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 . . .
Accidental Anniversary
From Mark:I can't believe my accident happened one year ago today - March 12th! Looking back I am feel so blessed to be able to do what I'm doing right now... walk over to the desk, sit in the chair, and type this message. The smallest things seemed like they could be an impossibility 12 short months ago.It has been one heck of a year. Today, I am feeling strong, but very aware of the fact that I still have a long way to go. Physical therapy has moved to a new level. I now feel like I am really . . .
Valentine's Day 2005 . . .
https://rageagainsttheminivan.com/2005/03/valentines-day-2005.html
Certifiably Crazy
We were officially certified to be foster/adoptive parents last week! It's been a long road - our first appointment with the adoption agency was March 13th of last year - the same day of the fateful accident. Talk about a day that changed our lives! Several classes, interviews, family statements, and child-safety-locks later, we are now ready to go!We are adopting through the state of California from the foster care system. We decided we wanted to do this many years ago, when we had read . . .
