Daddy and His Girls

When we entered this adoption journey, we discussed thoroughly with our kids the challenges, sacrifices, and time that was going to have to be part of it. Even though they all excitedly were "gung ho" for having a little brother, there's part of your mama heart that always feels they're getting slighted. Cutting back on costs, investing lots of time and energy into paperwork, interviews, and all the emotional ups and downs. Then, traveling twice to Ethiopia without them. These are just a few examples. Everyone is excited about Levi, and rightfully so. No one has complained about feeling left out or shifted, and I'm so proud of them. Still, there's just part of you that wants to be able to give everything equally to your children. So, since Sean and I just had TWO dates last weekend. (One for a rare movie night and another for our church's "Date Night Challenge" on Sat.), we decided a FAMILY night was in store for Valentine's Day.

We picked Baylee up from school a little early, and ventured up to Ocean City. We're getting new brakes put on the van, so we took our 4-door car for the hour drive. This meant no DVD, no separate conversations and music that a van can often allow. (Can you believe the kids do NOT like our 80's music? Sheesh!) No, we were all four forced to....gasp...be together and...communicate! :)
And it was sweet. Listening to our girls chit chat about all that girly stuff. Hearing Sean pipe in, only for them to look at each other and laugh hysterically. Sean even went along when they wanted to put the Taylor Swift CD in and sing at the top of their lungs. I had one of those moments looking in the backseat that I remember having when they were newborns, toddlers, preschoolers, and young school age kids heading to a soccer game. Yes, I've become one of THOSE moms. The ones that look at you young chicks with those obnoxious words, "Enjoy them while they're young cause the time goes so fast!" Oh, sure I had days I wished away just like everyone does. I'm not talking about the fakeness of saying I enjoy every single instance of mommyhood like sleepless nights, puking kids, failed potty training, or disobedient kids. I'm talking about stopping in the moment and savoring the time....the season. Some days deserve being forgotten....and sometimes for this mom, forgiven. I sure messed up a TON. Thank God our kids don't remember every single day. Yes, Lord!

But now...right now... I was sitting next to my sweetheart of 25 yrs and looking back at my daughters who were coming of age....young women at 14 and just 2 weeks shy of 18. Adulthood, people! I can hardly stand it. I look back and they are singing these lyrics...

You're in the car on the way to the movies And you're mortified your mom's dropping you off At 14, there's just so much you can't do And you can't wait to move out someday and call your own shots But don't make her drop you off around the block Remember that she's getting older, too And don't lose the way that you dance around In your PJs getting ready for school Oh, darling, don't you ever grow up, don't you ever grow up Just stay this little Oh, darling, don't you ever grow up, don't you ever grow up It could stay this simple

And just for a few minutes, I took it all in. This was one of THOSE moments. I soaked it up. Seeing two teenage sisters laughing and singing. Their daddy, who is their only valentine at this point in their lives, driving them out for a special dinner with his girls. Always showing them how they deserve to be treated by a man....by how he treats them AND their mama.

We arrived at the restaurant. Their pick was Applebee's. As we waited for our meal, Sean presented the girls with cards just from him. He wrote special things in there for each one. (Mama got them chocolate. Words of affirmation AND chocolate. Yeah, I think we make a great team!) It was so sweet to see them reading the love note from their daddy.


Later we hit the very vacant boardwalk of Ocean City for a few pics.



Then it was time to head home ( after a Starbucks run, of course.) It was a quiet ride this time. We were all a little tired. But I couldn't help but think of how completely blessed I am to be mama to these girls. I thought of how blessed Levi is to have these two as his big sisters. They are something special all right. Levi, you will learn more about girls than you probably would ever want to. They are emotional, giggly, funny, and smell "girly" for just a few things. You will also learn how to treat them and love them as Christ loved the church because that is just what your daddy does. You're the luckiest little brother ever!


Your little hand's wrapped around my finger And it's so quiet in the world tonight....

Thank You, Lord for loving us first so that we could know and share Your love through the blessing of parenting. It is ONLY by Your grace.



*And just so you know I plan on blogging about Levi's BIG BROTHER very soon, too!