Merry Christmas 2012

If you recall our last year Christmas card had our family's tennis shoes, minus one with a waiting empty pair.  Well this year, those shoes are filled..... and our family is complete!! Here is this year's card and Christmas greeting.  Much love to all those PAPs and adoptive families.... hang in there... God is good through the entire process. :) God speed in 2013. 

The Blunt’s Family Christmas Letter for 2012


As 2012 flew by, this year has been a year of family adjustments and intense growth.

Lauren Anjali Blunt!

After 2 years and 3 ½ months we finally were able to bring our daughter home from India. We thank each of you for your faithful prayers for our little girl. Lauren Anjali Blunt arrived in the U.S. on September 14, 2012, which just happened to be her 3rd birthday! Our trip to India was a trip of a lifetime and God’s presence and faithfulness was abounding; read more on our blog of daily journal writings in September 2012.

What started as a shy, quiet, unsure little girl has turned into a little firecracker, full of laughter, love and kindness….well most of the time. In many ways she is a typical 3 year old, wanting her food immediately when hungry and going through the pains of learning to share or not touch things that are either dangerous or valued possessions of her brother’s. No doubt about it, she has brought great joy to our family, along with a few challenges, but God is faithful and bigger than any issue we may experience. Lauren loves dogs, especially Nana’s dog Riley, she loves to chase him and fondly refers to him as “bi-ee”, she is very slowly learning the English language, with favorite words like, “shock-o-lot” AKA chocolate and “no!”, along with “go, go, go” when cheering for our Kentucky Wildcat Basketball team. She also absolutely LOVES Joshua and he’s growing to feel the same for her each day. She really is an amazing little girl.


Joshua

Joshua grew up this year in so many ways. We spent spring break in Hilton Head and he enjoyed building things in the sand and hanging out with his friend Trey. Over the 4th of July weekend, he finally decided it was time to ditch the training wheels from his bike and of course when he did he got to experience the true joy of riding a bike… even though his knees were nearly in his chest because the bike was so small. :) Joshua also spent time over the summer at Grandma Blunt’s house, without his mommy and daddy! This was quite amazing and Brad and I both had to learn how to connect in new ways without Joshua for over a week! We both missed him terribly but enjoyed some couple time all the while. Joshua on the other hand was totally and utterly in LOVE with being at his Grandma’s and followed all the rules and remained a good house guest while away from home.

Joshua had a great 7th birthday in October in picking out his very own first “big kid” bike and rides it with great joy; we’ve been blessed with a beautiful fall, so we spent quite a bit of time outdoors and he on his bike. Joshua continues to LOVE soccer and Kentucky Wildcat Basketball. :) Joshua is thriving at school and church, as he’s learning to read and growing in his faith. He broke out in spontaneous prayer for Lauren during one of our bedtime routines reciting the Lord’s prayer – which surprised and warmed our heart! He is also forming strong connections at church through time with his small group. This has been a blessing to our family as he has worked through adjustments dealing with having a new little sister. Joshua has had “water” thrown on him during this transition and like the amazing little boy he is, has adapted very well….well with a few exceptions of some typical sibling stuff :)…. This little boy is certainly growing and stretching socially. Can you tell we are very proud of him?


Brad

Brad remains a contractor for the state and truly enjoys his job. He continues to thrive in a men’s small group and loves growing in Bible study and time with the Lord. Brad had a wonderful time in India, check out the story of his most amazing adventure riding in a rickshaw :) (posted under the October folder of our blog as India journal writings Sept 10, 2012 and Sept 11, 2012) … God is so faithful.

Brad has been amazing with Lauren, being patient with her during the early days when she was “afraid of men” to recently being one of the most favored people in Lauren’s world. She LOVES her play time with daddy…. He is always good for a swing in the backyard, a shoulder or horsey ride, game of Beyblades, or bouncing on the therapy ball. Brad is a great playmate and friend, and I think he secretly will tell you the most favorite part of his day is when he gets home from work and Lauren runs to him with joy and excitement looking for her daddy time of swinging, bouncing, and tickle attacks. “Daddy’s little girl” is an understatement. Of course jealousy is a new emotion for our family, so Brad remains faithful to carve out time for him and Joshua too. Their most favorite pastime over the summer is Holiday World, as they “endure” a full day of water slides, so that is certain to be in store for 2013.


Renae

Honestly Renae has had a year of “out of sorts”. The waiting and anticipation of Lauren coming home this year has been challenging, but Renae continued to stay connected with other adoptive families through her blog and continues to serve as support to friends across the country currently in the adoption process. Renae and Brad soaked in being a family of three with Joshua for most of the year, while waiting with full excitement when the call to travel to India came in.

Now with Lauren home, expectations have been thrown out the door and any resemblance of control is clearly gone. :) God is certainly chuckling joyfully waiting and watching for these growth opportunities. Initially Renae stayed home with Lauren, but eventually returned back to work on a part-time basis while Lauren attends Lexington Hearing and Speech preschool. Lauren has transitioned very well to this school and loves it, which brings great relief to our family. Renae works hard at balancing a family / work schedule that involves also running kids to school, events, doctor’s appointments and Lauren to weekly physical therapy. Renae continues to adapt to the new normal of being a mom to two children instead of one, and also has carved out “date night” with Joshua to ensure he’s not left behind in the changing family dynamics. The new family phrase is, “this is a marathon, not a sprint” which in the right reflection allows space for God to work in our lives in ways we couldn’t have even imagined.

As we look back over the year, we once again stand in awe of our Lord’s love, comfort, and provision.

Much love to you for a blessed 2013 ~ The Blunts