Christmas Cousins!

We attempted to take Christmas Jammie and Christmas Dressup pictures....as you can see 5 little ones will not look at a camera all at the same time, but we decided that makes the pics all the more real! The adults were all worn out after singing rounds of "Itsy Bitsy Spider" for Sawyer, "The B-I-B-L-E" for Jada, saying looking at the camera big boys (Will & Sam), and changing clothes way to many times! We had a blast!

A Thankful November

We enjoyed a wonderful month....there were warm days to spend playing outside, there was more time with Jonathan (due to harvest winding up), a weekend with our Rickett family, there was "Thanksgiving" with Grandma & Papaw Winston, Aunts, Uncles, and Cousins, and we finished the month with our wellness check-ups (Jada weighs 20.4lbs & Ian 16.12). With all these things to be greatful for, it's the hope and peace we have through our relationship with our Lord that is truely the source of all our joy! We are blessed.

Jada Kathryn is #1!

We can't believe that around this time last year we received a call telling us that there had been a baby girl born and asking us if we wanted her! Our response was an immediate yes, and now we have a precious little girl to hug and kiss every day- what a blessing.

Jada had a great time celebrating her birthday with some of her favorite people. MiMi Martha made a yummy cake, and Jada enjoyed unwrapping all the sweet gifts that were given by everyone- thank you! Enjoy the pictures.

Growing, Growing, Growing!

Ian is growing so fast. He can now roll over on his side if he works really hard. This past week he grabbed a toy that was hanging above him and then he proceeded to suck on it. He likes to hold his little hands together in front of his face....this is really sweet b/c it looks like he's praying. And within the past few weeks he has begun to smile and laugh. We know Ian is just getting started, and that makes each day so special.

Ready for some Football!!!

Thanks Aunt Nee Nee for the Fins gear!

Go Dolphins!

Ewww! Yuck!!!

Here's a picture of Jonathan's right knee. He unknowingly got a brown recluse spider bite which developed staph. A big thanks to the Drs. Nelson. Thanks Kristen and David for your help! He is doing better everyday and is ready to get back to work- it's harvest time and they're extremely busy on the farm. Thanks to all you who have called or asked about him!

Special Days!

Jada & Ian are growing sooo fast! Jada is eating things like chicken & rice, peaches, and refried beans. She stands up and attempts to walk, but she's got some practice to do. She now has 2 top teeth to go with her 2 bottom teeth, and she likes to use them. Ian can hold his little head up rather well, he has out-grown his newborn clothes, and this past week he has smiled several times. Oh, and he's sleeping at night much better(3 to 4 hours at a time)- praise the Lord! Cousin Sawyer is now able to defend himself from Jada. Just give Ian a few more months and he'll really make things exciting! Cousins Will & Sam are coming this weekend, and we can't wait to watch them all play...these are special days!

Psalm 127:3

"Children are a gift of the Lord"....It was a day we never could have imagined! We were able to publicly give our children back to the Lord. We pray that God gives us the grace to led them to His side as He draws them with His Spirit! "Oh God, please open the eyes of our babies someday so that they may truely know how great You are!" Thank you to all those whose prayers helped make these two miracles possible!

Uncle Brian & Aunt Janet Visit

Brian & Janet made it in from California to see their newest nephew- Ian Jordan...and of course their little Jada! Janet spent a couple of days helping Rachel recover and trying to get a schedule going for Ian. All of our family has been soooo helpful, and we feel extra blessed as we consider all that God has given us!

Ian Jordan Hillman

Ian was born at 1:21 pm today. He weighed 7 lbs 6 ozs and is 19.75 inches long. We arrived at the hospital around 5:30 this morning and by 6 am were in the process of induction. About 10:15 Rachel got the epidural and it wasn't long til she was feeling good! She has had a little nausea but that is expected for her. Hopefully tomorrow will be a much better day!
Thank you so much to those who prayed for us during our whole process which started many years ago! We can all see that they were answered in His time! I don't even want to think about not having Jada in our lives. She is truly a blessing and it will be quite an adventure growing up with "brother" around!

Almost an Ian

This morning was suppose to be the day we would meet Ian. We were scheduled for induction @ 7am. One last picture of Rachel and we were out of the hotel and on our way!

When we got to the hospital we noticed all the babies in the nursery (we later learned 22) and thought nothing of it except for the fact that the nursery was full! After trying to check-in, we were told someone would be out to talk to us. After a while, we were told it would be around noon before the hospital would have some room. After noon, we were told to come back Saturday morning @ 6am!

So before leaving LR, we met up with Nancy and Deborah to eat lunch, since Rachel was starving after only being able to eat jello all morning!

Just a few more days for Jada to be an only child!

Sam and Will Visit Jada!

Sam and Will came over to Jada's house to play while Grammy mowed her yard. They found enough to keep them entertained for a while, including snooping around the house. Sam wanted to watch a movie but they settled on listening to music to keep them busy.

Jada's First Swim!

Being born on the Med Sea must have made Jada LOVE the water! She loved her first swim in a pool and likes to be in the water whenever she can! We think she is going to be a fish!

Growing Up Way Too Fast!

Jada has mastered the art of crawling and sitting up and is getting ever-quicker at pulling herself up on whatever is close. She is now becoming disinterested in her toys and more interested in power cords and other stuff she shouldn't get into. She acts like she knows what "no" means, so we're sure it won't be long until she tries to convince us she doesn't know the meaning of the word!

Ever Have A Hair-Day Like This?

Anywhere we go, people always comment on how much hair Jada has! The picture is a good example. She has already had one hair cut and it might be time for another- although those curls are so cute!
Here she is talking with her Aunt Janet in California. Hopefully you can see all the hair even though the background is dark.

Do I Love My Bath or What!

Jada has just recently been able to sit up while taking her bath. I called her dad in tonight so that he could capture this sweet little face. We can't wait to see what she thinks about a swimming pool.

Jada's New Trick

Ok, maybe we're back to updating our blog. We will try to do better in the future! As we try to redeem ourselves we'll start with Jada's new trick. This morning Jada managed to raise her entire body off the ground while only resting on her hands and her big toes!!! She's continued to amuse us all day with this akward postition.

Home In A Flash!

Rachel, Jada, and I have made it home safe and sound! The plane ride home was very good until the last leg (Cincinnati to LR). Jada finally got tired and let her lungs do the talking. It only lasted about thirty minutes but seemed like an eternity to us.
Jada is getting some Grammy time. She actually didn't even get out of her car seat to come in the house. Rachel and I are going to catch up on some much needed rest. When we arrived in Lebanon on Sunday (1/28), we went immediately to get Jada. Rachel and I never got to catch up on our rest and recouperate from the flight, so now that we are home we are finally going to get some rest. We have the best bed in the world!
We will post memories and events of our short stay in Jounieh, Lebanon, and the days that were filled to capacity to bring us all home quickly!
Thank everyone for your prayers while we were away. If only you all could have been there to actually see them working and God moving the people there to help us- even if they didn't actually know it was Him!
We will post the pictures that we have (some have to be developed) and want to share with you the first moments we laid eyes on her, captured on video. Unfortunately we weren't able to take a lot of pictures of her while we were there b/c we were busy trying to get her home, but we still have lots of film!
Once again thank you all and we will see you in a couple of days after we have rested up. Rachel and I feel Jada is a "precious gift" from God and we want to share her with all of you who have shared a part of yourself with us! We want to give all the glory to God, who worked it out in His time!
Oh, and she really really does love her daddy!!!!! Wait til you see those big blues eyes and her smile!

Coming Home!!!

Everyone is so excited with anticipation of coming home! The visa and paperwork have all been acquired. They are on their way to the airport and are scheduled to leave Beirut at 2 am Saturday (6pm Friday in AR) and arrive in LR at 5:20 pm Saturday.

Jada is much better and back on her formula.
We continue to pray for their safety and ease of travel with Jada in flight (approx. 24 hrs.).

Plans for Departure

Ok, here is the latest plan for departure - Friday at 8am Jonathan will pick up Jada's visa, their tickets are booked for 2am Saturday morning, and they should arrive in Little Rock at 5:30pm Saturday. Rachel is concerned that Jada may not be ready to fly, since she was sick yesterday and is still sick today. So please pray specifically for her quick recovery and for Rachel & Jonathan not to be sick. Thanks for all your prayers! We, the family, are truly grateful to everyone.

The Latest Update

Walter & Karen Here
For everyone's information:
We just talked with Jonathan and he told us that every Lebanonese signature has been obtained. Jada's passport is in their hands. Next is the doctors appointment. It is tomorrow at 9:00. After that, is the the trip to our embassy for the visa. If they can get it tomorrow, they will head to the airport to try to come home. If not, Friday. So far all is good. Thanks for all your prayers.

Greetings from Lebanon... via California?

Hi everyone! This is Janet (Rachel’s sister). I just got off the phone with Rachel, Jonathan and Jada! Their computer has not been working so they have been unable to get online so far. However, I was able to read your comments to them today. They wanted me to say hi to everyone and to thank you for the sweet messages you have posted on their site.

Brief update: Jonathan has been taking lots of pictures of Jada and says, “she really loves her daddy.” He was able to capture Rachel seeing Jada for the 1st time on video, which was a very special moment. I know we all look forward to watching this video!!! Rachel says Jada has the biggest smile and loves to fall asleep in the Baby Bjorn carrier. Jonathan shared that “Jada is hot natured unlike her momma.” Rachel says that Jada weighs 12 lbs, has blue eyes and a “cute little, pointed chin.”

They ventured out this morning and had Jada’s picture taken for her passport. It sounds like tomorrow will be a busy day for the 3 of them. They have paperwork in the morning, are picking up Jada’s passport in the afternoon, and have a quick trip to the Dr.’s office for Jada’s check up in the evening.

Josianne has been very helpful and still plans to get them out of Lebanon very soon. Jonathan says we will have to wait and see.
Blessings to all!

And We're........Off?

Our journey to bring Jada home begins in the morning! Our plane leaves Little Rock @ noon. We will be traveling to Atlanta and then to Paris before arriving in Beirut around 4pm Sunday (Beirut is 8 hrs ahead of AR). Our actual flight time is approx 20 hrs. Josianne is to meet us @ the airport to pick us up.
Our hotel is Century Park Hotel in Kaslik, NE of Beirut-about 20kms. If you want to look it up it's www.centuryparkhotel.com.lb/hotel.htm .
Our plan is to return home Feb 8th. With the riots going on in the city, Josianne said she would try to get us out of Lebanon earlier than expected. If she works hard enough, a lot earlier!! But we will see how the process goes so not to get too excited!

Finally!!!!!!

We got an email from Jada telling us she is ready to come home!!! Josianne emailed us and said the signatures were complete and we could come over any time, although she recommend we wait to see if the riotting continues. We are going to leave ASAP so that we will be assured of getting into the country. If we get in, we can get out with Jada. If Hezbollah takes control of the govt, all our paperwork could be voided and we might never see Jada.
We will try and keep everyone up-to-date as we travel on our journey. Hopefully we can post new pics of Jada and us while in country!
Please keep us in your prayers! We are confident of God's protection!

12.20.2006

The Wait to Depart

We have waited patiently-and impatiently-on the call that tells us we can go over and hold our precious little girl and begin the journey home. We are in almost constant contact with our lawyer in Lebanon, Josianne. She is the one who represents us in the Lebanese judicial system and gives us updates on Jada and the ever-anticipated pictures.
Jada is being cared for by a widowed woman and her two grown children. They care for about eight children a year who are given up for adoption.

Jada's First Check-up!

Jada went for her first check-up on the 17th of October. She weighed 3.2 kgs. We were glad to see a clean office in the background since we have no idea of her environment. The pictures show she took it all in stride!

Check-up Pics!

Jada's First Pictures

Born of an Email

Jada came into our world via an email October 12, 2006. There in the Coker-Hampton birthing ward (otherwise known as the front office) Rachel and I laid eyes on our new baby girl, weighing 2.7 kgs and being 51 cm long, born a day earlier! It wasn't long before every female in the entire pharmacy/gift shop was craming into the small office to see her picture!
Rachel and I finally had a face to all our work the past 3+ years. We were excited to share our joy with our family and friends!