Photo of the Week

Sorry, I'm a little late on getting my pic of the week up and running. Here is one of my favorites.


How handsome is he? He is finishing his freshman year, just got his learner's permit (AAHH!), and is a blessing to us all. He's a fun-loving, always good for a laugh, and REALLY, REALLY cute 15 year old. If I do say so myself.

My brother took this picture while we were having our big birthday bash in Knoxville. Thanks Vern!

Amy

One Year Ago - Part 3

Today was the day that Fu Bao Jun became Jadyn Grace BaoJun Hood. We gathered in the Civil Affairs office and had our first family picture made, signed the papers, stamped our thumbprints in red ink and ta da, she was ours, FOREVER!

Gotcha Day Letter

My dearest Jadyn,

When I was a little girl, my Daddy took me to a local bicycle shop and bought me a brand new Schwinn bicycle.  I'll always remember that bicycle.  It had training wheels and my goal was to learn to ride that bicycle.  Day after day, Daddy would spend time teaching me how to ride that bicycle, time after time, I would try to ride it and he would come along behind me and hold the back of the seat.  There were two words that I can still hear him say to me that helped me to know that I was safe.  "I've gotcha" was all I needed to hear to give me a sense of safety and comfort.  I knew that as long as Daddy had the back of the seat, I was not going to fall.  I was completely safe.  The day that you came into our lives is commonly know in the adoption world as "Gotcha Day".  There's lots of people that don't use this term for various reasons, but it speaks volumes about the greatness of that day.  We will always come along behind you and hold you up.  We will try our very best to not let you fall.  I want you to have the feeling of security and safety as I had when my Daddy spoke those words to me many years ago, I've gotcha.   Many years have gone by and a lot has changed.  Unfortunately, your will never meet your Grandaddy as he is in heaven, he would have loved you so.  But, one thing will always remain, Jadyn, I've gotcha, your safe now, and loved more than you can ever imagine, and you will never be alone.   I will protect you, be there for you, and help you not to fall.  

I cannot believe that it's been a whole year since that day in Fuling, China when your Dad, your  brothers and I gathered, along with our travel buddies, in that crowded conference room to get our first glimpse of you in the flesh.  We had stared at, prayed over, and shed many tears longing for the day when we would hold you in our arms.  Finally, that day came and it did not disappoint.  We were so taken by you.  Your sweet, round face and beautiful black eyes and hair just captured our heart.  You were such a scared little girl and our hearts broke knowing the fear you must have been experiencing.

Being able to visit the place where you had lived for the past 13 months and seeing first hand the other children and caregivers gave us a great deal of comfort.  It was evident that you were loved and cared for and that made us very happy.  Spending that time there had a profound impact on all of us.  We left there better people than when we arrived.  

Jadyn, I simply cannot put into words the joy that you have brought into our lives.  Your sweet smile, your silly laugh, and the sound of your voice still makes my  heart skip a beat.  You were placed in my arms on this day, one year ago, and that feeling of happiness and gratitude are just as strong today as they were a year ago.  You are truly a gift from God.  The name Jadyn is Hebrew for "God has heard" and He truly has.  He heard my prayers of 5 years and He was faithful.  He allowed you to be born to another family, but to be delivered into our family on May 13, 2007.  We are so very thankful that He did.

My prayer for you, sweet girl, is that you always love the Lord.  You are truly a blessing and we are so thankful for your life and for the country where you were born.  Someday, Jadyn, you will do great things.  God has a plan for your life and I am so very thankful that He allowed us to be a part of it.  Thank you for being our daughter.  Thank you for being such a joy and light in our lives.  You have brought excitement, love, laughter and life to our home that cannot be described by mere words.  Never in a million years did I think that I would look around my house again and wonder how it could get so messy, so fast.  It's filled with babies, blankets, plastic fruit, and dishes.  Thank you for the constant source of joy that you are to us.  I love you, sweet one, with all my heart.  I pray that you will always know how much you are loved.

You make my heart smile.

I love you,

Mommy

May 13, 2007 and May 13, 2008

Happy Gotcha Day

To put into words my feelings and emotions today would fill up the blogging world.  Right now, my heart is so full.  What a year.  It was one year ago today, May 13, 2007, that a scared, quiet little girl was placed in my arms in a crowded room in Fuling, China.  I remember every detail of that day, my thoughts, my emotions and the anticipation of waiting in that room to see just a glimpse of the daughter that God had for us since the beginning of time.  We gathered there and watched each family receive their child until we go to our turn and our focus turned completely toward our precious gift.  What a joy to share that very special day with Seth and Zachary, it has forever changed their lives too.  Below are pictures from that day, forever known as "Gotcha Day" in our home.  It is a day of great celebration, maybe even more so than a birthday.  It's the day we celebrate Fu Bao Jun and her entrance into our world.  As I reflect on these pictures, my heart is filled with great gratitude to China, oh what a day it was.

One Year Ago -Part 2

One year ago today, we were preparing to leave Beijing, China and be on our way to Chongqing.  We had spent the last 3 days touring, sightseeing and getting adjusted to the time change.  We had a wonderful time in Beijing, getting to know our travel mates, loving the country of China and seeing it's beautiful sights.

What a time of great anticipation.  I remember not getting any sleep the night before, imagine that, me not sleeping.  The excitement of the long awaited "Gotcha Day" was looming on the horizon.  We were ready to leave Beijing and get on with the reason that we were there.  It was a wonderful time for our family of four as we were preparing to be a family of 5.   Tomorrow, May 13, is a very special day for my family.  We had no idea what was in store for us and our minds raced with questions like "what would she be like?" and "will she like us?" and on and on.  Tomorrow, May 13, 2008 will be a very special day for us as we celebrate the day that we were united with our baby girl.  Be sure and look for tomorrows post, it will include a recount of the day complete with pictures.

Swinging is Very Hard Work!

Yeah, yeah, yeah, I know, I'm behind on blogging.  I guess you were thinking that I had fallen off the earth.  I am up to my eyeballs in paperwork, fingerprinting, refingerprinting (AAAHHH!) and all the fun that goes along with that.

But, on to the issue at hand.  

The picture of the week, no explanation necessary!

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!