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Renee Swope

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

Read An Excerpt: Chapter 1 & 2

Two Boys and a Baby

I am often asked how our boys are adjusting to us having Aster in our family. And I always say, “They are crazy about her! And she adores them, too.”

It is one of the sweetest blessings to see them enjoying her so much!

Here are a few changes I’ve noticed and loved:

Joshua and Andrew used to call shotgun in the morning and fight over who gets to sit in the front seat on the way to school. Now they “call” who gets to sit next to Aster. And at dinner they usually sit on each side. Unless she’s spewing food; then no one sits next to the princess.
They used to be distracted by snacks, phone calls and after school plans with friends. Now they are distracted by the coos and calls of their baby sister. Sometimes I’ll find them playing with her in the living room when they are supposed to be working on homework or housework. But I understand; I can’t get enough of her either!


They used to be all about themselves during our morning rush. Now they pitch in to help because we need them more than ever. Yesterday I asked and they kindly made my coffee, got Aster dressed and loaded the car so I could get myself and Aster fed and out the door on time.

Sometimes I overhear them talking about her and I can tell they’re surprised by how much fun she is. Like yesterday on the way home from school they went back and forth: “Aster is so happy and sweet.” “Yea, just think of what she’d be doing if she were still in the orphanage.” “She’d be crying.” “I’m glad she’s with us.”

Last night at dinner, they were reminding me of how sad I was when another adoption referral fell through last fall and how I cried because we didn’t get to adopt two other little girls. And then Andrew pointed to Aster who was in my arms laughing and playing and said, “See mom, she was the one God had already picked out for our family.”

Comments

  1. Renee your postings are a blessing to me. Thanks for sharing all you go threw. I thank God for people like you. I really don't know you personally but It is a joy to me to see you Praising God even when things are always perfect.You are a great example and keep letting God use you.

    Sandy A

  2. Renee, I have been catching up on Aster's story. She is so adorable! These pictures of her with her brothers are the most precious things I've ever seen. I know they are going to spoil her rotten. Congrats to your whole family!

  3. Renee, I am so HAPPY for you all. Aster looks so happy and so do the boys. We'll have to get together soon to let Maya and Aster play together. Congratulations on God's newest addition to your family.
    Aimy

  7. Renee,

    Absolutely splendid and awesome to see how your boys (and everyone) have taken to this beautiful baby girl-Aster. As a mother of two boys, you pray for and ask God to mold them into what they should be and you can tell from your post, that he is molding your boys into young men of God. I see all of the "fruits of the Spirit" growing within them during this entire experience. Thank you for sharing your family with us…peace & blessings.

  8. I wait to see what is happening with your new life!! It actually is a joy to be in on the experience!!!

    Real life joy is a book worth reading!!!!

    I love watching what God is doing in and through this. Thank you so much for taking one of those moments when you could have done something else, to talk and share your journey with us!!!!

  12. What awesome godly young men, Renee! I cannot help but think of the "digging for gold chart" you have used with them…WOW…talk about some major gold!!! Fixing your coffee, getting Aster dressed, and just loving on that cutie in general! What fruit you are seeing in their lives right now! So awesome!!!

    And I love all of the pictures!

    Love and prayers and HUGS,
    K 🙂

  13. Thanks for sharing Renee, love seeing all those pics and reading what you have to say. How awesome is it that God choose that little bundle of Joy to be your girl:) Gods is good, How can we forget!!

    Jeremiah 29:11
    For i know the plans i have for you says the Lord, plans to prosper you not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and future

  15. I've love your pictures of Aster. I love seeing how happy she is in her new family. She sure has bloomed here. She looks like a different little girl than the pictures from the orphanage. She looked sweet and content there, but now she looks full of joy. I can truly see how God is working in that little girl's life and your boys. Thanks for sharing!

  17. Oh my goodness this post made me cry! I love the pictures of Aster and her big brothers…so sweet 🙂 Right now, we have four little munchkins, but ever since I was a little girl I've always wanted to adopt a baby girl from China and I have to say that reading about your journey to adopt Aster has really awakened that longing again. The amazing thing is that my husband is completely open to adopting…in a few years 😉 I find myself getting weepy whenever I see an oriental baby, it’s hard to explain but I feel so attached somehow. We’ll just have to see what God has in store for us 🙂 Meanwhile I love reading your blog and seeing pictures of sweet Aster 🙂

  19. Awwww, it's so awesome that your boys are welcoming Aster this way. No feelings of competition are evident. Lovely, just absolutely lovely!

    From the picture, it seems that your dog is even happy with Aster around!

    smooches,
    Larie

  20. What a blessing you are Renee. I love reading your blogs and seeing pictures of your family. Aster is such a dollbaby. I am so happy for all of you. Your two boys are very special also. How great it is that they pitch in and help you.
    Blessings to you all.

    Joan

  22. What a sweet blessing!!!

    And Andrew was right, Aster was picked by God for your family! You faced multiple heartaches and letdowns along the way, but look what God had in store for you guys. Our God is an awesome God!

    Prayers and blessings,
    Rebecca

  23. Renee,
    I love to read the stories about Aster and your family. I've followed your blogs for a couple of years now and the whole adoption process and reading how God worked each step toward Aster becoming your baby is just amazing. It warms my heart. I find myself talking about your family and your sweet baby girl with my husband and with friends as if I know you personally. I just love watching God work awesome miracles into the lives of people. Thank you for continuing to share your story.
    Angela

  25. Renee,
    As an adoptive mom I am so blessed to be a part of another working of God's plan. It brings back memories. I check in just to see all about this part of your journey of your heart.
    beth