Looking Back and Looking Forward

2013.  You were quite a year for the Kelleys.  Just thinking back on what all happened makes me tired!  But we were so blessed in 2013. Honestly I feel like lots of seeds were planted and I'm praying they all come to fruition in 2014.   Here's the highlights of the year for us:

January...we saw our daughter's sweet face for the first time!  Finally got that referral call!

Selah Grace...2 weeks old

We watched her grow, all the while seeing the process in Congo slowing down.  When we originally got the referral call, we realistically expected to have her home by summer.  It'd be funny now if it wasn't, well, so sad.

6 weeks old

6 weeks

6 months

8 months and with a passport  :)



11 1/2 months

We love you more than we can say Selah and from half a world away you have changed our lives forever.  We pray we can get you home in 2014.  Even though that even seems impossible, we know God can move mountains.

In June 2013, we also got the surprise of a lifetime.  We found out we were unexpectedly expecting another sweet miracle!!

We were shocked, scared, overwhelmed, and the excitement came a little later!  I remember being upset about not being able to travel to Congo, worried about the waiver that we would be requesting so we both weren't required to go.  None of that even came into play.  In September we learned I was carrying a little girl and we decided to name her Emma Reese.  2 boys and 2 girls.  Makes my heart melt.  Now I am 4 weeks away from meeting her on January 31st.  So excited and overwhelmed by God's blessings!

In August (I think), we finally broke ground on our house building.  We hadn't sold our house yet, but wanted to go ahead and get the land cleared off in preparation.  Yes, we may be crazy to attempt an adoption, a pregnancy, and building a house all at the same time.  Truthfully, we didn't plan it.  Of course we planned the adoption, but originally we were just going to move to a bigger house in Murfreesboro to accomodate our growing family.  Then, we explored the possibility of building in McMinnville and we knew that was the right decision.  And then you throw a surprise pregnancy in the mix and voila! instant chaos! 

October was a very eventful month for us.  We sold our house and moved in with my parents and lost my Grandma after a long battle with Alzheimer's all in the same week.  The month of October is actually a blur.  We are thankful to be able to live with my mom and dad while our house is being built.  The adjustment hasn't been as difficult as we thought and Daniel, despite his 3 hour drive to work, round-trip, says he is so glad we made the move to the country and closer to our church congregation. 

Moving day

Grandma, Christmas 2012

In October, Noah also turned 4.  Since that birthday, we've seen him grow up and mature in so many ways.  It's bittersweet, but I'm thankful to see him become more independent. 

We started construction on the house in late October-early November and have seen fast progress!  Right now Daniel and our friend, Jared are doing the electrical and plumbing rough-in.  Should be ready for insulation and sheetrock soon!  We're hoping to be moved in maybe late summer-early fall.  Of course you know me and timeframes, we don't always get along so good. 

In December, Eli turned 2 years old.  I meant to do a separate post on this, but time got away from me.  He is really something else.  Eli will do anything to make you laugh and is always on the go.  He is always finding new ways to make a mess or get in to trouble.  He's also one of the cuddliest babies in the world and loves to give kisses.  He is talking a lot more and learning more every day.  Eli thinks he's as big as Noah and tries to keep up with everything he's doing.  He kisses my belly all the time and I know he's excited to be a big brother.  We had a Polar Express birthday party for him and it was so fun!

We've had a very blessed year and looking forward to seeing what this new year brings.  We continue to ask for your prayers in bringing Selah home.  There's lots going on in Congo that isn't good and we pray that the ones in control make decisions that are in the best interest of the children. 

We pray you have a blessed, prosperous, and happy new year!  God bless!