One Year Ago - Part 1

It was 1 year ago today that Pat, Seth, Zachary boarded a plane and the Nashville Airport and headed to China.  We left a family of four with anticipation and excitement.  What would the trip hold for us, what would Jadyn be like, would she like us, were just a few of the questions that were rolling around in our heads.

What an exciting time it was for us.  So, over the next few days, I will give you a "One Year Ago" update of where we were and what we were doing.  

They Say It's Your Birthday...

On Saturday, we loaded up and headed east to Knoxville for a Big Birthday Bash for our family members that have/will celebrate birthdays in April.

We left a little early and stopped by the Brockelman's house and visited with their family for a while.  Their daughter, Tia, is from the same orphanage as Jadyn and we  traveled together to pick up our daughters at the same time.  Jeff is actually Manda and Jeremy's worship pastor, small world huh?

Here is Jadyn and Tia with their "cheese" grins.

After a wonderful visit, we headed over to the Norris' house for our celebration. What fun we had. It is so rare that our family gets together, so I think everyone had a great time. I know I did. Here are some pictures from the day. We really should do this more often, I kind of like these people, why not spend more time together? It was great to see Stacy and Ben (my niece that lives in Asheville), they made the trek over on Saturday morning also. Also in attendance was my Aunt Nola and her husband, Walt. She is my Mom's only sister and looks so much like her. She is our only remaining Aunt. It was great to see her too. I've got some really great family.

They are all excited about our upcoming adoption and celebrating the homecoming of our little African Angel. Thanks Jeremy, Manda and Will for opening your home and making it such a special day. We love you guys very much and appreciate all that you did to make it such a fun, special day!

I've thought a lot about the day, my family, the closeness, missing Seth and wishing he was there, our daughter in Ethiopia and many other things. It was just a really good day. Thanks everyone for making it special.

The Hood's

K K K K Kathmandu

Well, the time has come for Seth, what he has been waiting for for 12 weeks.  He has now arrive in Kathmandu, Nepal.  

Yes, as Pat said, it makes me a little nervous, but I know God is in control.  Seth was so excited on Sunday when we talked with him on several occasions.  He could not wait to get there.  I asked him if he was nervous, he said no.  He repeatedly said that he was very excited.

The unrest in Nepal has settled to some degree, for that I am grateful.  I know God is holding this child in the palm of His hand and that Seth is exactly where he is supposed to be.  The next 6 weeks will not be easy for him.  It's definitely not a vacation.  He has been told that at times, they were not sure where they would be sleeping or where they will be eating.  I'd just like to get some sleep. :)  But, Seth is in his element, and Lord knows, he will eat anything.

Seth, I am so very proud of you and for what you are becoming.  You are an example to us all.  I love you son and I pray for you every day.  He will not have computer access very often (if any), so I will post on my blog and on his information as it is available.  Thank you all for praying for him while he has been gone and I asked that you continue to do so.

Happy Birthday Zac!

On the night of 4/17/1993 we found ourselves on our way to the hospital in Dallas, TX.  We were living in Greenville at the time.  After taking a couple Tylenol for a "backache", things suddenly began to progress very quickly.  That was just not possible, as I was not scheduled for my C-section for another 9 days.  But, nonetheless, it was possible and after getting everything ready, getting into a car that was sitting on empty, stopping to get gas, going back home for Pat to change clothes because he got gas on his jeans, and then finally headed out for our 30 minute drive to Dallas, the fun was about to begin.

We arrived at the hospital about 10:30 p.m. just in time for an epidural.  My Dr. was waiting at the desk wondering what was taking us so long.  Soon after midnight, Zachary Christian Hood made his way into this world, doing things his own way.  Nothing much has changed. :)  He is his Father's son, a clone of Pat Hood.  They are so much alike it's scary.  What a joy he is to our lives and to the people he is around.  Zac is a special young man and we can't wait to see what God has planned for his life.

Zac, we love you very much and we are so very proud of you.  We are so very thankful that God has blessed us with the gift of you.  Happy 15th birthday!  We love you very much!

Dad, Mom, Seth and Jadyn

Yes, It's True!

My friend Terri is not cutting me any slack! It seems as though she has left a comment on Pat's blog that I am the only one that has not made the announcement of our exciting news on my blog! Boy, I've got some tough friends! :)

Yes, it's true.

Pat made the big announcement to the church on Sunday - the Hood's are yet again adding to their chaos. We have begun the paperwork to bring home our little girl that God has chosen for us in Ethiopia. But for now, she is residing in our hearts. Adoption is a tough journey. It is a journey of ups and downs. It, at times, can be gut wrenching. But, I will have to say that I would not change one thing about my life. Adoption is one of the sweetest things that I have ever experienced. One of the things you hear when couples are talking about beginning the adoption process is they don't know if they can love an adopted child like they love their own. It's a common question that you ask yourself. In trying to put it into words, I can only say it this way. We love our boys (Seth and Zac) with all our hearts. We've loved them since we found out that we were expecting. But loving Jadyn is just different. When you experience this kind of love, loving a child that is not yours biologically, it is a sweet love. The only way that I know to describe it is a supernatural love. It's a God placed love and one that I pray many, many more people can experience.

Why Ethiopia? I can simply say - because that is where our daughter is. The need is so great. It breaks my heart to think of all the children that are in need of loving homes and we are here in our contentment, living the good life. Is it easy? No. Is it cheap? No. Do I have the energy that I once had? No. But the last time I checked, God doesn't call us to do things that are easy. And of course, in full Hood fashion, there is a story behind this adoption - just like Jadyn's. God has again shown Himself and we simply put our trust in Him.

Pat asked me if I was ready for all the questions. Are you crazy? What are you thinking? But let me just be honest, I'm over what people think. People thought we were crazy when we began the adoption process 3 years ago. Now, we just confirmed it with them. :) But, I'd much rather be crazy and in the center of God's will, than outside of it. To say that we are THRILLED is an understatement. We have chosen our agency, filed our immigration paperwork, filled out multiple forms, etc. The fun is just now beginning. Pray for us (me) as I wade through the mounds of paperwork.

So, if you are up for the challenge and you want to begin yet another journey with the Hood's, buckle your seat belt, it could very well be a wild ride. You know how we are. We are honored that you check in on us and thanks Terri for getting my behind in gear. It' 2:45 a.m. anyway, what else do I have to do?

There is much more to come and I plan to get a new blog going that will be dedicated to this adoption. But, of course, it has to be just right. We love you all and would appreciate your prayers for this process, our family, and especially a little girl that God has predestined to be a Hood.

Stay tuned...

Amy

Coming soon: A little doll named Lydia and the place she holds in my heart!

This Is What Two Looks Like!

This is what two looks like when she gets up in the morning!

This ...

...and this is what 2 looks like while she is playing at church.

This is what two looks like in her "birthday shirt"!

This is what your "loot" looks like when you are 2.

This is what two looks like when she blows out her candle, over and over and over!


This is what two looks like feeding her new baby doll.

This is what two looks like when she is tired of having her picture made.

This is two getting ready for bed with her "cheese" grin.

Sweet dreams two, you make my heart smile.

My sweet, sweet baby girl. I love you so very much and I can't believe that you are two already. What changes you have made since you were first placed in my arms. You have come so far. I can't wait to see what is yet to come. I thank God for you every day. You have brought us more joy that we could ever imagine. You are the light of our lives.

I pray so many things for you, my child. I love you with all my heart.

Mommy

Sweet Peace for a Mother...

Somewhere in China, a woman that I have never known is thinking of a beautiful baby girl that she gave birth to two years ago today.  I know nothing of her, except that she is beautiful and that she loved her daughter.  I know that she is beautiful by simply looking into the face of her beautiful daughter.  She loved this baby girl that she had just carried 9 months and given birth to so very much.  How do I know, because she chose to give this baby girl a life.  Did she place her baby girl at the gate of the Fuling SWI herself, or was it to painful so she allowed someone else to lovingly place her there?   My heart breaks for her today, as I am sure that it will for the many April 13's to come.  What is she feeling today?  What is she thinking?  Is she able to concentrate?  My prayer for her today, as well as most days, is that she has the peace that only a loving God can give her.  I pray that she knows in her spirit that her beautiful baby girl is exactly where God meant for her to be.  That she is loved, adored, and cared for.  That she is the light of our lives and has brought us more joy than we could ever describe.  I pray that when she places her head down on her pillow tonight, that Jadyn's China Mommy will rest, that somehow her load will be lightened, and that when she whispers the name that she gave her that we will never know, that she will know that she is loved.  Thank you, my dear woman, for choosing life for your daughter, my daughter...I pray that you know the gratitude that I have in my heart for you.  Praying for you sweet peace. 

Happy Birthday to our Addie Mei!

Today is a very special day. Jadyn's best buddy is 3. I've spoken of their antics before. What fun it is to have a friend to share things with.

Happy Birthday Addie Mei, we love you very much!

Sleepless in Smyrna

You Know You're An Adoptive Parent When . . .
1. The fact that there are 143 million children without a parent to kiss them goodnight has made you lose sleep.
2. You realize DNA has nothing to do with love and family.
3. You can't watch Adoption Stories on TLC without sobbing.
4. The fact that, if 7% of Christians adopted 1 child there would be no orphans in the world, is convicting to you.
5. You spend free time surfing blogs about families who have experienced the blessing of adoption.
6. It drives you crazy when people ask you about adopted child's 'real' parents.
7. You have ever been 'pregnant' with your adoptive child longer than it takes an elephant to give birth. (2 years!)
8. You had no idea how you would afford to adopt but stepped out in faith anyway, knowing where God calls you He will provide.
9. You have ever taken an airplane ride half-way around the world with a child you just met.
10. You believe God's heart is for adoption.
11. You realize that welcoming a child into your heart and family is one of the most important legacies you could ever leave on this earth.
12. You know what the word 'Dossier' means, and you can actually pronounce it!
13. You have welcomed a social worker into the most private parts of your life.
14. You shudder when people say your child is so lucky that you adopted them, knowing full well you are the blessed one to have him or her in your life.

-Author unknown

I found this on another website and perhaps this is why it is 4:06 a.m. and I have only slept about an hour and a half. Okay, God, let me in on it. I know it's You keeping me awake and I have prayed for the orphans of this world throughout the night, what next? As you can see, I already have my photo post done for the day also. And that was hours ago!

A

Picture of the Week

When we talk to Seth on Skype, which is very often, Jadyn loves to talk to him. Many times, she wants to sit on the computer desk, right up next to the monitor. She shares her "tag" with him, gives him a drink of her milk or juice, and all those fun things. I love to watch her as she talks to him. She also gives him lots of sugar. Seth, I hope you can feel the love from across the world!

Thelma and Louise

A few Fridays ago, Pat, Jadyn, Leslie, Addie and I loaded up and headed to Franklin for Asian Invasion playgroup.  Needless to say, a good time was had by all.  When we walked in the door, Jadyn hit the ground running, and didn't stop the whole time we were there.  These are the funniest pictures from the day and what I think was probably being said.

"Are you sure we should be driving like this Thelma? I mean in broad daylight and everything." said Louise



"Oh great Louise! Now something is wrong with the jeep, I'm calling my Daddy!" shouted Thelma



"No, you're not calling your Daddy or AAA, I can fix it!" Louise said sarcastically,
" Hmmmm, now let me see here, oh yeah, there is the problem..." she said.

"Thelma, if you are going to talk on that cell phone, I'm putting my seat belt on, a girl can never be too careful these days" said Louise,

"Yeah" replied Thelma, "I'm really not sure where I learned to talk on the cell phone while I drive, my Mom NEVER talks on the cell phone while she is driving, I guess I'm just into living dangerously!"

"Buckle up, Louise" said Thelma.

"Let's roll!" shouted Louise, "and watch out for that cliff!"

Don't Mean To Be a Wet Blanket...

The other morning, Jadyn was in the bathroom doing her "soak".  We do alot of soaking with her eczema.  She wanted her juice, which was in the kitchen on the counter.  Pat was in the closet, just off the bathroom, ironing a shirt.  So, I told him I was going to the kitchen to get her juice and quickly returned to find the following...


Yes, that's right, Jadyn is very attached to her blanket tag and she apparently thought she needed a little "tag" while she was in the bathtub.

The "tag"!

So, I asked her, "Jadyn, will you give Mommy some tag?"

"Yes", she replied, and then attempted to lift the tag up to my nose, just like she does when she gets herself some tag.

I could see the wheels turning in her mind. "What in the world happened to this blanket?"

"It weighs like 872 pounds!" she thought.

"If you want tag, you're going to have to get it yourself, I can't lift it!"



Moral of the story: Blankets are much to heavy to play with in the bathtub, my Elmo from Aunt Patsy will have to do!

Love,
Jadyn

FPF - Fun Girl

Pat stole my pictures and put them on his blog, but it's still my favorite pic for the week! Oh what fun we have!

Happy Easter

So, yes, I realize that it is Tuesday already and I have not yet posted any pictures of Jadyn on Easter. She was a little under the weather, but over the top with cuteness!! She was by far, the prettiest Chinese princess that we have ever seen.

She started her morning at 6:00 a.m. with a fever, so we knew that it was not going to be a good thing. She felt pretty good off and on, but most of the day she was just sort of blah. But, thankfully, we think we have isolated the culprit and it seems that there is a terrible molar peeking through that gum. Looks like tooth #17 is on it's way through!

Meanwhile, enjoy the pics.

Yes, she is STANDING on her changing table. Why? Because she wanted to, of course!

Chilly Easter afternoon!

Sweet girl!

And yes, in case you are wondering, I did make her dress!

Thanks for reading!

Amy and the Princess

10 Months and Changing

My dearest Jadyn,

Today, we celebrate your 10 month Gotcha Day anniversary.  Where has the time gone?  

I start this post every time thinking how I cannot believe that it's been as long as it has since you were placed in our arms and this one is certainly no different.  It just seems as time is passing so quickly.  Someone once said that time flies when you are having fun and we are certainly having a blast.  I wish someone would have told me just how much fun it would be the "second time around" but I am not sure that they could have adequately described it.  

Bringing you into our lives 10 months ago today, has by far, been one of God's greatest works ever.  In my book, I would put it up there with creating the sun, moon and stars!  What a fabulous work He has done.  He took a little girl from China and created her perfectly for our hearts and for our home.  What a fit you are!  You are so much like us, which is really funny to us all.  Oh my goodness Jadyn,  you are just like your Daddy.  You have that strong will, the will of a survivor I would say, and that drive and determination that sets your apart from most.  I know we will stand amazed at what God is going to do in your life.

You have brought us immeasurable joy and our my days are spent with washing sippy cups, changing diapers, and stepping over plastic food from your kitchen set all over the house.  Man, who knew plastic cauliflower could hurt like that on bare feet!  You know what's sweet? We wouldn't have it any other way.  When you have a child later in your life, it's just an amazing gift from God.  

It's been 10 months today, sweet girl, and you have come so far.  You are the light of our lives and a true joy to our home.  Your laughter and your sparkling eyes bring such joy to us.  We are so grateful to our heavenly Father for the work He has done.  It's something so supernatural, we would have never been able to accomplish something so great on our own.  We look can't wait to see what the future hold, but could you just slow down and not grow and change so fast? Our baby girl is quickly going away, being replaced by our little girl.  Everything is happening so fast.  Thank you, sweet Jadyn, for bringing us such joy, and thank you God, for bringing us such a joy!

You make my heart smile...

I love you,

Momma

Sewing Business Name!

Congratulations, Kelly Stewart, your name won!!  Kelly's name idea was Red Thread Creations.  I have some good news and bad news.

First, the good news!   I mentioned that I might give a prize and I had planned on giving the winner a "free monogram or embroidered name" on anything that I make or that they might already have.  Oddly enough, Kelly emailed me and asked me to do a shirt for Bradley's birthday.  So, Kelly didn't know it, but she gets to collect on her prize right away.  I made the cutest shirt for Bradley for his second birthday and Kelly's monograming was FREE!  

Now, the bad news. :(  I can't use Red Thread Creations, it's already taken, along with most everything else under the sun.  I am trying to find a domain name, business name, etc. all at one time and that's tough.  The name Red Thread Creations.com is available, but the business name is not.  Redthreadsdesigns is not available as a domain name.  I'm having trouble getting the two to match.

My original idea was "Love Threads".  Of course, the .com version of that is taken, so I'm thinking "Love Threads" Designs/Creations or whatever else you can come up with.  What do you think?  I really did take all your suggestions to heart and really do care about what you think, I promise :)

So, what about it?

Love Threads

"Unique Clothing for Groovy Kids"

So now your task is to build upon that.  

Love Threads ... what?

Give me your slogan suggestions too!

Amy

It's Official! I'm in Business!!!!

Well, I have some exciting news.  I have purchased a new sewing machine and a new embroidery machine!  WOO HOO!  I am so excited, SO, I am officially in the sewing business.  I am working on Jadyn's easter dress and lots of fun creations for babies, jumpers for girls, and fun fun stuff!  Stay tuned for more information.  I am working on a website to pedal my wares and I am really anxious to get some orders and get going.  I've got a goal in mind with my sewing, but more information on that later!!!

I'm working on a name for my business.  Any suggestions?  I'm looking for a creative name.

Cheese! - FPF

Valentines Day 2008

This is what you get when you teach them to say cheese when you take their picture.  Every picture from now on will have that "cheesy" grin.

Friday Photo

My friend Alison took this sweet picture of Jadyn at Miss Norah's adoption party.  Jadyn looks so big in her pigtails!  She is getting to be such a big girl.  Thanks Alison and we love you Norah! (And Brad and Alison too!)

Sacred Gathering

As most of you probably know, our church has just come out of a church wide fast.  We began the fast after lunch on Sunday and concluded it on Tuesday night after our prayer service.  I cannot even begin to explain what has taken place in my life during these 3 days.  What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer.

As we gathered together at night, the praises of His people caused me to just to quiet myself and just listen.  The sounds of the voices in the rafters of the sanctuary were overwhelming, oh what a sweet, sweet sound.  How God must have smiled at the sweet sound of His people, gathering together, lifting their voice and praising His name.  It is a feeling that I will not soon forget.  As I stood in the balcony on Tuesday night, on the very top row (Jadyn was over church) and just observed and listened.  The unity astounded me.  Everywhere I looked, people were on their feet, in honest and sincere worship.  They were uninhibited by their surroundings, the people around them or the busyness of their day.  It was a beautiful thing.

God revealed so much to me during that time and confirmed a calling in me that I knew in my heart was there, but perhaps did not want to admit it.  He worked in such a way that I felt a peace and my heart overflowed, all at the same time.  I had a hunger for God, in the purest form.  For this, I will ever be grateful.  How blessed we are to have a church that seeks the face of God.  I am VERY thankful that God allows us to serve Him by serving His people at FBC.  It is truly a privilege.  I am also thankful that He has called me to be a part of such a sweet, sweet fellowship.  Oh, we are not perfect, but we serve a perfect God.  And the unity in that place is something that you don't see in most churches today.  

Amy