Yesterday we left Johns Creek, Georgia, as a family of 5...and came home a family of 6. Full van, full house, full hearts! Emphasis on the FULL.
In fact, the only thing that is empty is our bank account! (A little adoption humor)
The end of our "ten days of waiting" was at midnight on Tuesday. At about 10pm I took a benadryl so that I could actually sleep and not stare at the ceiling for the next 2 hours. Then I woke up around 1am (small bladder!); I got up and realized that we had passed the midnight mark without a phone call, and did a little dance in my pajamas...she is OURS!!
Before everyone woke up Wednesday morning...you know, the ONLY quiet hour of the day...I spent some time praying and reading and I was struck by this most amazing thought...Even though, when Alana's birth parents conceived her, they were not trying to do so...that was not their plan in any way, and probably was not even on their minds...God was making baby Alana for Himself and for us, knowing that she would be a Burwell in about 9 months, knowing that HE had plans for her and for her big sister Rihanna...how awesome that He can take things that look like mistakes and say, "This child is no mistake at all...I have made her for My glory and for the good of the Burwell family and all those who will know and love her." I was just amazed at Him as I sat and thought over that one for a while.
Yesterday felt so peaceful, as if we had just walked right into the center of God's will and were experiencing His blessing. We traveled to Macon...us, the kids, and our dear friend Gail Hatcher. Miss Fran, who fostered Ri and Alana, was there to put Alana in our arms and to celebrate with us. The Covenant Care staff gathered around us with hugs and prayers and a virtual photo-shoot...I felt a little famous. Our big lunch plans were at that 5 star restaurant Chickfila!...because you know, when you have 3 preschoolers and a 12-day-old baby, going to a real restaurant in the middle of the day is not exactly a good option. So we rejoiced with nuggets and ice dream cones!
Alana is just a doll...beautiful little lips and cheeks, mild-mannered (so far), and that sweet little newborn cry gets me every time! I watched Troy fall in love with her before my eyes...pretty cool. Kind of like the way he fell in love with me the first time WE met. :)
We are so excited to share this with y'all! Thanks for your support, love, meals (thank you Amy James for organizing that!), prayers, well wishes...keep those prayers coming. And please come see us...believe me, you would not be a disruption...my word, you are a lot quieter than 3 pre-schoolers and a hungry newborn.