Me, at Redeemer’s Christmas party, wearing a baby.

As I suspected, there will be a learning curve for all of us with this foster baby.

First up for Shiloh: diapers are not for eating. He’ll get it eventually.

“Sweet-cheeks” as Papa calls her, standing in the firelight, radiating love and warmth and joy.

It’s a curious sight to see newborn diapers and baby wipes on my office bookshelf, but there it is: we are preparing for our first foray in the world of foster care. People, I am tremendously excited, honored and anxious about what we’re doing and I am certain that I am the most ill-equipped woman for the job. Some of you know how long we’ve been praying for more children and yet, here we are prepping for short-term foster care. We’re going to take in a little one (who is oh-my-goodness-gracious the most charming thing you’ve ever met) and we’re going to hand her off to her forever family after a short time.

Why in the world are we doing this?

Because we think God wants us to do this. We have the space in our house, we have the love to share, we are incredibly blessed. Also, there were people that cuddled and fed and loved Livia in the seven weeks before we adopted her and words can’t express how much their care means to us still. We have the opportunity right now to bridge the gap for another family. So we’re going to do that.

Those who know me understand that I’ve cried over this situation. I’m sure I’ll cry again, and that’s okay, too. Doing what’s right sometimes comes at a cost.

Keep on praying for more kids for my family. I’m grateful.

This book makes me happy.

My kiddo, layered up for the coldest day so far of December, nonetheless eating a small bowl of ice cream after school. We believe in ice cream all year ’round.

Adorable new buddy of mine.

It’s my birthday! I’m 35 years old today and in this shot I’m modeling earrings that my amazing daughter picked out for me. This year she’s into earrings after getting her own ears pierced in the spring. How I love sharing girly things with her as she grows.

It’s been a wonderful birthday. So complete and full that I snapped precisely six shots this morning and this one, a birthday self-portrait and an admittedly terrible piece of composition, will have to do. I’m off to spend the last moments of my special day watching tv and cuddling with my husband.