Noellie

This is a picture that Jonathan worked on...that really says what we feel about Noel.  Jonathans Dad, Carl, took the photo on our front lawn and it was a cute snapshot.  Jonathan then has turned it in to something else all together :)

In reflecting on this past trip with her and why it was so special for us all...she changes our home for the better.  The boys are still boys...but her presence is such a gift to each of us.  We know how lucky we are that her parents are willing to share her...what a blessing.  But likewise here is my husband who will not have a little girl.  Something hes dreamed of his whole life.  In marrying me...he gets to be a part of her life in a way that is hard to discribe.  While we arent her parents there is certainly something along those lines that we feel.  She and Jonathan have forged a special bond that even surprises me sometimes.  Seeing how Jonathan has taken to both Noel and Elijiah-is really hard to explain.  How he loves those two...and then how he is with Tristan......

I am lucky.

Noel is growing up, dealing with her concerns and issues regarding adoption, fears she has over the future all things that are normal regarding teenage years, but as we listen to her and try to help in ways that we can, its a testiment to me just how unique our situation is and how hard it is to let her go.  Jonathan is feeling a bit of what I have for the past 17 years.  And now the boys too.  The saddness the reaches us with her departure lasts a few days...and I kinda laughed when he mentioned the house is empty without her.  Welcome to my world honey...ive been saying hello and goodbye more times than I can count....the great thing is we will be saying hello again before long.  She wants to come out again at Christmas, spend time with us but also with her new brother.  (YES we are having another boy.  :)  in case you hadnt caught that earlier)

....So this picture is meaningful in more ways than one...shes an angel to us.