Three Weeks with our Girl!

Well, helloooooo!

I miss you guys!  I have not been posting much the past three weeks, but I am sure you can totally understand why!  To say it has been a little crazy around here since we got back from Latvia would be an understatement. 

It has been a major adjustment having another kiddo in the house.  Totally different than just having one of the cousins over.  ha! We have a girl!  A sweet girl who is in need of a lot of attention.  A sweet girl who doesn’t know what it is like to have siblings, and crazy ones at that!  A sweet girl who has special needs when it comes to her behavior and diet (no gluten.)  

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She can be quite the handful.  I’m not gonna sugarcoat it, y’all. :)   This mama has shed quite a few tears over the past three weeks.  Some tears have flowed because I feel totally inadequate to handle all of Sania Louise’s needs.  And sometimes, the tears have come from complete exhaustion.  

I share that because sometimes adoption can look so perfect and dreamy online.  I’ve seen the videos and posts online.  I get all teary-eyed and emotional whenever I read about another precious child being brought into a forever family.  

But adoption is not always easy, especially when you adopt an older orphan who has had a very rough start in life.  Adoption can be really, really, hard sometimes.  And on the whole family.  

But it is soooooo worth it. 

When I feel overwhelmed and under-equipped, I look at this sweet face and melt.  This sweet girl is safe.  She is no longer living in fear.  She has a family, a warm bed to sleep in, lots of hugs and kisses, hope in Christ…

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Every day we see improvement in her behavior.  Everyday we see even more glimpses of the little girl God created her to be.  We know that it will be a long road, but that God will restore her and heal her.  

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.  Ps. 147:3

She has many broken pieces in her heart and mind.  She has seen and experienced things that a child should never have to experience.  Some of the stories she shares with us is beyond our comprehension.   It hurts. 

We have a lot of doctor visits ahead of us…geneticist, endocrinologist, psychiatrist, behavior therapist…..

It feels overwhelming at times.  So we are just focusing on one day at a time.  

And we are enjoying being a family.   

Speaking of family…Sania Louise is starting to figure out she has quite a LARGE one.  We do family big here.  Lots of cousins, 2nd cousins, 3rd cousins, Aunts, and Great Aunts, Papas and Memaws….

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She has had a blast hanging out with them all….especially at my Aunt Tassie’s VBS this past week.  It was so wonderful to see Sania Louise around so many children her age in such a sweet, encouraging environment. 

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She especially loved hanging out with my cousin, Whitney’s daughter, Elizabeth.  I can tell that Sania Louise doesn’t know what to do with children who are kind to her.  

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And this coming week, she gets to head down to Georgia to spend time with Cy’s side of the family!!  They are anxiously awaiting her arrival, and I can’t wait for them to love on her as well.  They have prayed many prayers for her over the past year.  Love of a family is something Sania Louise will NEVER lack. :)

THANK YOU for all of your emails and comments of encouragement.  Seriously, y’all!  You are the best!  Thank you for walking this journey with our family.  Thank you for loving on our girl from afar.  Thank you for your prayers.  We are forever grateful. 

 

P.S.  Here is Sania Louise trying to say the Fruits of the Spirit (Galations 5:22) to my Aunt Tassie to earn a cowboy hat at VBS…

IMG_0927 from Beneath My Heart on Vimeo.

64 Comments

  1. My heart just melted all over the floor! Bless you all, and thank You Lord for this precious beautiful child!

    1. Yes, we have experienced spiritual warfare throughout this process. Satan certainly doesn’t like adoption. We’ve been fighting on our knees for sure! Thank you, Tara!

  2. God bless her heart! So over joyed with How faithful God is!! He has blessed your family because of your obedience to Him!! Thank you for sharing your journey with all of us. Such a beautiful testimony of Gods enduring love and faithfulness. ❤️

  3. As a former foster care and adoption worker, I totally understand the frustrations and joys that you must be feeling at the same time. Hang in there. Keep letting her know that no matter what, she is with you to stay. God bless you and your family.

    1. Thank you, Dorothy! We must tell her 100 times a day that she is with us “forever.” And “I got you.” (She started that phrase.) Last night, I translated the word “safe” in Latvian because we were telling her that she will always be safe with us. She said “aaaaahhhhh” and smiled real big. I love speaking those words into her life and her heart. And I will continue to speak God’s words into her heart because they are truly life changing.
      Thank you of your encouragement.
      xoxo
      Traci

      1. So happy for you on your new adoption of a precious young girl. Am sure the Lord will give you the strength for each day!

  4. Tracy, I can only imagine how difficult and rewarding your walk with this precious little girl is and will be. You have saved her life physically and emotionally, and now God will have the opportunity to save her spiritually, because of your obedience to Him. You have an army of believers covering your family in prayer. Stay strong and don’t let the evil one and his lies defeat you. He only has the power we give him. God’s love is stronger than anything and HE loves you and Sania Louise! He picked you to be her Mama. Hang in there.

    1. “an army of believers” That gave me chills. There is so much power in prayers, and I am so thankful that I have so many faithful warriors on my side. I never thought that I would have a daughter with special needs, but I am starting to realize that she is EXACTLY who God planned to be my daughter before the beginning of time. She is perfect to me, and I can’t wait to see what God does in her life. TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

  5. Love to read your updates. God will bless you for what you are doing.

    Im keeping you and Sania and your whole family in my prayers.

    Hang in there and remember God will reward your faithfulness and will never forsake you.

    God bless you.

  6. Traci, thank you for sharing so honestly. Prayers continue for all of you. We’ve been doing the gluten-free diet since my 17 year old son was 1. Be patient with yourself. As with all of this, it’s overwhelming at first but will soon become habit. Sania Louise is blessed to be part of your family.

  7. Thank you for sharing the good times and the difficult ones. I am praying for all of your family. God bless you !

  8. Sania Louise is one very blessed and lucky little girl! With time she will thank God and y’all for saving her. She is a cutie! God will help y’all every step of the way. I hope our GA weather cools down a little bit for your visit.

    God bless!

  9. The video is precious! I’ve thought of you often and prayed for you as the Lord brought you to my mind over the last few weeks. I’m sure it is an adjustment for everyone. I pray the Lord will continue to give each one of you grace and strength as y’all learn to be a family of 7!

  10. I always go to Philippians 4:13 when I’m feeling overwhelmed. You can do it with His help. She is a great Blessing from God. Just give it time.

  11. If I am asking something you have already shared with us, please forgive me. Is Aunt Tassie your sweet mothers sister ???

    So believing your walk with this young lady is being walked with The Lord. Pray the boys will not feel left behind in all the added attention their new sister is requiring. they undoubtedly are feeling concern for their mother in this challenge, sons are that way.
    I love what you are doing for this young lady for her physical and SPIRITUAL life.

    1. Yep, Aunt Tassie is my mom’s younger sister. They looked like twins growing up, and it’s just like being around my mom when I’m around her. :) My Aunt Pat is my mom’s youngest sister, and she looks just like my mom too. They take great care of me and love on my whole family the way my mom would. I don’t know what I would do without them.
      And yes, my boys have been concerned about me. :) They are so cute. They don’t like to see their mama cry. But they have rallied around me and helped out in ways they never have before….especially housework. ha! :) I keep telling them it takes a village to raise Sania Louise! hee.hee.
      Thank you for your encouragement.
      xoxo
      Traci

    2. I was wondering the same thing; she looks just like Traci’s momma doesn’t she! I agree with you on your other thoughts as well, Brenda.

  12. Sooooo happy for you! I can imagine that you are going through some difficult times but I’m certain that with lots of prayers and TLC everything will be wonderful. :-)

  13. You are amazing. You have gifts this child will receive and be blessed beyond measure. Love and family in abundance. One blessed little girl. Stay strong. You’ve got this even when you’re tired and question yourself. Your friends see it. God sees it. You have everything you need. You’re amazing!! ❤️

    1. Aw, thank you, Michele. I don’t feel very amazing. :) But I know that God is, and that He will give us all the strength we need. I can’t wait to see Him glorified through all of this.
      xoxo
      Traci

  14. Tears!!! Thank you for sharing all of this. It sounds like y’all are doing everything you can to ensure Sania’s success. I will continue to pray for all of you. I know this is difficult (and rewarding) for the boys, too.

  15. What a precious video! I love the cowboy hats as a prize :). My husband’s brother has adopted 7 kids from foster care and 2 from Liberia so I know adoption is not for the faint-hearted. And, thankfully, God will be with you EVERY step of this journey and will continue answering our prayers for y’all. Hang in there! He’s got you. :)

    Several of us are Celiac and one son is Type 1. If you ever need help with diet stuff, just let me know. Some of our favorite GF sites are-
    http://Www.thespunkycoconut.com
    http://Www.agaibstallgrain.com (also has a YouTube channel)
    http://Www.elanaspantry.com

    I found the 23 & me genetic test to provide a ton of info and it may be helpful for you, too. (Www.23andme.com – I think)

    Praying!

  16. Beautiful photos of a beautiful girl and her beautiful Mom, as well as a beautiful loving family!! Your honesty about this uncharted path your family is on is what we want to hear, not dressed up half truths. Sania Louise is a blessing and blessed with endless love and acceptance, on this foundation much can be accomplished in all of your lives. One day at a time, maybe even one hour at a time with patience for her and yourself. I know you have enough Faith to get you through and when you think you can’t, know God will! Prayers and love to all as you continue the journey. Thank-you for sharing, it is always inspiring.

  17. Well Traci, just sitting here crying after reading your sweet words. I have been so moved this past year while following your wonderful
    family, from Jonathan’s Voice activities to your latest post about your baby girl.

    You are such an inspiration to those of us you have allowed into your personal life. You remind me of the woman of noble character from Proverbs 31:10-31. I can’t begin to imagine the prayers that have gone into Sania’s adoption. She and all of your family are so covered in prayer, that I have no doubt God will provide what you need, always.

    I am praying for you during this journey called “life”. There will be times of difficulty and times of utter joy, but we know as believers, God is good, all of the time and He loves you, Cy and your sweet dear children.
    Thanks for sharing your life with us. 💜

  18. Praying for your strength as you tackle all of these new challenges. You and your family are a true blessing to this special child! :)

  19. Traci and Cy what a beautiful gift !!! Am I crazy but I feel like she looks like the rest of the family….I think that’s all the Hutch family love showing!!

  20. Honey you have God in your lives so all will fall into place in his time in his way and the end result is going to be amazing. I thank god daily for people like you and your family.

  21. Thank you for sharing this journey. God is sufficient. He has and will continue to equip you. He created us with emotion and we should never be ashamed or guilty when they show. I encourage you with His Grace and Peace. So wonderful to see how Big Gods Family is. Strangers naught when we are His children. You are a blessing to many. Lifting you and the family up.

  22. Sania Louise is beautiful and just look at her reciting something so hard! I’m so proud of her and your family. Sending much love and prayers.

  23. Sania Louise is a very blessed little girl. I am also the Mom of a chosen child…a little girl with some special needs. Like Sania Louise, she is a little girl who came into a house full of boys. I sometimes think of how different her life could have been and I’m overwhelmed with emotion. As lucky as our girls are, isn’t it amazing how we feel like the lucky ones. God’s gifts are funny like that. We have an awesome Father and he blesses us again and again. Much love and respect <3

  24. Thank you for sharing and for being so honest. I’m so tired of all the sugar coating that goes on in social media. God bless you Traci and your family. I’m so sure it is difficult but know that people all over are thinking of you and praying. This child will grow to love the Lord because of your faithfulness. Keep on keeping on!

  25. Tears when I watched the video! Prayers for you as you travel this road. The Lord will bless you all as you seek Him. Wow, just so sweet!

  26. What a story of hope! I am so thankful for hope in Jesus!! Elementary school was such a long time ago, Traci, but I’m moved by your story and glad we have reconnected in some way. I may share my story of hope and my daughter someday!! God Bless!!

  27. I can’t really say anymore and I certainly couldn’t say it any better than what so many of the previous comments have said. Sometimes I just want to reply to each one and say Amen! I just said another prayer for y’all and will continue to do so. I wished we were neighbors so I could do so more but I know I can always pray.

  28. Thank you for sharing your precious story and struggles. It will all calm down in time. She’s in a strange country, learning a new language, new forever family, etc. There will be some growing pains and learning to trust with be the hardest for her. I cannot even imagine what this little girl has gone through over the years. Probably a life of broken promises, broken trust, passed over by families, etc. God sent her to a new loving mother, father and siblings. In time, she will trust, love deeper and become stronger. God continues to make you a strong woman. An inspiration to us all. You and your precious family are lifted in my prayers. God is awesome!

  29. I so look forward to these updates! So happy to see her doing well. What a wonderful family for her to join!! Well done Traci!!!

  30. I love her t-shirt. There IS always hope and your open hearts have spoke that into her little life. Continued prayers for you all…

  31. Tracy, that wonderful song, “God Will Take Care of You” comes to mind. He will and He does!
    You were chosen to be this child’s family….one that will teach her who Christ is and how He loves her. He has a purpose for her and God has asked you to help fulfill that purpose for His kingdom. The tests and trials will strengthen your faith and mature your family’s walk with Christ. Oh what struggles but oh…..what joys! Hang on to your hat, God never does anything half way.

  32. Oh, she is one gorgeous little girl. I can’t even imagine all the adjustments all of you are facing. But, I’m sure she will eventually grasp just how blessed she is to be a part of such a wonderful family. Praying for all!

  33. What a blessing for all of you! I appreciate you keeping it real. I know you all will be fine because your trust is in the Lord!

  34. Please don’t feel pressured to post while you’re all adjusting to your newest family member! We all understand and are pulling and praying for you all. God bless you and your family!

  35. This is really beautiful. I’m an adoptive Mom, too, and while our circumstances differ, the reality is, adoption IS hard. On everyone. But God is so faithful. I hope you feel encouraged to know that you definitely aren’t alone. =)

  36. Oh, my precious friend. I missed reading this post when you first published it, but it was great to read it now.

    I was just thinking that parenting and family life in general involve a lot of spiritual warfare, especially your kind of family. Satan does NOT like it when parents are trying to bring up kids in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. But when people like you and Cy rescue a kid from Satan’s clutches? Oh, boy, are you ever setting yourselves up as enemies of the Enemy! I know you are clinging to the fact that “greater is He who is in me than he who is in the world.”

    Thank you for letting us in on the journey and especially for giving us the opportunity to join you in praying for your family. And thank you for not sugarcoating things. This journey will continue to be hard, I know. But I trust that it will also be wonderful. God is with you.

    Love you so much!

    1. Love you, Richella! You are always so encouraging, and I covet your prayers. :) Sania Louise is doing SO much better each and every day, and it is such a blessing to watch. :) Thank you for your continued prayers. xoxo

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