The baby of the family turned eight last week.

Oh, the JOY of it all (as you’ll see in the video).

I cannot believe that our littlest is growing up so quickly. Harper is absolutely loving school and is a delight to all who meet her. She shines so brightly, loves people fiercely, gives the best hugs, finds joy in most circumstances, is a chatterbox, makes ten thousand two second movies on the iPad, loves to sing and dance, is crazy about music, adores her big brothers…and mirrors.

It feels like yesterday that God called us to add Harper to our adoption while we were paper chasing for Hailee. We were slightly terrified at the thought of having two children who have Down syndrome. We had no experience whatsoever. But God hardly ever calls the equipped, does He? No, He usually calls those who are simply willing to allow HIM to do the equipping when put our yes on the table. In our case, He most probably chose the two least expected people on the planet. We were clueless. But we were willing.

He’s always faithful to meet us where we are-flaws, insecurities, failures and all. With us, He really did show up and and gently lead and guide us down the path of learning how to parent these special children. Of course we don’t have it all figured out (and never will!). We still have days when new situations come up and we have to learn all over again. That’s life. That’s having any child. All we need is His grace for today. It is enough for us as we parent our blessings.

I am just so, so thankful that we took that ginormous leap of faith six years ago. Our lives are so much sweeter and lovelier because this little treasure is in it. When I think about Harpy not being here with us…well…I just can’t. She is a gift from heaven.

Chosen and so very dearly loved.

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Keep shining His glorious light so brightly in these days, my precious little darling.