I'm unemployed

I gave my notice today. I told my boss I will not return from my FMLA adoption leave and will continue to stay home with Micah. I'm a little nervous about quitting a job when jobs are so hard to come by, but we're trusting that God will provide.

Here's a reminder of why I've decided to stay home.

The Voice of the Shepherd

Last Sunday was Good Shepherd Sunday at church. Micah happily went up front to listen to the children's sermon. Ms. Edie had all the children close their eyes and asked each parent to call his/her child's name. Her point was that each child knows the sound of their parents' voices even when dozens of people are talking.

I wondered. Have we reached that point? Would Micah know the sound of my voice? Or would he look to the other parents calling out at the same time. So I called. No response. I called again and he whipped his head right around toward my voice. He heard me. Even through the symphony of children's names being shouted out, he knew his name and my voice. I pray that Baba and I will have the wisdom to lead him in this life.

As Micah knows my voice and follows me, I need to listen for the voice of my Good Shepherd. I've known him longer than Micah's known me, but do I readily recognize his voice and move in that direction?

2The man who enters by the gate is the shepherd of his sheep. 3The watchman opens the gate for him, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4When he has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice. 5But they will never follow a stranger; in fact, they will run away from him because they do not recognize a stranger's voice."

John 10:2-6

Happy Golden Anniversary, Lao Lao and Lao Ye

Today is my parents' 50th Wedding Anniversary. Congratulations to Lao Lao and Lao Ye who achieved grandparenthood before their 50th! We love you, Mom and Dad.

If you're so inclined, please leave them an anniversary greeting in the comments. Dad, just click on the word COMMENTS below this post and see what everyone has to say to you!!!!!

A boy and his dog

Wow - two months ago today we met our little guy for the first time. It's amazing how that feels like just yesterday. At the same time, it feels like he's been part of our lives for so much longer.

To celebrate, here's a slideshow of our "kids."

Citizenship

Micah's an official US citizen. We received his certificate of citizenship in the mail! Hip! Hip! Hooray! Here's an extra picture just for my mom!

I'm way behind!!!!

Sorry for falling off the face of the bloggy world! We've been making regular treks to the north side of Atlanta to see various specialists. We have at least three more doctors to see. Sigh. Mama's tired.

So what have I not told you about? Graceflock threw a little party to welcome Micah to our band. He received seven, count them seven, pair of Elmo underwear. He was overjoyed. I've never seen someone enjoy a gift of underwear so much. He got other gifts as well, including an ultra-cool slide! Baba did a great job putting it together.

We also had a shower at the April sorority meeting. There was a definite Elmo theme.
Micah was even grateful for gifts of clothing. He amused everyone by removing each item from its box or bag and folding it. Last Saturday, we visited the Georgia Renaissance Festival with Sheridan and his entourage. Much merriment ensued! Micah got a hug from Mother Goose's goose.
The mamas and the boys rode in the ship swings.
We saw the Royal Lipizzaner Stallions perform and attended a joust. But his favorite part of the day was a visit to the children's playground.

Rest in Peace

You may have noticed this little icon on the side of my page. You may not have. It has been a constant reminder of an Army Reserve Soldier who was captured on April 9, 2004. This vigil ended on Sunday, March 30, 2008, just shy of the four-year anniversary of his capture. His remains have been recovered and identified via DNA analysis. My heart breaks for this family who kept hope alive over the years and whose greatest fear has been realized.

Rest in Peace, Soldier.