I've always believed in Christmas magic. Seriously, I was that kid in 6th grade who knew in my head that there was no Santa, but my heart still thought that just maybe he was real. Last night we got a bit of our own Christmas magic. We have now received an official referral for our baby girl, Nana. I'll be posting pictures soon, but I want to make sure it's okay to do that first.

Friends, your prayers and support have meant the world to us through this process and now we need them even more. Now it's time to pray her home!

By the way...we went back and bought the doll.

I've been trying to track down paperwork for our baby girl all week now. What a good Christmas gift it would have been to have received her paperwork before Christmas. I just made one last ditch effort phone call, only to get a voicemail stating that the office will be closed until after New Years. I felt God clearly tell me it was time to set it aside and enjoy Christmas with the three children I have with me now, and that He will be very near to our fourth child this Christmas.

I almost bought a baby doll today, but I stopped myself. Next year.

The stockings have been hung by the chimney with care. I remember very clearly hanging these last Christmas. I was so hopeful that in a year's time we would need to add a stocking or two. But, there are three again this year. Three beautiful boys live in this house, full of energy and life. Maybe next year we'll be able to add one or two.

A glimmer of hope today. Praying for more information to post here soon.

It's the first week of Advent. The candle of hope has been lit at our dinner table each night this week. It's almost as though she is home with us, represented by the hope of this flame.
Last November my mom bought a ring for me. I wear it every day. It's a simple silver band with the word HOPE inscribed on it.
We continue to hope and pray. There is nothing else we can do right now.
May His Hope fill you and your family during this season of Advent.