So.much.love.

In love with these sweet, pudgy, wonderful hands.

We're smitten. Over the moon. Undeniably in love. She's ours, no doubt. She's been a missing piece to our family puzzle. Her brothers will love her. Be over protective, I'm sure. Help her blossom and grow, absolutely. She's quite tickle-ish. She covers her face up with her hands in the most precious way when she giggles. Loves kisses. Is infatuated with her papa. Loves to snuggle up to her mama. She sucks the first three fingers on her left hand when she's sleepy. She has two of the cutest, crooked bottom teeth. She can roll over, push up on her hands and knees and rock (with a little help with her hip flexers). She is such a content and happy baby. She's perfect in every way. 

Unfortunately, things have not gone the way we had planned. Our judge is on vacation until the end of August. So, it has been advised that Trey and I come home to wait for court on September 5/6th. It is really our only option and the smartest financial decision. As broken hearted as we are leaving our E, we feel confident she is being taken care of quite well. It is clear she is loved here. After our morning visit with her Monday, we will board our plane to head home, excited to see our boys, longing for our girl. We will fly from here to Austria where we will, unfortunately, have a 17 hour layover. From there to Washington, from Washington to home. We are confident in knowing that this was the plan God had all along. He knows something we don't. {and, really, who are we to argue with Him?!} your prayers would be appreciated for the rest of this journey. For our time here. For our bond with E. That we can shed light on the value 'special needs' children really have. (You should see the faces of everyone who sees video we have of Ali. They are absolutely astonished at how well and 'normal' a child with Down syndrome can be.) pray for our trip home. That Trey and I can continue to be healthy all the way home. Please, please pray for our E as we are gone. It's so hard to explain the feeling of having your heart ripped in two, separated worlds away. Pray for her health and that she will continue to receive good care in our absence. Lastly, please pray for the children and workers at the home. We are not sure how many children are housed here, but there are way more than there ever should be. The workers work hard and have a job I could never endure. Pray that they will love these kiddos. That they are blessed in all the hard work they endure. Thank you, friends, for all the love and support you have sent our way! 

Until E's home,