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Renee Swope

Encouraging and equipping moms to parent with God's grace and confidence.

Read An Excerpt: Chapter 1 & 2

Meeting Aster

My baby girl and me!

Our meeting with Aster this morning got bumped to 3pm this afternoon. It was a day of anticipation and also much needed rest. We actually went back to bed after breakfast and slept until 2pm. It was just what we needed!

It’s what Aster needed too. When we got to the orphanage we found out she had a fever and a really bad cough. Two of her caretakers said she had the flu. This was very concerning with all that we went through last week with Andrew getting so sick, but I knew God wasn’t surprised. I was so thankful we were taking Tamiflu as a precaution, which meant we could hold her without concern if she coughed on us.

She was so lethargic and and warm. I kicked into “mommy” mode asking them what her temperature was. if she’d been seen by a doctor and if anyone had listened to her lungs. They tried hard to reassure me that she was ok but I didn’t have peace about it until the nurse came in and took her temperature. It was 100.4 under her arm. Then they handed me a baby Tylenol suppository to insert in her little bottom, and that was my introduction to mommy 101!

Bless her heart, she was so sleepy and unhappy. Not exactly the best condition for a baby who is being bombarded by the love and affection of four people she’s never seen who act like they’ve known her forever! She kept looking at us like we were crazy. But we didn’t care; we just kept holding her and loving on her.
Aster took an afternoon nap while we went to get something to eat and then we took her for a walk around the compound as we toured the orphanage. She wasn’t happy at all and eventually started crying so we took her back to the baby area. That is when she started reaching for her two nannies. It was so sweet to see how much she loved them and found comfort in their arms.

As much as that could hurt my feelings, it TOTALLY didn’t! I was so thankful she had bonded with them and was having separation anxiety. That is such a healthy emotion for a child who is being adopted. That assures us that she is able to bond emotionally and not too long from now she will feel that way about us.

The only thing I was concerned about is that Aster would not smile. Not at all. Not for anyone. No matter what we tried of how hard the caretakers tried. It broke my heart and made me wonder if something is wrong. Even if there is, I know God is sovereign over that too.

Aster is ours. God chose us for her, and her for us. That is one thing I know for sure.

God knew what I was thinking and wondering in those quiet places in my heart and He gave me a quick glance into the possibility of her smile. Right before bedtime I was feeding her a bottle and she started crying. She was looking around the room for Amanish. I gave Aster to her and she started playing with her and making her smile. Such a gift to this momma’s heart!!


We decided it was best for Aster to get to know us over time and let her transition into our family so she is spending the night at the orphanage. We will go back there first thing in the morning and spend the whole day with her there. I can’t wait to watch God transform her hesitant heart into a heart of joy and security because she knows she belongs to us, and ultimately that will lead her to the Love she longs for because she belongs to HIM!

Update: Please pray. Andrew is sick on his stomach. Joshua and I are also very nauseous. It was a long night with not much sleep. Took tamiflu on empty stomachs so praying that is the cause. Headed to orphanage and checking into guest house there. May not have internet the rest of the week but we’ll try. Hugs!!!

Comments

  1. I've been following your story and those pictures from Sun. gave me goose bumps. Congratulations and I will continue to pray for health and healing for you whole family… praise and glory to God for all that's He's done so far. I don't even know you all, but am as excited for your family as though your my best friend. God is amazing!

  2. She is absolutely precious! I am so in love with her sweet round cheeks. I can't wait to kiss them! I am sorry that the trip is not the picture that you had in your mind but… I trust that God is in complete control. I will be praying for your beautiful new family all week and I can't wait to meet the new addition of pinkness!

    Love You TONS!
    LeAnn

  5. Aster is precious!! 🙂 Praying for you and your family. From experience we know that satan doesn't like adoption and he will try any way possible to stop you. Be strong and in His mighty power you will win this battle. Blessings!

  6. Congratulations! So exciting. She is beautiful.

    And tamiflu makes you very sick at the stomach! My husband & I both had to stop taking it, it made us so sick. We decided the flu would be more tolerable than the tamiflu.

  7. Oh, Renee!

    These are the pictures I have been so waiting for! I praise God that He has brought you all this far…and I praise Him for all He has in store!!!

    I am praying for EVERYONE'S health! And I agree that Aster's hesitancy has so much to do with her feeling so bad. I am praying that her little heart will recognize quickly that your family is a safe, loving place to be. I am sure those smiles will soon flow in abundance!

    Praying for you!
    Lots of love,
    K

  9. What an awesome God we have. Renee I will be praying for you and your family. Aster is precious and God is good! I will pray that your transition is wonderful and God will heal her from her bug and keep all of you healthy during this time.
    God bless all you and keep you safe in your travels.
    What a beautiful gift!
    Covering you in prayer,
    renee~

  10. What a blessing Renee! To finally hold your sweet little girl! She will fall in love with her family! Thank you for sharing this moment with us. May God continue to shine in all of you. You already look like a proud Mama holding her.

  12. Renee,

    What a beautiful and exciting adventure God has you on. Your precious little girl is such an amazing gift from Him.

    Will be praying for you all through this transition.

    Much Love and Prayers,
    Melissa

  13. Just wanted to let you know that I prayed for you this morning and will continue to pray for your new family! Thanks for sharing what God is doing!

  14. Found you through Lysa's blog – what a beautiful baby!!! Praying for you all to be well today. God bless you for being obedient – our God reigns!

  15. How absolutely AMAZING – to see all of you with your sweet, sweet baby! You are so careful and thoughtful in your love for Aster. I'm so excited for each of you. Praying for your journey.

  17. Oh my goodness!! She's absolutely PRECIOUS! I will be praying for a speedy recovery and LOTS of smiles for her Mommy!! This is what I worry about..we go to visit our daughter in November, but can't bring her home till February..I worry about the winter months spent in an orphanage..and whether she will get sick, etc…

    Renae

  18. AHHHHHHHHHHH!!! SO beautiful!!!! Poor little sick baby girl!! I can't believe you gave her a suppository – oh, yes. Not the storybook meeting you had in mind huh!! But SUCH a mommy thing. Your initiation.

    Yes, we are at the very beginning from adopting from ET – we are requesting an infant of either gender so hopefully we will be where you are (sans the suppository) by spring of '11.

    I am SO happy for you Renee!!

    Love and prayers for well babies who smile!

    Missy

  19. Thanks for sharing this special day with us Swope family! I know meeting your little girl has been a long awaited moment. The joy that all of you are feeling leaps from the photos!

    What a Happy Day! What a Miracle!

    Rejoicing with you!!! And praying for Aster's health.

  21. Just had to post a comment to my cuz, JJ — what a proud Papa! Little Aster will be calling you Mama and Daddy in no time! Thanks for sharing all the great photos and updates. We're praying for all of you as you continue on your journey!!

    Shari

  22. Oh Renee…the pictures speak volumes. Thanks for sharing them. I love the one of you holding your precious daughter. The delight on your face cannot be expressed in words.

    As you continue to reach for the Lord and trust His guidance on this journey, Aster will be reaching for you. Praying the Lord will help her little heart make that transition. She's so precious.

    Love, hugs and continued prayers,
    Joy

  23. Love, love, love these pictures. Praying for God's provision to cover you in every circumstance and to heal your little Aster. She is beautiful and you are beautiful with her. Thank you for sharing this blessed journey.
    Ann

  24. Oh my goodness… she is so beautiful and you all look so happy too! Aster is definitely smiling in those last two pictures. No doubt the fever and cough must have her a little droppy though. No worries, Renee. Aster will have plenty to smile about when she gets home. Many happy moments await all of you.
    Love & miss you!
    Leah

  26. Wow! I have followed your adoption journey for a while now and it is amazing to see Aster now a part of your family. Your love for her is obvious as you made the decision to give her time to get to know you. I am in tears seeing the beautiful pictures that God carefully construed.

    JD

  27. Oh Renee she is so precious! I've been praying for you…for Andrew to get better…and for your trip. She is darling..just darling! I think she's gonna be tall like Aunt Shari! You look so happy…all of you do…wow…amazing…we'll keep praying….love you!

  28. Oh Renee! She is just beautiful!

    I loved seeing the smiles on all the Swopes faces! What joy! And Aster Swope will be grinning ear to ear and finding comfort in the bosom of her parents.

    Praying she is 100% soon!

    God gave you such wisdom today. Thank you for sharing your heart so honestly.

    Much love and prayers
    Sharon

  29. I am just amazed! What a blessing….2 days ago praying for Andrew and then your luggage…and well, now look. It's Aster with her family. She is beautiful and loved her smile. I'll keep praying!

    Love,
    Melissa

  31. Wow Renee!

    I'm so amazed. It's incredible how you and your family stay so positive and faith-filled even through trying transitions. So awesome to read about!

    I'm praying for you all!
    Congrats!

    Hugs,
    Kate 🙂

  32. So…so…so… excited to see these photos. I'm so overwhelmingly filled with joy for you and your family right now! I'm praying for Aster to recover quickly, so that this big event will be only that much sweeter! Your daughter is beautiful, and the smiles on all of your faces are precious!

  34. Renee, she is so precious! Thank you for sharing your story and taking us along for the journey. We continue to pray for Aster's health and your bonding time together.

    Deb

  35. She is beautiful Renee! I am so happy for all of you…cherished photos. Trusting she will get better very soon. She has a sweet smile…
    love to you across the ocean –
    holly

  37. Hello Renee, Oh what wonderful pictures thanks for sharing them with us, the first picture i seen was the one of you holding Aster, How lovely the two of you look together perfect fit, A GOD FIT:) It is very evident to me and im sure everyone else who knows you and follows your blog that GOD GAVE ASTER TO YOU AND YOUR WONDERFUL FAMILY.

    Its very clear to see that you love that precious little angel. I am praying for you all and i know that Aster will be so happy to have this family who adores her, will Protect and take care of her. FATHER GOD ALL PRAISE , HONOR AND GLORY GOES TO YOU, WE WILL NEVER STOP PRAISING YOU FOR WHAT YOU HAVE DONE. AMEN

    Lisa
    Nova Scotia

  38. Hello Renee, Oh what wonderful pictures thanks for sharing them with us, the first picture i seen was the one of you holding Aster, How lovely the two of you look together perfect fit, A GOD FIT:) It is very evident to me and im sure everyone else who knows you and follows your blog that GOD GAVE ASTER TO YOU AND YOUR WONDERFUL FAMILY.

    Its very clear to see that you love that precious little angel. I am praying for you all and i know that Aster will be so happy to have this family who adores her, will Protect and take care of her. FATHER GOD ALL PRAISE , HONOR AND GLORY GOES TO YOU, WE WILL NEVER STOP PRAISING YOU FOR WHAT YOU HAVE DONE. AMEN

    Lisa
    Nova Scotia

  39. Wow Renee,
    I'm so thankful God has given you this amazing peace and knowledge to deal with Aster's transition into your family. Thank you for sharing your journey with us!
    Paula G.

  41. Happy tears for you all! It is so good to know that God is sovereign in all things. What a precious day for you all…thanks for giving us a glimpse.

  43. Renee,
    Thanks for sharing the pics and the update as well – how amazing it is to watch this journey unfold! Praying things continue to go well and little Aster embraces the mommy and family GOD has for her! Looking forward to hearing more, Jill

  44. Renee, I am a fan of yours from last year's She Speaks conference. We adopted our son from Korea 5 years ago. It has been my joy & blessing to follow your blog. Thank you for posting the pictures and the update. God's richest blessings to you and your family in the coming days…

    Kristy Buescher

  46. Oh Renee… she is precious. Even sick she is precious. I think her hesitant heart is only because she's sick. I am praying she feels better real soon.

    And I totally see a smile in those last two photos!

    I miss you so much and can't wait to try and hold Aster and watch her reach only for you… her mama!!!!

  48. Oh, Renee! Our God is so amazing! I've been checking your blog all day waiting to see the new pictures. They are so heartwarming. (They bring back sweet memories for me!)

    Lorie Newman

  50. Oh my gosh! I love all the pictures! So, so, so wonderful. Isn't He good! Isn't Aster gorgeous?!?!

    Praying for you-

    love
    jess