Wednesday, January 23, 2008
All In A Day With Mags ...
Clothes, leotard, goggles, and shoes about 4 sizes to big ... AND YES WE LEFT THE HOUSE LIKE THIS ...
Maggie @ her desk for speech
Life with 4 kids is keeping me on my toes and I am hoping will keep me in shape ... Speech is going really well with Maggie ... She has mastered the "open" and "close" concept and is putting it into action and is still doing well with putting two words together as I mentioned last time ... She loves looking at the pictures and naming us all ... We still have not mastered the sleep issue and I pray God's healing on her heart ...
Elijah had to have a tooth pulled this week (& he has red hair need I say more)... He was rewarded by a toy from Target ... Emily has been quite moody lately and I am trying to work out some special time with her as I know the transition with Maggie is starting to effect her ... Jeremiah is my rock as always ... You can set your clock by this child ...
We are getting close to the 3 month mark of having precious Maggie and I feel I have to share with anyone who is considering an older COP child that God is amazing in how He transforms you ... Pray over your decision and know you could possibly be stepping into a situation you can not control and that will require you to be selfless ... I am amazed at how God has changed me as a person through bringing Maggie home ... There are so many trivial things I don't' waste time on or even think about anymore ... She has grown my heart in ways I never thought possible and when I am at the end of my rope for the day God steps in and gives me more ... I have surrendered to Him ... Exhaustion, frustration, no alone time, no quiet time, NO Me right now has to be okay on some days ... because what is the alternative ??? The Oatsvall Family would not be complete or happy without this precious angel and to miss the blessing of her would be a tragedy ... I pray so often for Maggie's birth mother that she would feel God's love and peace around her and that some how He would let her know that Huai Chang now Maggie Tara Chang Oatsvall is treasured and loved every second of every day ....
Thanks for being there for me everyone ...
Maggie @ her desk for speech
Life with 4 kids is keeping me on my toes and I am hoping will keep me in shape ... Speech is going really well with Maggie ... She has mastered the "open" and "close" concept and is putting it into action and is still doing well with putting two words together as I mentioned last time ... She loves looking at the pictures and naming us all ... We still have not mastered the sleep issue and I pray God's healing on her heart ...
Elijah had to have a tooth pulled this week (& he has red hair need I say more)... He was rewarded by a toy from Target ... Emily has been quite moody lately and I am trying to work out some special time with her as I know the transition with Maggie is starting to effect her ... Jeremiah is my rock as always ... You can set your clock by this child ...
We are getting close to the 3 month mark of having precious Maggie and I feel I have to share with anyone who is considering an older COP child that God is amazing in how He transforms you ... Pray over your decision and know you could possibly be stepping into a situation you can not control and that will require you to be selfless ... I am amazed at how God has changed me as a person through bringing Maggie home ... There are so many trivial things I don't' waste time on or even think about anymore ... She has grown my heart in ways I never thought possible and when I am at the end of my rope for the day God steps in and gives me more ... I have surrendered to Him ... Exhaustion, frustration, no alone time, no quiet time, NO Me right now has to be okay on some days ... because what is the alternative ??? The Oatsvall Family would not be complete or happy without this precious angel and to miss the blessing of her would be a tragedy ... I pray so often for Maggie's birth mother that she would feel God's love and peace around her and that some how He would let her know that Huai Chang now Maggie Tara Chang Oatsvall is treasured and loved every second of every day ....
Thanks for being there for me everyone ...
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28 kind words.:
Gwen, how many times can I say it...you are AMAZING!! I don't know how you do it...okay, the Lord! I am so proud of the way you are walking through this transitional time. I am praying for your entire family. The pics of Maggie are ADORABLE!! I love the goggles...HILARIOUS!
Love you, Lindsey
That little doll baby is so precious! She is setting the fashion trend for 2008!!! I am getting my goggles out tomorrow! I just bought reading glasses but hey...I am putting them away and finding my goggles!!!
I figure if Miss Maggie is gonna wear 'em, then I will too! tee-hee!!What a cutie!
She is so sweet sitting at her little desk!!
Gwen, I have to tell you that I am just in awe of you.... not only as a child of God, where your faith shines so beautifully, but also as a wife and mommy to your precious blessings! You are incredible..... Finding your strength in God and living it! God is so good and He is with you every step of every day (and night)! HE always shows UP! I sure do count on that! I am absolutely lifting all of you in prayer each day many times, my friend!
Thanks for sharing your beautiful heart!
(((HUGS)))
Love,
Denise Crockett
I have said it so many times, but I don't think it ever hurts to say it again. Your family is what the rest of us pray we could be. You all are such a wonderful example of simply being Jesus. It is one thing to say "it's not about me," but it is a whole other ball game to live it. Thank you always for living it, and sharing the story w/us. Love you--Kelly
She has just blossomed... she looks radient. Love that ensamble Maggie girl! hehee
I am glad you are making it through and I have no doubt that Jesus is your strength. You will get through the hard times together in His Spirit.
You are in my prayers.
God Bless You
Love,
Daleea
Give Elijah a big hug from us...the Dentist can be a scary place. Very proud of Jeremiah - he is a wonderful big brother! Extra hugs to Emily, it's always hard when you are no longer the baby in the house. Maggie seems to be growing by leaps and bounds emotionally, which is great.
What a beautiful post, Gwen. I've been anxious to read updates and your story is a continued inspiration. We received our LOA yesterday and we're about to start our own journey bringing home a little one with medical conditions. I pray that the same changes that God brought to you, happen to our family.
Continued blessings,
Kim K.
Hello Oatsvall Team:)
After a baby comes home:) there is always an adjustment period....same is true with a toddler and our family has now also found it to be true of the amazingly, awesome older waiting child. Yes, the transition time is surely longer...but, so is the amount of time this sweet treasure has been waiting for their family...keep walking out of the boat and remembering...this too shall pass, so, savor the speech therapy...one day, and probably sooner than you can imagine, you will no longer hear that faint hint of Mandarin/Cantonese...
Walk on Oatsvall team, we're cheering for you each and every day!
Diane...Mama to Jadyn Hua, b.10/25/01(China), forever home a. 9/13/06.
First of all... We all can not say HOW AMAZING you are..
You are so inpirational..
I know the hard times will pass and things will be okay.
Maggie sounds like she is doing better...
LOVE the pictures...
Really the one word to describe the Oatsvall Family is
AMAZING..
Hugs to you girly..
My thoughts and prayers are with you..
Thank you, Gwen. Beautiful post & beautiful family. I love how you're celebrating the small victories and are aware of the change in your heart. I will pray for Emily & her transition. Your story reminds me of putting on the full armor of God, how in the end, after the arrows fly, all you're asked to do is "stand". Not run, not dance, just stand. Keep "standing" and we will keep praying!
You and Maggie are true inspiration for me. I went this week and got 11 inches off my hair to donate to locks or love. All because of being introduced (through the blog) to Maggie's story.
Thank You
And, OOHH!! We have left the house in dinosaur costumes, pirate costumes, and worse. Sometimes it just isn't worth the fight as long as they are warm enough.
What a cutie she is...and of course you went out like that (we were at Target in a Cinderella dress the other day) Glad speech is going well : )
So I see you have decided on Joseph and Abagail...love it. Any word on Savannah?
Dear Lord, We ask that you bless this wonderful Oatsvall family. They heard the cries of the helpless, raised their hands to volunteer and stepped to the front lines of battle! They are an inspiration to us all. We cry out to you for healing of Maggie's heart. We ask that special blessings be given to Elijah, Jeremiah, and Emily as they have had their own sacrifices. Wisdom and strength for Gwen and Scott. We pray that this difficult season will change and the beauty of Spring to be close at hand. In Jesus name, Amen
With love,KristiHen
Glad things are getting better for you all. We have went out like that before several times. Clothes look familiar...?
Sending hugs, prayers and love your way.
Kristi Rollins
You are my hero! I am so thankful for you and can't wait to utilize the wealth of info the Lord has gifted you with through Mags once our kids come home:)
Wow, you are my hero for leaving the house like that, she looks awesome!! That definielty will need to go in her senior yearbook. Already picking up her mommy's sense of fashion;)
Take it from me. It will get easier. I promise. Just be patient. Hugs to you... Love her fashion ensemble.
What an inspiring post about leaning on the Lord. You are a beautiful example of allowing God to move in your life and following his will.
Glad that Maggie is doing so well with her speech. She is a smart little girl and know she will catch on quickly. Keep up the good work.
Also love the cute photos of Maggie.
I can always count on your words to touch my heart like no other. Your life is a testimony,my friend and you touch so many with how you allow God to carry you through these tough times. I pray for you and sweet Maggie and all of your family and pray that God will take care of your every need and that He alone will fill all of your voids. Sending love your way and praying for you. Take care of yourself.
I found your blog tonight somehow and have spent the last two hours reading each and every post. I have a Maggie just 4 months younger than your's and the thought of my Maggie with a black eye and burns on her face, with strangers giving her ugly looks - I just wept when I saw her. How AMAZING how much God loves this precious girl that he plucks her from a world that would reject her and into your arms of unconditional love - if that is not a portrait of the grace of Christ, I don't know what is.
I think these first months will be your own little crucifiction but there *will* be a glorious resurrection of sweet Maggie's body and soul, and I am so excited to pray with you as you go through it.
Love,
Missy
Thank you for your honest post - God didn't say it would be easy, did He??? But His Grace is Sufficient - as I remind myself daily!!
I love you!
All I can say through watery eyes is that I am sending love your way and praying. Like I say over and over, I wish I would have know when I met you months ago. You continue to inspire me and help me grow as a woman of God.
Oh, I forgot why I came here because I was overwhelmed by the post. I need to order some hairbows from your MIL for Nancy at ASENND's bow swap. Do I just e-mail her?
Praying for your family and for Maggie's heart to be healed. I'm praying her nights will be peaceful! Thanks for blogging. I love reading the comments and the way you inspire so many moms. May God give you strength in the days ahead. Love you girl! Shawnah
that picture of Maggie...and you saying you went out like that....wow...really makes one step back for a moment. Gwen, the devotion to your child is loud and clear to anyone who would see you girls in the store :D clap clap clap!!!
Love to see the work that God is doing in ALL of the Oatsvalls. Have I told you lately that I LOVE YOU!!!!????
By the way, that first pic of Maggie has me laughing hysterically! What a ham bone!
You are unbelievable! I am so amazed by your patience and attitude. It is such an encouragement and blessing for all of us.
You must be completely exhausted to go out of the house like that!!!!!!!! lol!!!