In February, Josh and I had serious conversations with our families and after receiving overwhelming support, we went forward with the adoption process. The month of Feb. was spent completing our Home Study at warp speed. The first week of March, we received notice that our profile was online and ready to go---now all we had to was wait. Easier said than done!
I spent the spring in complete stress mode, and not because of the adoption. While waiting for Ryan did weigh on my mind, I was loaded down with National Board certification. I submitted my portfolio at the end of May and took the test in June after countless tears and a 5 pound weight loss. It felt amazing, even though I wouldn't know the results until Thanksgiving. Josh felt relieved because he didn't have to through with filing for divorce. Just kidding--but I'm pretty sure the thought entered his mind! Josh trucked away at graduate school (for the second time) to become a principal.
In the summer, he began building his side business, Lynch's Home Solutions. It took off like crazy and he stopped working part-time at Lowe's to fulfill a personal dream. He had so many offers he could barely keep up, but he made some great contacts and created some awesome living spaces. Exhibit A below--the before and after shots of a good friend's kitchen:
Along with finishing my National Board portfolio, I also finished graduate school in the summer and received my Master's degree. I made a wonderful new friend through Southland and she and I had an awesome weekly Bible study throughout the summer. Josh and I kept busy, hung out with friends, and even bought a boat. We loved having the summer off work, especially since I was headed back to the 4th grade classroom in the fall and felt a much needed break ahead of time was necessary.
On July 9, the call came from the adoption agency and our world turned upside down. The next 6 weeks were spent designing the nursery, registering for gifts, praying, praying, praying, and of course worrying. I think the worrying was mainly me, but I'm sure Josh got a little nervous a time or two. :)
We went to Missouri to meet Ryan's birth mom and go to an ultrasound in mid-July, and that's when it became crazy real. There she was--our little girl--right there on the screen!
Ryan Michelle Lynch was born on August 24 and of course, if you read this blog regularly, you know that story well. The fall has been wonderful and taking time off work to spend with our little girl was priceless.
Two weeks later, my cousin Sarah had her second beautiful daughter, Caroline. We hope she and Ryan will grow up to be great friends just like we did!
Meeting and snuggling for the first time.
Proud mamas
In October, Josh and I were baptized at Southland and my life has been forever changed. We had so many family members and wonderful friends there to support us and it's a day I'll never forget.
Thanksgiving and Christmas with a little one brought a whole new meaning to the world "joyful." I know it will be even more special as the years go by and Ryan can learn the meanings of why we have certain holidays.
Thanksgiving with cousin Stella.
Too much turkey!
Our first Christmas morning as a family of three.
2nd annual Opera House outing with our fabulous grandmothers--LOVE them!
Of all the incredible, wonderful things God blessed us with in 2013, one very sad event occurred. My sweet Penny girl passed away the week before Christmas. She had been with me for almost 7 years--I adopted her from a boxer rescue when she was 3. She was the wildest, craziest dog I'd ever met, with the biggest heart. I still get teary just typing this as I think of all the unconditional love she's shown me over the years. She was with me when I needed her most, and I like to think she really needed me, too. She will always be my first baby.
I wanted very much for Ryan and Penny to be big buddies.
Always by my side.
Goofballs
My sweet P
I am so thankful for the ups and even the downs. The bad times make us that much more thankful for the good times, and I'm still learning to thank God in all circumstances. 2013 was a memorable one and I can only imagine what 2014 will bring. I'm holding on and ready to enjoy the ride even if it's gets bumpy from time to time!
