pregnant & the doctor won't schedule an induction. We are truly ready!! The kids' last day of school was today & they are super excited about the summer. They're getting anxious for him too. It could be any day!! (Or it could be another 1-2 months, but we are thinking optimistic & hoping for sooner rather than later)! Things are not good at all between North & South Korea right now & I want him out of there & in my arms!! Please continue to pray for his safe arrival. Thanks for your support & God Bless!

Painting pics

Getting Joshua's room ready

Several weeks ago, my sister in law, Susan, and her family came to Chattanooga to spend the weekend. With Susan (& the kids' help), we painted Joshua's room. More pics to come of the finished product!

Immigration Visa Approval for Joshua

We received approval of Joshua's immigration visa! This was approved on March 26th. This is the first of 2 notifications we get before he is here. The next will be the flight info- date & time that he will arrive in either Nashville or Atlanta. It doesn't get any more exciting than this!! Obviously we are waiting for the phone to ring! (so weird to me, I'm used to waiting for the water to break :)!!)

Update

Well, I wish I had more to report but I'll share what info I did get this week. Joshua is doing well. His March well baby check up reports that he is approx 18 lbs & sitting up some on his own. He is able to reach for objects & transfers them from hand to hand. He reponds to his name & plays peek-a-boo or pat-a-cake. He is beginning to imitate speech sounds & is eating solid food well. He is currently 10 months old functioning on approx an 8 month old level (which is normal due to his 2 month prematurity).
I had an amazing shower this past weekend hosted by Autumn Edwards, Shelby Jenkins, & Melissa White. These 3 ladies have been a wonderful support to me throughout this process along with several others. It's a little overwhelming to think how many people already love this sweet little boy that none of us have even met. The family support has been fabulous as well. My mom, sister, mother-in-law, & sister-in-law all came to Signal for the shower & are anxiously awaiting his arrival. God has given me abundant peace & joy as we wait. This child has already changed my life & he's not even here yet!
As far as the time line - looks like the middle to end of May 2010 is the earliest expected date of arrival. It could be as late as July 2010 but I am praying to have him by his first birthday on May 24, 2010. When I get the phone call with the date & flight number, it will only be 3-7 days away. We are currently getting the house in order & getting his room ready. It is becoming more real every day!! I still have to pinch myself sometimes to see if this is really happening. It truly feels like a dream. God has revealed himself in so many ways since making this decision & it is beautiful to live through! Thank you all so much for your prayers & please continue to pray for Joshua & his safe arrival.