It is hard to believe that our family first began more than a year ago! It was an icy night in January 2007 when I got a phone call from my foster care agency in the middle of the night requesting a home for an abandoned 7 month old baby boy. My heart skipped a beat - me? a baby? right now? I had been praying that God would send just the right child for me to care for, but I never imagined he would arrive the way he did - chubby and rosy-cheeked; bundled up and fast asleep. I will never forget that night. I lay awake next to his crib for hours, praying that God would protect his little life and give me wisdom as I became a mother. I still ask God for the same favor!
Fabian was quickly dubbed "Fabi" and it stuck! His nickname has become synonymous with his sweet round face and ruddy hair.
When I look back on these pictures, I am astonished at how big he seemed! No wonder people gave me those funny looks ... you know... What does she feed that kid? or How did such a little girl have such a big baby? or my personal favorite What does her husband look like? No matter what people say, I have always thought that Fabi is the perfect size!
My parents instantly fell in love with Fabi and he began to develop a special relationship with "Pop" and "Lolly". My family has been the greatest source of support and encouragement through this year with Fabi.
Here we are - Mommy and Fabi! When I think about how we became a family, I remember God's faithfulness through the good times as well as the struggles. We endured a year of court appointed family visits, case worker visits, monthly paperwork, and the emotional turmoil of a legal hearing to terminate Fabi's birth parents' rights. The Lord sustained me as I clung to Him during these truly trying times. And He is good... we were given each day together as a gift - I couldn't have asked for anything better! We pray that there will be a lifetime of days to share together - we prayerfully anticipate Fabi's adoption into the Bates family this spring -
Fabian was quickly dubbed "Fabi" and it stuck! His nickname has become synonymous with his sweet round face and ruddy hair.
When I look back on these pictures, I am astonished at how big he seemed! No wonder people gave me those funny looks ... you know... What does she feed that kid? or How did such a little girl have such a big baby? or my personal favorite What does her husband look like? No matter what people say, I have always thought that Fabi is the perfect size!
My parents instantly fell in love with Fabi and he began to develop a special relationship with "Pop" and "Lolly". My family has been the greatest source of support and encouragement through this year with Fabi.
Here we are - Mommy and Fabi! When I think about how we became a family, I remember God's faithfulness through the good times as well as the struggles. We endured a year of court appointed family visits, case worker visits, monthly paperwork, and the emotional turmoil of a legal hearing to terminate Fabi's birth parents' rights. The Lord sustained me as I clung to Him during these truly trying times. And He is good... we were given each day together as a gift - I couldn't have asked for anything better! We pray that there will be a lifetime of days to share together - we prayerfully anticipate Fabi's adoption into the Bates family this spring - PRAISE BE TO GOD!
