Saturday, February 26, 2011

And the Name Is

OK, you've probably seen already in the sidebar and above Gentle 6 will be officially named
William JiaLe Gentle
  • Rob's reaction, "I never suggested it."
  • Charlie's reaction, "Will!  How will I ever remember Will?  It is too hard!"
  • Jack had no reaction.  He's still oblivious to the idea of another brother.  Yesterday, we were working on the idea of categorizing people: brothers, cousins, friends, etc.  Jack was adamant that he is the sister of the family.
So where and why did we pick Will?  Before I do, I'd like to share a little about Mike's and my creativity level.
  • Rob's full name came from his two grandfathers' first names.
  • Charlie's full name came from reversing his dad's full name.
  • Jack...Well we were out of family names, and we both liked the name.  It wasn't a sure thing though.  His Chinese name meant lucky omen.  There are few American names that mean lucky omen.  I substituted gift from God for lucky omen found John, Johnathan, and Jack.  That seemed to seal the deal.  Jack it would be.
  • So why Will?  Jia Le means happy family.  I didn't really see any American names that meant the same thing.  We resorted to reviewing the Social Security Administration list of popular names. Mike suggested Will along with two others.  I too liked Will.  So after going public with the name, I felt bad.  The other boys have a story to go with their names.  This kid's name just seemed right.  Thinking it over, maybe there is a bigger story and here's my first attempt at documenting its significance for me.
Wikipedia has this to say about the meaning and origins of William
Germanic origin: wil = "will or desire"; helm; Old English "helm", "helmet, protection"

When I tell of our plans for adopting again, whether it is really what people are thinking or not, I envision them thinking we are nuts.  Adoption is hard.  The last year has not been our easiest year.  I do understand that in many ways life is going to get harder and possibly uglier.  Whether they really walk away asking or not, I always imagine people asking themselves why would we do this again?

If I were to describe my own idea of my life's journey, I feel like a mouse in a maze.  God see's the path, but I only see walls and turns.  I don't know the way to go or always where God wants me to go.  With my Catholic roots and my own lack of creativity, I am thankful Jesus left us instructions on how and what to pray.  My only issue is with being so tied up as a mom, I usually only make it this far in The Lord's Prayer, "Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.  Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."  I absolutely love those words, "thy will be done."  I never feel guilty about not finishing the prayer, because I always figure this covers it.  It is the power that fuels everything.  It tells us which way to go.  It makes the turns in my little mouse maze.  It has taken Mike's and my journey of parenthood from the kiddies' car ride at the amusement park to the amazingly thrilling Ninja at Six Flags.  God's will has taken Mike's and my level of peace with our decisions from raging rivers to the peaceful little stream in the gutter that constantly runs in front of our driveway.  And God's will has elevated our happiness in life to levels I didn't know possible. 

So how amazing is it that every time I call out Will's name, I'll be reminded of His will and the protection and blessings it gives in my life and my child's?  What a glorious name!

Friday, February 25, 2011

This Is the Day

This is the day, you turn 2!


Next year, your three brothers will help you blow out your candles.


Your family and friends will sing to you.


But, today, you are the gift.

Your mom and dad quietly rejoice in just how wonderful and precious you are.

We cannot wait to welcome you home and say, "Happy birthday!"

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Time for Change

I snapped this photo of Jack, just the other day.
I really like it, except for the candy cane above Jack's head.
I REALLY need to switch out the kids' artwork.

Friday, February 18, 2011

Grey Day

 No blue skies. But 64 degrees in the middle of February.  We'll all take that!

Monday, February 14, 2011

Friday, February 11, 2011

Names

Charlie's been working on a list of names for his new little sibling. 
Here's his list thus far:
Sunny Boy
Wowzer
Junior
Jack
Fork
Cup
Broccoli
Ham Sandwiches

The Key to Jack's Heart


Cars!

Sunday, February 6, 2011

P is for...

pre-school, pajamas, pancakes, and pals!

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Paperwork Delayed Again

The adoption wait has gone from feeling months away to seeming years.  Just last week, there was still a slight glimmer of hope that we could reuse Jack’s paperwork and possibly complete the process still within 2011.  Once again, there are new delays and postponements.  Due to a state mistake with our license papers and new training requirements, we probably won’t be ready to submit our dossier to China until the middle of summer at the earliest.  These new delays were a pretty heartbreaking blow.  Then I looked at Jack.  I know God has a really special little one waiting to join our family.  If it takes additional years to orchestrate bringing him or her home, then so be it.

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

We've Got Snow!

Yes, we do!  We've got snow, how 'bout you!


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