Airport Encounter

One of the greatest blessings during my infertility to adoption journey has been meeting other women who are traveling along this same path. Talking to them has brought me great comfort at times when even my husband couldn't understand what I was feeling.

Today at the airport we ran into a couple whom we have known for a few years now. After eight years of waiting, they adopted a little girl a few years ago. (It's funny that we both lived in Houston and yet we see each other most often in the Salt Lake Airport.) I remember when they first got their little girl how I noticed that Sylvia's face completely changed. It became softer and there was a peace about her that wasn't there before.

Today when we saw them, they had added a new baby boy to their family. I didn't even recognize Sylvia at first. She was so beautiful. Not that she wasn't always an attractive woman - she was, but now she just glows with an inner beauty and peace that radiates from her. I can't help but wonder if I've changed at all since becoming Baylie's mom. One thing I do know is that the little hard knot of pain that I used to have in the pit of my chest is no longer there. I can't really even remember what it felt like. Adoption is truly a miracle of love and healing. I'm so grateful to see other families that have also been blessed by this great gift.

P.S. We were dropping David off to go to California for two weeks. I'll miss him so much. I couldn't help but think of men and women that send their spouses overseas to dangerous circumstances to serve in the military. I am awed by them and their sacrifice.

Sania's Coming!

I'm so excited to learn that a sweet friend from Houston is moving to Salt Lake. Sania is one of the kindest people I have ever met. I hope the good people of Utah will make her and her husband feel welcome. I want to share a poem I wrote about Sania a little over a year ago.

Sania’s Scarf

My friend, Sania, used to wear a scarf.

It was a sign of modesty, humility
and obedience to God.

But after September 11, 2001,
the world changed.
and her scarf came off.

I wonder - would I have known her
had she kept the scarf?
Or would it have served
as a silk-iron shield between us?

Before Sania,
I thought women in scarves
were opressed, subdued.
Now I know the scarf is worn
with honor and by choice.

My friend, Sania,
used to wear a scarf.
I’m glad she took it off.
She removed the veil
from my eyes
and now I see more clearly.

Bayles Family Campout

Almost Legal

I think that usually when you hear about a "court date," it's not a good thing, but for us - it's the best thing ever. We got a phone call yesterday confirming our court date of September 23. That's the day Baylie will be 100% legally ours. We can't wait!! I think I will breathe a big sigh of relief once it's all signed and finalized. I can't help but be afraid that one of her birth parents is going to change their mind, but that's very unlikely.

Baylie gets cuter and cuter everyday. She interacts more and more and there's no doubt she knows we're her mommy and daddy. It's so fun to watch how her face lights up when she sees us. And we can't help but smile when we look at her. I can't go anywhere without people stopping to look at her and remark on how adorable she is. It's amazing that of all the children we could have adopted, we ended up with such a perfect baby. We love her so much and I'm so grateful to be her mom.

Easy to Please

Baylie is at a stage where she is so easy to please. She wakes up smiling and happy. I love it when she smiles so hard it shivers her entire body. It's like the joy can't be contained and it just bursts out of every inch of her. It's usually accompanied by a little gurgle. She also sticks her tongue out when she smiles wide which is adorable.

She talks a lot now and has so much personality. She doesn't like to lay down, but wants to sit up and take in the world around her. It's so fun to watch her discover things.

I can't help but look at her and wonder what it will be like when she's a teenager. I wish that I could always just tickle her and smile at her and get that burst of joy in return. I'll just enjoy it as long as it lasts!