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Renee Swope

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

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!!!

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Comments

  1. 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 🙂

  2. 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!

  4. 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

  5. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

  9. 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.

  11. 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.

  13. 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

  14. 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

  16. 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!!!!

  18. 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

  20. 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