one month

Cora Grace... It is hard to believe that one month ago Heavenly Father asked if we wanted to have a baby daughter. We didn't get to prepare 9 months for you. We didn't even get the 2 weeks we had for Evan. We had no days physically to prepare for you but spiritually, we had been ready for you all our lives. Recently I started reading the Book of Mormon from start to finish and blogged about a particular days feeling during reading (http://michaelandlila.blogspot.com/2010/04/book-of-mormon-read-passage.html). Before feeling prompted to do the reading, I had 'needed something' in my life and specifically some spiritual strengthening. I was feeling inadequate in my calling at church as Young Single Adult Advisor (with Michael) since Evan keeps us so busy and instead of giving up on it, I decided there was more effort to be made even though there were so many road blocks. Anyway, I knew if I would read, somehow it would benefit me personally and therefore our family too. Specifically, I knew somehow it would benefit our next adoption somehow. I thought it would make me more mentally prepared to sort of 'take what comes' in retrospect is how I could describe my feelings. I have to say when the call came to be your parents, I think we were surprisingly both ready and reading and learning helped me be calm through the chaos. Many experiences up to that call had just happened to get us ready and I'm grateful. While away to get you in California, the blessings manifested in first having a special cousin Juliet born just 4 hours before you on the same day, same state. The chance happening that you were born in the same town that my brother Jesse lives so we had family to stay with and to share in our excitement (something even Evan's birth did have). We also got to see my parents and other siblings, their families while you were a newborn (instead of at 6-7months like Evan) and many of our California friends that gave us much needed clothes and supplies for you. When we returned, our friends and family here, showered you with their excitement and love. You have healed my heart from aches of infertility and old adoption woes. You are a beautiful girl, sweet and calm. I am so grateful you joined our family, even at the last minute. Evan loves you and can't wait to see you in the morning or after his nap. He loves to help when you cry. Today you were hungry and crying and Evan came over to give you a hug. You get many compliments, "She is beautiful", "look at how much blond hair she has!?" and everyone compliments your pictures. You are in a way, everyone's baby. Like Evan, so many prayed for the day you would get to join our family that they are extended family members now each wanting to know what you are doing next. That is a blessing to me after so many years of childlessness and tearfully praying for you to come. I hope you get to be a big sister one day (we'll have to pray for daddy's sanity first) and get to be a best friend to Evan as you two grow. Happy One month old Birthday beautiful daughter, we love you very much. :) - Mommy, Daddy and Evan