Welcome

Well, I guess it is about time that I set up a blog about our precious family. Tom and I have been so blessed by God for giving us our gorgeous children, Samuel and Nora. We never thought that we would have a family at all. We tried for so many years to have children .... went through the fertility process including a devastating miscarriage... that we never thought it would be possible. We had talked about adopting in the past years, but decided that it was too expensive. So we gave up on the thought of ever having children ---- However, God thought differently.

Tom and I went on vacation to the Great Smokey Mountains. We had a great time. It was our first REAL vacation .... we never took a Honeymoon (I guess we did if you count staying in New Orleans for a couple of days) and the other times that we traveled it was to see family. So after being married for 11 years, we decided that it was time for a vacation. (We actually had money since we decided to stop fertility treatments.) It was at the Smokey Mountains that God revealed to Tom and I that He had other plans for us. Tom and I both had the dreams the same night about adopting a baby boy from Russia. We were AMAZED.

After our vacation, I started the long process of researching foreign adoptions. After much research and investigation, Tom and I decided that if it was God's will, then He will provide the finances. Tom was able to work overtime at his job and I received a nice raise at my job as a Paralegal. We were so blessed by this --- we were able to save all of my salary each month plus the overtime that Tom made. To our amazement, in less than a year, God provided the cost of the adoption PLUS all of our living expenses in Russia.

We submitted our Dossier (all of the paperwork needed in Russia) and in less than 6 weeks we traveled to Russia. I was so nervous and excited at the same time. Our translator brought us into this small little room at the orphanage in Konakova, Tver (Russia). They made us wait for a few minutes while they went to go get our baby (Andrey is his Russian name) and when the door opened, he looked right at me with this great big smile on his face. My heart fell to the floor.

We were able to spend about three hours with him. Tom and I absolutely fell in love with Andrey (Samuel). It was hard to leave him at the orphanage, but we had to fill out paperwork at the courthouse in Tver. It was there that we met with the Judge and she asked us a few questions. She told us to be back in 2 weeks for our court date. Tom and I were so excited that we did not have to wait long for our court date.

We arrived back to Baton Rouge a few days later and I could not get over my jet lag. I didn't know what was wrong with me. A few days later, I decided to AMUSE myself and take a pregnancy test.... TO MY TOTAL AMAZEMENT IT WAS POSITIVE!!!!! I thought I was reading it wrong. So, I took another test..... it came out positive again...... I was in SHOCK!!!! (I think Tom passed out..... ) The following day, I called my Gynecologist and told his nurse that I think I might be pregnant. She got me in that same day and I was examined.... I was six weeks pregnant. (I WAS STILL IN SHOCK. ..... I AM GOING TO HAVE 2 CHILDREN 15 MONTHS APART......) I praised God and thanked Him for Blessing Tom and I.

My physician did not want me to travel due to my history of miscarriage. I told him that I was going and that God would take care of me and the baby. He advised me to find the nearest American Hospital in case I miscarried while I was over there. God took care of me and the pregnancy. I did not have any problems whatsoever.

GOD IS AN AWESOME GOD!!!!! He continues to amaze me everyday through these precious little children of His. Tom and I feel so blessed that He has entrusted us with these two little lives.... to mold and make them into HIS DIVINE DESIGN.

Well, I have told you a little about why I call the blog... God's Miraculous Gifts.... (our Children).

Please enjoy the photos and please feel free to comment. I will try to post new photos once a week, so check back often.

Tom and I love each and everyone of you. Thank you for being a part of our lives.

In His Love,