A our new social worker came on Monday.  (On a side note, if you have to get a new social worker, it is nice to get a seasoned social worker that is also an adoptive parent

We are not ready to start the process again, but we are keeping our paperwork current.  BUT to have a social worker come means to infold the girls in a new process.  Social workers want to talk to your kids and hear how they are working out things.  Even though Sean and I talk about if/when/God’s plan for a 5th, we don’t include the girls in those things.  To keep our papers current, though, we needed to prep them a bit.  (this is who is coming, this is why, what do you think about that, etc).  The mere possibility of a new sibling, though, has caused quite a stir.  With their excitement, you would have thought the social worker was bringing a newborn with her to the appointment.

So how do you prepare your babies for the MAYBES.  The not yets.  The possible closed doors?

Here are two statements that have been invaluable for both Elijah’s adoption and the maybe-possible-one-day adoption of a 5th.

Daddy and I are always open to what God would have for us in growing our family.  We can certainly be praying that God would lead us, provide and bring us a baby, if that is His desire for our family.

Then, once you are matched/being presented.  God has brought us a baby that He would like us to pray for and see whether or not this is your new brother/sister.  Then when you travel, Daddy and I are going to go meet a birthmother and this baby and ask God whether or not this is your sister/brother. 

This sets them up to succeed and choose Jesus’ sovereignty and heart if this baby is not yours.  Upon coming home, you can say, that baby was not “Elijah” but that is ok.  We do not want another baby.  We only want the baby Jesus has for us.  We will keep waiting for that perfect baby for us.  When praying with them, thank the Lord for the opportunity for praying for that precious birthmother and baby.  Thank Him that s/he is with their mommy.  Pray for their well being and peace.  Pray for the baby we do not know yet.

If the baby is yours, what great rejoicing there will be!!  Either way you have led your children thoughtfully.

You can also be praying for us.  That God would tell us when to move forward and if He brings a new baby, that He would provide in a mighty way for this little one.