Perseverance

Someone mentioned the other day how they didn’t know how I could continue with our plans to adopt after all the heartache we’ve experienced.  I told them I just put one foot in front of the other, day after day.  I started looking up quotes about perseverance, and think this one nails it:

“Perseverance is the hard work you do after you get tired of doing the hard work you already did” - Newt Gingrich.   I’m not a big Newt fan, but he did get this right!  I asked myself how many times I could fill out the same piece of paper, over and over again, each time with a different little girl’s name.  Turns out…I can fill those forms out pretty fast and efficient, and as many times as it takes to get what I want.  And I want a baby.  And I’ve filled out A LOT of paperwork since 2006 when we started this journey.  And it’s about time that I share with you…I’m getting what I want and what I’ve been praying for…a baby!!!!!

John and I had discussed waiting until we were on a plane to China before sharing our little love bug with everyone, but my heart is all aflutter and we are probably only a few weeks away from receiving our travel dates.  So, without further ado…

Let me introduce you to…Riley Faith Gregg. 

 

Riley turned one in August.  She has cleft lip and cleft palate, but otherwise seems to be a healthy, alert, sweet, giggly little girl.  I’ve already made contact with the Las Vegas area Craniofacial Team (plastic surgeon, dentist, orthodontist, ENT, speech therapist) and they are excited to meet Miss Riley and get started on her care.  We purposely requested she not receive surgery in China, so she could have her family with her for the surgeries and care afterward.  I knew Riley would fit in perfectly with us when I noticed she could take her tongue, turn it sideways, and stick it up her nose.  That is TALENT people! 

I can stand with a little help from my Auntie.

Can you see my little tooth?

 

I have been working on a lot of projects in the house to prepare to bring our little bundle home.  Sam’s room was converted into a playroom for the girls.  Maddie and Riley will be sharing a bedroom, because I’m pretty sure Riley will be camping out in our room for a while. 
This brings me to more BIG news.  Codi is moving out.  He has been accepted in the Nevada Job Corps and leaves for Reno on September 30^th.  He is super excited about this huge transition in his life and we only want what is best for him.  Hopefully he will find what he is looking for up North.  This also means another room for mom to commandeer!  Codi’s room will become the guest room/craft room.  John thinks he needs a “man cave” but he already has huge TVs in the living room and bedroom – what more could he need? HA!

Now that the kitty cat is out of the bag, I guess I will need to update this blog more.  All I can say is, Thank God for Small Favors!  Have a great day!

Marlo

That's Riley on the right with one of her friends.