One Year Ago

One year ago today I headed to downtown Orlando to be induced with my fourth child (and my fourth induction, if anyone is counting).

Nine hours later they handed my my precious baby girl...

And so, so, SO much has happened since then:

• We became a family of six and learned what that entails
• We found out we would be leaving Florida but didn't know where
• After two months and many options and LOTS of prayer we learned we would be moving to Indonesia
• We spent a month visiting family and friends before moving
• Caleb was finally potty trained (with not one accident to his name -- we always knew HE would have to decide it was time and then it would be done)
• We started suspecting that Sensory Integration Disorder was behind some of Caleb's issues
• We moved our family of six to a new house in a new country
• Jason started a new job
• I was done working
• Alaina started Kindergarten and Caleb started preschool.  We went from having all six of us home every day to just me and the two little ones.
• I started language school
• Caleb started therapy and has been THRIVING
• God tested us in some big faith/trust issues
• He proved His faithfulness
• I stopped selling templates and started my own website
• We've made some wonderful friends...something we haven't been able to do for many years
• I've grown in my photography journey (with a long way to go)
• I've found ministry opportunities in what seem like the least likely places
• Alaina started reading and Caleb learned to color (for someone with little fine motor control, this is BIG!)
• The kids can count in Indonesian and know quite a few words. 

And in the meantime, Katelynn has grown from a tiny baby into a one year old.  She can crawl, stand, cruise, almost walk, say "UP" "Mama" and "yea" and probably some gobbled Indonesian that I don't understand.  Her siblings adore her and I get the idea that the sentiments are mutual.

When you have your first child, their first year is really all about them.  As you have more, their first year not only brings changes in them, but also changes in everyone else.  Katie's first year has brought so much.  Hard times.  Good times.  Here we are, one year later, in a place we never could have guessed a year ago and so much happier and more fulfilled than we ever could have dreamed.  When you walk by faith, trusting in the goodness and character of God rather than what you (or others) see in the outside world, the ride is thrilling.  It isn't always easy but it is always what is best.  I am glad we were willing to trust when we couldn't see, walk when we didn't think we had the strength, and reach out when we needed help.  He has been faithful.

Happy Birthday Miss Katelynn.  Your first year has enriched us in so many ways.  I know that you were part of God's plan for our family at this time in our lives.  May His blessing be upon you and the rest of our family in the coming year.

Enjoy the cake!

___

I'll be back with pictures in the next few days.  Today we celebrate and then tonight after the kids are in bed, I head to Manila (the Philippines) for five days of a much needed refreshment and renewal time.  i will miss the family so much I probably won't be able to breath, but I am looking forward to trying to make sense of some things going on in my heart and mind. 

Comments

[Suzanne Blair]

That is exciting that you are heading to Manila- my family spent 6 years there as I was growing up and I have such fond memories. Be sure to share lots of photos!

[anneberit]

Awww, congratulations!! Hope the cake was good :D

[MandaKay]

Happy Birthday Kaitlyn! Wow - doesn't a year go fast?! Have a wonderful time in Manila - what made you choose where to go to refresh?

[Vanessa]

Happy Birthday to Kaitlyn! Cooper celebrated one year on Saturday. I remember this time last year with 4 of us pregnant on SP's team. Seems like just yesterday.

[SteinyGirl]

Happy Birthday sweet Katelynn and have a safe trip Janet! Looking forward to seeing you in less than a month!