Family, Laughter, and Puppy Love

This pretty much sums up the very best of what's been going on over here in Emmy's life. Ever since she hit 6 months, the world has become Emmy's playground, and she's enjoying her new discoveries each and every day. Here are the things that I have noticed and been most thankful for this past month or so...

Family: We have a lot to celebrate in our extended families these days with the arrival of my new niece among other things, and as we've gone through this season of celebrations, family vacations, and other get-togethers, I have often caught myself sitting back, holding back a few tears, and praying silently over Emmy in the midst of it all. What incredible grace the Lord has given Emmy in many ways, but one of the most profound I see is His provision of family for this sweet baby girl. Not only is she healthy (against the odds set against her), with a safe place to call home and parents who adore and pray for her, she also has the amazing blessing of grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, friends who may as well be family, neighbors, a church family filled with people who anxiously await her arrival each Sunday and Wednesday and are genuinely disappointed when she is not there, and the list goes on and on!! It honestly moves me to tears if I sit and think about it long enough. How blessed are we all by our families?! And how often are we compelled to take all of this for granted? More than anything, I am moved by the words of Psalm 68 that describe God as a "father to the fatherless." It says, "God sets the lonely in families." I am overwhelmed by His work in this child's life, and I am so grateful for the multitude of people whom He is leading to serve as family to Emmy.

Laughter: Emmy had her first real bout of laughter this weekend. The great news is that we were able to catch it on video. The unfortunate news is that I can't post it here. Needless to say, days are getting more and more fun over here, and we're falling more in love with this girl and praising the Lord for the adorable way He created her every single day! Can't wait to see what she'll get into next :)

Puppy Love: The other thing that has marked this past month is Emmy's newly acquired love for Layla and Layla's newly acquired love for Emmy. Layla's only problem is that sometimes she loves Emmy too much and can't seem to figure out why she isn't able to lick her in the face for hours on end. Emmy's problem is that she can't see anything wrong with hitting or kicking Layla in the face when she gets excited to see her. All-in-all, these are fine problems to have, because everyone is happy and enjoying each other quite well. Here are a few fun shots of Layla's first encounter with the Johnny Jump-Up. I'm not sure who was more enthralled with whom...

Thank you for continuing to pray with us. The Lord still hasn't illuminated the path before us brightly enough for us to make big decisions about our future with Emmy. He's still illuminating one tiny step at a time, and we are waiting on His perfect timing. This month, however, has been an affirmation to me that the Lord is the one directing Emmy's future. He is the one giving grace to her every step of the way and placing her in loving families like ours. The most difficult decision we will have to make will be the decision to let Emmy go if that's how we feel the Lord leading. However, I have to believe that if that is the Lord's will, He will be faithful to our prayers, and we will, yet again, stand amazed at His sovereign provision in Emmy's life. Please continue to pray for clarity in this decision process. Also, continue to pray for Emmy's interaction with her grandfather. He will be completing the approval process soon, and then Emmy will most likely begin visiting with him regularly. Pray that this will be a blessing to both of them.