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Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice Too (A Mother's Day Story)

What's It Wednesday #73

Back in February I made a quiet announcement at the end of the post. That week, we welcomed home a three year old princess. Next week we go to court for the finalization of our adoption. This is the day my family has been waiting for.

My husband and I met in Victoria, British Columbia and from the time we met we said we wanted children. As fate would have it, I was not able to get pregnant. I went to a infertility specialist and was mortified when I found out that the IVF procedure was not guaranteed. I decided against the procedure knowing that I could not handle it if the procedure did not work. Needless to say I was devastated. I cried for days.

One day my husband said "Honey, we could always adopt". I dried up my tears and started researching adoption. I actually spent years researching before finally getting up the nerve to pursue my dream of being a mother.

I was concerned about the cost of adoption. Overseas adoptions were astronomical and domestic adoptions were half astronomical (If there is such a thing...but you get my point). I really wasn't sure what we were going to do. All I knew was I wanted to be a mother.

As I do with everything else, I put it in prayer. So one day, I ran into a former co-worker who, at the time, had just adopted two children at the same time. All I kept thinking was that she must have sold the farm. 

She told me that she went through the Children's Home Society and that there was no cost for the adoption. The Home Study was also free (which can cost $1,000 to $2,000). In addition, the child's college tuition is paid for at a  state college or university along with many other benefits  bestowed to the parents. 

Three years ago, when we went to pursue adopting our son, we had no idea of the number of children who lived in our own city that were in need of a forever family. 

I had always told our case worker, that we had with our son, that we wanted a daughter. I told myself in 2012 that if I did not meet her that year I was not going to pursue it anymore. I  left it in God's hands. In October of 2012 the case worker called us to let us know there was a little girl in need of a forever family. We agreed to meet her.

In November, my husband, son and I met this darling three year old. She was so shy and did not speak at all. Her eyes always looked sad. She would trip and fall quite often due to an injury she received from neglect as a baby. Her clothes were dirty and her hair was barely combed.

We had weekend visits at first and she always arrived with the same two outfits and one dirty doll. So you know I went shopping and lost my mind. I mean this is a girl you know. Even my son chooses outfits for our little princess.

In February the courts gave us full custody of our little princess. No more weekend visits. She was home for good. From November to February she had blossomed. She was no longer shy. Her eyes began to sparkle and she has never looked sad again. In fact, the day she moved in she had this look on her face as if to say "It's about time". She has never asked for the family she left. This little princess only looks forward. Her legs have strengthened and she rarely trips over herself and falls. She truly is my inspiration.

Sebastian and the princess are absolutely inseparable. They are so good for one another and they are definitely great for us. 

What impresses me the most is that in a few short months our little princess has thrived beyond belief. Every child deserves to be loved and feel wanted. 


I share this Mother's Day story to say that parenthood is always possible. I tell my son that he did not come from Mommy's stomach but from my heart. 

I thank God every day for choosing me to be the mother of two amazing children who started off life behind the eight ball. 

Next week it will be official. This little princess will be ours forever. By the way, her name is Victoria named after the city where my hubby and I met. This is truly the best Mother's Day ever.

xoxoxo

Paula

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87 comments:

Julie Marie said...

Oooh Paula... the tears are just running down my face... but they are happy tears!... for now your darling little Princess has her forever home... you are so kind and loving and I can just feel it all in your words... I am so happy for all of you!... she is just precious and so is your adorable son... truly gifts from God... I believe so strongly in these things... everything is just the way it was meant to be for you... you dear Paula are an angel... Happy Mother's Day!... xoxo Julie Marie Happy MOther's Day to you too Patti!!!

Kathe said...

Happiest of Mother's Days to you Paula!! I'm all choked up! Such a beautiful love story. Such a darling Prince & Princess! Oh I just know they were meant to be your family. I don't know who I want to hug more, you or those precious gifts!! Hugs to you all! :-)

Di@Cottage-Wishes said...

Victoria is so, well a true Princess. I love that story, such a God Smack moment of how God works in our life's. You sweet son is a great big brother. So happy for your family, thank you for sharing with us. Di@Cottage-wishes

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

This is a truly wonderful story and a true gift from God..I just cried reading this journey about your FOREVER family my Dear friend..This world needs more mothers like you..Happy Mother's day to you..Hugs and love Gl♥ria

Vickie @ Ranger 911 said...

Thank you for sharing your heart warming story, Paula. It was meant to be.

xo, Vickie

Penny @ Penny's Vintage Home said...

I am so happy for your family...have a blessed mothers day! Thanks for the feature...hugs, Penny

Meg said...

Thank you Paula for sharing your wonderful journey Happy Mother's Day xxx

Anne said...

Oh my gosh Paula what a beautiful story! They are so blessed to have you and your husband as parents and you are truly blessed to have there love!What beautiful photos! I especially love the on of Victoria and Sebastian!And you and Victoria <3.
I only have one as God blessed me with just one.I lost one early in my pregnancy but I know that little one has a special place in heaven.
Blessings to you and your beautiful family....Happy Mothers day <3
xx
Anne

FABBY'S LIVING said...

Oh sweet lady, tears of joy for a happy ending are running down my face. Your children are gorgeous and that little new princess is priceless! You were "really gifted by our Lord,".. He always knows when, how and why! What a beautiful family all of you are, and may God keep blessing you all, now that Mother's Day is approaching, you are, sweet Paula, the best of mother's. Thank you for sharing your lovely story and for having me at your party.
FABBY

Trisha said...

Thank you so much for sharing this story...I really needed it today. I too have always wanted to be a mother but for some reason, it just isn't happening. I cry about it more than I probably should but I don't know what else to do. This story has given me something to think about and somewhere to start. Thank you. She is such an adorable little girl and you have 2 beautiful children. Congratulations to you and your family!

Thanks for hosting and letting me join in!

~Trihsa

Sarah said...

Paula, this is a beautiful story! How lucky that sweet little Victoria is to be a part of your loving family. This is the best kind of Mother's Day post ever! Happy Mother's Day! ~ Sarah

Joy@aVintageGreen said...

So very happy for your family, what a blessed Mother's Day Story.
Joy

Jamie @ Domestically Vintage said...

What a wonderful story! I am so happy for you and your now complete family! Your daughter is such a doll. Your son is very handsome as well. You must be so grateful for God's rich blessings! He is so good all the time!! Love, ~ Jamie

Salmagundi said...

I'm an adoption mother, also. Always remember that 'caring, not bearing, makes you a mother!!! Sally

Kathryn Ferguson Griffin said...

Oh, goodness, she is precious! Happy Mother's Day to you, indeed! Thank you for hosting! Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse

Janine said...

My dear friend,

And....what a fabulous mommy you are! Seeing you everyday with that smile to end all smiles warms my heart and the pictures, oh the pictures, keep em coming girl! You know that I love you and you are so blessed to have these angels sent to you and hubby, but these angels are doubly blessed to have parents who chose them to call their own.

<3 Janine
faithfulinfirst.blogspot.com
pinksmyink.blogspot.com

MommytheTeacher said...

This is certainly one of the most beautiful sites I've come across. Thank you for stopping in at mommytheteacher. Those are two of the most precious kids ever and they looked very very happy. I love your beautiful story of adopotion. I don't have anything vintage, I don't restore furniture or anything like that but I do hope that we can stay connected. You and your site have truly blessed me this night.

TERIBERI'S CREATIONS said...

OK....I don't blog much any more and if I do, I hardly every leave comments BUT....this is THE MOST BEAUTIFUL post I have EVER READ!!!! Your family is beautiful. What a blessing - not only for you and your husband, but for those beautiful children. May the Lord continue to bless you all. Happy Mother's Day!!!! HUGS, T

Peggy~PJH Designs said...

Oh my goodness! I'm so happy for you and your little princess! Congratulations! Thanks so much for hosting and so glad you shared your new baby girl with us.

Hugs,
Peggy~PJH Designs

Our Hopeful Home said...

Oh my gosh I'm in tears right now. Your children are absolutely beautiful and SO lucky to have you and your husband as parents. I am so glad that they found their way to you. You are truly belssed, indeed. Happy Mother's Day, Paula.

xoxo
Kathleen

Betsy@My Salvaged Treasures said...

What a beautiful princess she is. This has really touched my heart in more ways you can imagine. You are truly blessed to have all found each other. What an inspiration!! Victoria is one of my favorite cities and a perfect name for your little blessing.

lynn cockrell said...

Oh, Paula, when I saw the happy faces of those two beautiful children and the sparkle in those bright little eyes, I thought my heart would burst. There is obviously so much love and happiness between you and your husband and now you have the two little ones to share your love with,too. Happy Mother's Day!!

Unknown said...

What a wonderful story. I'm so glad you shared it and i hope you have a most wonderful mothers day!

Marty Walden said...

What a sweet adoption story. I have also written about our adoption of a sibling group of three and the joys and trials of parenting children with attachment disorders. They are healing after many, many years of therapy and prayer and perseverance. Happy Mother's Day and thanks for sharing your story!

NewMrsAdventures said...

Paula, your new daughter is absolutely precious. I'll be praying for a smooth transition for you all as you love on that sweet girl! Congratulations and Happy Mother's Day!! Linking up now!

Laura said...

What an amazing and heartwarming story! I loved reading it. You are indeed blessed- and so are those two little angels! They are absolutely beautiful:)

Uniquely Ella said...

Oh Paula , you had me in tears. What blessing! I too was never able to conceive and I'm 52 now. My time has long gone. But my hubby and I were never brave enough to adopt. But God had plans for me, I'm a great aunt.
She is so beautiful and your little boy too. All the very best blessings to your family.
xxx
Marlene

sweetvintageofmine said...

I am so happy for you and your family, Paula! Sebastian and Victoria are PRECIOUS and BEAUTIFUL children. Our GOD is an AWESOME God...who answers prayers! Blessings to you and your beautiful family! Roxie p.s. thank you for featuring me! I grabbed your button...

sweet violets said...

Oh baby......those are two very lucky kiddos to have such loving parents!!!! This is such a beautiful story, thank you for sharing it and how perfect for Mother's Day!!! To everything there is a season.....God bless you all!!!

Dora, the Quilter said...

Definitely another blessed Mother's Day for you. I remember that intense longing, the challenge, and the fear that it might never happen. Congratulations! Definitely, this will be another very special Mother's Day.

xinex said...

Congratulations, Paula! Victoria is beautiful and your son is handsome too. You have a beautiful family and I am so happy for all of you.You all complete each other and you are so lucky and blessed. Happy Mother's Day!...Christine

Jemma@athomewithjemma said...

What a beautiful Mother's Day you will have-your children are gorgeous and seeing the love and happiness in all of your eyes, warms my heart and soul! Happy Mother's Day!
Jemma

Jeanne said...

Your Mother's day story is inspiring. Happy Mother's Day. You deserve it. :)

Janet said...

Congratulations! What a blessing it is to hear about your adoption story. Your daughter is beyond adorable and what a special Mother's Day for you!
Blessings,
Janet

Maureen Wyatt said...

I'm crying a happy cry for you, your husband and those beautiful children. My daughter has four adopted children that came from so far behind the 8 ball that it has taken three years for them to lose the fear and sadness from their eyes. One of the proudest days of my life was when I was minding them and the school bus driver asked who I was. My granddaughter said, "That's our real grandma". Adoption day at the courthouse is the most fun day ever!

Mary@mydogsmygardenandmary said...

I am so happy for you. What beautiful children you have. I was crying when I read your post. Children are so special and I cannot understand why people have children and do not take care of them. They look so happy and I know you and your husband love them so much.
Wishing you a very special Mothers Day.
Love
Mary

jill said...

What a beautiful little stunner Victoria is.Happy, happy mothers day to you and many more to come.xxx

Ivy, Phyllis and Me! said...

Good Morning Paula, I had tears in my eyes when I read your Mother's Day story. I loved it when you told Sabastian that he came from your heart and not your tummy and it was a joy to hear that Victoria has blossomed under your love and care.. she certainly is beautiful little girl and you can see her confidence shining through the photographs.
I am truly so happy for you, your husband, Sabastian and Victoria.
Happy Mother's Day to you,
Best Wishes
Daphne

Teresa said...

Happy Mother's Day, Paula!

She was, as he was, already yours, you just had to meet. The same with Sebastian (kids were lucky with their parents chosing amazing names too)

All is Possible now. With you and For you all.

So glad I missed that remark you made some time ago. Nice surprises like this should arrive in a full package... as in it's OUR now.

Enjoy. Be very Happy! May the Blessings that put you in eachother's path keep blessing you along the way. I'm sending a prayer to all those anonymous people that siupport those institutions that allow others to dream and fullfill their dreams. A Magnum of Blessings for all that "gave us" Sebastian and Victoria (Victoria in my language means VICTORY - boy, oh boy, did you share one today :tears in my eyes and joy in my heart:)

Yours,
Teresa

Unknown said...

Have a wonderful Mother's Day Paula. It is great that you have given these children a happy home. I wish you and your lovely family continued happiness.

Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble Christmas said...

Paula,
What a wonderful post! I was in tears and when you mentioned that princess had such sad eyes, I thought to myself but they are now sparkling with life and love!!
Congrats to your entire family and how lucky these 2 beautiful children are to have such a great family and such a loving and caring mother!!

HAPPY MOTHER"S DAY to you!!!

I almost forgot to thank you for hosting!! LOL!!

Hugs,
Deb

Grammy Goodwill said...

Happy Mother's Day to you, Paula. I am so happy for you, your husband, and those two dear children.

Gina @ VictorianWannaBe said...

Oh Paula, what a wonderful testimony! You brought tears to my eyes. God is good, isn't he? Your "little Princess" is so adorable, as is your handsome little son. Thankyou for the heart that you have for God and the will to care and to love his precious children. God bless you and your husband and Happy Mother's Day to you! Gina

Unknown said...

Oh, my, what a Mother's Day story...I have a lump in my throat! What adorable children and those pictures of the two of them...my heart just skips a beat! Lucky you...and lucky them.

I love how they are together. Blessings on all of you.

Jeannie and Linda said...

Paula, Happy Mothers Day! Your prince and princess are so beautiful! How special to be chosen by God to be the mother of these two precious ones. Thank you for honoring us with your sweet story.

Peace,
Linda at The French Hens Nest

The Charm of Home said...

Oh, what a fabulous Mother's Day story! I couldn't keep a dry eye either! Such a darling little Princess. Congratulations on the anniversary date. Thank you for hosting!
Sherry

Nellie's Cozy Place said...

Morning Paula,
Thanks for sharing this beautiful
story.....she is adorable, and it shows that she is well loved, she looks very confident and happy as can be. Loved all the pics, she and your son are both adorable.
Congratulations to you and your husband on this blessed event.
and what a perfect name for her....
May you all live happily ever after,
and I am sure you will because you are trusting the Lord.....and with
Jesus the best is always yet to come.
Blessings, Nellie

La Vie Quotidienne said...

What a wonderful, wonderful story and a very Happy Mother's Day to you!

polkadotpeticoat said...

You made me cry .....Blessings to you and your adorable little family...Happy Mothers Day to you! Heidi

Michelle said...

Congratulations!

GratefulPrayerThankfulHeart said...

A most happy and beautiful story ~ many blessings to you and your precious family!!!

TheMoonAndMe said...

Happy Mother's Day! You are one lucky momma and those are 2 lucky kids. Thanks for sharing this story...even if I had to break out my tissues. :)
BTW, LOVE the attitude pic with the flower dress...perfect!
Kelly

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

I love, love this story. I totally know the growing in my heart. We have a son and daughter also! Your children are gorgeous! I am so thankful that the Lord answered your prayer abundantly!

Karen said...

Oh Paula congratulations! This is the most beautiful and inspiring story. Bless you for giving this precious child a chance to be loved and to learn a family can be a wonderful safe place. Your children are so beautiful, I think your little princess is the perfect addition to your family, bless you all.

Curtains in My Tree said...

How wonderful, you are all sooooo pretty and gooooddd looking of a family LOL

I am so happy for all of you the children are truly blessed to have landed in your arms

My daughter went through all of the fertility treatments etc for 3 years nothing worked ,then they finally adopted a newborn baby boy, and 4 months later she was pregnant and now has 4 boys total , Dr said it would never happen. God had different plans. His plan was for Henry their first baby boy to have a home and 3 brothers

Many happy years to you all , your children are beautiful and that husband isn't bad looking either LOL

Cynthia said...

This has moved me to tears, but of the joyful kind! I love these beautiful, happy endings. Your princess is beautiful, and that smile, oh my! It just melts my heart. You were put here to be the mother of these two sweet babies. So happy that you found each other. God Bless You, and Happy Mother's Day!

Diane said...

Thank you for sharing your beautiful Mother's day story. I'm so happy those children found a loving home with you. They are adorable!

Shenita @ Embellishments by SLR said...

Paula, this is the most beautiful story ever!! The children are beautiful and could not have ended up with more loving parents! Victoria is a little doll! I can tell by those snazzy little outfits that you are enjoying her so much! God's timing is always perfect! Happy Mother's Day to you!!

Wendy Paula said...

Wishing you and your beautiful family a wonderful Mother's day.
I was so touched by your story, and so thankful God gave you these 2 adorable children to love.
God bless you.
Wendy Paula

The Porcelain Rose said...

What a heart warming story. Tears.
You have a beautiful family.
What a wonderful Mother's Day post.
Blessings,
Elizabeth

Natasha in Oz said...

I see you have brought everyone to tears with your truly beautiful story, myself included! I am so very pleased for you all and am thrilled that your Mother's Day is going to so special. Your story makes me believe that the world really is a good place!

Blessings and hugs from Australia to your gorgeous family!

Natasha in Oz
xo

Alessandra said...

Oh...i cried of joy with your story! I wish you the happiest Mother' s Day!!! Your little princess and prince are very lovely and i agree with you when you say..." not come from mommy' s stomach but from my heart"...you are a SPECIAL MUM.
Kisses
Alessandra

Doll in the Looking Glass said...

Paula, such a lovely Mother's Day story with a joyous ending! Enjoy every minute of this new life with your princess and prince.

Debra

Susie said...

Paula, May I send you a special hug.You truly have the heart of a mother. I cried when I read about your little girl.I am happy you have the sweetest family now. xoxox,Susie

Rosemary@villabarnes said...

What a beautiful journey to motherhood. I've been enjoying your family photos on FB. Sending hugs, and blessing to you all on Mother's Day.
xoxoRosemary

Butterfly 8)(8 Bungalow said...

What a Mother's day gift! What a beautiful love story!

Town and Country Gals said...

Paula,
I'm so happy for you, your 2 children are adorable! When I was a teenager, my mom became a foster mother to a sister and brother who we loved very much but were not allowed to keep after 5yrs. (went back to their father, not good. Needless to say, I'm very disheartened by social services and how they work). You went a differnt way with amazing results. When I see and hear about all the people, stars, etc. going overseas for children, I have a hard time understanding why they aren't taking in children here, like yours, who are in need of loving homes. You did an amazing thing and are blessed with 2 wonderful children. I know you will be having the most wonderful Mother's Day ever!
Rebecca

Francie...The Scented Cottage Studio said...

What a blessing all around. Beautiful children, beautiful parents. Beautiful love story.

Rena Designs said...

Seeing those two beautiful children has absolutely lifted my heart! Bless you and your husband for making such an unselfish decision to adopt. You are a beautiful family and I know you will have a fantastic Mothers Day.

chateau chic said...

Paula, This is the most heartwarming story!!!!! Sebastian and Victoria are SO PRECIOUS!! They are so blessed to have a forever family with parents like yourselves. The look on their faces in your darling photos show so much joy and contentment because of your amazing love for them. Not only are they a precious gift to you, but you are a priceless gift to them in providing the security and love of a family.

On a much lighter note, thank you so much for the feature! It means a lot.

Mary Alice

Palomasea said...

OH MY GOODNESS....Paula, dear, I am in tears! What BLESSINGS!! Both of your sweet babies are beautiful... beautiful! And blessed to have you as loving parents....
Thank you so much for sharing your amazing story of LOVE with us...
Happy HAPPY Mother's Day!!!!
Much love,
- Irina

Jacqueline~Cabin and Cottage said...

Such a wonderful post, Paula! Your little girl and boy are both so darling! I'm so happy for you! Happy Mother's Day!

Jacqueline~Cabin and Cottage said...

Thank you Patti for your sweet comment! So nice that you stopped by!

Sharon Lee Johnson said...

What an inspiring story and what 2 perfect little angels you have! A most wonderful Mother's Day to you. xx Sharon

Auro @ Add that Xtra in the Ordinary said...

Oh she is so very very adorable,what a wonderful story to share on a mother's day.Stay blessed.

Victorian1885 said...

What a beautiful story... I am so happy for you and your husband. The children are so lovely, Happy Mother's Day!!!

Wanda

sarah said...

Such a beautiful, heartwarming story. Your darling children are so blessed to have your family.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful story. Your truly blessed. Congratulations to your family.

Liz@ HomeandGardeningWithLiz said...

Bless your hearts for adopting and what a wonderful story! It really touched me and I'm glad I read it. Victoria is darling and so is her brother. I'm so glad for you that everything worked out. It was meant to be!

Terri~terrileeauthor said...

Oh Paula, this is the most beautiful story. I have tears of joy on my cheeks. What a beautiful story to share. All of you are so lucky to have found one another. Of course, it's not a coincidence....God knew exactly what each of you needed.
How sweet of you to share such a family joy with the rest of us.
God Bless you.
xo
Terri

Stan and Jody Gabara said...

Paula, I'm so happy for you. Victoria is a little princess. She will grow up with the best mom in the world. Happy Mother's Day!!


Take Care,
Jody

Unknown said...

What wonderful gifts God has placed in your care!! They are both absolutely beautiful! God Bless You!!

Kathy said...

Oh my goodness, what a sweet story! It made me cry with joy - what a blessing you and your husband are to these children and how delightful they are together. So glad you shared. Thanks for hosting,
Kathy

SwedishCorner ~ DownUnder...Pernilla said...

Oh, what a wonderful story, Paula!! Hope you had the best Mother's Day with your loved ones :) Greetings from Australia♥ ~Pernilla

Boxwood Cottage said...

Gosh Paula this is by far the most beautiful mothers day story ever! *sigh and wipes off tears* I'm so so happy for all of you! :D You look so gorgeous and happy and so do your children and how wonderful that Sebastian loves Victoria so much too and that she loves him back! It is awesome to hear how she blossomed in your family and she is just the sweetest little model! I can imagine how much fun it is to by new outfits for her. I wish you all a very happy and long live together! Sending you a big hug xoxo~ Carola

Judy Biggerstaff said...

What a beautiful story to share with us. Congrats of your princes and your son.

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