Here are some new pictures of the kids. It's hard to believe how big they are getting! Jafta is talking up a storm, and we can actually understand about 50% of it. India thinks he is the funniest thing around. They are both too much fun. . . .
Adoptions plans come to a screeching halt
We are really in need of prayers for Jafta. = As you know, we are in the process of adopting him from the fostercare system and it has been a long, dramatic process so far. A year ago, his birthparent’s rights were terminated because they were deemed unfit due to some serious issues, and they appealed that court decision. It was in the appeal court for the past year and we found out yesterday that they won the appeal on a technicality.In a nutshell, the Dept. of Child & Family Services in LA . . .
Fabulous, Fabulous Lives 2006
The Howerton Family's Fabulous, Fabulous Lives 2006Ah, Christmas. As I write this letter, Mark and I are sitting in front of a fire in our matching flannel pajamas, sipping hot cider mulled from spices in our garden[1]. The kids are asleep for the night, tuckered out from singing carols by the piano after a large home-cooked meal,[2] and Mark and I are doing our evening affirmations.But let’s start from the beginning. This time last year, we were adjusting to being new parents. In February, we . . .
An update on India
I was discharged from the hospital today but unfortunately India had to stay on in an incubator due to some jaundice. Nothing serious, but needless to say we were NOT happy to go home without her! Please pray that this clears up quickly. It has been hard not being able to hold her or feed her while she's in the incubator. We also wanted to send some photos so you can see our little long-haired girl! We have been out of touch with phone calls - cell phones are off limits at the hospital and Mark . . .
Introducing . . . India Jasmine Howerton
Born October 7th, 20068 lbs 6 oz, 22 lbs . . .
We’re expecting! The old-fashioned way!
We are excited to announce that we are expecting! This was an unexpected surprise, and we have been nervously waiting for the past few months to confirm that we would have a viable pregnancy. We had our 12 week ultrasound today, and the baby is healthy and thriving! Obviously, we are amazed and overjoyed, and so excited for Jafta to have a sibling so close in age. We are attaching a picture of the little guy (or girl). We woiuld certainly welcome your prayers in the coming months that we will . . .
FABULOUS, FABULOUS LIVES 2005
Mark and Kristen Howerton’sFABULOUS, FABULOUS LIVES 2005We’ve had a life-changing year this year, and we have been blessed by a new addition to our family that brings us more joy than we ever imagined . . . [1]But let’s start from the beginning. We rang in this year, and my 30th birthday, with a party on New Year’s Eve.[2] A few days later, Mark was back under the knife having the first of two reconstructive surgeries on his leg. He had the second last month – so he started and ended the year on . . .
Granted “de facto” status today
Just wanted to share the good news that we were granted "de facto parent status" at Jafta's hearing today. This means that the judge is officially recognizing us as acting parents, and gives us the ability to speak in court on his behalf. It also ensures that we are the home he will stay in after his parent's rights are terminated. The hearing for terminating rights is on Dec. 22nd. Please keep that day in your prayers, that it will go smoothly. . . .
Oh Boy! Pictures of the baby
We brought Jafta home today! It was an exciting day for our family and we had a great time getting to know him and bonding with him. Here are some pictures of our new arrival!Jafta is a fost/adopt child, which means he is our foster child but that the court has assigned us to be adoptive parents as well (b/c his birthparents can't pull it together). It's still a long process, but hopefully we can finalize by the beginning of next year.We were actually expecting they would place us with an older . . .
Changing Direction
We had our final appointment with my fertility doctor on Friday to discuss the implications that we have now had a third miscarriage. Bottom line, the doctor did not give us a lot of hope. In his opinion, the doctor thinks that there is a 70-100% chance that we will miscarry again with every subsequent pregnancy. (I like how the 100% was thrown in there as an option). Ultimately, we have had every test known to man, and because everything with both of us individually is working as it should, the . . .
