We didn't have any experience with Down syndrome. Neither of us had ever spent any significant amount of time with anyone blessed with the beautiful extra chromosome. We were seriously clueless. We knew that Hailee was significantly delayed and very tiny, but that was about it.
Were we nervous about the adoption? No, not really. We walked in that glorious peace that passes all understanding. We knew that she was our baby girl, and that she had to come home as soon as possible.
And that was all we needed to know. The rest, well, we were quite happy to leave it in the hands of the ONE who would lead and guide us in parenting her.
I'll never forget the day we met. Malnourished, painfully thin, sores all over her little body, bumps on her head from banging it against the bars of a crib, drugged, and completely out of it.
Six months have passed since Hailee became our daughter.
What an incredible journey it has turned out to be. Oh my goodness. I look back over the last six months and I am truly at a loss for words at what God has done in this little girl's life.
She is a new creation in every sense.
She has gone from a virtual baby who could hardly even sit up, to a thriving, blossoming little love who has a twinkle in her eyes. No longer does she cry for hours and hours on end. In fact, she's the complete opposite. These days if Hailee cries, we know that something is wrong. She is so happy and content.
Although the road to getting her stronger and bigger continues, she has come so far. She weighed just sixteen pounds on her fifth birthday last May. Now she's almost at twenty. For the first two months she would have nothing to do with solid food. These days, things are so much better. We still do have good days and bad days with getting the food to go down, but things are getting easier. For a little girl who ate nothing but porridge for five years, she is actually doing great. I keep reminding myself of just how far she has come in such a short period of time.
We rejoice in the baby steps in our family. Each and every milestone reached is a great celebration around here. Hailee is constantly being cheered on by her army of loving supporters, her siblings.
Hailee has gained so much strength in six months. Being confined to a crib for five years left her so frail and weak. She could put no pressure on her legs whatsoever. As you all pointed out in this post, she is actually trying hard to stand up. She gets up onto her legs for a few seconds, and then plops back down again. But you know what is so amazing? She is trying! Hard.
This little girl, who was written off as being useless, a burden on society, without any abilities, with no hope at all, a mere corpse with breath in a crib....
IS TRYING HARD!!!
She is proving them all wrong.
They said she would be nothing in her life. She's showing them that she WILL be the very best that she can be--God being her helper.
They said that she would never learn a single darn thing. She's showing them that she has the potential to learn just like any other child. Sure, it may take her a little longer than the average child--but what's the rush when she has her entire life ahead of her?
They said that her disability was too profound. She's showing them all of the ABILITIES that she has always had but was never given an opportunity to nurture.
They said, "Put her in a crib in the back room, feed her and change her, and that's all she needs." She's showing them that with a whole lot of love, good nutrition, sunshine and fresh air...anything is possible!
People tell us all the time, "Hailee is so blessed that you rescued her."
Yeah, whatever.
You know what the truth is?
We're the one's who are blessed! Seriously. We have been given the gift of a daughter whom we love more than life itself. A daughter who is a beautiful treasure, created in the image of God. We have been blessed more than any amount of financial inheritance could ever give us. No amount of money, wealth, or material possessions could ever have given us the amount of joy that this teeny tiny little girl has given us in the last six months.
We have been given one of the Father's most precious and glorious blessings--the gift of one of the least of these (Matthew 25:45).
I can hardly wait to see what happens in the next six months. It's breathtaking seeing a miracle unfold before our eyes each and every day.
Hailee girl...you totally ROCK!
57 sweet thoughts from friends:
AMAZING!!! Thanks for being willing share this with others..truly a blessing from God. God bless you dear Mama...from one to another!
ALLELUIA! Keep rockin' Hailee!!!!
Wow, it is so hard to believe that those two pictures are the same little girl. She has changes SOOOOO much in just 6 months. I'm with you, I can't wait to see what the next 6 months bring.
Hugs my friend,
Mandi
Oh, we are going back for #7
What a testimony to God's faithfulness to the least of these. His eyes were never off of this little girl, even when she was hidden away from life. So great to be able to witness the miracle of her life!
Lisa
I don't really know what to say. Hailee is just truly, purely amazing! A miracle!
She doesn't even look like the same child, physically. And she has such life in her eyes now - it can even be seen in the photos. She must just take your breath away!
I have enjoyed following her progress; it is like a fairytale unfolding. What a blessing for your family!
All the best,
Nicole A., now in LA
Hailee definitely DOES rock!! :) It is astonishing to see the change in her...what a precious, BEAUTIFUL child.
I know being drugged was horrible but maybe it saved her from remembering the awful room she was in?
Her eyes are soooo beautiful...stunning actually. I love seeing the sparkle that is there now. :)) Yay, God!!
LOVE IT!!!! What a beauitful example of how anything and everything is possible, how shinning example of how far just being given a chance can make a difference.
You have one seriously beautiful and strong little girl. Thank you so much for sharing her with all of us. She is an inspiration, and a ray of sunshine.
Her life and her story speak to me in ways I never knew my heart could live through. Your daughters have shown me a whole new world, and I am a better person for it.
Praise God. She is such a beautiful child. God Bless all of you. Love Janelle
Oh yes, she totally does rock!! : ) And she is totally beautiful. What a special little girl!!
Yes your treasure does ROCK! And she is so beautiful!
Blessings,
Suzanne
You are a great mom.
Awesome post my friend! I am celebrating with you today as we all can see the many victories and battles that God has overtaken on her behalf. She is a breathtaking example of a life-come-alive and transformed in perfect love. Love you lots!!!!! Jan
PS - Hope you don't mind but I linked your post onto my post today. My heart is just rejoicing at the miracles I see in Hailee.
There's a t-shirt that I've seen on babies that says something like...God don't make no junk. (poor grammar!). But it made me think about how Hailee and other orphans are sometimes treated, and how wrong that is. God makes each one of us in His image,and to be treated as anything less must make Him so angry. Each child has a special reason for being here, and it's amazing to watch each one find their way!
Hi Adeye!
Hailey truly is a beautiful young sweetheart and living testament of God's all-emcompassing majesty. It is the kind of love that supercedes all human logic. I read about Hailey in Janine's blog and heard all about your lovely family from Niqui. May our Lord richly bless you for being a mommy with a heart of gold! And my little Hailey keep muzzling the ill-informed criticisms of other, she is a joy and blessing!
Thank you so much for inspiring me with your journey.
All My Love,
Nisha
She does rock and I am blown away by the difference in the 6 months!!!
This is so amazing...God of wonders, for sure! Keep doing what you're doing, Adeye. Beautiful!!
They are both sooo beautiful and we thank you so much for sharing their growth, and open up our hearts for prayer to all the little ones still left behind.
Loved the pictures of Hailee :)
May the Lord our Saviour continue to shower you and your family with wisdom, joy and encouragement in each and every single step of the way with Hailee.
It was so wonderful to see her standing in the other photo, may her legs be strengthened... I look forward to your post in the future saying that she is walking freely, unaided :) In His time, of course :)
Ya know what tells me that she's doing so well? Her hair! Look at it shine - and how much - by comparison to where she was such a short time ago....yeah....and yeah - you got the one REAL truth of adoption - it's not the kids that are the lucky ones!
hugs - aus and co.
YOU rock, Adeye! So happy that your kids are doing so well. :)
Hooray for Hailee! You are sooo blessed! She is absolutely adorable!
What an absolutely loving and beautiful post.
It brought tears to my eyes just seeing how far Hailee has come. I remember when you were trying to get her out of the orphanage and I was so worried they were going to overdose her before you could get her home. I just had a feeling that things were a lot worst than what was really being said. It just broke my heart so badly.
I was also worried they might have her on meds that she would go through horrible withdrawal symptoms but I also knew she needed off that medication.
YES you and your family are truly blessed to have both Hailee and Harper in your life. Trust me my dear blogging friend, Hailee and Harper both are so blessed to have a wonderful and very loving family that love them unconditionally.
I wish I lived closer so I could actually see them grow in person, but am so thankful that you are sharing your life with all of us.
Please give them both a big hug and kiss from me.
Love,
Sheila
Beautiful!! Hope you don't mind me sharing your story on our blog.
God is good... all the time!!!!
Jenn in Georgia
http://littleboydove.blogspot.com
I just love this post!! I love that your family is the one who has been blessed by Hailee....you are so right..she does ROCK!!!
Amazing!! God is so good!! You are so blessed to have this beautiful child!! Thank you so much for sharing your journey!
I have to say, where did the time go? It's hard for me to believe that it's been six months and I don't live your day to day life. We love seeing her grow through your pictures and words. She is so precious. She is amazing. God's plan for her is being revealed one step at a time. What a beautiful treasure she is. She is Jesus with flesh on.
Blessings to you all.
Adeye, I have no idea how this comment will turn out - because I can hardly see through the tears! I remember the pictures of your beautiful Hailee in, like you said, a corpse-like state. But look at her now! Just look what God can do! The very ones that our society writes off as rubbish are Treasures in His eyes! I'm so glad you chase after Him...
what a beautiful little girl. This post brought tears to my eyes. And ty for putting things in perspective. What is the rush, we do have our whole lives. I have a little boy who has Mosaic Down Syndrome and we have PT and some days I get sad that he is delayed but that line got me and brought me back down to earth. What's the rush.
Thanks!
Oh. My. Word. What a beautiful little pickle pie!!! Look what beauty has risen from the ashes. God is Good, Trustworthy, Dependable, Faithful, Amazing, Awesome and did I say Good???? Love to all the Salems xxx
Adeye, she is beautiful. ALL of your babies are just gorgeous. It's amazing how when you step out in faith on a road God has planned, the anxiety and fear just isn't there. We have been home for 9 months with our son who is missing his hand and was Hep B positive (either God cured him of it once he got home or he never really had it cause now that we are home, he's negative.) But for some reason we weren't scared at all of the obstacles we would face adopting a special needs child. We also adopted a little girl whose birth mom is HIV+ but we still had no fear. If she tested positive, so be it. We don't deserve anything more than she does. They are also both thriving beautifully. Hailee, I wish I could just give you a big old hug and kiss and say "keep on going big girl. You're beautiful."
God is SO in the business of transformation--physically and spiritually. It's been such a blessing to watch this little one transform right before our very eyes and reach the potential only God knew she could reach!
Hailee looks absolutely amazing. So healthy, happy and cute. And the meaning of her name truly fits, she is a little hero.
She looks loved and I believe that is truly the greatest need and desire of any child. Hailee keep rocking baby girl :-)
Praising God for the AMAZING work he is doing in Hailee's life. I just want to snuggle her!!
She does ROCK! And tell that wonderful hubby of yours that you need a new picture of her on your sidebar!!! She has changed so much!
She does ROCK! And tell that wonderful hubby of yours that you need a new picture of her on your sidebar!!! She has changed so much!
What a wonderful and loving post on your daughter. And how beautiful she is in these pictures! I love the fluffy blond hair!
In your spare time, I would LOVE to see a video of sweet Hailee. I keep thinking about the one you took while still at the baby house. I would love to see this angel in action!!!!
O My how much I love this post. How much we all love this little girl. God bless you all!
Absolutely amazing! I have enjoyed following your blog and watching her change and grow. She is truly an amazing and beautiful little girl. You go Hailee!!!
A beautiful tribute for a beautiful daughter. So glad that you said "yes" to God's plans. Thanks for sharing your family's and Hailee's jouney with us.
Love and hugs and prayers!
Debi
She is an amazing girl and I feel blessed to watch her blossom!
All I have to say is "AMEN!!!!" and Thank you for sharing your beauties with us!
Lovely babies lovely hair...
great that they are same child. not believing.
Humpy Swemb
Such a stunningly beautiful little girl! And, SO strong! Six months ago I worried about her getting out of Ukraine with no serious lasting effects of the drugs and treatment she endured. Today Sweet Hailee is my Hero! She gives me strength to continue to fight my own battle!
Kiss all of your sweet kids for me, okay?!
Love You, Adeye ~ Jo
Thank you so much for sharing! She is beautiful and what a blessing God has given to her and to your family.
Yes, you are so blessed.
each morning i open my computer and see if there is a post about Hailee.
And each time i see Hailee and her progress, i have a big smile with me for the all day.
I would so hard a dochter like Hailee or another SN orphan but i can't ( for health reason ).
Go Go Hailee , Good job
I remember those first few days when you visited her and when you came home, how everybody was moved to play especially for her. But I don't think any of us could ever anticipate what a miracle God and your families love could do. When I look at her, I see a treasure of heaven- she is such a beauty. I think Hailey's story will inspire others to adopt those that are seen as invaluable, knowing in their hearts that God can change them.
absolutely amazing. To God be the Glory Great things HE has done.
Amazing Adeye! Just amazing!!
Hi, I've just found your blog! How nice to read about another South AFrican who's adopting!
Are you US citizens? We're still in SA, we'll be emigrating to Canada in the next year. I have always found adoption so wonderfully fascinating, and am so burdened for the children in the Ukraine, but I don't think South AFricans can adopt from there.
Hailee is so beautiful, really a little miracle.
Groete van SA,
Felicity
OMGoodness Adeye... I think it's pretty much IMPOSSIBLE to visit your post and leave with dry eyes!! Hailee's story is one that resinates deep within me. It is one that I share with others. It is one of the most beautiful stories I know about the testimony of what LOVE can do! And the extra blessings, is what HER love has done for you! You are so right, there is NOTHING measurable on this earth that could put a price on the blessing this little treasure is! She is a Princess and a daughter of the Most High King! She was fearfully and wonderfully made. And I am SO grateful that He called you to be her mother and raise her as the treasure she really is!
Keep fighting HARD precious girl... we are so proud of you and can't wait to watch you stand, walk eat and continue to THRIVE! Oh how I look forward to that one year report!! The pictures say it all!!!!
BIG HUGS and CONGRATS on 6 months home... we are celebrating, too!!
love,
Tanya
I just wanted to tell you how you and the adoption of your little angels inspired me!!
I followed your journey up to and through your adoption. It brought a deep desire to help the weakest of society.
However I was a single mom with 4 children under 6. I couldnt travel overseas, I didnt think I could even parent a special needs child. But God wouldnt let me go.
I started searching websites... found a precious little angel, one miracle after another and 3 months later she came to live with us. I will finalize her adoption in March 2011.
She was in a home where she was hugged and kissed and not neglected. But her days were spend at school or front of the tv. Her foster parents and Drs never pushed her. I had to switch Drs to find some that see the good in helping her live to her full potentional. She is a precious gem, full of life and mischief.
She is thriving in my home. The other kids (including my 4 daycare kids) all adore her and are her best therapists.
She has severe non accidental brain damage at 2 yrs old. She was not expected to live. She is now 4 yrs old. She can move from one end of the room to the other, she is learning to eat, walk, talk and most importantly play!!!
Thank you for your inspiration. Thank you for sharing your story.
Excellent written! I would think a lot ...
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