One of the waiting moms I've been able to get to know through our adoption process is now a mommy. She sent me pictures holding her sweet baby girl. Would you believe she resembles her adoptive mom?! Isn't God good???

The agency sent out photos of a recent placement. I cried tears of joy and sorrow as I watched the birthmother place this baby boy in the adoptive parents arms. I was joyful for him and his new adoptive family. But you see, I've gotten to know the birthmom and I felt her pain. It's such a bittersweet journey - for both families involved.

Even still, as I shared advice with my friend who now finds herself suddenly raising an infant, it was hard for me to remember exactly what Elijah was like at two months old. That was only eight months ago. It hasn't even been a year. And at the same time, I keep asking myself where has the time gone?!

I have watched him grow and change and develop so drastically in the past 10 months and it is remarkable. I'm so thankful I have documented his milestones - and even the silly little accomplishments - in a calendar that I've been keeping since placement day. I can flip back and read through the memories and suddenly it comes flooding back to me.

I am so thankful for the gift of adoption and the way God brings families together through this process. I am so happy for my friend and the joy she's now experiencing after waiting and longing to be a mother for so long. I am so proud of my friend who chose life for her baby and then sacrifically showed love so he could have an adoptive family to raise him. I am so thankful for my own baby, who doesn't seem like a little baby at all, but who blesses my life each and every day with every smile, babble, and even those big milestones, too!