Little Pumpkin

 Jackson carved his own pumpkin this year and did a fine job.

That was exciting.

However the biggest excitement for the Reynolds family this year was the addition of a new little pumpkin.

After adopting Jackson, Mary and Mark have had 2 foster babies that were returned to their families - one to his birth mother and the other to her grandmother.  Heartbreaking for them and for us too.

In May they were asked to foster again and took home another little newborn from the hospital.

I admire them so much after the other two disappointments.

Their desire to add to their family trumps their fear of another broken heart.

On the 30th the judge terminated the mother's rights and since the father's rights were already terminated, it appears that Mary and Mark are the 'presumptive' adoptive parents.

So we have a new grandchild.

Until the adoption is final we can't show that cute little face on line but trust me it is a baby and not a puppy!

We are thrilled to pieces and anxious to meet this new family member.  

Happy Father's Day to Johnny and Mark

I can't forget the two newest fathers in our family - Mark and Johnny.

Mark took to being a Dad, well like a duck to water!  Jackson absolutely adores him. I believe that his first word was Daddy.  As soon as Mark comes home, Jackson is his little shadow and 'assistant'!

Sometimes Jackson waits for Dad right by the door, just to be sure that Daddy can't miss him.

I would love to show you a video of Mark making the new little guy laugh and giggle but we can't show him on social media yet.  You'll just have to trust me that #2 loves Mark like Jackson does.

Wherever Mark is and whatever he is doing you will find Jackson right there.  That's love!

Isabella has had Johnny wrapped around her little finger from day 1!  Those two adore each other.  I love that John goes on such fun adventures with his family.  And I love Isabella's big trusting smile when she's in her Dad's arms.

He has done a great job loving and guiding this very strong willed, super intelligent and stubborn little angel.  I love this photo of him helping her down the steep hiking trail.  Isn't that a perfect metaphor for fatherhood?  Fathers guide their children down life's paths....and sometimes those paths are steep and scary!

A Few More Jackson Photos

Jackson and I have a mutual admiration society!

I just love that cute face and toothy smile! 

Getting a haircut for his 'day in court'.

Mom's little helper....at home 

And helping at Carriage House Motors!

We are so thankful for our little miracle!

Jackson Sarow Reynolds

I fell in love when I first met him last September. We had been warned that the months of foster care leading to possible adoption might be a roller coaster ride.  Normally I am a first class worrier but I have always felt very peaceful that this was going to work out perfectly.  A tender mercy to me from a loving Heavenly Father.

On July 18th he legally became a member of the family in a courthouse in Charles Town, West Virginia.  I admit that I shed a few tears of happiness.  Both Grandmas were there to rejoice with the happy parents.

Here he is with his parents, lawyer, and the case worker who was with Mary and Mark every step of the way. 

Sarow is Mark's middle name and his mother's maiden name.